Lisbon: West Coast Cool

It’s hard not to fall in love with Lisbon. The laid-back vibe, beautiful cityscape and sunshine make it easy. Not to mention the food is incredible. In many ways it reminded me of San Francisco (yes, especially the bridge), but much more relaxed and charming. And with the rising tech scene, it’s no wonder that more and more people are moving to Lisbon.

Maybe I should start learning Portuguese.

Lisbon, Portugal Street scene
Sunday street vibes
Cable car at Ascensor da Bica
Pastel dream door in robin’s egg blue
Tentacle porn dreams being served up at A Cevicheria
Creeping on creeps
San Francisco, Portugal
More from San Francisco, Portugal at Miradouro Santa Catarina
King prawns at Cervejaria Ramiro
Sunset at Park – obviously too late to snag these prime spots, so I just hovered over these people during the sunset.
Pastéis de Nata. They get addicting.

Sintra: If you have time, take a day trip out to Sintra to check out Quinta da Regaleira, a garden with underground passages and a castle from the early 1900’s. We didn’t have time to see Pena Palace, but I’ve heard it’s also nice. Make sure you leave for Sintra early as the line for train tickets gets incredibly long.

The creepy initiation well was at the top of my list of what I wanted to see in Sintra. It did not disappoint.
The palace at Quinta da Regaleira.

EAT:
Cervejaria Ramiro – Authentic, fresh seafood restaurant. Anthony Bourdain came here on a No Reservations episode; it’s packed with tourists, but it’s worth it. Try the garlic clams and end your meal with a prego (steak sandwich, not preggers. Though you will be pregnant with a massive food baby).

Sol e Pesca – Nice for a sunny afternoon, take your pick of different canned fish (sardines, tuna, mackerel, etc.) to snack on and a beer.

Pap’Açorda – located upstairs by the TimeOut market, Pap’Açorda is a trendy modern take on Portuguese cuisine. Try the octopus.

A Cevicheria – Trendy upscale restaurant serving a Portuguese Peruvian cuisine tasting menu.

Príncipe do Calhariz – low key, traditional Portuguese food.

Pastéis de Belém – Touristy, but the name says it all. The line is quick and worth the short wait. Eat the Pasteis da nata.

DRINK:
Ginjinha das Gáveas – Try the traditional Ginjinha (sour cherry liquor) and also try it with lemon juice. It was recommended by a friend from Lisbon and I felt it balanced out the sweetness of the Ginjinha.

Purex – Fun, gay bar in Bairro Alto.

Park – Popular bar on top of a parking garage. Get there early for sunset.

Bairro Alto – Generally the main going out area of Lisbon.

DO:
ZDB – Cultural center where lots of concerts and art exhibitions are held.

Miradouro Santa Catarina – My favorite spot for sunset. Reminded me a lot of Dolores Park in SF. Very popular and is full of people from all walks of life.

Tram 28 – Touristy but worth a ride down the historic tramline.

Feira da Ladra – Flea market on Tuesdays


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