![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260734330-84e1.jpg\")
\n\t\tLisbon proved to be the perfect alternative to a poolside honeymoon (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tLisbon proved to be the perfect alternative to a poolside honeymoon (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n
As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe<\/a>, Lisbon<\/a>\u2019s rich history reveals itself at every turn, from ancient ruins to tiled facades and near-vertical cobblestone streets<\/a>. It might sound like a strange choice, but this love letter to the past felt like the perfect setting for our honeymoon.<\/p>\n Some newlyweds may long for two weeks of undisturbed bliss on a sunlounger, only lifting a finger to order another cocktail. <\/p>\n And as parents of a toddler, we probably could have benefited from the pause.<\/p>\n But in this rare moment of solo time, we were also keen to savour sips of delicious wine, tuck into plentiful plates of local cuisine and immerse ourselves in the architectural beauty of somewhere new.<\/p>\n Lisbon ticked those boxes and then some.<\/p>\n Our first request was a taste of the sea, and with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a treasure trove of delicious dishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our taxi driver urged us to head straight to Cervejaria Ramiro, a family-run institution that has been feeding locals and visitors alike for almost 70 years.<\/p>\n It serves things fresh. Live crabs and lobsters crawling in tanks mere feet from your head, type of fresh.<\/p>\n \t\t The Portuguese<\/a> wine goes down well, while the huge scarlet prawns (a waiter\u2019s recommendation) were quickly polished off. The buttery lobster rolls felt like true indulgence. If you\u2019re facing a long wait for a table, there\u2019s even a beer vending machine to quench your thirst.<\/p>\n As Londoners, we love discovering a city on foot, and Lisbon rewards with every step. <\/p>\n Like Rome, legend has it that the city was built on seven hills. If the steep climbs prove too much (and they are steep), you can take a more leisurely route on the iconic yellow trams, which wind through the cobbled streets and are easy to hop on and off. <\/p>\n The Metro system is simple to use, budget-friendly and air-conditioned, a true joy on sticky summer days.<\/p>\n \t\t For the best vantage point, try one of Lisbon\u2019s many rooftop bars. <\/p>\n We stopped by the Hotel Mundial<\/a> for a pre-dinner cocktail and panoramic views. By day, you\u2019re treated to sights of the terracotta rooftops and sorbet-toned buildings, and by night, the streets become awash with twinkly lights and monuments illuminated with golden hues.\u00a0<\/p>\n Our first hotel was the Martinhal Lisbon Oriente<\/a>, a five-star residence featuring a range of studios and apartments. Designed to accommodate a diverse mix of guests, it offers business centres for professionals, alongside childcare services and entertainment for families. <\/p>\n Just a short walk from Oriente station, it\u2019s a little out of the main thrust of Lisbon, but the waterfront neighbourhood is fast becoming popular with young working professionals.\u00a0<\/p>\n Unlike the historic centre, Oriente is sleek and modern; it has the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, as well as waterfront restaurants and bars. <\/p>\n For families, it has the Ocean\u00e1rio de Lisboa, which is regarded as one of the best aquariums in the world.<\/p>\n \t\t Like many cities, Lisbon\u2019s main square can feel like a tourist trap of overpriced eateries that don\u2019t truly showcase its rich culinary heritage. <\/p>\n That being said, Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio, or Commerce Square, is worth a visit for its stunning riverside perch and historical significance as the gateway to the city after the 1755 earthquake.<\/p>\n But in Lisbon, the real magic lies in discovering the hidden gems off the beaten path. <\/p>\n One of our favourite lunch spots was Taberna do Bairro Alto<\/a> in the Miseric\u00f3rdia neighbourhood. <\/p>\n A non-negotiable recommendation from our hotel\u2019s concierge, it appears understated from the outside, with just a few chairs scattered around a simple arched doorway, set against soft yellow walls.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t This cosy spot is beloved by locals, with delicious dishes at great prices. We devoured a generous platter of cured meats, cheeses, and olives, perfectly paired with a pitcher of crisp white sangria.\u00a0<\/p>\n We couldn\u2019t visit Lisbon without a stop at the famous TimeOut market. <\/p>\n This vibrant food hall, set within the historic Mercado da Ribeira, is home to more than 40 restaurants and bars. <\/p>\n Grilled sardines are a Lisbon classic, so we tried a playful twist, opting for sardine sushi paired with a chilled glass of crisp Portuguese white wine.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tMetro Travel’s top European city breaks for 2025\t\t\t<\/p>\n One of the standout meals of our honeymoon was dinner at the Convent Square Lisbon<\/a>, Vignette Collection. <\/p>\n If you want a true taste of the city\u2019s history, this iconic eatery, set within a 13th-century convent, has it woven into the walls. <\/p>\n The showstopping interiors only come second to the delectable choice of dishes and drinks. Celebrating the spirit of the convent\u2019s old apothecary, the cocktail menu serves up inventive drinks inspired by ancient elixirs once crafted by monks to revive weary travellers.\u00a0<\/p>\n The showstopper plate has to be the Duck Arroz de Pato, a Portuguese rice that offers a smoky bite full of flavour. For an authentic taste of Lisbon in a breathtaking setting, this is the place to be.<\/p>\n Our second hotel was the iconic Four Seasons<\/a>. This five-star hotel blends Portuguese heritage with Art Deco style, and the service is outstanding. <\/p>\n \t\t If you\u2019re keen to get a workout in, there\u2019s a gym on the top floor, as well as a 400-metre rooftop running track, so you can feel the burn with unbeatable views. <\/p>\n The hotel houses restaurant CURA, run by Michelin-distinguished chef Rodolfo Lavrador. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, with every ingredient carefully chosen for its quality and flavour.<\/p>\n In any discussion of Lisbon, it would be remiss not to mention pastel de natas, the Portuguese custard tarts with a tantalising caramelised topping. <\/p>\n They can be found on every corner, but we have to give a special shout-out to the Manteigaria bakery in Baixa, and Castro<\/a> in the Bairro Alto district.<\/p>\n It may feel like good food and wine were the main mission of our honeymoon, and to be fair, it\u2019s not far from the truth. <\/p>\n But we did explore for reasons besides a culinary quest.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t If you love vinyl records, Louie Louie<\/a> in downtown Lisbon has a great range, as does nearby Tubitek<\/a>. <\/p>\n For vintage lovers, head to the Baixa district. Flamingo Vintage Kilo<\/a> lets you buy items per weight and has an amazing selection of sparkly and leather jackets, while A Outra Face Da Lua<\/a> is a little pricier, but well worth the rummage.<\/p>\n In three days, it felt like we only scratched the surface of Lisbon. <\/p>\n In truth, it feels like you would need months to explore its full beauty. <\/p>\n We didn\u2019t even get the chance to explore the magical palaces of Sintra or watch the sunset by the Bel\u00e9m Tower.\u00a0<\/p>\n Still, we left with amazing memories, full stomachs and a strong desire to return as soon as possible.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tThree-day Lisbon itinerary \t\t\t<\/p>\n Day one<\/strong><\/p>\n Pick up an early morning coffee at Albi<\/p>\n Browse the books at the historic Livraria Betrand<\/p>\n Go record shopping at Louie Louie<\/p>\n Have a seafood lunch at Cevejaria Ramiro<\/p>\n Relax with cocktails at the rooftop bar in Hotel Mundial<\/p>\n Stop for dinner at the Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection<\/p>\n Day two<\/strong><\/p>\n Catch the Tram 28 through Alfama, Graca and Baixa<\/p>\n Take in the stunning views in Alfama before brunch in Augusto Lisboa<\/p>\n Head back into the city centre and visit one of Lisbon\u2019s famous squares<\/p>\n A cosy dinner at Taberna do Bairro Alto in the Miseric\u00f3rdia neighbourhood<\/p>\n Day three<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy a pastel de nata at Castro in Bairro Alto<\/p>\n Stroll to Time Out Market for a vast array of lunch options<\/p>\n Pick up a souvenir at the official Benfica store in Rossio<\/p>\n End your stay with a stunning meal at Cura<\/p>\n \t\t\tComments Arrow Arrow![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260642446-2d32.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe best way to explore Lisbon is on foot, but the city\u2019s metro system is efficient and easy to understand (Picture: Kat Romero)<\/p>\n![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260693549-f0a2.jpg\")
\n\t\tLisbon is a coastal city in the west of Portugal (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260734332-1708.jpg\")
\n\t\tDid you really go to Lisbon without a picture by the Lisboa sign? (Picture: Rory McKeown)<\/p>\n![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260642521-f6ed.jpg\")
\n\t\tThere are plenty of places to sample Lisbon\u2019s culinary delights, including Taberna do Bairro Alto (Picture: Kat Romero)<\/p>\n![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260642532-3f39.jpg\")
\n\t\tFood lovers are in for a real treat in Lisbon (Picture: Kat Romero)<\/p>\n![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_260734336-c126.jpg\")
\n\t\tLisbon is famed for its many historic squares (Picture: Rory McKeown)<\/p>\n
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