I absolutely adored Lisbon, Portugal. Every single thing about it. I didn’t know much about it before I visited, so I wasn’t expecting much, but it completely stole my heart. And, now with Corinthia Hotel’s annual sale, it’s the time to book that flight. I have hundreds of things I loved, but here were my top 7.

 7 Things To Love About Lisbon

1.  Azulejos

The azulejos, or colored tiles, decorated almost every building in Lisbon. The Portuguese first brought this tradition over from Brazil where they were used to keep out humidity. My favorite thing to do in Lisbon was to walk around and view the breathtaking tile work.

2.  Sunsets

The sunsets in Lisbon cast a magical orange glow over the entire city. As each day ended, I felt waves of gratitude wash over me that I was able to experience such a breathtaking city.

3.  Pastel de natas

This famous egg tart pastry was first created by Catholic monks in the parish of Belem in Lisbon.  They are best served warm and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

4.  Lisbon Streetcars

The yellow tram cars were a fun way to tour the city. Just like San Francisco, Lisbon is built on seven hills, so taking the streetcar is a great way to see it without exhausting yourself.

5. White Port

My favorite spot to sip port was at the Solar do Vinho do Porto, the Port Association. They had a good choice of port by the glass, and I adored the luxurious and peaceful atmosphere. I also found a few places in town that made white port sangria which was divine.

6.  The Bairro Alt0

The Bairro Alto with its cobblestone lanes and bohemian shops was a great place for exploring. It’s also full of good restaurants with outdoor seating and a vibrant nightlife scene.

7.  The Basilica da Estrela Church

Everything about the Basilica da Estrela church was stunning. The light inside the cathedral is what captivated me the most. This masterpiece of a church is a great place to escape to for tranquility and contemplation.