Lisbon was a curious experience. It lasted only 1 and a half days but I got to see some destinations that I have always wanted (bucket list) even if my time in the city was very limited. My main trip was an all day expedition that went through Cascais, Cabo de Roca, Sinta and Quinta da Regaleira, so my time in Lisbon was not actually in Lisbon but more of a trip around it. 

For starters, I was travelling solo for the very first time and I also stayed in a hostel (private room with bathroom, but still…). Home Lisbon Hostel is such a great option for a stay, very close to everything with extremely friendly vibes from the staff. Also, the room was great and the whole interior was like a big house, which made everything much easier for me. They welcome you with a shot of Ginja, a delicious Portuguese liqueur and they’re basically the reason I fell in love with it and brought a bottle home in Cyprus.  
I arrived in the city early afternoon and went straight to Rua Augusta Arch square. Cross that off my list. It was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake, and has six columns, adorned with statues of various historical figures. There was construction work happening so taking pictures was a bit tricky but all in all, I was like a child in a playground.
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Walk a bit towards the sea and you will meet people enjoying the view, seated on the stairs. There, you will see Cais das Colunas, or 'Columns Pier', with two pillars in the water, representing wisdom and devotion. 
I moved more in the city to end up in Rossio Square, a popular setting for celebrations and bullfights, sitting surrounded by restaurants and cafés.

Bonus Tip: Go see the famous Glória. It was the first funicular to provide an optional ride on the roof, which the locals dubbed 'imperial class'.

​Next on, our all-day trip with a great group and an exceptional guide, Riccardo, who basically knows everything you might want to know and more (GetYourGuide has some great trips, if you're interested).
Cascais
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Located on the Portuguese Riviera, in the Lisbon district, Cascais is a popular destination for tourists mostly during summer months. Our time there was limited but I managed to get a glimpse of the place. Worth a visit if part of a larger tour (like mine) if only for the beach views – the cleanest and smoothest sand I’ve seen.

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Sintra

Sintra is definitely one of the most famous towns in the Greater Lisbon region. You get to enjoy the view, walk around the alleys and wander around the stores but also peek around the house of Madonna, the chalet used in Johnny Depp’s movie «Ninth Gate», Lawrence's Hotel which is where Lord Byron used to stay and the house that inspired Walt Disney’s signature castle.
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While you’re there, please do yourself a favor and try a nata, a small pastry with custard cream. I took a few from Nata Pura (great coffeeshop) but you can pretty much find them everywhere in Sintra and Lisbon. If you want the whole picture, see the gallery at the bottom of the page.
Cabo da Roca

First off my bucket list, the most western point of continental Europe: Cabo da Roca. It’s an out of this world location, far away from everything, with a lighthouse 165m above the Atlantic Ocean that began operating in 1772. There’s also a monument announcing Cabo da Roca as the westernmost point and a café and a shop.

​What you can do is stand by the ocean (carefully though, the cliffs are high and steep) and enjoy a 360o of one of the most beautiful views. There’s nothing around, only nature, a lighthouse by a few houses and the monument, you’re in the most western point of Europe. 
Pena Palace Gardens

The day got a bit foggy and dark when we got around to visit Pena Palace so I chose not to go inside. Instead, I spent my time in the gardens and, let me tell you, if this happens to you too please take the time to wander around. 

For €7 you can enjoy a location that could easily be our world's version of Elysian Fields - a concept of after life, derived from Greek mythology. Greenery everywhere, tall trees and gardens and you walk on a cobblestone path. It doesn't get more idyllic than that. ​


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Quinta da Regaleira

Second one from my bucket list, the mysterious inverted tower in Quinta da Regaleira. Most people sight Pena Palace as their go-to attraction of Lisbon but I was always attracted to the tower, the Initiation Well. Mind you, the whole place is idyllic and some bits were used as a filming location for «Game of Thrones». The entrance fee is €11 with some discounts.

Quinta da Regaleira, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, consists of a palace and chapel, a park with lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains among other things. The palace is also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire", which is based on the nickname of its best known former owner, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro.

The Initiation Well is lined with a 27m spiral staircase that lead down and even though it is known as a well, it never served as a water source. Instead, it is believed that it was used for various ceremonies, including Tarot initiation rites. A second theory says it represents the nine circles of Dante’s «Divine Comedy», (although it is only six stories deep).

​Here are some tips, if you’re planning on visiting:
1.Visit as early as possible and prebook your ticket AND prepare for a que at the entrance of the Initiation Well. There’s an extraordinary number of people visiting but the que moves quite fast.

2. Ideally, get a guide or sign up for a group tour. I did and we had enough time to enjoy everything, had our tickets taken care of and learned a lot of info and details you probably couldn’t find online.

3. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Everything is uphill. Everything.

4. Bring an umbrella. I ended up waiting in the rain because weather looked good that morning.
All in all, one and a half days are not enough for Lisbon and of course I will be going back at some point. However, and for many reasons, this trip was unique and as full as it could be. No complaints. It's a vibrant city full of life and, honestly, I never felt not safe as a solo traveler (even when a random stranger asked me how far is Hogwarts). There's so much you can do and if you have very limited time I suggest you book an organized tour. 

The Gallery Below: 
(L-R) A yellow tram, one of the most iconic symbols of Lisbon - A bite of nata, the pastry with custard filling you must try - Right outside my hostel room, a building covered with the famous blue tiles a.ka. azulejos, another symbol of Portugal.