Alfalma is a neighborhood to the north east of our hotel and is considered the heart of Lisbon.

First stop of the day was a Tik Tok famous breakfast eatery “Breakfast Lovers – Tram 28” in the Alfalma district. There are tram lines running throughout Lisbon and line #28 runs inches away from the table at this eatery. 

We explored the Monastery of São Vincente de Fora which was impressive and we climbed to the roof for a beautiful view of Lisbon. We then wound our way day the narrow hilly streets of Alfama to the main Cathedral of Lisbon and then back up to the Castelo de São Jorge, one of the earliest fortifications that overlooks the entire city. There were peacocks roaming the grounds, and we walked the 13th century castle walls and took in the views.

We learned on last night’s cruise that the castle, perched high on a hill, isn’t visible from the water due to the “bubble trees” surrounding it. Despite being hidden it’s quite substantial in size. Walking the walls I was hot! We didn’t explore the archeological site or spend too much time there due to the heat and at this stage we’ve seen a lot of history.

We’ve done a lot of walking up and down the limestone and basalt cobblestone hills to see the different sites, and take frequent breaks (including one with gelato) and do our best to walk in the shade. 

After touring the sites we caught tram 28 and rode it through the winding Alfalma streets, passing where we had breakfast that morning and went all the way to the end of the line. 

After a short walk back to the hotel, we parted ways:

• Paul went to O Trevo, a nearby snack bar previously visited by chef Anthony Bourdain, to enjoy one of their traditional bifana sandwiches. A bifana is a thin pork cutlet simmered in a garlic and wine sauce and served on a soft warm bun often with mustard and a hot pepper oil.
• Miss M went to photograph an abandoned tram car
• And I stayed in the air conditioned hotel lounge drinking champagne, cucumber infused water, catching up on blog writing and taking care of some last minute logistics for tomorrow’s day trip.

After a quick dip in the plunge pool and the sauna, Paul and I took part in the tea service at the hotel where we learned the history of Convent Hotel while tasting different teas. Probably best we wait until after checkout to tell Miss M about the thousands of bodies excavated on the current grounds of the hotel due to earthquakes, fires and other causes. iHG has done a great job respecting and preserving the space and has a line of hotels that repurposes historical buildings.

Paul and I went to Lumi Rooftop bar for cocktails, duck spring rolls and deep fried string beans since we enjoyed them so much last night. Paul and I met up with Miss M at Cantina do Barrioalto in the Barrio Alto neighborhood for a bite: she had spaghetti with red sauce, Paul had salt cod with baby potatoes and garlic oil, and I had some padrona peppers. The restaurant was packed and very odd: the Macarena and three other songs played on repeat the whole night, and there were old farm tools (a saw and part of a tractor) mounted above the tile walls.

We walked back to the hotel by way of the abandoned tram car and A Brasiliera so I could have a pastel de nada before the end of the night.