Ronaldo! Lisbon!! Never thought I would visit Portugal - a pioneer of maritime power that once terrified the world.
From maritime empire to modern reality - exploring Lisbon on a budget and questioning how history's wealth slips away.
"The math was simple, even if the experience wasn't."
Direct flights were expensive. Youth is truly a blessing; young bodies endure the strain, all aboard the flight of fleeting beauty.
But let me tell you about Milan Bergamo airport at 3 AM. It's small. Painfully small. They don't let you check in early, so you're stuck in the terminal with nowhere comfortable to sit. I tried sleeping on a chair - that half-sleep where you're aware of every announcement, every footstep, every crick in your neck. Very tired, yes, but also excited. There's something about arriving somewhere at dawn that makes you feel like you're stealing a march on the day.
Logbook: The Journey
- Tuesday, 11 Feb 25: Krakow → Milan (Bergamo) | 13.65 GBP
- Wednesday, 12 Feb 25: Milan Bergamo → Lisbon | €17
Small Talk
By the time I landed in Lisbon, I was running on fumes and anticipation. First stop: airport counter to grab my 24-hour Lisboa Card (€27.00). It promised access to 51 attractions plus public transportation. Spoiler: it was worth it, though you should check which sites are under maintenance before you go. And fair warning - Lisbon is UPHILL. Those cobblestone streets are picturesque until you're huffing up your third incline of the morning.
Day 1: To the Edge of the World
10:30 AM Liberty Cafe Lisbon
Coffee. Pastries. The ritual of orienting yourself in a new city.
11:00 AM Sintra-bound
Pro tip: Take the train to Sintra from Lisbon's Rossio station, then catch bus 403.
13:50 PM Cabo da Roca
Standing at the westernmost point of continental Europe is... something. The Atlantic wind hits you full force, that fresh sea breeze that makes you feel awake despite the sleep deprivation. This is where Portuguese sailors once departed to "discover" the world - though "terrorize" might be the more honest verb, depending on which history book you're reading. I learned about Portugal's Age of Discovery in history class. How they used their maritime power to exploit resources, to build an empire, to accumulate what seemed like unfathomable wealth.
16:00 PM Cascais
Back to city center and took dinner. And here begins the Google review saga.
Day 2: Monuments to a Faded Empire
11:30 AM Breakfast at Lovers Misericórdia
If you're looking for one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Lisbon, Breakfast Lovers Misericórdia truly lives up to its name. Located in the lively Misericórdia district, it captures everything special about Lisbon mornings — relaxed vibes, beautiful surroundings, and comforting yet creative food.
Close to Bairro Alto, Chiado, and within walking distance of Cais do Sodré, it’s perfectly located for both tourists and locals enjoying a slow start to the day.
12:30 PM Bica Lg. Calhariz
Just a 2-minute walk from breakfast, perfect for photos.
13:50 PM Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The Jerónimos Monastery is stunning. Manueline architecture at its finest - all that ornate stonework, those soaring arches. It was built during the Age of Discovery, funded by the "pepper tax" on spices from Africa and Asia. A monument to Portugal's golden age. Walking through it, though, I kept noticing the contrast. These grand historical monuments standing among crumbling pavements and aging buildings.
Why, after centuries of that unfathomable wealth, does Portugal remain one of Europe's poorest nations? The answers are complicated. Portugal missed the industrialization train - partly because they were already struggling economically when that revolution happened. Political instability didn't help. And there's a brain drain: young Portuguese people leave after completing their education, seeking opportunities elsewhere.
15:20 PM The Belém Tower (Failed Mission)
The tide was rising. The pathway was cut off. We stood there, staring at this monument to Portugal's maritime prowess, unable to access it because of the very element—water—that once made Portugal powerful.
The metaphor was almost too perfect. Like Portugal itself, cut off from its former glory by forces that once served it.
16:00 PM Portuguese Tart Attempt
Everyone talks about Portuguese tarts. The famous pastéis de nata. I tried one. It was... fine. Cold, actually. Maybe I went to the wrong place. Maybe my expectations were too high.
17:30 PM MAAT for Sunset Views
It offers one of the city's most iconic sunset views, with panoramic vistas of the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
20:20 PM Dinner at Uma Marisqueira
Day 3: Last Morning in Lisbon
10:40 AM Spiced pumpkin latte at Honest Green
12:00 PM Time Out Market
Located inside Mercado da Ribeira, Time Out Market Lisboa is the perfect stop for a short visit to Lisbon. It brings together the city’s best flavors and local finds — from iconic dishes to unique souvenirs — all in one vibrant space.
13:00 PM Ginjinha do Carmo
The cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup - very Lisbon.
14:00 PM Santa Maria Maior neighborhood
Narrow cobbled streets, laundry hanging from sunlit windows, and golden light spilling between historic buildings — Santa Maria Maior captures the true soul of Lisbon.
Set beneath the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge and home to the iconic Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), this charming district blends history, atmosphere, and postcard-perfect views — a must-visit spot to experience authentic Lisbon living.
14:20 PM Jardim Júlio de Castilho
Tucked away from the busy streets of Lisbon, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape with stunning panoramic views over the Tagus River.
One must-visit spot is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, also known as Jardim Júlio de Castilho, located in the heart of the historic Alfama district.
15:00 PM Back to pack and head to the airport
Lisbon wasn't what I expected. Then again, I never expected to visit Portugal at all. It's a city of contradictions. Grand monuments to imperial wealth standing on streets that need repair. The birthplace of global exploration now watching its youth explore opportunities abroad. Was the budget transit flight worth the exhaustion? Maybe. A little bit. When you're young and wild, you can handle a sleepless night in Milan Bergamo. When you're young and wild, you can climb Lisbon's endless uphills.
And sometimes you travel halfway across Europe on budget airlines just to stand at the edge of the world and wonder how it all went wrong. Would I recommend Lisbon? Yes, with caveats. Get the Lisboa Card, wear comfortable shoes, and visit at low tide. And remember: not every place you visit will change you, but every place will teach you something if you're paying attention.
Budget Breakdown
- Flights: 63.85 PLN + €17 = ~€30 total
- Lisboa Card: €27 for 24 hours
- Meals: €10-20 per meal average
- Total Estimate: ~€100-150 for 3 days
Transportation Tips
- To Sintra: Train from Rossio station, then bus 403
- Within Lisbon: Lisboa Card covers all public transport
- Warning: Lisbon is UPHILL. Wear comfortable shoes.
Every restaurant will ask for a 5-star review. You've been warned. Take online ratings with a grain of salt in Lisbon.
© Lisbon Interactive Map
P.S. - I'd recommend Porto to everyone — even though I haven’t been there myself, around 80% of my friends strongly suggest visiting Porto over Lisbon, so it’s definitely worth considering. This map is provided purely as a reference. Feel free to leave comments about restaurants you’ve enjoyed, and I’ll do my best to keep it updated whenever possible.