5-Day Lisbon Itinerary
HOW WE GOT HERE:
An invitation to being a bridesmaid in my best friends wedding: 10/10
Realizing the wedding is in a location you just travelled to 4 months prior: 6/10 (because Italy can never be overdone)
Really realizing it’s too early into your new relationship to ask the guy you’re dating to come along and you’ll be heading to Europe alone: 0/10
After some sulking and running ten different scenarios, I decided to make this into a girls trip to Lisbon before I headed to the wedding in Tuscany. I posted on my Instagram story asking if anyone wanted to join (receipts below) and gathered a random group of gals to join the journey.
Overall, Lisbon overdelivered in every way possible. From the freshest and best prepared seafood I’ve ever had, to idyllic weather and a list of sights you’ll never be able to get through. Lisbon was the perfect place to have a “grown up girls trip” while still having a little fun.
LISBON ITINERARY
DAY 1:
No matter where you’re arriving, my golden rule when travelling abroad is to dedicate Day 1 to settling in and don’t overschedule. Although we arrived in the late morning, and it would have been tempting to get some activities on the books, but after a red eye with barely any sleep, I was grateful for the time to move at our own pace.
After unpacking, my most important to-do on Day 1 is getting the lay of the land. Going out on a short walk helps move your body after a long time spent sitting on the plane, plus you’ll get to orient yourself on the streets, the best/safest routes for getting around, interesting places nearby, and cafes/restaurants that look good! No matter how much research and planning you do ahead of a trip, always leave some space for spontaneity!
Arrive in Lisbon!
We flew from JFK, connected into the Azores, and landed at Humberto Delgado Airport
This airport was easy to navigate. Make sure you download BOLT (their version of Uber) for an easy and very affordable ride wherever you’re staying. (seriously, it’s maybe 1/10th of the cost of Uber in the states)
Lunch at local cafe
Find something close to where you are staying to pop in to. Guaranteed you’ll be tired, hungry, and in need of some fuel especially if you’re early for check in time!
We were staying right next to maybe the BEST local cafe I’ve ever experienced called Dear Breakfast. Think fresh pressed juices, locally-sourced fair, and brunch served all day long. We really lucked out by stumbling by this place, we went here 3 times!
Check in at Airbnb/hotel
We opted for a centrally-located Airbnb based on costs and wanting to be in the Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon.
Don’t forget - everywhere you stay in Europe most likely has a lot of stairs. Be prepared to carry your suitcases up a few flights!!
Supplies: Find grocery store for water and snacks - a necessity for me to always some bites on hand!
Walk-In Dinner
On night 1 of a trip, I never like to overschedule. Give everyone a time to rest, unpack, and get settled.
When you’re ready explore the streets and find a casual place for dinner. This is also the best way to get the lay of the land of what is where right away!
After-Dinner Stroll
Check out a viewpoint for sunset / wine
Walkability is the best part of Europe, find somewhere nearby dinner to stroll, relax, and soak in the views
DAY 2:
Breakfast Walk In
I like to leave breakfast for walk in cafes to keep your mornings open and flexible!
Pink Street / Walk Around
We strolled around Pink Street to get the lay of the land and do some shopping, it was nice to wander a bit
Walk In Lunch
One of our favorite spots of the trip! It was an easy ride out to the beach, just south of Lisbon hidden between the dunes of Costa da Caparica.
We set out for free beach spots at first. We saw a cabana opened up and upon inquiring, the cost was only $60 to rent! It included full service of the food and drink menu and much needed shade.
We ordered some bites and drinks like guac and caipirinhas.
Home to shower/reset
Late Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro
This spot is on all of the must-try lists. The menu is pretty straight forward, with simply prepared seafood and minimal sides.
It was good, but not overly impressive. Stop by if you want but I think there’s better spots in the city!
Night out on the town!
DAY 3:
Breakfast at Dear Breakfast Chiado
Explore Lisbon
Lunch at Time Out Market
The BEST way to try a little bit of everything Lisbon has to offer. Our group went separate ways and everyone brought back some food to share which was the perfect way to taste it all!
It definitely gets tricky and hard to find a table, wait it out and swoop in when you see people getting up!
One of our FAVORITE dinner spots with a beautiful bar and mirrored bathroom.
Tip: order the steak tartare and octopus
This was a fun way to see the city and and 25 de Abril Bridge (a model of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco)
It’s a party-boat vibe with drinks and dancing, but was a blast to hang on the water with a larger group!
Rooftop night cap
DAY 4:
I always recommend atleast 1 day trip in a 5-day itinerary in a major city. There’s so, so much to explore outside of city limits. Whether a smaller town, natural wonder, or historic sites, find what’s interesting to you and save some space for it in the schedule. Plus, you’ll get to live a little more like a local!
Day trip to Sintra!
We dedicated a full day to exploring Sintra! From castle ruins to quaint markets, Sintra definitely deserves a trip and is an UNESCO World Heritage site
Pena Palace & The Moorish Castle are both available to tour in the same ticket on the same site. Definitely plan ahead for your timed ticket and the earlier the better as it gets crowded! SINTRA TICKETS
You’ll take a bus up and down the hill from the entrance, but you’re responsible for getting up to the bus stop/gate. It’s small for cars so an easy way is on a bike
Tip: The Bolt to Sintra was so affordable. Definitely download the app instead of Uber for easy rides in and out of the city.
Dinner at Prado
DAY 5:
Lisbon Free Day
Sites / Chill
Shopping LXFactory
Can go to beach if we want
Pack up
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