We have now been to Portugal for the second time. A country that initiated the Age of Discoveries in the 15th century and rose to become the first global empire. Not surprisingly, there is much to discover. After Lisbon and south to the Algarve the first time, we now explored northern and central Portugal with a rental car.
In the following article you will find a Top 5 list of tips on what you must see or do in the individual places (or can do – the decision is entirely up to you).
Lisbon (Lisboa)
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. Around 1500, Lisbon experienced a brilliant rise to become one of the most glamorous trading and port cities of the time. In 1755, a massive earthquake set the seal on the city’s economic decline. In the 19th century, Lisbon experienced a rebirth (Wikipedia). Today Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city. There is so much to see and do, so it is difficult to find enough time to look at everything you are interested in.
You should consider at least the following 5 things during a stay in Lisbon:
- «Circuit touristique» by taking a hop-on hop-off tour to gain an overview about great things to see in a short time. While sitting in a hop-on hop-off bus, you get to hear historical and interesting information about all the attractions.
- Time-out market: The market consists of two parts: a traditional market where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. The other part is a modern food court with small restaurants and bars – like a small street food festival. Meanwhile, this has become fully touristy.
- Visit the cultural and creative center LxFactory. The LxFactory is a former industrial area where artists, hip restaurants and cafés have settled.
- Take a ride with Elétrico 28 (Tram 28), the historic cable car that runs from Largo Martim Moniz in the city center along the many attractions in Lisbon
- Have a good time in Bairro Alto, the pub district.
More tips and images you can find in 10 things to do when in Lisbon (Lisboa)
A Postcard from LISBOA (1.1 MiB, 4,025 hits)
Lagos, Algarve
- Enjoy a fantastic view of the coasts (cliffs and sea), for example in Sagres. Do not miss the Ponta da Piedade – it is a unique natural spectacle.
- Visit Faro: Faro is a port city on the southern tip of Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Algarve region.
- Explore the cave of Benagil. You can reach the inside of the cave only by water (e.g. boat tour, kayak or SUP board)
- Odeceixe in the Algarve attracts surfers with the best waves
- See the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of the European mainland
Porto
Porto is the second largest city of Portugal after Lisbon and is one of the oldest European centres. It is located directly at the Douro river. In Portuguese, the name of the city includes a definite article -> o Porto. Meaning “the port” or “the harbor”.
You should consider at least the following 5 things during a stay in Porto:
- Let’s get this straight from the start: If you don’t drink port wine in Porto, you’re doing something very wrong.
- Strolling along the river Douro (restaurants, cafés, port wine cellars etc.).
- Try a Francesinha. It is a Portugal-styled croque-monsieur and is typically served with French fries.
- Deep dive into history in the districts Baixa and Sé.
- Day trip to the vineyards in the Douro valley, the oldest wine-growing region in the world.
See 9 things to do when in Porto for more ideas and images.
A PostCard from PORTO and ATLANTICO (1.1 MiB, 354 hits)
Food & Drinks
There are at least 5 things to try when in Portugal:
- Eat as much Pastéis de Nata as you can.
- Because Portugal is situated by the sea, you absolutely have to eat fresh fish (e.g. grilled sardines).
- Eat Bacalhau (cod fish) – Portugal’s National dish. You can eat it in various forms. You can also eat it as a snack (Pastéis de bacalhau). These consist of mashed potatoes and cod fish and are fried afterwards.
- Drink local (port) wine from the Douro region: It is great!
- In Porto, you should at least try a Francesinha. It is a Portugal-styled croque-monsieur and is typically served with French fries.
Be back soon – gone surfing
Portugal is a true surfing paradise. Surf the Atlantic coast, for example in Nazaré or Odeceixe. Nazaré is world famous for the monster waves and daring competitions. But in the summer months there are also good surf spots for beginners.
If “normal” surfing is not for you, you can also try a boogie board. Just hold it, catch a wave and go. Finally, the purest way of surfing is body surfing. Without equipment, just you and the serenity of the ocean.
Azulejos
Very impressive and beautiful to look at are the so-called azulejos. These are the typical, mostly blue painted and glazed ceramic tiles from Portugal. They are spread everywhere and can be found on street corners, houses and churches. Although azulejos are blue and white, the name “azulejos” has nothing to do with the color blue (=azul). It comes from the Arabic الزليج (al-zillīj): zellige, meaning “polished stone” because the original idea was to imitate the Byzantine and Roman mosaics (Wikipedia).
Azulejos in Lisbon – Mosaic Tiles 
Sao Bento
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