Lisbon - March 2, 2026

Another beautiful day dawned in Lisbon, perfect weather for our planned exploration of the Alfama district. I was looking forward to the vegan food tour we had booked to wrap up the day but first, an indulgent breakfast!


We took a local bus into Lisbon, heading to the west side and planning to catch Tram 28 that would take us all the way across town and up into the Alfama. Knowing it was famous with tourists, we were going to the end of the line to try to beat the crowds. We found ourselves in a beautiful, everyday neighbourhood where old men gathered around a chess game, shops lined colourful streets, and the local park was home to several ducks. My husband decided then and there that if we were to move to Lisbon, we'd find an apartment nearby.



The tram arrived, and we climbed aboard and easily found a seat. Within two stops, the tram was so crammed that hopeful tourists were left behind and we were glad we'd snagged an open window.


I snapped photos as we rolled along, trying to capture some of the architecture and winding streets. But you have to be quick with the shutter button!



 


From the end of the line, we made the trek to the Castello de São Jorges where we clambered up the ancient walls and enjoyed the views into the heart of the city.






We wound our way back through Alfama, following Rick Steves' recommended walking tour, and stumbling across the restoration of a chapel. We stopped for a few souvenir tins of fish and enjoyed a snack at a charming tea shop, having missed lunch.





As it drew closer to the dinner hour, we made our way back into Baixa to connect with our vegan food tour. It turned out that we were the only participant, so we enjoyed a private tour that took us to the oldest book store in Lisbon, a café frequented by one of their most iconic writers, a vegan bakery specializing in pastel de nata, and two of the city's best vegan restaurants.



We then make our way back to our apartment, somewhat exhausted.


















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