A Weekend In Lisbon

Jun 20, 2015

Two weekends ago, I was playing in a football tournament in Lisbon. Reading that back, I still can’t quite believe it either. Having not played team sports for at least ten years (and by “played” I mean doing everything I could possibly do to actively participate as little as possible) I never thought I’d find myself on a football pitch in Portugal in 33 degree heat actually, kind of, playing football. I still need a lot of practice when it comes to my ball skills but in terms of an awesome weekend and stepping way out of my comfort zone this certainly did the trick! Even while packing my bags to go I was terrified – despite running a marathon I still feel totally un-sporty and I hardly knew anyone else going – but all my fears were totally unfounded, I had so much fun despite being a terrible footballer and speaking to new people isn’t as terrifying as I’d built it up to be.

Lisbon is quite a small city and while I didn’t get a chance to see everything it was a great place to spend a weekend. I’m  actually back in a few weeks for my friend’s wedding so can’t wait to do some more exploring!

Weekend in Lisbon

The I’d-usually-be-in-the-office-rn holiday smug shot.

Weekend in Lisbon

Old fortress on the sea front.

After getting an 8.30am flight out of London, by 2pm we were on the beach! So awesome – there’s nothing like the sound of the waves and the sun to give your mood a total 180 flip. After only a few hours of beach time I felt like I’d been on holiday for a week. We went to Carcavelos beach which was lovely, not busy and with a few cute beach bars.

Weekend in Lisbon

The view from dinner.

Weekend in Lisbon

Avo and eggs.

Weekend in Lisbon

The Bica Elevator tram.

On Friday night my teammates and I went for dinner at Santa Bica – we ate outside as the sun went down and feasted on tapas and the most amazing chocolate mousse. Be warned – the streets around here are super steep so maybe leave the heels at home! Like true sportswomen, we popped into a couple of bars to sample the local cocktails although the locals seemed to be outnumbered by British stag-do groups!

Weekend in Lisbon

On the football pitch.

Weekend in Lisbon

The view from the hotel room.

Weekend in Lisbon

Post-match night out.

Weekend in Lisbon

Lisbon’s famous custard tart. 

Saturday was a packed day of football – it was so hot that even the air was shimmering. After a much-needed shower it was party time at Ministerium in Lisbon’s main square where G&Ts and pastel-de-natas were well-earned! The heat was crazy – even at 9pm it was probably hotter than its been in London all summer!

Weekend in Lisbon

Weekend in Lisbon

Sunday and the Mercado Da Ribeira was our first stop for a relaxed day of sightseeing – so many delicious foods under one roof! I picked up a super refreshing green smoothie and am definitely book-marking this spot for my return to the city. After the market we wandered around Bairro Alto and spotted another yellow tram before taking in the amazing views of the sea and the city and then catching the last plane back to London.

Have you visited Lisbon?