Ahhh vacation.

It’s been one week since Trevor and I returned home from our Portuguese / Spanish adventure and all I can think of is — when can we leave again?

Please don’t tell Smalls… ????

But seriously tho. We work hard. We save our hard-earned PTO hours. And what for?

Vacation.

I mean, just look at those smiles.

The feeling of no responsibility. No reservations (well, working on this). No worries in the world but to soak up as much of a new place as you can.

As I recently mentioned, there’s a thing that guys and gals like you and I are experiencing, and it’s called the quarter life travel itch. Blame it on millenialism, blame it on the insane travel deals crowding your inbox on the daily. If you’re sans child ATM — how can you resist jumping on those deals that jump out at you girl?! #YOLO

So naturally because we feel this “less than one year ’til baby” thing sneaking up on us, we’re trying to maximize our time. The latest hack? A trip to Barcelona turned into Lisbon > Menorca > Barcelona ????.

Lisbon in Two Days

Throwing it right out there and saying — two days in Lisbon is NOT enough. I keep thinking about this easy, eccentric, friendly city and how much I can’t wait to return. Trevor and I did our best to make the most of it and I’m pretty pleased with the series of events that fell into place.

For those of you who want a quick guide for your stopover in the beautiful city of Lisboa, follow this guide.

Bigelow tested and approved.

WHERE TO STAY

LX Boutique Hotel

Affordable. Cute as ever. And location, location, location — right on the edge of Bairro Alto, right by the water. We loved this 4-star hotel and highly recommend for your stay, whether it’s to see all the sights of the city (you’re in the middle of it) or an adventure to Sintra and Caiscais (you’re right by the train station). This hotel has it all. Our favorite part? On a Saturday and Sunday we were able to step outside and follow the sounds and smells to our heart’s content for an evening of great food and even better dancing.

Pro tip: “LX” is pronounced like “le sheesh”

WHERE TO DRINK

Ribeira das Naus

The views. The people watching. The sangriaaa. As we walked out of our hotel Saturday afternoon, we couldn’t have been more pleased with the first destination we chose to sit, absorb the surroundings and sip a bevvy (or two). There was music, there were servers with charm and the breeze was perfect. Bring a jacket if you’re planning to stay when the sun goes down. And bring that cam.

WHERE TO EAT

Time Out Market

A friend of mine who had just visited Lisbon told me about this little secret. Time Out Market houses all of the popular vendors and food from renowned chefs from the area, so you have access to all the flavors of the city, in one place. The best part? Time Out Market is the first market in the world where everything has been chosen, tasted and tested — with four or five stars! Guaranteed party in your mouth! Try as much as you can. Those pastéis de natas are to dieee for.

WHERE TO WANDER

Almada

Just across the River Tagus lies a town called Almada, where you can ferry (or Uber as we did) to see sweeping views of Lisbon, visit the Christo-Rei Statue (Christ the King). You don’t need to go inside the monument to be moved by its powerful placement as he watches over the city. We had a fun little photo shoot here, which I’ll share in another post – coming soon :).

WHERE TO SHOP

LX Factory

Do as the locals do. Street vendors, cute as all hell shops, cafes galore. Just THE place to hang. This old strip of factory buildings has evolved into not only the tech hub of the city, but a haven for energy and creative minds. Go here early afternoon and be sure you take a break in-between shops. We popped in a good amount, bought art and gifts for family, and then enjoyed a bottle of wine over our first tapas experience. The giggly married couple then stumbled into the coolest sunglasses shop M.Oculista.LX where we bought new shades by Italian brand RetroSuperFuture.

So what to wear?

Looking for a similar outfit for day one of your warm-weathered rendezvous full of wandering and culture?

Here’s the guide:

FOR THE BOD:

FOR THE FEETS:

FOR THE EYES:

FOR ALL YOUR ISH:

Hope you enjoyed part one of our trip. More to come.

// cb ✌????

photos : the best hubs, Trevor Bigelow

THE EDIT: OTS Dress | Strappy Sandals | Crossbody Ring Bag (similar)