How to spend weekend in Lisbon & Porto

Welcome to my travel diary of my trip to Lisbon and Porto! Portugal's two most vibrant cities offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Lisbon, the country's capital, boasts of its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a stunning waterfront. Porto, on the other hand, is a city of contrasts, with its medieval old town and modern architecture. During my trip, I explored the cultural landmarks, savored the local cuisine, and immersed myself in the Portuguese way of life. So come along with me and let's discover the magic of these two beautiful cities!"

Start off at Timeout Market, The Time Out Market Lisboa offers a wide variety of food options, including dishes from some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city. It also features bars, cafes, and shops selling local products, as well as a performance space for live music, art, and cultural events.

What sets Time Out Market Lisboa apart is its curated selection of vendors, with each food stall and drink counter personally selected by Time Out magazine's editorial team. This ensures that visitors can expect high-quality and diverse offerings, ranging from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international cuisine. In addition to its culinary offerings, Time Out Market Lisboa is also a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere with plenty of entertainment and activities to enjoy.

The next day, I set out on foot towards the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint.

There are a lot of steps to climb, and winding streets. But the breathtaking panoramic view that greeted me upon arrival made it all worthwhile. The viewpoint is situated in the Alfama district, which is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon.

Feeling grateful for moments like these in Lisbon's beautiful cityscape.

Lost in the beauty of Lisbon's winding alleys and vibrant colors.

Next up, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint situated in Lisbon's Bairro Alto neighborhood. Little garden making it a great place for a short stroll that rewards visitors with an unforgettable view.

After spending half the day on walking or more like climbing up the stairs.

I headed to Rosamar, a restaurant that came highly recommended.

The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, with a particular emphasis on traditional Portuguese cuisine. Rosamar is situated in the popular Baixa-Chiado neighborhood. The interior of Rosamar is casual and cozy, with wooden tables and chairs, nautical decor.

Overall, Rosamar is a great choice for seafood lovers visiting Lisbon, offering delicious food and a relaxed dining experience in the heart of the city. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff was friendly and attentive service.

Following my lunch, I take a casual walk through the bustling city streets. Lisbon boasts numerous picturesque locations where one can indulge in people-watching and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Now it's time to unwind with a refreshing cocktail and take a moment to relax with nice city view at Rumi Rooftop Bar.

Rumi Rooftop Bar is situated on the top floor of the H10 Duque de Loule hotel, which is located in the city center. The rooftop bar offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon's skyline, including sights such as the Tagus River and the Castelo de São Jorge. The bar serves a variety of cocktails, wines, and other beverages, as well as a selection of small plates and snacks. Overall, Lumi Rooftop is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a drink or a meal with a view of Lisbon's beautiful cityscape.

After finishing my drink, I returned to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. The restaurant I had planned to visit was located on the other side of the city, so I had to take a ferry. The ferry ride lasted around 10 minutes, and once I arrived at the pier, I had to walk for approximately 10 minutes to reach the restaurant.

Ponto Final is a popular seafood restaurant. It's situated on the south bank of the Tagus River, in the Almada district. Take the ferry from Lisbons’ Cais do Sodré to the other side of the river Tagus: Cacilhas. One of the unique features of Ponto Final is its stunning waterfront location, which offers picturesque views of the river and the Lisbon skyline. The restaurant is housed in a converted warehouse and features both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The menu at Ponto Final focuses mainly on fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled octopus, shrimp, clams, and fish. The restaurant is also known for its homemade desserts and its extensive wine list, which includes many Portuguese wines.

Due to its popularity, Ponto Final can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. However, many visitors find that the scenic location and delicious food make it well worth the trip.

Following dinner, it's now time for me to visit Red Frog, which is known as the world's best bar and is located at No.40

The bar is known for its creative cocktails, which are crafted with premium spirits and house-made syrups and mixers. In addition to its drinks, the Red Frog Speakeasy Bar is also known for its intimate, cozy atmosphere. The bar is located in a basement space, which adds to its speakeasy vibe, and features live music on select nights.

To enter the bar, patrons must first find the hidden entrance. Once inside, they are transported back in time to the prohibition era and can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish, vintage setting.

In conclusion, my Lisbon trip was absolutely fantastic. From exploring the charming streets to indulging in the delicious food at and sipping creative cocktails at Speakeasy Bar, every moment of my trip was filled with wonderful experiences. The city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture all made for an unforgettable journey. I look forward to returning to Lisbon one day and discovering even more of its many delights.

It is now time to depart from Lisbon and welcome Porto into itinerary.

Porto is a vibrant and historic city located in northern Portugal, on the banks of the Douro River. As the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and thriving food and wine scene.

The city's historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is characterized by its narrow cobbled streets, colorful buildings. Porto is also famous for its wine, particularly its sweet port wine, which is produced in the Douro Valley and stored in the city's numerous wine cellars.

For my first meal in Porto, I opted for something a little different from the traditional Portuguese cuisine - Ramen. Although not a typical Portuguese dish, the meal was delicious and satisfying. In addition to ramen, Ramen Ro also offers a selection of small plates, such as gyoza dumplings, and edamame, as well as Japanese beers and sake. Overall, Ramen Ro is a great spot for those looking for a taste of Japan in Porto.

The first landmark I visited upon arriving in Porto was the Igreja do Carmo.

Igreja do Carmo, also known as the Carmo Church, is a beautiful and historic church located in the heart of Porto. Built in the 18th century. Igreja do Carmo is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and religious art.

Porto's riverside is a charming and picturesque area that offers stunning views of the Douro River and the city's historic architecture. The Ribeira district, in particular, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.

As you stroll along the riverside, you'll encounter a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars that offer a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view. The area is also home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the iconic Ponte de Dom Luís I bridge, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river.

The riverside of Porto is a beautiful and enchanting area that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking to relax and take in the view or explore the many attractions and landmarks in the area, the riverside of Porto is a destination that should not be missed.

Among the many charms of this magnificent city, the sunset moment is a truly magical.

The Porto sunset moment is a time of day when the sky turns into a canvas of vibrant colors, ranging from shades of pink and purple to hues of orange and gold. As the sun slowly descends into the horizon, the buildings of Porto are bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a surreal atmosphere that is difficult to put into words.

One of the best places to witness the Porto sunset moment is from the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge, which spans the Douro River. From this vantage point, you can see the sun setting over the horizon and casting its golden light on the river, illuminating the water with a shimmering glow.

The beauty of this moment is a testament to the natural wonders of Porto, a city that never ceases to amaze visitors with its stunning landscapes and unique culture.

Following the enjoyment of the sunset, I went to have dinner at an Asian restaurant called Boa Bao. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes from different Asian cultures, including Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. It has a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, with a modern and stylish decor that adds to the dining experience. Boa Bao Porto is known for its fusion of flavors, creative presentation, and use of fresh ingredients in their dishes.

Following a dinner, as suggested by the bartender at the hotel, I headed over to a bar named The Royal Cocktail Club. Once you step into The Royal Cocktail Club, you'll discover an intimate and sophisticated cocktail bar that features contemporary design and a marble-topped bar. Here, you can comfortably settle in and delve into the complex yet accessible cocktail list that boasts a variety of intriguing ingredients.

I made my way back to my hotel, feeling grateful for the chance to experience the magic of Porto. Though my time in the city was short, the memories of that evening stroll would stay with me forever. For anyone looking for a truly unforgettable travel experience, Porto is a destination that should not be missed. Until next time Porto.