Lisbon & Coastal Zen: Sun, Sangria & a Side of Bougie

I took off from Heathrow T2 with TAP Air Portugal — fully braced for a knee-crushing short-haul. Instead? Spacious cabin, actual legroom, and a screen in the seatback. For a 2h40 flight, that’s basically first class. Even with 23kg of luggage, it beat EasyJet on price. A rare win for the bougie and the budget conscious.

Immigration in Lisbon? A five-minute breeze. From tarmac to taxi in 35 mins. Heathrow could never.

Getting into the city was a doddle. I booked a private transfer (main character mode), but Uber works fine too — just follow signs to the chaos that is P2 Pick-Up Point. Looks messy, works perfectly. Like me after three sangrias.

Stay #1: WC by The Boutique Hotels

Set in edgy-cool Avenida Almirante Reis (aka “I’m not a tourist, I swear” zone), this boutique spot is minutes from the metro and right on tram 28’s iconic route. The old town’s a 20-min wander — perfect for pastel-tile stalking and espresso pit stops every 100 steps.

I booked a Deluxe Room: compact but clever. Blackout blinds (bless), a rain shower with actual pressure, and windows that mute city chaos. Bonus: free soft drinks in the mini fridge, topped up daily. Hydrated queen.

Breakfast (€10) delivered: fresh pastries, yoghurt, hot bites, strong coffee. No notes.

Other perks:

• Basic rooftop, big energy – bring a bottle and your best chat

• Cute brunch bar with outside seating – people-watching heaven

• Drinks served till 11pm from their sister hotel across the road – perfect for a last lil’ nightcap

Stay #2: Palacio do Visconde

The birthday gang went full glam here – two restored 19th-century palaces, leafy courtyards, and boutique realness. Fit.

We had a private garden dinner for 17 under fairy lights. Wine flowing, food emotional, and service? 10/10. It’s up a cobbled hill that could end your knees, though. Uber it unless you’re auditioning for SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Part II: Sangria Hangovers, Beach Clubs & Foodie Gold

Day Two – Boujee Beach Club Bouncing

After a wild Bairro Alto night (wine, 00s bangers, dodgy dance moves), we scraped ourselves into Ubers to Nuaa Beach Club — 40 mins away and 100% worth it.

Think Ibiza without the madness: beanbags, mellow DJ sets, cocktails, and a crew dressed like they’ve just come back from a silent retreat in Bali. Asian-fusion menu? Banger. People-watching? Michelin-starred.

Day Three – Rooftop Recovery & Nepalese Nirvana

The birthday crew had disbanded like a hungover boyband. I hit the NH Lisboa Liberdade rooftop with a couple of the girlies — tiny pool, big views, bar stocked and spirits high. Mood: horizontal.

Later, we found Bhetghat, a Nepalese gem down a vibey local street. Zero frills, max flavour: momos, puris, curries, naan, cold Sagres... €47 for two. More satisfying than ghosting your situationship.

Lisbon = Certified 10/10

With breezy flights, boutique vibes, sunshine strolls, and daily pastel de nata missions, Lisbon showed up and showed off. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, it’s got that “just one more day” energy you won’t shake.

Day Four – Coastal Zen Mode: Estoril Edition

Time to detox. We headed out to Estoril and checked into Villa Pietra Eco Stay – seven mins into the hills, surrounded by eucalyptus and good decisions. Huge cushioned day beds, outdoor sauna, infinity pool, and food by chef Regina that added a few happy pounds. No regrets.

We stayed in a 2-bed suite in the turret (yep, actual turret). Very castlecore, but dragging a suitcase up a spiral staircase? Brutal.

Dinner? Paco Bigotes, a banging Mexican near Estoril Station. Pop your name down, grab a spicy pineapple Marg next door, and wait your turn. Loud, packed, tacos worth the hype.

Cascais: The Coastal Crush You Didn’t Know You Needed

Cascais is like if Brighton got a glow-up, moved to Portugal, and started dating someone with a yacht. Just 40 mins from Lisbon (from Cais do Sodré – take the scenic train), this ex-fishing village is now a chic seaside escape mixing surfer cool with old-money grace.

Once the summer spot for Portuguese royalty, Cascais still serves serious linen-shirt energy — grand villas, leafy streets, oceanside cafés, and elegant loafing.

Things to check out:

• Casa das Histórias Paula Rego – Bold museum honouring Portugal’s iconic female artist.

• Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell) – Sea cave drama. Atlantic waves doing the most.

• Praia da Rainha – Tiny, stunning, queenly as advertised.

• Guincho Beach – Vast, wild, cinematic. Surfer heaven.

Cascais Foodie Picks:

• Lambrettazzurra Pizzeria – Casual, wood-fired magic. Naples who?

• Marisco na Praça (Marina) – Seafood goals. My king prawn curry? Rich and spicy. Mate’s vongole left her speechless.

• Hífen – Rooftop drinks, sea views, Portuguese-meets-global dishes. Tuna tataki = elite.

Final Day – Slightly Crispy, Hugely Full, Mildly Broken

And just like that... gone. Four sun-drenched, seafood-stuffed, sangria-fuelled days. We laughed till our cheeks hurt and left with indoor sunglasses and meme bombs in the group chat.

• Tanned? Yas.

• Overfed? Always.

• Emotionally unstable at the airport? Totally.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Would I skip the fifth vinho verde? …Not a chance.

Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais – you’re the full package.

Catch you on the flip side.