travel

Meet your Portugal insider

Hi! I'm Talia. Travel planner, Lisbon insider, and the person who can help you untangle your trip ideas. I've spent 13 years in the travel industry exploring Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, and I know what actually works on the ground (not just what looks good on Instagram). I make planning stress-free, personal, and... actually enjoyable.

I'm thrilled to share my favorite finds with our friends at Fria Frio. Think of this as your insider track to Portugal: the places, the moments, the experiences that make a trip unforgettable. And if you’re looking for insider guidance on your own trip to Portugal, I’m always happy to help.

Find me at Mazepa Travel.

After years living in Lisbon, I still love getting lost in the maze-like streets of the old neighborhoods or enjoying a little cafe pingado at a bakery.

You can't visit Portugal without spending a few days here.

To get you started, I've created a 3-day Lisbon itinerary that hits all the right notes. Whether it's your first time or your fifth, I think you'll discover something new.
 

3 DAYS IN LISBON:

DAY 1 - EXPLORE LISBON

10am Coffee & pastries at a local cafe Try: Bolo de Berlim (custardy donut)

11am Tuktuk tour of Alfama & Graca, Lisbon is notoriously hilly—this is how you sightsee without exhausting yourself

1pm Lunch at a traditional tasca, then explore Baixa & Chiado on foot

7pm Dinner at Cafe de Sao Bento, known for their Portuguese steaks (with an egg on top)

 

DAY 2 - DAY TRIP TO SINTRA

8:30am Train from Rossio station (tickets can be bought at the station)

10am Jeep tour of Sintra (best way to see some palaces and “off the beaten path” spots without exhausting yourself)

4pm Train back to Lisbon

7pm Dinner at Gunpowder Portugal-India fusion restaurant with amazing flavors

 

DAY 3 - EXPLORE BELEM

8:50am Uber to Jeronymos Monastery (buy tickets in advance online) They open at 9:30 and the line already starts to get long after.

11am Pasteis de Belem for pastel de nata (next door to the Monastery)

12pm Walk the Belem riverfront, see Monument to the Discoveries & Belem Tower (currently under maintanace)

1pm Seafood lunch at O Rio Marisqueira Then: leisure time or shopping in Santos

7:30pm Dinner at Michelin-starred Sala de Joao Sa

 

Talia's go to Lisbon Hotels

  1. The One Palacio da Anunciada (starting 280 Euros)
  2. AlmaLusa Alfama (starting 180 Euros)
  3. Pestana Rua Augusta (starting 188 Euros)
  4. Convent Square (starting 220 Euros)
  5. Hotel das Amoeiras (starting 237 Euros)
  6. Memmo Alfama (starting 180 Euros)
  7. Valverde Lisboa (starting 310 Euros)

 

Enjoy!