When the chance to escape to Lisbon for nine days presented itself, Wolf and I (Leslie) seized it without hesitation. Our wanderlust was insatiable, and traveling throughout Europe was a key part of our grand plan when we moved abroad. With a nomadic budget-conscious mindset and an eye on the calendar, we knew we had to act quickly before summer price hikes hit. So, we booked a short, inexpensive flight from our idyllic island home in Madeira to the vibrant capital city of Portugal.
Lisbon greeted us with open arms and sunny skies, making us grateful for our decision to travel before the summer rush. Our adventure started at the historic York House Hotel in the Lapa district. This charming hotel, once a 17th-century convent, provided the perfect mix of history and comfort. The garden courtyard, a tranquil oasis in the bustling city, became our morning haven for planning the day's adventures over delicious breakfasts.
Our days were filled with Portuguese food and explorations. We began our gastronomic journey at Insaciável, our favorite Lisbon wine bar, where the rich flavors of Portuguese wines tantalized our taste buds. For dinner, we savored the eclectic dishes at Geographia, indulging in dim sum, black pork miso, and lamb. The lively atmosphere and closely packed tables only added to the authentic Lisbon experience.
Another culinary highlight was Raizes, a quaint restaurant with a constantly evolving menu. Wolf’s octopus and my duck were perfect, and the simple yet exquisite starters set the tone for an unforgettable meal. A pro tip for fellow travelers: always make dinner reservations, especially during high season, to avoid disappointment.
It's an easy walk along the river from the York House over to the Chiado area where we enjoyed dinner a few times during our stay. We dined in the court yard at Cervejaria Trindade in Chiado. This was one of the rare times we chose poorly, my pork cheeks and mashed potatoes were perfect, while Wolf's choice of Bacalhau 'à Brás', a traditional cod dish just didn't live up to the hype. We found cod cakes more to our liking, so sharing meals worked out for the evening.
In Chiado, we discovered Beher Lisboa, where a lunch of Iberian meats became an unexpected delight. If you haven’t tried Iberian pork, it’s a must—and perfect to share for lunch, as the flavors are rich and satisfying.
In case you didn't realize we love fish, and our love for fish deepened in Lisbon. Think sardines, I know you just thought ick! No not the ones in a tin, the fresh ones grilled and perfect. When on your visit Lisbon these should be on the top of your list. They are perfect for a light lunch. We stopped at Paleta dos Temperos in Lapa, to embrace this local tradition wholeheartedly.
A unique Lisbon experience awaited us as the city celebrated St. Anthony. Festivals popped up all throughout the city. We had lots of fun exploring Alfama and Bairro Alto stopping at the festival booths for another Lisbon tradition of bifanas, irresistible pork sandwiches.
Midway through our trip, we moved to the Mega Prime Gold Design Hotel in Baixa, right in the heart of Lisbon. Our room was modern with a small balcony overlooking the boulevard and the Tagus River provided stunning views and a perfect base for further explorations.
Baixa introduced us to more culinary gems. At Solar 31 da Calçada, we shared a wood-fire grilled sea bass, a dish that remains etched in our memories. A visit to another highly recommended seafood restaurant, Cervejaria Ramiro, treated us to spider crab, oysters, and the best garlic bread ever. It wasn't cheap but it was definately good. so we will return.
When visiting Lisbon you should plan to try the Vinho Verde, or green wine, it pairs beautifully with most meals. Its refreshing taste was the perfect companion to our adventures.
While our trip was predominantly about savoring Lisbon’s flavors, we also explored numerous sights and gardens, stories for another time. Remarkably, our entire adventure, including all transportation, cost under €800. Moving to Europe, particularly to Madeira, has been the best adventure of our lives, and we urge you to consider it too.
If you’re inspired to embark on your own European adventure or even move abroad, check out our 'Ultimate It'll Be Fun Moving Abroad Program' on our website,
Join us in discovering where life will take you next. Regardless of your age and finances, you can plan for something you dream of. Embrace the adventure, seize the opportunity, and let your dreams guide your journey. The possibilities are endless, and the future is yours to shape.
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Here's the Lisbon video
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