I had the pleasure of visiting Lisbon, Portugal with my study abroad program this semester. While I was there, I got to explore, eat, and make new friends. Here are my must-see recommendations for your trip to Lisbon.
Take a Tuk Tuk ride.
The best way to explore a new city is through the eyes of a local. During our trip, we decided to take a tuk-tuk tour through the city of Lisbon. Our driver promised that he would show us the entire city in three hours when it would usually take a tourist three days on foot. And boy did he deliver! We saw fantastic street art, lookout points, and famous landmarks that we would never have discovered on our own. I would highly recommend this option for tourists who only have a short amount of time in this fantastic city.
Eat Pastéis de Nata.
My favorite thing about Portugal is hands down the amazing food. I could write a whole blog post on the delicious traditional Portuguese dishes I ate during my trip. If there is one thing, you can’t leave Portugal without trying it is the Pastéis de Nata. The official definition is a traditional custard tart dusted with a thin layer of cinnamon. In my opinion, if a croissant and a creme brulee had a baby, it would be this pastry. It is fluffy, creamy, and everything you could want out of a desert. I bought a dozen to eat on the way home, and I don’t regret it for a second.
Visit the most beautiful street in the world.
Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo is located in the heart of Lisbon’s city center. The steep road is voted the most beautiful street in the world, and for a good reason. The street is lined with colorful buildings and eye-catching murals. Garlands criss-cross between the rooftops on either side of the road. If you have time, be sure to take a ride on the streetcar so that you can take in the views without losing your breath walking uphill.
Party on Pink Street.
After a long day in the hot Portuguese sun, cool down with an alcoholic beverage at heart of the hippest bar scene in all of Portugal. Pink street, aptly named for the fluorescent pink color of the ground, is your go-to place if you are looking for a party on your vacation. During your night out, be sure to stop by Pensão Amor, a former brothel turned into a chic bar filled with cheeky decor, fortune tellers, and even a dancer’s pole!
Tripping with Maddie 