Highlights of the Day
On our second day in Lisbon, we immersed ourselves in the city’s charm, starting with the historic Praça do Comércio, a symbol of resilience after the 1755 earthquake. We enjoyed coffee at the cozy Martinho da Arcada café, admired the staff’s honesty, and escaped the rain at El Corte Inglés, where a surprising mall lunch and the promise of roasted suckling pig delighted us. The evening took us to the bustling Time Out Market, where fresh seafood, friendly encounters with fellow travelers, and a vibrant atmosphere left such an impression that we returned two more times during our stay.
Logistics
Accommodation: Lisbon Finestay 8 Building Apartments (highly recommended)
Transportation: Public transportation or rideshare
Travel Journal
During our stay in Lisbon, we opted for the Lisbon Finestay 8 Building Apartments—a perfect choice thanks to its exceptional location. Nestled within walking distance of the iconic Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), it provided seamless access to one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Just across the street, the renowned Time Out Market beckoned, offering a paradise for food enthusiasts.
The building itself is a true gem. A rooftop bar crowns the property, offering panoramic views of Lisbon and breathtaking sunsets. The courtyard below, adorned with lush greenery, creates a tranquil retreat complete with a cozy dining area.
Our unit was a spacious two-bedroom apartment featuring a generous living room, a well-appointed dining area, and fully equipped cookware—ideal for a comfortable stay. Additionally, the property’s public laundry facilities added to the convenience, making this an excellent home base for exploring Lisbon.
Lisbon’s renowned Pink Street, Rua Nova do Carvalho, was just a short four-minute walk from our apartment. This vibrant and iconic area has a fascinating history. Once the city’s red-light district, it has undergone a remarkable transformation into a trendy hotspot celebrated for its nightlife, unique charm, and cultural significance.
We arrived a bit early in the day, just as some businesses were starting to prepare for lunch. The street was quiet, creating a striking contrast with its bold, hot-pink pavement and the colorful umbrellas suspended overhead. The tranquil atmosphere, paired with the lively colors, seemed to hint at the vibrant energy that would fill the street later in the day.
A short walk away, we arrived at the iconic Praça do Comércio, Commerce Market, one of the city’s most historic and beautiful squares. Rebuilt after the catastrophic earthquake of 1755, the square exudes grandeur and resilience. In its center stands a striking statue of King José I, mounted on horseback and trampling a group of serpents—a symbolic representation of triumph and renewal. Surrounded by vibrant yellow buildings and open to the shimmering Tagus River, the square offers a perfect blend of history and scenic beauty.
After taking in the sights, we stopped at Martinho da Arcada, a historic café established in 1782. Likely a product of the post-earthquake reconstruction, this cozy little establishment seemed steeped in history. As we sipped our coffee and enjoyed the ambiance, we were impressed by the honesty of the staff. Before my husband even looked at the bill, our waiter noticed an error, promptly taking it back to correct an extra charge. Such integrity is rare and added a warm touch to our experience.
As we stepped out of the café, the rain began to fall, prompting us to seek shelter indoors. We called an Uber and headed to El Corte Inglés, a renowned department store where I hoped to find some warmer clothes after underestimating Lisbon’s chilly November weather. The store had everything we needed, and for lunch, we discovered a charming eatery on its top floor. To our delight, the food was exceptional—nothing like the fast-food offerings often associated with American malls.
On the ground floor, my husband stumbled upon a section selling roasted suckling pig, a classic Portuguese delicacy. Intrigued, he made a mental note to return for it later. A few days later, we did just that, and the tender, flavorful dish exceeded our expectations—but that’s a story for another time.
A bonus perk: our apartment provided a discount card for El Corte Inglés. Using it, we received 10% back as store credit, redeemable for future purchases. It was a fantastic deal and well worth taking advantage of!
In the evening, we walked to the Time Out Market, conveniently close to our accommodation. We chose this apartment partly because of glowing YouTube recommendations. Stepping inside, we were met with a lively, bustling atmosphere. The place was packed, with nearly every seat taken. Visitors enjoyed a vast array of food options, from fresh seafood and burgers to sushi, desserts, and wine. After browsing the stalls, we decided to sit at a small seafood eatery on the perimeter that offered its own seating.
By sheer chance, we found ourselves sitting next to a friendly couple from Shanghai, who enthusiastically recommended several dishes, including clams and prawns. Their suggestions did not disappoint—the seafood was incredibly fresh, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. We enjoyed the Time Out Market so much that we returned to it two more times during our stay, each visit reaffirming our love for the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite food.
That day in Lisbon was a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary exploration—a wonderful way to deepen our appreciation of this captivating city.
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