24 hours in Lisbon

I'd never been to Lisbon before (or at least my Dad said I had when I was little but I couldn't remember) so obviously I jumped at the chance when I was going to be in Portugal for a short holiday. I only had 24 hours so had to make it count, but Woooooooow it was worth it!

As soon as I got off the plane I was straight into it. The taxi driver listed her favourite places to us and I put in some research too and scheduled our day. I know, I know, it's good to be spontaneous... but not when you have 24 hours. So after lunch we started exploring while of course popping into Bershka on the way. I mean a girl's got needs and a girl needs jeans.

Here's my top things to see or do in Lisbon -

1. Castelo De S. Jorge

Price - 8, 50 € per person
This was a recommendation by the taxi driver and I totally underestimated this landmark. Not only was the Castle itself beautiful but the view of Lisbon was incredible, and best of all you got to enjoy it with a glass of wine from the 'wine with a view' stand. Yes the wine was pricey but I can honestly say it was worth it, the atmosphere was so relaxing. After a cheeky glass of wine you can then go on to explore the castle itself and walk along the top of the building.

2. Praca do Comercio

This beautiful square near the Tagus River is definitely something that needs to be seen with it being one of Lisbon's grandest squares. Many, many years ago everyone arriving in Lisbon by boat used to disembark here, and the Praca do Comercio symbolised the entrance or gate way to Lisbon. Grab a cocktail in one of the squares many restaurants or just relax by the sea front and enjoy the view.

3. Amoreiras 360 View

Price - up to 5€ per person
If you only have a short stay in Lisbon like myself and don't have time to visit every single attraction,  have no fear you can now see it all from the sky! I would have never known about the Amoreiras 360 View if it wasn't for a large billboard outside the airport - but that's advertising for you! It is a little walk out of the city centre and up a hill and at first it seemed quite unusual being at the top of a shopping centre, but when you reach the top it is the most impressive panoramic view. You can witness the whole of Lisbon right before you're very eyes - Lisbon Cathedral, Cristo Rei and so much more. I found the best time to come here was an hour before closing time as we had pretty much the whole of the viewing platform to ourselves.







4. Sala de Corte
Price - up to 40€ per person

After living in London for so long I know that the most amazing restaurants are those that tourists never usually find from wandering the streets. Therefore, researching quirky restaurants helped me discover the little gem Sala de Corte, a steak restaurant in the heart of Lisbon totally devoted to meat, so if you're vegan or vegetarian you might want to sit this one out. When we first arrived I knew instantly it was popular as there was already a queue of people waiting for a table. Though we waited for 40 minutes, we were able to soak up the atmosphere with a drink outside, and boy was the food worth the wait.


Of course this lively city has so much more to offer and explore than just the options I have suggested  but these are definitely my top picks. So go and discover Lisbon for yourself and if you need anywhere affordable, quirky and central to stay try the Passport Hostel... you won't be disappointed!