Spain’s neighbor has everything to make visitors fall in love with the place.
It might be because of its people and their good willed, laid back lifestyle, the magnificent architecture and landscape you encounter, or the weather, where a sunny day is almost guaranteed for around 85% of the year, Portugal has it all. To that, add the 800 km Atlantic coastline that graces the country, with maritime foods, experiences, and extensive landscapes… Portugal has it all.
If you’re thinking of visiting Portugal’s capital, Lisboa, the northern sea town of Porto, or the beautiful stuck-in-time city of Braga, Portugal never ceases to amaze with all it has to offer. With so many beautiful places to see, things to do, and food to try out, here’s a list of some of our favorite activities when up in Portugal.
What Is There to See and Do in Portugal?
Portugal is considered by many travel fanatics as one of the truly underrated gems of the European landscape. Neighboring Spain, Portugal is about the size of the state of Indiana in the United States. That hasn’t stopped it though from having some of the most breathtaking sceneries around and offering visitors some amazing activities to enjoy while there.
Starting out with Lisboa, Portugal’s capital, this city offers all kinds of activities for tourists from all around. If you’re a fan of taking long walks to really bask in the beauty of old European architecture, then a walk through Lisboa is a must. A walk through the historic Belem and Alfama neighborhood are a must. Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood, that survived the 1175 earthquake, has alleyways and narrow streets that make wandering a beautiful experience. Visiting the Lisboa Cathedral and the Fado Museum are a must, just like riding the Tram 28.
If you’re up north in Porto, for example, taking a sightseeing cruise through the Douro River and visiting the Miradouro da Victoria are no-brainer activities for wandering visitors. A visit to Bolhão Market is also mandatory if you want to truly experience what local life is like in Porto. Last but not least if in Braga, make sure you are ready for some breathtaking architectural wonders all around. From the Sanctuary of our Lady of Sameiro to the Praça da Republica, and the Braga Cathedral, Braga is the perfect place for people wanting to see what old town Portugal was all about.
Hungry? Here’s What You Must Eat in Portugal!
If you’re a fan of fresh fish and unexplainably incredible seafood, then Portugal is your place. First and foremost, make sure you have a handy and practical translation service on hand in case you are not Portuguese savvy. While enjoying some meat driven dishes like Bifanas, which is an amazing pork cutlet sandwich, or a Francesinha, fashioned after the French croque monsieur sandwich but finished with a delicious beer sauce, and top seafood is definitely the way to go here.
Although, you should never pass up the opportunity to have a hearty bowl of Caldo Verde. This heartwarming soup consisting of potatoes, Portuguese green cabbage, and Portuguese chorizo can easily be considered the food version of a warm hug.
Now, given that Portugal has an 800 km stretch of coast overlooking the Atlantic, it’s a fact that their fish and seafood can be considered some of the best in Europe, if not the world. Bacalao, codfish, and fresh sardines are two of the most sought after fishes in Portugal. Either grilled, fried, in stews or whichever way, you cannot go wrong. If you have an edgier palate when it comes to food then Caracois or snails with some good vinho verde, or Portuguese green wine is obligatory. Polvo, or octopus, mussels, and clams are not to be missed under any circumstance if you want a true taste of amazing seafood.
Last but not least, if there is one food that nobody should ever miss when in Portugal it’s the Pastel de Nata. This native custard tart is a thing of joy, delight, and love, all in one, and it’s Portugal’s presentation card for food fanatics around the world. If in Lisboa, then hitting up the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, one of the oldest tart making factories in Portugal is a must, but ask for Pasteis de Belem, since of course, they have their own name for them.