Travel Itinerary | 4 Days in Lisbon, Portugal

BEM VINDO A LISBOA!

Welcome to Lisbon (AKA Lisboa to the Portuguese and us for the purposes of our posts), Portugal’s capital and largest city. The importance of Lisboa is its strategic location at the mouth of the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberia Peninsula - divided between Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, and Gibraltar. The harbor is naturally sheltered making it a significant seaport for trade between the Mediterranean Sea and northern Europe throughout history.

One of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisboa’s history can be traced back to 800 B.C! The area has been occupied by many civilizations including the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, among others. This established a unique mix of culture, history, and architecture throughout the area. Though much of how the city appears today was defined by a terrible natural catastrophe in 1755.

On November 1, 1755, an estimated 8.5–9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Lisboa in the Kingdom of Portugal. It caused extreme structural damage to many of the buildings. Additionally it knocked over lit candles in churches, shops, and homes starting several deadly fires. Combined with a subsequent tsunami from the aftermath, Lisboa was left almost totally destroyed. Shocks from the earthquake were felt around the country—coastal villages in the Algarve and even inland castles experienced heavy damages. Considered one of the deadliest earthquakes in history, the death toll in Lisboa is estimated between 10,000 and 100,000 people.

This earthquake shaped much of the country. Palaces, cathedrals, churches and homes were destroyed and although over following centuries many were repaired and restored, others were left to fall into ruins. Additionally priceless artifacts, paintings, historical records, and books were lost. Throughout the country you’ll find areas such as the Alfama district in Lisboa with parts dating back nearly 800 years, but due to the earthquake the next neighborhood over, Baixa, dating back less than 300 years. This catastrophe greatly shaped the county, the city, and its history.

The concentration of buildings and the population of Lisboa are around Baixa, the now downtown, which was established on the original palace grounds prior to 1755, although it is worth exploring the surrounding neighborhoods of Chaido, Bairro Alto, Alfama, Graça, and the further out districts of Belém and Sintra. Note: This itinerary will try and cover most of these for you. :)

I know you’ve just arrived in the city, but since both Belém and Sintra are worth an entire day trip I wanted to spread them out in the itinerary. Today is about exploring Belém and getting oriented in this colorful, lively city!

BELEM

Belém is about 6 miles (9 km) from Lisboa’s Baixa which means (unless you’re super into fitness), you’ll need to either hire a car or take a tram. I’d recommend the trams. The yellow vintage trams in Lisbon definitely oozing old-world charm. To get to Belém from downtown Lisboa there are two tram options—tram 127 or tram 15 from either Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio. The number is 15 is more direct and takes about 25 minutes. Get off at Largo da Princesa, just two stops past the osteiro dos Jerónimos stop.

Tickets can be purchase onboard, just make sure you have exact change. A single, one-way ticket costs €3; although, you can purchase a Viva Viagem 24-hour public transit ticket from metro stations which costs €6,40 and include all trams, metro and buses in the city. The ticket also includes the Elevador da Glória and Elevador de Santa Justa which would cost €3,80 and €5,30 respectively.

8:15 A.M. — Let’s grab some brekkie! If you’ve chosen Praça da Figueira as your tram starting point, head to Confeitaria Nacional (Praça da Figueira, Praça Dom Pedro IV 18B, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal) , the oldest pastry shop in Lisboa. Most of their recipes date more than 180 years old. It’s been owned and run by the same family for six generations!

If you’ve chosen Praça do Comércio as your tram starting point, head to Fábrica Lisboa (R. da Madalena 121, 1100-319 Lisboa, Portugal), a delicious bakery renowned for their croissants. Yum!

9:30 A.M. — Hop aboard your tram and starting point of choice.

The Belém district of Lisboa is filled with parks, plazas, and historically significant “attractions.” It is more laid-back than the city centre and especially popular, even with locals, on the weekend for a refreshing break from the hustle of the city.

The area was originally the shipyards and starting points for many important 15th century voyages and trading opportunities during Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Many of the buildings were constructed with the wealth acquired from the trade and exploration at the time.

NOTE: The Torre de Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos are all closed on Mondays.

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RELATED: For the details of the sights in Belém, check out my Travel Guide | Belém, Portugal.

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10 A.M. — Let’s start at the furthest point and work our way back towards Lisboa. First up, the Torre de Belém (Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal). Do note that if you plan on going inside it’s best to arrive early to avoid the tour buses. There is usually a bit of a queue and inside there are nearly 100 circular steps in a narrow path up the tower.

11 A.M. — Continue west along the riverfront to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, The Monument of Discoveries (v. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal), a towering monument on the banks of the Tagus River. If you’re not sure where to go simply follow the flow of people. You can’t miss it!

11:30 A.M. — You’ll see the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal) just across the road, but you’ll have to take a short detour that includes a pedestrian tunnel to get to it safely. The monastery is one of the most prominent example of Manueline style architecture in Lisboa. Purchase a ticket inside the main entrance of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia - it’s in the same complex - then take your time soaking in all the beauty. Don’t miss the cloisters. :)

12:45 P.M. — Now’s the time to fuel up for the rest of the day. I’d recommend a larger meal since dinner will be later tonight. Try Prova - Enoteca (9E, R. Duarte Pacheco Pereira, 1400-139 Lisboa, Portugal) or Pao Pao Queijo Queijo (R. de Belém 126, 1300-086 Lisboa, Portugal), which was recommended several times to us.

2 P.M. — Full? Good, onward! Head to Museu Nacional dos Coches, a museum boasting the largest collection of historic horse-drawn coaches in the world, located inside the Royal Riding School on Praça Afonso de Albuquerque. The museum is actually divided between two buildings—the 18th-century Royal Riding School at the palace and the Novo Museu (Av. da Índia 136, 1300-004 Lisboa, Portugal). Head to the original museum first and make sure you purchase a ticket for both collections.

4 P.M. — You can’t say you've been to Portugal without tasting a pastel de nata, Portugal’s signature sweet treat. Pastel de natas are egg custard tarts dusted with cinnamon—flaky pastry crust filled with warm, sweet custard. Pastéis de Belém (R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal) is famous for their pastel de natas which are recreated from an ancient recipe from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Chances are there will be a queue, but it moves quickly. Today was busy and you deserve a treat so grab one (or five). Enjoy!

Note: Keep an eye on the time and traffic as to what time you need to leave Belém in order to make it your meeting place for the tour this evening on time.

Though you’ve only been in Lisboa for less than a day, by now you’ve noticed there are tuk tuks everywhere. I’m sure if you’re a local they are annoying, but as a visitor they are a great way to see the sights (without having to climb each of Lisboa’s seven hills).

We LOVED our tuk tuk tour with Eco Tuk Tours, the first company in Portugal with a full fleet of eco-friendly, tuk tuks. Since they’re electric, you can actually hear what your guide is saying. Plus no pollution. Note: I’d recommend booking ahead of time so you have the best selection of times available. When you book you also book your pick up and drop off locations.

They have a ton of different tour options to choose from. There’s a Old Town Lisbon, Tram 28 Route, Belém, and even a Food Tour. We opted for their “À La Carte 2 Hour Tour.” It is kind of a we’ll-do-what-you-want tour. If you want to hire it to get you from site to site during that time frame, that’s an option. If you have some places you’d like to see, just let them know. These tours can be as hop on, hop off as you’d like. We just told our awesome guide, Sharky, that we’d just gotten into Lisboa the night before and hadn’t seen anything yet so he took us on a driving tour of the major (and some hidden gems) of the city to learn about its history, people, architecture, and get a better understanding of the layout of Lisboa. Eco Tuk Tours offer 1 hour to 5 hour long À La Carte tours so you can make it work for you. Note: Especially if you take an evening tour, ask your guide to stop by several of the miradouros (viewpoints) around the city. They are particularly beautiful during the golden hour and reward visitors with fabulous views over the city.

Some of the best miradouros include:

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte
• Miradouro da Graça
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII
• Elevador de Santa Justa (skip for now, we’ll do it another time)

Note: If you decide to take a guided bus tour, DO NOT take the red City Sightseeing Portugal Lisbon bus. We love hop on, hop off buses and have enjoyed their tours all around the world, but this one had NO information. It was very disappointing. We hopped off at stop 7 and never got back on.

5:50 P.M. — Meet your tuk tuk tour guide at the designated meeting place.

6 P.M. — Enjoy your tour! For planning purposes on this itinerary you decided to go with an À La Carte 2 Hour Tour since it’s the only one we can actually attest to.

8:15 P.M. — Hopefully you enjoyed the tour as much as we did - and learned a little along the way. :) There are TONS of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Baixa especially along Rua Augusta. Stroll around you’re sure to find something that you’re craving for dinner.

For a vegan option: We loved Veganapati (Rua da Prata 242, 1100-423 Lisboa, Portugal) and ate there a couple times while in Lisboa.

Other vegan options we enjoyed were Organi Chiado (Calçada Nova de São Francisco 2, 1200-300 Lisboa, Portugal) in - as the name suggests - Chiado, and daTerra Restaurants Vegetariano (R. da Rosa 51, 1200-043 Lisboa, Portugal) in Bairro Alto. Note: Organi Chiado was our favorite, YUM!

Round out your meal with some Ginja, a sweet Portuguese liqueur made by infusing sour Morello cherries in alcohol with sugar. Sometimes it is served in these cute little chocolate cups and sometimes with a piece of fruit in the bottom of a cup. Both delicious, definitely give it a shot! Note: We were told that pronouncing it like “ginjinha” makes it sounds more like how locals pronounce it. If you’re feeling up to it, head to Ginginha do Carmo (Calçada do Carmo 37 A, 1200-090 Lisboa, Portugal) where Ginja is their speciality. They close most nights at 2 a.m.

9:45 P.M. —The night is yours. Head out and explore the nightlife like the options along The Pink Street (R. Nova do Carvalho, 1200-372 Lisboa, Portugal) in Cais do Sodré, simply wander around Baixa, kick back by the waterfront of Praça do Comércio, or head back to your hotel. Have fun!

ALFAMA

Today we’re heading to Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Thankfully for the most part Alfama did not suffer damage from the earthquake in 1755 like the rest of the city did and therefore the picturesque narrow, cobbled laneways and small squares remain. In fact this section of Lisbon is more than 800 years old!

The medieval castle, the Castelo de São Jorge, overlooks Alfama was the royal residence until the early 16th century. Along the slopes of this district you’ll find several miradouros - all which offer different panoramic views of the city. The laneways are filled with cozy eateries, local shops and the melancholy sounds of Fado. Additionally Alfama is home to many important historical attractions.

9 A.M. — On your way to Alfama (depending where your hotel is) you'll probably pass through Baixa, which is packed with bakeries and coffee shops. Find something to fill you up. As in my typical itinerary fashion, we've got lots to see. :)

9:30 A.M. — Built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake, Arco da Rua Augusta’s inscription reads in Latin “The Virtues of the Greatest: the strength, resilience and achievements of the Portuguese people.” Visitors can take in the view over the plaza and back towards the city from the top of the triumphal arch. We didn’t feel the need to go up to as there are literally 100s of viewpoints around Lisbon, but its up to you.

Whether you take in the view from the top or not, you’ll be able to enjoy the Praça do Comércio, the Square of Commerce. Opening up to the Tagus River this plaza was the location of the Paços da Ribeira (Royal Ribeira Palace), which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. As part of the rebuilding of the Pombaline Downtown, the plaza was designed to serve a greater function in the economy of Lisbon.

By walking through Baixa you'll notice the grid pattern is much different than the rest of Lisbon because post-earthquake the new downtown was rebuilt as some of the first examples of earthquake-resistant construction. They had to start from scratch after 1755.

The Praça do Comércio is filled with people 24/7. People sit by the river to enjoy the sunset in the evenings, others enjoy meals at surrounding restaurants. Some simply sit and enjoy people watching. There are vendors and meet ups and people waiting to catch the next tram.

10:15 A.M. — Make your way to the Alfama district. If you see somewhere to stop and shop, go for it. Take your time and enjoy the charming ancient streets of Lisbon’s oldest district. Enjoy some leisurely shopping, cafes, and along the way you’ll see some beautiful churches from the city’s diverse history. Stop in and check them out if you feel compelled to.

• Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha (Rua da Alfândega 108, 1100-585 Lisboa) - The church dates from the 15th century, but only the portal of the church remained after the earthquake of 1755. It’s a beautiful example of the Manueline style with carved angels, flowers and crosses.
• Se do Lisboa - Dating from the 12th century, Se do Lisboa is the oldest and most important church in Lisbon. The Romanesque building survived the earthquake of 1755, but over time has been renovated and rebuilt. There are relics on the second floor.
• Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa (Largo de Santo António da Sé, 1100-401 Lisboa) - Dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Portugal, this late-Baroque style church is actually built on the location of Saint Anthony’s birthplace. Throwing (and landing) a coin in the book of Saint Anthony on the statue in front of the church is good luck for love.

12 P.M. — There are SO many restaurants in this area. We ended up Princesa do Castelo (Rua do Salvador 64A, 1100-466 Lisboa) , a vegan spot. It wasn’t the best vegan meal we had while in Lisbon but it was affordable and the portions were HUGE! They even have vegan pastéis de nata!!

1 P.M. — Along your route is the National Pantheon. Original a church the building was converted in the 20th century to the National Pantheon which now is the final resting place for important Portuguese people including presidents, football players, singers, writers. In order to be nominated/selected to be included in the pantheon you must have made significant contributions to Portuguese culture of history.

If you missed the Miradouro Saint Luzia or Portes dol Sol on your tuk tuk tour yesterday, I'd highly recommend checking it out. They’re beautiful spaces with amazing views. There are always street performers, artists, and musicians.

As you continue to wander you may come across pieces of Muralha Moura, remaining pieces of the most ancient defensive alls. They were constructed by the Moors in the middle of the 11th century.

Also in this area you may see:

• Igreja de São Miguel (Largo de São Miguel 6, 1100-117 Lisboa) which dates back to the 1100s. It was rebuilt in a Mannerist and Baroque style before surviving the earthquake of 1755. Its unassuming exterior houses one of the richest gilded decorations in the city and several significant paintings. Apparently its extremely opulent. Unfortunately the sign out from said that the church is only open during mass.
• Igreja de Santo Estêvão (Largo de Santo Estêvão 13, 1100-219 Lisboa). The church was heavily damaged after the earthwuake of 1755 and reconstructed in the Baroque style. The sign out front said it was only open during mass, but the outside was lovely.

2:30 P.M. OPTION 1: You’ll learn more about Fado this evening, but as the country’s traditional music there's a whole museum dedicated to Fado's history - Museu do Fado (Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa). Fado was born in Alfama so it's a significant museum as it documents not only the history of the genre but the birthplace of this tradition. There's an audio guide for the museum tour.

2:30 P.M. OPTION 2: I would personally chose this option. The Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (Largo de São Vicente, 1100-572 Lisboa) was founded in the 12th century. Over the centuries many renovations and additions have been made resulting the gorgeous example of Mannerist style you see today. The church's names means “St. Vincent Outside the Walls" because it was the first church built outside the fortified city walls.

This is the pantheon for the last Portuguese dynasty, the Braganza. You can walk around the original cloisters and see an ancient cistern. They have a fabulous collection of decorated azulejos inside—someone even told us that they have more tiles (in numbers) than the National Tile Museum. There were a TON! Don’t forget to take in the view from the rooftop. It’s wonderful.

I believe it’s the first Saturday of each month the church puts on a free public organ performance. So if that lines up, it may be something to check out.

3:45 P.M — Hop in an Uber for quick ride to the National Tile Museum.

There's no shortage of tiles in Portugal (my camera phone was full of pictures of them) and the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa) is dedicated to the beautiful azulejos, the traditional tilework of the country. Inside you'll find one of the largest collection of ceramic tileworks in the world. They even have a great audio guide app you can download to guide you through the museum. It also provides in-depth background information on how the tile process has changed throughout the years and the different influences different cultures had on the design. Get your camera ready!

6 P.M. — Catch a ride back to your hotel to freshen up or grab a snack and make your way to the tour meeting place.

By now you've probably heard people talking about and places advertising Fado, or if you visted to museum earlier you probably know a bunch more now. Fado is a popular type of Portuguese song. It usually is very melancholy, featuring a singer and 1-2 mandolins or guitars. When traveling you've got to immerse yourself in the culture, right? so tonight it about Fado.

Book the Sunset Fado & Dinner Tour with Urban Adventures. Urban Adventures is one of our favorite travel tour companies and we have enjoyed tours in Paris, Moscow, London, and even D.C. with them. You’ll want to book the tour in advance as the group is small and therefore spots fill up quickly.

The tour includes a sunset city tour, Portuguese tapas, an intimate Fado performance, some wine and even a sampling of Portugal’s famous Ginjinha liquor.

6:50 P.M. — Meet your guide and tour group at the designated meeting place (In front of Hotel Mundial – Martim Moniz Square; Praça Martim Moniz 2, 1100-341 Lisboa, Portugal, as of September 2019).

7 P.M. — Enjoy your Sunset Fado & Dinner Tour!

10:30 P.M. — After the tour which ended in Alfama for us, grab some dinner unless you really filled up on tapas during the tour. :) A couple great recommendations we got were As Bifanas do Afonso (R. da Madalena 146, 1100-340 Lisboa) a go-to for bifanas, Portugal’s famous pork fillet sandwiches. Gotta try that local cuisine, right? This is a more grab-and-go option.

Another option would be to head back to Baixa and down Rua Augusta. It’s definitely more tourist-driven but there are tons of spots that are open late with large menus and affordable prices.

Good morning! Today we’re going to explore two of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods—Bairro Alto and Chiado, but first coffee and crepes! ;)

Grad a coffee or tea at Copenhagen Coffee Lab (Tv. Corpo Santo 7, 1200-131 Lisboa, Portugal), a hipster cafe and coffee roastery. Then head around the corner to Sama Sama Crepe and Juice Bar (Travessa Corpo Santo 7, Lisbon 1200-131, Portugal) for a breakfast. This little grab-and-go cafe offers a variety of crepes and fresh-pressed juices, the majority of which can be made vegan. YUM! They only have a couple of seats outside, but are allowed to use the outdoor seating at the Irish Pub around the corner.

First up, Chiado. This neighborhood is the most fashionable district of Lisbon. Here You’ll be able to enjoy tons of local and international shopping, a mix of cafes and restaurants, any historic sites, and even the stylish theatre district. If you see something you like, by all means check it out and remember your on vacation so TREAT YO SELF a little too. :) Note: The itinerary activities today aren’t set times so enjoy yourself, hit the attractions and stop if you see somewhere you want to check out. Go off the main paths and discover the beauty of the neighborhood’s graffitied laneways.

Lisboa’s seven hills makes exploring by foot a bit more of physical workout than say an afternoon of exploring in Kansas, which is why back in the 1890s several funicular routes were installed. The most photographed cars are these of the Ascendor da Bica and Elevador da Gloria. I would say that Elevador da Gloria is the more popular of the two, although both are basically tourist attractions now. These are not true funiculars as the cable links the cars together as counterweights so they ascend and descend simultaneously.

In Chiado, Ascendor da Bica was inaugurated in June 1892. Don’t want to wait for the car? No worries, the route runs between a lane lined with staircases and graffitied buildings.

In Bairro Alto, Elevador da Gloria was inaugurated in October 1885. This is the “steeper” route with a 17.7% grade and I would argue the busier of the two.

When we visited both accepted the Lisboa Card or cost the regular public transit price of €3.80 per person with departures every 10-15 minutes.

Next up, Bairro Alto. Literally translating to “Upper District,” Bairro Alto is a trendy neighborhood known for its nightlife. It’s chock full of cozy bars, renowned restaurants, small cafes, and intimate venues. It’s great during the day but really comes alive in the evenings.

11 A.M. — Technically our first official stop: Ingreja de Sao Roque. Compared to others chapels, churches, and cathedrals in Lisboa the exterior of Ingreja de Sao Roque is quite unassuming; however, its interior boasts some of the finest Portuguese Baroque design. Its ornately carved details are covered in gold leaf. Supposedly the alter is one of the most expensive ever constructed. It was even blessed by the Pope.

Take a short walk to The Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara, another miradouro. This large plaza has amazing views across Baixa and the city over to The Castelo de Sao Jorge.

This is where you’ll also find the Elevador da Gloria, which connects Restauradores Square with Rua San Pedro de Alcántara.

This area has is full of places to grab a bite or snack. There’s a bit of everything so find what you’re craving. Lost In (R. Dom Pedro V Nº56-D, 1250-094 Lisboa), also known as “Lost in Esplanada" came to us highly recommended and was quite delicious. It is a beautiful place, the service was efficient, and the food was simple yet tasty. The views were amazing. Grab a drink and stick around for a bit if you want.

1 P.M. — Right down the road is the Igreja do Carmo & Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, a beautiful Gothic medieval convent that remains in ruins as a reminder of the devastation of the 1755 earthquake (refer to the itinerary intro for a refresher). The Catholic convent was originally founded in 1389. Nowadays the nave and apse of the church are now a small but important museum of archaeology and art with significant sculptures, tombs, and other relics. It’s fabulous to wander through and admire the beauty and strength of the structure’s remaining integrity. Huge columns supporting ribbed vaulting extend into the open sky above…stunning! My bet is it is particularly lovely during golden hour. Note: The ticket includes a free audio guide which you can pick up from the small gift shop in the open nave. It’s not advertised well but was filled with lots of good information.

2:30 P.M. — When you entered Igreja do Carmo you probably walked through the square out front. This is Largo do Carmo, one of the most picturesque squares in the city. The square is a perfect place to eat a snack (or drink) or relax for bit and simply enjoy the beautiful jacarandas trees, historic monuments, and lovely surrounding Baroque style houses.

Walk around to the southern facade of Igreja do Carmo and head towards the signs for Bella Lisa Elevador (Largo do Carmo Elevador de Santa Justa, 1100-998, Portugal). It’s a restaurant and literally looks and feels like your going to the restaurant - which you are more than welcome to if you want some food or drinks with amazing views - but you have to pass through it to get to the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa.

By now I’m sure you’ve seen the Elevador de Santa Justa jutting up from the historical center of Lisbon. Opened in 1899, this iron Neo-Gothic elevator connects the lower streets of Baixa with the Largo do Carmo (where you are now). It’s the only remaining vertical elevator - the rest are graded “funicular style” ones - and it’s observation deck is boasts one of the best views of the city.

At the bottom of the structure in Baixa, there’s always a line of tourists but form the top you can enjoy the view without the queue or paying. The “free” view is one level down from the top deck but essentially the same. There is a short spiral staircase you can take to the top, but you’ll have to pay to walk up and then ride down. Between all the miradouros and the second level view we didn’t feel the need to go to the top, but do what you feel.

Personally I’d skip the drinks at this bar and upper deck of the elevator and head to Cafe A Brasileira (Rua Garrett, 120 Lisbon), one of Lisbon’s most iconic cafes. Take a selfie with the statues of poet Fernando Pessoa out front then head inside for a “bica,” AKA a coffee with sugar. The cafe was a popular 19th century hangout for Portugal’s intellectuals.

Chances are the section above won't take you several hours to complete. I wanted to leave plenty of room for exploring the streets of Chiado and Bairro Alto. It's a fabulous place to find unique gifts and move at that more relaxed pace that Portugal is known for. If you need some down time, by all means head back to your room, relax, and then freshen up for the evening.

6 P.M. — Lisbon's red light district has been revitalized into the city's Pink Street nightlife district and is now one of the coolest bar-hopping spots. The color blocking of The Pink Street, also known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, and its surrounding buildings also make it one of the most popular photo spots in Lisbon. Take your pics now and scope out where you might want to go later (if that nightlife-life is for you). Haha.

6:30 P.M. — Located inside the landmark Mercado de Ribeira, Time Out Market (Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa) is a warehouse-sized food hall. The original fresh fruit and veggie stalls still occupy part of the building but the focus is now on the bustling food hall and 30+ eatery concepts. Keep a lookout for a few which were opened by Michelin-star chefs. It's a great place to meet up with people, grab a quick bite, and people watch. Note: It can get quite loud inside and the lines can get quite long especially late in the evenings and on the weekends.

8:15 P.M. — Hop in an Uber and head to LX Factory (R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa). LX Factory was an abandoned factory site that has been restored and transformed into a hip cultural area. The renovated buildings now hold everything from beer gardens/bars and event venues to artist workspaces, locally owned shops, and a variety of cafes and eateries. One can't miss stop is Ler Devagar, an amazing bookstore that's now insta-famous! Note: They host a weekly market on Sundays.

Late Night — Head back to The Pink Street for some nightlife if you desire or out wherever the night may take you.

SINTRA

Located just 30 km from Baixa Lisbon, throughout history people have flocked to Sintra for its proximity to the ocean, beautiful foothills and agreeable climate. It served as a strategic fortress as well as the location of several summer residences of the Portuguese royal family and wealthy patrons.

Now its a resort town and popular tourist destination due to its multiple hilltop palaces and castles. A quick Google and you’ll see why.

If you can spare an extra day in Sintra, it’s definitely worth it but if not, a day trip is still worth it. Just be warned that it will be a busy, packed day. Be prepared to walk! That means uphill, upstairs, through gardens….make sure you wear comfortable footwear. I’d also recommend packing some water and snacks in case you get hungry before you make it back to the town center.

Before you arrive check out The Parques de Sintra’s website and their ticket office where you can purchase tickets ahead of time, most with a 5% online purchase discount. Save money and save time by avoiding the ticket lines at each attraction.

They represent the following:

• Parque e Palácio da Pena
• Palácio de Sintra
• Palácio de Queluz
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Parque e Palácio de Monserrate e Convento dos Capuchos

GETTING THERE — The best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra and back again is hopping a train from Rossio Station. The ride is roughly 40-45 minutes and costs a mere €2.20! The ride is smooth and there are about 7-ish stops between the two stations. There is at least one train every hour along the route. Note: Confirm departure times by checking current train schedule and adjust this itinerary accordingly.

Note: Purchase your train tickets the night before in order to avoid the morning rush, especially if you’ve visiting Sintra on the weekend. If that's the case, switch this day with another on the itinerary if possible!

8:50 A.M. — Train from Rossio station to Sintra (43 minutes)

10:00 A.M. — Arrive Sintra station. Today is going to be a lot of walking and of course you’re welcome to walk to our first stop, but in an effort to beat some of the tour buses I’d recommend hopping on a tuk tuk to save some time. Note: There was a fire advisory due to dry weather when we were in Sintra and many of the roads were closed to tourist traffic so our tuk tuk wasn’t allowed to take us to the entry of the attraction, However they could take us the majority of the way. If that's the case, just take one as far as possible then walk the remainder of the way.

Many of the castles are on hilltops (as you’ll be able to see from the town center), but the “hike” uphill wasn’t as bad as we expected. The paths are more windy than vertical. Don’t get me wrong you are going uphill and luckily the majority of the roads are canopied by trees.

Note: This itinerary includes the top sights; however, it is A LOT to do in one day while trying to stay within opening hours so I’d recommend doing a bit a research before and deciding which ones are must-sees to you so you know which can be optional if you find you're running out of time. I always think it’s better to see more of less than less of more, if that makes sense.

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For more info about Sintra, check out my Travel Guide | Sintra, Portugal.

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10:15 A.M. — Let’s start with the most popular attraction in Sintra—Palácio da Pena & Parque da Pena (Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal). Designed by King Fernando II, this elaborate 19th-century Romanesque Revival style palace was their royal summer residence. The mix of colors, tiles, and architectural styles are iconic in Sintra. Note: As it is perhaps the most popular palace be prepared to encounter some crowds and lines. Hopefully by arriving early you’ll beat most of them.

The palace’s park is more than 200-hectares so chances aren’t you won’t see all of it. Grab a map from the ticketing counter and enjoy some time wandering along the pathways admiring the beautifully groomed foliage and sculptures.

SINTRA DAY Check out the travel guide

12:15 P.M. OPTION 1: Follow the signs for a short 20-ish minute walk to the neighboring Castelo dos Mouros (2710-405 Sintra, Portugal) which you probably saw from Pena Palace. Remember those steps you’ll be racking up during your time in Sintra? Well the Castle of the Moors will be responsible for a whole bunch of them. :)

Constructed in the 9th century, this fortified stone castle was built by the Moors during their occupation of Portugal. The views from its hilltop of Serra De Sintra are incredible. There’s not a lot of information about the castle when you finally reach it, but walking along the castle walls for the panoramic views of the Sintra region extending to the Atlantic Ocean, is worth every step. Just imagine all the people who walked there before you. We also like to imagine how people even managed to construct such amazing structures way back when.

Note: I loved this castle, but due to the lack of information and views similar to Pena Palace if you’re running short of time, I’d recommend making this attraction you’re optional one. If you want to do it, just adjust the remaining attraction times in the itinerary to fit your schedule.

Soooo….if Castelo dos Mouros was you’re optional attraction, head back down to the center of town. It’s downhill and a straight forward 30-minute walk, but how you get down is up to you. Just remember to budget walking or transportation time into your day plan.

12:15 P.M. OPTION 2: Once down the hill, head to the Palacio Nacional de Sintra (Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra). Known as the “town palace,” it’s the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal and is typically less crowded than its hilltop counterparts. You’ll also notice that it’s much more simplistic white-washed exterior; however, inside you’re find decorative and colorful state rooms as well as a peaceful walled courtyard. It now serves as a historic house/museum.

1:45 P.M. — By now with all those steps you’ll be hungry so grab some lunch in the town center. Along the way stop by Camara Municipal de Sintra (Largo Dr. Virgílio Horta, 2714-501 Sintra), the town hall. This is not your typical town hall. Camara Municipal de Sintra is rather extravagant with a massive clock tower, large chimneys, and spired roof. The green and white tiling tops off the design. It even includes the Portuguese coat of arms. It’s also relatively new having only been constructed at the turn of the century. It looks like a fairytale castle!

There are tons of restaurants in Sintra and most have their menus out front so you can check them out. Saudade (Av. Dr. Miguel Bombarda 8, 2710-631 Sintra) has lots of baked goods and hot sandwiches. They even some some with gluten-free bread! Alternatively Bengal Tandoori Restaurant (Tv. Pendoa 11, 2710-557 Sintra) is an Indian/Italian restaurant (which sounds like an odd combo), but really means everyone will be able to find something. Many of the Indian plates were vegan and the portions were huge!

2:45 P.M. — Just down the road you’ll find Quinta da Regaleira (R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra). The estate served as a private residence for many owners, most notably the original owners, the Viscountess of Regaleira, a merchant family from Porto and is complete with a beautiful Gothic residence and chapel among a lush hidden forest wonderland. It’s like you’ve stumbled upon a long lost civilization in the jungle—stone towers, grottos, waterfalls, mysterious symbolism, and hidden passageways.

Been searching for that underground staircase all over Instagram? Well this is the place! It’s the larger of the two inverted towers or initiation wells.

You can book a two-hour tour ahead of time or simply get the audio guide for a self-guided tour. Depends on how much time you have to spend in this marvelous place.

4:45 P.M. — We could have easily spent the rest of the day at Quinta da Regaleira but believe it or not there is more to see. From here either take a 30-minute walk or 7 minute tuk tuk ride to Palacio de Monserrate (2710-405 Sintra). Note: The opening hours vary with the season so check ahead.

Also known as Monserrate Palace, this elaborately decorated Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival influenced mansion was once a summer home for Portuguese royalty. Beautifully painted Gothic arches, bold colors, and a formal botanical garden. It’s stunning! Just check Instagram.

7 P.M. — Head back to Sintra’s town center. Depending on what you want to do, you can:

Option 1: It’s been a long day with a crazy amount of steps (check the Health app on your phone). If you’re done, no worries just head towards the train station.

• 7:50 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. — Train from Sintra station to Rossio Station When you arrive grab dinner in Lisbon.

Option 2: By this time of day the majority of the tourist buses and crowds have departed Sintra, leaving the small, quiet town just that - small and quiet. It’s wonderful walking around when the area is peaceful and a greta opportunity to try another one of the town’s fabulous restaurants. Try:

• Giallo d’oro (Av. Augusto Freire 2, 2710-590 Sintra) and their famous pizza and desserts!

Then catch a later train from Sintra station back to Lisbon’s Rossio Station.

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Travel Guide | Aveiro & Costa Nova, Portugal

Stroll Along Aveiro’s Canals
You’ll quickly see why this small town is known as “the Portuguese Venice.” Aveiro’s system of canals (and long boats) is reminiscent of the Italian city. The canals are fed by the neighboring lagoon and definitely give Aveiro its character. Spend some time walking along the banks, discovering historic and newer neighborhoods, enjoying the eclectic mix of architectural style, relaxing in one of the canal-front parks, or dining al fresco watching the boats float by.

Would you rather float than walk? No problem, simply hop aboard a Moliceiro Tour. Moliceiros, the long boats, were originally made to collect seaweed from the lagoon to use as fertilizer and colorfully painted depicting scenes from around the area. The 45-minute tour is a great way to see different areas of the city including some salt farms on the border.

Renting a bike is another great way to explore Aveiro, especially the area around the lagoon which features salt farms, corn fields, and a variety of wildlife including flamingos. Look out for one of the 20 BUGA depots, the city’s bike rental system. If you want to stop at an attraction just lock it back up at another one of the depots.

Alternatively there are a number of tuk tuk companies that offer rides and/or tours around the city.

Admire Art Nouveau Buildings in Rossio
Many emigrants who had made their fortunes in Brazil returned to Portugal in the early 20th-century, settled in Aveiro, and built themselves elegant Art Nouveau style houses. As you stroll/bike/ride/float along canals keep your eyes open for these beautiful, ornamental properties and their curving lines, shapes inspired by natural forms, and wrought iron detailing.

Shop the Forum
This two-story open-air shopping center is right by the canals and features a mix of international stores like Zara as well as Portuguese favorites like Bershka. The food court has a great variety of options as well, perfect for a quick lunch.

Beach Please!
Located on a long peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Aveiro lagoon, Costa Nova is a charming village with long sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and colorful striped cottages.

Relax on the warm sand of Praia da Costa Nova, dip your toes in the ocean, or walk along the wooden promenade.

Costa Nova is historically a fishing village so if you’re into seafood this is the place! You can literally eat it straight from the water at the fishing market.

Mosteiro de Jesus
Address: Av. Santa Joana s/n, 3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal
This former convent was built between the 15th and 17th centuries. It’s architecturally and decoratively beautiful—the Baroque chapel floors are covered in tiles while the walls are covered with gilded woodcarving, the cloisters have geometric tiling around the central fountain, and the refectory is wall to wall in azulejos! Additionally the former convent has been turned into a religious art museum with artifacts from several monasteries around the area.

Mosteiro de Jesus is famed for being the residence of Joanna Princess of Portugal (A.K.A. Saint Joanna, daughter of Afonso V). She lived a modest life at the convent, although she was never able to take her vows as she in the royal line. Her tomb in the lower chancel is quite lovely.

Museu Arte Nova
Website | Address: Rua João Mendonça, Aveiro, Portugal

The Museu Arte Nova (Art Nouveau Museum) is located inside Casa do Major Pessoa, an elaborately decorated house with beautiful wrought iron detailing and teal/blue paint in the Rossio district. Inside you’ll find galleries featuring up-and-coming artists and artifacts from the area. Ask for a map that marks all of the lovely art nouveau buildings within walking distance. Entrance is only €1. Children under 13 and seniors are free. The tearoom on site - Casa de Chá - has a nice selection of teas for an afternoon cuppa.

Museu Histórico da Vista Alegre
Website | Address: 3830-292 Ilhavo, Portugal
Located just a 15 minute drive from Aveiro, this huge complex includes a porcelain factory that has been crafting ceramics for more than 200 years, a 17th century palace, a residential area, a chapter and additional former factory buildings - some of which have been renovated into a museum about the history of porcelain with more than 30,000 pieces in its collection. Bonus: There’s a gift shop!

Mercado Do Peixe Da Costa Nova
Address: Av. José Estevão 236, 3830-455 Gafanha da Encarnação, Portugal
Aveiro is on the ocean which means FRESH FISH. This market is everything a market should be—fresh, local, affordable and accessible. There’s bulk buy items like fruit on one side and fish stalls on the other. If we were staying in an Airbnb in Aveiro we would have definitely snagged some fish for dinner a couple nights.

You can’t say you’ve visited Aveiro without sampling their famous sweet treat—Ovos Moles!

Ovos Moles literally translates to “soft eggs” because they are simply made with egg yolks and sugar. They are like little delicate dough shells (literally you’ll see) filled with sweet, creamy mixture. Once filled they are boiled and allowed to rest. The recipe has been passed down from nuns at convents in the area to the town folks. Each is shaped to resemble clam and shells inspired by the city’s proximity to the ocean.

There are now bakeries on almost any corner selling these little treats. Most are €1. Note: It wasn’t my favorite goodie we tried in Portugal but when in Aveiro…:)

Confeitaria Peixinho
Website | Rua Coimbra 9, Aveiro 3810-086, Portugal
To sample some famous Ovo Moles check out the oldest house of Ovo Moles in the city— Confeitaria Peixinho. They’ve been open since 1856. The space is lovely with pastel colored features, marble counters, and decorative tiles floor.

Subenshi Sushi
Website | @subenshi | Address: R. Carlos Aleluia 4 17, 3810-077 Aveiro, Portugal
Fishing is a huge industry in Aveiro so it’s a-must to enjoy fresh seafood if you’re in the area. Japanese is our favorite so we had to check out this trendy sushi spot along the canal. The interior was modern, the atmosphere was fashionable, and the food was delicious!

Trincaxa
Website | Address: Rua dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra 44, Aveiro 3810-087, Portugal
A perfect stop for a quick lunch, Trincaxa is known for their "tostadas" (Portuguese toasted sandwiches). They do have a vegan option, though not any gluten-free options.

O Bairro
Website | Address: Largo da Praca do Peixe 24, Aveiro 3800-243, Portugal
Located in the historic center of Aveiro, O Bairro was recommended to us a few times and can get busy so reservations are recommended. The ambience was upscale. We walked by and the food looked very good—fresh seafood, rice, lamb, etc.

I’d recommend either making a day trip from Aveiro from Porto (roughly a 50 minute drive) or stopping in Aveiro on your way between Porto and Lisbon. Aveiro is roughly a two and a half hour drive from Lisbon.

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Travel Guide: Old Vegas/Downtown Las Vegas

Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street was and/or still is home to Las Vegas’ classic casinos and hotels such as Golden Gate Hotel, Binion’s Horseshoe, Golden Nugget, The Pioneer Club, and Eldorado Club. The street itself dates back to 1905 when the city itself was founded and has been showcase in countless pop culture from movies like Elvis’ Viva La Vegas and James Bond’s Diamonds Are Forever and music videos like The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” and U2’s "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.”

The city has revamped the area into an unique entertainment district called The Fremont Street Experience. Buskers such as street performers, dancers, impersonators, and artists can be found along the street, while the Slotzilla zipline shoots people overhead. This area is renown for more affordable Sin City entertainment and is generally less crowded than the Strip, but I love the history behind it’s long-term tenants.

Visit The Oldest Casino In Vegas & Drink Where Sinatra Drank
@goldengatevegas | Address: 1 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
The city’s original casino—yes, the first casino in Las Vegas—established in 1906 has seen it all. The birth of Vegas as we know it, prohibition, crooners, and more! The Golden Gate Casino established shrimp cocktail as a Vegas tradition for pete’s sake! They’ve been around. It was the original hangout of the Rat Pack in the 1960s who reportedly frequented the wooden bar (still there today with a plaque dedicated to the threesome—Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. So order Jack on the rocks and toast to The Chairman of the Board at the oldest bar in the city.

Viva Vision
When the sunsets the lights on the ceiling of the Fremont Street Experience come on. Viva Vision takes over the sky and showcases one of the world’s biggest musical acts on the the world’s biggest video screen (It’s 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide!) Check the schedule for showtimes during your visit.

Live Music
Check the calendar for showtimes, but sets typically include a Dj and a live band. Free of course.

Slotzilla Zipline
This superman-style zipline launches guests from the world’s largest slot machine past classic hotels and casinos, and above the pedestrians below. I’ve never personally done it (for no reason other than I have done ziplines before) but it seems to be pretty popular as there are always people zooming overhead.

Fun & Free (Albeit Slight Cheesy) Activities
If you’re here for the Fremont Street Experience, you’ve got to get the entire Fremont Street Experience, am I right? So don’t forget these unique (and FREE) attractions.

Get Up Close With One Million Dollars Cash
Ever wonder what $1,000,000 looks like? Well wonder no more. Stop by Binion’s to see their million dollars cash pyramid and get your photo taken with it. It was cool to see though I found it underwhelming so if I ever won a million dollars I would ask for it in $1 bills…bigger pyramid ya no?

Marvel A Golden Nugget At The Golden Nugget
Now this isn’t any old golden nugget, it’s the Hand of Faith, the biggest golden nuggets in existence, and it’s on display in the lobby of the aptly-named Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. It was discovered in 1980 in Australia and weighs more than 61 pounds!

See Some ‘Jaw’esome Sharks
On your way to see the Hand of Faith nugget, walk by the 200,000-galloon shark tank aquarium in the center of the Golden Nugget’s pool—complete with five different species of sharks and several species of fish! Non-hotel guest can swim at the pool (and use the slide through the tank) for a small day fee. Guided tank tours are also offered on Wednesdays and Sundays. Check the website for the most up-to-date pricing and time information.

Play The World’s Largest Keno Board
You can’t miss it! It’s on the side of The D Las Vegas. The board shows live Keno games in real time as they happen in the casino’s Keno Lounge.

Get A Photo Of Vegas Vic
Continuously manning his post outside The Pioneer Club casino since 1951, Vegas Vic remains the world’s largest mechanical neon sign standing at 40 feet tall! Despite the mechanical parts no longer functioning (his arm and cigarette), his a Fremont Street icon and pretty good lookin’ for a 67-year-old if you ask me.

Enjoy Antiques & Curiosities at Main Street Station
Address: 200 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Grab a map from the front desk and take a self-guided tou r through the hotel’s collection of antiques and oddities from around the world. Main Street Station’s collection includes bronze doors from The Royal Bank of Kuwait, Chandeliers from the Figaro Opera House in Paris, Louisa May Alcott’s Pullman car, and even a portion of the Berlin Wall which is located inside the men’s restroom (women can asked to escorted to see it)!

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RELATED: Classic Vegas is…well…classic. For the Strip experience as we know it today head to south to Las Vegas Boulevard. My Las Vegas Strip Travel Guide is coming SOON!

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The Neon Museum
@theneonmuseumlasvegas | Address: 770 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Located less than one mile from Fremont Street is one of the most unique tours / most Instagrammable places in Vegas, the Neon Museum is a non-profit “dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, history, arts and cultural enrichment.” Hour-long guided tours by local guides take you through the history of neon trends and sign design and its effect on the city of Las Vegas, with collection pieces dating from the 1930s till today. Book in advance, though walk-in are accepted pending availability.

Downtown Container Park
@containerpark | Address: 707 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Comprised of up-cycled colorful shipping containers, the park “contains” restaurants, bars, a cafe, boutiques, salons, and even a treehouse-inspired jungle gym for kids. Their stage hosts fun local events each month including Karaoke In the Park so check their website for events during your stay.

Pinball Hall of Fame
Address: 1610 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Another place to escape the heat off the beaten path is the Pinball Hall of Fame, which is exactly what it sounds like, a museum dedicated to restoring, preserving, and sharing old school entertainment. There is an impressive amount of machines in the space with 25 and 50 cent options. It’s a lovely dose of nostalgia, plus entry is free.

Mob Museum
@themobmuseum | Address: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
The history of Sin City is closely tied to organized crime and The Mob Museum explores this history with real story accounts and authentic artifacts. The museum also explores organized crime around the world that still exists today. NOTE: It’s a bit graphic so just use your discretion if visiting with young children.

First Friday Las Vegas Art Walk
@firstfridaylv | Address: 1025 First Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
This free monthly cultural and arts festival hosts more than 100 local artisans, food trucks, live bands, and more. Occurring on the first Friday of each month (hence the name) from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Life is Beautiful Festival
@lifeisbeautiful | Address: Downtown Las Vegas If you’re around mid-September, you may have the opportunity to attend the annual three day celebration of love music, art, food and ideas. 2018’s lineup including The Weeknd, Florence + The Machine, Odesza, Arcade Fire, and several more household name acts.

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VegeNation
@vegenation | Address: 616 Carson Ave #120, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-free, you’ll love VegeNation! Their dishes are packed with flavorful, fresh, and wholesome ingredients, and they serve a wide range of options so there is something for everyone from tacos to pizza to pub favorites. No one will leave disappointed!

What to Order: Their menu is seasonal, but if available get the Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi, Hot Tamale, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, and the Brownie Sundae! I’m drooling just talking about these.

Nacho Daddy
Website| @nachodaddylv | Downtown Address: 113 N 4th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 + Strip and Summerlin locations

Their slogan is “Never a dry chip” as in your nachos will be smothered with all the goodness of cheese, sour cream, guac and other toppings! Win-win! Plus they offer fajitas, burritos, bowls, tacos and other Mexican favorites. AND They’ve got a vegan menu! They’ve got a vegan menu! We’re talking vegan queso, chik’n, and more! Sorry for all the exclamation points, but everything was so good we ate there two days in a row on our last visit.

What to Order: Lobster & Crab Nacho, Flaming Shrimp, Grilled Corn Off The Cobb, and Vegan Loaded Nachos

Hash House A Go Go
Website | @hashhouseagogo
Plaza Address: 1 South Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 | LINQ Address: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | Rio Address: 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103 | West Shara Address: 6800 West Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Hash House A Go Go serves brunch all day, do I really need to say more? I don’t have to but I will because we love Hash House! Their portions are generous and by generous I mean HUGE. Presentation is amazing. Menu selection is amazing. Food is fresh and scrumptious. You really can’t go wrong here.

Note: The LINQ location is by far the busiest so expect lines during prime times, but a short ride to another location will have you eating Hash House before your name would have been called on the Strip.

What to Order: Fried Chicken Egg Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, Big O’ Chicken Pot Pie, and Johnny’s Famous B.L.T. Mary (Yup, that’s a B.L.T.-inspired Bloody Mary)

EAT
Address: 707 E Carson Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
EAT has a bit of rustic yet cozy vibe, with plenty of light and a refreshing dose of greenery. Some folks stop in for a quick refueling, but most diners seemed to be lingering over breakfast and brunch while catching up with friends, family, and coworkers. Priding itself on fresh and sustainable ingredients, this is a lovely alternative to the many casino buffets.

What to Order: Golden-Brown Pancakes + Two Eggs Any Style (their potatoes are yum!)

The Peppermill
Website | @peppermillvegas | Address: 2985 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
While not technically in Downtown Vegas or the Strip, The Peppermill has been a staple of the city since 1972. From its old school diner vibes to neon lit Fireside Lounge, the staff is there to serve up your favorites 24-hours a day. Huge portions, reasonable prices, and friendly faces. The perfect place to soak up some of that confidence juice wink wink at the end of the night.

Velveteen Rabbit
@velveteenrabbitlv | Address: 1218 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Located in the Arts District, this cozy spot features a seasonally rotating unique cocktail menu. Vintage decor and a welcoming atmosphere make this a pleasant alternative to the Strip.

Makers & Finders Coffee
@makerslv | Address: 1120 S Main St, #110, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Trendy, local coffee shop in the Arts District for morning or afternoon pick me up. There was a decent amount of seating inside and outside. It was still buzzing mid-afternoon when we visited.

I’ve never eaten at Makers & Finders Coffee, but their menu has latin flair and it smelled pretty good. Someone near us had arepas.

Commonwealth
@commonwealthlv | Address: 525 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
A cool pub and local watering hole in Downtown Vegas where you can pretend not to be a tourist. Enjoy its eclectic decor, funky vibe, cool cocktails, and bistro-strung rooftop. Why are there not more rooftop bars in Vegas?

When we went there was a DJ playing old school jams. It’s definitely more chill than pubs on the Strip. Plus they have more than 100 beers!

Flock & Fowl
Website | @flockandfowl | Address: 150 Las Vegas Blvd N Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Cozy yet sleek kitchen and bar specializing in Hainanese chicken and rice, a simple and flavorful Asian comfort food. The cocktails at the chic bar were well priced and delicious, and the lounge-vibe dining room had a compact menu of Chinese delights. BONUS—they’re able to make most items vegan friendly!!!

What to Order: Kaya Toast, Classic Flock & Fowl Hainan Chicken, and Chicken Wings

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It's Vegas BABY! Let's do it up riiiight! Check out these helpful guides + itineraries.

Travel Itinerary | A Fabulous Long Weekend in Las Vegas—see what I did there :)

So you’re planning a trip to Vegas…

Hmm can I please come with you? Seriously I love Las Vegas!

Right before our wedding we made our sixth trip to Sin City and every time we go I feel like there is still so much to left to discover, especially outside the city. One day, fingers crossed!

Most people assume the extent of Las Vegas is the Strip—bright lights, drinks, and shows filled with friends bonding over lost money and lost memories. And well all those things exists and have happened in Vegas, the city is so much more than that.

It’s a desert oasis brimming with world-class entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. Everything in extravagance.

The local vibe is chill. People open to new ideas and new experiences. It’s almost indescribable.

Of course I would love to spend a couple months exploring everything the area has to offer, but for most a long weekend trip here and there is all they can swing. So I thought I should start at the beginning—a long weekend itinerary for Vegas first-timers!

Although as a seasoned veteran I could go to Vegas, use this itinerary, and enjoy every minute of the trip.

I’ve compiled some of my Vegas must-sees and top activities into this 3-day, long weekend itinerary to help you make the most of your trip, spend more time enjoying yourself and less time researching places to go and things to see.

RELATED: FOR MORE DETAILS, CHECK OUT TRAVEL GUIDES

By all means if you are visiting Vegas for the gambling, do your thing, but you’ll quickly find that Las Vegas is much more than casino floors.

All photography by @studioist.

WELCOME TO FABULOUS LAS VEGAS!

You’re in Vegas, baby! With so much to do and see get ready for a couple jam-packed, but totally worth it days.

9 A.M. — Morning! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so start your’s at Bruxie (3782 S Las Vegas Blvd, South Tenant Block, Bldg D1, Las Vegas, NV 89109) with one of their waffle sandwiches. Yup, you heard me right…a WAFFLE sandwich.

10 A.M. — Walk the strip and take a quick trip around the world from the Eiffel Tower to New York City and Italy to Egypt. :) The city is synonymous with entertainment and there was no expenses spared when it came to development of the mega resorts that line the Strip.

Both sides of the Strip are lined with hotels, casinos, restaurants, shops, and attractions galore!

The mega resorts are design to be over the top…an experience in itself. They are also designed to keep people in so navigating these themed labyrinths can be tricky but is worth checking out what each has to offer.

The Strip is pedestrian-friendly and a walk down the Strip enjoying the atmosphere is an EXCELLENT opportunity for people watching. Trust me, the people watching in Las Vegas is perfection! Bonus: You can walk the Strip with your alcoholic beverage!

Do make sure to wear comfortable shoes are the strip clocks in at 4.2 miles in length.

Along the way keep an eye out for:

• The Bellagio Fountains
• The Fall of Atlantis show at The Forum Shoppes
• Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at The Tropicana
• Hershey’s Chocolate World Las Vegas at New York-New York Hotel & Casino
• Volcano Show, Salt Water Aquarium & White Tiger Habitat at The Mirage

At some point walk down the LINQ Promenade & take a spin on the High Roller. Located across from Caesars Palace, between the Flamingo Las Vegas and the LINQ Hotel & Casino, The LINQ Promenade is a lively laneway connecting Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) to the High Roller observation wheel. It’s packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Walk this pedestrian mall for the most direct route to the High Roller.

The aptly-named High Roller is the world’s tallest observation wheel, topping out at 550-feet tall. Offering the best panoramic views of the city anytime of day, a 30 minute ride around the wheel is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink with your friends and take some amazing photos. Note: Ticket prices increase during evening hours.

4 P.M. — Relax in the room for a bit before getting ready for the evening’s activities.

6 P.M. — There’s no excuse to eat poorly while in Vegas. The city is packed with some of the world’s best restaurants including one of our personal favorite’s Nobu (3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109). Yes it’s a splurge but hey, you’re already dressed up and in Vegas so I say TREAT YO’ SELF!

8 P.M. — Time for your first show in the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Absinthe! This raunchy vaudeville variety show takes place in a circus style striped tent on the plaza outside Caesars Palace and features trapeze artists, burlesque dancers, comedians, and sideshow-inspired performers.

If your heart was set on a Cirque show, O is fabulous!!! I can’t speak highly enough of it. We were blown away by the beauty, athleticism, and creativity of all the performers. If you see O, just adjust the rest of the evening accordingly.

9:30 P.M. — Walk towards The Cosmopolitan, making sure to stop and watch the Bellagio’s world-famous dancing fountains. These fountains are magical + completely free I might add! Depending on the day of the week and time of day, shows will be every 15-30 minutes.

If you have time to spare, walk inside the Bellagio. Admire Dale Chihuly’s huge floral glass sculpture Fiori di Como on the ceiling of the lobby. This glass work…

Continue past the front desks to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens for seasonal displays carefully crafted by their team of 140 horticulturists. The displays typically include thousands of colorful flowers, rare plants, and perfectly manicured bushes. It’s open 24/7 and is a great place for photos.

Lastly don’t miss the world’s largest chocolate fountain just down the hall!

10:30 P.M. — Cheers! Time for drinks inside one the largest chandeliers in the world! Chandelier is a three-story bar that is a must for your trip to Vegas. Enjoy one of the bar’s specialty drinks while surrounded by strands of dripping jewels. Open 24 hrs.

TBD — If you’re in need of a late night sweet treat, check out Milk Bar located on the second floor of The Cosmopolitan. This bakery puts playful spins on desserts and is famous for their Cereal Milk Soft Serve. You know when you have cereal and the best part is drinking the sweetened milk after…yeah it’s like that! Right now they don’t serve dairy-free soft serve at any of their locations, but they do have assorted gluten-free Birthday Cake Truffles, cake-cake, and cookies.

By this point you’ll probably be pretty tried and that’s fine, you still have two more full days here. If you’ve rallied and want to stay out, by all means be my guest. Enjoy yourself and be safe! (No impromptu visits to the tattoo parlor…etc)

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VIVA LAS VEGAS!

10 A.M. — Get your brunch on—buffet style! Vegas is known for over-the-top, must-see-to-believe buffets and Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace is the holy grail, serving more than 500 dishes daily.

11 A.M. — Get your swimsuit on, order a mimosa, and take advantage of that year-round sunshine at your hotel's pool. I’d recommend a chair near some umbrellas or tree shade because the sun is strong. Don’t be a fool. Apply lots of sunscreen then relax.

If you’re staying at the Aria, check out Herringbone’s seafood-focused menu for lunch or small bites. Yum!

For a quicker bite, hop across the street to Nacho Daddy (3663 Las Vegas Blvd, Ste 595, Las Vegas, NV 89109) and load up on gourmet, piled-high nachos. Plus they have an extensive gluten-free and vegan menu. :)

3 P.M. — Shower, change, and get ready for this evening.

4 P.M. — Dealer’s Choice: Pre-dinner shopping, drinks, or gaming.

For shopping, depending on the experience and price point you’re looking for the Strip offers several options like The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Miracle Mile Shops, The Shops at Crystals, and Fashion Show Mall.

For gaming, well by now you’ve probably realized there is no shortage of gaming options so head onto any casino’s floor and do what you do.

You may want to grab a snack while you’re out as dinner will be late tonight.

7 - 7:30-ish P.M. — Check the schedule at Las Vegas’ newest venue T-Mobile Arena. The venue hosts everything from NHL games to UFC fights to music headliners.

Alternatively select another show or experience to enjoy.

10 P.M. — On the way back to the Strip, take a stroll through The Park between the Monte Carlo and New York New York. The newly opened urban area has several open-air restaurants and is especially hopping on arena event nights.

It’s time for dinner though and there are tons of restaurants around this area so whatcha in the mood for? There’s everything from Japanese sushi bars to steakhouses to gastropubs to the East Coast’s burger of choice, Shake Shack.

11 P.M. — “Hey guys, you ready to let the dogs out?” Heck yes! If you’re up for a late night, check out Hakkasan (3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, MGM Grand’s five-leveled epic nightclub hosting artists like Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and Kaskade.

Or for one of the city’s infamous pool parties, head to XS for a unique nightclub/swim experience in and around the Encore’s pool, soundtrack provided by club resident DJs including David Guetta, Alesso, Diplo, and Marshmello.

Be advised there are strict dress codes for both nightclubs—no athletic wear of any kind including tennis shoes, shorts, and hats, no jeans with holes, collared shirts required for men, work boots, indecent swimwear, etc. Bouncers will turn you away at the door if your attire is not up to their standards.

TBD — Bedtime :)

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DOWNTOWN VEGAS

Today is escaping the chaos, enjoying Old Vegas, and getting to know the laid back, artistic side of the city locals love.

10:30 A.M. — Breakfast at Hash House A Go Go (Plaza Hotel - 1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101). The menu is considered “twisted farm food” and the portions are huge so bring your appetite!

12 P.M. — One-hour guided tour of The Neon Museum & Boneyard (770 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101). Don’t forget to book online in advance.

If you need a pick me up, check out The Beat Coffeehouse (520 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101) then browse their vinyl record collection.

1:30 P.M. — Walk around, shop, and grab a drink at the Downtown Container Park (707 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101).

3 P.M. — Late lunch of fresh plant-based street food from VegeNation (618 E Carson Ave Ste 120 Las Vegas NV, 89101). We made to visit overtime we are in town because it’s delicious!

Street art is everywhere is Downtown Vegas so make sure your camera is charged or space is available on your phone. I’m guilty of constantly being out of space.

4:30 P.M. — Explore the Vegas of yesteryears as Fremont Street was and/or still is home to some of the city’s classic casinos and hotels like Binion’s Horseshoe and the Golden Nugget.

The street is lined with buskers such as street performers, dancers, impersonators, and artists.

Make sure to get a drink at the wooden bar in The Golden Gate Casino, Las Vegas’ oldest casino. It was reportedly frequented by the original Rat Pack in the 1960s.

Along the way keep an eye out for:

• People zooming superman-style overhead from the Slotzilla Zipline
• The chance to get your photo with $1,000,000 cash at Binion’s for free
• The world’s largest golden nugget at…you guessed it, the Golden Nugget.
• The world’s largest Keno Board outside The D Las Vegas
• Vegas Vic outside The Pioneer Club
• Main Street Station’s antiques & curiosities collection

Here you will also find more affordable gaming options (i.e. $5 tables, not $100+ tables). More bang for your buck as they say.

7 P.M. — Grab a drink at the local watering hole, Commonwealth (525 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101), and enjoy its eclectic decor, funky vibe, cool cocktails, and bistro-strung rooftop. Definitely more chill than the Strip.

10 P.M. — Whenever your hungry, Flock & Fowl (150 N Las Vegas Blvd #100, Las Vegas, NV 89101), Evel Pie (508 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101), and countless other unique, and some not-so-unique, eateries will be waiting.

11:15 P.M. — Take the party to a funky, more intimate favorite, the Velveteen Rabbit (1218 S Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104). With a seasonally rotating menu, vintage decor, and cozy atmosphere, you’ll fall in love with the hidden gems of Las Vegas.

For a totally different experience of the Fremont Street Experience from day to night, make sure to walk back through the casino-lined pedestrian street and don't forget to look up as Viva Vision takes over the sky. Showcasing the world’s biggest musical acts on the the world’s biggest video screen (It’s 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide!) Check their website for the schedule.

Don’t get too crazy tonight as you don’t want to join the hoards of hungover people that will inevitably be at the airport tomorrow. :) Show them you can handle Vegas!

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TILL NEXT TIME

Quick Survey:

• Did you end up on a roof?
• Do you have a new tattoo?
• Was blackmail material collected on you?

If you answered “no” to all of these then CONGRATULATIONS, you survived your trip to Vegas!

Before heading to McCarran to catch your flight, start your day by detoxing with a juice from Pressed Juicery on the second level promenade of the Aria, or for something more substantial an egg sandwich from Eggslut on the second level of The Cosmopolitan.

If you have time, get your picture with the iconic neon Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on your way to the airport.

If you want to see more of the strip or top Vegas attractions during your stay, hop on a Big Bus Tour. Not going to lie you will look like a tourist, but hearing the history of the city and its attractions from a local guide without wearing out your best shoes is completely worth it. I’d recommend riding the tour for the entire duration, then planning your hop-on hop-off attack on the second go round.

n1. If you’re set on riding the High Roller in the evening take advantage of their happy hour specials and ride aboard a pod with a bar cart, enjoying unlimited drinks during your spin.

n2. Make sure to book show tickets and make restaurant reservations in advance for the most flexibility and availability.