Enchanting Escape to Sintra: Exploring Portugal's Fairytale City

A Journey Through Time in Belém

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Harkos sushi. Yes, sushi for breakfast might sound unusual, but we wanted to try something different, and it turned out to be a delightful start to our day. The restaurant had a cozy and tranquil atmosphere, and the sushi was incredibly fresh. Liam, ever the traditionalist, was a bit skeptical at first, but even he admitted that it was a surprisingly good choice. I enjoyed some Kimuchi (a slightly spicy fish salad) and Gyoza as well. It definitely gave us the energy we needed for a day of sightseeing.


Experience authentic sushi and innovative Asian cuisine at Harkos Sushi in Sintra—where every bite tells a story.

First on our list was the Palácio Nacional de Belém, the official residence of the President of Portugal. As we approached, the palace's distinctive pink façade stood out against the clear January sky. The weather in Lisbon has been quite mild, around 15°C, which is perfect for walking around and exploring. The palace has over 500 years of history, originally built in 1559 for D. Manuel de Portugal. We learned that it became the official residence of the President after the monarchy ended in 1910. Unfortunately, we couldn't go inside as it was a Monday, but we admired the architecture and the surrounding gardens. I imagined what it must be like to live and work in such a historic place. The sentries standing guard in their traditional uniforms added to the grandeur of the scene.


Explore the majestic Palácio Nacional de Belém, a historical landmark in Lisbon showcasing Portugal's royal heritage and stunning architecture.

Next, we walked towards the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 16th century, the tower originally served as a fortress to defend Lisbon from enemy ships. As we got closer, its intricate Manueline architecture became more and more impressive. The tower is built from limestone and has a unique design with a heavily armed bastion protruding over the Tagus River. We climbed to the top, navigating the narrow spiral staircase, and were rewarded with panoramic views of the river and the surrounding area. It was easy to imagine the sailors of old setting sail from this very spot, embarking on voyages of discovery. Liam, always fascinated by maritime history, was particularly enthralled. I could see him picturing the caravels and the explorers venturing into the unknown.


Explore the iconic Belém Tower in Lisbon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Portugal's maritime history and stunning architectural beauty.

From the Belém Tower, we made our way to the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site and perhaps the most stunning of all the Belém landmarks. The monastery was built in the 1500s to honor Portugal's Age of Discoveries and Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. As we stepped inside, we were immediately struck by the sheer scale and intricate detail of the Manueline architecture. The cloisters were particularly breathtaking, with their ornate carvings and soaring arches. We spent hours wandering through the monastery, admiring the Chapter House, the Confessionals, and the Refectory Hall. It was fascinating to learn that the monks of the Hieronymite order were responsible for providing spiritual guidance to sailors and praying for the king's soul. The monastery is also the final resting place of Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís de Camões, adding to its historical significance.


Discover the stunning Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, a UNESCO World Heritage site reflecting the grandeur of Portugal's maritime history.

After all that exploring, we were ready for lunch. We stopped at Tapas da Cris, a charming spot not too far from the main attractions. We sat outside, enjoying the pleasant weather, and ordered a selection of tapas to share. The sangria was a must-try, sweet and fruity, the perfect way to cool down after a long morning of walking. The toasts with honey and cheese were a particular hit, and we also enjoyed some delicious seafood. The waitress was incredibly kind and even gave us a recommendation for a local wine shop. It was a truly wonderful experience, the perfect way to recharge before continuing our adventures.


Experience the best of Portuguese cuisine at Tapas da Cris in Sintra - where traditional flavors meet modern dining in a charming setting.

Belém is a testament to Portugal's rich history and its enduring spirit of exploration.

In the late afternoon, we decided to do a bit of shopping. We visited Casa Vidi, a souvenir shop in Sintra. Although it was not in Belem, we wanted to find some unique gifts to take back home. The shop had a wide array of handcrafted jewelry and traditional Portuguese ceramics. I found a beautiful hand-painted tile with a scene of Sintra, which I knew would be a perfect reminder of our trip. Liam picked up a few small cork products, a nod to Portugal's famous cork industry. The staff were friendly and helpful, offering recommendations and sharing stories about the local artisans.


Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Casa Vidi, the charming souvenir store in the heart of Sintra, Portugal.

Before dinner, we stopped by The Old Bull Bar&Lounge for a drink. It had a great atmosphere and the staff was very friendly. Liam tried a local beer, while I opted for a glass of Portuguese wine. We chatted with some locals, who gave us tips on other places to visit in Lisbon. It was a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. From what I recall, the bar had a fantastic selection of Francesinha sandwiches, which made me want to come back for lunch one day!


Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Old Bull Bar & Lounge in Sintra, where delightful drinks and a cozy atmosphere await you.

For dinner, we had made a reservation at COMO Restaurante, known for its modern Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant had a stylish and inviting ambiance. We started with some traditional appetizers, like olives and bread with olive oil, before moving on to our main courses. I ordered the grilled octopus, while Liam chose the seafood rice. Both dishes were beautifully presented and incredibly flavorful. The service was attentive, and the sommelier recommended a wonderful local wine to accompany our meal. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


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

As we walked back to our hotel, hand in hand, we reflected on all that we had seen and done in Belém. It was a day filled with history, culture, and culinary delights. The Palácio Nacional de Belém, the Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery were all magnificent, each telling a story of Portugal's past. The food was delicious, from the unexpected sushi breakfast to the exquisite dinner at COMO Restaurante. And the people we met along the way were warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. Lisbon, and Belém in particular, had truly captured our hearts.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Queluz National Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Praia da Ursa. I’m excited to see more of what Portugal has to offer.

Given that January is typically the coolest month in Lisbon, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius during the day and falling to 10 degrees Celsius at night, I am happy that I packed layers and that we brought comfortable walking shoes! It is also worth noting that Lisbon streets are slippery when it is raining, so it is important to be extra careful!

Also, I discovered that there are some exhibitions in Lisbon in January 2025, such as Painting in Motion, Museu Banksy Lisbon, and Ah, Amália - Living Experience! I might need to check them out!

Bis bald,

Ursula