Family Adventure in Enchanting Sintra

Lisbon's Charms Unveiled

Today was a whirlwind of culture, marine life, and delicious food as we ventured into Lisbon for the day. It was a welcome change of scenery from the fairytale landscapes of Sintra, offering a taste of the vibrant city life that Portugal has to offer. Sophie was especially excited for the aquarium, while Hans and I were looking forward to soaking in some art and history.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Petiscaria Casa. We fueled up with some delicious pastries and strong coffee, which prepared us for a day of exploring. The cozy atmosphere of the café was the perfect start to our Lisbon adventure. Icaro, our waiter, was incredibly friendly and helpful, guiding us through the menu and making us feel right at home.


Experience authentic Portuguese petiscos in the heart of Sintra at Petiscaria Casa – where every dish tells a story.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

First on our itinerary was the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. While I had read about its impressive collection, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer breadth and depth of the art on display. The museum itself is a work of art, with its serene gardens providing a tranquil escape from the city bustle. It was designed by the architects Ruy Jervis d'Athouguia, Pedro Cid and Alberto Pessoa, and built in 1969 to house the collection of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. However, I was a little disappointed to find out that the main collection is closed until July 2026 for renovations. Thankfully, the Great Works Gulbenkian exhibition is still open until September 2025. We spent hours wandering through the various exhibits, marveling at ancient Egyptian artifacts, exquisite Islamic art, and masterpieces of European painting. Sophie, surprisingly, was quite engaged, especially with the ancient artifacts. She peppered us with questions about pharaohs and mummies, showing a keen interest in history.


Explore the rich artistic heritage at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, featuring masterpieces from ancient to modern times amidst serene gardens.


After immersing ourselves in art, we headed to the Oceanário de Lisboa. Sophie had been counting down the minutes until we arrived. As we approached the building, it felt like we were boarding a ship. The aquarium is home to over 8,000 sea creatures from more than 450 different species. The central tank is truly breathtaking, with sharks, rays, and countless fish swimming in harmony. Sophie was mesmerized, pointing out every creature she recognized from her beloved Octonauts series. Even Hans and I were captivated by the sheer diversity of marine life on display. It's amazing to think that such a world exists beneath the surface of the ocean.


Explore the captivating marine life and ecosystems at the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe's largest aquariums, located in vibrant Lisbon.


By this time, our stomachs were starting to rumble, so we made our way to Restaurante Sabores Do Mercado for lunch. This restaurant is known for showcasing the best of Sintra's local produce through elevated Portuguese gastronomy. The owner, Alex, welcomed us warmly and made us feel like family. We savored traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist, each bite bursting with flavor. I opted for the slow-roasted black pork cheeks, which were incredibly tender and flavorful. Hans chose the octopus confit, which he declared to be the best octopus he had ever tasted. Sophie, surprisingly adventurous, tried the pork cheeks and loved them. Alex paired our meals with local wines, enhancing the dining experience even further.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Sabores Do Mercado in Sintra – where every dish tells a story.


As the sun began to set, we decided to experience Lisbon's nightlife at Salla de Estar. This unique little spot in Sintra had a decent selection of cheap drinks and a pleasant atmosphere. It was a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring. The owner, Diogo, was very friendly and made customized cocktails for me, while Hans enjoyed a local beer. Sophie, of course, stuck to juice, but she enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the friendly locals who frequented the bar.


Discover the cozy charm of Salla de Estar, a beloved bar in Sintra offering delightful snacks and expertly crafted cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere.


While in Sintra, I realized I had forgotten to pack a raincoat, which is essential for the unpredictable weather here. I also wished I had brought a portable charger, as my phone battery was constantly running low from taking so many photos. Note to self: always double-check the essentials!


Tonight, we'll have dinner at Apeadeiro. I am excited to try the bacalhau à Apeadeiro, which is baked codfish, potato chips, garlic, carrots, ham and olives. It’s always a good idea to stuff ourselves with dessert.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Apeadeiro in Sintra - where every dish tells a story.


As I reflect on our day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Lisbon has a certain charm that captivates the soul, and I am so glad that we took the time to explore it. Tomorrow, we're off to explore Boca do Inferno and Cascais Marina. I'm eager to see what adventures await us!


Our day in Lisbon was a wonderful reminder of the beauty and diversity that Portugal has to offer. From the art of the Gulbenkian to the marine wonders of the Oceanário, and the culinary delights of Sabores Do Mercado, it was a day that we will cherish forever. As we head back to Sintra, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. It's moments like these that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile. And who knows, maybe one day Sophie will be inspired to become an artist or a marine biologist. For now, I'm just happy to see her eyes light up with wonder as she discovers the world around her.