Lisbon has lots to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, sightseeing and sea views. It is also a great base to combine a twin centre. But what made Lisbon special for me was the romantic soul of the city.
Lisbon hums with poetry, music, and quiet magic—a city that doesn’t demand your attention but gently draws you in. It moves at its own pace, inviting you to slow down, to listen, to feel.
Music lingers everywhere—buskers playing deep, resonant cello notes in shaded squares, violin melodies carried by the summer breeze, threading through the city’s hills like birds soaring on air streams. As you wander, the notes shift and swirl, turning Lisbon into a symphony of movement, history, and imagination.
Fernando Pessoa -the literary heart of Lisbon
Lisbon belongs to writers, poets, and dreamers, and few capture the city’s soul like Fernando Pessoa, Portugal’s most celebrated literary figure. His presence lingers in the streets he once walked, in the cafés where he sat, and in the words he left behind.
Travel in the footsteps of Fernando Pessoa
One of the most meaningful encounters with Pessoa’s legacy is at A Brasileira do Chiado, Lisbon’s oldest café. Founded in 1905, this historic gathering place was a hub for artists and intellectuals, where conversations shaped ideas and literature found its voice. Today, Pessoa still sits here, immortalised in bronze, quietly watching the world move around him. Even his famous eyeglasses remain on display, a small but powerful relic of his genius.
I was treated to a busker playing Ludovico Einaudi next to my table during lunch. I had visited Lisbon to attend a classical concert, but this random event felt more personal—the busker was very talented, which made the lunch unforgettable.
Largo de Sao Carlos
Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon crafted this bronze tribute to Fernando Pessoa in 2001, capturing the essence of Portugal’s most celebrated poet. Years later, in 2008, the sculpture found its rightful home in Largo de São Carlos, placed there by the Lisbon City Council in honour of Pessoa’s 120th birthday. Positioned near the house where he was born, the monument stands as a quiet, contemplative homage to a writer whose words continue to echo through the streets of Lisbon.
The square also hosts Festival ao Largo, a vibrant annual music event. The open-air festival brings together music, opera, and dance performances, showcasing the talent of renowned worldwide artists.
Bertrand Bookstore – the worlds oldest bookstore
Across the street, you’ll find the world’s oldest bookshop. Bertrand Bookstore was founded in 1732 by two brothers and holds a Guinness World Record. The shop has several vaulted rooms, with a wide range of bestsellers and classics. Most of the books are in Portuguese, but there is a section in English. Here, you can pick up an English copy of The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa. At the back of the store is a literacy-inspired café. This is a nice spot to relax with a coffee while you flick through the short paragraphs of Pessoa’s intimate diary and prose poetry or any other books you are tempted to read.
The Carmo Convent
Largo do Carmo, a picturesque square in the Chiado district, is home to the ruins of the Carmo Convent, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Pessoa lived at number 18 between 1908 and 1912. The convent now houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture.
Finding Inspiration in Unplanned Moments
Some of the best experiences happen when you let curiosity lead the way, stepping away from itineraries and simply wandering. A poem by Pessoa reminds me to always leave space for the unplanned:
“I will go where the wind takes me and I have no feeling that I am thinking.”
Let that sentiment guide you as you explore Lisbon, allowing the city to surprise you.
Miss Can – my unplanned moment
Sometimes, the smallest things stay with you—the quiet moments, the unexpected beauty. Miss Can was my unplanned moment, sitting outside Miss Can on a wooden stool at the small eatery known for its tin sardines and Port wine. What was meant to be a quick stop stretched into a slow, unhurried afternoon. I found myself mesmerised by the song of an Eurasian Blackcap, known as the Northern Nightingale. The melody filled the little garden opposite, and time seemed to pause.
These are the moments travel gives you—the ones you never expect, the ones that stay with you long after you leave.
Portas do Sol – a breathtaking view
No visit to Lisbon is complete without sightseeing in Alfama, the oldest district. Winding alleyways lead to breathtaking viewpoints, one of the best of which is Portas do Sol, which offers panoramic views over Lisbon’s rooftops and the shimmering Tagus River.
You can climb up the steps yourself or ride Tram 28, the city’s most famous tram. It glides through historic neighbourhoods and is an unforgettable way to see Lisbon.
Lisbon – in the evening
There are many bars and restaurants you can visit. If you haven’t experienced a traditional fado before, I recommend trying it. We visited one that resembled a family home with just a few guests. Once the 8-10 guests were seated, the restaurant shut and brought out a five-course set meal. Between the meals, local musicians sang traditional music. The food was delicious, and the evening provided an authentic experience of Lisbon.
The Coliseu de Lisboa hosts ballet, classical concerts and other events. On a smaller, intimate scale, São Paulo Church hosts classical music concerts weekly. The show features some of Lisbon’s best guitarists, who play various original compositions, classical arrangements, and iconic classical guitar pieces.
If you want an evening meal steeped in history, I recommend visiting Cervejaria Trindade, which is considered a cultural heritage site in Lisbon. The building was formerly the Convent of the Holy Trinity, founded in 1294 before a brewery was established there. It is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful breweries in Portugal. The building is stunning, and the menu offers a mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine, seafood and steaks.
Whatever you do in Lisbon, tune into the magic. This is a city where music drifts through alleyways, literature leaves its mark on the streets, and history and beauty intertwine.
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