Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Matthew Hancock
updated 10.10.2021
Where are the best places to eat in Lisbon? It's one of Europe's coolest cities. So exciting restaurants aren't in short supply. You just need to know where to go. Here's our expert guide to eating out in Lisbon area by area.
The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.
7 days / from3062 USD
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.
view tour ⤍7 days / from3019 USD
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.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1728 USD
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.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1139 USD
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.
view tour ⤍12 days / from1690 USD
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.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2662 USD
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!
view tour ⤍9 days / from2916 USD
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.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1771 USD
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.
view tour ⤍9 days / from4282 USD
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.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3559 USD
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.
view tour ⤍7 days / from5989 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5913 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1577 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2148 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3154 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from2678 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
view tour ⤍12 days / from5389 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7030 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1836 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3159 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2524 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
view tour ⤍Waterfront Cais do Sodré has cleaned up its act. So come here for hip eats.
Find cool taco joints on Rua Cor de Rosa.
Hit Mercado da Ribeira for everything else.
Try Lisbon tapas. Take a petiscos e-bike tour of the city.
Baixa is Lisbon’s commercial hub. It was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. And it's an early example of town planning.
Now it's also a tourist magnet. But restaurants still cater to office workers. So that means low, local prices.
Want something fast and tasty? Head to Beira Gare next to Rossio Station. Grab a squished table. Or perch at the bar. Then dig in. Expect standards like octopus, pork and hake. Don't expect to pay much for lunch.
Bonjardim is known for spit roasted chicken. And it's one of the best places to eat in Lisbon. They do other roast meat too. But chargrilled chicken is what to order here.
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.
The Bica district is named after a lift. This hybrid funicular/tram takes on Lisbon’s steepest streets. Ride to the top. Then walk to Miradouro de Santa Catarina. The view from here's incredible.
Noobai sits close to Miradouro de Santa Catarina. So it's also hard to beat for views. Stare straight over the Tagus. Then order up. The menu ranges from healthy brunch to petiscos.
Want to hang out in the area? Book Browns Downtown Hotel between Bica and Bairro Alto.
Smart Chiado is Lisbon's shopping district. Famous A Brasileira café's here. And it's where to find Michelin starred chef, José Avillez,
Two Michelin stars make Belcanto one of the best places to eat in Lisbon.
Mini Bar sits in Art Deco Teatro de São Luís. The menu's designed as acts. And it is theatrical. Exploding olives and tuna tartare cones are just a hint.
Cool Cantinho do Avillez serves modern Portuguese cuisine. Think black pork with coriander. Consider scallops, sweet potato and asparagus. Need a reminder you're in Lisbon? Historic tram 28 regularly trundles past the restaurant.
Crave more local theatrics? Book dramatic Teatro Boutique B&B in Chiado.
Belém is known for its sights. It's home to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. And Torre de Belém is here too.
Once you've explored, go eat. Belém is also pasteis de nata territory.
Head to Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. This café's been making pasteis de nata since 1837. And it's always busy. Order a couple of tarts. They'll arrive warm and cinnamon dusted. Wash them down with strong coffee.
Create your own taste of Lisbon. Learn how to bake pasteis de nata with a local expert.
Go west in Lisbon. Here you'll find earthy Madragoa. And next door, chichi Lapa. Want to eat like a local? These are the areas to visit.
Varina da Madragoa is quintessentially Portuguese. It's tucked into a backstreet. Yet good enough to fed José Saramago and Jimmy Carter. The interior's snug. And specialties include salted-cod cakes and goat cutlets.
Turn up hungry to Guarda Mor. The starters are sublime. Try tempura vegetables. Then follow up with a salted cod main. To get the full effect, time your visit for a fado show.
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 buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Matthew Hancock
updated 10.10.2021
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal