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Travel advice for Portugal
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written by Amanda Tomlin
updated 15.01.2021
Porto versus Lisbon? Both Portugal's main cities have a lot in common. And they both make great city breaks. But which city should you visit first? Here’s the lowdown. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
customize ⤍A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
customize ⤍Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
customize ⤍The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
customize ⤍Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
customize ⤍Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
customize ⤍Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
customize ⤍The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
customize ⤍Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
customize ⤍Lisbon is set on seven hills. And it's known for miradouros where people gather to watch sunsets. Don't miss tile-clad Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It looks over Alfama towards the river. And Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara gazes across the city centre to Castelo de São Jorge.
Porto has impressive viewpoints too. Start at the top tier of Ponte Dom Luís I. From here, look across historic Ribeira towards the port suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Looking for rooms with a view? Try Downtown Residences in Porto. Or head to the heart of old Lisbon at Hotel Borges in Chiado.
Lisbon's more refined. Here, the local delicacy is pastel de nata custard tarts. Try them warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon at Pastéis de Belem. This Belém bakery made the original tarts.
Both cities have great food experiences. Try a food and wine walking tour of Lisbon. Or take a delicious food tour in Porto.
Porto's Michelin-starred Yeatman rivals its food with amazing views. And in Lisbon, Michelin chef José Avillez rules fine dining. Try his Portuguese classics at Belcanto. Or find him more playful at Mini Bar in Lisbon's Chiado district.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
In Lisbon, don't miss:
Classic Porto must sees include:
What to see first? Take a guided tour of both cities. Try History, Stories and Lifestyle in Lisbon. Or go for a Tuk Tuk historical tour of Porto.
Porto's cable cars glide to Vila Nova de Gaia port wine lodges.
But Lisbon has the legendary Elevador de Santa Justa. This 19th century elevator links Baixa to Largo do Carmo. It was designed by a pupil of Gustav Eiffel. And it's now one of the city's most famous attractions.
Like someone else to organise transport? Take a full day tour of Lisbon with local guides.
Bars in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto are busy until dawn. But Porto has an entire suburb dedicated to one drink.
Discover Port at Vila Nova de Gaia in Porto. Stroll along the waterfront to see the port lodges. Most of them offer tours. And you can explore their cellars. Or you can go straight to tasting rooms.
Want to compare craft beer and wine? Book a craft beer secrets and wine tour of Porto.
In Porto head for:
Want to hang on at the beach? Book Vila Foz Hotel & Spa in Foz do Douro.
In Lisbon make for:
For more traditional seaside try Costa da Caparica. It's a ferry and bus ride from Lisbon for big Atlantic beaches. Book Hotel Maia if you want to stay longer.
Porto is more compact. So it's a good choice for long weekends.
Larger Lisbon needs longer to explore.
Alternatively, do both. They're less than three hours apart by train.
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Portugal. Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to https://www.books.roughguides.com/travel-insurance/?_ga=2.217601554.507231792.1632048345-48127756.1631030096">buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Amanda Tomlin
updated 15.01.2021
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