Saúde from Portugal.
Bom dia! Portugal holds a very special place in my heart. The Portuguese people were some of the kindest and warmest people I’ve ever encountered while travelling. They have a huge sense of pride for their country and after our visit last summer I completely understand why. The culture in Portugal is everywhere you look, from the gorgeous tiles that cover the walls of all these beautiful buildings and churches to the cobblestone roads and narrow streets. It is truly unique.
Lisbon
Our first stop in Portugal was the nation’s capital and largest city, Lisbon. I can’t wait to share with you all the incredible experiences we had in this amazing coastal city. First thing you need to know about Lisbon and this may be the most important thing I tell you. You need to prepare your body. I mean it, the stair-master is your best friend and you should use it for about two months prior to your trip because Lisbon is gorgeous but my God is it steep. There are stairs everywhere and you are walking uphill A LOT. Save yourself and physically prepare. I did and I think it helped me immensely throughout our trip. Another important thing to make note of, Portugal, once there is extremely affordable. Our Airbnb located in the middle of the city and walkable to everything was only $70/night! Do your research and you can find amazing prices on stay in Lisbon.
Our first meal in Lisbon was dinner at Restaurante XL just a short walk from our Airbnb. I ordered a traditional Portuguese dish with cod, the fish they are most known for called, Baked Cod Fish “Portuguese Way” with Potatoes. We ordered the Prawns Ajilho as an appetizer and they were delicious! This restaurant is a little more on the expensive side but it was totally worth it. Arzhang and I decided we would do one nice dinner in every city we visited and those meals never disappointed. Another MUST try is the Time Out Market in Lisbon. There are so many amazing options and the seafood is absolute perfection! I highly recommend asking a waiter or bartender where the best places are to eat. The locals always know the best places to go. I do this every time I travel and I have not been steered wrong yet!
I have to say that my favorite thing we did in Lisbon was take a sunset sail along the water. When I booked this little excursion as an anniversary gift I was a bit nervous because you never really know what you’re going to get and if it will be worthwhile. Let me tell y’all, it was more worth every penny. Our hosts, Angelo and Tati, were so knowledgeable and told us all about the history of Lisbon. They had such a warm and friendly energy, not to mention excellent photographers (see below) if you ask them to take your photo haha. They truly exceeded all of my expectations. Pro tip, bring a sweater or jacket if you do the sunset cruise because as the sun starts to go down it can get quite chilly out on the water. After our cruise, we walked to Pastéis de Belém, the most popular bakery serving up the infamous Portuguese pastel since 1837. If you have never tried them they are an absolute must! I can’t even explain them because they’re so unique but they are heaven in pastry form, that’s all I can say. I probably ate seven or eight of them on my own. No judging people, I was on vacation. Plus I was trying to soak up all the wine we drank on the boat (thanks Angelo and Tati lol).
Porto
After only about two and a half hours on a train you can be transported some place completely new. We chose to visit the quaint little city of Porto for the day and I must say it was the BEST. DECISION. EVER.
When we first stepped foot in Porto I couldn’t believe how picturesque my surroundings were. Everywhere you looked was a piece of art. The cathedrals covered in those beautiful blue Portuguese tiles, it was a vision. Porto is probably the most stunning place I’ve ever visited, bar none. As we were walking through town we stumbled upon this outdoor bar called Base Porto. Nestled in the center of the city with gorgeous architecture surrounding it and cozy fabric chairs scattered throughout the lawn, it was the perfect place to stop and have a drink and take in the view. The combination of the lo-fi music playing coupled with the spectacular weather, it was the ideal experience. I truly felt like a local when I sat there sipping on my pint of beer in the middle of the day. I loved every second of it. Plus, as an added bonus, the bartender there gave me a free glass of Port since I hadn’t tried it yet! A little too sweet for my taste, but “when in Porto, do as the Portuguese do”, right? Also, port originates from Porto so I couldn’t insult him by not trying it!
It’s not surprising that any restaurant you walk into in Porto will be serving up some amazing seafood options. However, do your research and see what restaurants, maybe a little off the beaten path, appeal most to your preferences cuisine wise and the vibe and atmosphere you’re looking for. Another highlight of our day in Porto was going to the Livraria Lello, which is a bookshop in Porto and it’s rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s depictions of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Just a heads up, there is a price of admission EUR €12.50 but I definitely think it was worth it. But this is coming from an English major so this was high on my list of priorities.
The Portuguese way is all about slowing down and enjoying the moments. I hope you all get the opportunity to experience such a special place one day.
Till next time, y’all!
xoxo- Kristen Jean