Portugal Is Calling: Let's Go to Lisbon
For years, Travis has been talking about exploring Portugal. Well, if I'm truthful, he's been talking about moving to Portugal. It's the only non-Virgo trait about him that always leaves me scratching my head. No, he's never been. Yes, he dreams of plopping down in an affordable European country for the rest of his life. And despite me being a Pisces — very dreamy, emotional and impulsive — I prefer the logical approach to going abroad. So I worked on setting up a two-week stint in Portugal to pop his Euro cherry while also living behind the camera to capture me being my best, most extra self.
But I also do it for YOU! I love reading other bloggers' thoughts on where to eat, play and stay in places around the world, and I hope my input gives you another piece of the puzzle when planning your trip to Portugal.
Because I loved Portugal so much, it's only fair each city/region gets its own blog post, and this one is dedicated to Lisbon!
Why Is *Everyone* Going to Lisbon?
A sardine of a country with just over 10 million people, Portugal has flown under the radar in comparison to other European countries as a global travel destination. But there's been a noticeable uptick in buzz.
My Instagram searches have taken me down a lot of rabbit holes to far off destinations. Eventually I found the same scene popping up — plump hills laden with a contrast of colorful buildings. The thematic scene of earthy ochre, eggshell blue and rosy pink stacked tightly together, encasing tiny, winding alleys with mustard yellow trams squeezing through made me froth at the mouth.
When Lisbon kept popping up, I knew it was time to jet set.
The First Day Is Always the Most Exciting ... and Exhausting
Everyone is so ridiculously nice in Lisbon. From the moment we touched down at the airport, I felt like I was surrounded by a bunch of Canadians. Which is funny, actually, because when Travis and I were exploring Montreal, we found a love for the Portuguese population in the city and stalked their watering holes and restaurants religiously.
Lex Erickson
Exploring life's many facets one glass of wine, pair of heels, and yoga class at a time.
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Our first night in the city, we checked into Iberostar — a five-star that's minimal in design and offers luxury amenities. It's hard to get your bearings when you arrive in the evening, and so after freshening up our "plane bodies," we sauntered out for a long and lazy dinner with no major plans. We stumbled into a place in the bustling Principe Real, where we first fell in love with the Portuguese wine. **Restaurant**
It was a joyous foodie heaven that dinner. We danced in our seats, peeling back chunks of a whole sea bass like string cheese, slurping on it and spitting the tiny bones out jovially. We shared a cilantro lime risotto and fat, salty prawns. We didn't recognize any of the wines of the menu, and yet they let us try quite a few before we settled on something we cannot even remember, save for the fact that a 15 euro bottle of wine tasted like a $100 bottle in the states.
We topped off the night by sidling up to a small bar with loud music just two doors down from dinner. I had a glass of Tawny Port and let my eyes wander around the room, taking it all in while being engulfed in everyone's cigarette smoke — which felt more appropriate and acceptable, even pleasant, despite not being a smoker.
Go Here If You Like San Francisco
Reminiscent of San Francisco, Lisbon is also built on exactly seven hills, comes with colorful cable cars and, perhaps most obviously, boasts a huge golden suspension bridge built by the same construction company. The city is covered in striking tile facades of bright blues, bold yellows, crisp whites, and pastel pinks. You'll want to walk and walk and walk until even your most comfortable shoes aren't so comfortable anymore, and your camera is filled with pictures of historical structures, statues, and colorful walls.
The beauty is so overwhelming that you'd be smart to set up a walking tour with a native. Discover Walks is one option that brings you through steep winding alleys to the best lookout points of the city, up close and personal with hidden landmark churches, and to the best shops and café terraces. (Related: The Best Solo Travel Destinations for Women)
Check Out LX Factory
In search of the best view of the bridge? You'll find Rio Maravilha is hard to beat. Located within the hip hangout known as the LX Factory, the rooftop reveals sultry views of the bridge at sunset, where people gather with cocktails in hand for pictures. You can also head just below to the restaurant to enjoy the sinking sun over tapas and wine.
Hop on the Tram
Tram 28 seems to be the popular choice of transportation throughout the city. A stop on this route brings you to the Alfama District, where tiled chapels, grandiose cathedrals, and remnants of old city walls bring you back centuries. The nearby neighborhood of Graça is just as charming with its medieval streets and quaint local markets.
Eat Your Damn Heart Out
Café de São Bento thrives on the throwback atmosphere—locals tucked into intimate corners, eating a classic Portuguese steak past midnight. Meanwhile, Belcanto is a reminder that Portuguese passion for food welcomes innovation. The team behind José Avillez concept is already working toward their third Michelin star. Carve out your day for a place like this, which offers a tasting menu that will have you holed up in absolute delight for hours. Equally as cosmopolitan is RIB Beef & Wine, boasting bustling street views of the Praça do Comércio. The square was formerly known as the Royal Ribeira Palace until it was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
Some content originally published on Shape.com, and republished here with permission.