A Visit to Lisbon

Back in early December, I spent a short few days in Lisbon before embarking on a transatlantic cruise from the port of Lisbon. It was my second visit to this bustling city, but my first visit was also a port stop on a cruise and I was only able to get in a short walking tour of the city. This time, on my own, I adventured on foot for two back to back days of exploring and packed in as much as I could.

My first night, I arrived on a cool rainy December evening after a long flight from Los Angeles. I stayed at an apartment hotel in one of the oldest districts of the city - Alfama and right across from the Museu Do Fado.

The narrow street behind my apartment in Alfama, a very historic part of the city.

Exploring the bustling on my first day out. Lisbon has steep hills and street cars, and reminds me much of San Francisco - minus the intricately laid mosaic tiles that are everywhere.

Being in Europe around the holidays is the best, holiday decorations fill the city. This is the Baixa neighborhood full of lively restaurants and shops.

After spending most of the first half of the day exploring the Baixa and Alfama neighborhoods, I ventured more into the city and found myself rooftop with this view from one of my favorite department stores ever, El Corte Ingles.

After leaving El Corte Ingles, I took a walk through the adjacent Parque Eduardo VII and stumbled across a Christmas market.

The park was filled with families enjoying rides and ice-skating with a traditional holiday music playing in Portuguese.

While visiting Lisbon, I had the opportunity to accept an invitation to tour the exquisite Tivoli Hotel in the upscale area of Avenida Liberdade. The walk from the park to the hotel was on a beautiful tree lined street.

After touring the lobby and guest rooms, I got a tour of the stunning grounds of the hotel. Mosaic tiled steps lead the way to the pool.

An oasis in the middle of the city: the pool at the Tivoli Hotel.

The amazing city view from the bar & restaurant at the Tivoli Hotel, with the Tagus River beyond.