Urban Sports Club City Trips – Lisbon // Episode 2

Spring has arrived and, with all those bank holidays in May, we’ll have some spare time to take some weekend excursions and mini breaks. There’s no better way to delve into European cultural heritage than with a beautiful city break.

It’s easy to forget about your fitness routine on holiday but, as an Urban Sports Club member, you don’t need to worry. Now you can check in to sports with 5,000 partners in four European countries in addition to Germany – including Italy, France, Portugal and Spain. To get the most out of your trip, look for cheap flights or trains to plan your USC City Trip and discover the beauty of Europe.

In our USC City Trips series we offer you a city guide so you have the lowdown on which cool sports you can try and where to get the best (healthy) food. And, of course, all the best sights to see and unmissable hotspots.

Last week we discovered the very best that Rome has to offer. But this week we’re heading to Lisbon! The beautiful city with colourful tiles, mosaic streets and the very best pastries – Pastek de Natas. Our mouths are watering just thinking about them. Not to mention the suspension bridge which overlooks the beautiful Tejo to the Cristo-Rei’s statue.

Located bang on the Atlantic Ocean Lisbon is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. There are tons of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and to get a blast of fresh sea air. Here are our top tips for the best sports partners, food recommendations and sights to see on your trip.

First up:

ALCÂNTARA

Out to sea with Seatours!

Seatours is a sailing school close to the suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril where you can enjoy sailing courses and take private lessons. Here you can experience Lisbon from the water of the river Tejo and get a completely different view of the city and its surrounding countryside.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1021, Marina de Belém, 1400-038 Lisbonne

Sweet tooth?

Forget healthy-eating for a minute and visit the most famous bakery in Lisbon: Pastéis de Belém. These pastries have been baked on-site fresh every day since 1837 with a secret, traditional recipe. Allow yourself to be seduced by the delicious smell of baked pastry and afterwards you can shake off the sugar on a lovely walk in the nearby Centro Cultural de Belém.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1022, Rua de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisbonne

This cultural centre is a modern architects dream with tons to offer. Here you can experience gardens, terraces, concert halls and museums and, just a few minutes away, you’ll find the Torre de Belém.

This famous landmark is considered to be one of Lisbon’s most popular with a 35m high breathtaking view over the Tagus.

Walk back along the water in the direction of Ponte 25 de Abril and you’ll immediately see the MAAT. Situated directly on the river, the building with its unique architecture is home to contemporary art, architecture and technology. Make sure you drink in the beautiful view on their viewing platform.

Next play a game of padel:

The Club de Padel has six semi-covered padel courts located directly on the river.

Here you can get lessons from a professional to perfect your padel game or you can simply book a court and play with your pals.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1023, Doca de Santo Amaro 1350-353 Lisbonne

Afterwards you can find healthy dishes to refuel here:

The Therapist is the ideal place for a wholesome brunch where you can enjoy delicious salads and healthy bowls totally guilt-free.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1024, R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-472 Lisbonne

Explore your surroundings:

The café is located in the LX Factory, a former industrial site where fabric and yarn were manufactured from 1846. The site was empty for several decades until it reopened in 2007 as a hub of small cafés, bars, shops and ateliers. It’s definitely worth one (or more) visits and is the perfect place to take a stroll.

PARQUE DAS NACOES

Push yourself to your physical limits!

The Military Fitness Academy boot camp is led by soldiers who will improve your endurance, strength, mobility and energy in the fresh air. They train outdoors in all weathers and will make sure you push yourself to the limit.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1025,  Jardim do Passeio dos Heróis do Mar, Lisbonne

After that you can enjoy a delicious brunch:

The Ohana by Naz serves loads of healthy dishes and delicious fruit juices in a cosy atmosphere. If you need energy after your strenuous workout and you like good food then definitely stop by here.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1026, Alameda dos Oceanos 41, 1990-203 Lisbonne

A short walk away you can enjoy Parque Nacoes, a renovated harbour with tons of green space and public art. This place is ideal for walking or jogging as it’s located directly on the river, east of Lisbon.

MARVILA

Parkour!

Parkour sounds cool – but it’s hard to know where to start. But SPOT REAL is the perfect place to learn the basics and discover this awesome sport. Here the best teachers in Portugal will teach you the techniques and how to improve your mobility, coordination and balance.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1027, Praça David Leandro da Silva, 1950-064 Lisbonne

Next up: delicious brunch and traditional dishes

Café Com Calma is a great spot to munch on delicious Pastej de Natas as well as hearty Portuguese delicacies. Enjoy their range of colourful dishes and don’t forget to drink one of their delicious coffees.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1028, Rua do Açúcar 10, 1950-242 Lisbonne

Another walk through the park:

SPOT REAL and Café Com Calma are a stone’s throw away from Parque Nacoes. Here you can make yourself comfortable on a bench, soak up the sun and enjoy the view of the water.

BAIRRO DA TORRE

Ride the waves of the Atlantic:

The 7ª Essência Surf & Bodyboard School is an Urban Sports Club partner that you absolutely can’t miss! Learn to surf and experience the feeling of pure joy that comes with gliding on the waves. Trust us, you won’t forget this experience in a hurry.

<!– wp:image {“id”: 1029, Praia Carcavelos, Lisbonne

And we have the perfect antidote to your surf lesson:

From quiche to Shakshuka, Café Galeria House of Wonders serves you fresh dishes full of love. Sit on colourful furniture on the terrace and eat your heart out – that’s what a holiday is all about.

Feel the sand under your feet:

After your surf lesson relax in the sun on Carcavelos Beach. The wide stretch of sand belongs to the small village of Cascais and is a paradise for all sun worshippers and water sports lovers.

These sporting, culinary and cultural tips will give you a unique overview of the beautiful city of Lisbon.

Do you have any other good tips? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!