Hello! It’s been awhile. But I say that every time I post now… But here we are, almost 3 months after our trip, finally recapping it. We try not to repeat destinations, but Lisbon is the shortest and cheapest direct flight to Europe in August (not to mention it is Steve’s favorite place). We used Lisbon has our starting and ending point, with a road trip North in between. After a somewhat traumatizing flight from Florence last summer, we were pretty nervous about bringing Quinn along this time, but he slept almost the whole way there! Having his own seat (and carseat) was a game changer.
A lot has changed since our last time in Lisbon, and it appears the secret is now out! Everyone and their mother went this summer, and it’s apparent- prices have gone up and it’s definitely more crowded than our first trip there. We arrived shortly after the Pope’s visit, so there may have been extra tourists still in town for that, too. Nonetheless, still a great destination!
WHERE TO EAT:
Fabrica Coffee Roasters: After our red-eye flight, the first order of business was COFFEE! They have many locations across the city, and I mapped the mileage-wise closest location. Halfway en-route, we realized it was also the hilliest route. So hilly that there is an escalator up one giant hill. Things you don’t notice until you are pushing a toddler in a stroller! Speaking of said toddler, Quinn was treated like royalty by the staff. They made him his own little “espresso” aka frothed milk and fawned over him in Portuguese. He was really excited to use his very basic Portuguese he’s learned at school with them. His only two phrases: Obrigado! Bom dia!
Time Out Market: With so many good food options in Lisbon, we somehow still ended up back at Time Out Market for a THIRD time (remember this goat cheese ice cream salad?). It’s similar to Union Market in D.C., but dare I say even more busy?! It does have a good amount of seating and a wide variety of food options. We walked down from our hotel the evening we landed in Lisbon to get some fresh air and move our legs. There’s something for everybody and it’s super casual.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab: They have locations in Denmark, Germany, France, and Portugal. I chose a location that was a bit further from our hotel, but it was a scenic route. Steve may beg to differ as he had to, yet again, handle the stroller and stairs up and down and back up and down again. They had a great breakfast deal for 12 euros- 2 types of bread and spreads, cheese, ham, a pastry, overnight oats, an egg, AND a drink. To note: not GF
The scenic route:
Tapas 52: On our first trip, we visited Tapas 52 and had this great cheese plate. We broke our own rule of not repeating places again, but sort of by accident. Someone Steve knows through work was visiting Lisbon at the same time as us, and he suggested we meet here. When we arrived, we thought it looked really familiar… What are the odds? This was day 2 in Lisbon and we were all a bit tired, but Quinn was so beat that he passed out in Steve’s friends arms.
Honest Greens: You may be sensing a theme here. We accidentally repeated another restaurant. When in Barcelona, we had the best hummus at Honest Greens, and stumbled upon a location next to the Time Out Market. Quinn protested the vast array of options at Time Out Market, but he was thrilled to get a smoothie and energy balls from here. Lots of healthy options in a fast casual environment.
Rebel Cafe: Trendy coffee shop right next to our hotel. Excellent chia seed pudding!
UAO Gelato: In the mood for a sweet treat? Vegan, and free of gluten, lactose and sugar, yet still has flavor. Since Quinn slept through tapas, we stopped here for a healthier treat. He requested “green” and enjoyed their pistachio flavor.
GROM Gelato: We ALMOST went here in Florence, but didn’t. So, it doesn’t count as a repeat! They are all gluten free. Quinn enjoyed their mango gelato and I snuck a lick- so good!
Go Natural: Certainly not a destination for foodies, but a grocery store in the heart of Lisbon that had a huge selection of gluten free items. Quinn still asks for Sharkies, but sadly I cannot find them stateside.
WHERE TO STAY:
Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel: it is very walkable, with a beer garden across the street, right next to the iconic tram line and near plenty of restaurants and bars. The staff was so kind to Quinn, giving him coloring books and colored pencils, and running to help us with the stroller every time we came and went. They also left treats in the room and offered turn down service (but let’s be honest, we were already in bed by then thanks to jet lag).
Here’s the view of the hotel’s restaurant:
My little baby in a big bed series is slowly becoming a big baby! Make time slow down, please.
The view across the street from our hotel, and possibly the only family photo taken on the entire trip.
Lisbon Marriott: It is close to the airport, has a really nice pool, and a big breakfast buffet is included. It’s a 15 minute walk from the closest subway stop (the zoo). It was a good spot for us to be right next to the airport in the morning, but nothing special. It did the job!
WHAT TO DO:
Banksy Museum: We didn’t make it here, but I would’ve loved to. We saw some Banksy pieces in Barcelona at the Moco Museum, but now we have to go back to Lisbon to see more!
Tram: Don’t you love when people recommend things they have never done? We always walk to see more and get some exercise, but I can totally see the tram being a great way to sightsee and save yourself from the hills.
Claus: Stop by for the best smelling soaps and lotions (and balance out visiting the Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines store).
Down on the waterfront, we came across the Pope in stones:
Praça do Comércio
Take some time to just wander the city. Everywhere you turn, there are beautiful tiles hidden in alley ways and narrow side streets.
There are plenty of other things to do, and I recapped some highlights here and here from our past trips.
Little guy, big door outside the Lisbon Cathedral. We walked by on a holiday, so it was not open, but Quinn did knock just to be sure no one was home.
Not the Golden Gate, but certainly golden hour
Coming soon-ish: a recap of our trip up North!
Are you an eat to live, or live to eat type? i am 100% in it for the food. So much so, that I spend the majority of travel planning mapping out our meals and coffee breaks. So, here is part one of our Charleston trip, AKA all the restaurants. Part 2 of everything we did between meals to come.
THE FOOD:
Inside has a log cabin, rustic feel. The food was spectacular, especially the vegan “charcuterie” board. The chef makes up a selection of the veggies in season from their rooftop garden. I’d easily trade in a meat and cheese board for this selection any day!
Other spots that were highly recommended:
Other coffee suggestions:
There is no shortage of coffee in D.C., and I love seeking out new spots with patios for the pup, wifi for teleworking, or cozy seating to catch up on reading for fun. Consider this the first edition in a series of coffee shops around town. More to come!
Little Pearl, a spin off from 
Little Pearl offers house-made hazelnut milk, which is amazing in a latte. If you’re adventurous in your coffee flavors, try the iced banana latte, too. The food options during the day go beyond your typical pastries and really hit the spot. Plus, they have gluten-free bread, and it is actually GOOD!
Unicorn and banana bathroom wallpaper contrasts with the classy marble and rose gold in the restaurant, but I am digging it!
I have only been during the day for coffee and brunch food, but it’s on the list to try in the evening when they switch over to the wine bar menu. After eating at Pineapple and Pearls, I am sure Little Pearl’s evening menu will not disappoint!
Tacos and coffee, quite the combo! If you’ve heard the buzz about 
This teeny little coffee and taco shop is tucked into Brookland, next to a bike shop. The bright paintings and teal table tops put an instant smile on your face.
Another new addition to the Union Market district! Pluma has an extensive bakery menu, in addition to savory options with beer and wine.
The decor is gorgeous, and it’s great to have another option for coffee in the area. There are very few seats, so it’s more of a grab-and-go place unless they expand.
