Days 71-74 Lisbon

After our time in Sesimbra we drove back to Lisbon, about a 45min-1 hour drive. We drove to our hotel, the Moxy Oriente Lisboa, checked in, dropped off our luggage and then drove to the airport, dropped off the rental car and took the metro (3 stops, very easy) back to the metro station across the street from the hotel. We stayed three nights in Lisbon, traversing the city to see some new things we had not visited before and on our second last night we attended a Han Zimmer concert (amazing!) at the Altice Arena, a short walk from our hotel.

In 2023 we used google maps and the bus system in Lisbon. We happened to be there on a weekend where they had open access to various interesting buildings which are not normally open to the public or that normally charge a fee but for two days they were free. It was called “Open House Lisbon” on May 13/14, 2023. Some of these were museums, but it also included the Supreme Court of Portugal Building, as an example. So Gale acted as bus system navigator and we did multiple bus trips on different lines, getting on and off and doing transfers that are all covered under the Lisbon Metro system 24 hour pass.

In 2023 some of the sites we visited included:

-Ajuda Palace (palacio nacional da Ajuda) former home of royal family, quite amazing for antique furnishings, decor, etc. Not easy to get to, need a bus to get here or maybe taxi or Uber.

-LX Factory - great facility in unique setting with specialty shops, restaurants, bars, but a bit challenging to get to, need to take a bus (or buses) or taxi or Uber.

-Portugal Supreme Court Building (only accessible on Lisbon Open House day).

-National Tile Museum - or Museu Nacional do Azulejo (I think this surprised us as we both found it very interesting - it does have more than just tiles).

-Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos - wow - may not be available for general tours, only for shows or on open house day; near Barrio Alto and central Lisbon.

-BMad - Berardo Art Deco Museum - specialty, included a wine tasting at the end of guided tour; it is basically a house with unique decor of furnishings, paintings and sculptures; worth a stop, if this interests you, if you go to the LX Factor, since that is nearby. Otherwise a bit far out of way to go just for a visit here.

-Dinheiro (Money) Museum - ok, not standout.

-Casa dos Bicos - Museum and former house of Jose Saramago - nice facade on building, nothing outstanding here, we entered because it was free for short visit.

Here are some pictures of sites in Lisbon and videos from the Hans Zimmer concert from 2023 visit: