We are going to Portugal for 15 nights two in October. We are staying in Porto 4 nights, Douro Valley 1 night, Coimbra 2 nights, Tomar 1 night, Algarve 3 nights, and Lisbon 4 nights.
Starting to think about details now and was wondering where we might need to make advance reservations. We are planning to day trip to Braga and Sintra.
I was thinking only Sintra but not sure that is accurate, given the increased tourism Portugal has been experiencing.
I would highly advise reservations in Porto. We also made some reservations for Lisbon.
Jules-what did you make reservations for in Porto and Lisbon?
We didn't make reservations in Porto, that was the problem. We were out typically by 6:30 looking for a sit down place to eat that would fit us in. First we started with the recommendations I had, and then we were taking anything I could get. I really don't like tying myself down, so I don't generally do reservations. I wish we had in Porto.
That is helpful advice. I was actually thinking about reservations for places to visit. I had not thought of places to eat!
And like you, we typically do not make reservations in restaurants.
Ah, ok, got it. For Lisbon, we didn't book any tickets in advance, except that we purchased tickets for the castle online before we left the hotel. There was a long line to purchase tickets at the castle which was a little odd because folks in line could have just used their phones for immediate admission. We did purchase Jeronimos monastery a few days before. Do not wait to buy your tickets until you get there. If you do, you will likely be waiting in three long lines instead of two. Hopefully they have streamlined their ticket and admissions process, but I haven't heard that is the case.
For Porto, if you want to go to the Livraria Lello, bookstore (which looks like Harry Potter bookstore), I'd advise seeing their website and booking something a few days before. For the cathedral, we purchased tickets mid afternoon, no line. The porto stock exchange palace is lovely, check out the website. We purchased tickets at their ticket office right away in the morning for later in the day. I think I heard you can now book online, but check. We did not go to any of the port houses because we had spent three days on the Douro River.
In Braga, don't miss Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte . We got there early in the morning at opening. The church and stairs are lovely. We parked at the bottom and walked both up and down.
Jules-this is very helpful.
I take it you didn’t buy the Lisbon pass. I am thinking that might be worth convenience.
