Portugal has been voted the ‘Best European Destination’ more than once. I recently spent 3 months here, and it’s easy to understand why so many, including myself, are falling in love.
The amount of to-do’s available in relation to its relatively small size is incredible.
Apart from all the beautiful places you can visit in Portugal, certain things are so symbolic that some would say that you haven’t been here if you haven’t experienced them.
Like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Or to Lapland without seeing a reindeer.
You get it.
The following are things you will love in Portugal, and where to get your dose. The featured places are for those of you who are about to visit Lisbon, but you will be able to find most of these all over the country.
I’m pretty sure that you will miss at least a few when you leave.
Amazing Espresso
Photo: Amelia Lisboa – Instagram.
I’ve never been to a place where the coffee is so good everywhere. And I’ve been to the majority of the top coffee producing countries in the world.
It’s, without exaggerating, difficult to find a place that serves bad coffee in Portugal.
Now, when I say coffee, I’m referring to the espressos (which is the normal coffee here, referred to as “cafe” in the menus). Ranging from fancy, cosmopolitan cafeterias, to an array of local shops that often have been around forever, the selection of where to have one is fine and never-ending.
Many of the local cafes are charming and have their steady base of regulars who pass by every day. Often with a newspaper, or just to chit-chat with other frequent customers.
No matter what your preferences are like, you’ll be able to find your precious place.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon:
– Nicolau, Baixa: Great specialty coffee. Tasty juices. Pancakes. Do you need more reasons to visit?
– Fábrica Coffee Roasters, Liberdade: They pride themselves with coffee as an art. The espresso is strong and really tasty. You will be wanting to order more than one
– Doce Pimenta Café, Intendente, Pasteleria Nata Fina, Martim Moniz: Simple, typical neighborhood cafes.
– Vertigo Café, Martim Moniz: Great ice coffee, ask for the special with lime. So good
– Cafe Tati, Cais do Sodré: Charming and great for spending some time working etc.
– Any local coffee shop
Artisan Cheese
Most things in life become better with a little bit of cheese. It’s amazing to be in a country that seems to share the same philosophy.
Portugal produces a wide range of addictingly good artisan cheeses. It exists a system of Protected Designation of Origin, as for wines, which ensures quality, and that they are produced within specific regions using traditional methods and ingredients.
Like Champagne, but for cheese.
One of my favorites is Azeitão, but so many are delicious. You will always be close by a place where you can indulge – whether you prefer a cozy bar, a Cheese shop, or the closest supermarket for some DIY.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon:
– Queijaria Nacional: A very traditional place with a selection that will make you happy
– Manteigaria Silva: It’s been around for more than 100 years for a reason
– Mercearia dos Açores: Try DOP S. Jorge and you will be in heaven
– Any of the places specified below under Wines
Affordable Quality Wine
Photo: almostlocals.com.
You can get a glass of good wine for 2 euros in Portugal. There are places with beautiful views, such as this one, offering glasses for 1 euro during Happy Hour.
From a price vs. quality perspective, the value for what you get is incredible. And if you just look at it from a quality perspective, it’s still amazing.
Portugal is one of the world’s biggest producers of wine, and the variation within both wines, and places to enjoy them, is great. Choose between wine shops, to more classy places such as the renowned Skybar, or a local place with some live music.
If you want to get closer to the fields and the traditional production processes, a weekend to Porto and Douro Valley (where the iconic Port wine was born, about 2,5 hours from Lisbon) or Alentejo (a 1,5 hours drive from Lisbon) are great getaways. You can visit for the day, but you will be wanting to stay longer. To have enough time to experience what each has to offer, I recommend you to set off at least a weekend. You can easily spend 4 days alone in Porto and its surroundings.
If you’re short on time, there are several great wineries closer by Lisbon that will more than satisfy your cravings.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon:
– Wine Not, Baixa: Great place for a cheese platter with wine
– Wine Bar, Bairro Alto: Good selection of fine wines. Usually with live music
– Speciality Shops (so many, such as Casa Do Vinho Garrafeira and Garrafeira da Luz)
– Any supermarket
Sweet Pastries
Photo: CNN.com
Apart from the impossible-to-miss (it’s literally everywhere… and yes, you have to try one) Nata pastry, there are many other classic pastries to try in Portugal. Pão de Deus (a sweet piece of heaven covered in coco), the chocolate fig cakes, and the salame chocolate (made of cocoa, Maria biscuits, eggs, and butter) will get you started.
We’re talking about a country where dessert after lunch is more common than not, after all. It’s dangerously delicious and affordable, too.
The line-up of cute pastry shops, where sweet and sour treats are delicately presented to satisfy your cravings, never ends. Note that the Portuguese like their sweets very, well, sweet. If you’re from a place where this isn’t the case, some of them will probably be too sweet for you, but I’m sure that you’ll be able to find at least one favorite.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon:
– Manteigaria: Best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon according to many of my local friends
– Pasteis de Belem: Probably Portugal’s most famous bakery. Order a few Natas via the takeaway line. It moves pretty quickly even if it may look long. Take a short walk to Torre Belem and find a cosy spot to enjoy them with a classy view of the tower
– The local chains A Padaria Portuguesa or Padaria do Barrio never disappoint
– Tartine: Cute place great for breakfast or brunch
– Confeitaria Nacional: Traditional menu, efficient service
Miradouros with magical views
Me enjoying the view from Santa Luzia.
Lisbon, the city of 7 hills, is famous for its viewing points. And for the fact that your will legs will become firmer than ever because of all the walking uphill.
But that’s a different story.
You will probably fall for more than one miradouro in Lisbon. There are 16 official viewpoints and lots of unofficial ones. Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte is well-known for its remarkable sunsets. Apart from the view itself, which is amazing, there is usually a musician playing something beautiful as the sun goes down.
It’s like being in a cheesy romantic movie from the 90ies, but in a good way. It’s magical.
One of my other favorites is Miradouro De Santa Luzia, which is beautiful in the day and the go-to spot if you would like to watch the sunrise.
The miradouro of Santa Catarina, close by the must-see Augusta arch, makes a great first stop in Lisbon. It really gives you a great overview of the city and is the perfect way to start your Lisbon adventure.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon:
– Miradouro De Santa Luzia
– Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte
– Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Delicious ice cream
Photo: Amorino Lisboa – Instagram.
With 300+ days of sun each year, Lisbon is made for eating ice cream. There are ice cream places everywhere.
And it’s not any ice cream. Inspired by Italy, the selection of gelato is usually creatively decorated with fresh fruits, in a way that makes you feel like trying every single one. It doesn’t even matter if you like ice cream.
It’s that good. (And who doesn’t like ice cream, anyway?)
What I really like is that you’re able to mix many different flavors. Whatever you buy is usually based on size, and not flavors. I’ve ordered more than five flavors more than once…
Several of the outlets are also open until late. If you’re longing for ice cream around midnight, it won’t be impossible to get it. That’s what I call great customer insights.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon:
– Nannarella: Creamy. Tasty, with a great variety of flavours.
– Gelados Santini: I had the best coconut ice cream of my life here
– Artisani: Homemade ice cream, sorbet and even ice cream cakes
– Amorino Pure pleasure presented in the form of cute flowers. The staff told me that they practice for hours to learn how to make flowers out of ice cream. That’s a cool skill to add to one’s secret talents.
Live Music and Kizomba
Music and dance play an important role in the Portuguese culture. Its history has resulted in a beautiful mix of different musical influences from around the world.
Apart from the more traditional Fado, the Kizomba community is big in Lisbon. There are places buzzing most days of the week, every week, all year around. If you’re just a little bit into dancing, this will easily become one of your must-haves. No matter what level you’re on.
Where to get your dose in Lisbon (a few out of many places):
– Barrio Latino: They organize a lot of Kizomba events and sometimes also salsa and bachata
– Bolero: Fridays are usually great here, check their page for details for specific days
– Havana: This is the best place to dance Kizomba in Lisbon on Tuesdays
Have you been to Portugal? Would you like to add something to the list? Let me know in the comments!
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