Portugal has always held a special place in our hearts, and our recent trip in July 2024 only deepened our love for this incredible country. Known for being one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe, Portugal offers a rich blend of history, culture, and of course, amazing food.
One of our absolute favorite treats is the Pastel de Nata from Manteigaria. These warm, freshly made egg custard tarts are nothing short of delicious. We discovered on this trip that they’re even better with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon—a tip we’re definitely taking home with us!
Sunday: Discovering Lisbon
Our first day in Lisbon was packed with exploration. We hopped on the above-ground metro and headed to Belém. There we started at the stunning Jerónimos Monastery. The intricate details of the columns and arches were just amazing. Bonus that both the monastery and all the public transit were included with the Lisboa Card–what a deal!
We walked over to the shore of the Tagus River to the Monument of the Discoveries, a statue honoring great explorers. It was worth a visit for sure. We saw the Tower of Belém as well. We heard it was not worth waiting to go inside…so we didn’t. From the outside it’s a cool building.
If you visit Belém, you’ll most likely see a long line at a very famous Pastel de Nata pastry shop called Pastéis de Belém. They apparently invented the egg custard tart and I’m sure that they’re delicious but we decided it wasn’t worth the wait in line.
Later, we joined a 3.5-hour walking tour led by Beatriz, an engaging guide who took us through the heart of Lisbon. The tour ended just in time for dinner at Uma, a cozy restaurant Beatriz recommended. Uma is known for serving just one dish—fish and rice—but they do it right.
Belém on Sunday was a good call since we learned everything there is closed on Mondays.
Monday: A Scenic Drive to Sintra
Monday was all about scenic drives and breathtaking sights. Our private driver and tour guide picked us up at 8:30 am, and our first stop was the charming beach town of Cascais. From there, we visited Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe, where we enjoyed an amazing view of the vast Atlantic Ocean stretching towards Washington DC.
Next, we headed toward Sintra, a popular summer retreat for the rich and famous (and royal) of Portugal. It is in the hills overlooking the ocean and is much cooler in the summer than Lisboa.
Our first stop was Monserrate Palace, where the incredible gardens and the intricate plastered walls and ceilings of the castle dazzled us. The palace is the furthest from Sintra and isn’t visited much. If you’re looking for an amazing place without crowds of tourists, Monserrate Palace needs to be on your list.
Next, we enjoyed a hearty lunch at Casa do Preto, a local café outside of the tourist area of Sintra. It was a gem where we had a great lunch that included local cheese, freshly baked bread and a cinnamon pastry that were all delicious.
After lunch we headed to what many people view as the highlight of a trip out to Sintra, the Pena Palace. The palace has beautiful grounds and fairytale architecture highlighted by vibrant colors. We thought it was stunning but it draws a crowd so be prepared for that.
Our next stop was the otherworldly Quinta da Regaleira. The estate was built by a wealthy FreeMason and the stonework through the property was staggering. The highlight was probably the ‘Initiation Well’ which is actually a 7-story subterranean tower with a staircase that spirals down to the bottom. It is like nothing we’ve ever seen. At the bottom, you exit into caverns that had been dug into the hillside. The well and caverns were part of a FreeMason initiation ceremony. The mansion was also stunning. Definitely worth a visit.
Finally before heading back to Lisbon, we spent a little time in old-town Sintra. It was charming. We made a quick stop at Piriquita bakery to try their famous pillow cakes—exclusive to this Sintra and incredibly yummy.
Tuesday: Exploring Porto
Tuesday took us to Porto, a city full of charm and character. After a scenic 3.5-hour train ride, we arrived and immediately set out to explore. Our first stop was the Porto Cathedral, a grand structure that offered stunning views of the city.
Crossing the bridge, we entered the interesting Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood, its eclectic mix of the historic and modern. We sampled the city’s famous codfish cakes on our way to the Mitad de Conejo (Half Rabbit). The famous piece of street art is a giant rabbit made of recycled materials and trash on the corner of a building, with half of the rabbit facing each street–crazy but very cool.
After wandering around, we crossed back over the bridge and treated ourselves to a meal at Cervejaria Gazela. The sausage rolls and fries were a hit. We weren’t as keen on the pica pau and the francesinha with egg, but it was all part of the experience.
We spent several more hours just wandering the streets admiring charming neighborhoods and beautiful churches clad in the white and blue tiles for which Porto is famous. We concluded our step-filled day with a breathtaking sunset over Porto from Passeio das Virtudes—a perfect way to conclude our Portuguese adventure.
So, we spent one day in Lisboa, one day in Sintra, and one day in Porto. Was it enough? Of course not! But it was all the time we had and we made the most of it. Certainly one day in any of these places is better than zero days, so we took what we could get.
This trip reaffirmed why Portugal remains one of our favorite destinations. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the scenic beauty of Sintra and the vibrant culture of Porto, every moment was filled with wonder and joy. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Portugal–do it! You won’t regret time spent in this amazing country!