First European Escape: Lisbon and Porto

With C, we tried to find a place to meet in Europe in September. After getting my green card (a process that deserves a post of its own), I booked a ticket to go home and see my family. I went alone but planned to meet with C for our first vacation after more than a year "stuck" in the US. We chose Portugal, as it was a quick flight for me from Milan, and 8 hours from Chicago, which is not bad at all and fit perfectly for a short, almost-not-planned-at-all trip.

I had never been to Lisbon, but I had high expectations of the city because it is C's favorite city (and yes, being Italian and thinking my country is the best in the world, I still don't accept this). But I have to say, it is pretty magical out there.

We started our trip in Lisbon, where we spent the first 4 nights exploring the city. We are not big fans of museums or art galleries, but we do love visiting historical sites, admiring old buildings, walking through the main squares, and just enjoying the atmosphere, and Lisbon in this sense has plenty to offer.

What we have seen in the few days we had there:

Belém Tower: A historic tower dating back to the 16th century, symbolizing Portugal's Age of Discovery.
Alfama District: The oldest district in Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, traditional Fado music, and historic charm.
Chiado and Bairro Alto: A mix of historic landmarks, shops, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
Praça do Comércio: A grand square facing the Tagus River, historically significant as the gateway to Lisbon.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa): The oldest church in the city, featuring a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

Of course, there are more museums, the aquarium, and other things to see in Lisbon, but we didn't have enough time—we will be back for more. And, of course, you will see the famous Tram 28 everywhere; it’s pretty iconic.

On Saturday morning, there is a really nice antique and flea market at Campo de Santa Clara, and that is the perfect spot to buy cute souvenirs. We also took the opportunity to buy some decorations for our new house.

On top of the many things to see, the food is something else that deserves to be mentioned. Portugal is famous for its food, and it did not disappoint. Seafood is the main go-to, but in general, there is something for every taste. Not being a huge foodie, but coming from the US, I found everything to be exceptional (and very affordable!). I would recommend Nicolau and Amelia for breakfast and coffee (https://www.ilovenicolau.com/en/), but for lunch and dinner, any non-touristy spot would be a great choice.

We stayed in a hotel apartment, which I think is the best choice in Lisbon, as there are some amazing buildings converted into apartments. Here is where we stayed - pricey but worth it, great location but quiet at the same time https://www.almaria.pt/edificio-exlibris/our-apartments.

Our second stop, where we spent the last two nights, was Porto. A three-hour ride from Lisbon, departing from a very crowded station. Porto is beautiful, but extremely touristy. In Lisbon, we felt like common people mixing with the locals, but Porto seems to be mainly populated by tourists, often in big groups. I’m glad I got to see Porto, but it might have been a bit much for my taste—and it wasn’t even summer! Still, it’s a place to visit at least once in your life.

There is a lot of uphill walking, much more than in Lisbon, so I definitely recommend prioritizing good shoes over a cute outfit. Walking up and down the streets was one of the best parts of the experience—there are lots of churches, cathedrals, and of course, the iconic double-deck iron bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The views from the bridge are amazing, especially at night.

We stayed in another apartment (5th floor with no elevator, so just something to keep in mind to check when you book). The view was beautiful, best part of the house.

I think two days is Porto are more than enough, and you will walk like as if you had spent a full week there.

We didn't do a Porto tasting, but that looks like a must for visitors.