Portugal

Lisbon

Belém Tower - 8 euros, one of the most historic sights
Jerónimos Monastery - a national monument, also one of Lisbon’s most historic sights, 12 euros
Rua Augusta - main street in Baixa, houses Arco da Rua Augusto, which is an arch structure located in Praça do Comércio, 3.50 euros to go inside the top of the arch
Castelo de S. Jorge (St. George Castle) - 15 euro for guided tour of the castle, great view of the entire city, good sunset spot
Miradouro Santa Luzia - terrace with stunning views of river and Alfama, good sunset spot
Igreja de São Roque (Church of Saint Roch) - gorgeous Roman Catholic Church, museum costs 2.50 euros but church is free
Parque Eduardo VII - largest park in Lisbon with views of the entire city, free
Carmo Covent - gothic ruins, formerly a convent, 5 euros admission fee, 5 euros for guided tour
Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square) - main square downtown, lots of tuktoks available for tours here
Praça do Comércio - harbor plaza, most famous town square
Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) - biggest food market, includes 26 restaurants, 8 bars, shops, and high-end music venue
Tram 28 (yellow tram) - 3 euros, passes through Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca.
Elevador da Bica - a yellow tram with an iconic steep route that is famous for photographs, 3.80 euros to ride
Panteão Nacional - Santa Engrácia Church
Santa Just a Lift - elevator in downtown Lisbon, gets very crowded with long lines, but we found a free way up the back
Praia Princesa -beach restaurant and lounge located 30 minutes outside of Lisbon. This restaurant/beach club was recommended to us while in Lagos from a couple who overheard us discussing Lisbon plans for our friend’s 30th birthday. We had a great meal outside on the beautiful terrace and then moved down to the beach where a DJ was performing, people were dancing in the sand, and everyone was having a great time. This was the most fun day. We wanted our birthday girl to feel special and Praia Princesa made her trip. Reservations are required for tables and sun beds.
Carmo Rooftop - cocktail bar with the best views of Lisbon
Mini Bar - gourmet mini dishes at this contemporary “experience” restaurant with entertainment
By the Wine - a very cute wine bar in the center of Lisbon. Definitely worth a visit!
Casa da Praia Tapas Bar & Wine Bar - wine and tapas bar
Farés - great lunch spot, lots of delicious hummus selections
Bahr and Terrace - contemporary bar and restaurant with beautiful views of the river
Tricky’s - an “experience” restaurant where you dine, drink, and dance
Cervejaria Ramiro - all the rave for seafood, arrive early and prepare to wait in line
Flores da Pampa - soul food, wine, and live music
Magnolia Bistrot and Winebar - offers brunch and dinner, cozy wine bar
Leonetta - traditional Italian trattoria
Frade dos Mares - contemporary Portuguese restaurant
Black Sheep - curated wine bar that features wine and spirits made by small, independent wine producers
Cru Lisboa - excellent Japanese and fresh seafood
Heim Cafe - brunch cafe
Senhor Uva - wine bar and restaurant
Belcanto - 2 Michelin stars restaurant. Reservations are required and limited.
Cais Do Sodré - harbor on the river, great nightlife, biggest food market, home to famous Rua Nova do Carvalho “Pink Street,” which houses tons of bars, cafes, restaurants.
Bairro Alto - Bohemian neighborhood, sits at the top of the hill as it literally translates to “upper neighborhood. Known for being a party district
Baixa - most central neighborhood with lots of sights, shopping, and restaurants. It’s very easy to get to everything from this area. Our Airbnb was located here and we were able to walk to a lot of things.
Alfama - Oldest neighborhood with steep cobblestone streets. Home to St. George Castle, Se Cathedral, Panteo Nacional, and Igreja de Santo Antonio. Take tram 28 to get to.
Chiado - known for luxury shopping, theaters, and museums
Belém - monumental district on the river, containing Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
Parque das Nações (Park of the Nations) - very modern area
Arty Home
This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment is located in Baixa, the heart of Lisbon. The vibrant artsy decor is so fun and like no where we have ever stayed before. We loved being able to walk to most things from our apartment or take short tuktuk or uber rides. You check in at a hotel front desklocated across the street. The front desk was willing to hold our luggage before check-in and past check-out which was very convenient for our travel days. Located in the same building as check-in is the most eclectic bar and restaurant. The entire hotel and apartment was a vibe. We loved it. I would 100% stay here again.
Other Airbnbs we considered:
Classic Lisbon Downtown Apartment - gorgeous 3 bedroom (4 beds), 2 bath apartment. We ultimately didn’t pick this place due to the lack of air conditioning and us visiting in the summer.
Lisbon Skyline Penthouse - 4 bedroom (5 beds). 3 bath luxury apartment located in Graça. We did not chose this apartment because we liked the location of the artsy home better.

Sintra, Estoril, Cascais

Palacio Nacional de Pena (National palace) 14 euros for palace and park, ideal to go in the morning
Palacio Monserrate - My friend had wedding welcome party here so we were very fortunate to have the palace to ourselves!
Castle of the Moors - Medieval castle located in the Sintra hills, 8 euros for adults, 6.5 euros for kids and seniors. Family ticket bundles available.
Sintra Town Center - charming little historic town with picturesque buildings, castles, palaces, and ruins.
Quinta da Regaleira - Renaissance style manor
Azenhas Do Mar - gorgeous seaside village
Cabo da Roca - most western point in Europe, gorgeous Portugal mountains, hiking trails
Praia das Macas - charming town on Sintra coastline.
Praia Grande - translates to “big beach,” Sintra’s largest beach.
Praia da Ursa - pristine beach, usually deserted due to being accessible from winding and steep dirt road
Praia da Adage - secluded beach in Sintra, known for the best food at its only restaurant, Restaurant da Adage.
Praia do Guincho - great beach for surfing located just north of Cascais. This beach is known for hosting national and international windsurfing and kite surfing competitions.
Praia de Carcavelos - longest stretch of sand on the Estoril coast. One of the busier beaches.
There are so many great restaurants located in Sintra, Estoril, and Cascais. You can walk the towns and pick any restaurant and can almost guarantee a good meal!
Hifen - great food and atmosphere, amazing ocean views in Cascais.
El Caminito - Argentinian restaurant located in Cascais, excellent food, not great at making espresso martinis.
Alegria Vadia - small restaurant owned by husband and wife (the chef), great ambiance and food in Estoril.
Baía - located right on the Cascais Bay with a beautiful view and award winning food.
Alegria Vadia - cozy restaurant and bar offering tapas.
Midori - Michelin star Japanese restaurant located in the Penha Longa resort in Sintra.
LAB - small, fine dining, Michelin star restaurant located in Penha Longa resort in Sintra offering over 550 wines, 3 tasting menus, and à la carte options.
We used My Day Trip to get us from Estoril to Lagos and Lagos to Lisbon.
It was about 3 hours door to door. I booked the private driver/sprinter van (we had 5 girls and 5 large bags) online ahead of time and as it got closer we received information regarding our driver. I was able to use WhatsApp to contact my driver to adjust times and add a second location pick up.
I cannot say enough positive things about this company. We had two great, stress free travel days. We opted to drive straight through but the company does offer stopping along the way to add sight seeing.
Another option is taking the train from Lisbon to Lagos for 18 euros round trip. I opted against this because from Estoril to Lisbon is about a 30 minute uber and the train is almost 4 hours while driving is about 3 hours. We wanted to be picked up at our airbnbs rather than have to uber into the city early in the morning, but the train is definitely a more cost-efficient option!
Our airbnb in Estoril
Massive 4 bedroom, 6 bathroom villa with a private pool. We loved our house in Estoril. Six of us stayed here comfortably for 4 nights. We utilized the pool and yard daily. The family whose home it is moved to Colorado so it is still decorated as if the family lives there, but it is cozy.
Other resorts, hotels, and airbnbs the bride recommended for her guests:
Penha Long Resort - this luxury style resort sits on a golf course, includes 3 Michelin star restaurants, a full spa, and babysitting services on site. This resort is a part of the Marriott Bonvoy Loyaly Program and offers additional discounts for AAA members.
Intercontinental Cascais-Estroil, An IHG Hotel - smaller, luxurious, oceanfront hotel located in Cascais bay. This hotel is walking distance to many bars and restaurants. It has golfing, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center.
Palacio Estoril Golf & Wellness Hotel - a luxury hotel located in Estoril, complete with a golf course, holistic spa, and massive outdoor pool.
The Albatrox Hotel - luxury boutique hotel that is a converted mansion. Located on the water in Cascais, this hotel has a pool, restaurant, and bar.
The Farol Hotel - boutique hotel on the water in Cascais

Lagos, Algarve

Lagos has many well known, stunning beaches that are worth checking out! There is a scenic cliff walk that walks along most of the beaches that is a must while in town.
Praia dos Estudantes - bridge/arch beach walking distance from the historic town center.
Praia do Camilo - 200 steps to the beach (sadly when we visited the entire beach was overtaken by seaweed and mud due to the storm)
Ponta da Piedade - 180 steps beach, best spot for boat or kayak through the beautiful rock formations.
Praia de Dona Ana - beautiful beach/cove known for its cliffs. We were able to rent chairs on this beach.
Benagil Caves - huge sea cave located 40 minutes via driving from Lagos. Worth the trip!
Praia da Marinha - “navy beach,” 40 minute drive from Lagos, one of the most well known beaches near Lagos
Burgau - located 20 minutes from Lagos, offering beautiful beaches and hiking. Praia do Burgau is a beautiful, well known beach.
Sagres - beautiful seaside town on the most western tip of the Algarve region located 34 minutes from Lagos. Known for great surfing!
Make sure to explore the historic town center where most of the restaurants and shops are located!
Artistas - Michelin star restaurant located in a historic building with a courtyard, providing excellent food. We loved our meal here.
Casinha do Petisco - small restaurant offering cataplana (Portuguese stew), meat, seafood, and wine. No reservations, first come first serve basis.
Dom Henrique - small Michelin star restaurant serving authentic Portuguese food.
Don Sebastião - excellent food and wine, located right in the historic old town of Lagos. Reservations required.
Casa Do Prego - contemporary Portuguese restaurant with outside terrace.
Calhou - pizza, seafood, Mediterranean, and Portuguese food.
Mimar - tapas and wine
Reis - cozy restaurant known for one of the best cataplena dishes (authentic Portuguese stew)
Lagos is known for its dive bars in Old Town. A few we visited included Joe’s Garage, Inside Out, Tavern, Black Cat, and Three Monkeys. The historic old town center is small and very walkable, with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. There is plenty of places to eat and grab drinks!
Lagos Boat Charter - a luxury powerboat company located in Lagos marina. This 8 person boat includes captain & crew, fuel, drinks (white wine, rose, beer, and waters), snacks, paddle boards, and snorkels. There are half day options which are 3.5 hours (10am or 2pm start times) or full day charters for 7 hours. This charter includes visiting the famous Lagos beaches and Benagil caves.
We booked this company and although it stormed and we weren’t able to have our boat day, I still highly recommend this company. Jenny was so communicative about the weather and did not cancel us until right before in the hopes it would clear up. We were refunded immediately.
Other companies we considered:
Marina Boat Charters Lagos - this company was a little pricier, but also included captain & crew, towels, paddle boards, flippers, snacks, fruit, white wine, beer, and water. There are various options of types of boats to rent including powerboats, sailboats, and catamarans for half or full day options.
Algarve Boat Rental - this company offers powerboats, sailing yachts, and motor cruisers. There are captain or self-drive options. While the website provided limited information as far as what is included with the charters, this company does offer “experience” packages that take you to various locations.
“Lagos Beach House - Huge Apartment” - 4 bedroom (6 beds), 3 bathroom apartment located in a private apartment complex complete with a pool and small supermarket on top of Dona Ana Beach. This apartment’s location was very convenient, walking distance to the historic town center, famous beaches, and cliff walk. The apartment was spacious, complete with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Our host, Ilda, was very communicative and sweet. We would stay here again!
Other airbnbs we considered:
“Charming 3 Bedroom Apt Close to Historic Center” - 3 bed, 3 bath more modern looking apartment, 10 minute walk to the historic town center & marina
“Ocean View Condo - 5 min walk to beach” - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with pool, close walk to downtown area.
“Casa D’Alma” - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment located right in Old Town Lagos.
“Superb, elegant flat” - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment close to the beaches
“2 Quarter Villa and Private Pool” - 2 bedroom, 1 bath villa with a private pool, 25 minute walk to the center of Lagos.

I went to Portugal in June of 2023 for my friend’s wedding and extended the trip to celebrate another friend’s 30th birthday and see more of the country. We took a red eye out of Newark and flew into Lisbon. It was a direct flight that took about 7 hours. Visas are not required for Portugal, but your passport must be valid 3 months beyond the intended departure date, so keep that date in mind when booking your trip.

The welcome party for the wedding was at Palácio de Monserrate in Sintra and the ceremony and reception were at Forte da Cruz in Estoril. These are two of the most stunning locations, I highly recommend visiting while in town. It was a tough decision where in Portugal to go after the wedding weekend. We debated going north to Porto, taking a small flight to Madeira, and going south to Lagos. Unfortunately even with 10 days we were unable to do everything, so we decided to go south to Lagos for a few days and then back up north to Lisbon for the weekend before flying out.

We took an Uber from the airport to our Airbnb. Ubers and Lyfts are very easily accessible and inexpensive in Portugal. Bolt is also an option, which is the equivalent of Uber and Lyft. If you are planning on sight seeing while in Portugal it may be a good idea to rent a car. A few people from the wedding party rented cars so we were able to catch rides and make the most of our few days in Sintra, Estoril, and Cascais. Trains are also an option in Portugal. We used the company My Day Trip to drive us from Estoril to Lagos and Lagos to Lisbon. I can’t recommend this company enough. It made our 3 hour drive, which would’ve been a 4 hour train ride, a breeze.

We spent Friday to Tuesday morning in the Estoril, Sintra, and Cascais area for wedding festivities. Tuesday morning we left for Lagos, where we stayed until Friday morning. We spent Friday to mid-Sunday in Lisbon. I would’ve loved an extra day in Lisbon to be able to see all the sights and fully explore the city, but I will definitely be back! Three days in Lagos was sufficient, especially since it stormed for the first time in over a year while we were there. It was still a beautiful area and we made the most of our time there, but the weather did rain on our boat day plans.

Lagos is a coastal beach town with a historic town center located 3 hours south of Lisbon. This area gave off a more laidback vibe. The nightlife consisted of dive bars and most sights/beaches are within walking distance. Lisbon is the capital and largest city in Portugal, although it did not feel overwhelming. The cobblestone streets gave the big city a cozy feeling. Sintra is a dreamy little town located in the hills. Cascais and Estoril are both located on the water with gorgeous views. These towns are about 40 minutes west from Lisbon.

In Lisbon tuktuk tours available in town center, Praça do Comércio , which is a great way to get to see lots of the sights at once. We did a tour the morning before our flight and were able to see so many sights in a short period of time (before our tuktuk broke down). Despite the hiccup, this was well worth it! Note: euros are required for these tours.

Euros or credit cards are easiest to use in Portugal, but be sure to check your international credit card fees. I was pleasantly surprised with how inexpensive the meals were while in Portugal. We dined at a few Michelin star restaurants and the bill was drastically less than if we dined at a Michelin star restaurant in the US. Something to note with restaurants in Portugal is that the service is much slower and more relaxed with each meal taking over two hours despite the time of day. This may be crucial information if you are on a time crunch.

Other places to consider visiting while in Lisbon:

Porto - the second largest city in Portugal, known for port wine. This beautiful, historic city is a 3 hour train ride from Lisbon.

Nazaré - a beach town located between Lisbon and Porto famous for having the world’s biggest surf waves.

Ericeira - charming little beach town also known for surfing, located 45 minutes north of Lisbon.

Madeira - a Portuguese island located in the northern Atlantic Ocean. This island is an archipelago with breathtaking scenery and views. It is a short 90 minute, usually inexpensive flight, from Lisbon.

Parque Natural da Arrábida - 40 minutes south of Lisbon offering stunning views of beaches and hikes/trails to walk.

Praia dos Galapos, and Praia dos Galapinhos - one hour train ride from Lisbon. Praia dos Galapinhos is known as one of the best beaches in Lisbon with white-sand cove beaches. Praia dos Galapos is a lesser-known gem.

Even after 10 days in Portugal I feel that I just scratched the surface of things to do and places to see. I will definitely be back! I am so grateful my friend chose to have her wedding in this beautiful country, nothing beats a European trip with your best friends!

Palacio Monserrate - welcome party venue

Cliff walk with access to lots of Lagos beaches

Praia do Camilo (lots of seaweed this day)

Praia dos Estudantes (bridge/arch beach)

Tuktuk - a mode of transportation in Portugal

Lagos - streets are lined with restaurants and shops

Views of Castelo de S. Jorge (St. George Castle)

Portugal

Lisbon

Sintra, Estoril, Cascais

Lagos, Algarve

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