The nearly a week we spent in Lisbon this past fall felt a bit like a loose collection of activities and sightseeing that was stitching together an amazing collection of meals and food adventures. While the food ended up being the star of the show, there was plenty else that deserved top billing.

Situated as it is, there are million dollar views from many of the hilltops over the city. Most of the vantage points are gathering spots complete with an outdoor bar and seating, and usually some live music and entertainment. One of my favourites was the Miradouro da Graça and it’s view, seen here on a mid-week morning.

A bit later on in our visit to Lisbon, we ventured up to the São Jorge Castle. Before entering, we enjoyed the views out over the Tagus River with the Ponte 25 de Abril off in the distance.

While the walk up here was an adventure in physical exertion (never trust a map in Lisbon unless it shows the change in vertical elevation) it was well worth it for the views back over the city.

And as you can see, we were all smiles with our perch over Lisbon on this late afternoon.

One other afternoon, we took a river cruise on what was a perfect fall day (we’ve had great luck with our travel weather lately). We sailed past a number of famous sights including the Cristo Rei statue, modelled after Christ the Redeemer in Rio.

A bit further on, we got to see some of the sights from our day trip to Belem. Belem Tower is even more dramatic from the point of view of the river.

We also got a prime view of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the imposing monument to Portuguese explorers right on the river’s edge.

And finally, as the cruise returned to the dock back in central Lisbon, there was this perspective on the busy central square, the Terreiro do Paço.

If Lisbon is beautiful from the water, it is downright stunning while wandering its streets.

No trip to Lisbon is complete without some exploring of the back streets and alleys, all of them picturesque. In fact, when I was in need of some relaxation, I’d often just set out to wander around the streets in no particular direction.

And on most of those walks, I’d end up on a patio, sipping a beer, and watching the world go by. One of my favourite things to do on vacation, and one of my favourite ways to take a respite from all the hill-climbing in Lisbon.