Oh the places she'll go! At the Torre de Belém by Thayná Moraes Fotografia
Wow. What can I say? When people kept asking me "Why Lisbon?" (a quick Google images search convinced me in seconds), I knew I was going to have to come up with a more adequate response eventually! Now that we are here though, it really is just like all of the pictures: magical! Yes, it is a capital city full of tourists. Yes, all I really want to do when it is 40℃ (in Spring!) is lie semi-naked on a beach somewhere (luckily for me, Lisbon is the only European Capital with as many sandy beaches close by 😏). But Lisbon has countless breathtaking and beautiful spots - the neighbourhood of Belém being just one of them.
Belém is a hub for museums (which have free admission on the first Sunday of every month, yes!) and historic landmarks. You can get at least six different postcard-perfect landscape shots here. It is also home to the famous Pastéis de Belém (be prepared to queue out of the door), but I'm sorry, Manteigaria's pastéis de nada (custard tarts) are still my favourites so far! Belém is flatter and less built up than the rest of the city, which is a win for the parents of small children among us!
Torré de Belém
Belém Tower is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting on the shore of the River Tagus. Originally built as part of a defense system commissioned by King John II, Belém Tower is a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery and arguably the country's most iconic monument.
LOVE LOCK & PADRÃO DOS DESCOBRIMENTOS
Who doesn't love a love lock!? I mean, look at all those tokens of special moments. Lisbon's "LOVE" love lock is right by the Padrão Dos Descobrimentos and overlooks the dazzling 25 De Abril Bridge. The perfect place to perch by the river's edge and contemplate. Tejo Sunny Market is also here with over 30 artisans.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The 15th century Monastery, built by King Manual I, is a stunning piece of architecture. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is 10 Euros to visit, or free every Sunday from 10:00-14:00 and is really high on my Lisboan bucket list! A stroll alongside this National Monument and World Heritage Site is fully worth it though.
Jardim da Praça do Império
Jardim da Praça Império is one of Lisbon's many green spaces. It is a beautiful place to relax and take in a sky filled with Jacaranda trees in bloom, which create a lilac mist over the Lisboan skyline. Over 2,000 Jacaranda trees fill Lisbon's streets and are in blossom in May - letting Lisboa know that summer is right around the corner.
A very special thank you to Thayná Moraes for all of the beautiful photos featured in this post.