TRAVEL - Lisbon, Portugal.

I went to Lisbon in October (2018). I did a poll on Instagram if it was too late to post about my long lost trips of 2018 or if to still post about them, and 100% of the poll said to still post about them. I'm going to post my Lisbon one first even though it was my last trip of 2018 because there's a lot to do in this pretty city. 

Top L-R. Praço do Comercio, Belém Tower, Carmo Convent.
Middle L-R. Rossio Square, View from St. George Castle, Panteão Nacional.
Bottom L-R. Pink Street, Lisbon Cathedral, Lisbon Tram.

City breaks that I usually go on in October are cold ones, so going on one where it was 20 degrees really threw a spanner in the works. I was so confused on what to pack because surly it wouldn't be hot like a summer holiday, but being from Manchester 20 degrees is like summer, especially in October. 
I begin any city break by getting on my Visit A City app and writing a list of what sights there are to see. There is a lot to do/see in Lisbon, we were there for 3 days, which was plenty. I'd have loved to have done the day trip to Sintra, but it would have been on the day our flight was going home and I'm already and stressful traveller so adding in not being in the same place our flight was, would have sent me over the edge. I really would have loved to seen Sintra, but what makes me feel better is that people say that one day isn't enough there so maybe one day I'll get to go. I would recommend you doing the day trip there if you are in Lisbon for around 3 days but doing it in the middle of your trip. 

Pack your walking shoes (comfy trainers) because Lisbon is very hilly. Everyday is leg day when walking around Lisbon. I really enjoyed walking around the city, seeing all the cute little streets and pretty houses/apartments where the locals live. 

A little bit of history, on November 1st 1755 there was a huge earthquake, followed by a tsunami. Lisbon was decimated, it almost totally destroyed the city which is seen in lots of the sights around Lisbon, it was one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. Over 90% of the buildings were destroyed from the events. 

We stayed in Lisbon Destination Hostel. Now I know, Hostel.. I freaked out because I'm not into hostels but, we had our own room and our OWN bathroom. Honestly, if you are going to Lisbon I really recommend staying here. It was so cheap but its actually a really nice place, it includes breakfast (I had pancakes and Nutella everyday!) and its very central, located in the train station. 

What is there to see..
Belém Tower. A defence tower which is a UNESCO site, which was built in 1520. Inside the lower level was used as a prison. A very pretty building.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos.  A monument dedicated to the 15th-16th century age of discovery when Portuguese explorers set out to seek New World. It was built in 1939 then it was dismantled and reconstructed in 1960. It's 52 meters high! 
Jerónimos Monastery. Such a gorgeous place. Not just on the outside but on the inside also. A UNESCO site. I loved wondering around this building. It really is stunning, inside & out.
Castelo De São Jorge. Saint George's Castle looks down over Lisbon and is a major landmark that can be seen from anywhere in the city. The oldest parts of the castle dates back to the ancient Romans. I remember walking around for quite a while following google maps trying to find the way into the castle!
Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta/Praço do Comercio. The arc was constructed in 1755 following an earthquake in the same year as a celebration of the reconstruction of the city. There is an observation terrace but we couldn't go up it, i'd have loved to though. The Square is gorgeous and when the sun is out the yellow against the blue sky looks amazing!
Panteão Nacional (church of Santa Engrácia). A 17th century church which for years has been used as the burial place for Portugals royals and cultural figures. Its possible to go onto an observation level to get views of the city! 
Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral). This is Lisbon's oldest church, construction started in 1147. It has been modified several times and survived many earthquakes.
Santa Justa Lift. Built in 1902, the elevator connects the lower and upper parts of the city. 45 meters high, you can use the elevator just to go up to the rest of the city or go to the top where there is a view point.
Carmo Convent. A place that wasn't on our list of places to see until we got there. A former catholic convent, ruined during the 1755 earthquake and founded in 1389. I was really glad we went here, it's a gorgeous building and at the back is a museum where you can read about the history of the building!
Rossio Square. Our hotel was located just across from the square. It's been one of Lisbon's main squares since the middle ages, it was even the setting of bull fights and executions back in its day of course. There are lots of restaurants around the square, and a street off the square will lead you to the Praço do Comercio. 
The Pink Street. This is a tourist attraction, but it is just a street which is actually where all the clubs are. We went in the morning and the floor was still sticky, but it really is a pretty place. We picked up a map and it's pointed out as the pink street! Its just a nice place to get a picture!

Portugal, In particular Belém (a district in Lisbon where the first 3 sights on my list are) is known for Pastel de nana, also known as a Portuguese tart. There is a bakery in Belém (Pastéis de Belém) that always has a line out of the door with tourists waiting to buy these famous pastries! Lisbon is also extremely popular for seafood, which for me is no good as its the one food category that I really do not like, but if your like me don't worry, there are lots more food options! Regarding food, we didn't look up restaurants before we went which would have been a good idea, because spending time walking around when your hungry isn't fun. One meal I had was in Lvso Central (I'm hoping that's what its called. I just had to go on google maps and zoom in to see what restaurants are around the square) I had Tagliatelle Bolognese, and it was amazing!