Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk

After a late night, late for us, we decided to sleep in and got a fairly late start this morning. Before leaving the hotel, we arranged a tour with a tuk-tuk driver for 1:30 PM. This driver was recommended by a friend who was in Lisbon last month — thank you Sara! With a couple hours before the tour we decided to take a walk in the other direction from our hotel that we went last night. We ended up taking a walk through the Baixa district (baixa means lower), which includes a big street filled with shopping and eating. We had an espresso and our first pastais de nata — probably the most recognizable Portuguese food; it’s a cupcake-sized custard pie. Very tasty. 





Just about everywhere we’ve walked in Lisbon and Porto have unique cobblestone sidewalks. If you ask us what is quintessential Portugal, these sidewalks are high in the list. 



We continued our walk following Rick Steve’s’ walking guide of the Baixa district. We ended at the church of São Domingo and had to try ginjinha, which is a cherry-like liqueur that is traditional in Portugal, especially here in Lisbon. No, it’s not sold at the church, it’s sold from a tiny, walk up, hole in the wall on the same square as the church. 









At 1:30 we caught up with Pedro, our tuk-tuk driver and our personal guide for the next couple of hours. We opted for this more personal tour rather than the sightseeing bus — the tuk-tuks can navigate the narrow portions of the city, of which there are many. Pedro took us to and through every point of interest and neighborhood that may warrant a return and further look. Additionally, he let us out at several stops to have a peek. He also let us grab a quick bite to eat early in the tour. Especially in Lisbon, which in parts seems to be similar to San Francisco but on steroids, the higher price of a personal, motorized tour was a value for us. He dropped us off right near our hotel where we opted to take a siesta. 















After snoozing for a few hours we were awoken by the start of Lisbon’s pride parade. We had no idea it was happening or that it was happening on our street. We had a third floor view of the, maybe 10,000 (we’re guessing), people who peacefully and joyfully marched. Lisbon calls itself the city of tolerance. 🏳️‍🌈



After the festivities we headed out to find dinner. We ended up at a Rick Steves’ recommended spot on one of the plazas. Food was good and the ambiance was great. We absolutely love a late night dinner in the outdoors while people watching. 







Tomorrow we will probably head to the Alfama district. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon. It looked like a fun area on our tour today. 

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