One of the Best Breakfast
Our fifth day in Portugal was nothing short of magical as we immersed ourselves in the rich history, architecture, and beauty of Lisbon. From exploring ancient ruins to sailing beneath one of the city’s most iconic bridges, it was a day filled with adventure, laughter, and a few unexpected twists. Before we started our day of exploration, we grabbed breakfast just a few doors down from our hotel at Copenhaggen Cafe. I had the avocado toast and Scott had an egg sandwich. The coffee was absolutely amazing!
A Morning of History at Hotel Áurea’s Archaeological Museum
Scott and I began our day right where we were staying — the beautiful Hotel Áurea. What makes this hotel so special is that it was built directly over archaeological remains from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, one of the most devastating in European history.
The hotel’s on-site archaeological museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, displaying excavated artifacts and remnants from the original structures unearthed during construction. The construction of the Hotel Aurea in Lisbon, which includes the Aurea Museum, took a total of 12 years from the initial archaeological excavations to the completion of the hotel and museum project. The archaeological work itself, which began earlier, was followed by a full excavation in 2004, and the final project to convert the building into a hotel began in 2014.
The hotel was able to preserve numerous artifacts from the dig site, which was amazing in itself.
Where the hotel and museum are located is across the street from the Tagus River front. Here you can see the seawall they built back in the 1700’s.
Throughout the hotel they kept parts of the archeological finds, including the sea wall in the restaurant and the top of a home in the lobby.
Exploring St. George’s Castle
Next, we made our way to St. George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River below — it’s one of those must-see stops that really makes you appreciate the city’s beauty. We had not purchased our tickets in advance and when we arrived, there was a fairly long line. However, the line was very quick and we entered the castle within 15 minutes of arriving. Once inside the grounds, the views of Lisbon and the Tagus River were amazing!
For me, this visit was extra special. When I was a kid, I appeared in a TV show called The Lisbon Beat, which filmed a scene right at this castle! Scott and I spent a couple of hours wandering the grounds, retracing my steps and trying to find the exact spot where that scene was shot.
That’s me, the little girl in white on the left! We think we found it — and I have to admit, standing there again decades later was pretty surreal.
Climbing the Heights of St. Vincent’s Monastery
Our next stop was the Monastery of St. Vincent de Fora, one of Lisbon’s most beautiful and historically significant landmarks. Its intricate azulejo tilework and quiet cloisters were absolutely breathtaking. Scott, always up for a climb, took the stairs all the way to the top for panoramic views over the city — and it was worth every step.
These photos do not do justice – this was absolutely beautiful inside!
As we were leaving, though, I managed to add a little drama to the day. The marble stairs were slippery, and I completely lost my footing — landing squarely on my butt. For a moment, we were both terrified I might have broken my wrist or arm, but thankfully it was just a very dark bruise and a sore reminder of how smooth marble can be!
Quick Traditional Lunch
After my fall, we decided to grab a quick bite for lunch in one of the restaurants in the square. I made the mistake of checking the reviews after we sat down and I was a little freaked out after reading most people didn’t like it. Scott ordered a traditional francesinha sandwich. Originating in the city of Porto, this extravagant, multi-layered sandwich is famous for its spicy, beer-and-tomato sauce. I ordered a pork sandwich, but barely ate it as the pork looked weird. LOL
A Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River
After a busy day of sightseeing, we cooled off with a sunset cruise on the Tagus River aboard a brand-new Lagoon 42 Sailing Catamaran. We booked the experience through Viator, and the crew kept in touch with us via WhatsApp to coordinate everything.
It was 101°F that afternoon, so being out on the water was pure bliss. Scott and I met our crew at the main marina by looking for the “Rent a Boat” van — the check-in point for our adventure. We had to wait about 40 minutes to board, so everyone headed to a little cafe’ across from the van to enjoy a cold beverage.
Once aboard, the captain and mate greeted us warmly and made sure everyone was comfortable. They served individual cracker baskets, kept the wine flowing, and shared stories about the city as we sailed.
Our route took us up and across the river, passing beneath the impressive Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge — Lisbon’s version of the Golden Gate — and by the towering Sanctuary of Christ the King statue. Watching the city’s skyline glow under the golden sunset was a moment we’ll never forget.
Dinner in the Heart of Lisbon
Scott and I ended the evening with a traditional Portuguese dinner at Oh Sardinha, a cozy restaurant tucked away in one of the narrow alleyways near our hotel. The food, atmosphere, and hospitality made for a perfect end to an unforgettable day. I ordered a fish dish called Robalo Grelhado and Scott had a seafood Paella that was amazing.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon truly enchanted us — with its ancient walls, stunning viewpoints, and vibrant energy. Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic, or an adventurer, this city offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, make sure to spend at least a few days exploring Lisbon’s treasures.
Tune in next week as we leave the capital behind and head north via high-speed train to Porto, Portugal’s famous wine region, for the next chapter of our Boating Journey adventure!
As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney. Cheers, Scott and Ally