Family Adventure in Enchanting Sintra

Lisbon's Embrace: A Day of Exploration

Today was a whirlwind of Lisbon's finest offerings, a day brimming with history, culture, and the simple joys of family time. From playful encounters with wildlife to the solemn grandeur of ancient architecture, and the thrill of a bustling flea market, Lisbon truly unveiled its multifaceted charm. It’s days like these that remind me why I love sharing these experiences with my family, creating memories that we’ll cherish long after we've returned to Berlin.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Tapas da Cris. I had read some great reviews about it. It was a delightful start to the day, and the perfect way to fuel up for our Lisbon adventure. After breakfast, our first stop was the Jardim Zoológico, Lisbon's zoo. Sophie was thrilled, of course, and even Hans, who usually feigns indifference to zoos, seemed genuinely excited. The zoo was much more than I expected; it wasn't just about seeing animals in enclosures. It was clear that the Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa has a strong focus on conservation and education. The zoo is home to around 2,000 animals from approximately 300 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It was fascinating to see animals from all corners of the world thriving in this Lisbon sanctuary.


Explore the enchanting Jardim Zoológico in Lisbon, a vibrant zoo showcasing diverse wildlife and promoting conservation while providing a delightful experience for all ages.

Sophie was captivated by the dolphin show, her eyes wide with wonder as the intelligent creatures leaped and danced through the water. I appreciated that the show also highlighted the importance of marine conservation. We also took a ride on the cable car, which offered a unique perspective of the zoo and the city beyond. The aerial view was stunning, and it gave us a great sense of the zoo's layout and the diversity of its habitats. The ride provided a unique view of the landscape. I must admit, even I enjoyed it!

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

Leaving the zoo, we headed towards the heart of Lisbon to visit the Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Lisboa. As we approached, its imposing Romanesque facade dominated the landscape. The Lisbon Cathedral, officially known as Santa Maria Maior, is the oldest church in the city, dating back to 1147. It has survived numerous earthquakes and renovations, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. The entrance was free, which was a pleasant surprise, and we stepped inside to explore its vast interior.


Explore the Lisbon Cathedral, a stunning blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, steeped in over 800 years of history and spirituality.

The sheer size of the cathedral was striking, and the high ceilings seemed to stretch endlessly upwards. The main altar was ornate and beautiful, reflecting a later Baroque style. However, the statues and stone pillars retained the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Roman architecture. Sophie was fascinated by the stained-glass windows, their vibrant colors casting intricate patterns on the stone floor. Hans, ever the history buff, was engrossed in reading about the cathedral's past, pointing out the various architectural influences and recounting tales of the earthquakes that had shaped its structure. I found a quiet corner to light a candle, a small act of reverence in this ancient and awe-inspiring space. We also paid the entrance fee to explore the cloisters and ruins, a worthwhile addition to the visit. The Gothic cloisters were similar to those at Jerónimos Monastery, and the excavated ruins revealed the long history of religious worship on the site.

After immersing ourselves in the cathedral's history, it was time for lunch. We stopped at COMO Restaurante, a place I had spotted earlier. I had read that it was romantic, and I thought it would be a great place for us to relax and enjoy a meal. And I was right. The food was amazing, and the service was excellent. We enjoyed our lunch, and we will definitely be back.


Experience exquisite flavors and local delights at COMO Restaurante in beautiful Sintra – where every meal is a journey through Portuguese cuisine.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we ventured into the Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's famous flea market. The market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday in the Campo de Santa Clara, behind the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. As we approached, the sounds of bartering and laughter filled the air. Stalls overflowed with a chaotic mix of treasures and trinkets – antique furniture, vintage clothing, old books, vinyl records, and quirky souvenirs. It was a treasure trove for bargain hunters and curious wanderers alike. Sophie was immediately drawn to a stall selling colorful handmade jewelry, while Hans rummaged through a collection of old maps and postcards. I found myself captivated by a vendor selling vintage photographs, each one telling a silent story of Lisbon's past.


Explore Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's iconic flea market, filled with antiques, crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city.

The Feira da Ladra, which literally translates to Thieves' Market, is a vibrant and bustling flea market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. The market has a long history, dating back to the 12th century. Its name is believed to originate from the fact that stolen goods were once sold here. Today, the Feira da Ladra is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide variety of goods, including antiques, vintage clothing, books, records, and handicrafts. I managed to snag a beautiful hand-painted tile, a perfect memento of our Lisbon adventure. The Feira da Ladra was an assault on the senses, but in the best possible way. It was a true taste of Lisbon's vibrant street culture, a place where the past and present collided in a colorful and chaotic dance.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to A Travessa do Fado for dinner. I had heard that this restaurant offered traditional Portuguese cuisine and live Fado music. The restaurant is attached to the Fado Museum, which added to the ambiance. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. I tried the Bochecha do Porco Preto (black pork cheek) and Tomatada (fried tomatoes). Portugal is famous for its culinary richness! The live Fado music was a highlight of the evening, so we were very happy we chose this restaurant. The soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. It was a perfect ending to a day filled with Lisbon's finest offerings.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine alongside enchanting live Fado music at A Travessa do Fado in Lisbon.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Oceanário de Lisboa. I'm particularly excited about the Oceanário, as I've heard it's one of the best aquariums in Europe. We might even check out Salla de Estar for a drink in the evening. I think we will also visit Petiscaria Casa for breakfast, and Restaurante Sabores Do Mercado for lunch. It promises to be another day of discovery and adventure, and I can't wait to share it with you all.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I'm filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. Today was a reminder of the simple joys of travel – exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and creating lasting memories with my family. Lisbon has truly captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.