Lisbon 2026

The journey to Lisbon began under distinctly wintery conditions. Snow and grey skies marked the day of departure, creating a strong contrast to the destination ahead. After a smooth flight via Amsterdam, the arrival in Lisbon took place in the evening.

From the airport, the metro offered a simple and efficient connection into the city. A short walk through narrow streets followed, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of Lisbon’s historic trams for the first time. The hotel, small and quietly located, immediately conveyed a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

A brief stop in the lobby with a glass of wine set the tone before heading out again. Dinner took place at a traditional neighbourhood tavern nearby — informal, authentic, and unpretentious. Warm bread, cheese, olives and simple sandwiches reflected local everyday cuisine rather than fine dining.

Back at the hotel, the tram line running directly past the window became part of the evening scenery. Despite the urban setting, the night was calm and restorative — a gentle arrival in the city.

The first full day opened with bright winter light and clear blue skies. After breakfast in a glass-covered winter garden, exploration began on foot through central Lisbon. The route led from open squares down towards the river, passing viewpoints overlooking the dense rooftops of Alfama.

A tram ride west brought the journey to the riverfront near the MAAT, where contemporary architecture meets the Tagus. From there, the walk continued to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, standing prominently by the water.

Across the street, the Jerónimos Monastery proved to be a highlight. Its double-storey cloister combines impressive stonework with a calm, almost meditative atmosphere. After a brief visit to the church, the walk continued towards Belém Tower, with pauses for drinks and small snacks along the way.

Later in the afternoon, public transport led to the LX Factory, an industrial-style creative hub beneath the city’s large suspension bridge. Casual food, street art and wide spaces offered a contrast to the historic centre before the evening ended back near the hotel as rain slowly set in.

Rain shaped the second full day. Breakfast once again became a lingering moment as rain tapped against the glass roof of the winter garden, creating a quiet and cosy atmosphere.

The morning was dedicated to museum visits, reached comfortably by bus. Exhibitions varied in tone and accessibility — some engaging, others highly abstract.

A return visit to the MAAT highlighted this contrast further, with the former power station feeling more approachable than the highly conceptual main building.

Between museum stops, small cafés and pastelarias offered shelter from the rain and a welcome pause. Back in the city centre, wandering through wet streets slowed the pace considerably, but also revealed details often overlooked: tiled façades, reflections on stone pavements, and the muted colours of everyday Lisbon.

The evening unfolded indoors, beginning with a quiet moment in the hotel lobby over wine and desserts, before continuing at a nearby restaurant. A relaxed dinner and a short walk afterwards rounded off the day gently.

The final day alternated constantly between brief sunshine and heavy rain. After a late breakfast, the route followed familiar paths toward the river and into the old town. A coffee stop at Copenhagen Coffee Lab provided a welcome break before strolling through a market hall and nearby streets rich in azulejo tilework.

Uphill walks led to viewpoints and ornate churches, revealing Lisbon’s dramatic topography once again. Short pauses — for snacks, drinks and sunlight — punctuated the day before heading east toward the Expo area.

There, the Gare do Oriente by Santiago Calatrava stood out architecturally, even if the surrounding area felt less inviting. With rain returning, the journey turned back toward the centre and eventually the hotel.

The evening passed quietly in the lobby, watching tram 28 pass by outside. A final, informal drink from a nearby shop underscored Lisbon’s relaxed, unpretentious character.

Lisbon reveals itself in layers. Sunshine and rain alternate rapidly, changing both mood and movement. Grand monuments, everyday neighbourhoods and contemporary architecture exist side by side. Whether under clear skies by the river or in the glow of tram lights on wet stone streets, the city remains calm, approachable and visually rich — best experienced without hurry.