Portugal: A Perfect Getaway to Lisbon and Porto

Most important tip: Bring sneakers! The hills in both Lisbon and Porto are no joke. It makes San Francisco look like a flat land. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Lisbon:

• Just wander! Lisbon has so many cool neighborhoods to explore. From the old streets of Alfama to neighborhoods like Barrio Alto and Chiadao- walk everywhere! So much beautiful tile everywhere!

• Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery- check out Belem Tower, one of Lisbon's most iconic sights followed by a quick walk over to the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery. Make sure to stop by Pasteis de Belem (right next door) for their famous pasteis de nata. If there is a long line- stick it out. It moves fast.

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia- the best spot for a Lisbon sunset.

• LX Factory- a cool historical industrial complex that houses a bunch of shops and restaurants including one of the coolest bookstores ever- Ler Devagar.

• Pink Street- snap the perfect photo at Lisbon's famous Pink Street. Tip: go early in the morning.

• Tram #28- take a ride on the most histroic tram ride in Lisbon.

Porto:

Tip: Take the train from Lisbon to Porto. The train journey is around 3 hours.

• Livraria Lello- the most BEAUTIFUL bookstore in the whole world! You need to book tickets in advance and the line can get quite long so I suggest going first thing in the morning or book for later in the day.

• Porto has of the most gorgeous blue and white tile. Here are my suggestions of the tile you must see!

• Capela das Almas
  Rua de Santa Catarina, 418.

• Igreja do Carmo
  Rua do Carmo.

• The S. Bento railway station.

• Igreja de Santo church.

• Ribeira neighborhood- walk around this neighborhood for one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Porto. Stop down by the Douro River for beautiful views of the city.

• Parque de las Virtudes - check out this park for sunset. All the locals come here. Grab a drink at one of the bars next to the park while you wait.

• The alleyways around Largo da Pena Ventosa. A gorgeous picture everywhere you look!

Day Trips:

• Book a day trip to Sintra and Penace Palace.

Lisbon:

• Food Tour! I have done a lot of food tours in my day but this one ranks among the best. Ruthy gives you a day you will never forget with over 18 tastings of classic Portugese dishes with plenty of wine pairings to boot. Tip: You must try Green Wine while in Portugal! Not only do you get a food tour, but this also doubles as a walking tour of the Alfama neighborhood.

• Time Out Market- remember that sandwich I mentioned? It is in the Lisbon Time out Market. It is the classic steak sandwich at O PREGO DA PEIXARIA. It is literally one of the best things I have ever eaten. The Time Out Market has some of the best dishes in Lisbon and is a great alternative if you are feeling overwhelmed and want the best of the best all in one place. From the croquettes, to the cheese to even the pizza stalls- you cant go wrong here. They even have a designated Aperol Spritz bar! my dream!

• Augusto Lisbosa for Brunch- the most delicious (and beautiful) avocado toast!

• I mentioned Patel de Belem for pastel de nata- but you also must try Mantigaria. These were my personal favorite.

• Ramiro's for Seafood. This is an Anthony Bourdain rec. Need a reservation!

• Ponto Final- also one of the most famous and picturesque restaurants in Lisbon. It can be hard to get a table so book in advance.

• Hello, Kristof- another great brunch spot in Lisbon.

Porto:

• Casa Guedes- Traditional for the most incredible pork sandwiches! So delicious!

• Cervejaria Gazela- another Bourdain rec for Portugese hotdogs- called Cachorrinho. I went to the original location.

• Fabrica Coffee Roasters- delicious spot for coffee and breakfast.

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