Portugal Trip from 25 Oct to 3 Nov 2024

Seems like I am slowly beginning to enjoy and appreciate Europe after my previous 2 trips to Germany. As such, I am venturing into Portugal and will cover mainly Lisbon and Porto for this trip of mine. How exciting, just the thought of doing so!

As usual, the excitement starts after the departure gate. 😀

Chilling out at TGM Lounge. This is the perk for coming to the airport early. 😊

Baked shio salmon, tamago, pickles, miso soup and pearl rice.

Chicken sausage, streaky bacon, hash brown, baked beans, roasted mushrooms, cheese baked tomato and sunny side up eggs.

Moving on next to SilverKris.

**Focaccia Black Forest Ham & Cheese with Bacon**

**Assorted Dimsum : Har Kow, Seafood Siew Mai, Fan Choi & Char Siew Bao**

Freshening up prior to boarding.

Time to board for my first leg of the flight.

Cheers to good health and time to relax for the next 13 hours.

Enjoying sky lunch after take-off.

With onions, cucumber & spicy peanut sauce.

Cherry tomatoes, haricot beans, new potatoes, olives & quail eggs.

**Assorted Bread Rolls & Gourmet Bread**

Grilled chilean bass marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce, accompanied by tender boiled vegetables in a fragrant dashi stock and served with shimeji mushroom flavoured rice.

Time flies and it’s now time for dinner.

New potatoes, pickled red onions, hard boiled egg, black olives with dijon herb dressing.

A tantalizing dish that showcases the finest highly marbled A4 wagyu beef. Grilled to perfection in the traditional yakiniku style, the succulent beef is served alongside a medley of assorted seasonal vegetables and a warmed steamed rice.

Quenelle of cream and butterscotch sauce.

Arriving into Frankfurt Airport and proceeding with my connecting flight next.

Time to board for my second leg flight to Lisbon.

Chicken salad with beetroot hummus, beef pie with mushroom & aubergine puree and rice pudding.

Safe arrival to Lisbon Airport after 3 hour of flight journey. Sadly, my luggage did not arrive on time due to the late loading of baggage at Frankfurt Airport resulting in me having to check in to the hotel without my luggage. 🤣🤣🤣

Arriving into Hotel Marques de Pombal close to midnight. Thankfully, the hotel is near to Marques de Pombal Metro Station which is about 28 mins ride from the airport.

The hotel is decent, comfortable and spacious. Loved it. 👍

Waking up to a gloomy, coldy and showery morning. Since I am early, decided to go to the train station at Santa Apolónia to purchase my return train ticket from Lisbon to Porto and Porto to Lisbon.

I was supposed to be staying 3 nights in Porto from 28 Oct to 31 Oct 2024 but was told by the train station staff that there will be an upcoming strike in Porto on 31 Oct 2024 and thus trains will not be operating. I had no choice but to sacrifice the cost of my 3rd night stay in Porto as I was not able to cancel 3 days before the stay. In addition, I will need to cater for another additional night stay in Lisbon from 30 Oct to 31 Oct 2024, resulting in more accommodation expenses. Haiz, guess this is beyond control and throws me out from the initial plan. Well, looking on a positive note, at least I am made known of the strike in advance. Things could have been worse. So, be thankful for what comes may. This is what expecting the unexpected means. 😅

Enjoying a simple and nice breakfast at A Padaria Portuguesa Café.

Breakfast set comprising of serra da estrela cheese & prosciutto baguette, Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese custard tart), orange juice and cappuccino. Oh, the Portuguese custard tart is really darn good. 😋😋😋

Praca Do Comercio, a square in downtown Lisbon located next to Tagus River and is one of the largest square in Europe.

One of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks.

Another instaworthy view of the Rua Augusta Arch.

Beautiful view of the 25 April Bridge across Tagus River.

Making a pit stop at Chez Croissant.

***Creme De Chocolate Branco E Aveley***

White Chocolate & Hazelnut Cream. It’s really good. Sweet-tooth lovers, you ought to try. Strictly no compromise!

Purple statue Sofia by artist Superlinox, in front of the Santa Justa elevator.

This is one of the busiest tourist attractions due to its unique structure and the amazing view from the top. It is often touted as the world’s most beautiful elevator too.

Stunning view of downtown Baixa from the elevator top.

In addition, you can also catch a glimpse of the São Jorge Castle from afar.

Enjoying coffee break at Nataria Nacional café.

***Custard Tart, Portuguese Wine Doughnut*** ***Pasty*** & **Americano**

**Maquette of Carmo Church in the 14th Century**

**The Laying of Christ in the Tomb. Scenes from Christ’s Passion**

Visited São Jorge Castle next.

It is also known in English as Saint George’s Castle and is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

***Estátua de D. Afonso Henriques no Castelo S. Jorge***

Panoramic views of Lisbon city from the castle top.

Pit stop at Casa Portuguesa Pastel Bacalhau.

Codfish Cake with Serra PDO Cheese with Port Wine.

Majestic interior of the church building.

Simple, no frills interior.

Late dinner at Tasca Chic restaurant.

**Tagliatelle with Prawns, Garlic & Basil**

This morning, I will be making a day trip to Fatima. I have booked my bus ticket online via Flixbus for my trip from Lisbon to Fatima.

Starting my day with a quick breakfast at Galp Café at the Oriente Bus Station.

Codfish cake, ham & cheese pie, and custard tart with cappuccino & americano.

Time to board the bus for my trip which the journey will take about one and a half hour.

Why Fatima? Fatima is one of the most sacred places in Portugal and the centre of Catholic Faith in the country.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims flock here to pay their respects to the Virgin Mary and to grow closer to God.

**Statute of D. José Alves Correia da Silva**

**Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus**

**Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima**

***Interior Worship Hall of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima***

I am here this trip in the hope of attending the Mass in person for this one in a lifetime experience.

Look at the parishers who turn up for the Mass. This is truly an eye-opener! Glad I am able to be here to attend this Mass in Fatima, Portugal.

Start of Mass proper…..

Sermon delivered by the Priest …..

I am really impressed with the way the Holy Eucharist is being administered in this huge scale Mass event.

Adjourned for lunch at Indian Tasty Bite thereafter.

Fish cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic & spices.

A hot dish with Goan spices and potato.

Another satisfying meal as always. Great food with great quality.

So, is Fatima in Portugal Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, a visit to the town of Fatima is an experience unlike any other. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, the town’s profound spiritual aura and historical significance make it a compelling destination.

Visited Centro Colombo Centre, a shopping mall located in the parish of Carnide in Lisbon, in search of dinner options.

Settled for dinner at Sabores da Ilha to try out their local Portuguese cuisine.

**Grilled Chicken Tenderloin with White Rice, Salad & French Fries**

**Francesinha de Veal with Egg & French Fries**

Portugal’s “Little Frenchie” is a heart-stopping stack of wet cured ham, linguiça sausage, steak or roast beef, and melted cheese with a fried egg as well on thick bread drowned in a hot tomato and beer sauce (and served with french fries, of course).

This morning, I will be departing Lisbon for Porto.

Enjoying a nice breakfast at Picasso Cafeteria before checking out of hotel.

**Sponge Cake Roll Filled with Egg Custard**

Heading off to Santa Apolónia Station for my train ride to Porto immediately after checking out of Hotel Marques de Pombal.

Arriving into Porto Campanhã Station after 3 hours.

Checking in to Legendary Porto Hotel which is right behind São Bento Station.

A good and decent room size for my next 2 nights abode.

Admiring the azulejos at the São Bento Train Station. Azulejo is a form of Portuguese and Spanish painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework.

Next up, went over to Time Out Market, which opened recently in Porto, bringing the best of the city’s food and drink scene under one roof. Similar to our Lau Pa Sat.

Strolling down to Mercado do Bolhão next.

A historic, bi-level market in a neoclassical building with vendors selling produce & prepared foods.

The Chapel of Santa Catarina, also known as the Chapel of Souls, is a chapel located on the shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina. It is particularly noted for the blue azulejo tiles on its exterior walls.

Spending the rest of the night exploring the shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina.

Powering up the morning at Tropical Snack-Bar Restaurant.

My final day in Porto to do sightseeing in lieu of the shorten trip.

The São João Theatre, commonly referred to as the São João National Theatre is a Portuguese theatre and concert venue.

While strolling the streets of Porto, chanced upon this wall with different portrait paintings on the wall.

Mesmerising view of the Torre dos Clérigos from afar.

**Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados**

Made an intended visit to Imperial McDonald’s as it is often described as the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.

This location is housed in the old historic Cafe Imperial building, a famous coffee house.

Inside, the burger joint shows off stunning stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and an incredible arched entryway.

***McRoyal Bacon Burger, Chicken McNuggets, Fries*** ***& Iced Peach Zero***

The Harry Bookstore in Porto. You will be caught with the long queueing time, and you are strongly recommended to purchase entry tickets online in order to gain entry. I have decided to give it a miss as the bookstore is jam-packed with tourists, coupled with the fact that it would not be possible to get a clean shot of the place as well.

Beautiful interior inside the church.

***View taken from the Ordem do Carmo rooftop***

These are the various exhibits which you can see during the tour of the Ordem do Carmo.

Taking a quick lunch fix at Confeitaria dos Clérigos.

You will see a lot of such shops selling a huge variety of sardines in Portugal. Sardines lovers will definitely be spoilt for choice.

Luís I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the river Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal.

Panoramic view of the Duoro river taken from the top deck of the Dom Luis Bridge.

Another side of the view overlooking Dona Maria Pia Bridge.

How interesting to see human & train co-exist on the same bridge platform.

This gorgeous botanical garden is one of Porto’s best-loved escapes where people will gather together to watch sunset in the evening.

Another beautiful shot of the Dom Luis Bridge taken from the Douro river.

The bustling Ribeira with market stalls, cafés and restaurants is a UNESCO designated world heritage site.

The narrow, cobbled streets of Ribeira are dotted with small bars and eateries serving classic Portuguese fare like grilled sardines and Francesinha.

People are chilling out and enjoying the afternoon at the cafés.

Relaxing at Starbucks while charging up phones and using the free WiFi provided.

Having an atas dinner at Majestic Café.

Café Majestic is a historic café, located at Rua de Santa Catarina in Porto, Portugal. It is one of those touristy affairs to-do checklists, which I am not spared too despite its pricey charges. 😅

With a light fresh cream sauce, sautéed vegetables and french fries.

**Linguine al Nero con Gamberi Gigante**

With grilled tiger prawns.

I must admit that the steak is tenderly good and the pasta is also one of the better ones that I have had. 😋👍

Ending the night by chilling at Mengos Restaurant.

***Chocolate Coated Butter Cookie & Strawb***erry

Enjoying street busking performance while chilling out at Mengos.

One for the road breakfast at Sabores da Invicta Café prior to leaving Porto.

**Deep-Fried Pear-Shaped Chicken Fritter**

Arriving into Campanhã Train Station for my ride back to Santa Apolónia Train Station.

I am finally back in Lisbon after 3 hours and 10 mins train ride. Glad that I am able to avoid the strike scheduled for tomorrow.

Checking in next to VIP Executive Picoas Hotel for my last 3 nights stay before home coming.

Loved the clean and spacious room size of this hotel.

Took a super late lunch at Kapitan Ramen Bar.

I am certainly impressed with the food quality compared to when I was in Sydney last year as this is the first time I am trying out Japanese cuisine in Europe.

Followed by dinner at Level 7 Cafeteria at El Corte Inglés.

**Grilled Chicken Breast with Basmati Rice & Salad**

Morning brekkie at Comida Fresca Café inside Pingo Doce Supermarket, which is conveniently located right beside the hotel.

**Silesian Sausage (Smoked Pork Sausage)**

**Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart**)

This is by far the most value for money meal as the whole meal cost £4.65. 😱

Importantly, food quality is guaranteed, too. Looks like this will be my go-to place for breakfast for the next 2 mornings. 😊

I will be making a trip to visit Jerónimos Monastery today.

This place is only accessible via public bus. I will need to take bus# 727 from the bus stop outside Sheraton Lisbon and the bus ride will take about 40 mins.

A masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, commonly known as the Jerónimos Monastery, as it was intended for the Order of Saint Jerome, has been classified as a National Monument since 1907 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.

Another reason for visiting is none other than trying the original Pastiés de Belém according to the old recipe from the Jerónimos Monastery that is reproduced using the same artisanal process of making the Portuguese Custard Tart. Only the custard tart that is made here can be called Pastiés de Belém while the rest can only be known as Pastiés de Nata.

***Factory Producing Pastiés de Belém***

The Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém, in the Lisbon Municipality, Portugal.

Jerónimos Monastery shot from afar.

The Monument to the Discoveries represented a romanticized idealization of the Portuguese exploration.

Lisbon’s Cristo Rei has many similarities to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, and the Brazilian statue was the original inspiration. For visitors, the main draw of the Cristo Rei is the 80m high viewing platform and the amazing panoramic views over Lisbon and the 25 April suspension bridge.

Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Since 1983, the tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Jerónimos Monastery.

Visited Time Out Market, where you can find the best of Lisbon under one roof.

Time Out Market Lisboa is the ideal place to eat in Lisbon. With more than 40 restaurants with seafood, fish, hamburgers, pizza, codfish and much more!

***Roasted Octopus with Onion & Olive Oil with Roasted Potatoes***

Lisbon Pink Street, also known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, this bright pink lane is the centre of Lisbon’s nightlife in the Cais do Sodre neighbourhood.

The Column of Pedro IV is a monument to King Peter IV of Portugal and the Algarves, located in the centre of Rossio Square and is a historical landmark in Lisbon, Portugal.

Praça do Rossio is the liveliest area in the capital of Portugal and where many locals and tourists meet up. The square and its surrounding streets are packed with some of the city’s most famous restaurants, bars, and shops.

Spending the rest of the evening at the largest Continente Hypermarket in Colombo Shopping Centre, Lisbon.

This is followed by spicing things up at Taste of India for dinner.

Egg plant with onion, tomato sauce and spices.

Diced lamb cooked with tomato, onion, bell pepper, ginger, herbs and spices.

Prawns cooked in a hot and spicy Madras sauce.

Basmati rice with aromatic herbs.

Without a doubt, this is another satisfying meal. Loved the spice and the kick that I derived from this meal. 👍😋

Time flies whenever we are having fun. Before I knew it and had enough, I am already into the second last day of my trip. Today, I will be slowing things down and enjoying the final moments and importantly the cool weather in Lisbon before my morning flight home tomorrow.

Encore a visit to Comida Fresca for my morning fix.

For sure, it’s the best value breakfast at £5.46 for all of the above. 👍

The Marquis of Pombal Square is an important roundabout in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. The monument honours Portuguese, who died fighting in WWI and was inaugurated in 1931.

The monument honours Portuguese, who died fighting in WWI and was inaugurated in 1931.

The Monument to the Restorers is a monument located in Restauradores Square in Lisbon, Portugal. The monument memorializes the victory of the Portuguese Restoration War.