After our food tour, we spent the day exploring more of Lisbon. We made a stop back at our hotel which was near the Marques de Pombal, a circle at the top of the Avenida da Liberdade with stunning views of the city and one of the biggest flags I've ever seen billowing over the city.
Next, we made our way to the Baixa/Chiado neighborhood for some shopping and venturing around. First up, the Livraria Bertrand...the oldest bookstore in the world. It was built in 1732 and I was so excited to buy something there...except that they didn't have any books in English! So disappointing...especially after walking right past it and walking almost a mile in the opposite direction...and then having to walk the mile back...up hill.
The tour guide from our food tour had recommended a great shop for Portuguese souvenirs, A Vida Portugesa...everything there is made in Portugal (not China) and is made of excellent quality. We picked up a few things from there and then continued on our way, getting pleasantly lost around the neighborhood.
When I say stumbled, I mean it in the literal sense. I had looked up so many things to see and do in Lisbon and this wasn't on any of those lists, but it was incredible. There were couples out for an evening stroll, groups of friends hanging out, everyone just enjoying the views. We spent a long time there just staring, admiring the views and falling in love with Lisbon even more.
Next, we made our way to the Baixa/Chiado neighborhood for some shopping and venturing around. First up, the Livraria Bertrand...the oldest bookstore in the world. It was built in 1732 and I was so excited to buy something there...except that they didn't have any books in English! So disappointing...especially after walking right past it and walking almost a mile in the opposite direction...and then having to walk the mile back...up hill.
The tour guide from our food tour had recommended a great shop for Portuguese souvenirs, A Vida Portugesa...everything there is made in Portugal (not China) and is made of excellent quality. We picked up a few things from there and then continued on our way, getting pleasantly lost around the neighborhood.
As we were strolling along, climbing yet another hill, we stumbled on the Jardim de S. Pedro de Alcantara at sunset...offering the most spectacular views of Lisbon.
When I say stumbled, I mean it in the literal sense. I had looked up so many things to see and do in Lisbon and this wasn't on any of those lists, but it was incredible. There were couples out for an evening stroll, groups of friends hanging out, everyone just enjoying the views. We spent a long time there just staring, admiring the views and falling in love with Lisbon even more.
The Jardim is at the top of a very steep hill, but the best part? We didn't have to walk down that hill to make our way back to the hotel. This adorable little tram car has one purpose...to ferry passengers up and down that hill for less than 2 euro.
Ending our evening on that high note, we stopped at the Hotel Fenix for a night cap before heading back to our hotel for bed.
I'm still dreaming of that sunset view and meandering the streets of Chiado, but you'll just have to read more about that next time!
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