3 day guide to Copenhagen

Well hello to you my reader chums! Last week, my twin sister and I ventured on a short 3-day city break to Copenhagen. I have never visited Scandinavia before and wasn't sure what to expect, however, I heard many positive things about the city prior to arrival - and couldn't wait to see what it had in store.

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.

3 day guide to copenhagen

The city of bikes, friendly folks and beautiful sights, Copenhagen is a place not to be missed. There are sights in the plentiful, an Instagram-worthy harbour and a calm atmosphere like no other city. With this guide, I'm going to share everything we got up to over the few days, where we stayed and my top tips.

Day 1: Tuesday 5th June - Nørrebro exploring and Nyhavn harbour

3 day guide to Copenhagen

We set off from London Stanstead on an early morning flight and landed in Copenhagen around 12pm, the perfect time to begin exploring. Our Airbnb was located in Nørrebro, one of the quirkiest neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, and around a 15 minute walk to the tube station - a very fab and convenient location.

I fell in love with Nørrebro; the area has vintage shops by the bucket load, quirky cafes and a completely chill vibe. Our first exploration was walking around the area and getting an idea of it all.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

One of the area's most famous streets is Jægersborggade. This colourful street was super quirky to explore; it has contemporary interior shops, ice cream places, cafes, stationary stores and more. Jægersborggade is an individual street like no other and I would really recommend taking a browse.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

We walked around Nørrebro for a while and came across the Assistens Cemetery, the burial ground for the famous Hans Chrisitan Anderson. The cemetery as you can imagine was super peaceful, however felt more like a park than a cemetery itself. 

3 day guide to Copenhagen

After we saw all of Nørrebro's highlights, we decided to make our way to the iconic Nyhavn harbour. When we arrived, the sun was beaming and the harbour looked like a picture. Despite a bustling area, it wasn't crazy busy and there was plenty of space to explore, snap a few pictures and soak up the scenery. The colourful buildings, and calm river exuded everything the city is about.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

The last exploration of the day was making our way to the Little Mermaid statue, located around a 20 minute walk from the harbour. Whether you're a Disney fan or not, it's a must to visit, just to say you've seen it. The statue is smaller than expected but well worth the visit, as it holds a famous title in Copenhagen.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

We took a stroll down to the Bridge Street Kitchen, a street food market located near the harbour, however didn't fancy anything on offer and ended up eating on the harbour. Although this wasn't the cheapest option, it was a lovely experience dining along the harbour and soaking up the hub of Copenhagen.

Day 2: Wednesday 6th June - Best brunch ever, Rosenborg castle and Christiansborg Palace

3 day guide to Copenhagen


3 day guide to Copenhagen

The second day remains one of my favourites as we saw many beautiful sights and ate the most delicious breakfast. Sidecar is known as one of the best brunches in Copenhagen and as it was sat literally opposite to our apartment, we couldn't resist. I ordered a delicious bowl of granola with berries, and Maria chose the pancakes. Even though it was simple breakfast, that bowl was packed with many flavours and goodness (wouldn't mind eating it again now).

3 day guide to Copenhagen

Our first sightseeing stop of the day was Rosenborg Castle. I'm a massive history geek and love visiting landmarks like castles, to learn about the area's history. The castle was absolutely beautiful on the inside and out, with plenty to see. It wasn't a huge castle, however it exuded that old charm and was surrounded by the stunning Rosenborg Gardens. You could explore all the floors, and even see the castle's crown jewels.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

The gardens were completely immaculate and are actually free to enter - you only need to pay admission for the castle. If you don't fancy a castle visit, you can always delve into the pretty shrubbery and flowers.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

We're both a bit princess obsessed and decided to visit the Christiansborg Palace on the same day.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

The Christiansborg Palace blew our mind with its beauty. As it wasn't as packed as the castle, we were able to take more of our time taking in all the interiors. There were a few different areas of the castle to visit: the palace rooms, the royal kitchen, the ruins, the royal stables, the tower and parliament.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

My favourite area without fail was the palace rooms; every single detail was truly refined and ultra luxurious. The palace even had a library room which resembled the famous library in the original Beauty and Beast film. It felt like my princess dreams had really come to life! Another highlight had to be the royal kitchen - they set all the pots and pans up to look as if they were still in use and put fake food everywhere! It looked like a grown up toy kitchen.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

One thing you can't miss out on at the palace is heading up the tower for the best view in Copenhagen. Once you're up there, the tower has 4 different areas to see the view and snap a great shot of the scenery.

Day 3: Thursday 7th June - Christiania, the zoo and final supper

3 day guide to Copenhagen

We kicked off our last day with traditional Danish pastries and a tube ride down to Christiania. Freetown Christiana, is an area in Copenhagen that is renowned for its different way of life. The quirky neighbourhood is a car-free zone, and made up of music venues, vintage shops, organic eateries, workshops, art galleries and surrounded by nature.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

This area is completely unique to the rest of Denmark and has its own individual appeal for tourists to explore. There are a few rules you'll need to follow however, but these are made clear on arrival. We decided to visit in the morning, rather than the evening as it would be a safer zone filled with tourists.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

I wasn't entirely sure what I made of Christiania; I liked the colourfulness of it all and certain messages, however it did have a strange vibe I wasn't too fond of. 

3 day guide to Copenhagen

Our last stop of the day was the zoo; we're both big animal lovers and thought seeing the animals would be a lovely way to end the city break. The zoo was located in Frederiksberg Gardens, which made for a lovely nature stroll before we entered the zoo.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

I was actually pretty impressed with the zoo; it had my favourite animals, elephants, Maria's favourite, giraffes and everything else from polar bears, penguins to tigers.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

For our last meal, we decided to dine in Nørrebro as not only did they offer a wide selection of quirky places to eat, it was a lot cheaper than other areas of the city. We chose Tjili Bistro as the bistro looked like Instagram heaven and had plenty of hearty dishes on the menu. We were both thoroughly impressed with the food - for the price you got a hefty portion.

3 day guide to Copenhagen

Tips and tricks
  • For exploring in Copenhagen, there are two options either hiring a bike or choosing public transport, and we opted for the transport. At the tube station, you can by a CityPass for either a day, 2 days, 3 or more which covers all tubes, buses and trains in zone 1-4. We picked the 3 day option and it cost the equivalent of £25 - and truly came in handy.
  • There aren't as many tube stations as you'd expect, however you'll always have a tube station near-ish to the top sights - if not buses are quite regular.
  • To fit in with the locals, why not hire a bike? It is more expensive than hoping on a tube but will give you the authentic experience.
  • Copenhagen is generally quite an expensive location, and if you're on a budget when it comes to food, I'd suggest going to street food places (like the Bridge Street Kitchen), or hopping over to Nørrebro.
  • Walk everywhere - I always say this in every city post, but the best way to see a location is simply get lost, and you'll find some hidden gems.
  • Copenhagen is home to one of the oldest theme parks, Tivoli. It costs the equivalent of around £13 to get in and you'll have to pay for individual rides on top of that, or you can get a combined ticket for the equivalent of £47.
  • The Christiansborg Palace has a few areas to visit, and you can pay to enter them all individually. However, I'd recommend getting the combined ticket for all areas as one, they are worth seeing and two, it works out better value for money.
  • Embrace the freebies - As I mentioned this city is quite pricey so where you can save a few bucks, take it. There are many free sights including the parks, walking around the harbour, the Little Mermaid statue etc, that you can still get the full experience of Copenhagen without spending a fortune.
  • When choosing where to stay, I'd highlight recommend Nørrebro. It's quirky, cheap and nearby to a tube station, so you're able to hop on and see the top sights. Our apartment was in the heart of this neighbourhood and complete Instagram goals. If there are only two of you going, you should stay here.
City breaks are one of my favourite types of adventures, and Copenhagen really found a place in my heart. For a city it was ever so calm and you immediately felt at home. The locals are super welcoming, there are bikes wherever you turn and it's generally a happy city. The sights, its food, and its way of life, I loved. Copenhagen, thank you for a fabulous couple of days.

I hope you enjoyed this 3 day guide to Copenhagen. Have you visited the city?

Thank you for reading <3

May favourites

Well hello to you my reader chums! As I say pretty much every single month - these past few weeks have literally flown by, and I can't believe we're now in June. There has been a fair few events in May, and with that, I've got a couple of favourites to share with you.

Here are my May favourites...

May favourites


Palmer's natural bronze body lotion

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been dabbling into the world of fake tan and recently began using Palmer's natural body lotion. It's proved to be a pretty fabulous tanning product, with an even coverage, creamy texture and natural-looking colour. I've written a full review of the body lotion if you'd like a more in-depth review.

Urban Decay's all-nighter setting spray

Urban Decay's all-nighter setting spray has been hyped in the beauty community for a while now, and I can see why, it's a lifesaver for long-wearing makeup days. In May, I've had a few events where I needed to wear makeup longer than usual and this setting spray has really come in handy. I noticed quite a difference in my makeup wear when using this spray - my makeup looked fresher and lasted that little bit longer throughout the day. I also like how fast this setting spray dries  - you spray it and after a few seconds, it'll sink into the skin.

May favourites

Zoella Beauty 'snow polished exfoliator'

As summer season comes into play, I tend to exfoliate a little bit more as essentially I'll be wearing dresses and shorts, that I want my skin to look smoother. The product I've been absolutely loving for this is Zoella Beauty's 'snow polished'. The exfoliator is ever so gentle on the skin, but rough enough to really feel like it's doing the job. It has quite a sweet and fresh scent, and when accompanies with the moisturiser leaves a lovely lingering smell.

Benefit's Hoola bronzer

If you've been following my blog for a while then you'd know I'm a massive bronzer fan. Benefit's Hoola is one of my ultimate favourites, and this month it has been part of my everyday makeup routine. The bronzer doubles up as an all-over bronzing product and contours well, it holds a strong contour and, is the perfect brown tone for a bronzed look.

Asos Petite metallic tulle mini dress 

Towards the end of this month I had a summer ball and for the event, I purchased this beautiful metallic tulle mini dress from Asos. I absolutely fell in love with this dress - to me it was a combination between a princess and ballerina frock. Even though I only wore it once, I couldn't help mention the dress in my favourites as it is stunning and I felt super body confident rocking it.

I hope you enjoyed these favourites! Which products have you been loving this month?

Thank you for reading <3


Review: Palmer's natural bronze body lotion

Well hello to you my reader chums! In all honesty, I've never been a fake tan user as really, I was too worried about turning into an orange oompa loompa. However, I had my boyfriend's university summer ball coming up and wanted a bronzed glow for the event. I had no idea which products were great and what I should use, but as I was browsing through Superdrug I came across Palmer's gradual tan. I've always heard raving reviews about this brand, that I put my trust in this product - and it's safe to say I wasn't disappointed.

Here are my thoughts on Palmer's natural bronze body lotion...

Palmer's natural bronze body lotion


Consistency and blending ability

One of the main things I was concerned about when using fake tan was being left with streaky marks on my skin, however, this product put me at ease. As the consistency of this product is incredibly creamy and liquid-based, it blended easily on the skin and in turn, left me with an overall even finish. The texture was also super gentle and thin, and upon application, it didn't feel heavy at all or take ages to sink in. Instead of having to linger around for a while waiting for the product to sink in, I only had to wait for a few minutes.

Scent

Certain fake tans can have a strong scent to them, which if I'm honest, aren't the greatest smell. This bronze body lotion did hold a scent to it, not as strong as other products, however, there was a lingering cookie-like smell about it. I can't say I hate it, but also can't say I like it - it's one of those scents that doesn't really faze me, and is rather subtle.

Palmer's natural bronze body lotion

Gradual tan power

When it comes to the tanning power, I was rather impressed. From the first use (I applied before bed), the next day I had an all-over bronzed look. It wasn't crazy brown or anything like that, however, it was a lovely bronze tint. I continued to use this for a few days leading up to the ball, and on the day I had what I like to think was a beautiful tan. It didn't look fake, or orange-tinted in the slightest - the tan had an overall natural look, and gave me that little confidence boost I needed for the day.

Lasting power

I was quite surprised by the lasting power of this tanning product. After a few showers, there was still an underlying tint of the product which took a few days to go away. With that in mind, I guess you could say the lasting power is quite strong and great for a gradual tanning product.

Overall, I'm very impressed with Palmer's natural bronze body lotion. As I wasn't sure what to expect, I was blown away by the results. If you're looking for a tanning product that gives you a natural, non-streaky tan, this is for you. The product is super moisturising, blends with ease, and lasts for a lengthy time - I couldn't fault it. It's also at the cheaper price at around £5/6.

I hope you enjoyed this beauty review. Have you tried Palmer's natural bronze body lotion?

Thank you for reading <3 

Travel Q&A

Well hello to you my reader chums! Travel is my favourite thing, I love nothing more than seeing a new destination and exploring different cultures. If you're a regular reader on my blog, then you'd know I love to post guides of places I've visited and travel tips I've picked up along the way. Today, I wanted to do something different, linking to travel - my own Q&A. I took to Twitter to ask for a few questions and got a great response from some blogger friends.

travel q&a


Here is my travel Q&A...

Favourite countries you've visited and why? @sophiemarak

This is a very tricky question as I love everywhere I've visited and have many favourite locations. I think my favourite country I've seen is Italy. There's something about Italy that has always held a special place in my heart, and every time I go, I want to see even more of the beautiful country. It has a rustic charm, incredible food scene and some of the best sights I've ever witnessed.

Best islands to visit in Greece? @jaimejeanmorton

I have to admit, the only Greek island I've visited is Crete, so I can't really give you a comparison. However, what I will say is Crete is a beautiful location, whether you're looking to experience Greek culture or, simply sun it up for a week, it's a dream-worthy destination. Even though Athens isn't a Greek island, I've visited several times and absolutely love it. There's something so special about all the ancient history and the Greek vibe.

Why do you enjoy travelling? @shirleycuypers

Travelling is my favourite hobby and I'm not entirely sure how to explain why I enjoy it so much. I think there's something really incredible about seeing a new destination, discovering a new culture and trying different food. The world is an amazing place, and exploring it is such a privilege to have that I can't help but catch the travel bug. I am a self-confessed travel addict.

How do you plan to go to different places? @callikitson 

Usually I get my inspiration from reading blogs and seeing photos on social media, and once I've found a destination, I'm set on booking a trip there (it's a terrible problem). I'll research the best flight deals, search for accommodation and read all I can find out about the destination, and then I'll have another trip lined up.

Worst place you've visited?

Now this is a really tricky question, because there aren't any places I haven't liked. However, I have been slightly disappointed when travelling to a new place. Milan for instance wasn't as glamorous as I'd thought it would be, especially outside the main square.

How did you feel going on your first travelling experience on your own?

I've suffered with anxiety for years and taking the step to get a flight on my own was a massive deal. At first I was absolutely terrified because I was in an airport on my own, however once I was on the plane I settled and felt okay. Luckily, I was meeting my aunt on the other end so it wasn't exactly a complete solo trip, however I'm proud to say I've flown on my own.

What's your plan travel-wise? To visit as many countries as you can?

Yes! I'd love to see as much of the world as possible. My next big travel plans for the moment are to save up, go backpacking around south east asia, and inter-rail around Europe. 

How do you remember the places you visit, apart from pictures?

I think other than pictures and my own memory, the main way I remember places is by documenting them on this blog. It means I can look back once time has passed by and see what I got up to on my travels. Reading the posts, also brings back plenty of happy memories.

Have you ever had any serious delays? @naomirowan_blog

The biggest delay I ever had was my flight to Barcelona. We were stuck on the plane for 4 hours until it set off, and they wouldn't allow us to get off the plane during the delay. The worst thing was the fact we were only in that city for a few days, and because of the delay, we missed out on half a day there.

Any attractions you accidentally stumbled upon?

Probably the most recent attraction I stumbled upon was Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Lisbon. We were walking to town, and we somehow found the highest point in Lisbon -The views were stunning and it was truly a jaw-dropping moment.

Top 5 places to visit on your bucket list?

There's plenty of places on my bucket list and the top 5 have to be Thailand, Bali (or all or Indonesia), Dubai, Vietnam and Iceland.

If you could only holiday to one country for the rest of your life, which would it be?

This is a really hard question! I would have to say Italy, as it is my favourite country to visit and there are many different areas I've yet to see.

Have you ever done volunteer work abroad?

No, but I'd love to help look after the elephants in south east Asia.

How do you go about finding good deals on flights and accommodation? @afrugalfrenchie

For flights, I always use Skyscanner, a flight price comparison website. It shows the best deals and times, across a wide spectrum of dates and I love it. Accommodation wise, I use a mixture of Booking.com or AirBnb, depending on which is the cheapest for the destination I'm visiting.

What were your favourite places to visit? @ftlobooks

Out of everywhere I've been, I think my top 5 places were Rome (favourite ever city), Venice, New York, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Favourite new food you've tasted whilst travelling?

I feel like this entire Q&A will be Italian themed, however you really can't beat traditional Italian pizza, pasta and gelato. Not really a new food, but completely different to what we have in the UK.

Favourite way to travel?

It's a tie between planes and trains; there's nothing more magical than soaring through the sky and landing somewhere new, and with trains, I love how peaceful the journeys are.  

Cities or beaches?

I'm a massive beach lover, I grew up by the seaside so anywhere with a beach I love. However, when it comes to travelling, I think I prefer cities more, as there's loads to explore.

Who do you like to travel with?

I love to travel with my twin sister, or go on a gals trip. Travelling with different people offers a unique experience to the next.

What was the best deal you ever managed to get? What did you do with the extra money? @igaberry1

I like this question a lot, as I'm always on the hunt for deals! I have to say the best deal was my trip to Rome and Venice. I managed to get flights to Rome for like £40, flights home from Venice around the same price, and a £20 train ride between Rome and Venice (which can usually be £90+). With the spare money, we had a fancy meal in both Rome and Venice, dining in St Marks Square, which really was a luxurious experience.

I hope you enjoyed this travel Q&A. What is your favourite country you've visited?

Thank you for reading <3

Top 10 tips for first-time flyers

Well hello to you my reader chums! Whether you're a teen or young adult, going on a flight for the first time can be a new and exciting experience. If you're a first-time traveller and unsure of the airport system, what to pack or where to even begin planning the flying process, I'm going to share my tips I've learnt over the past few years of travelling.

Here are my 10 top tips for first time flyers...

Top 10 tips for first time flyers


Search for the best deals - The first step of the flying experience is booking your flight, and finding the best flight time for you. You can go directly on airlines websites, however I find it easier to use Skyscanner. This website compares all flight times and prices for your dates, and shows the best deals. You can also alter the times of your flight once you've clicked on a deal, which usually increases the cost a little more, however it's a useful tool. Once you've chosen your flight, it'll take you directly to the airline's website where you'll pay and fill in your details.

See when you're able to check in - Checking into a flight is pretty important, and can usually be done between a few days to a month before. Most airlines allow you to check in around 48 hours before, however EasyJet for instance lets you check in up to a month before which is very useful. 

When you've checked in you'll need to get your boarding pass - you can either print it out, or download the airline's mobile app and have it on there to scan at the airport.

Buy travel insurance - One of the most important things to consider when flying is travel insurance. If your flight is delayed or cancelled completely, travel insurance will allow you to get your money back and rebook. It's also helpful if you fall ill, or lose your luggage at the airport.

Hand luggage rules - Whether you're having a cabin case as your only luggage or travelling with a handbag, it's useful to know the hand luggage rules. The three main things to consider are the size of your bag, liquids and what you can't bring in your hand luggage.

Each airline will have a limit on how large the cabin bag can be, and before your flight I'd recommend having a quick Google of your chosen airline to find this out, otherwise they may make you put it with the main luggage and you'll have to pay an additional fee. When it comes to liquids, every individual liquid has to be under 100ml and fit in one 20 x 20cm bag. They provide these plastic bags at the airport, however I like to use a see through makeup bag when I travel because I can pack it before I go and it saves a lot of hassle at the airport. You can buy clear bags in places like Superdrug or Boots - mine was from Boots and only cost £4. Apart from obvious things not to bring in your luggage including sharp objects, one thing many people forget is you can't bring aerosols - so if you've got deodorant, either buy a roll-on or pack it in your hold on luggage.

Weigh your baggage - If you're going on a longer trip or simply pack a lot, make sure to weigh your suitcase (hold luggage) before you leave home. Before the suitcase goes onto the plane, it'll be weighed and if it's over the limit for that flight, you usually have to pay a certain fee for every added kilo. Each airline will have a different weight limit for their hold luggage so again, research this before you pack.

Keep all documents in one place - When you travel, you'll have a few important documents with you including your passport, insurance, boarding passports, accommodation information and any other important bits, so it's handy to have them all in once place. I'd recommend bringing a see through wallet file to put it all in so you're able to carry it around together, and if you need an important file, can take the designated folder out without having to search your handbag.

Bring things to do - It may go without saying but whether it's a short or long flight, it's good to keep occupied. On a longer flight, entertainment is sorted with the complimentary TVs, however on a shorter flight, you'll need to bring the entertainment. There's plenty of things you can do: read a book, colour in, write a story, listen to music, a podcast, or simply have a nap. But make sure you don't miss your first ever landing - always keep your eyes peels once the pilot has announced landing.

Keep hydrated - Flights can be pretty draining and dehydrating. You're essentially sat down for several hours without much movement and that's bound to make you tired. The best things to do is keep hydrated and eat so when you get off the flight you don't feel too groggy.

Bring a travel pillow - If you want a nap or not, a travel pillow is a massive life saver on a flight. After a while, seats can get a little uncomfortable, however with a travel pillow in tow, it'll add a little comfort back into your flight experience - and plus it makes for a better sleep position than the dangling head.

Enjoy it - Last but not least, enjoy your first flight experience! It's new and exciting, and hopefully the start to even more adventures around the globe. The world is your oyster - go and explore it.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What tips do you have for first-time flyers?

Thank you for reading <3

April favourites

Well hello to you my reader chums! I'm not entirely sure how it happened, but we're somehow already in May and the summer season is now fast approaching. April was a busy month and time really seemed to sweep by. Over the fast few weeks, I've been enjoying a couple of new products and a novel which I'm excited to share with my readers.

Here are my April monthly favourites...

April montly favourites

Real Techniques 'targeted blending brush'

Real Techniques are my favourite ever brush brand. All their brushes and sponges I've tried have always been of top quality and delivered the perfect results, and I love trying out their new varieties. I received their limited edition, 'ready set glow kit' for Christmas which included the 'targeted blending brush'. I'm a bit of a brush hoarder that when I receive new brushes, I don't use them straight away as I'll just grab for my go to brushes on a daily basis. However, over the past few weeks, I've been obsessing over this brush to blend concealer under my eyes. It's quite a dense brush but super gentle to use underneath the eyes without tugging. The brush blends with ease and helps achieves a very natural but well-covered look.

Gone Girl book

Reading is one of my favourite hobbies and lately I've finally got back into the habit of reading on my commute and delving in the world of fictional stories, once more. A book which definitely deserves a mention is Gone Girl. This book came out years and years ago, however I never got round to reading it. I can see why it was hyped, is a best seller and got turned into a film - the book is insanely brilliant, I loved it. It's one of those addictive page turner books which suck you in until it is complete.

The plot line is based around the couple Nick and Amy. On the day of their 5th wedding anniversary Amy goes missing and the police suspect Nick. All the evidence is pinned against him and the riveting story unfolds about what really happened to Amy. The storyline was well thought out, I loved learning more and more about the characters and how every single factor unveiled. I honestly couldn't recommend this book enough! It has so many twists and turns, and the detailed descriptions are superb.

L'Occitane foot cream 

Something that's always on my agenda is to moisturise more because generally, I always forget and only take the time in the summer when my legs are on show. However, as my feet have been really dry lately, I've been using the L'Occtinae cream to soothe them. I've never really tried a good foot cream before because I would typically use one of my standard body lotions. I think that's where I've been going wrong as I've found this cream has really been doing the trick. Its lavender scented, has a beautiful thick consistency and blends into the skin with ease.

April monthly favourites

Simple 'micellar facial gel wash'

I don't change my face wash up very often, however recently I wanted to see what else the high street had in store and picked up Simple's 'micellar facial gel wash'. I'm a big fan of Simple because their products are super gentle on the skin and do the job quite nicely. What I love most about this is one, the gel-like consistency and two, the lack of scent. If a product isn't scented, then I know I'm not putting additional chemicals or perfumes onto the skin. Looking for a natural new face wash? This is the one to go for - and it's affordable too.

Lisbon city break

Travel is my favourite thing and I had to mention my latest adventure in these April favourites. Last month, I went to Lisbon for a swift city break with my best friends, to soak up the sunshine, do a spot of sightseeing and eat some good food. Lisbon has a rustic appeal, with traditional trams and plenty of rich history to discover. I loved learning more about the city, exploring the tucked away streets and delving into the Portuguese culture. If you're heading to this city soon, check out my 3 day guide to Lisbon.

I hope you enjoyed these monthly favourites. Which products have you been loving this month?

Thank you for reading <3

3 day guide to Lisbon

Well hello to you my reader chums! This week, I've returned from a 3-day city break to Lisbon with my best friends. None of us had visited Portugal before and we couldn't wait to see what its capital, quirky city had in store. 

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.

With hilly terrains, rustic streets, traditional trams, authentic food and colourful buildings on every corner, Lisbon was a city like no other. Its traditional appeal left me wanting to discover more and see what each corner unveiled. Lisbon slightly reminded me of a mixture between Rome and Athens, holding traditional European values and with the many historical sights to explore. I did a lot of research before we headed off on the adventure, however as much as you plan, you'll always pick up hints and tips as you go. With all that in mind, I've put together my pictures and tips for you.

Here's my take on a 3-day guide to Lisbon...

Lisbon tram tour

Day 1: Monday 16th April - Flying to Lisbon and exploring the city centre

Our flight headed off at London Stanstead at 9.45am and we landed in Lisbon at lunch time, giving us plenty of time to settle in and spend the afternoon exploring. Our apartment was located in Alfama, the old town of Lisbon, down a slight curved hill. It was in the perfect location to walk to the main city centre (which took around 20 minutes once we figured it out), hop on a tram and explore that area itself. As we were in the Alfama district, there were plenty of authentic restaurants nearby and the apartment was set in a quieter location, away from town's bustle. I'd highly recommend staying here if you're planning a trip.

Rossio Square, Lisbon

The first thing we did was venture our way into town and see the main city action. We arrived in Rossio Square, the liveliest square in all of Lisbon, with its many shops and quirky cafes. The centre of the square has a statue of Dom Pedro IV which stands on top of the monument and two fountains either side. There's also the Dona Maria II National Theatre which is at one side of the square and the rest is surrounded by additional buildings.

City centre Lisbon

After a little bit of square exploring and mooching around the surrounding area, we stopped off for cocktails and chats, then headed to Tapas n' Friends for Tapas (located on Calcada Do Carmo). The food at this restaurant was delicious and I would really recommend it if you'd like a variety of different, well-sized tapas dishes for an affordable price.

Rua Augusta Arch Lisbon

After dinner, we had a look around the shops and got a general vibe of what the city centre was like. I have to admit, it didn't seem too busy at all compared to Rome or Paris. There was more of a chilled out and calm vibe about this city, where everything worked at a slower pace. 

We then headed through the Rua Augusta Arch (one of the city's most famous monuments) onto the Praça do Comércio, a beautiful plaza surrounded with restaurants and located River Tagus' edge. The elegant square also works as a prime transport hub for trams, buses and taxis.  

Day 2 - Alfama, Estrela Basilica, Castle de S. Jorge and more

Alfama district Lisbon

The second day was our biggest of the 3 to explore. It began with a trip to one of the local bakeries for some fresh orange juice and pastries then a walk to town through the Alfama district. Before arriving to town, we found a few hot spots for photo opportunities and got lost in the process - but hey that's all part of the adventure. 

3 da guide to Lisbon

3 day guide to Lisbon

After some pink backdrop snaps ( there's literally coloured walls everywhere for the perfect blog picture in this city), we somehow stumbled upon Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the highest points in Lisbon, where you can see some of the famous sights including the Castle de S. Jorge and many other monuments. I'm thrilled we managed to find an incredible viewing spot without planning to - a bit of spontaneity always lands you in the best of places.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Once we arrived in town, we bought ourselves a ticket which let us on all the hop-on-hop-off buses, trams and the boat tour to Belém at one of the kiosks for 45 euro. We then began our ventures by getting the bus over to the Estrela Basilica.

Estrela Basilica

The Estrela Basilica was one of my favourite spots. Every location I visit, I absolutely love seeing their churches because there's something about a church which is ever so calming. We went in, lit a candle and then walked up the 114 steps to the top of the dome for the best view of the city.

Estrela Basilica

Climbing up the top of Estrela Basilica

The top of Estrela Basilica

The top of the church was a massive terrace which offered surrounding views of Lisbon. At the top, you could also enter the dome which overlooked the seating in the church. I wouldn't recommend leaning over too much in the dome as if you're afraid of heights like me, it can be a bit scary.

Jardim da Estrela, Lisbon

Opposite the basilica are the Estrela Gardens. We bought ourselves an ice cream and soaked up the sun, as we had a stroll through this park. I always find it wonderful, when there is a park in the middle of a bustling city. Nothing can be calmer than a bit of nature, to get away from the city's noise. 


Lisbon historic tram tour

To continue our tour, we hopped on the tram towards the Castle de S.Jorge. Travelling on the tram was a lovely, authentic experience and the classic 'Lisbon' thing to do. I love how their trams are still completely traditional and have that 'old school' vibe. It felt so much more charming than travelling through the city on a cramped bus or the open top tourist buses. I wish we had trams where I live at home! 

Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol

We got off the tram at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, a stunning spot with city views and the best lunch spot. We had a late lunch here in the sunshine with cocktails in tow before heading along to Castle de S.Jorge.

São Jorge Castle

I'm a bit of a history geek and when it comes to visiting sights like castles, I get very excited. Castle de S.Jorge was no disappointment; it involved a lot of walking up high through the castle's ruins and the many steep steps, however the views were worth it. The castle is an ancient vision of beauty which overlooks the Alfama district and a must-see on your visit.

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle views

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle

Lisbon tram tour

Once we went around the castle grounds, we hopped back on the tram and ended up going the complete wrong way back to our apartment. However, it gave us a bit of time to enjoy a good old life chat and see the sights along the way. We dined that evening in Alfama, where we found a tucked away restaurant which served up authentic fish dishes. When it comes to restaurants, I love finding hidden gems, as the dinners are always more original than typical tourist traps near the main sights.

Day 3: Wednesday 18th April - Belém exploring and boat tour

Jerónimos Monastery

On our last day, after a breakfast at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, we walked down to the city centre and hopped on the bus to Belém, another area of Lisbon. There was plenty to see in this location, including the Jerónimos Monastery and the most stunning fountain area opposite.

Jerónimos Monastery gardens

We didn't go in the monastery, however took our time walking around the fountain area and onto the nearby park. I still can't believe how beautiful Belém was and I'm glad we took the time to take this excursion. 

Jerónimos Monastery gardens

We took the journey back to the city centre and had our last Lisbon lunch in a delicious Italian called La Vita e Bella. They cooked up the best Italian grub and it was super lovely to soak up the sunshine with a delicious meal in tow. 

Statue of Christ Lisbon

Our last venture of the holiday was a boat trip across the Tagus River from Praça do Comércio to Belém and back again. As we spent a lot of the trip walking up hills and venturing through the city via public transport, it was refreshing bopping along on water and seeing the city edge from a different view. The boat tour took an hour and a half for the round trip.

25 de Abril bridge

On the tour, you saw the famous Statue of Christ up close, floated under the 25 de Abril bridge, witnessed the Belém Tower and learnt a lot more about Lisbon's rich history. I used to have a massive fear of boats and getting on this boat and feeling a complete sense of calm the entire time, was a truly brilliant moment. Bye bye boat anxiety.

Belem Tour Lisbon

Portugal is renowned for its custard tarts and we couldn't leave its capital without trying the delicacy. They were actually pretty scrummy and I can see why it's a favourite all over the country!

Portugese custard tart

To finish our Lisbon trip, we toasted a bottle of wine with a delicious dinner at Restaurante Figus. This restaurant served up platter style dinners of top quality and had the most friendliest service - I'd definitely recommend. The next morning, we got a 6.30am flight back to London.

Tip and tricks
  • Lisbon is a hilly city - bring suitable shoes otherwise walking will be a nightmare.
  • Taxis and Ubers are super cheap to get around the city so if you're not a fan of public transport, these can be your go to.
  • If travelling on trams, purchase a day pass to save you keep paying every time you hop on.
  • The Basilica is free to enter but you have to pay to climb the stairs to the top, which costs 4 euro. You'll have to enquire at the help desk and the person working there will give you access to the steps.
  • There's a flea market open on Tuesday and Saturdays at Feira da Ladra, from 8am-5pm. 
  • The iconic tram 28 is worth a tour around the city and goes through the old town Alfama.
  • Walk around instead of taking public transport, you'll never know what hidden gems you may find. 
  • The main tram terminal for the city tour is in Praça do Comércio and you can also get the boat tour from this location. 
  • The bus terminal is at Rossio Square for the hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Lisbon, what a swell city you are! It's been a lovely few days spending quality time with my best friends, eating good food, seeing the best historic sights and soaking up a new culture. We managed to walk up the hills and create some beautiful memories - here's till the next city break!

I hope you enjoyed this 3 day guide to Lisbon. Have you visited this city?

Thank you for reading <3