Lisbon is for lovers…
…of rooftop bars, fresh seafood, good vibes & adventure.
Um yes, hi hello, how is it we’re almost halfway through the year already??? I swear May was the busiest month of my life yet, but it was also extremely social and fun because BIRTHDAY MONTH, so I loved every second of it 🤗
As a tradition I’ve made with myself for the last eight years, I always travel abroad the weekend of/after my birthday and this year was no different. I had chosen Lisbon because it seemed like a city escape mixed with relaxation which fit the vibe I wanted. Plus it was ranked high by other travel bloggers for a solo trip and was only a 2hr flight from London! After my visit, I can say I truly think the city has something for everyone.
With this being such a quick weekend getaway, I found myself wanting to do so many things with so little time. I decided to focus mostly on roaming the seven hills of the city. Below is a “mock itinerary” you can use to plan your weekend trip and some other ideas to add to your Lisbon must do list!
Few things to note about Lisbon upon observation:
- Things move MUCH slower than the hustle bustle of London. Expect customer service to be slow and most meals to be at least an hour even if its a quick cafe.
- As of June 2022, you still have to wear a mask on public transport, in cabs/ubers etc
- No need to take a Taxi from the airport! It’s just €6 for a 24hr metro/bus card and takes around 40min to get to city center.
- There are 4 different metro lines but they don’t always tell you when the next one is coming and they certainly don’t come as often as our tubes (also not much overlap)
- Lisbon is helllla hilly, so be prepared to hike! Haha Also my natural hair gals be ready to look like Monica in Bermuda (its the humidityyy)
- Sidewalk tiles were slippery in my sandals so again, bring some walking shoes
- Every cafe was playing Harry Styles new album and I wasn’t mad about it
- The tram is a one & done thing; very slow & crowded
- Glovo is like their uber eats delivery
- The closer to the water, the windier and chillier it gets! Def need a jacket/sweater in the evening
- Need to have cash for places (except for Timeout market which is cash free)
Abrigado- thank you to a male
Abrigada- thank you to a female
My Lisbon itinerary
Day One
2:30 check into airbnb
5pm leave for wine tasting
5:30 food & wine tasting
Park rooftop bar
9pm Dinner at Noobai
Day Two
Coffee tile walk
Augusto Lisboa
Saturday flea market
Shopping: Pull & Bear
Ortea: vegan cafe 5/10
Spent time out by the water vibing and watching sailboats
Java rooftop (CBD drinks and views 🙌🏼)
Dinner at jNcQUOI at 7:15pm
Day Three
Sintra day trip
Pick up at 8am(8-9hrs)
Dinner at Seoul Dessert
Day Four
Pink Street
Square of commerce
Dear Breakfast 2/10 horrible service, got my order wrong multiple times.
Timeout Market
Try a pastel de Nata!!
1:30pm leave for airport
Lisbon must do’s
Rooftop bar/pool (see below suggestions)
Eat a Pastel de Nata
Tile museum (CLOSED MONDAYS)
Beach/pool day
Torre de Belem (CLOSED MONDAYS)
Ride a tuk tuk
Jardim do Torel
Castello de sao Jorge
Eduardo VII Park
Beach club? Irmão opens 12:30 but 40 min drive away
The square of commerce
Sintra day trip
The PINK street (Best time would be 9:30 on weekday)
Number 28 tram
Where to eat
Kaffeine
JNcQUOI 9/10 This is definitely a pricier meal, but well worth it in my opinion! The duck salad was phenomenal. Just note this place is family style so best to go with a group & try lots of yummy food.
Comoba (coffee) 8/10
Heim Cafe
Augusto Lisboa 9/10 waited about 30 min and yummy ham & scrambled egg toasts that came out quick so total time was only an hour
Quase Cafe (Alfama)- HUGE line at 10:30 so must be good
Timeout market: some of the lunch spots were closed until 1230. I got there a little after 11 & it started picking up around 11:30/11:45. Took me over 1.5 hours just to try three places and couldn’t find a seat agin by 12.30pm. Here are some of the good stalls I saw:
Miguel castro w silva
Monte Mar
Ground Burger
Croqueteria - not worth the wait, very bready and chewy
Confraria- tried the sushi taco, 8/10
Mainteigaria- pastel nata was a bit runny
Rooftops
Rooftop bar- Hotel Mundial
Park - popping at sunset, crowded but great views of city
Java (see photo)- liked the vibe more but also came more like 5:30pm before dinner and was chill. River views, expensive drinks though (£13)
The V rooftop bar
Rooftop Bar @ hotel Chiado
Topo Chiado
Seen Lisboa
My weekend trip to Lisbon felt like just a quick glimpse into all the city and country of Portugal has to offer. It especially felt to me like a city that can show you new experiences/places to explore with each visit, and I already want to go back. Next up will be a visit to Porto & Faro!
Sincerely,
Sarah
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