Travel Diary: Lisbon

After loving every minute of sun, sangria and a music festival in Barcelona last summer- this year we wanted a trip that would be just as fabulous. 

Lisbon was the perfect choice. Offering, a new city to explore, fun nightlife and relaxing beaches nearby too. On top of this, beautiful weather and that ever craved vitamin D, made Portugal an easy option.

Although sun was what I had lusted for, I wasn't prepared for Lisbon's hottest day of the year and a 40 degree heatwave that sizzled through the city and frazzled my poor body, mind and soul. 

Brunch in the city

With a view like this, our air b&b's balcony was one of the best spots for brunch. Croissants, nata, watermelon, coffee and fresh juice made for the perfect breakfast (of champions).  

Breakfast on the balcony

Another great and popular brunch spot is Flora and Forna in Santos. We were really lucky to have this restaurant just a few metres away from our air b&b apartment, and so happened to find it by default. However, it was definitely known about in Santos as we went here a few times, and almost always had to wait to a few minutes before a table became available. You can choose from various different pancake dishes, eggs, granola and fruit bowls- and the cakes looked amazing! For the drinks they serve all sorts of  healthy juices, smoothies, cocktails, teas and coffees too. The decor and aesthetic is really cool as well, with lots of green plants and minimal, chic interior, this restaurant felt very fresh.

Avocado and poached eggs at Flora and Forna

Cascais beach

Surviving the heatwave, on the hottest days, we made our way to Cascais beach for a cool coastal breeze and the refreshing sea water.  

Cascais is around 45 minutes on the train from the centre of Lisbon (on an air conditioned train) and is definitely worth a visit or two when visiting Lisbon. Whilst the beach boasts as the main attraction,  Cascais is a beautiful little seaside town with quaint streets and lovely shops and restaurants to enjoy too. 

After a day of swimming and sunbathing on the beach, we went to House of Wonders, a rooftop café. It's a relaxed, little bohemian spot with colourful decor and a perfect view of the sunset.  They serve the absolute best sangria, and for food- various delicious vegetarian, Portuguese and mediterranean dishes.  

 Food and sangria on the House of Wonders terrace

Belém

A trip up to Belém on the tramway is most definitely worthwhile when visiting Lisbon. In Belém you'll find the gothic architecture of Jerónimos Monestary. As well as Pasteis de Belém, the famous Portuguese pastry shop which served up the the first and original pasteis de nata (the most devine custard tart). In Belém, we also sat down on the promenade by the Tragus river where there was a nice view of the bridges and boats sailing by. 

Jerónimos Monestary

National Tile Museum

In the hope of finding air conditioning we decided to get in a tuk tuk to the National Tile Museum. Whilst we were unsuccessful in finding cool temperatures, as there was no sign of any air conditioning units in this museum, we did find some beautiful tiles and a super impressive chapel (the museum is in an old church building). 

Amongst the colourful tiles, there is a chapel that museum visitors can also explore. Again you'll see the designs and colours are super striking but the high ceilings filled with intricate detailing and gold plated interiors are what makes this chapel so memorable. 

Nightlife in Lisbon

Lisbon by night is also very cool and lively. Here are a few fun bars and clubs that I would recommend or go back to:

1. Rive Rouge

2. EKA Palace

3. Park Bar rooftop

4. Pensao Amor

5. LX Factory rooftop

As we were only there for 5 days we didn't get chance to try a couple of places we had initially hoped to, for example Luxe Fragil- ever the excuse to go back! On that note, Lisbon is a really great, upcoming city that I would absolutely recommend for a short city break.

Alex x