So many of my friends have been to Lisbon and they have raved about it. I finally decided that I will be spending NYE in Lisbon. With any New Year’s Eve planning, you must do it in advanced before the pricing gets ridiculous. So in September, I had airfare and hotel booked.
My date of travel was Christmas Day. The best day to travel….less people at the airport, but why did I flying time included multiple layovers. Anywho, I decided to stay at the Marriott Autograph collection hotel. It is so quaint and very bougie. Just the way I like it 😘
Lisbon
After recuperating from jetlag, it was time to wander around Lisbon.
Some of the views as I walked to the Tagus River.
You know I was excited to find Women’s Secret 😍
Admiring the view of Lisbon funicular which is called Santa Justa Lift. The elevator is the fastest way from Baixa neighborhood to the Barro Alto district.
It is also a tourist attraction. See the lines. 👀
Next stop is the Praça do Comércio which is next to the Targus and where I will be celebrating NYE.
Belem
The next stop was the town of Belem, but before we get there, we need to figure out the metro lol
Belem is the charming district to the west of central Lisbon and about a 30 minute metro and train ride. Belém is considered a laid-back area on the Tagus River, known for its seafood restaurants and houses decorated with colorful tiles.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
After getting off the train, my travel mate and I decided to walk along the Targus River and we ran into the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (“The Monument of the Discoveries”).
The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or Age of Exploration) during the 15th and 16th centuries.
I saw the cutest seagull which I kept calling it a pelican. 🤪
Tower of Belem
The final stop was the Tower of Belem.
The Tower only allows 150 people at a time and it cost 6 euro. So, we waited about 30 minutes in the cold before we were allowed in. This is me freezing in 61 degree weather.
Once inside the view is just phenomenal. Disclaimer: You have lots of steps before making it to the top.
We ended the day with one of best meal in Belem. I had the grilled Golden Bream and it was so delicious.
And a night view as we head to the Metro.
What a wonderful day of just exploring and no real plans! This is what happens when traveling with interNATionalcaty.