Luscious Lisboa

Lisbon is a city break that often gets overlooked in favour of it's European capital neighbours, but there is so much to love about this wonderful city.

It's neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality, yet all are easily connected by foot or by the famous electric streetcars. We stayed in historic Chiado: close enough to the waterfront, old squares, pavement cafés, upmarket stores, food markets and enough pastelarias to try a different one every day for a month.

If you are a foodie, add Lisbon straight to your list. The restaurant choices are incredible: from tiny cantinas selling authentic Portuguese grilled sardines, juicy garlic prawns and grilled pork dishes, to Michelin starred kitchens from celebrated chefs, and everything in between. We particularly loved the huge Time Out Market where you can choose from a wide range of street food and eat on long beer-hall style tables. We went for Mexican with a Portuguese twist: absolutely delicious.

The weather is fabulous from March to October, but do be aware of the cruise ships which can bring thousands of extra visitors on peak dates. And a word of warning: Lisbon is seriously hilly. If you are unsteady on your feet you need to be careful of the cobbles, uneven paths and steps. This is not the place for wedges or heels: everyone wears flats or trainers, and I mean everyone.

Get out and explore. There are churches, monuments, squares and cathedrals everywhere you turn. Forget the expensive tuk-tuk tours. They do look fun, but for me I would rather spend around 3.30 euros and ride the old streetcars. They are super cute and run in circuits, so you can easily spend an hour dipping in and out of different parts of the city, trundling up and down the hills, windows open, warm air drifting in and the scent of the city’s restaurants filling the carriages. It is how the locals get around and I can see why. Try it at night when it is quieter and feels even more atmospheric. Jump off in Alfama, one of the oldest parts of the city, with tiny little colourful houses, often tiled on the outside with the famous Portuguese coloured tiles that are famous in the area. Here you will find some fabulous viewpoints over the river in  one direction,  and  the castle looking another. You will find lots of little cafes, bars and restaurants here, and a fabulous flea market selling everything from vintage clothes to vinyl records, jewellery and hand made pottery.

Once you have seen Lisbon, I would highly recommend a day trip to the seaside town of Cascais along the coast. Long associated with Lisbon’s upper classes and a favourite of the Portuguese royal family, its beautiful sandy Atlantic beaches and upmarket marina offer a lovely contrast to the buzz of the city. I love the smaller winding cobbled streets here, filled with local shops, boutiques, bars and cafés.

For a ridiculously cheap 40 minute scenic coastal train journey of around 6 euros (I kid you not), it is worth it for the views alone. I would happily come back here for a short break. Life feels slower, there is even more wonderful fresh seafood, and you can simply find a little corner kiosk, order a local wine or Super Bock beer and watch the world go by with a homemade pastry or small snack.

We enjoyed a hugely successful three-night city break to Portugal. We stayed in a converted palace that was quite honestly the prettiest hotel I have ever stayed in. Every room was unique, with roll-top baths, cute balconies overlooking the city rooftops and a patio with partial sea views. Free wine tasting in the afternoon is always a winner: add a plate of cheese and olives and what is not to love?

Breakfast was my highlight. Live musicians played softly in one of the five buffet breakfast rooms. It felt like the closest thing to Bridgerton in Portugal you will find. The rooms were stunning: antiques, high ceilings, grand artwork, soft rugs, lovely food and genuinely friendly service.

If you are interested in a city break to this wonderful part of Portugal, please get in touch. I would be delighted to share all my hints and tips and tailor a Lisbon escape just for you.