solo travelling around lisbon, Portugal ???????? what to see and do in the beautiful city ☀️

when is there a better time to solo travel than when you’re in your 20s… it was actually pretty overwhelming at times and I did almost cry getting lost up in the hills in sintra. The 30 degree heat didn’t help but I had a packet of my childhood favourite campesinas lays crisps and drank some water and it was all okay.

???? the horse riding in the national park ended up being one of my highlights and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has ridden a little before. The views from the top were by far one of the prettiest scenes I’ve ever seen in my life (I couldn’t bring my phone as we went for a trot and it would’ve definitely fallen out)! The dogs, cats and goats running and roaming the stables were an added bonus for sure.

???? If you go to Lisbon, you must do a day trip to Sintra. You won’t be able to see all 7 palaces in a day but Quinta de Regaleira gardens and the Pena Palace are really gorgeous ~ I just got the parks ticket which was enough to see everything and cheaper, and it really reminded me of Castle Hill in Budapest with the arches, bright mustards and warm brick red paint.

⛵️ another must do activity is a sunset sailboat tour in Belem, and make sure to pick up a nata from Pastéis de Belém - one of the most famous pastry shops in Portugal.

???? we also visited the most western point in Europe, which at first I was a bit like hmm… not that cool, but honestly when I got there. The views from the rocks and the fresh salty sea air was just so lovely - especially on a hot sticky summers day! Also, the more I think about it, it is actually quite cool…

???? while on the topic of pastries, my favourite bakery in Sintra is definitely Casa Piriquita ~ you know it’s a good place when the restaurants nearby have signs in their windows saying they have desserts from here. Controversial, but I thought Nata de Lisboa was the best nata shop in Lisbon. I did try the Manteigaria natas but they left the slightly weird texture in my mouth after… still I could continue eating 4 a day and be very happy.