EXPERIENCE THE BLOOMING SPRING IN LISBON! -Kookospalmun alla

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Lisbon in spring is something magical. This charming city comes alive with blooming flowers and sunshine, and we decided to return to this old hometown of mine together, again. Last time we experienced autumn together, now it was spring’s turn. This time the trip was also special because my mother was there. I got to act as her guide in Lisbon, which is one of my favorite destinations and where I spent the absolute best moments of my life while living there. My mother never got to visit me when I lived in Lisbon, because just as she started planning the trip, I suddenly moved to Cape Verde, Africa. Whoops.

WHY CHOOSE SPRING IN LISBON?

When spring arrives in Lisbon, the whole city is covered in a wonderful shade of purple as the jacaranda trees burst into flower. These large, breathtaking trees decorate the streets and parks, and the brilliance of color they bring complements the city’s already beautiful architecture. We walked a lot around the city, and at every turn there seemed to be a new corner with even more enchanting jacarandas.

This year spring was sunny and warm – perfect weather to enjoy the city. We toured the old town of Alfama, as well as the streets and shops of the city center. I showed off my favorite places, and I couldn’t help but take my mother to admire the narrow alleys of Bairro Alto during the day. Of course, we stopped to soak up the sun at Praça do Comércio, which has a great view across the square to the Tagus River. Following the pulse of the bustling city, the sun on your face and visiting familiar favorite places made these moments perfect.

TRY ACCOMMODATION WITH HOME EXCHANGE

We stayed for the second time in the Campo de Ourique area through Home Exchange in a wonderful apartment. The area was just right for our travel style – quiet, but still a short distance from the heart of Lisbon. We already fell in love with this area on our last trip and immediately jumped at the opportunity when we found the perfect accommodation for the three of us here. The apartment was a two-story, beautifully decorated, spacious penthouse. Everything worked flawlessly, and even the lack of an elevator in the old building didn’t bother me too much, because I was already used to stepping on similar stairs every day when I lived in the city. Accommodations and hotels in Lisbon are currently so sky-high in terms of price that Home Exchange was (also this time) a perfect salvation for our travel budget.

Home Exchange is a great way to travel for free and experience local life deeper than just from the surface, because you get to stay in a real local home. If you are interested, find out more and join the happy group of us home exchangers from this link.

SPRING IN LISBON – BEST TIPS!

Spring in Lisbon is full of beauty and wonderful experiences. Here are my Top 5 Best Tips to Lisbon in spring:

Admire the city’s jacarandas! Look for jacarandas in the city’s parks and streets and enjoy the beauty of these magnificent purple trees. One of the best places is Avenida da Liberdade.
Breakfast at Campo de Ourique. If you are staying here or just exploring the area, visit the local markets or cafes to enjoy fresh delicacies for breakfast. The area is full of authentic local life and is rapidly growing as a residential area. I recommend trying the sweet Amélia Café!
Enjoy the sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina. This viewpoint offers a wonderful view of the river and the city, and at sunset the landscape is especially beautiful. After that, you can stay in Bairro Alto and enjoy the atmosphere of the early evening, for example with a tasty cocktail.
Tram 28 ride in Alfama. Tram 28 is a classic way to see the city. Wander the narrow alleys of the old districts and let the tram take you back in time. Tram 28 travels through Lisbon from the Estrela area to the old town of Alfama and is the city’s most popular tram route.
Enjoy the river views at Praca do Comerció. This square offers iconic views and is one of the city’s most famous attractions. You can also catch an atmospheric river cruise!
Evening and dinner in Bairro Alto. This lively area comes truly alive in the evening. Jump into the vibe and enjoy a dinner in a cozy restaurant with good music playing in the background.

ALWAYS MY HOMETOWN

Lisbon is always a big part of me and more my hometown than my actual hometown in Finland. Life has taken me elsewhere, at least for now, but maybe someday I’ll come back for a longer time again.

This trip would not have been complete without the fun times with our friends. I’ve been living in different parts of the world as a hermit for a long time now and I’m used to communicating with my best friend from a distance, but it’s not the same as spending time together face to face. I have missed our moments together a lot, and I could never have imagined when I moved to Lisbon that I would meet the most important friend of my life here. If there’s one thing I miss the most, it’s her and our crazy trips and excursions around Portugal!

Spring in Lisbon is a real experience for all the senses. This trip was full of beautiful moments, sunshine and love – and I hope you get to experience it too someday. Lisbon is a place that enchants, and spring is the best time to enjoy its blooming beauty!