CITY: Lisbon

HOW LONG: 3 NIGHTS

ACCOMMODATION:

I stayed at Good Morning Solo Traveller Hostel. Overall it was in a great location, it was super easy to meet people and the breakfast spread was fabulous. Given all that, I would definitely stay here again. However, I would advise against doing the all inclusive rate (which I had signed up for after all the reviews encouraged it). It was fairly expensive and as soon as you get to Lisbon, you realize there are just too many fabulous restaurants to try to want to eat at the hostel every meal of the day. You can always sign up for a one off meal if you find that you do want to participate in a dinner here or there. Also, I wouldn’t recommend the Basic 10 bed dorm. I booked it because there were no bunk beds, but there was a weird room within the room (this is all located in the attic) where all the volunteers were sleeping so it was really like 14 people in the room and it had a very weird vibe. It was also hot (and I was there in Dec) so I can’t imagine what summer would’ve been like in that room.

WHERE TO EAT:

Dear Breakfast – Two friends had recommended this spot and it did not disappoint! Cutely decorated and delicious breakfast/brunch food.

Lupita Pizzeria – again it came highly recommended, and I’ll support this recommendation.

Nunes Real Marisqueira – Went here with Emily! On the nicer/fancier side and had great seafood.

Time Out Market – very cool food hall! I went with a group from the hostel & it was fabulous to all get the food we each wanted. Great vibe & lots of options for food.

Nannarella – This literally might’ve been my favorite ice cream place in all of Europe… don’t question it, just make sure to visit here while in Lisbon. Pro tip: get the dollop of cream on top (my fav flavor was Oreo, but all flavors looked good). Also, it’s been featured on Somebody feed Phil!

Santini Ice cream – another great ice cream spot.

What to do:

Lisbon is a fabulous city to just meander, and as the second oldest capital in Europe, there is much to discover. Despite the many hills, none were so dramatic that it prevented a nice stroll, and they often provided beautiful views of the city. Go to one of the many viewpoints, like these ones. I also took a walking tour (there were many times to choose from).

Don’t forget to try a Pastel de Nata. Pasteis de Belem invented them, but the pastries are going to be delicious at many other cafes around the city if you don’t make it out to Belem. But Belem is worth a visit for it’s Tower and seafood restaurants.

My favorite thing to do was my day trip to Sintra! There are so many places to visit in Sintra and easy to go for the day via a 5 Euro train ride. See here for a comprehensive list 🙂 I visited Pena Palace & it’s gardens, Quinta de Regaleira, & The Castle of the Moors. I ran into some folks from the hostel while there so we ended up exploring all together! Pro tip: try Travesserios or Quejadas from Casa Piriquita, which was founded in 1862 and is the most famous pastry shop in Sintra. Fun to try local pastries and it was incredibly affordable. We also had delicious bacon + cheese pastries as a mid day snack from Fábrica da Nata.

Overall Thoughts:

I honestly loved Lisbon. I am not sure if it’s because it was the last stop on my European adventure & I was extremely homesick, but because Lisbon reminded me so much of San Francisco (cable cars, hill, “Golden Gate” bridge, earthquakes, weather, etc), Lisbon totally hit the spot. I just loved the overall vibe and it was extremely easy to explore.

BUDGET FOR 3 days in Lisbon:

Accommodation: $193 ($64 per night) – This includes Full Board, but I never ate lunch/dinner here annoyingly so this was not a good deal. Should’ve been closer to 30 euros a night.

Food: $96

Groceries: $0

Activities: $36

Local Transportation: $5

Total: $343 (Daily average: $115)

Transportation to next destination: $373 (Flight to California for Christmas holidays!)