LISBON, PORTUGAL

The next stop on our trip and my next location to plan is Lisbon, Portugal. Before we started planning this trip, I didn’t know much about Lisbon and even after doing some research, I still feel like I don’t have a clear image in my head of what Lisbon will be like. I don’t know anyone who has been there and it isn’t one of the first major European destinations that comes to mind. While we were making our list of places to go, Chelsea suggested we include Lisbon because she had heard great things about it. At first I thought it seemed kind of random, but the more I’ve researched Lisbon, the more convinced I’ve become that we cannot skip this city.

Also, if there are any other Bachelorette fans out there, this past season the show filmed an episode in Lisbon. After watching that episode I became even more convinced we had to go! The city looked beautiful with its many hills and cobblestone streets. I also distinctly remember Ali and the guys visiting a gorgeous castle I must go to while I am in Lisbon! Ali and Roberto had so much fun in Lisbon, they even started dancing in the street!

Researching Lisbon I realized that I must not be the only one who doesn’t know much about Lisbon or consider it a top European destination, there isn’t nearly as much information on the web about Lisbon as there is about every other major city in Europe. However, I came across the website golisbon.com and it is a great resource for anyone traveling to Lisbon! I got all of my travel information for this leg of the trip solely from this website and they offer detailed information about the various districts of the city, attractions, top ten lists, suggested itineraries as well as interesting information about Lisbon. A few facts from the website solidified my need to visit Lisbon and might just convince you of the same!

Lisbon is known to be pretty inexpensive compared to most other major European cities.

It has a mild climate year round and even during winter temperatures rarely go below 50 degrees! We are going to be very thankful for this come March!

The beach! Beautiful city and the ocean, does it get any better?

It is smaller than most European capitals! Considering it will be up to the three of us to find our way through these cities, the smaller the better in my book!

Great nightlife!

Great wine!

(Those last two points are all I really need to convince Chelsie and Chelsea)

So here’s how I am thinking we are going to spend our three days in Lisbon:

Day 1 – We will spend our first day exploring Alfama, one of Lisbon’s most popular districts. This part of the city is known for its amazing views of Lisbon and its medieval history. It is a village within a city which features narrow streets, tiny squares and beautiful churches. While here we will visit Saint George’s Castle (which overlooks the entire city of Lisbon) and explore the district, stopping in its many churches and museums.

Also in the Alfama District is one of Europe’s top clubs, Lux, so if we are feeling a little adventurous that night we might as well give it a try while we are there!


Day 2 - We will spend our second day exploring the city's best attractions:

Belem Tower – Known as an icon of Lisbon and a symbol of the age of discovery, this fortress was once the starting point for many voyages of discovery, including those of Prince Henry the Navigator, Bartholomeu Dias, Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama.


We will have lunch and maybe a glass of Portuguese wine at the Santo Amaro docks, a collection of former warehouses now transformed into some of the city's best bars and restaurants.

Then visit some of Lisbon’s most important monuments and museums – the Berardo Museum (collection of modern art), the Discoveries Monument (the world’s explorers carved in stone), the Maritime Museum (tells the story of Portugal’s role in world sea exploration), Jeronimos Monastery (the resting place of former explorer Vasco da Gama).

We will spend our evening in the Bairro Alto district, the nightlife mecca of Lisbon known for its cobblestone streets and lively restaurants, bars and fado houses.


I want to spend our last day outside the city, however after doing some research I am still down to two great options:

Sintra – This seems to be a popular recommendation and I can understand why, it sounds amazing! It was once the summer residence of Portugal’s royal family, features several fairytale like palaces, beautiful views and museum collections and its only a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon.


Cascais - Also seems like a great option, a colorful seaside town known for its surfing, great beaches and beautiful views. Even though it will be quite cool when we go, it might still be nice to spend a day at the beach!


Most importantly, I want to leave Lisbon being able to say I enjoyed some authentic Portuguese custard tarts, took in the sunset from the top of the hills, appreciated the history of Lisbon and its influence on the age of discovery and enjoyed the weather as I strolled through the picturesque streets of Lisbon.