We won’t bore you with the details, but after 2 missed connections and 5 airports, we finally made it from NY to Lisbon! We stayed in a cozy little Airbnb in the Chiado neighborhood located in the middle of the historic area of town.
We had no idea how quickly a city could grow on us but Lisbon stole our hearts in a BIG way. Lisbon sits right on the water (the massive Tagus River) and has so many things to do and see outside. With it’s many hills and street cars, it kind of reminds us of an old world San Francisco. Between the perfect weather, delicious food, and great local people, we fell in love. We arrived during one of the biggest weeks of the year. There was a military expo (Forcas Armadas Potuguesas) going on, and the Festival of Santo Antonio where the streets of Lisbon turn into a huge celebration where people sing, dance, drink and grill sardines throughout the streets. We experienced it firsthand and had a blast!
Some of our favorite places to eat & drink include:
- Carmo – affordable and romantic with great wine and tasty, authentic Portuguese food with a twist (bread dipped in the sauce left over from the shrimp dish was addicting).
- Time Out Market – we came here twice and A Cozinha da Felicidade was a winner both times. We got to watch the chefs cook while sitting in the small bar area (pork cheek & tuna were great).
- Manteigaria – serves the best Pastéis de Nata (mouth watering egg tarts) and we enjoyed good coffee and tarts while watching them being made with precision!
- The Old Pharmacy – wine bar converted from a 20th century pharmacy with much of it preserved. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary!
- Cruzes Credo – cute little restaurant nestled down the hill from Castle S. George where we enjoyed a cold Sagres (one of two local beers and our favorite – sorry, Super Bock!) and a great shrimp lunch.
- A Cevicheria – this place serves top-notch seafood while playing old school Hip-hop in a modern atmosphere.
Some of our favorite places we visited include:
- Castle S. Jorge – a beautiful castle on the hilltop overlooking historic Lisbon and the Tagus River. It was interesting to learn why the castle was built and the views of the city were spectacular.
- Oceanarium – the Oceanarium was a perfect place to visit to get out of the sun and learn about marine life. It’s one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe and was very well done.
This city has started our trip off on a VERY high note! Lisbon, we will definitely be back!
Tomorrow we leave for our friends Sergio & Robin’s farm house (thanks, Serge & Robin!) in the town of Milfontes in the Beja region, which is about a two hour drive south. We plan to stop in Sintra on the way to see the Castle of the Moors. Stay tuned for more!
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If you get a chance when you are down south, go to Henry the Navigator school at the very south west most point of Portugal. It where he had a navigation school for explorer wannabees in the 1500;s. You look out at the world to the south and east from this very high cliff. Get over to the Algarve section and see and eat in the Arab section in El Faro (I think). Beautiful area, cold ocean water though, burr. No swimming unless you can take the cold.
Tyler
Hi there you world trekkers!!! Just read your blog-I think we will hire you as our travel agents as we plan for our travels in retirement!! We are headed to a polo match this p.m. at the Greenwich Polo Club-we were invited by fellow Darien Cotillioners. Should be interesting!!!
Love you both-Mom and John
Sounds good, Judy. Hopefully we can do some traveling together when we are back! We love you!
Wait… Portugal has a military?!
Hey Captain – for some reason this was marked as spam, but now you’re approved to post. Yes, though their military definitely put a lot of resources into the expo. Didn’t look like they were battle planning to me.
Yes!!!! I’m so glad you went to the Pharmacy!!! So jealous! Have a blast!! Love the update :)!
Hey Murrry – hope all is well back in DC! Tell everyone I said hello. We loved the Old Pharmacy & Time Out Market! Thanks for the reccos! If you have some for Madrid, holler.
Im glad to see that you both loved Lisbon – I can see you are going to have some great new recipe’s to try when you get home (look forward to sampling some) – Susan and I will be following you guys on your journey with anticipation to reading your next travel entry – You can be our “Anthony Bourdain” – With love and stay safe – DAD
Hey Joe – yes, Jenn is a little disappointed we don’t have a kitchen this week, but we are eating lots of good stuff in Madrid! We will talk to you soon. -J&J
Looks like you’re having a good time!
Yes, we are! Thanks, Jeff!
Sounds great! How’s your Portuguese?
Hey Unc – not too good, but we learned some of the basics. We are speaking and understanding things better in Spain. Hope all is well on your end!