Traveling to Lisbon: 5 Days of Culture, Cuisine, and Charm in the Portuguese Capital

I’m back with tales from one of our latest adventures - Traveling to Lisbon. This time, Josh and I found ourselves utterly captivated by the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal. For years, I've heard whispers of its charm, its colorful streets, and its delectable cuisine. Finally, we decided to answer Lisbon's call, and what an answer it was! Over five glorious days, we immersed ourselves in the city's unique blend of old-world elegance and modern energy. Let me take you along on our journey, sharing the highlights and hidden gems we discovered along the way.

Traveling to Lisbon and Settling In

We chose the Iberostar Selection Lisboa as our home base, a fantastic hotel perfectly positioned for exploring the city. It offered easy access to public transportation, yet it was tucked away from the most crowded tourist areas, giving us a taste of local life. After settling in, we were eager to dive right into the heart of Lisbon.

A Culinary Adventure Begins: Time Out Market and Beyond

Our first stop was the iconic Time Out Market, a bustling food hall showcasing the best of Portuguese cuisine. Imagine a vibrant space filled with stalls offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional pastries. We sampled a few local favorites, setting the stage for the culinary adventure that lay ahead.

One of the absolute highlights of our food experiences was Eating Europe's "Best of Lisbon Tuk Tuk Food Tour." This wasn't just a tour; it was a deep dive into the soul of Portuguese gastronomy. We zipped through the narrow, winding streets in a tuk-tuk, stopping at hidden gems and local favorites. We explored ancient ruins, sampled the savory Bifana (a pork sandwich), a variety of local cheeses, crispy fried green beans, and refreshing octopus salad. The Bacalhau a Bras (salt cod with eggs and potatoes) was a revelation! And, of course, the pastel de nata. Forget the long lines at the famous Belem location; Manteigaria offered the best pastel de nata we’ve ever tasted – flaky, creamy, and utterly divine.

Exploring the Heart of Lisbon: Pink Street and Praca de Rossio

Lisbon is a city of contrasts, where historic landmarks stand alongside modern attractions. A stroll along the vibrant Pink Street, with its iconic pink pavement and lively atmosphere, was a must. We also spent time in Praca de Rossio, a bustling square with stunning architecture and a vibrant energy. It's the perfect place to people-watch and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Waterfront Wonders and Sunset Serenity

No trip to Lisbon is complete without experiencing its stunning waterfront. We took a leisurely walk along the Tagus River, enjoying the views of the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge and the Belém Tower in the distance. To truly appreciate Lisbon's beauty from a different perspective, we embarked on a sunset cruise on a traditional Lisbon boat. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city, we sipped local wine and marveled at the breathtaking views. It was a magical experience.

Off the Beaten Path: Arrábida and Nazaré

Eager to explore beyond the city limits, we took a boat tour through the stunning coves of Arrábida. The crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches were simply breathtaking. We also took a private day trip to Nazaré and Óbidos, two must-see destinations.

Nazaré, famous for its giant waves, had been on our radar since watching "100 Foot Wave" on HBO. Seeing the stunning cliffs and imagining the colossal waves that crash against them was awe-inspiring. We were lucky enough to visit the old town of Óbidos before the crowds arrived, which made the experience even more special. The medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and charming shops transported us back in time.

A Feast for the Senses: Food and Wine Tours

Our culinary exploration continued with the Lisbon Food & Wine Tour by Oh My Cod! Tours. This tour was a true feast for the senses, showcasing the incredible diversity of Portuguese cuisine. We sampled Codfish à Minhota style, the crisp and refreshing Vinho Verde (sparkling green wine), and the delectable ham from Bísaro pork. The quince marmalade paired with 4-month cured São Jorge Cheese was an unexpected delight. We also enjoyed Dow’s Tawny Porto Wine, traditional corn bread (Broa), and a flavorful Mozambican veggie curry (Massamba) – so good that I bought the cookbook and have made it at home! Vegetarian and beef Chamuças, octopus salad, fresh grilled sardines, chorizo from Alentejo, Morcela from Seia, local bread and Sheep Cheese from Seia (Producer: Flor de Sal, rated the 2nd best Cheese in the WORLD by Taste of Atlas), homemade tomato jam, Cherry Liqueur (Ginginha) - Vila da Rainha, Egg yolk flan and rice pudding completed this amazing tour.

Capturing Lisbon's Magic: Night Photography and More

To truly capture the magic of Lisbon, we joined a night photography tour. Walking through the illuminated streets, we learned how to capture the city's beauty after dark. From the vibrant nightlife to the quiet charm of the back alleys, we captured some stunning images. 

We also took a relaxing stroll through Parque Eduardo VII, enjoying the lush greenery and panoramic views of the city. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour provided a great overview of Lisbon's main attractions, allowing us to get our bearings and plan our further explorations. Finally, a visit to the MCA/CBB Museum of Contemporary Art added a touch of culture to our itinerary.

Why Lisbon?

Lisbon is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and gastronomy. It's a place where you can wander through ancient neighborhoods, savor world-class cuisine, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The warmth of the people, the beauty of the architecture, and the sheer joy of discovery made this trip unforgettable. Josh and I fell in love with Lisbon, and we can't wait to return and explore even more of its hidden treasures.