Portugal Travel Guide
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
Best destinations in Portugal. From the beach to the wine country, passing through two of the coolest main cities.
My itinerary:
Start landing in Porto, have four days there. Travel east by train to Douro Valley where you will spend two days. Travel south by train and stay four days in Lisbon. Travel for two hours by bus and spend two days in the fabulous beaches of Algarve. Come back to Lisbon and while you calmly gather youself to depart back home spend two more days there.
How to move through Portugal?
Train and bus:
While some lines accept to tap your credit some others don't yet and depending where you are located you need an Andante card. To keep yourself up to day refer to their website https://stcp.pt/
For trains refer to their official website where you can purchase your ticket online https://www.cp.pt/en/
Bolt/Uber
Remember to dowload Bolt. Although Uber works, it is way more expensive. Bolt is the local ride app and depending on distance most fo the time is just 5/10 euros.
Porto
Porto is the gritty city of the bunch. Often under renovations, so you will see some construction going on around. It has a lot of character and color.
Where to stay in Porto?
Grand Hotel de Paris. I loved the neighorhood. Walking distance from everything you want to see. Really safe. There was even police right at the corner of the hotel almost at all hours.
What to do in Porto?
Chapel of Souls:
If you go early in the morning, about 8 a.m. there is no one around and you can apreciate the beauty of it and even take some pictures.
Palacio da Bolsa:
Stunning building. You can get tickets online or at the ticket booth. If you get it online you skip the line and then you only have to validate your ticket and pick the language. Once this is done you wait until the tour on your language of choice beggins.
Jardim do Morro
For a sunset view of Porto. Some people walk to it, as I did, while some others choose to hop in a cable car and go up and down.
Ponte Luis I
This was my favorite spot for a panoramic view.
Livraria Lello
I have very mixed thoughts about this bookstore. At the time of mi visit I was first in line on a very early morning with a ticket that suposedly avoided lines for which I paid more but even that way, you don't cut the lines. You line up anyways and the store gets crowded within seconds. I didn't enjoy the experience and as someone who leaves honest reviews I wouldn't recommend to visit unless that somehow you walk by it and see there are no lines whatsoever. I feel obligated to list it and depict what actually goes into visiting this place to create real expectations in case you want to do this no matter how crowded and unpleasent it gets.
Almada 13
Pottery shop. I regret not purchasing a few things here thinking I would find beter options in Lisbon. To be honest, based on my taste, I didn't find options I liked better in Lisbon nor anyhwere else. If you like something just get it.
Claus Porto
This is a soap store where you can find so many scents and cute gifts.
Meia Duzia
The most delicious mermelades I've ever tried. The pumpkin flavor is my favorite, they have so many interesting combinations.
Largo da Pena Ventosa
This is a passage full of colorful houses that goes all the way up hill.
River Market
For clothing and accessories. It is a good spot right by Palacio da Bolsa where you can kill some time if you have to wait for your tour to start. There are also bathrooms you can use.
Sao Bento Station
This is a train station with gorgeous painted tiles and divine architecture.
Restaurants in Porto
Genuíno - Vinho Natural e Boa Comida
Natural wines and delicious creative dishes that are visualy fun and will stimulate your taste buds.
Adega do Manel
Typical Portuguese cuisine. It is really good. Highly recommend to stop by. No reservations needed.
Majestic cafe:
Yes, very touristy. But a cup of coffee here during the morning right by the garden is priceless. I had a meal and the "tourist trap" label didn't make it taste bad at all.
Taberna dos Mercadores:
During every single one of my trips, I am so lucky - or maybe I explore way too much- I always hit at least one place which serves that kind of food that makes you feel great comfort, the comfort that only a homemade meal gives you. This is one of them.
Food in Porto
Mercado de Bolhao
This is a very vibrant food market. They have all the typical meals at a reasonable price. Be there 30 minutes after open time.
Castro Atelier de Pasteis de Nata
There are pasteis the nata pretty much everywhere but nothing like tasting as many as you can and don't skip this shop. If you are luckly you will get them fresh out of the oven for an burst of flavor.
Wine Quay Bar
A few bites accompanied by a nice glass of wine overlooking the Douro River.
Douro Valley
The wine country of Portugal. This extensive region is magnificent and its serene atmosphere is perfect to recharge energy before going to another city. There are many tours that take you from Porto to Douro for the day such as this one
Where to Stay in Douro Valley?
The Vintage House Hotel, right in Pinhao with train access
Vineyards to visit in Douro Valley:
Quinta Da Roeda
The vine landscape from this place is spectacular. They especialize in Port, a fortified wine that is product of distilled liquor being added when grapes are fermenting, making alcohol content higher.
Quinta Do Lodeiro
Beautiful family owned establishment, here I had a delicious long table lunch that consisted of three courses plus unlimited wine while having this delicious feast.
Douro Valley Boat
This is a very pleasent experience, seeing the vines from the water gives you a diffrent perspective.
Tour from Porto
There is a tour that picks you up from the heart of Porto and drops you off there, going to the two vineyards I highlighted and even dping a boat ride through the river. They also take you to a quaint town called Amarante.
Amarante Town
Lisbon
I don't have enough words to describe Lisbon because this place is simply perfect. Not overwhelmingly crowded. The food offers flavor and variety. There is plenty to do. It nos not expensive. The shops have everything you could possibly imagine. Vintage has a good selection. People is nice and is really safe, especially if you travel solo as a female.
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Casinha Das Flores Hotel
Principe Real and Chiado are the safest options in Lisbon. I would not stay in Old town, especially if walking very late at night alone, but Lisbon is generally very safe.
How to get around Lisbon?
Walking through Lisbon is very easy and the best way to explore and discover. Public transportation is efficient and ferries to cross the river also function really well! To use any public transporation including the famous tram you only need to tap your credit card. To use the ferry you can purchase a ticket at the booth by the ferry dock.
What to do in Lisbon?
Livraria Bertrand
This is in fact the oldest bookstore in the entire world that is still operating. It is cool to visit the place though there is nothing unique in terms of architecture. There is a coffee shop in it and it is not too crowded. No tickets needed.
Livraria Mondo
This is a bookstore that sepcializes in old used books. They also have stamps from all over portugal and the world.
Rua da Bica
Famous road for watching trams go down and up hill.
Maat Museum of Art
Small museum that can be seen in one hour or so. It is a bit out of the way but is located right by the water and the views at sunset are very pacific and relaxing while the sailboats go by.
Arco da Rua Augusta
This is probably the most touristy spot in Lisbon The arch leads to a pedestrian street full of restaurants and shops.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
If you are looking for panoramic views of Lisbon, this miradouro is great to see the Old Town. Make sure you go there about 9 a.m or earlier as it gets really crowded.
Quiosque Miradouro
This panoramic view is in my opinion the best. You can see all of Lisbon from it. This is located in a plaza and it is very spacious. No need to go very early in the morning, at all times is a good place to have a nice time.
Mosteriros dos Jeronimos
I also have mix thoughts about this place. Old monastery turned into a tourist attraction due to its beautiful architecture. I purchased tickets for the first slot of the day, early in the morning. The thing is, they don't have a system where they separate lines according to time slots. They make people line up toghether and the time slots don't matter. So, even though I was there fifteen minutes before my slot opened, there was other people there too lining up. I lined for probably one hour and twenty minutes under the sun until I could get in. Looking at it retrospectively, the place is gorgeous and I enjoyed my twenty minute visit very much, but I would never go again not recommend other people to line up for that long under the heat. Up to you!
Authentica Antiguidades
Antique shop. The owner is really nice, he has so many stories to share. It is a bit pricey to be what it is, I recommend to negociate price always.
Cine Society Lisbon
One of my highlights in Lisbon. An outdoor movie theater in the heart of Lisbon, right in a rooftop that provides with a beautiful cityscape. I had a precious time and it is an experience that will forever live in me. I watched my favorite movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's while drinking a glass of wine and eating pizza.
Carmo Plaza Market
At Carmo Plaza, this market doesn't dissapoint. They have the best selection of clothing and in my opinion the market with best vendors.
Best Gift Stores in Lisbon
A vida Portuguesa
Books, journals, candles, soap, all sorts of stationary. On the subfloor they have kitchenware, kitchen towels, napkins, bed clothes and even food.
Caza das Velas Loreto
Candles of all shape and color, they always have different products and it is worth to stop by and see what they have at the moment.
Next Memory Atelier
For personalized gifts, you can engrave your initials to the cases that contain solid parfum, liquid parfum, and lispticks. The whole experience is very interesting as they do it in the moment right in front of you. You can choose color and texture of everything.
Loja Real
Kitchenware, stationary, clothing, accesories, furniture, and more. I really liked the products and the designs.
Clay Concept Store
Pottery store that has very unique pieces. They make something diferent every time.
Best Clothing Stores in Lisbon
The Feeting Room
They sell different brands and the selection is pretty good. From bags to clothing and shoes.
Embaixada
Building that looks like a gorgeous palace transformed into this huge vendors market. Sample sales, shoes, art and more.
Nossa Concept Store
My favorite clothing store in Lisbon. I usually don't get anything unless I fall in love with it. Here I really wanted many things, ended up going for a gorgeous blouse. Patterns and textures are really fun.
THE, Maison des Routes
This is where I found my beach bucket hat. They have really good pieces, the selection of accesesories and clothng is excellent.
Uma Cantik
Lamps, bags, candles, anything you can think off.
Nicoli
Cute summer dresses that are fun and colorful.
Best Vintage Shopping in Lisbon
I visited at least ten to twelve in these were my favorite
As de Espadas: Good vintage for lace, satin and pajamas
A Outra Face da Lua
Mess Vintage
Pink Vintage
Restaurants and food in Lisbon
Dear Breakfast Chiado
My first official meal in Lisbon. I had the sweet pancakes with maple syrup, bacon and poached eggs. Pure happiness! Sit by the balcony and watch the tram go by.
Rocco
Dim lights and good atmosphere is something that I always feel atracted to. Ambiance is what makes Rocco great. There is a live DJ that playes great music at a very pleasent volume. Cocktails and food are delicious.
Atira te ao Rio
I wanted to be at a restaurant with sunset views without having to line up for two hours to get a table. If you have Ponto Finale in your list for the magnific river scene when the sun goes down please contact this restaurant instead where you make sure you can reserve a table. Next door, same view, good food, no lines.
Breakfast Lovers
Mouthwatering. I had the salmon on top of bread with eggs and potatoes. Prices are reasonable and they don't accept reservations but I only waited in line for five minutes.
A Cevicheria
I'll never get tired of saying this: Best oysters I've ever had in my entire life. The pisco sour is delicious as well.
Time Out Market Lisbon
So many options here. It is a little bit overpriced if I have to be honest, but anything you want you get at this popular market.
Magnolia Wine Bar
Please order at least the vinho verde and burrata. This was one of my favorite places and would definitely go back. Vibrant and located in a neighborhood not too close from the main touristy hub which I really enjoyed.
Lumi Rooftop
You want to come here to enjoy of an aperitivo at sunset, right before dinner. Make sure to have reservations as it gets booked very quickly.
Casa Sao Miguel
Breakfast or merienda, if you have a sweet tooth this is a great place, from pastries to pies.
Restaurante Da Se
Fun and vibrant, located in the old town. You sit there and it feels like you are sitting in a plaza just watching people walk by and enjoying of a good meal.
Algarve, Lagos
Even more south is Algarve, this coastal region full of incredible and very unique beaches. Also the perfect break from the city.
Where to stay in Lagos, Algarve?
In town, you will have access to all the restuarnts and shops and nighlife if you want. It is not noisy if you find the right hotel and you can easily walk from town to the beach in a few minutes, including Ponta da Piedade in about thirty minutes.
It is very easy to navigate Lagos, there is no need to rent a car, and the bus station is a ten minute walk at most. This is the kind of town that you want to explore as you go and walk around, I will insert a few key points as guide but feel free to wander around and discover by yourself.
What to do in Lagos, Algarve?
Ponta do Piedade
Probably my favorite thing to see. They have kayaks that you can rent there igt in the moment to explore by water.
Benagil Cave
This is a beautiful natural hole on the rocks that allows you to see a blue sky and the sunshine getting through it. Hiring a boat tour is ideal to see it. You can also do a hike and see it from above.
Kayaks
A good way to explore the beaches and natural architecture of them without having to hire a boat tour.
Estudantes Beach
Once at this beach you can walk to the beaches next to it. There is a passage naturally carved into the rocks and you can go through to see the famous Pinhao Fort Bridge as well.
Praia Do Camilo
Stunning beach, surrounded by beautiful rock formations.
Tres Castelos Cove
Another seesight on the water of Lagos where nature did its wonder and now you can see this beautiful holes in the rock.
I hired a speed boat to do this excursion and it goes really really fast and it is extremely bumpy. If they have other options with bigger, calmer boats I would take it, but if you like high speed boats go for it!
Za Zu Beach Club
Either to have a lunch or watch the sunset while having cocktails, this is a great spot by the beach.
Food and Restaurants in Lagos, Algarve
Take a Bao
Asian food. Truly exceptional. Really soft bread and the meat is cooked to perfection. The whole thing simply melts in your mouth. They have Vinho Verde!
Nina 11
Cozy little cafe where they have delicious food and the famous pasteis de nata.
O camillo
All the seafood you could think of, all fresh and cooked in the moment
Tiratisu
Perfect for dessert. Banana splits, crepes, milkshakes, cakes, all sort of flavorful tiramisus including a pistacchio version of it. They also have ice cream. I got my own cone and enjoyed it by the carrousel.
Gift shops in Lagos, Algarve
The Original Greater
Pottery house. This is a chain and you will see a many locations all over Algarve. I think it is a good option for a gift to someone.
A Toca
Pottery store. They have anything you could think of, mugs, flower vases, coasters, plates, and much more.
All that said, the greatest time in Portugal awaits for you!
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