Spain, Portugal, and Foodie Adventures with a Toddler: Part TWO

Welcome to Part TWO of my Spain and Portugal Travel Blog! If you haven’t already read part one, please check it out here. I highly encourage you to check this out first as this blog builds on this post!

As described in my last blog, we left Lloret de Mar (Spain) by plane and took a short 2.5 hr flight to Porto which was my FAVORITE place on this trip!

Porto: A Taste of Portugal

Stay: Airbnb

From Spain, we flew into Portugal and arrived in Porto, a city renowned for its wine and picturesque riverside. We stayed in a cozy Airbnb hosted by Liliana and Carlos, giving us space and the flexibility to explore the city at our own pace. If you go to Porto, especially with a toddler, I HIGHLY recommend staying here- it is a spacious place with the BEST location!

Cost of Accommodations:

Our accommodations at this airbnb cost 584 dollars for our three nights, which we felt was very reasonable given the location and size of the place. The hosts were incredible and provided us with a map of Porto that allowed us to explore the city more efficiently and avoid going up and down hills. They also provided us a free small sample of Port in our room with some chocolates!

If you ever go to Porto, use this map to help you navigate the city! You start at the circle in the middle (this is our airbnb) and go down to start! A lot of people avoid walking in cities like this because of the hills, but again, it truly is one of the best ways to explore the city and walking is also SO helpful for maintaining body composition while traveling! I personally set a step goal of 12,000/day while traveling and find this helps me maintain body composition, but also pushes me to explore each place!

Food Highlights:

Francesinha: One of Porto’s iconic dishes is the Francesinha, a hearty sandwich layered with different meats, covered in melted cheese, and drenched in a rich tomato and beer sauce. This indulgent dish was a hit with our family- even Weston liked it!

Market we Loved: Mercado do Bolhão, located in the heart of Porto, Portugal, is a vibrant and historic market that’s a must-visit for any traveler. Established in 1914, this iconic market is a bustling hub of local life, offering a genuine taste of Portuguese culture. The market is famous for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, bringing a burst of color and fragrance to your senses. Here you can sample a variety of local cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked bread. Don’t miss the chance to try regional specialties like bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). We loved getting fresh vegetables and berries at this market to increase fiber/micronutrients in our diet!

Herdade 1980:

Herdade 1980 was an INCREDIBLE restaurant that we visited inside the market- the food was amazing and it was a great place to stop for a meal after wandering through the market!

Pastel de Nata: We couldn’t leave Portugal without trying Pastel de Nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart. We visited a local bakery and enjoyed these sweet, creamy delights fresh out of the oven.

I loved this dish so much I decided to come home and re-create a healthier, lower calorie version, and I want to share it with you!

The Pastel de Nata recipe will be attached at the end of this blog!

Muro do Bacalhau: This was my favorite restaurant of the entire trip, and I don’t make that claim lightly! The menu was tapas style and it had the BEST codfish I have ever eaten. If you go to Porto, please do yourself a favor and eat here! We also tried the bread stew and the featured chicken dish. I always try to priotize 1-2 protein sources/meal to help with hunger and cravings, while still enjoying regional specialties.

Cultural Traditions:

Communal Dining: In Porto, we noticed the importance of communal dining. Meals were often enjoyed and shared with family and friends, fostering a sense of community. We embraced this tradition by dining at local family-owned restaurants, where the hospitality was warm and welcoming. Sharing meals also helped us feel our best on this trip- we were all able to enjoy different foods while honoring hunger and fullness.

Cork: One of the unique aspects of Portuguese culture, and particularly relevant in Porto, is the tradition of cork. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, and this sustainable material is an integral part of the country’s heritage and economy. The cork industry is centered primarily in the Alentejo region, but its influence is felt throughout the country, including in Porto. During our stay in Porto, we noticed a wide array of cork products available in local shops. From cork handbags, shoes, and wallets to household items like coasters and wine stoppers, the versatility and sustainability of cork were on full display. Purchasing these items not only supports local artisans but also promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. I ended up purchasing a cork wallet here for my mother, and in Lisbon purchased a wallet for myself!

Activities in Porto

Porto is a city full of vibrant activities and experiences that cater to all ages, making it an ideal destination for families traveling with young children. Here are some of the activities we enjoyed during our stay in Porto:

Walk Around Porto:

The Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most picturesque and historic areas in Porto. We strolled along the narrow, winding streets lined with colorful buildings and enjoyed the lively atmosphere by the Douro River. The riverfront is perfect for leisurely walks, people-watching, and soaking in the beautiful views of the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Explore Beautiful Churches

The enchanting Igreja de Santo Ildefonso in Porto, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture adorned with captivating blue and white azulejos that depict scenes from Saint Ildefonso’s life and biblical tales. Built in the early 18th century, this church near Batalha Square boasts an interior of ornate gilded altars and intricate woodwork, complemented by vibrant stained glass windows. A visit here not only offers a glimpse into Porto’s religious heritage but also promises stunning photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere amidst the city’s bustling historic center.

Port Wine Tasting

Although Weston couldn’t participate, we made sure to enjoy some of Porto’s world-famous port wine. We booked a day trip tour through Airbnb, which we quite enjoyed! We went to two different wineries and stopped for lunch along the way. The port wine was awesome, and we even bought a bottle of Ruby Port to bring home with us!

Our one critique was that this was a very long day for Weston as we were in the car quite a bit, and it was difficult to time with his naps/play time. Next time, we would likely rent a car so that we could have more flexibility. This is something to keep in mind if you are traveling with a toddler!

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, is a must-visit in Porto. Its stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and grand staircase create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of a fairytale. We spent some time browsing the books and soaking in the enchanting ambiance, making it a delightful stop for book lovers and families alike. While it is very-crowded, I still think it is worth seeing as it truly is beautiful!

Ease of Visiting Porto with a Toddler

I’m going to give this a 8/10. This is one place where I found restaurants truly did not open until 7pm or later, and it was often difficult to get into places as many do not take reservations. There were parks in Porto, but not as frequent as in Barcelona or Lloret de Mar, so we were very thankful to have a big airbnb for Weston to play at.

The other consideration is getting there- it was a 2.5 hour flight to Porto from Barcelona, and then we took a 3 hour train down to Lisbon. Regardless of how you travel to Porto, it will take some time which can be a bit challenging with a toddler.

That being said, it is 10000% worth it to go. Porto was our favorite stop on this trip, and I highly recommend you go there, even if its with a toddler because the pros completely out weigh the minor inconveniences.

Lisbon: A Capital of Flavors

Stay: Airbnb

Our final stop was Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. We stayed in another Airbnb hosted by Lisbonne Collection, which gave us easy access to the city’s many attractions and culinary delights. The location of this Airbnb was truly fantastic, and if you are traveling with toddlers this is a great place to stay because they offer a babysitting service for an additional cost! The Airbnb itself was also spacious and had an amazing bathtub which was so nice to have for after a long day of exploring! It also had an elevator which was helpful for moving with stroller/luggage.

Cost of Accommodations:

The cost of this airbnb was 914 Canadian for 4 nights, which we felt was quite reasonable given the location! Airbnb was cheaper than hotels in Lisbon, so this is why we decided to book with Airbnb.

Food Highlights:

Bacalhau: Lisbon is famous for its bacalhau (salted codfish) dishes. We tried bacalhau à brás, a flavorful mixture of shredded codfish, onions, and potatoes bound together with scrambled eggs. It quickly became a favorite. Seafood is widely available here do to being on the coast, which was helpful when it came to prioritizing protein as most seafood is a lean protein source!

Lisbon Market: We explored the Time Out Market, a food hall featuring a variety of local and international cuisines. It was the perfect place to sample different dishes, from traditional Portuguese fare to modern culinary creations.

Brunch: Lisbon had a TON of amazing brunch places! Seriously, every brunch restaurant we looked at was a 4.5 or higher on Google Maps!

There were two places we really loved: Breakfast Lovers in Alfalma and JAC in Príncipe Real!

Breakfast Lovers in Alfalma

Nestled in the historic Alfama district, known for its narrow streets, traditional Fado music, and rich cultural heritage. Breakfast Lovers in Alfama offers a cozy and charming atmosphere, blending modern decor with touches of traditional Portuguese aesthetics. The space is filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting environment perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.

Our server was incredibly lovely and so accommodating with Weston. This place was especially great for us as it opens at 8 am and has highchairs! We enjoyed the Earth, Sea, and Sky toast (smoked salmon with cream cheese), the Guacamole Benedict and the Mini Cheesy Pancakes! Weston LOVED these pancakes and so did we. The price of food here was also very reasonable given the portions- the pancakes were less than 5 Euros! As the servings were quite large, sharing these meals between my husband and toddler was more then enough food, which again allowed me to listen to my body and not overeat!

JAC

Situated in the trendy area of Príncipe Real, Lisbon, JAC Restaurant is known for its stylish ambiance and innovative brunch offerings. It features a sleek and modern interior, with minimalist design elements that create an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The large windows and tasteful decor make it an inviting spot for a leisurely brunch. This restaurant also included highchairs as well as a large menu with many different options. We enjoyed the Pulled Pork Sandwich, the Mushroom Toast, and the Velvet Pancakes! I did order a side of bacon with the mushroom toast to boost protein as well. Bacon is equal parts fat and protein in terms of macros, so i kept this in mind when portioning out my serving!

Cultural Traditions:

Enjoy a Bica at a Local Café

Lisboetas (Lisbon locals) have a deep love for coffee, and enjoying a “bica” (a strong espresso) at a local café is a cherished tradition. Spend time in a traditional café, such as Café A Brasileira in Chiado, where you can sip your coffee and people-watch like a true local.

Charcuterie

Portugal has a rich tradition of cheese and charcuterie, and Lisbon is the perfect place to sample these delicacies. I visited specialty shops and markets where I tasted a variety of local cheeses, such as Azeitão and Serra da Estrela, paired with cured meats and fresh bread.

Activities in Lisbon

Explore the City by Foot

Our Airbnb host said the best way to act like a true local was to walk the city and eat your way through it- this is exactly what we did! We didn’t have a ton of structure to our days while we were in Lisbon and I really enjoyed this. We spent a lot of time wandering around and stumbling across beautiful sights.

See the Arco da Rua Augusta

The Arco da Rua Augusta is located in the heart of Lisbon, at the northern end of Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), one of the city’s most iconic squares, right by the waterfront, The arch was built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. The construction of the arch began in 1759 and was completed in 1875.

Originally intended as a bell tower, the design evolved over the years into the grand triumphal arch we see today. It was one of the most breath-taking sights on this trip!

Visit the LX Factory

The LX Factory is a trendy, creative hub located in a renovated industrial complex. It’s filled with art studios, boutique shops, and eclectic restaurants. Unfortunately, we were not able to fit this spot in but would love to see it in the future! From what I’ve heard, if you’re in Lisbon this is worth the stop!

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairy-tale town filled with palaces, castles, and stunning landscapes. Visiting the Pena Palace, with its colorful turrets and stunning views, felt like stepping into a storybook. The lush gardens and mystical atmosphere of Quinta da Regaleira were equally captivating. I am very thankful we decided to go to this small town and visit the attractions around it- this is definitely worth the trip!

I also highly recommend checking out the actual town of Sintra- there were a lot of charming shops and we enjoyed walking through it! We got the most AMAZING (and massive) scone from Cafe Saudade that fuelled us on our hike to Pena Palace. We loved it so much we decided to go back to this cafe for a late lunch before heading back to Lisbon!

I do highly recommend doing the walk from Sintra to the Pena Palace if you are able to. It took us about an hour, and that was with a stroller. This hike was NOT stroller friendly, but Nils was stubborn and carried Weston up the stairs haha. It was worth it for the views! Truly a beautiful little hike and honestly one of my favorite parts of the trip! It is such a privilege to have a healthy body and honoring it through movement while traveling is one of the best things you can do!

Checkout Photo Op Spaces on Google Maps

There are SO many beautiful views of Lisbon and you don’t want to miss them! You can simply check Google maps and look for the photo icon to ensure you stop at a few of these along your explorations! Again, this is another reason you want to walk everywhere- you can jump at opportunities such as this!

A Note on Tram 28…

Whenever you see Pinterest posts about traveling to Lisbon they always mention the Tram 28. This tram does have a very scenic route, but honestly, it is over-crowded and based on what we have heard from locals, you are very likely to experience pick-pocketing on this tram. We chose not to do it for this reason, but to each their own!

Ease of Visiting Lisbon with a Toddler

I am giving Lisbon a 7/10 to visit with a toddler. Everyone was SO lovely and very kind towards Weston, but we did really struggle to find any parks in Lisbon for him to play at, and restaurants did not as frequently have high chairs. If you have a troller stroller it is a lot more doable as you will be walking lots, and I’d also encourage you to book a large airbnb so you can have playtime there.

Travel Tips with a Toddler

Traveling with a 1-year-old comes with its challenges, but with some planning and flexibility, it can be a wonderful experience. Here are some tips that helped us:

General Tips

• Bring a Travel Stroller:
  • Compact and Lightweight: Choose a travel stroller that is easy to fold and carry. This is essential for navigating cobblestone streets, public transport, and attractions. As discussed in Part One, this travel stroller was the BEST for this trip!
  • Comfort and Storage: Ensure the stroller has a reclining seat for naps and enough storage for essentials like diapers, snacks, and toys.
• Look for Parks and Open Spaces:
  • Playtime and Breaks: Regular stops at parks allow your toddler to burn off energy and play. Look for playgrounds and green spaces in each city. I will say Spain seemed to have more parks then Portugal, so if possible getting a spacious Airbnb or hotel can really help too!

• Picnic Opportunities: Parks are great for impromptu picnics, giving you a chance to relax while your toddler enjoys a meal in a natural setting.
• Be Flexible:
  • Adjust Plans: Toddlers can be unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary based on their needs and moods.
  • Rest Periods: Schedule downtime to avoid overstimulation and ensure your toddler gets enough rest. However much you’d normally do while traveling, you’ll realistically be able to do about half of this.
• Manage your Expectations: Toddlers are toddlers- you cannot control how they act to some extent, you can control your reaction. If you are looking for a vacation with fine dining and 5 course meals, this likely isn’t realistic when bringing your toddler. Our trip looked different than other trips- we did not go to rooftop bars and have 3 hour dinners on this trip and that is okay. Going in with a realistic mindset around what this trip will look like is very important! This was the best trip of my life even though it was different then others.
• Eat Outside When Possible:
  • Outdoor Dining: Many restaurants in these cities offer outdoor seating, which can be more enjoyable and less stressful with a toddler. If he was getting fussy, we paced around with him or let him stand beside the table for a bit.

• Street Food and Markets: Explore local food markets where you can find fresh, toddler-friendly options and enjoy meals in a casual, open-air environment.
• Bring a Travel Highchair:
  • Portable and Convenient: A travel highchair can make meal times easier, especially in restaurants that may not have suitable seating for toddlers.
• Versatile Use: Many travel highchairs can attach to regular chairs or tables, providing flexibility wherever you eat. Here is an example of one similar to the one we used.

• Breastfeeding: if you are breastfeeding and debating whether you should wean or not before a trip, I will say that NOT weaning and continuing to breastfeed on this trip was very helpful for us. It was an easy way to comfort him/ensure hydration and definitely helped us.
• Flights: If going on shorter flights, try to book them around nap times if possible. For longer flights, we highly recommend booking the bulk head spots at the front of economy so your toddler has some room to sit/play when safe to do so during the flight.
• Bring a Busy Board: Busy boards are helpful for toddlers while traveling, here is an example of one similar to the one we have.
• Snacks and Water: Always carry snacks and a water bottle to keep your toddler hydrated and satisfied between meals.
• Pack Essentials to Start: we packed enough diapers, wipes, cream etc for the first few days, but then purchased extra diapers/wipes from pharmacies as we needed. This helped save space in our suitcases and made it easier to move from place to place.
• Comfort Items: Pack a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to help your toddler feel secure and comfortable in new environments. We brought Weston’s favorite pink shovel and he held on to it like his life depended on it haha.

To Sum up this Trip…

Our journey through Spain and Portugal with our 1-year-old was a culinary and cultural adventure we’ll never forget. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the serene beaches of Lloret de Mar, the charming city of Porto, and the lively capital of Lisbon, we embraced each destination’s unique flavors and traditions. Traveling with a toddler added a new dimension to our trip, which at times was challenging, but overall made it even more special. We hope our experiences inspire you to embark on your own family adventure and savor the rich culinary heritage of these beautiful countries.

As I have always said… food is so much more than just fuel. It truly is a part of culture and connection, and I hope that you are able to find a balance between these things on your next trip, and that this blog helps with that in some small way!

All the love,

Megs, Nils, and Mr. Weston