In March 2019, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to something special — a trip to Portugal to celebrate my birthday. It wasn’t just about the celebration, though. We both had been caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and life, and this trip came as a much-needed pause. A chance to breathe, to reconnect, and to take in something new. Portugal had been on our minds for a while, and we couldn’t have picked a better time or a better place. We started our adventure in Porto, a city full of charm, color, and character.
Landing in Porto felt like stepping into a postcard. The air was different — crisp and fresh, with a hint of the sea nearby. We were instantly in love with the cobbled streets and tiled buildings. Every turn seemed to open up into a beautiful little scene, like the city was quietly putting on a show just for us. Our hotel in Porto was cozy and welcoming, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that breakfast was included in the rate. The buffet every morning gave us a relaxed start to each day. A little bit of everything, simple but satisfying, and it gave us the energy we needed to explore.
One of our favorite spots in Porto was the Ribeira district. Walking along the Douro River with all those colorful buildings lining the banks, we felt like characters in a movie. We had lunch by the river and just sat there for a while, watching people, soaking up the sunshine, and feeling lucky. The food was delicious and comforting, and the setting couldn’t have been more perfect. We don’t drink coffee or wine, so we passed on the port tastings that many travelers rave about, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all. Just being there, feeling the vibe of the city, was enough.
To see as much of Porto as possible without tiring ourselves out, we joined a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It was one of the best decisions we made. The buses took us through the main sights, and we had the freedom to get off and explore wherever we felt curious. The Clerigos Tower offered a stunning view over the city — even though the climb up was a bit of a workout, it was completely worth it. We also stopped by the Livraria Lello, a gorgeous bookstore that felt like a magical escape from the outside world. Even though it was packed with tourists, it still managed to feel special.
One afternoon, we took a boat cruise on the Douro River. The weather was perfect, and the views of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the city’s hills from the water were simply breathtaking. We weren’t in any rush, just letting the city reveal itself to us from a new angle. Another small but memorable moment was when we decided to visit the beach in Porto. It wasn’t about swimming or sunbathing — we just wanted to see it. The ocean always has a calming effect, and standing there, feeling the wind and watching the waves, was grounding in a way we didn’t expect.
Before we knew it, it was time to head to our next destination: Lisbon. We flew from Porto to Lisbon, a quick and easy trip that felt seamless. Our hotel in Lisbon was just as comfortable as the one in Porto, and again, breakfast was included — another little detail that made the trip stress-free. Lisbon welcomed us with a completely different energy. Where Porto felt relaxed and intimate, Lisbon felt vibrant and alive, full of contrasts and surprises.
We started our Lisbon exploration in the Alfama district. It’s the oldest part of the city, and wandering through its narrow, winding alleys felt like being part of an old story. We could hear the sound of Fado music drifting from a distance, giving the area an emotional, almost nostalgic atmosphere. We visited the São Jorge Castle, which gave us yet another beautiful view over the city, and the Sé Cathedral, a place that held both beauty and stillness.
Just like in Porto, we chose to explore Lisbon with the help of a bus tour. It was an efficient way to see the different neighborhoods and attractions, especially since we had limited time. One of the standout areas for us was Belém. The architecture there was stunning, from the iconic Belém Tower to the intricate Jerónimos Monastery. The past was present in every stone and detail. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the famous Pastéis de Nata. Even though we don’t drink coffee, a warm custard tart fresh from the oven was the perfect treat. The Pastéis de Belém bakery lived up to all the praise. Sweet, flaky, and comforting — we understood why people keep coming back.
Looking for a quieter moment, we headed to Parque das Nações. Built for the Expo ’98, it had a more modern, open feel. The riverside walk was peaceful, and the mix of nature and contemporary design gave us a different side of Lisbon to appreciate. It felt like a soft contrast to the history-rich corners of Alfama and Belém, and we enjoyed the change of pace.
In the evenings, we explored Bairro Alto, a lively district that comes alive after the sun goes down. There’s music, food, and laughter around every corner. Even though we weren’t out to party, we loved the buzz of the place. We found a cozy restaurant and had dinner there, surrounded by locals and travelers alike. We tasted traditional Portuguese dishes, and everything felt right — the flavors, the atmosphere, the feeling of simply being present.
My birthday during the trip was quiet but meaningful. There was no grand event, just simple joy — shared meals, beautiful views, and the person I love beside me. It was more than enough. Celebrating in such a beautiful setting made it unforgettable. The warmth of the people, the charm of the cities, and the constant discovery turned every moment into a gift. We didn’t need luxury or extravagance — Portugal offered something richer: authenticity.
We flew from Lisbon back home to Germany, feeling lighter and happier. It’s hard to put into words what those five days meant to us. They were short, yes, but so full. We came back with memories that made us smile whenever we thought about them. The streets we walked, the views we saw, the meals we enjoyed — they all stitched together into a beautiful little chapter in our lives.
Portugal reminded us that joy is often found in quiet mornings with a buffet breakfast, in slow walks by the river, or in the way sunlight hits a tiled wall. It’s in the small decisions, like choosing a bus tour to make life easier, or deciding to see the beach just because. This trip wasn’t just a birthday celebration or a vacation — it was a gentle pause that helped us reset.
We didn’t plan every detail, and maybe that’s why it worked so well. We allowed ourselves to be surprised. We gave ourselves permission to relax. And we found that Portugal, with all its beauty and warmth, was the perfect place to do just that. Looking back, we’re grateful not just for the places we visited, but for the moments we created together. That, more than anything, made the trip unforgettable.
