Goodbye to Portugal...we're on our way to Spain The Monastery of Jerónimos is what brings most visitors to Belém - it's always a very busy place. City trams and buses plus private vehicles and tour buses, constantly unload people for the sole purpose of seeing this outstanding building. We had the good fortune that by renting our accommodation close by we were able to pick a relatively quiet time for our visit. Entrance to the church is free, bu...

Part 2 - More neighbourhoods of Lisbon The areas of Cais de Sodré, Castelo de Sáo Jorge and Alfama are at opposite sides of the city and very different to each other. Depending on the amount of time a traveller has to spend in Lisbon, they're all worth seeing. Across from the busy station of Caise de Sodré is the Market - Mercado da Ribeira - w...

The neighbourhoods of Lisbon - part 1 Lisbon is a walkable city, with a mix of different neighbourhoods. Many have museums and galleries - plus there's lots of churches, both big and small. Cafés, restaurants, shops, bars and attractive squares filled with statues and fountains are everywhere. Historical buildings, black and white cobblestones and Azulejo tiles add plenty of visual interest. Throughout this capital city the look-out points (miradouros...

Valentine's Day at the seaside Taking a break from "city life" we decided to spend our Valentine's Day in Cascais. Along the coast and only 32 km from Lisbon it's easily reached along the train line. Traditionally a fishing village, it became important in the 14th century as a stopping off point for boats on their way to Lisbon. Only in the latter part of the 19th century did it begin to become the popular resort that exists today. When King Don Lu...

Wanderings in Belém Just 7km from Lisbon, Belém is usually visited as a side trip to see the Jerónimos monastery and the monument to the Discoveries - with perhaps lunch and a walk along its attractive waterfront promenade. Most certainly there'll be a visit to the most famous of all Portugal's cafés to taste a Pastéis de Belém. Our research clearly favoured a stay in Belém due to its close proximity to Lisbon a...