Lisbon + Porto, Portugal
Belem Tower
Portugal is the perfect destination if you're looking for a fun and affordable girls' weekend getaway from England in the winter. Portugal has something to offer everyone: street parties, sunny beaches, delicious cheap eats, fresh seafood, and UNESCO heritage sites. Here's the detailed Fi-Tinerary of what we did during our long weekend to Lisbon and Porto.
Thursday
Evening
We arrived in Lisbon Thursday night after a short flight from London. We opted for public transportation (which you need Euros for) but recommended taking an Uber from the airport to your accommodation because they are relatively cheap. We stayed at the Rodamón hostel, which is modern, newly renovated, and beautifully decorated. We opted for an all-girls, 4-person room, a little more expensive than the co-ed rooms, but we felt safer. If you're looking for privacy, the hostel also offers private rooms. After dropping off our bags, we headed to the famous Time Out Market for dinner and watched a soccer game. Two big TVs are in the center of the market, making it a perfect place for any big sports event. We ordered a few bites from different food stalls and ended the meal with a pastel de nata, a traditional and delicious Portuguese custard tart. We then went out for drinks on Pink Street, one of Lisbon's most popular nightlife avenues. We started at Bacchanal for a fancy cocktail, then walked around the neighborhood of Cais do Sodré.
Friday
Morning
We started our day with breakfast at Nicolau Cafe, a short walk from our hostel. The cafe is known for its Instagram-worthy presentation of detox juices, eggs benedict, and French toast. After breakfast, we visited the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition. The tower is an incredible example of the Manueline style of architecture and offers beautiful views of the Tagus River. Although it's not within walking distance from the city center, it's a must-see attraction paired with my lunch recommendation. On the other side of the highway is the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery is known for its beautiful cloisters and intricate stone carvings.
Afternoon
After visiting the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, we were hungry and decided to try Descobre for lunch. We stumbled upon this place, which was amazing, and I would 100% return! The restaurant is within walking distance from these two monuments and offers a delicious selection of seafood dishes. We had Kataifi shrimp, ceviche with herbs and pomegranate, and sea bass with fresh dill. We then headed to Sintra, a whole town protected as a heritage site. We took an Uber because it was cheap and efficient. We got dropped off in Sintra at the Palace of Sintra, where you can pay to go inside or just stroll around the plaza for free. We trekked through the Parque das Merendas until we got tired and reached the road where tuk-tuks were waiting to pick us up. We paid 6 Euros to take one to the top of the winding road. The pinnacle of the mountain is Pena Palace, one of Europe's most beautiful and colorful palaces. *Don’t forget to carry cash if you want to ride a tuk-tuk. *
Evening
We took an Uber back to our hostel and had dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. After dinner, we walked around the Baixa neighborhood and saw The Santa Justa Lift, an elevator that connects two streets in Lisbon's historic center. We enjoyed live street music, grabbed pastel de natas for dessert, and called it a night.
Saturday
Morning
We took a 3.5-hour train to Porto, a beautiful city about 200 miles north of Lisbon. If you take an early train and nap the whole time, you won't miss any good scenery. Finally, we arrived and took an Uber into the city center to grab a bite on the water before our tour.
Afternoon
Our activity of the day in Porto was a wine tour that we scheduled through Viator. We got to sample wine from around Porto, walk both sides of the river, and see the Luiz I Bridge, a UNESCO site. We tasted different types of Port wine, green wine, and local delicacies like croquettes. The tour also included a flight of wine with a charcuterie board to commence the walk. Though we could’ve planned a similar walking tour of Porto and still added stops for food and drinks, we decided to splurge for this experience. It enabled us to skip the lines at wineries, be educated on the move, have glasses already poured, and create a sense of security for two female travelers in a new city.
Evening
We bought a bottle of wine and snacks and took the 3-hour train ride back to Lisbon. We cleaned up and headed out for the night. We got to try Ginga wine in chocolate cups, which was quite a tasty experience. With its bold and fruity flavor, the wine paired perfectly with the rich and creamy chocolate, creating a unique and indulgent taste sensation. Then headed to Titanic Sur Mer, near the city's Cais do Sodré railway station, which was a fun night out on the waterfront filled with 20-something year olds.
Sunday
Morning/ Afternoon
For our last day in Lisbon, we returned to Nicolau Cafe for breakfast, where we tried their fancy juices, hamburger with a red bun, and breakfast sandwiches. We then walked the main square, Praça do Comércio and got souvenirs of sardines, soap, tiles, and chocolate. It was built on the site where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. It was Lisbon's main entrepôt for decades and was crucial for maritime trade.
Evening
We had dinner at Timeout Market again and chose a diverse food option ranging from seafood and meat to vegetarian dishes. We had sea bass, tuna carpaccio, and veal tartare. We then walked Pink Street, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the city's vibrant nightlife.
Overall, our trip to Portugal was an unforgettable experience. We explored the country's rich history and culture while enjoying delicious food and drinks. In addition, the affordability of Portugal makes it an excellent destination for anyone looking for a fun and affordable vacation.
Other tourist attractions to consider for a trip to Lisbon include:
The Castelo de São Jorge is a medieval castle with panoramic city views. The castle was built in the 11th century and had a rich history. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, walls, and gardens and learn about Lisbon's past through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
The Alfama neighborhood: one of Lisbon's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. The area is known for its narrow streets, traditional Fado music, and stunning city views. Visitors can wander through the neighborhood's winding streets, admire the colorful houses and tiles, and stop at one of the many Fado bars for a drink and live music.
The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is a museum dedicated to the history and art of Portuguese tiles. The museum is housed in a 16th-century convent and features various tiles from various periods and styles. Visitors can learn about the history of tile-making in Portugal, admire the intricate designs and patterns, and even try to make a tile.
The Oceanário de Lisboa: one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The aquarium is home to over 8,000 marine creatures worldwide, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by a huge tank filled with colorful fish, watch feeding sessions, and learn about marine conservation efforts.
The Bairro Alto neighborhood: is a historic district with many bars and restaurants. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs open until early morning. Visitors can enjoy a drink at one of the many rooftop bars, listen to music at a jazz club, or try traditional Portuguese dishes at a local restaurant.
