Lisbon Itinerary – 2 days

Exploring Lisbon’s Charms: A Delightful Interlude in Our European Adventure

Day 1 – Tuesday: Arrival in Lisbon

Continuing our European journey, we bid farewell to Madrid and embarked on an exciting adventure to Lisbon. With round-trip flights from Madrid at an unbelievable $66 per person, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore Portugal’s vibrant capital.

Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, our home for the next few days was the charming 9 Hotel Mercy. Given the compact size of European hotel rooms, we secured three rooms to accommodate our party of six. Situated next to the lively Bairro Alto district, known for its vibrant nightlife, our hotel promised an authentic Lisbon experience.

Eager to dive into Portuguese cuisine, we wasted no time in indulging our taste buds with bifanas at Bifanas de Vendas Novas—a mouthwatering introduction to Lisbon’s culinary scene. Our journey continued with a visit to Carmo Convent, followed by a leisurely stroll to iconic landmarks such as Arco da Rua Augusta, Praca do Comercio, and Cais das Colunas, capturing unforgettable memories along the way.

As evening descended, we wandered towards the vibrant Pink Street, immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Dinner awaited us at Time Out Market Lisboa, where we savored Portuguese delicacies, including the must-try pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). Satiated and content, we retreated to our hotel, ready to recharge for the adventures that awaited us.

Later in the evening, Andrea and I ventured out to experience Lisbon’s famed Fado music scene, stumbling upon a quaint hole-in-the-wall bar. Amidst the soulful melodies and warm ambiance, we indulged in delectable pork dishes, savoring the essence of Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 2 – Wednesday: Exploring Lisbon’s Treasures

The morning greeted me with a sense of adventure as I embarked on a solo journey to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, soaking in panoramic views of Lisbon’s picturesque skyline. On my return, I couldn’t resist picking up local pastries and, of course, more pastéis de nata to share with the family.

Our day was filled with exploration as we ventured to Jeronimos Monastery and wandered through the tranquil Jardim da Praca do Imperio before marveling at the grandeur of Belem Tower. Along the way, we paused to indulge in a sumptuous meal at Restaurante Santo Amaro, where the kids savored an unforgettable steak experience.

As afternoon turned to evening, we ventured to LX Factory, a haven for art enthusiasts and thrift shoppers alike, before returning to our hotel to recharge. Dinner beckoned at Carnal, a Michelin-starred restaurant where we savored Mexican tacos—a delightful fusion of flavors.

With our older kids in tow, we explored the bars of Bairro Alto, discovering a hidden gem with affordable drinks—a perfect ending to our penultimate night in Lisbon.

Day 3 – Thursday: Farewell to Lisbon

With hearts full of cherished memories, we bid Lisbon a temporary farewell, indulging in one last taste of local cuisine with bifanas to-go from O Trevo. As we made our way to the airport, memories of Lisbon’s charm lingered, promising a return to this enchanting city in the future.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our European adventure as we journey back to Madrid and continue our exploration of the continent’s diverse and captivating destinations.