Lisbon

Bordeaux took the title in 2015 but the winner of the European Best Destination vote in 2016 went to Lisbon. With so many low-cost airline options direct from home, it was only a matter of time before we made it to Portugal and with an endorsement like that, it was hard to resist the call of the capital city.

We stayed two nights at a quiet but delightfully modern hotel right in town, Feeling Chiado 15. The staff helped us decide on a few things to see/do while in town and we mapped out an itinerary: Get a great view of the city from the Santa Justa lift, Time Out Market for dinner and drinks, a stroll around town in the evening, check out the castle the next day, eat some bacalão, ride the cable car. I think we can handle that.

The market was a bit swankier than I was expecting, but the food was so good, I didn't mind feeling a bit like a hipster with my spinach and bacon croquettes. You can get everything from traditional Portuguese specialities to African-Asian fusion tapas, all with a nice draught beer or or local wine to wash it down. Get pastels de bacalão (cod fritters) whenever you can. You will not be disappointed.

Day 2 was all about exploring the city. We hopped on a ferry to cross the river to Cacilhas in the Almada neighborhood and had a delicious sea-feast for lunch, complete with amazing views of the main part of town from across the water. I was a bit horrified when we saw a fisherman slamming the octopus he caught into the pavement repeatedly (pretty sure he punched it a couple times, too) but apparently this is a thing that you have to do??? Still skeptical.

Back on the mainland, we wandered around town and took the iconic cable car up to the São Jorge castle. This was definitely the highlight of the trip because you can enjoy a stroll around the castle grounds and when you need a break, they sell bottles of wine that you can enjoy inside the walls while watching the sunset. I dig your style, Lisbon.

We finished the evening with a meal at a traditional restaurant where they were playing Fado music. It's sad and soulful and if you listen to too much of it, you'll want to pitch yourself into the ocean like all those lost sailors that never came home, but it is such a part of Lisbon culture, we couldn't possibly miss it. The food wasn't great but the music was so it all evened out. The night was cool and crisp but still mild, with only the Christmas light displays reminding us that winter was on its way.

Te vejo novamente em breve, Portugal.