In my continued effort to carve out time just for myself, I picked Lisbon, Portugal as my destination of choice for 2025’s solo travel exploits..

“Solo” is loosely defined here not as completely alone, but rather sans husband and children that make up my nucleus family. It is remarkable to try and function without them actually because I miss terribly their cuteness, their company, and their ability to fill up my time. Thinking just about oneself is very hard to do believe it or not. Having to conjure up the courage to eat just what you want, sleep just as you like, walk into the stores of your choosing, and basically do everything just for you after mostly never doing that, is tricky.

But with enough practice it can be accomplished (as proved by my solo travel to Paris and Florence in the prior years). I feel grateful to allocate time and resources for these annual solo travels where I reacquaint with my likes without any guilt.

So now, back to Lisbon.

My sister joined me from Charlotte which made this trip a lot more social. I did a little less of reading and sketching compared to my previous travels, and didn’t go to any museums at all! But that time was better spent hanging out with my older sis, wandering around town.

Some notes on my Lisbon favorites:

(In no particular order)

Restaurant Rocco

Recommended by my friend Sara H. Rocco – part of The Ivans Hotel for you Marriott members; perfect spot to spill those points if the opportunity presents itself – was a smashing hit with me. It’s decor is beautiful and the cocktails (and tea) lovely.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

A public garden that overlooks the city, you must stop here to linger and have a coffee at the kiosk.

Mercado Se Santa Clara + Tabernita

You know my absolute obsession with old things? Well, Mercado Se Santa Clara flea market is not to be missed. I found some very lovely vintage clothes here, and a beautiful original artwork to bring back to Dev. And as if that wasn’t enough, the unassuming restaurant Tabernita right smack in the middle of it all is insanely good. All of this at a tag price that will SHOCK you (in a very very pleasant way).

Tiles. Tiles. And more Tiles

There is of course an official tile museum, but even if you never stepped foot in it, you will be surrounded with beautiful tiles EVERY.WHERE. Needless to say, I was in heaven at every corner.

Trip to Sintra on a Rainy Day

Rainy day being the key here. We took the train to Sintra on our rainiest day in Lisbon. The town nestled in the hilltops looked absolutely heavenly in all the fog. There were no crowds compared to my last time here.

Short train ride to the seaside of Cascais

Pasteis de Belem

Now, you may be think this is overrated. Or that the other pastes that you might have is close enough. I encourage you to do a taste test and see how they all compare to the original Pasteis de Belem. In my opinion, there is no comparison.