Well first things first: Welcome to Portugal and Lisbon! We hope you have as much fun as we have exploring this city. Whether you're making a vacation out of it or just have a little extra time, here are some wonderful ways to experience the magic of Portugal while celebrating with us.

Discover Lisbon’s Charm

Lisbon is a city of sun-drenched streets, pastel-colored buildings, and stunning viewpoints. If you have time to explore, here are a few must-dos:

🌅 Miradouros & Sunset Views – Head to Miradouro de Santa Catarina or as the "alfacinhas" call it Adamastor and enjoy the views of the bridge. You can then head to the museum of Pharmacy for some killer cocktails and delicious food or head a bit further down to enjoy in our opinion some of the best pastéis de nata in the city at Manteigaria. Finish off at the hole-in-the-wall O Trevo for a classic snack: bifanas or pregos accompanied by a "imperial" (draft beer). Alternatively you can also visit our favorite spot, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for breathtaking city views, best enjoyed with a drink in hand.

🏰 Wander Through Alfama & São Jorge Castle – Get lost in the winding alleys of Lisbon’s oldest district, where Fado music drifts through the air. If you are feeling inclined, take the tram 28 up the hill al the way to miradouro St. Luzia (please be aware that there are many tourists taking the old tram and therefore many pickpocketers). After take a hike to the castle which offers panoramic views of the city.

🥮 Eat Your Weight in Pastéis de Nata – Try the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém or at Manteigaria or any local bakery—trust us, you’ll want more than one!

🌊 Day Trip to Belém – While you are eating some delicious pastéis why not visit the other local sites? Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the MAAT Museum, then stroll along the waterfront. There are also some hidden gems nearby as the Botanical Garden (our wedding was actually almost there!) or the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda.

🏛 Museums - There are honestly so much to see that you can't go wrong with any museum or activity you might choose. Here are some of our recommendations: Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the best aquariums in Europe, home to incredible marine life, including sharks, rays, and otters. It's located in the Parque das Nações area. There are also a number of impressive museums in Lisbon like the National Museum of Ancient Art, Museu Calouste Gulbenkian (always filled with new exhibition and beautiful gardens), and the National Tile Museum.

🚂 Sintra – Take a day-trip from Lisbon to enjoy the romantic and hauntingly beutiful city of Sintra. Fairytale castles like Pena Palace, mysterious gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, and breathtaking views from Moorish Castle. Enjoy the local delicacies such as Travesseiros at Casa Piriquita or Queijadas de Sintra at Sapa. For a little secret tip, when you go inside Sapa, there is a door in the back that leads to a little cosy cafe area with a beautiful view. I advice going to Sintra during the week as it usually gets insanely busy during weekends as it is loved both by locals and tourists.

Finish the day near the beach at one of my favorite restaurants for seafood, O Crôa.

As a side note, you can also visit a beautiful seaside town called Cascais for a chill vibe outside the city and the most western point of continental europe as it is nearby: Cabo da Roca.

🍸 Experience Lisbon’s Nightlife – Bairro Alto, Bica and Pink Street come alive at night, offering everything from cozy wine bars to lively rooftop terraces. Here are some of our favorite places:

- Pensão Amor

- Lost In

- Snob

- Park

- Topo Chiado or Martim Moniz

- V Rooftop Bar

- Chapitô

- Tasca do Chico

- Noobai

- Maria Loca Bar

Azeitão: Wine, Nature & Local Delights

Just south of Lisbon, Azeitão is a picturesque region known for its wines, nature, and charming villages. If you're staying nearby, here’s what to explore:

🍷 Wine Tasting at José Maria da Fonseca or Quinta da Bacalhôa – Sample some of Portugal’s finest wines, including the famous Moscatel de Setúbal. They are both incredible but we have a soft spot for Quinta da Bacalhôa. I highly recommend a wine tour if you can while you are here for the wedding.

🏞 Serra da Arrábida Natural Park – A paradise of turquoise waters and lush hills. Take a scenic drive or hike, and don’t miss the stunning beaches like Portinho da Arrábida.

🏛 Visit the Tile Workshop of São Simão – Discover traditional Portuguese tile-making and maybe even take home a handcrafted souvenir.

🥘 Savor Local Cuisine – Enjoy fresh seafood, Azeitão cheese, and local pastries like torta de Azeitão, a delicious rolled sponge cake. Our favorite spot is at Casa Das Tortas.

🚣 Explore Sesimbra & Dolphin Watching – Just a short drive from Azeitão, Sesimbra is a charming coastal town known for its golden beaches, fresh seafood, and rich maritime history. It is actually the place that we recommend staying if you are looking for a place to stay for the wedding. Wander through the medieval Sesimbra Castle, perched on a hill with breathtaking views over the Atlantic, or stroll along the picturesque harbor lined with traditional fishing boats.

For a truly unforgettable experience, set sail on a dolphin-watching tour, where you can spot pods of wild bottlenose and common dolphins playing in the crystal-clear waters of the Arrábida coastline. Many tours also include stops at hidden caves and secluded beaches, perfect for a refreshing swim. Whether you're exploring by land or sea, Sesimbra offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

🏝 Comporta: A Hidden Beach Paradise – Just an hour south of Lisbon, Comporta is a dreamy coastal escape with endless sandy beaches, rice fields, and a laid-back bohemian vibe. Known for its unspoiled beauty, this region attracts artists, surfers, and nature lovers alike. Spend a day soaking up the sun at Praia da Comporta, enjoy a seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant, or explore the Sado Estuary, home to flamingos and dolphins. While you are there, try a local specialty of the Setúbal region, Choco Frito (fried cuttlefish). One of our favorite restaurants for it is Restaurante Barco do Sado but you can find choco frito anywhere in the region.

If you have any other question, please feel free to reach out. Laura is known to be a wannabe travel agent... 😅