From the moment I landed, Lisbon felt like a city layered with stories. Portugal itself is remarkable, boasting the oldest defined borders in Europe, deep historical ties to the Knights Templar, and a culture shaped by centuries of exploration. It’s a place celebrated for Port wine, hand-crafted ceramics, pastries, sardines and cod, cork products, and filigree jewelry.

Excited to explore, I wasted no time purchasing my Lisboa transit and discount card, which proved invaluable over the next three days.

It’s hard to say what stood out to me most, because the city had so much to offer. The hotel was near Campo Pequeno, the old bullfighting ring, which has been turned into a mall and restaurant hub. Beyond that was the Estrela Basilica, my first introduction to the city’s many breathtaking churches.

Another highlight was Sao Roque, where wooden floors and ceilings were just as amazing as the gold-filled chapel alcoves. A stop to see the famous Pink Street was an excellent place to grab dinner and listen to conversations from people all over the world.

A showstopper for me was the Aguas Livres Aqueduct, home to the world’s longest pointed stone arch. Down the hill, at sea level, is the public square with many beautiful structures to admire, especially on a sunny day with the glistening water nearby.

One of my favorite spots in the city was the Castel de Sao Jorge, free to enter with the Lisboa card. The original structure dates to the 8^th century BC, followed by centuries of additions. The views of the city below are well worth the climb (or transit) to the top. From there, it’s a scenic walk down the hill to Se de Lisboa, or the Lisbon Cathedral, also worth a visit if you have the time.

Whether you enjoy churches, parks, picturesque views, or unforgettable foods, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate and enjoy, with something for every kind of traveler.