Three days. Three Adventures. Endless coastal views. The best of Lisbon.
After three busy days navigating the bustling streets of London, arriving in Lisbon in July 2024 felt like a literal deep breath. The "vibes" shifted the moment we stepped off the plane—everything felt more relaxed, sun-soaked, and welcoming. We quickly learned that Lisbon is incredibly easy to navigate via Uber, which became our go-to for getting around the city. While three days definitely wasn't enough to see it all, we managed to pack in a perfect mix of city culture, rugged beaches, and fairytale castles.
Day 1: Rooftop Views and Birthday Toasts
We chose to stay at the Lisbon Marriott Hotel. While it’s a bit further from the main walkable tourist hubs, it served as a wonderful, quiet respite where we could maximize our Marriott Bonvoy points. We used upgrade awards for an executive suite, and the hotel made the stay extra special by leaving champagne and dessert for my birthday! My son was fascinated by the resident falcon on the grounds—his official job is keeping the pigeons away.
After a massive buffet breakfast, we spent the day exploring the city's iconic architecture.
Chiado & Praça do Comércio: We wandered through the charming historic district of Chiado and marveled at the bright yellow buildings and red rooftops of Praça do Comércio.
Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira): For lunch, we hit the famous Time Out Market. It can be overwhelming with the crowds and sheer variety of choices, but it’s unbeatable for people-watching and grabbing a quick break from the summer heat.
BAHR Terrace: For my birthday dinner, Justin picked the perfect spot. Located on the 5th floor of the Bairro Alto Hotel, BAHR & Terrace offers a "bohemian and irreverent" atmosphere with a stunning open kitchen. The terrace overlooks the Tejo River and is arguably one of the best sunset views in the city. We tried the smoked barnacle on toast (surprisingly delicious!), grilled octopus, and a cake that I’m still thinking about.
Time Out Market. Falcon at the Lisbon Marriott. Smoked barnacle on toast. Birthday at Bahr Terrace.
Day 2: Getting Pummeled (With Love) in Cascais
Day two was our dedicated "beach day" in the idyllic town of Cascais. We started with surf lessons at Salty Souls Surf School. After a 30-minute Uber to Guincho Beach, we suited up and practiced our "pop-ups" on the sand before heading into the water.
I’ll be honest: I mostly got pummeled by the Atlantic for 50 minutes straight. Guincho is known for its dramatic, windy conditions and intense waves. While I didn’t exactly stand up, it was a blast. The real challenge, however, was the trek back up the steep steps with our surfboards after what was easily the toughest arm workout of my life!
We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in Cascais, a vibrant coastal town full of shops and outdoor cafes. A highlight was meeting Bruce, the local dog who seemingly lives between two neighboring restaurants and spends his day collecting pets from tourists.
Guincho beach. Post-surf smiles. Cascais. Bruce the restaurant dog.
Day 3: Fairytales and the Edge of the World
Our final day was spent in Sintra. Because the mountain roads are famously windy and traffic can be horrendous, we booked a private Tuk Tuk tour with Yes, You Deserve Tours. Our guide, Pedro, was a masterful storyteller who brought the history of the region to life.
Pivoting for the Fog: It was a misty day, which can sometimes block the views of the famous Pena Palace, so we adjusted our route to explore the coast instead. Take note: although it was July, it was misty and chilly in the mountains. Bring a jacket for your trip to Sintra.
Azenhas do Mar: We visited this picturesque cliffside town, famous for its white-washed houses and man-made sea pool carved into the rock.
Praia das Maçãs (Apple Beach): Pedro shared the local legend that this beach got its name from apples washing up on the shore from upstream orchards. Here, we tried our first Malasada—a fluffy Portuguese donut coated in cinnamon and sugar. As Pedro says, they are the ultimate "beach snack."
Cabo da Roca: We ended our tour at the westernmost point of continental Europe. Standing 140 meters above the Atlantic, it truly feels like the edge of the world. There is a stone monument there inscribed with a famous poem: "Where the land ends and the sea begins".
Sintra. Azenhas do Mar. In the tuk tuk.
Our three days in Portugal were exhilarating and left us wanting so much more. We’ll definitely be back to explore further!
