Trust me when I say this: girls know how to bond, and oh, how we bond! We last lived under the same roof in our college hostel (or dorm, as they call it in some parts), and since then, we’ve stayed in touch – uh-huh, I won’t mention how long it’s been, but its been a very long time 😉 With this trip, we aimed to kill two birds with one stone: 1) finally meet up in person together (we do meet in bits and pieces otherwise), and 2) see a new place. And where better than Portugal?

Ah, Portugal – a country once a grand empire, home to shipbuilders and explorers who set sail, discovered new lands, established trade, and colonised and brutalised a few countries along the way. Despite the history, the beautiful cultural tapestry they left behind in those they colonised remains. India, for instance, gave them spices, textiles, men for war, women for their bedrooms, and some design inspiration for their architecture (the styles that came out of this inspo from their several colonies have names like Manueline, Pombalino and Joanine), for their ceramics (azulejos), and their filigree décor. They gave us port wine, some delicious cheese, fruits and veggies, a new religion, and some gorgeous churches that have stood the test of time.

So, there we were – four friends, standing on the beautiful shores of Portugal (Lisbon, actually), adding some zing to our already gourmet-level friendship. 

Lisbon is good for the heart (as is all of Portugal, we soon were to discover!). Those Instagram reels you see of people panting as they climb Lisbon’s steep inclines? Yeah, they’re not exaggerating. Lisbon has seven hills, and I’m not talking about a little incline. It’s a workout! But here’s the good news: there are trams, buses, and cabs to save your legs, feet and heart, plus the famous Santa Justa Lift, which transports you from the lower Baixa district to the higher Largo do Carmo, all while giving you views and photo ops. You pay a small entry fee, and the ride itself feels a little vintage and charming.

We took the lift up and began exploring – slowly. It was Day 1, and we decided to take it easy after those long flights. We sauntered around and saw our first building covered in azulejos, followed by a shot of Ginginha, Lisbon’s sour cherry liqueur. (Pro tip: you won’t crave it again, but it’s definitely a must-try!) We stopped by the whimsical “Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines”, a store for canned sardines. Sardines are to the Portuguese what dosas are to Bangaloreans; only difference is that they are portable and canned, this Portuguese delicacy is a perfect souvenir, besides ceramic tiles of course!

By the time we sauntered and reached the banks of the Tagus River, the sun was beginning to set. The sky was a masterpiece of pinks and oranges, and the gentle sound of the waves against the shore was therapeutic. Before we knew it, we found ourselves at Praca do Comercio, Portugal’s largest plaza, which was once home to a royal palace before being destroyed in the great 1755 earthquake. We strolled down Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, before heading to dinner at Jesus e Goes, a Goan restaurant that combined Indian kitsch with Portuguese vibes. It was a perfect way to end our first day.

Day 2 started early with a train ride to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Lisbon. We checked into a charming little property just a short walk from the train station. As we settled in, we couldn’t help but admire our cozy choice, all while sipping on a complimentary shot of port wine.

We spent the morning exploring Quinta da Regaleira, an estate residence built by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, an entomologist and freemason.

The “Initiation Well” is one of the most intriguing parts of the site (and most Instagrammed, too). It is a spiralling subterranean tower that feels almost otherworldly when you descend into its depths. Besides the palace, the chapel, fountains, and towers, the whole estate has a sense of mystery, with hidden tunnels, grottos, and freemasonry symbols (which I am quite sure we walked past being blissfully unaware of what to look for).

Next up? The Palacio Nacional da Pena, a kaleidoscope of colours built on the site of an old monastery. The palace is Instagram gold, with bright yellows, reds, and mythical figures on the facade. It was once a royal summer residence. 

During the first half on Day 3, we made a quick detour to Boca do Inferno in Cascais, where my pals literally bought out the entire market of all its souvenirs!

Sintra usually has daytrippers from Lisbon. If you ask me, I would say you need at least two days to absorb its magic.

After Cascais, we headed to Porto, and Day 4 was spent soaking in the beauty of this hilly, riverside town. Porto is where port wine comes from, and the grapes grown here are transformed into liquid gold.

We saw the Chapel of the Souls, popped into the São Bento Train Station (famous for its azulejos depicting scenes from Portugal’s important milestones), and saw the Se Cathedral of Porto. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and has undergone many transformations. The typical blue & white azulejos depicting biblical stories cover several walls in the cathedral.

The square in front of the cathedral once served as a bustling centre of commerce. It was also where criminals were tried, and the condemned met their fate with public hangings on an exceptionally artistically designed pillory. You can take sweeping views of the Douro River from this historical spot. As the sun sets, it sprinkles the river with magic, casting a golden glow that makes the water shimmer like something out of a dream.

We marvelled at the majestic Dom Luis I Bridge across the Douro River (The street adjacent to the bridge is aptly called Av. Gustafo Eiffel.) You couldn’t ask for a better riverside vibe – restaurants, wine stores & cellars, pop-up stalls, and just the perfect blend of sun, music, and that golden glow over the water. We even stumbled across a duo of brothers singing Beatles songs, which earned them a standing ovation from listeners. The riverside was one of my favourite places on this entire trip.

We returned to Lisbon on Day 5 to visit more of the miradouros (viewpoints) and historical landmarks, such as the Torre de Belem, built to celebrate Portugal’s successful voyage to India, and the Monument of Discoveries, which honours Portugal’s greatest navigator, Prince Henry, and others like Vasco da Gama and Francis Xavier.

The Fado concert we attended in the evening at the Reservatorio Patriarchal brought the day to a close. The venue used to be a reservoir that held 880m3 of water supplied to Lisbon’s western downtown.

Day 6? More miradouros, more history, and more ceramics! We took in the breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle, saw cork oak trees, and visited Lisbon’s most important and oldest church, the Se Cathedral. The Cathedral has Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque elements. The stained glass window, the chapels, the ceiling, and the treasury together make this grand church one of my favourite things to see in Lisbon. 

And then, just like that, our trip was drawing to a close. We visited a quaint shop selling artisanal food products to take home and then bid each other farewell with tight hugs and a few misty eyes.
But here’s the thing: another destination is already on the table. So, who knows? We may be hopping on a plane sooner than we think!
As for this trip, it was a long time in the making, but we pulled it off with some serious style. Four college friends, countless laughs, and a journey we won’t forget. Until next time!