Highlights of the Day
Our two-week trip to Portugal was unforgettable. We savored delicious seafood and roasted suckling pig, admired Portugal’s rich history, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of its people. On our last day in Portugal, we visited other attractions in Lisbon includes Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Parque Eduardo VII, and had a lively dinner at Time Out Market. Challenges like unusual ATM fees and an unsatisfactory private accommodation were lessons learned. Despite minor setbacks, the stunning coastlines and vibrant culture made the trip remarkable. Farewell for now, Portugal—we’ll be back!
Logistics
Accommodation: Lisbon Finestay 8 Building Apartments (highly recommended)
Transportation: Public transportation or rideshare
Travel Journal
Lisbon funicular
Today, we took the funicular again to get around Lisbon, saving us effort of climbing uphill.
Breakfast on Lisbon Street
Two days ago, after riding the funicular, I had spotted a small shop with almond crisps displayed in the window. I had planned to return there for breakfast today. But no matter how hard I searched, I couldn’t find it. Fortunately, the shop we picked had freshly made delightful pastries.
Visit Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Later, I visited the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which impressed me far more than the art museum I saw yesterday. Calouste Gulbenkian was a British-Armenian oil magnate. He played a key role in bringing Middle Eastern oil to the West and is credited as the first to utilize Iranian oil.
A lifelong art enthusiast, he amassed a collection of over 6,000 pieces, said to have filled his four-story Paris home and three basements. A notable philanthropist, he directed that 5% of his profits support Armenian families and that 5% of his factory workers be of Armenian descent. Having lived in Lisbon, among other cities, Gulbenkian specified in his will that an art museum be established here, which is the very one I visited. The museum’s collection spans paintings, sculptures, and furniture, all displayed with exceptional care.
Among the museum’s extensive collection, a few standout treasures captured our attention. At the center, a stunning set of Asian furniture showcased exquisite craftsmanship. Each piece adorned with intricate carvings and delicate inlays, reflecting the cultural richness and artistic refinement of the East. Nearby, the Bust of Bacchus, a sculpture of the Roman god of wine and revelry, mesmerized us with its detailed artistry and lifelike expression. Adding to the allure, Peter Paul Rubens’ Portrait of Helena Fourment offered a masterpiece of Baroque art, depicting the artist’s second wife in a composition brimming with elegance, grace, and sensuality. Each piece was a testament to the diverse and timeless artistry on display.
Suckling Pig Lunch
For lunch, we returned to the department store El Corte Ingles to savor the suckling pig once again. It was a masterpiece of culinary perfection—tender, juicy, and wrapped in a layer of delightfully crispy skin. Every bite was an explosion of flavor, truly a dish to remember.
Parque Eduardo VII
Before concluding our day, we took a leisurely stroll through Parque Eduardo VII, one of Lisbon’s most iconic green spaces. The park is impeccably maintained. Its vast lawns meticulously sculpted into striking geometric patterns that create a harmonious blend of nature and design. Lined with towering trees and dotted with colorful flowerbeds, the park offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle. From its elevated vantage point, we were treated to sweeping views of Lisbon, including the Tagus River shimmering in the distance. The tranquil atmosphere made it the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s adventures while soaking in the beauty of this urban oasis.
Rooftop Sunset
As the evening approached, we returned to the rooftop bar for pre-dinner drinks. We were eager to once again experience the vibrant atmosphere. The bar was just as lively as our previous visit, with guests chatting and clinking glasses. This time, we were fortunate enough to secure a slightly better spot, offering us an even more panoramic view of the city. From this vantage point, the sweeping vistas of Lisbon stretched before us, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. The sky was painted with soft hues of orange and pink, casting a magical light over the rooftops and the tranquil waters of the Tagus River. We enjoyed this perfect moment to relax. We sipped our drinks, and captured a few more breathtaking sunset views.
Time Out Market Dinner
For dinner, we visited the lively Time Out Market, where the air was filled with the scent of freshly prepared food. We chose seafood, enjoying dishes that showcased the freshest catch of the day. The tender prawns, perfectly grilled octopus, and briny oysters were a true delight, reflecting Lisbon’s rich maritime heritage. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious seafood made for a memorable dining experience, a perfect conclusion to our day.
Thus, our two-week trip to Portugal came to a perfect end. Now, let me share some reflections on the trip.
Things I liked
- It’s widely said that Portugal’s seafood is excellent, and I can confirm it. I also discovered their roasted suckling pig is delicious.
- The people in Portugal are incredibly friendly, whether they’re passersby, drivers, or people at gas stations—they’re all warm and helpful.
- As an old imperial nation, Portugal is full of historical landmarks and natural beauty, which certainly lived up to expectations. However, some parts did feel a bit dated.
Things I wasn’t used to
- Typically, when traveling in Europe, I withdraw cash using my bank card with minimal fees, and currency exchanges are based on the daily exchange rate. However, this time I encountered something unusual. At one ATM, after going through the process, I found that in addition to the regular fees, they charged an extra 13% fee. We canceled the transaction and tried another ATM, but faced the same issue. Later, I discovered that ATMs operated by a company called Euronet had this extra charge. We tried two more ATMs the next day with the same result. To my surprise, two days later, I saw that two companies had charged me fees, and two others had charged both the fee and the amount I intended to withdraw, even though I had canceled everything. I immediately called my bank internationally, and they assured me they’d handle it. A day later, the money was refunded to my account. I later found a Western Union exchange service, which also had fees and additional charges, but it was much less than the ATMs. A friend later told me they used a Capital One card at other ATMs without extra fees, but we didn’t try that ourselves.
- This was my first time booking accommodation through Booking.com. Most of the places were fine, but when we stayed in a private home in Obidos, we noticed that many things didn’t meet expectations, especially in terms of heating. From now on, I’ll avoid booking private homes.
All in all, our trip to Portugal was truly unforgettable. We immersed ourselves in its rich history, admired its stunning coastlines, and savored its incredible cuisine. This farewell is only temporary—we’ll undoubtedly be back to explore even more.
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