Travelog: D10-D11 Lisbon, Portugal: City, Castle, and Portuguese Custard Tart

DESTINATION : LISBON, PORTUGAL
Travel period : 05-07.05.2013

DAY 10-DAY 11

our second last destination was at: Lisbon. Lisbon, also known as Lisboa in Portuguese, is de capital of Portugal.

i) Accommodation: Hotel Zenit Lisboa.

we have opted for 1 Twin Room and 1 Family Room at a price of €380++ per night (price non-inclusive of breakfast).

free Wifi

this was de cleanest and most comfortable stay throughout our journey. while de hotel location is not exactly in de city centre, it is still convenient as it is near to train station (in less than 5 minutes walk). despite de free wifi, it could only function at static corner. 

ii) Lunch @ Cafe Beira Gare. 

(located opposite to Rossio train station)

we only wanted some quick fix meals but ended up putting order like a boss.

Portuguese custard tart (Pastel de nata) is a must.

although it was slightly overly browned but it didn't disappoint. together with a glass of fresh orange juice, it mimics de sky of food heaven. compared to those version that I'd tried back home, this was sweeter than de regular kind. traditionally in Lisbon, Portuguese tart can be eaten with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and cinnamon. personally, I prefer de original taste.

(clockwise from top)

#1   English breakfast 

#2   Caldo verde 

a creamy soup made from potato purée, thinly sliced kale strands, and a few slices of smoke flavoured sausage (chorizo). it is one of de iconic Portuguese comfort-food but I just can't help relating it to poor man soup which of course, doesn't impress.

#3   Rocky bread 

(clockwise from top)

#4   Pork loin chops served with rice, fries, and salad

#5   Fried fish fillet

just like de presentation, they didn't allure de taste buds as much. in fact, first fish in Lisbon was quite disappointing.

#6   Octopus salad 

a cold serving tossed with onion, olives, and vinegar. despite being cold, it was hard to chew too. I wasn't really impressed. 

Rossio train station.

iii) sweet moment @ Santini Chiado.

although ice-cream was not as good as those we had in Florence, it was still a good treat. do expect long queue in Santini because it is claimed as one of de favourite ice-cream place in Lisbon.

(clockwise from back)

Passion fruit, Mango and Chocolate chips.

I personally prefer sorbet over ice-cream. 

iv) Lisbon City Stroll.

#1   Restauradores Square (Praça dos Restauradores).

The Monument to the Restorers at de centre of de square.

side view of Lisbon Eden Theatre (Eden Teatro).

de cinema was closed in 1989 and lay unused for many years. it was converted into an apartment hotel in 2001.

#2   Rossio Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV).

#3   Elevator of Santa Justa (Elevator de Santa Justa).

located at de end of Rua de Santa Justa, this iron elevator connects de lower streets of Baixa with de higher Largo do Carmo (Carmo Square) and presents as de only vertical transport. it was built in de past to facilitate transport as de hills of Lisbon have always presented a problem for accessibility.

Elevator of Santa Justa at street level.

if you don't have a Lisbon Metro pass (Viva Viagem), it costs €5 to get up to de elevator. an extra payment of €1.50 is required (optional) in order to access de spiral staircase to de top storey that offers views over de city (similar but at a slightly higher spot).

St. George's Castle from de Elevator of Santa Justa.

Rossio square from above.

Carmo church (Igreja do Carmo).

it survived in de 1755 earthquake without a roof and has now turning into a museum.   

#4   Inside Lisbon. 

de iconic yellow tram.

despite de relevant tourist attraction, Lisbon tramways are still important because of de city's topography as some areas are still not served by other public transports and can only be accessed by small trams. 

interesting vehicles spotted along de streets.

not only found in Thailand, Lisbon has their 'tuk-tuk' too.

Pombaline buildings with design against earthquake and fire.

#5   St. George's Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge).

located at de highest hill of Lisbon, this castle offers beautiful panoramic views to view Lisbon below. I'm normally not a fan of castles, but I did enjoy my time there. passing through de cobbled streets and squares of Lisbon via a hilly climb was indeed a challenge, but eventually our hard work was paid off by a rewarding experience. 

I'm actually.. too exhausted =P

commander Lee in action.

Sangria, croquettes, and apple pie.

these came at de right time after our 'hiking' activities.

v) Dinner @ Restaurante O Pardieiro, Largo Graça 36.

from de outside, O Pardieiro translates as a simple, non-fancy restaurant but it is certainly better than that. overall, I find Portuguese food didn't come with really nice presentation. but do not get me wrong, they can be a treat to de tongue (especially fish seafood).

(clockwise from top)

#1   Grilled cod fish (bacalhau) 

#2   Boiled hake 

#3   Grilled squid 

I wasn't expecting in de first place but this round of seafood has removed de bitter memory we'd earlier. they were pretty delicious except de boiled hake as we thought it tasted kinda bland owing to its cooking style (it does matter!). each meal was served with vinaigrette boiled potatoes and vegetables. 

(clockwise from top)

#4   Salad

#5   Pork cutlets served with rice and fries

far away from tender and juicy, it wasn't really tasty though. 

#6   Fried alheira 

Portuguese sausage served with an obligatory fried egg but it wasn't my favourite either.

back to de city centre via tram.

you never want to miss it. neither do I.

simple breakfast @ Toni dos Bifes in de next morning.

this is an extra credit to Hotel Zenit as de restaurant is located somewhere nearby. remember to try their orange juice although it may cost a little. it is way too hard to resists! 

I love Portuguese tart and orange juice Lisbon. ehh.. how about consider buying a t-shirt?

END