Immigrate to Portugal and explore Lisbon: The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is a city of charm. As celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s April 25 Revolution (also known as the Carnation Revolution) are underway, it is a time of nationwide joy and festivities. Take advantage of the pleasant spring weather in Lisbon before the summer heat arrives and join in the excitement! The British newspaper *The Independent* has provided a detailed two-day travel guide for Lisbon to help you kick off your new journey.
Lisbon Portela Airport is just 7 kilometers from the city center. You can take the metro from the airport to Saldanha station for €1.40 (approximately 12.11 RMB), with service operating from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Alternatively, there is a bus that runs every 20 minutes from the airport to Cais do Sodre station, passing through Lisbon's train and bus stations, including the central Avenida da Liberdade train station. It operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and a ticket costing €3.50 (approximately 30.28 RMB) provides all-day access. Passengers holding a boarding pass from TAP Air Portugal can travel for free. A taxi to the city center takes only 15 minutes but costs €10 (approximately 86.51 RMB).
After the 1755 earthquake, the Marquis of Pombal rebuilt Lisbon along the streets connecting Rossio Square and the Tagus River. A triumphal arch stands at Praça do Comércio, where you can purchase a Lisboa Card: a one-day card costs €18.50 (approximately 160.03 RMB), a two-day card is €31.50 (approximately 272.49 RMB), and a three-day card is €39.00 (approximately 337.37 RMB). This card offers unlimited free transportation (including city elevators, such as the Santa Justa Lift) and provides free entry or discounts to many tourist attractions.
Where to Stay
The Altis Belém Hotel, located at Doca do Bom Sucesso, features simple yet well-organized decor and is an excellent choice for travelers. The hotel has 50 rooms, many offering great views overlooking the Tagus River and Torre de Belém. Double rooms, including breakfast, start at €180 (approximately 1,557.09 RMB).
If you want to take in the beauty of the city's seven hills, book a room at Solar do Castelo! Built in the 18th century and later renovated, this hotel features exquisite decor and is the only hotel located within the walls of St. George's Castle. Its 14 rooms surround a beautiful courtyard, creating a truly pleasing atmosphere. Double room prices start at €140 (approximately 1,211.07 RMB).
Borges is a three-star hotel located in a luxury area but remains affordable; double rooms with breakfast start at just €60 (approximately 519.03 RMB).
Walking Tour
Starting from Praça do Comércio, you will have the chance to experience the city much like travelers did in the 16th century when they disembarked from the Tagus River and walked to the Royal Palace. On the right side of Praça do Comércio is Lisbon's oldest café, Martinho da Arcada, which dates back to 1782. You can stop here for an espresso and enjoy a leisurely moment.
Walk through the triumphal arch to reach Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street lined with boutiques. Continue to Rua de Santa Justa; on your left is the Santa Justa Lift (fare €5, or approximately 43.25 RMB; open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM). Built in 1902 and still in use today, it is a thrilling ride that takes you 13 meters up to Largo do Carmo and the Chiado district.
Enjoy Lunch
Take a break at A Brasileira café on Rua Garrett and try their Portuguese salt cod (bacalhau) snacks and delicious cod fritters, paired with a glass of local red wine or Portuguese beer—a truly unique experience. The total cost will be less than €10 (approximately 86.51 RMB). This café was a favorite haunt of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa; the interior is filled with gilded mirrors, and outside stands a famous bronze statue of the poet.
Shopping
What is a trip without buying some souvenirs? At Paris em Lisboa on Rua Garrett, you can find beautiful tablecloths and napkins; at A Vida Portuguesa on Rua Anchieta, you can purchase Portuguese handicrafts; and at Largo do Chiado, you can find the best Portuguese porcelain.
Aperitifs
Want to taste Portuguese wine while admiring the architecture of Álvaro Siza Vieira? Head to Rua Garrett! It will satisfy all your desires. For about €15 (approximately 129.76 RMB), two people can enjoy ham and cheese with red wine while taking in the architecture.
Local Cuisine
Feitoria Restaurant, located at Doca do Bom Sucesso, is described by Head Chef João Rodrigues as a fusion of Portuguese tradition and oriental flavors. It offers top-tier dishes, such as lobster and wild sea bass with rice, lime, and cilantro. Situated by the river, Feitoria offers a beautiful view, attentive service, and delicious food. It is always busy, so be sure to book in advance!
Weekend Morning—Attending Church
The Church of São Roque, located at Largo Trindade Coelho, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. While the exterior is modest, the interior is lavishly decorated with hand-painted tiles and beautiful chapels. Weekend mass starts at 11:30 AM.
In Belém, don't miss the chance to attend mass or visit the Monastery of Jerónimos. Located on Praça do Império and built in the 16th century, it is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday mass times are 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 12:00 PM.
Strolling in the Botanical Garden
The Jardim Botânico Tropical is located at Largo dos Jerónimos (open weekends from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; admission €2, or approximately 17.30 RMB). It contains a wide variety of trees from former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. With its lush greenery and numerous ponds, the unique natural environment has become a home for peacocks.
A Great Place for Lunch
Varanda, located at the Four Seasons Hotel on Rua Rodrigo de Fonseca, serves delicious lunches that will leave your mouth watering and craving more. Options include fresh oysters from Setúbal, octopus ceviche, large cuts of roast beef served with lemon cake, and soft cheese—calling it a feast fit for the gods would not be an exaggeration!
Cultural Tour
Download the free Four Seasons app to use as your guide and discover contemporary Portuguese art. Walk to the Gulbenkian Museum on Avenida de Berna. The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM. Admission is normally €5 (approximately 43.25 RMB), but it is free on Sundays.
