I'm taking my first trip to Portugal next week, partly for my birthday, and partly to see how I might feel about living there. I'll be in Lisbon for 5.5 days and Porto 3.5 days. Wondering what your favorite things to do are in each of those location? Your recommendations would be helpful!
Thank you!
I didn't like Porto (I am apparently in the minority, but you asked). However, I did like the Serralves Museum (including its park) and the Soares dos Reis National Museum (great sculptures by its namesake - very Bernini-like - as well as paintings by Portuguese artists I hadn't heard of or seen elsewhere).
In Lisbon, tourists I met there insisted I go to the Pavilhão Chinês, and I'm glad they did. It's a "bar," but I just had tea. Each room is decorated with collections of old toys - very atmospheric.
I didn't get to the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, but friends who did said it was their absolute highlight - next time!
I spent overnights in Santarem, but it can also be seen as a day trip from Lisbon. It's at a very scenic bend in the river, and has several lovely churches. The Igreja da Graça with its rose window is more famous, but I found the azulejos (tiles) in the Igreja de Marvila even more beautiful and amazing.
Lisbon:
Go to Belem and visit the Monasterio Jeronimos, the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower.
Walk through the Alfama District.
Visit the Gulbenkian Museum and the Tile Museum.
Listen to Fado.
Eat an egg custard tart.
Have a crisp, cold glass of Vinho Verde.
Ride elevador San Justa up to Barrio Alta. Enjoy this neighborhood.
São Jorge Castle, for incredible ciews over the city and river.
Porto:
Walk along the riverfront, stop at a café for lunch.
Visit the San Bento train station to see it’s tilework.
Take a river cruise up the Douro past the terraced vineyards.
Visit the port houses across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Take a tour of Bolsa Palace.
Thank you! I am on the way to the airport now. Looking forward to exploring.
I am traveling solo and would also like to find some nice bars to listen to jazz and fado. Inala my suggestions for music would also be helpful. Looking for safe, local places. Thanks!
Hi!
Unfortunately weather is not the best this week! Anyway, since you've asked... my favourite thing to do in Porto is sitting in the grass at "Jardim das virtudes", with a beer in my hand, seeing the sunset, surrounded with old peolple playing cards and young people playing guitar, (and people of my age doing... well, basically nothing), talking with people I did not know before, well, in a word, relaxing. After sunset I like to go dinner "taberna de Santo António" (20 meters form "Jardim das Virtudes") or "Caraças", a restaurant with only 2 dishes per day, fresh fish and delicious meet, runned by mother and 2 daughters - 60 meters from "jardim das virtudes".
But I leve here - in Porto. So this is more or less a day-to-day life. You, as a tourist, might like it or not.
Have a safe and wonderfull trip!
Helena
Thanks Helena,
I'll be in Porto on Saturday, so hopefully the weather will change by then!
Hi folks: I am planning to visit Porto. My research shows that a daytrip to Barga to see Bom Jesus sanctuary is a great idea. It looks stunning in photos and videos. Let us know what you think. Bon voyage!
Ola Helena,
My wife and will be spending the week after Easter in Porto after our week in Lisbon. We will be staying on R. Sao Miguel which is very near the Taberna. We will surely have a dinner there. As you are from that area, do you know of a butcher or fishmonger in the area? We always try to cook a meal or two ourselves.
Any other local or Porto suggestions?
Much regards,
Dennis and Elinore
The aquarium in Lisbon is outstanding.
