A love letter to Lisbon

As a travel blogger, I regularly find myself in beautiful destinations that teach me about the world. My life is deeply enriched by each experience, yet I cannot deny that some places settle in my heart more than others. Top of that list is Lisbon.

Long drawn to see the city, I bought a ticket, booked an apartment with Airbnb and arrived with no plans other than to immerse myself in local living. As Portugal’s coastal capital, Lisbon’s beauty takes in all shades of wonder, intrigue, architecture and history. It is famed for its many viewpoints, the most impressive being São Jorge Castle.

Among the attractions are the National Azulejo Museum, displaying five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles, and the Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology in trendy Belém. The Museu do Aljube showcases Portugal under dictatorship and the country’s struggle for freedom and democracy. I took a trip across the Tagus River to see the Cristo Rei statue (you’d be forgiven for thinking it was Rio) as well as taking a closer look at the Almada district. I took time to listen to fado music and learn more about its origins. A day trip to Sintra introduced me to this charming royal-sanctuary resort town. I spent much time at the LX Factory, a regenerated creative island that is home to fashion, food, art, music and the best bookshop I’ve seen.

I walked for hours, seeking out the best examples of calçada Portuguesa pavements and photographing street art. I lingered in restaurants and cafes, shopped at markets and ate as many pastéis de nata as possible!

Besides walking, I explored by tram and tuk-tuk and through the eyes of the welcoming people I met along the way. I’m already planning my return trip, and could quite easily join the half-a-million lucky ones who get to call Lisboa home.

– Dawn Jorgensen, Cape Town

Follow her travels at theincidentaltourist.com.