Lisbon

Lisboa, the city of a 100 hills with a 100 hilltop neighborhoods and 1,000 unique experiences. I only spent a few days here before but fondly recall the time spent previously in Lisbon. Everything a large European city can offer with better weather and lower prices. Taking a couple weeks to absorb the city this round has only increased my affinity for this picturesque capitol. There are certainly more tourists than when I wandered the streets some ten years ago but who can blame them. The squares and plazas in town center are lively but not over crowded. A short five minute walk away or up any nearby hill quickly thins the crowds in all but a few directions.

A forty minute train ride along the river brings you to the beach village of Cascais, a darling of all the expat blogs. It is a quieter vacation vibe town with miles of beachfront. A relaxed vacation town on the commuter line to Lisbon. I certainly see the attraction but housing prices are much higher than a few years back. The secret is certainly out.

The nearby village of Estoril is host to an ATP 250 tournament. I was lucky enough to get a seat at the semifinal and enjoyed two competitive, exciting three set matches, suffering only a minor sunburn on one of the warmest days of the year so far in Lisbon.