Trip Moments Recommendations
葡萄牙旅遊 里斯本秘境 來溫室花園漫步吧
If you're someone who loves to explore off-the-beaten-path spots when traveling abroad, be sure to bookmark this article.
We had too many days planned in Lisbon this time. Most of the places introduced by blogs were already on our itinerary, and we didn't know where else to go. So, we turned to Google Maps for inspiration and found 'Estufa Fria.' Located within Eduardo VII Park, Estufa Fria covers a large area. To find the entrance, you must first traverse the entire garden.
On a weekday afternoon, entry was free (so generous). The entire botanical garden felt very wild, almost like stepping into Jurassic Park 🤣. It's really vast. The garden is divided into three different areas: the Cold Greenhouse (Estufa Fria), the Hot Greenhouse (Estufa Quente), and the Sweet Greenhouse (Estufa Doce). Each area has its own unique plants and atmosphere, making you feel like you've entered different tropical and temperate worlds.
The Cold Greenhouse boasts a unique natural environment without any artificial heating. Instead, it uses natural light and proper shading to create a climate suitable for various plants. In this area, you can see tall palm trees, ferns, and various exotic flowers, making you feel like you're in a serene tropical forest. You can explore every corner of the plants through small paths and winding trails. The Hot Greenhouse and Sweet Greenhouse, on the other hand, feature tropical and desert plants, including many cacti, orchids, and other tropical flowers.
If you have ample time, I highly recommend spending some time here. You can feel the vitality of various plants in different temperatures and humidity levels in the sunlit green jungle. It's really relaxing and great for photos. Highly recommended 🤍
✅ Estufa Fria
📍Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa
🕰️Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Portugal Travel: Discover Sintra’s unmissable attractions
#castle #palace
If you come to Lisbon, you might as well arrange a one-day or two-day trip to experience the charming Sintra. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town was once a summer retreat for royalty and nobility. This beautiful and mysterious town on the mountain is famous for its dreamlike palaces, castles and mysterious mountain scenery. Its unique landscape that mixes nature and architecture makes every visitor feel like they are in a fairy tale world. Because we were going back and forth on the same day, we only chose three places to visit: Palácio da Pena, Sintra Town, and Quinta da Regaleira.
One of the most famous attractions in Sintra is the Pena Palace, a castle famous for its colorful display. The palace's red, yellow and blue walls are bright and eye-catching, and its architectural style combines exotic elements with medieval and romantic elements, making it full of fantasy. Standing high on the Pena Palace, especially after the mist, the entire mountainous area is shrouded in mist, adding a bit of mystery.
Villa Regaleira is one of the most mysterious attractions in Sintra. It combines Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish and Manueline architectural styles, making people feel like they are in an ancient fantasy world. One of the most famous attractions is the Inverted Tower (Initiation Well), which is also the filming location of the movie "The Sheep Man's Labyrinth". This shaft is like a tower extending toward the center of the earth, divided into nine levels, symbolizing the nine levels of hell described by Dante in the "Divine Comedy", giving people the feeling of a mysterious spiritual journey. There are many winding paths, underground tunnels, fantasy gardens and mysterious caves hidden throughout the manor, each of which is cleverly designed and inviting to explore. Walking there feels like embarking on an adventure full of unknowns and surprises, making people completely immersed in this wonderful journey.
#SintraTown is a resting point between two castles ~ Here, you can stroll through the winding alleys and enjoy the fun of exploring at will. In addition to trying cherry wine when you come here, you can't miss the century-old shop - Casa Piriquita. This pastry shop is famous for its traditional Portuguese desserts, especially "Travesseiros" and "Queijadas". Travesseiros are a crispy puff pastry filled with sweet egg yolks and almonds, while Queijadas are traditional pastries baked with fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, flour and a little cinnamon. Small dots, crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. These classic desserts also add an authentic Portuguese flavor to your trip to Sintra.
Overall, although it was raining that day, it added more mystery and fantasy to the entire mountain. Each attraction here exudes an irresistible charm and seems to whisper a story intertwined with history and myth. Sintra is particularly suitable for strolling, slowing down and enjoying it. Every attraction and every trail seems to have a story waiting to be discovered. If time permits, you may wish to consider staying here for one night, immersing yourself in the tranquility and magic, and experiencing the richer charm of Sintra.
/Traffic Information/
⭕️ Lisbon City > Sintra
From Lisbon's Rossio train station, take the Portuguese National Railways (CP) suburban tram to Sintra (Sintra Estação) and get off at the last Sintra station to reach Sintra.
＊Purchase tickets:
The Sintra 1-day transportation package (Sintra CP train and bus ticket) includes unlimited travel on Lisbon ⇋ Sintra CP train, Cascais ⇋ Lisbon CP train, and Sintra regional buses (including to Cabo da Roca) 403)
*Ticket purchase location: ROSSIO train station counter or ticket vending machine, only cash is accepted. Be sure to keep your receipt. Sometimes the Sintra bus may not be able to swipe your credit card, so you have to rely on your receipt to board the bus.
⭕️Bus routes in Sintra area
/ Sintra Station to Pena Palace
Take bus 434 > to Palácio da Pena station
/ Pena Palace to Sintra
Take bus 434 > to Sintra Vila station
/ Sintra to Regaleira Palace
You can walk here and follow the signs for about 15 minutes.
/fare information/
Palácio Nacional da Pena
Opening hours: 09:30~18:00
Tickets: Garden 7.5€, Castle + Garden 14€
Quinta da Regaleira
Opening hours: October to March 9:30~18:00
Tickets: 8€
#DAYTOUR #Sintra #Wonder of Nature #Historical Monuments #Portugal
Experience the essence of ancient Portugal on an efficient five-day tour❗️
#traveltips
❗️⭐️Portuguese food is generally slightly sweet, so you need to be mentally prepared
❗️⭐️The trains in Portugal are very bumpy. If you are motion sick, remember to prepare motion sickness medicine.
❗️⭐️The old towns of Porto and Lisbon have obvious signs of dilapidation, with steep slopes and dim lights after dark. Try to avoid passing through the old town at night to ensure your own safety and to ensure that you have enough energy for a day trip.
Day 1
Madrid ✈️ Porto
📍Battle Square
📍Saint Benedict Station
📍Porto Bishop’s Palace
📍Don Luis I Iron Bridge
📍Sandeman Wine Cellar
🏨Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Day 2
📍Freedom Square
📍Lello Bookstore
📍Priest Tower
📍Church of San Francisco
📍Libera Pier and surroundings
🏨Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Day 3
Porto 🚄Lisbon
📍Lisbon Cathedral
📍Saint George Castle
📍 Rossio Square
📍 Bika Lift
📍Uptown
📍Pessoa House
🏨DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park
Day 4
📍Belem District
📍Lisbon Oceanarium
🏨DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park
Day 5
📍Jeronimos Monastery
📍Beren Egg Tart Shop
📍Monument of the Great Discovery
📍Belém Tower
🏨DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Fontana Park
Day 6
Lisbon ✈️Manchester
#100WAYS TO TRAVEL #GLOBAL TRAVEL #PORTUGAL #LISBON #PORTO #LISBON ATtractions #WESTERN EUROPE
Lisbon's Best Modern Bus Terminal
Lisbon Oriente Bus Station is a modern and well-connected transportation hub in Lisbon. Located by the Tagus River, it is an easily recognizable landmark. The station is spacious and clean, with clear signage for easy navigation. Conveniently situated near the Oriente metro and train stations, it offers seamless connections to other parts of Lisbon, as well as long-distance buses to other regions of Portugal and even other countries. Nearby, there are several shops, cafes, and a large shopping center, making it a great place to grab a snack or pass the time while waiting for your bus. If you forget to bring something, you can purchase snacks, water, or other travel essentials at the shops. However, it can get quite busy, especially during peak travel times, so plan accordingly. Overall, it is a reliable and efficient bus station for travelers. Free Wi-Fi is available, so you can check your email, look up directions, or browse the internet while you wait.
If you are in Lisbon city center, it takes about 20 minutes by metro to reach the station. If you are coming directly from Lisbon Airport, don't worry, there is a direct metro line to Oriente Station, which takes about 10 minutes.
Modern and Stylish Hotel!
This is an amazing hotel, so beautiful and luxurious, located in such a small town! We could easily walk from the hotel to all the historical sites and the central square. It was a great trip! We really enjoyed it. Our room was spacious with a quiet balcony and a very comfortable bed and pillows. The bathroom was fully decorated in marble, featuring a walk-in shower and very nice toiletries. Everything was very gorgeous and comfortable. The breakfast was truly delicious, offering a variety of hot and cold foods, and the fruit was fresh. They have a heated swimming pool and an outdoor area with a regular pool.
Honestly, I didn't want to leave. If there were more things to do in Évora, I would stay longer just for this hotel. I highly recommend Évora Olive to everyone. Highly recommend Évora Olive.
If you love contemporary art, this is a must-see museum.
Visiting the MAC/CCB Contemporary Art Museum is definitely a delight. The museum's collection of contemporary art is truly impressive, showcasing a variety of thought-provoking and stunning works. The building itself is large, providing ample space to display very space-consuming artworks. It is absolutely worth supporting as it guides visitors through different types of 20th-century art and the concepts of its history and eras. You will not only find famous artworks by big names like Picasso, Dali, Warhol, de Steal, Bacon, Morandi, Rothko... but the collection itself is very well laid out with a carefully designed layout, providing enough space to appreciate each piece. The exhibits are meticulously curated, offering insightful backgrounds and enhancing the overall experience, making for an enjoyable 60 to 90 minutes.
Whether you are an experienced art enthusiast or just curious about contemporary art, MAC/CCB is a must-visit destination in Lisbon. Additionally, the museum is just a few steps away from all other attractions in Belém, including the monastery, tower, and Discoveries Monument. Note: If you carry a backpack, you must place it in a locker for a fee of 1 euro.
Very suitable for strolling and observing the city.
It was built nearly 200 years ago and is located at one end of the Upper Town, near the Glória Elevator. It features fountains, gardens, and statues. Spread over two floors, it is always bustling and filled with artists.
The highlights are the views of the castle, Alfama, Tagus, and Baixa, all illuminated by the afternoon sun. At certain times of the year, the sunlight reflects off the windows of the houses and illuminates the viewpoint.
The tiled map near the railing was created in 1952 by Swiss artist Fred Kradolfer, who moved to Lisbon, and marks the visible landmarks of the area.
It's also a free attraction, much better than many paid ones!
An Exciting and Educational Visit!
This is the best aquarium we have ever visited! It truly deserves its reputation as one of the world's top aquariums. The layout is fantastic, the tanks of marine life and plants are stunning, and there are some interesting and educational films. The largest marine life tank looks different from every angle due to its wonderful design and creative structure.
I saw corals, penguins, otters, and various fish species. There were giant starfish, sharks, and eels, as well as tiny worms and jellyfish. I discovered creatures I had never seen before. They know their names and respond well to their keepers. It was amazing to see sharks befriending tuna and stingrays. There were huge manta rays and giant sunfish.
If you have enough time, you can tour the aquarium in about 2 hours. It's definitely worth a visit!
One of the most important railway museums in Europe.
The museum introduces the history of trains, the instruments used by train supervisors and commanders, and various other items used at stations. In this museum, you can also enter several trains to see what they were like compared to today's trains. The staff is very friendly and willing to help. I highly recommend this museum.
The museum is divided into three different areas:
First: The exhibition tells the story of the construction of the Portuguese railway and its first decades of operation.
Second: An outdoor space where you can find the first trains, including some steam locomotives that are still running.
Third: From royal carriages, presidential carriages to famous intercity carriages and many other carriages we can't imagine.
You can enter some of these trains, walk around, and sit there. There is also a train that can be used as a café where you can bring your own food and eat there. There is a microwave, which is unusual but definitely fun for both adults and children.
It is about a 20-minute walk from Entroncamento train station.
Things You Must Know When Traveling to Porto
Porto, Portugal's charming and colorful second-largest city, boasts numerous attractions. Here, you'll find medieval streetscapes along with a wealth of delicious food and wine. While it's a relatively laid-back place, learning a few essentials can help ensure your trip is successful, from how to use public transportation to what to wear based on the weather.
Porto has an efficient public transportation network with six metro lines connecting various parts of the town. You can also take the metro to the beach and directly to and from the airport. The network also includes buses, trams, and even funiculars. For convenience, purchase an Andante card (€0.60) and top it up for use on the metro and buses.
Trams have special fares (single/round trip €3.50/€6), and tickets can be bought on board. The Dos Guindais funicular also requires a separate ticket (€3.5 one way), offering a short but super fun ride from the riverside near the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Rua Augusto Rosa near the Church of Santa Clara.
Don't forget your swimsuit!
Porto's western communities are adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, and many wide beaches are easily accessible by metro or bus. The water is cold, but in the hot summer months when temperatures can reach up to 30°C, it provides a delightful relief.
Porto's hills and uneven sidewalks will give your legs a workout. Make sure to bring walking shoes to avoid spraining your ankle.
Bring a raincoat and a scarf to prepare for the variable weather. Porto, located on the chilly Atlantic, has a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Even if you visit in July or August, you should bring a raincoat for the occasional shower. In winter, expect a few days of wet weather followed by pleasant, sunny skies. No matter when you visit, dress in layers as the weather can start off cold and then become quite warm. Porto's waterfront also has strong breezes, so be sure to bring a scarf.
If you get the chance, try Francesinha in Porto, a beloved local dish. It's not fancy at all, made with thick bread stuffed with ham, Portuguese sausage, steak, and cheese, then topped with more melted cheese and a slightly spicy sauce made from tomatoes and beer. You might even add a fried egg on top to keep your cholesterol in check. Make sure to eat light before indulging in this delicious, high-calorie meal.
Things Not to Miss in Lisbon
I've traveled all over the world, but no place has the soft-colored houses, hilltop views, old trams, and cobblestone streets like Lisbon. All these elements together make it a very charming place. Lisbon is a very safe and relaxed city, so don't worry, you'll have a great time.
First, remember that you are definitely not in Spain. Portuguese is also a language very different from Spanish. Avoid using Spanish, as it won't win you any favor. It is one of the main cities in Portugal, so English is widely spoken and is by far the preferred language unless you speak Portuguese.
If a restaurant places bread, olives, or other appetizers on your table, be aware that these are not free snacks. If you touch them, you have to pay for them... and they are usually quite expensive! This is not a scam; it's just how many restaurants in Portugal operate.
Some tourists are surprised to find marijuana in the Praça do Comércio or Rossio Square. Most of these people are actually scammers targeting tourists. They are annoying but harmless; just say no, thank you, or ignore them, and they will go away.
The Perfect Place to Spend a Day at the Beach Rock Pools
Visited Porto Moniz as part of a west coast trip. There are 2 natural pools there, one is free and the other costs 3 euros, which includes restroom and changing facilities. When we arrived, there was quite a queue, and since we only had 3 hours, we opted for the free pool with no queue. Be careful entering the water as the floor is covered with algae and the water is rocky. Once in, the seawater was refreshingly cool. It was a great experience, and we were glad we chose the free pool since we didn't have time to enjoy the other one. If you can time it right, you'll see waves crashing into the pool! A unique and unforgettable place.
However, if we were staying in the area for the whole day, I would definitely choose to pay and use the other pool, rent a sunbed and umbrella. For the two of us, including the entrance fee, 2 sunbeds, and an umbrella, it would only cost 18 euros, which is very reasonable.
A charming little farm playground in the bustling city.
A very quiet place to see animals and plants and spend some leisure time. The farm is completely free to enter. Since it belongs to the city council, the animals look very well cared for and clean. Even the chickens, roosters, and some peacocks are free-range and can roam freely in the area. There is also a vegetable garden and an orchard where we saw some trees we didn't recognize.
There is a park where you can play with two tractors, and a pavilion where you can have drinks and ice cream. You can also rest in the shade on hot days. And the most incredible thing is that the farm is completely free!
They also have a space where you can adopt dogs. I've never seen such cute dogs. Undoubtedly, this is a magical experience for anyone.
Take the red line metro and get off at Olivais station. It's a 5-minute walk to the farm playground.
A City Worth Visiting in Portugal
Coimbra is a well-preserved medieval city that was the country's capital before Lisbon took over. Coimbra is renowned for its university, which is the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. However, what drew me to this city was not the school, but its architectural style that I fell in love with even before I arrived. Many people take a day trip to Coimbra on their way to Porto or Lisbon, which is feasible, but I recommend staying at least one night to fully experience its charm. Coimbra's old town is small, making it easy to explore on foot. It is a perfect blend of medieval history and colorful architecture. Visiting the University of Coimbra is probably the most popular activity in Coimbra, but they have a magnificent library covered in gold inside, and they also have a great terrace with a view of the city, which I think is worth a visit. Note: Photography is not allowed in the library.
Coimbra is hilly, but the slopes are gentle, unlike the steep hills of Lisbon or Porto. For those who are not good at physical activities, there is good public transportation or you can just walk slowly. In many cases, you have the opportunity to stop, sit in a café, enjoy the scenery, and listen to the sounds. The steepest climb might be from the city center to the Old Cathedral (13th century) and the university (old campus) along two main routes.
Getting to Coimbra is very simple; you just need to take a train from Lisbon to Coimbra. The journey takes less than 2 hours. When visiting Portugal, most people either fly into Lisbon or Porto, and Coimbra is located between the two, making it easily accessible by train. This is why I mentioned that many people stop in Coimbra on their way to these two major cities.
Evora: A Fascinating Historical City in Portugal
Evora is one of my favorite old towns in Portugal. This white city still breathes the warm atmosphere of the mixed cultures it encountered in its vibrant history. You can see typical narrow Moorish streets, white meticulously designed buildings combined with its agricultural and spiritual heritage. It's small and flat, perfect for walking, but large and interesting enough to make visitors feel comfortable as they slowly stroll along the cobblestone streets and beautiful squares. Sit in one of the cafes, enjoy a drink, coffee, and take in the beautiful views of Evora! Check out its churches, chapels, temples, palaces, museums, fountains, noble residences... No wonder it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It's a great place for a leisurely walk, with enough good tourist infrastructure to make it a wonderful place for visitors to eat, drink, and have fun.
Historic Pier
Cais das Columnas is a historic pier located in front of the Praça do Comércio, where royal ships carrying the king's guests would dock. It served as the main gateway into the city from the Tagus River, with wide and low stone steps descending from the square to the water.
Today, it is a charming landmark near a popular rest area where people can relax and enjoy their time by the water. You can sit on the steps leading to the water or on the built-in seats on the walls on either side, overlooking the beautiful Tagus River. If you're interested, there's also a small beach area to the west of the columns.
Cais das Columnas is a great place to sit back and relax or to enjoy a romantic sunset. From here, you can see the famous April 25th Bridge and the Christ the King statue across the Tagus River.
Note: The area near the water can become very slippery, so be careful.
Get ready to be splashed!
Walking along the Foz coastline was one of the highlights of our trip to Porto. We took a bus to get there, and after a short walk, we reached the lighthouse where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is right in front of you, with a beautiful coastline dotted with many lighthouses. Get ready to be splashed! The waves here are huge, creating some stunning splashes that almost cover the walls and lighthouses. It's a great way to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering top-notch views and a beautiful environment. It can be quite impressive on stormy days. If you have a few hours to spare while visiting Porto, don't hesitate to go there.
Is São Jorge Island worth visiting?
Yes, but only if you have the time and truly want to relax and take it easy. If you're looking for an action-packed island adventure, this might not be the place for you. However, if you want to unwind and do very little, São Jorge is a great choice. The island's pristine beaches (which you won't find on Madeira) not only offer unforgettable views but also provide a tranquil escape from reality.
You can reach São Jorge by boat or take a quick 15-minute flight between Funchal Airport and São Jorge. Traveling from São Jorge Airport to any hotel on the island is both quick and convenient! There's no traffic congestion on this island!
Don't make the same mistake I did—you need to stay there for at least a few days. Otherwise, you won't have enough time to enjoy everything it has to offer, and it will only cut into your time on Madeira!
Follow in the footsteps of adventurers to the Island of Fennel.
Funchal is located on a small island in Portugal, about a two-hour flight from Porto or Lisbon, but don't let that fool you into thinking there's nothing to do. This is one of the most adventurous islands I've ever visited. Be sure to rent a car so you can fully explore the island. From charming historical sites to breathtaking attractions. Enjoy local cuisine to the fullest, discovering delicious dishes that cater to any palate. Don't miss the opportunity to explore hidden gems scattered throughout the city, offering unique experiences. Visit traditional wineries and taste their exquisite products, experiencing the rich Madeira wine culture.
Additional benefit: Compared to normal European prices, our Funchal trip feels very affordable.
Once a sensation in contemporary architecture.
The building style is strange and unusual. If you walk along the Tagus River between the aquarium and the Vasco da Gama shopping center, you won't miss it. In my opinion, as a layman, the two buildings supporting the roof are nothing special, but the huge reinforced concrete roof has a certain effect: due to its curvature and thinness in the center, it has an elegant appearance, looking more like a piece of cloth rather than a wall structure. However, it is not a structure that immediately attracts attention from afar: it is most interesting not to the average tourist, but to architects or enthusiasts of originality. When I visited, there were no activities going on, so I only admired the exterior. Nevertheless, it is worth a short stop to take a few photos.
Dreamlike Spaces of Contemporary Art
Loved my time at MAAT! The museum is composed of three main parts. The first is located in the old power plant (Tejo Power Station), the garden (which I didn't explore much), and the new building. The museum tends to focus on quality rather than quantity. They have a total of 3-4 exhibits, but they are quite large in scale. The new building itself is beautiful, a strange space that is long and narrow without straight lines. What exhibitions you get to see depends on your luck, as this space requires something dramatic. It reminds one of the Guggenheim in Bilbao or the Tate Modern in London.
At the top of MAAT, there is a lovely terrace offering stunning views of the Tagus River and its bridges, along with a nice café. Behind the building, there is a bridge leading to the street, connecting to nearby tram and bus stops, making it convenient to combine your visit with other major attractions in the Belém area, such as the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, National Coach Museum, and the famous Pastéis de Belém. If you are staying in Lisbon for a few days, a visit to MAAT is highly recommended.
Traditional Portuguese Style Pedestrian Street.
After passing through the arch from the seaside's main commercial square, you'll find the beautiful Rua Augusta, a major pedestrian street connecting Rossio Square (north) and Commerce Square (south). The street is lined with boutique retail shops, souvenir stores, bakeries, and numerous restaurants, some of which have outdoor seating in the middle of the street. You'll also find a mix of hotels, inns, apartments, and businesses. The street is paved with traditional Portuguese-style cobblestones, known as calcada portuguesa, adding charm and atmosphere to the walking experience. It showcases the new city created after the 1755 earthquake. This is the most luxurious and elegant street in the Baixa district of downtown Lisbon. Frankly, it's the best part of the city—clean, safe, flat, and a tourist hotspot.
Rua Augusta has a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for strolling both day and night. We enjoyed walking here in the evening and even heard real concerts by wonderful singers and musicians.
The magnificent night view and the wonderful daytime scenery.
This viewpoint is worth a visit! If you take the tram to Jardim do Morro, it's just a short walk to the viewpoint where you can enjoy Porto, with only a slight incline in the last 200 meters. Even those with mobility issues can reach here.
The view here is stunning at any time of the day, but the sunset is truly breathtaking. This is definitely the best viewpoint in Porto, not only for the scenery but also for taking some great photos.
The area can be very busy, but it's much quieter than downtown Porto. Overlooking the river, you can see old riverboats and most of the landmarks on the other side of the river, as well as the colorful old town houses and the beautiful Dom Luís I Bridge. Highly recommended!
A Typical Experience in Porto
The renovated Mercado Bolhão market, located in the bustling historic center of Porto, is a must-visit for tourists strolling through the city. The stalls here sell a variety of fish, meat, fruits, coffee, cheese, seeds, chocolate, and crafts. We absolutely loved it; it makes you want to eat and drink everything there as the quality is excellent. We bought a glass of sangria and then wandered around the 'stalls.' Some olives, then cheese, followed by some ham, etc. Ending the morning with lunch here is a very enjoyable experience.
The vibrant atmosphere and community spirit of Mercado do Bolhão attracted all of us. It is a true reflection of local culture and an opportunity to appreciate the authenticity of the city. If you want to experience genuine Portuguese culture, Mercado do Bolhão is the ideal place to go!
The westernmost cape of Europe~ Stunning scenery and strong winds.
This is indeed a place where you can see further into the European continent, as it is the westernmost point of Europe. There, the sloping land and the beautiful lighthouse meet the sea, and the blue ocean is magnificent. On a clear day, the drive to this place is winding and beautiful. When you come here, bring a sweater and a windbreaker because it is cold and very windy. While walking around and enjoying the scenery, please heed the warnings and do not climb the boundaries, as you risk falling into the rocks and the raging sea.
There are public restrooms here (usually costing 0.50 euros), a visitor center, souvenir shops, and restaurants/bars. This is a great place to plan an hour-long lunch break and stretch your legs before continuing on your journey.
A Place of Enchanting Power
It is a palace located in the prime area of Belém, Lisbon. Originally built during the monarchy, this former palace now serves as the residence of the President of the Republic. Situated in Belém, adjacent to the Tagus River, it is in a tourist area with many important museums and close to the Jerónimos Monastery. Visits are not random and are only occasionally open to the public on announced dates. For those interested in visiting, certain rules must be followed, starting with booking in advance and confirming a certain amount beforehand. Only guided tours are allowed, which also include the beautiful gardens overlooking the Tagus River. Visitors can see the reception rooms, decorated with beautiful furniture, tapestries, magnificent chandeliers, and paintings. We get a general understanding of the history of the building and its royal residents before the establishment of the Republic. Its location, contents, and the dignified functions carried out there make it worth a visit.
Casa das Bifanas: A Must-Try Pork Chop Bun Shop in Portugal
Casa das Bifanas, a renowned pork chop bun shop in Portugal, is a culinary delight that you shouldn't miss. While the overall experience might not stand out in every aspect, the soft and tender texture of the bread is truly impressive. This shop is extremely popular, attracting not only numerous tourists but also a steady stream of locals. Due to the high volume of customers, the service quality might not always meet expectations, but this is understandable. Despite this, it's still worth a visit to savor the classic flavors and unique charm of this long-standing establishment, and to experience one of the locals' favorite foods.
✅ Casa das Bifanas
📍 Address｜Praça da Figueira 7A, 1100-240 Lisboa, Portugal
⏰ Business Hours｜06:30-00:00 (Closed on Sundays)
Traveling to Portugal: Highly Recommended Pasta in Lisbon
When traveling, I always search for restaurants in Chinese first, then check English websites to see if any locals recommend small eateries. After all, tastes can vary between East and West. I found 'Quermesse' through a foreign website. The moment I saw the photo of the gigantic lobster pasta, I immediately added it to my list. The restaurant is conveniently located near one of Lisbon's must-visit elevators, the Ascensor da Glória, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.
Quermesse has two adjacent storefronts. One has a cozy, historic decor, while the other, where we were seated, has a brighter, more modern feel. That evening, it was just my sister and me, the only two Asians there (constantly being watched by the table next to us). When the lobster pasta was served, it was impressively large (the foreigners next to us glanced over again). Although it costs nearly 50 euros, I found it worth the price considering the portion size. The seafood was fresh, and the pasta tasted great. The mussels were also very appetizing, with a lemony broth that was deliciously tangy and salty. The fish soup, the yellow bowl, was surprisingly good—very thick but a bit salty, so we ordered an extra plate of bread. The bread here is sweeter and softer, not the typical dry European bread. If you prefer dry bread, you might want to skip it. Personally, I didn't find the combination too harmonious.
Overall, this meal was relatively expensive by Portuguese standards, but if you're tired of Portuguese cuisine, I highly recommend coming here for a change of pace!
🔰 Handmade Bread: 1.75 euros
🔰 Mussels: 10.5 euros
🔰 Fish Soup: 6.95 euros
🔰 Lobster Pasta: 49.95 euros
———— Restaurant Information ————
Quermesse
📍 Address: Rua da Glória 85, 1250-115 Lisboa
🕰️ Hours: 12:00-15:00; 19:00-00:00
One of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cafés in Portugal: The Enchanting Majestic Café
Portugal. Porto｜Majestic Café
Hailed as one of the top 10 must-visit beautiful cafés in Porto, the 'Majestic Café' is truly enchanting. The interior boasts a luxurious, palace-like decor that is both vintage and stunning. This time, I tried the rather uncommon Bombom coffee, which is essentially a Spanish latte made with condensed milk, regular milk, and espresso. It's incredibly sweet and thick (worth trying if you're curious). Although the place is crowded and the tables are quite close to each other (making the dining environment less comfortable), it's still worth a visit if you're traveling abroad.
🔰 Almond tart ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 8,00 €
🔰 “Bombom” coffee ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 8,00 €
🔰 Coffee with whipped cream ＿＿＿＿ 7,00 €
//////////////////////// Store Information ////////////////////////
📍 Address: R. de Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal
⏰ Business Hours: 09:00–23:00 (Closed on Sundays)
💰 Average Spend: 8 Euros
Casa Oriental Seafood Canned Products Store🐟
Address: Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 111, 4050-367 Porto, Portugal
Business hours: 09:30-20:00 (Friday and Saturday to 21:00)
Transportation: tram, bus, scooter, walking
There is a canned shop next to the Priest Tower. There are many kinds of specialty cans, such as canned sardines with various vintages printed on them, canned squid, shrimp, octopus and other different seafood products, as well as cans made like gold bricks. The decoration in the store And the atmosphere is super cool too!
#PARENT-CHILDREN GOOD PLACE #HAMMUM SUMMER GOOD PLACE #OVERSEAS TRAVEL #PORTUGAL #PORTO