Looking for some unusual things to do in Lisbon? Head to the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. It’s one of Lisbon’s grand architectural sites and still a hidden gem in Lisbon. In fact, the monastery is hidden in plain sight, sitting atop one of Graça’s highest points, not far from the Alfama district. Yet … Read more
Steeped in history, immortalized in Fado, and rising over Lisbon, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most authentic districts. It’s really Lisbon’s premiere neighborhood — a quaint and distinctive city outside a city. With steep stairways tumbling down to Baixa below and Castelo São Jorge standing guard above, Alfama is incredibly beautiful and photogenic. It was … Read more
Looking for something unusual to do in Lisbon? Here’s my guide to visiting the elegant Basilica da Estrela, a hidden gem in Lisbon. The huge domed Neo-Classical basilica is one of Lisbon’s most impressive and remarkable landmarks. Set proudly on a hill, the basilica anchors the Estrela neighborhood of Lisbon. It’s a bit off the … Read more
Here’s my guide to the top attractions and best things to do and see in Belem. Belem is an architecturally-rich suburb of Lisbon. It’s an easy mini day trip from Lisbon. It’s just southwest of the city center. Belem is Lisbon’s prime cultural district. It’s a must see for its cluster of UNESCO-listed monuments. Some … Read more
The charming and cobbled Old World cornucopia of medieval Óbidos Portugal is just an hour north of Lisbon. The dreamy UNESCO village is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls. It’s decorated with splashes of ultramarine and saffron yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes a cherry pots of geraniums. … Read more
There’s nothing as romantic or idyllic as a road trip through Portugal. The country is a land finely aged like wine. It stuns with its vintage-y cities, whitewashed medieval villages, a beautiful seacoast, and delicious food and wine. Top this all off with a dollop of historic UNESCO sites and some soulful Fado music, and … Read more
Planning a trip to Portugal and Spain? Here’s my guide to taking a fantastic 10 day road trip in southern Portugal and southern Spain. This 10 day Spain-Portugal itinerary takes you from Lisbon Portugal to Granada Spain. This popular road trip route is dense with exciting cities, must visit medieval villages, Moorish architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, … Read more
Want to step into a fairytale? Here’s my guide to visiting Quinta da Regaleira Palace in Sintra. Quinta da Regaleira is a must see attraction and a landmark in Sintra, Portugal. The Gothic palace is simply breathtaking and full of mystique. It’s an easy 30 minute day trip from Lisbon, and definitely worth a visit … Read more
Exploring Lisbon? Here’s my guide to the best places to find beautiful azulejo tiles in Lisbon Portugal. I have a confession to make. I’m obsessed with Portuguese tiles. While on a geographical cure in Lisbon, I poked in and out of so many ceramic shops that I lost count. I came home with so much … Read more
“A simple spark can destroy the foundations of civilization.” — Lisbon street artist Alexandre Farto, aka Vhils One of the first things I encountered in Lisbon on my recent geographical cure was the Elevador da Glória funicular. I saw it and was gobsmacked, in spite of what I’d read forewarning me of its wonderfulness. Despite … Read more