Lisbon Portugal 2020 The first day on our LISBON CITY BREAK (FOOD, TRANSPORT and EXPLORING)

Lisbon public transport
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Lisbon, or Lisboa in Portuguese, is the capital of Portugal, and one of the oldest cities in the world, dated back to 1200 BC. Its Mediterranean climate makes it a popular destination, so when visiting Portugal and, more specifically, the capital, you can expect great food, warm temperatures and nice people ready to help you with anything you need!
History
Lisbon’s history revolves around its geographical position at the mouth of the river Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, and its origins can be traced to the pre-Roman eras, more specifically, the Phoenician times. Lisbon served as a place of departure for the ships that sailed to explore new lands, which took place during the sixteenth century, and it was also a focal point of commerce between Asia and Africa for a long period of time.
One event that completely changed the course of Portuguese history was the 1755 earthquake that occurred on All Saints Day, a devastating catastrophe that destroyed two thirds of the city. Lisbon eventually recovered, although there was a great loss of lives and culture alike. Another big event that marked Portuguese history was the revolution of 1974, which was launched in Lisbon and saw the restoration of a democratic state once more.
Culture
Portuguese culture is vast. From beautiful monuments to the ancient art of tiles and pavements and a large background in literature, Lisbon is a complex city rich in culture, breathtaking landscapes and history. It also has old historical villages that have become a staple of Portuguese culture, like the Aldeia Velha de Monsanto, which was built in such a way that it’s fused with the granite mountain around it - and it has one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, a huge rock sitting on top of a house.
Food is a strong part of Portugal’s cultural background. Although some dishes are common and can be found anywhere in the country, each region has its own typical dishes, which vary from main courses to desserts and wines. Some of the most popular include Port Wine and the famous Francesinha, a specialty sandwich served with fries and beer sauce that you can eat in Porto. (www.pousadasof...)
Rossio Square
Take a walk round historic Rossio Square. It’s a good spot for people-watching over a coffee in one of the cafes, not to mention there are plenty of bars and restaurants around to there's a vibrant atmosphere.
Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)
Lisbon's most important square: the Praça do Comércio was for decades Lisbon's main entrepôt, and crucial for its maritime trade.
Praça do Comércio, Commerce Square in English, is Lisbon’s main square. It was built on the site where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.
The southern end of the plaza is open and looks out onto the Tagus River. The other three sides have yellow-coloured buildings with arcades all along the façade. When the square was first built, the commercial ships would unload their goods directly onto this square, as it was considered the “door” to Lisbon.
(www.lisbon.net...)
Timeout Market
Lisbon’s Mercado da Ribeira has been a landmark since the 1890s when the market’s doors first opened in Cais do Sodré, but it was never as trendy as it has become today. It is now home to the Time Out Market, a food court run by its namesake, Time Out Lisboa Magazine. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, a cool spot to hang out, or are with a group of indecisive hungry travelers, heading to the Time Out Market is a great plan.
Walk through the main doors and you will see a large food court lined in stalls selling a variety of Portuguese food, sweets, and drinks. At one far end, these stalls sell budget-friendly samples from a few of the country’s Michelin star chefs, each hailing from a different region of Portugal.
The Mercado da Ribeira also sells flowers and a number of souvenirs.
The big reason the venue stays busy, however, is the Time Out Market. The communal seating arrangement makes it easy for groups to stay together but during peak hours space becomes a bit snug.(theculturetrip...)
Pasteis de Nata at Manteigaria
Manteigaria is best described as an egg tart bar. It's located just steps from the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood. The Art Nouveau building, once a butter shop, has only a counter and a kitchen. From eight in the morning until midnight, a mix of tourists and locals eat their egg tarts at the counter, while on the other side of the plexiglass, bakers roll, shape, and fill new tarts. Every time a new batch comes out of the oven, a bell rings.
(www.eater.com/...)