Blog posts about our travels in Portugal

As the main monument to ancient Lisbon, São Jorge Castle is a very popular tourist attraction. Of course this means it can get crowded - always a bit frustrating when you’re traveling. But we think the castle is worth visiting. You just might need to apply a little strategy. 

In this post, we offer ideas and info for planning a satisfying experience at São Jorge Castle.

Since Lisbon is now a crowded tourist destination and your time is limited we’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions, things to do, and tips on how to make the most of your visit. 

One of the best aspects of visiting Lisbon is the variety of great day trips nearby.

On a recent trip to Portugal, we took numerous day trips, some by train and some by organized tour. We would have had even more options if we had rented a car.

The Douro Valley is a beautiful region about 60 miles from Porto. The terraced hills above the Douro River are the only place in the world that can produce Port wine. 

It’s a very popular day trip from Porto or you can stay a few days to visit more of the area’s Quintas or wine producers. 

Belém is a famous riverside district of Lisbon, home to many of Portugal's most notable monuments and museums.

You can see the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and Belém Palace, as well as tasting the original recipe for Portugal’s famous custard tarts, Pastéis de Belém.

And it’s all just a quick ride from the heart of Lisbon.

One thing you’ll notice right away when arriving in Lisbon is the charming cobblestone pavements that accentuate the city.

These decorative sidewalks can be seen all over Portugal, but they originated in Lisbon and so the city takes a particular pride in them. They give the streets a unique and artistic touch.

Nazaré is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Portugal. It’s best known for its giant waves but it offers visitors a lot more. 

It is located near other destinations like Fatima, Obidos, and the Batalha Monastery so many people and tours bundle these sights into a great day trip from Lisbon.

Portugal is a fishing country so it is well known for its delicious array of quality seafood.

But Portuguese cuisine doesn’t end there! A wide variety of unique dishes - from savory pork sandwiches & spicy Piri-piri chicken to sweet Pastéis de Nata - also brighten the palate in this welcoming, beautiful country.

Sintra is a fascinating and memorable stop during a trip to Portugal. But with world-class attractions like Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira come large crowds and long lines.