Lisbon
Lisbon truly is a special place…
A melting pot at the center of it all. Offering the best of everything. I can truly consider this place a prime spot for travelers like myself.
Where to stay & work
If you’re planning on working abroad being in the city center is ideal as it requires less energy to commute to where you want to be. I’ve been able to provide a link to the airbnb my husband and I stayed at during our 7 day stay. It was absolutely perfect. Ideally for this lifestyle I search for a place that has these requirements:
High speed internet (Make sure to check listing)
Location, Location! TRUST ME, after a long day of sightseeing you want to minimize commute as much as possible so you can start work feeling rested and ready :)
Look at the pictures and imagine yourself in the space. Is there a space for you to work comfortably in?
Bang for you buck: Do your research-there are plenty of affordable spaces if you book in advance with all the requirements above.
Recommendation: Airbnb Link
What to do
Whether your planning a weekend getaway or a full week here are some of my recommendations.
Tram 28
Ride the Tram28 (Trolley) You can pay cash when you hop on or simply buy a day pass at the metro (More bang for your buck) 3 euros for a one way pass or 6.60 euros for a full day. This is the most cost effective way to get around and see all the sights. Most Uber rides around town will cost about 6-10 euros per trip if you are staying in the city center. The only caveat to this is that it gets packed. If you want to do this, go as early as 8:00-8:30am so you can get a window seat!
Tuk Tuk Tour
If you want to opt for another way to see the city- I cant recommend enough the “3 hour tuktuk guided tour.” This is simply the best way to see the city in my opinion, as you learn about the history and stories of this magnificent city. You can take the traditional Tuk tuk or get this cool vintage one! Plus if your lucky enough your guide will even share some local stuff with you. We booked this tour through Getyourguide.
Get lost in the streets of Alfama
Lisbon’s oldest areas are lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes. Passengers pack the historic no. 28 tram, which winds through Alfama on its way up to 11th-century São Jorge Castle. Start your day EARLY on the tram 28 to Sao Jorge and walk through the streets of Alfama.
Belem Tower & Monastery Jeronimos
16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers. Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and long lines into the monastery.
Day Trip to Sintra
Visit the romantic Pena Palace in Sintra,visit Quinta de regal aria Experience the Roca Cape Cliffs, the westernmost point of continental Europe, Take a walk along the bay in the glamorous town of Cascais. (My ideal spot to live if I ever move there) The nicest way to experience this is to book a driver - GetYourGuide has some great options.
Feira De Ladra
A Feira da Ladra, which translates to “Thieves’ Market” in English, is a famous flea market located in Lisbon, Portugal. It has a long history dating back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest flea markets in Europe. The market is known for its eclectic mix of goods, including antiques, vintage items, clothing, books, art, and more. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for unique and secondhand items.
Feira da Ladra is typically held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Alfama district of Lisbon. Visitors can explore the market’s stalls, interact with vendors, and often find hidden treasures or interesting souvenirs. It’s not only a place for shopping but also a cultural experience that reflects the vibrant and diverse character of Lisbon.
Pink Street/ Barrio Alto & Santa Justa Lift
Pink street hosts a variety of bars for drinks its cool to see in my opinion- however I’d much prefer Barrio Alto for a night out. Walking through the cobbled stoned streets filled with crowds, granny’s hanging out the window, local restaurants and Fado music is a much better experience. My number one rule when I travel is do what the locals do!
Where to Eat
Pastel da Nata
Pastel de nata, also known as Portuguese custard tart, is a delicious and iconic pastry from Portugal. These tarts consist of a flaky, buttery pastry crust that encases a creamy, sweet custard filling. They are often garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Portugal or a Portuguese bakery, trying a freshly baked pastel de nata is a must for a delightful culinary experience. Pasteis de Belem is the best one!
28 Restaurant
Delicious Brunch place only steps away from the Sao De Jorge Castle.Great spot to visit after a morning exploring the castle and then heading to Alfama area.
Brunch/Cafe
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Head to the castle in the morning and walk down the hill and grab an awesome breakfast walking to Alfama
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Theres a lot of these all around Lisbon, however these are the best. There is no comparison! Sprinkle powder sugar and cinnamon on top just trust me!
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This place is all over the internet, but it lives up to the hype - Bagels and coffee are yummy!
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Cute place
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Good spot to work remote
Dinner
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Very instagrammable, the food and drinks are really good too!
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This is one of my top places here in Lisbon. Rooftop. Bar with amazing cocktails!