Portugal, Portugal, Portugal. So nice to meet you, Lisbon. Looking back now on the week I spent in this country, it makes my head hurt with longing to think of the quality of food, beaches, and city life vs. history mix that we were able to experience. How was it not on my travel itinerary before? There is a lot to Lisbon, both in and just outside of the city. But armed with two friends and some big backpacks, we successfully navigated this foreign land and so, here is what we learned. If you want a budget-friendly trip that will meet and exceed whatever your Portuguese expectations, here we go!

Eating and sleeping

Stay for the Party: The G-Spot

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for The G-Spot. This hostel has only been around for a little more than year, and therefore it’s constantly striving to prove itself as the party place to stay. Success. Lisbon’s first ever “party hostel” wants you to feel like you’re staying over at your best friend’s house. There’s a free pancake breakfast every morning, a 1 Euro family style dinner with free wine (the money goes to charity), 5 Euros for all-you-can-drink from 10-12, a 5 Euro pub crawl every night, and DOUBLE BUNK BEDS just for you. Why don’t our real best friends spoil us like this? It’s also very clean and funky, with trustworthy clientele and staff. I’d hit The G-Spot again.

Stay for the Stay: Equity Point Lisboa

If you’re in the same place for a while, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! Here’s a hostel even cheaper than The G-Spot, but with a tamer, more Scandinavian look and vibe. A refurbished 18th Century home, Equity Point attracts everyone from backpackers to families. There are multiple terraces and a serious kitchen complete with a recipe wall for the chef in you. Our room had a separate entrance from the hostel and it felt like having our own little town house (shared with 10 strangers)! While Equity Point may not be party central, the location is in the beautiful old town of Lisbon, steps from the nightlife district. You’ll be even closer to the action—make your own rules!

Eat: Cervejaria Brilhante

Located just before a touristy strip of restaurants, Cervejaria Brilhante stood out because there was no one you hustling you to come inside. CB is too good for gimmicks; they know they’ve got the goods. We were seated on a beautiful patio outside and with each question we asked about the menu, the answer usually involved a point to the front window where the freshest fish and meat were proudly displayed. At one point a new shipment of seafood was delivered, and I was treated to a live crab in my face. Only the most vigorous nods could prove that yes, I believe the food will be SO fresh. Terrifying, but effective? We ordered it—delicious, pounded out the meat with white stone mallets—and I’ll never taste or look at crab the same way again.

Wine and Dine: Bistro & Brecho Gato Pardo

After a long and sunny walking tour, we stumbled upon this beauty and planned to have a late lunch. Lunch. Some Portuguese green wine, three rounds of food, plus dessert and port later—four hours had passed. That’s just how it is. You order something, eat, and immediately miss it. Located by Sao Vicente church, come for the charcuterie, pasta, sausages, salads, and more. The staff are amazing, so happy to see you enjoying yourself and giving recommendations. After we ordered our second charcuterie plate, the server offered that we have a walk around the block, without settling the bill, before giving the plate our best effort. That’s trust. That’s service. Sometimes, that’s Europe for ya.

Dance: FREEDOM

To accommodate all of your night out needs! The space starts with a long bar in front, complete with a “power hour” of drink specials. There are a few tables around and grungy washrooms with metal toilets BUT just keep walking. In the back, this is the place to be for sweating it out on the dancefloor to a healthy mix of techno, house, and Top 40. There is a DJ and he owns the place. Befriend the DJ. He may take requests, and he runs more parties around the city. Maybe he will take you to one?

Tips and Daytrips

Sintra

Take a train. Go to Sintra. It’s a town in the greater Lisbon Region, perfect for a day trip with its different vibe and plenty to see! We made it to Castelo dos Mouros and Pena National Palace. These were excellent spots to hit because both castles sat on the highest mountain points for optimum Portugal viewing. Take in the stark contrast between a 9th Century castle ruins and a brightly coloured, intricate temple-esque former home. We were tuckered out by the end of the day just seeing two major sights, but you can be even more efficient than us if you take the bus up and down. However, I cannot discount the merits of hiking up at least one of the ways! You earn your view and get a beautiful walk, filled with peeks into different neighborhoods and nature.

Carcavelos

Another day trip! Go to Caiscais. Within the city there are several beaches that are great for surfing, and we chose Carcavelos. Stunning. It is also the perfect place for both pros and beginners because of the huge variety of waves. Walk up to any of the many beach shacks and rent surfboards and wet suits. They run frequent classes, but if you happen to be travelling with an Australian as I am, that works, too. Even if the surfing thing is not for you, it’s still a beautiful beach! And there are a bunch of cute beachside eateries, frolickers, and snack vendors coming around to keep you happy and entertained.

Belem

Belem is a district in Lisbon but it feels like another dimension, like Vatican City within Rome. Just a city bus or train away, Belem is historic terrain that boasts many stately structures such as the Tower of Belem, Jeronimos Monastery, Ajuda Palace, Coaches Museum, Belem Palace, Berardo Museum, and a stunning oceanside view (stick around for sunset!). Start at the Tower of Belem and make your way back towards the city, and you won’t miss a thing! Also not to miss: Pateis de Belem. It’s a world famous bakery that sells 45,000 Portuguese custard tarts A DAY (amongst other scrumptious treats and drinks). Served warm, with optional powdered sugar and cinnamon, each custard you sample afterwards will probably pale in comparison. But still, do it.

Thieves’ Market

This is a cool one. Didn’t think you could by a 2002 model cell phone, turquoise jewelry, well worn denim, and a gilly suit in the same place, did you? Well, you can! The Thieves’ Market is full of stalls (and shops on blankets) with a tremendous range of items. Be warned that if you’re looking into electronics, make sure you try it before you buy it! It’s common for these things to come stripped of all mechanic insides. I don’t know what will strike your fancy but you will surely find something worthwhile!

Sunglasses and Drugs

There is a beautiful square. It is called Rossio Square. There are two gorgeous fountains, and a psychedelic mosaic floor pattern; go see this square. But as you walk through, keep your eyes forward. Here, there is the highest concentration of people who are looking to approach every fun-loving tourist, offering either drugs or faux RayBan sunglasses. To reiterate a previous travel post, don’t buy drugs from random people on the street. (Duh.) They will be fake and/or hurt you. And if you choose to treat yourself to some “Ray Bons,” just make sure you haggle them down to maximum 5 Euros.

Late Night Outdoors

Safety first! If it’s nighttime and you don’t know the scene, it’s probably best to go back where you came from instead of hanging around in the streets. A cautionary tale! After a big night out, some friends of mine had a heart-to-heart talk by a fountain, in the middle of a public square. After not very long, they were threatened with a knife for their money but somehow ran away with full pockets and thankfully unscathed. Just putting it out there that things happen anywhere and anytime, but especially at night, so be aware of your surroundings and avoid singling yourselves out.  

Chapito

Yes, this is another eatery. But this one is well respected for a reason- it has panoramic views, strong drinks, and tasty Portuguese food…but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Chapito is linked up with somewhat of a circus school that specializes in “training, creation, animation and intervention.” So while you’re indulging in all of the above spoils, maybe a clown or other assorted circus performers will saunter around the patio and treat you to a little show. They serve excellent mojitos, and it’s another great place to sample fresh Portugese seafood! I recommend the codfish croquettes (they love their codfish in Portugal) and the octopus. Get silly.

And there you have it, Lisbon and its surrounding regions in a week. When in doubt for a restaurant, place of rest, or liquids, step away from the main strips and go upwards. This is a hilly city and most of the touristy spots happen on flatter land and around public squares. It’s very hard to go wrong here. Just point in a direction and you’ll find something interesting to do, look at, or put in your mouth. You’ll find that if you get a little lost, it’s not such a bad thing after all.