One thing I’m trying to focus on this year is drawing more, especially when we’re traveling. Here’s a quick sketch I did in Lisbon when we were sitting in the Time Out Market having lunch.

Lisbon was such an amazing city, it’s hard to narrow down my favorites, but if I had to choose, these were my top five favorite things we experienced in the capital of Portugal:

1. Feira da Ladra Flea Market

This market takes place from dawn to dusk on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Alfama district, and is known to be one of the oldest flea markets in Europe. Despite the pouring rain when we were there, it was one of the best markets I’ve been to during our travels. Many vendors simply laid down a blanket on the ground and covered it with trinkets, antiques, brass figurines, old tiles – so many curiosities! I loved it mostly because there were tons of old items and not too many stands selling new products.

Where : Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

When : 6am to 5pm, Tuesdays and Saturdays

Website : golisbon.com/sight-seeing/feira-da-ladra.html

2. Exploring the Alfama District

My favorite part of the whole city was the Alfama District, the oldest district in Lisbon built on the side of a steep hill. Winding, narrow streets, colorful houses, clothes hung out to dry on the sides of buildings, textures, colors, tiles, so much inspiration! We stopped into a local shop to try Pasties de Bacalhau – a deep fried type of croquette filled with dried cod fish, and also stopped into a small bar to try Ginjinha, a Portuguese liqueur made from Ginja berries, which taste a bit like sour cherries.

Where : Alfama District, 1100 Lisbon, Portugal

When : All Day

Website : lisbon-portugal-guide.com/Alfama

3. Shopping at A Vida Portuguesa

By far my favorite shopping experience in Lisbon was the gorgeous store, A Vida Portugeusa, located in the Chiado district. This shop is known for carrying only local Portuguese products, including brands that have been around for many years. From body products to paper goods, sardines and food items to homegoods and clothing, this shop had a little bit of everything. And the packaging!!! Most of all I was in love with the way the store was merchandised and all the beautiful packaging of all the products. The typography and colors were so inspiring, I wished I could have brought the whole store home with me. If you visit Lisbon you must stop by this shop, it’s such a wonderful shopping experience.

Where : Rua Anchieta 11, 1200-023 Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal

When : 10am – 8pm, Mon – Sat / 11am – 8pm Sun

Website : avidaportuguesa.com

4. Eating at the Time Out Market

The Time Out Market is basically a giant food court for foodies. Also known as Mercado da Ribeira, where they sell fresh fruits and vegetables in a big hall adjacent to the the food court, it has recently been re-done to include food stands with some of the best sampling of food from the city of Lisbon, with many famous local chefs running their own food stand. It’s the perfect place to get a sampling of the best of the best local bites. Brent was able to enjoy a beer with a steak sandwhich while I was more adventurous and ordered a sampler plate with cod cakes, stuff mushrooms with quail eggs and a salmon salad, to name a few. I would definitely recommend getting lunch or dinner at this market, especially if you are traveling with people who have very different tastes in food, there’s something for everyone!

Where : Av. 24 de Julho 49, Lisbon, Portugal

When : 10am – 12am

Website : timeout.com/city-guides/time-out-mercado-da-ribeira-lisbon/

5. Pastéis de Nata From Manteigaria

We tried Pastéis de Nata, the famous Portuguese egg tart pastries, at several cafes aroud the city, and by far the BEST we had were from the pastry shop Manteigaria, located in the Chiado district (near my favorite shop, A Vida Portuguesa). They are like little pies – small flaky crusts filled with a creamy egg custard. They serve them with cinnamon that you can sprinkle on top and are delicious with a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. I had one for breakfast every morning. You can’t leave Lisbon without trying one of these!

Where : Rua do Loreto, 2 Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal

When : 8am – 12am

Website : facebook.com/manteigariacamoes

Those are my favorites! I hope you can make it to Lisbon someday and experience these wonderful places for yourself! x