Escaping The Gray in Germany: How I Recharged in Lisbon, Portugal for Four Days
Living in Germany, particularly during the colder months, can feel like being wrapped in an endless blanket of gray. The overcast skies, chilly winds, and short daylight hours can take a toll on the soul.
So, searching for sunshine and warmth, I decided to escape the gray and recharge in Lisbon, Portugal—a city known for its colorful streets, vibrant culture, and inviting climate. My four-day trip was the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, leaving me refreshed and ready to tackle everyday life back in Germany.
Taking what I need
Recharging and centering myself.
The Journey Begins: Frankfurt to Lisbon
My trip started with an overnight stay in Frankfurt, which was necessary to catch my 6 AM flight to Lisbon the following morning. Taking the train from my place to Frankfurt was easy and efficient using the TrainLine app, giving me some time to wind down after a day's work and anticipate the sunny skies ahead. I enjoyed dinner, drinks, and a great conversation with a good friend to kick off the start of my vacation.
After an overnight stay at the Sheraton airport hotel, I boarded my early morning flight. The three-hour journey to Lisbon was smooth, and before I knew it, I was hovering over the sunlit city, greeted by the stunning view of the Tagus River and the iconic red rooftops of the Portuguese capital. Upon arrival, the Portobay Hotel Marquês had arranged for a private driver to pick me up, which was cool. A guy holding a sign with my name on it, and we were off.
Exploring the Avenida da Liberdade: Shopping and Fine Dining
After checking into the Portobay Hotel Marquês, which provided a cozy yet elegant retreat in the heart of Lisbon, I explored Avenida da Liberdade—a boulevard lined with luxury boutiques and charming cafes. From high-end designer stores to unique Portuguese brands, the shopping experience was a delightful mix of style and culture.
After indulging in a little retail therapy, it was time for dinner. Enjoying a good mushroom pizza with a cream truffle sauce was a chef's kiss, along with a glass of local wine while savoring the flavors of Portugal, which was the perfect way to end my first full day in Lisbon.
A Three-City Adventure: Porto, Nazaré, and Óbidos
One of my trip's highlights was the full-day excursion to three of Portugal's most charming cities: Óbidos, Nazaré, and Porto.
• Óbidos: First stop Óbidos, a fairytale-like medieval town surrounded by ancient walls. Strolling through the cobbled streets with whitewashed houses with colorful flowers felt like stepping back in time. I took some cute pictures and shopped a few souvenirs.
• Nazaré: Next stop, Nazaré is a coastal town known for its record-breaking waves and surf culture. Standing on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic was a breathtaking scenery. I ate a tuna wrap and fresh exotic and tropical fruit from this super cute cafe near the cathedral, and it was so good - the most memorable thing about this stop, minus the views.
• Porto: The journey through Porto introduced me to Portugal's picturesque riverside views, deep history under the Roman empire, and Medieval architectural buildings. Wandering through the narrow streets of the Ribeira district, walking over the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and drinking an expresso at a riverside café made for an unforgettable experience.
A Day in Belém: Culture and History
Belém is a district known for its history and iconic landmarks. The weather was beautiful, so I walked along the Tagus River, saw the Belém Tower and the Monastery of Jerónimos, and soaked in the area's maritime heritage. It was a chill day, and the experience was beautiful. I found this fantastic restaurant, Descobre, OMG, AMAZING 🤌🏾—the food, the wine, the ambiance, everything about it, 10 out of 10.
Unwinding at the Ritz Four Seasons Spa
After three days of sightseeing and eating good food, I dedicated my final day to pure relaxation. The Ritz Four Seasons Spa was the ultimate luxury escape that I needed, especially since it decided to rain. From the pool to the steam room, then off to my 80-minute deep tissue massage, the spa was everything I needed to reset my mind and body. The serene atmosphere, because few people utilized the facilities since I arrived early in the day, combined with impeccable service, left me feeling pampered and refreshed.
It's a Wrap: Lisbon's Perfect Blend of Out & About and Relaxation
My four-day escape to Lisbon was what I needed to recharge. Whether checking out the historic sites, enjoying good food, shopping, or indulging in a luxury spa day, Lisbon offered a perfect balance of fun and tranquility. The city's charm, hospitality, and abundant sunshine made it an ideal getaway from the dreary German winter.
As I boarded my flight back to Frankfurt, I felt a newfound energy and appreciation for stepping away and recharging. Lisbon had worked its magic, and I knew that Portugal would be at the top of my list whenever I needed an escape from the gray.