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Travel & Train no. 2: Lisbon, Portugal

This series is meant to help the jiu jitsu enthusiasts navigate their way around a country, state, or town. This is a short suggestion list of where to train, things to do & see, and where to stay all from our experience there.

Series no. 2 is to share a little bit from our most recent (and not last) trip to Portugal. Yet another jiu jitsu competition bringing people of all walks of life from all over the world together to test their skills. Held once a year, bringing out some of the top names in jiu jitsu-- it’s the European Championship.

Preferred mode of transportation around town: We always prefer getting around by walking, which is totally my recommended way to explore the town center and surrounding parts. Other modes of transportation: Metro is super easy and there are lines that take you to other areas as well such as Cascais (where the beach is), Sintra (where the cool castles are), or Ovidelas (where the competition is). OH-- Taxis are dirt cheap and Uber is available if that’s something you want to do.  

Recommended accommodations: We stayed at a few different AirBnBs, which is a great way to experience the Lisbon way of life. My last few nights I stayed at a hostel -- Lisbon Check-in Guesthouse (I would book on booking.com! I reserved the night before and still got great prices). I would stay there again, super comfortable and highly recommend for the solo or paired traveler(s).

Our AirBnB in Alfama District.

The window from my hostel bedroom at Lisbon Check-in Guesthouse. Currency: Euros. Most places accept card, but as always cash is king. WiFi: Get yourself a plan that works internationally-- I highly recommend T-Mobile. My plan worked anywhere without the fear of going over data or being charged extra. WiFi available most places.

Places to train jiu jitsu: We only went to one place while visiting Lisbon and that was Art of Fight located on Estrada da luz. Lots of mat space, but during the week of Europeans they host open mats every night at 8:30pm and by mid week got really packed! Get excited though, you’re rolling alongside world champions-- Luiza Monteiro, Levi Jones-Leary, the Art of Jiu Jitsu/Mendes Brothers champs, and more. You may even have a chance to roll with them. Otherwise, I think the mat space is more than enough on your average day.

Coffeeshops: - Hello, Kristoff; - Copenhagen Coffee Lab & Bakery; - Heim Cafe - Café A Brasileira - Dear Breakfast - you can get work done here as it has plenty of outlets to keep you charged, have a nice breakfast if you’re an egg person, and have a good cup of coffee. It was my favorite spot with great staff!

There are so many throughout the city, but these were the ones we were able to check out. European coffee is so much more tastier in my opinion so I tried to have it with every meal ;)

Other notable places to visit:

- Take the train (Cascais line) to Belem-- Once you arrive, within walking distance you can see:

Torre de Belem (Belem Tower)

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (The Monument of Discoveries)

Jeronimos Monstaries

Pastéis de Belem (Yes it is worth waiting in line for this specific pastéis)

- Timeout Market - basically go to this place hungry.

- Sintra-- Make a day out of it. A 45 to 60 minute train ride away. WORTH IT. So, go. - Praia de Carcavelos-- we drove, but you can take the Cascais line out there. I am always drawn to the ocean so although winter, made my way to the water.

- Alfama District-- It’s the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and is exactly what you see in the postcards. The tiles, the cobblestone roads, and it is here you will see the beautiful views overlooking the city. Have a glass of wine while the sun sets and enjoy. - Castelo de S. Jorge (There’s an admission fee) - Rossio Square

What to do: Explore and get lost in the streets. Bairro Alto is a great place to explore with lots of bars and restaurants sprinkled throughout the streets. I recommend following your ears-- listen out for the sounds of Fado music and wander in for a classic Portuguese dinner and music.

What to eat:

Pastéis

Fried or grilled Octopus

Bacalhau (cod)

Sardines (if you like them or if you don’t! Try it!)

Acai

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A little extra positivity if you need it 💥 #headhustleheart #collective #xyz https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMBj5YA4ai/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=61aet77873h9

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We love Sundays ☕️ A time to reflect and prepare for the days ahead! Who all takes jiu jitsu notes? 🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏿‍♂️ firm believers that in anything you do you must be prepared. Preparedness gives us confidence ⚡️ Confidence gives us strength which leads to success 👏🏾 #collective #xyz #confidence https://www.instagram.com/p/BtI4W1ogjPw/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1oft0q8z0xfa

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Also Sundays... laundry day views 🧺 🥋 cuz we are good training partners ⚡️ #collective #xyz #laundromat https://www.instagram.com/p/BtJ5imAApI_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15ephaaxr8au4

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It is MONDAY. It’s a new week. This means... New doors. New breaks. New blessings. Prepare your mind— enlarge your vision. #mondaymotivation #collective #xyz https://www.instagram.com/p/BtLWSLMAy1W/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a5wajf1ad8ib

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Head. Hustle. Heart. 🖤 ⠀⠀ Friday is no different from Monday or Wednesday. You do what you gotta do no matter what day of the week! That’s how you get things done, how you grow.. you don’t need motivation, you have discipline. ⠀⠀ shop link in bio! #xyz #goals #collective #shop https://www.instagram.com/p/BtEAE9bgunP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=405lv4t2nqy3

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How do you hold yourself accountable? Maybe it is finding your crew that will help see you through to the end. Tag your favorite people who lift you up and inspires you to do your best! 👊🏽 don’t let them down, but most important don’t let yourself down! #collective #team #xyz #connectthedots https://www.instagram.com/p/BtCgaCYA1Rf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ak0hd6iolcd8

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🚨 G I V E A W A Y 🚨 Our shop is live and we want to say thank you to the current following and welcome those new to our collective! We are giving away some enamel pins and keytags! Do the following to enter: 1. Must be following us 2. Tag 3 of your friends 3. Share this post on your IG story (&tag us!) ⠀⠀ Winners will be selected on Sunday 1/27! ⠀⠀ If you can’t wait, link in bio & use code at check out LAUNCHXYZ buy 1 item, get 2nd 30% off. ⠀⠀ #deals #collective #xyz #bjj https://www.instagram.com/p/BtBkPj8gGvE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rfhdcnzrv1jk

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The best are champions in gi and no gi 💥 @felipepenabjj #jiujitsu #xyz https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-TX2vgozX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=198zquy5s6tf

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Head. Hustle. Heart. 🖤 ⠀⠀ enamel pins will be available soon! We’ll do a giveaway as well, add some swag to your favorite denim jacket or backpack 🎒 keep your eyes peeled 👀 for the launch & support local! ⠀⠀ Use your head. Hustle hard. Follow your heart. “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” #collective #xyz #headhustleheart https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs6fdfCAqXR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1eyrwmna31xji

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Açaí in the day, Açaí in the night. Jiu Jitsu then açaí! Refreshing after a good round of trainin 😋 what’s your go to post training snack/meal? #bjjthenacai #lifestyle #xyz (at Oh Lisboa) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs9MBcLgr2l/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=z7gs3xj1imsr

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Next generation making noise💥 @levizaojj wins over Lucas Lepri in the finals! What a big win to start 2019 competition season 👏🏾 #headhustleheart https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs5gBZgAFUA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kcgfn2zhamim

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Next generation is here making noise! @ffioneira3 #headhustleheart ⠀⠀ Congrats to the new 2019 European Black Belt female Featherweight Champion! 👑 Photo via @maggieleft https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs5URTIg5EW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qbzrwfmddntg

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He’s back and hungry! @paolomiyao showed a lot of heart out there. Congrats to the new 2019 European Black Belt Featherweight champion. This is just the beginning— We can’t wait to see him in action this year! #headhustleheart Photo by @lisalisapics https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs5KzeEgTnG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l134dn9iagve

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When in Portugal 🇵🇹 speak Portuguese! Muito animado para vé-la luta este fim de semana! 👐🏾 very excited to watch her fight this weekend! @biabasiliojj ��🏽 #collective #supportwomensbjj #lutadora via @flashsportbrasil https://www.instagram.com/p/BsyDxrYA3Ap/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ouglxd8zkflo

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Travel & Compete. It’s pretty common for many of us. What better way to see new places while doing something you love? @ibjjf Amsterdam Open brought us out to explore a new place #collective #xyz #bjj https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgSwnKg_Td/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10kg88al0v3nc

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Another country, another competition! 💪🏽 our first time in Lisbon, Portugal and it is for Europeans 🌍 Day 2 in full effect 👏🏾 #worldwide #collective #xyz https://www.instagram.com/p/BsswY97A636/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tbf64z5v1vuh