I have to give myself a pat on the back… deciding to have my birthday party in Lisbon was a cracking idea!
So, going about holding your birthday party (or another kind of party) in a foreign land is a bit self indulgent, lets be honest. However, I live in London and my friends and I travel a lot, so I thought, what would be better than all of us going on a trip together and staying in our own villa?!
Once the Facebook event was created and invites were sent – the immediate response was overwhelming… everyone was on board! Now, to plan it!!
I found a giant apartment right in the centre of Lisbon in an area called ‘Chiado’. This is right in the heart of the night life and great restaurants in Lisbon, so once the placed was signed and sealed, we all bought our cheap flights (£55 return) for a weekend of fun in Lisbon. Find apartments like this one on Airbnb!
Food
So, this is really critical. You must have the custard tarts Portugal are so famous for. Have all of them, all the time. Survive off them if you want. These tarts were my favourite thing I ate while in Lisbon.
Also, as many of you have heard of Nando’s – Portugese chicken, you would not be surprised to find that many restaurants cook chicken in piri piri seasoning all over Lisbon. This is a standard way to eat chicken here, and thus… get yourself a Nando’s-esque meal…except it will be much cheaper and much tastier than Nando’s…sorry Nando’s!
Nightlife
Night-life in Lisbon is off the chain! Each night we went out, we don’t remember a darn thing. You can drink on the streets, and drinks in Lisbon come more like those of Las Vegas – gigantic cocktails, gigantic beers. Yes please.
There is a club called ‘The Beach Club’ which is well worth a visit. Though my mind is blurry of the events, I recall an amazing club that had opulence, outrageous partying, crazy music, a pool, and a beach. It also operates on a card system whereby you pay with a card you get given upon entry, and you are not allowed to leave until you ‘pay your tab’. Interesting idea. However, don’t get caught believing you are getting round upon round of shots for free, like my friend Canuck did. What a dummy.
My Birthday
On the evening of my birthday party evening, which was just meant to be a bit of pre-drinks in the apartment, then all of us to go to a bar nearby, my friends surprised me with an at-home party which was amazing!
There was props, fun drinks, another Portuguese tart with a candle, and of course, speeches. It was after-all my birthday…a milestone.
Sights
On the last day, my friend Katy Perry, my Hunk and his best friend all went to Belem Tower. It is a really interesting piece of architecture. It’s beautiful to look and and we really enjoyed climbing to the top for the view. It used to be used for the army, as it faces the water with cannons at the ready (not in use any more).
Lisbon itself was a mixture of many cities, even having its own version of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lisbon’s colourful houses make it a gorgeous place to stroll.
From quaint squares with cafes, to the waterside, or the old town – come and visit Lisbon. There’s plenty to see and if you aren’t partying all weekend and spending your days sleeping and hung over, you can see all of Lisbon in one weekend. However, while we did not see much of Lisbon, I have such fond memories of the perfect weekend away with my friends, among a gorgeous setting.
Thanks Lisbon!
Lisbon Video
I made a video of our partying days in Lisbon on the Magisto App, watch it here: Lisbon Video
Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
0 thoughts on “Celebrating My Birthday In Lisbon”
This was the best and I wish we were doing it again this year!
SAAAAME