My Secret Tile Obsession: The Best Places To See Azulejos in Lisbon Portugal

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 Bodice Ripping Love Story At Portugal’s Alcobaça Monastery

The mere mention of Alcobaça Monastery in Portugal conjures a mini history lesson on one of Europe’s oldest and best UNESCO sites. Alcobaça is a 12th century masterpiece of Gothic Cistercian art, after all. Its vaunted architecture and history make it a must see site on a tour of Portugal. But that’s the topic of … Read more

St. George’s Castle: Lisbon’s Fetching But Fake Castle

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Castelo de São Jorge, St. George’s Castle, in Lisbon. A truthful guide. St. George’s Castle is Lisbon’s most recognizable landmark. But it’s a fake. Yes, it’s a fake. You read that right. St. George’s Castle, is the most popular tourist attraction in the beautiful Alfama district of Lisbon Portugal. … Read more

Guide To Carmo Convent, Lisbon’s Open Air Memorial

Here’s my guide to visiting Carmo Convent in Lisbon Portugal. Lisbon isn’t a city with grand monuments and squares like other European capitals. There aren’t that many truly “wow” sites in Lisbon. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. The beauty of Lisbon lies more in its laid back artistic ensemble than in any … Read more

Guide To Lisbon’s National Tile Museum, Starring Beautiful Azulejos

Here’s my visitor’s guide to Lisbon’s fascinating Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National Tile Museum. The museum is an underrated hidden gem in Lisbon. Not only is it beautiful in and of itself, the museum helps to explain Lisbon’s unique decorative appeal and architectural history. Lisbon is affectionately nicknamed “Queen of the Sea.” I like … Read more