In between all the hen parties and weddings we decided a ‘normal’ girls getaway in the gap would be ideal. I visited Lisbon last year and loved it for 4 days. Our trip with the girls this year was planned to Lisbon in mid June – 22nd to 25th. Nine of us went on the trip and below is our itinerary.
Four days in Lisbon
Girls Trip Lisbon 2023
Day 1 – Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive into the city, it’s really easy to grab an Uber to the airport. We were staying at the Upon Lisbon Prime Residences. Offering modern apartments with a rooftop pool, to perfect oasis to combat the summer heat. From here it is close to the underground and easy to get the underground to central Lisbon. From here you can explore the city on foot, visit the shops or find great food stops.
Our plan was to see some of the highlights of the city and get some lunch in one of the many eateries. It is easy to get to Santa Justa Elevador, queue at the bottom to ride the lift to the top or walk behind and see the view from the top without the queue.
Walk over to the Praca Do Comercio -which is one of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll. Grab a drink in the square and wander further around and walk up the water front.
(Thankyou very much for my friend for sending me the photos before as I left my phone in the Taxi – which I did get back luckily).
Evening One
In the Evening we attempted to go to Ponto Final Restaurant (Attempted being the key word here).
If you have heard anything about this restaurant you will have seen it all over instagram at the moment.
We got taxis to the area and arrived for 6pm, then proceeded to queue on the famous steps. We queued and queued and queued. Once the restaurant is opened and you are moved to the wall in another line waiting for the next sitting you are able to order wine + nibbles whilst you wait. Unfortunately we did not get seated, we did however see some incredible sunset views whilst we queued.
However if you want to go but don’t want to queue, top tip is to grab some take out food from nearby. Have a picnic on the grass hill overlooking the water – the same view over the water as the restaurant.
Lisbon – Day 2 – Beach club + Tapas
For the day we decided making the most of the sun and to chill for a day. Around 45 minutes from Lisbon along the beach – Praia da Cabana do Pescador. We had such a lovely chilled beach day at Casa Reia here. We booked the sunbeds ahead of time. There was lots of the beach clubs along the waterfront however you are unable to book some and it’s first come first serve on the day. With there being nine of us this was not an option, Luckily Casa Reia you were able to book online.
There was some amazing drinks and food on offer here and you should 100% spend some of your time in Lisbon at the gorgeous beach. (we did not do this last time, but I highly recommend).
Casa Reîa is one of those places that would be successful even without good food. The location—right on Praia da Cabana do Pescador in Costa da Caparica—is super-desirable, the design is stylish, the music (sometimes live) is excellent, and the crowd is beautiful. For lots of beach clubs around the world, that’s enough. But Casa Reîa has something extra: really good food.
Portugal Confidential
In the evening we headed into the area of Barrio Alto, if you read my post last year it was the area we stayed in. Last time we visited we had some incredible food in this area. For the evening we revisited Tapa Bucho incredible tapas restaurants with a few concepts inside – depending on your mood. The food here is great with lots of options to our food preferences and lots of wine. From here enjoy the nightlife in Barrio Alto until late into the evening.
(below is the food from our previous trip as we were so hungry we did not take pictures).
Day 3 – Sintra
Sintra is located around 30 minutes from Lisbon and has some spectacular views. Our taxi was a tour guide on the drive here pointing out celebrity houses – Madonna & Cristiano Ronaldo. For our early start we visited Castelo dos Mouros. Walk the walls and take in the incredible views over Sintra.
If it’s views you want, then you simply have to visit the Castle of the Moors in Sintra. The Castle was built in the 9th Century and offers incredible views over towards Pena Palace, the ocean, out across the Park and down into the town.
After exploring and walking down into the town of Sintra wander around and take in the cute town. Grab breakfast or lunch. We ate at Loja do Vinho the food was fresh and delicious and we watched the world go by in the square.
into the evening..
That evening to ventured back to Barrio Alto to get pizza. I had found a pizza place in the area that seemed just what we were after offering Neapolitan pizza and cocktails – M’arrecreo Pizzeria.
The pizza was delicious and reasonably priced and ideal as we were able to book for 9 (which had been a struggle the whole trip). The had mini bottles of chilli oil, which was perfect for pizza.
Day 4 – Chilled days & A visit to Alfama
On our last day we spent the morning relaxing by the pool in the sunshine. This holiday had to be the perfect balance of relaxation and girls trip fun. Some of the girls left early in the morning and the rest of us relaxed in the sunshine. In the afternoon we visited Alfama for the afternoon and strolled around early in the evening and then enjoyed an early evening for dinner.
We had drinks at a gorgeous bar Sol overlooking the most iconic viewpoint in Lisbon – Miradouro das Portas do Sol. This viewpoint has and incredible view over the terracotta roofs down to the water. Enjoy drinks at the terrace and enjoy sunset + people watching.
For our last meal in Lisbon we enjoyed a delicious meal at Bairro do Avillez. We wanted to visit on our last visit here but we just walked in and there was space. There are options of eateries inside this large venue – We ate at Pateo.
Thought on Lisbon
It makes an excellent trip with friends, It is a busy lively place with so much to explore there is always something left to see no matter how long you spend here. Flights are at times cheap and it makes a great weekend visit with incredible food and wine on offer.
Thanyous for reading
Bethan
xox
