Expat Travel Mom

Our second trip without kids, this time with some of our Spain BFFs along for it, a quick, whirlwind couple of days in Lisbon that somehow packed in more than trips twice as long. Portugal had been calling, and Lisbon did not disappoint.

Day One: Tiles, Architecture, Sardines, and a Kissing Street

Massive photo dump, but wow. Photos don't do the tiles, colors, or food justice. Can't get enough of the amazing tile work in Lisbon, stunning buildings everywhere you turn, and they all look so happy. Absolutely loving the time to check each one out and appreciate the rebuilding and love brought into the city after the earthquake. The architecture and overall beauty of the details in this city are just stunning, you can simply walk by it all without really looking and appreciating how much went into the restoration here. Every nook and cranny seems to have a story to tell.

Of course we couldn't miss the pastéis de nata, Manteigaria knocks them out of the park. Any time of day is the right time for these beautiful bites, warm and creamy, just perfect, enjoyed with the traditional cherry liqueur, ginjinha.

We found the narrowest street in Lisbon too, also known as "kissing street." So tiny, so cute and another hidden gem you find by walking around. Somewhere around here. 

We were told Compadre was a must for grilled sardines by our Airbnb host. He was right! We made it for the last week of fresh grilled sardines, and this place does it right! Loved Carme, our waitress, too! This is off the beaten path but worth it! Without chatting to our host about some of the best local eateries, we never would have found this place. Absolutely worth coming here if you're in search of grilled sardines made to perfection, but watch out, grilled sardine season is short, so plan ahead! This gem of a place, out of the tourist areas, was so very worth it.

Food Tour, Street Art, and Family-Run Kitchens

More street art than you can imagine here, and it's all just beautiful. 

We love food, as do our friends. The more food, the better. So, we booked an Airbnb experience with Ruthy, and she was fantastic! You meet on top of the hill, giving you a breathtaking view before you begin the tour. Be prepared for eating and walking! We ate at real family run restaurants, again, ones we never would have stumbled across on our own. Everyone was so willing to talk and linger longer, but we had a schedule...and food we couldn't miss! Bacalhau, tomato rice, cheeses from the region, chorizo, olive oil, and more. 

Day Two: Birthday Brunch, a Castle, Street Markets, and Closing Down an Outdoor Disco

Let's just say we couldn't have done this quick trip any better. Started the day off with a birthday brunch at Zenith for our friend, phenomenal, at a fabulous spot with the best comfort food, gorgeous plating, and drinks that were an absolute must.

From there, we figured what's better than walking off brunch and heading to a castle with peacocks? Buy your tickets online and you'll walk right in, stunning 360 views from the top, massive grounds, peacocks wandering around, just a lovely area to be. (And yes, you can get more ginjinha while you're up there!)

Then we passed by some churches on our way back down, heading to the amazing flea market the locals call the "thieves market". Watch for pick-pocketing. It's massive, we even found some USA milk glass there, so I added to my collection. Check the timings before you go!

We took tram 28 to the other side of town where it all went down. 

Had the famous Landeau chocolate cake, ate at the gorgeous but crazy busy market, walked an obscene amount of hills, cried at a peaceful protest, and then the party started. 

Takeaway drinks, pizza, fries, and an outdoor disco, we closed it down. I haven't danced that much since I don't know when. Met amazing people with beautiful stories while on the dance floor. My wish is that everyone finds a late night, pop up disco in Lisbon, and tries this at least once!

We couldn't have planned a better quick trip if we'd tried. Lisbon, tiles and tram 28 and all, you were an absolute blast.