Palácio da Pena | Sintra
Bom dia friends,
I had to do hardly any planning for this trip as I’m fortunate enough to have the most incredible Portuguese friends — so a special s/o to Teresa, Fernando and Simone who all thoughtfully curated a 3 page itinerary filled with insider tips on Lisbon before I set off.
Also, s/o to this book for all the pictures. Also, and always, my favourite person to travel with - Stephanie.
Here’s 5 things I love about Lisbon.
1. Sleep
I used airbnb for my trip but have had friends stay at these hotels which they gushed about (areas in italics) :
Casa C’Alma - Principe Real
Santa Clara 1728 - São Vicente
Baixa House - Baixa
Micasaenlisboa - Graça
Memmo Alfama - Alfama
Palácio Belmonte - Castelo
Palácio Belmonte bedroom.
2 & 3. A bookshop and an aperitivo
Both located in the hipster-chic LX Factory project, the Livraria Ler Devagar Bookstore for browsing and the sunset from the Rio Maravilha rooftop bar were fantastic.
A few others I didn't have time for but will try on my next trip:
A Cevicheria - Biarro Alto
Restaurante Bastardo - Baixa
Antónia Petiscos - Bairro Alto
4. Explore
The Palácio da Pena in Sintra will take you an entire day if you fancy seeing the palace as well as the gardens. I absolutely loved the gardens - look for the small organic farm and also the horses stables.
If you’re looking for another day trip from Lisbon, at least 7 people told me to go here. (I will, I will. Next trip.)
5. Touristy tchotchkes
Here’s a list of a few of my favourite ‘Made In Portugal’ products to bring back home.
This orgasmic little custard tart from Pastéis de Belém. They come in packs of six that I guarantee you will not even make it to the airport.
Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics from Avida Portuguesa.
Portuguese tiles from Cortiço e Netos.
Honestly though, you will want to hire a small van and buy absolutely everything in this shop.
In Lisbon, I think there are a lot of place to visit. Thanks for sharing all these details. It will help me a lot when I travel to Lisbon.
Thanks for the mention, Nicole 😊 Great post (again)!