Road Trips Portugal
Travel Guide: Europe- Portugal
PALACE DE QUELUZ
PALACE OF QUELUZ
Queluz- Sintra, Portugal
Portugal being a small country, calls for some short and really amazing road trips. We recommend that if you do visit, you visit at least 2 or 3 different cities, as several of them are really close to one another. Road tripping in Portugal is very popular and roads are very well organized and maintained.
If you are traveling around from Lisbon to Sintra, we recommend you stop here in Queluz for 1 to 3 hours to see this amazing palace. If you are interested in Portugues history we recommend you take some time here as this palace contains lots of Royal Portuguese history and gardens that amaze. Built in 1747 this palace is known to be the “versaille” of Portugal, with amazing ballrooms and historical furniture, the tour will take you back in time.
TIP: There is half prices every day from 3:30PM to 5PM, so safe some money but also expect the palace to be more packed during this times.
PALAIS NATIONAL DE PENA
Road trips through Portugal are worth doing. We recommend that if you do visit Sintra you follow our advice from the article below for the pits stops on the way there from Lisbon.
For this specific visit to the Palais, you will be walking a lot so bring comfy shoes and cloths you don’t mind getting a work out on. The ticket entry is easy to find and each ticket is around 8-12 dollars. Bring water and enjoy the hike through a natural forest. Up at the castle enjoy the wonderful colors that characterize Portuguese architecture.
You will have a beautiful view for pictures and will find a store if you need to buy some food or drinks up there. If you are interested in the story of the castle make sure to take the tour of the castle, which can be included in the package with your ticket. In the tour you will see every room of the castle with a tour guide who will explain the story of each room and how the castle came to be.
The Palais is situated in the highest hill of the city. If you are traveling with older people or someone with a leg injury, the hike will be a struggle so here are some tips of other fun stuff you can do in this city. As a plus to those who do or don’t go to Palais National it is also A MUST to go to CASTELO DO MOURO; an antique castle wall that protected the city during war. Finally, if you would like to enjoy a fancy lunch and see a beautiful antique hotel head to Palais de Seteais, this place has wonderful gardens to walk around in after you eat and an incredible view while you eat.
LISBOA
The food, the people and the architecture make this city one to remember. While you’re in Portugal, Lisbon will most likely be your first destination, so make sure you take at least 3 to 4 days to get to know the main highlight of this city. Things you can’t miss while you are there:
Area #1
Mosterio Dos Jeronimos (Neighborhood: Belem) : This amazingly detailed architectural gem was established in 1514 and has been modified ever since. Its incredible amounts of history are astounding. When you are there, go to Santa Maria de Belem’s Church first. There enjoy the architecture that surround the incredibly important tombs of some of the most influencial Portuguese historical figures including Sailor Vasco De Gama. Secondly, go to the cloister. Here enjoy the detailed architecture while you walk through these walls filled with history, visit the second floor for a cool picture of the courtyard. Make sure to bring airy cloths if you visit in the summer as it can get hot! Finally make sure to get the tickets with access to both the chapel and the cloister.
TIP: instead of doing the crazy long lines to buy the tickets at the main entrance, you can go to an office on the left side of the main entrance and cut the whole entire line by going through the “already purchased ticket” line or get them online
WHAT TO DO IN BELEM AFTER YOUR VISIT:
1) Pasteis de Belém: When you are done with your visit to the Mosterio make sure to stop by at this famous bakery store and try the Pasteis de Belem the famous dessert originated in Portugal.
2) Jardim da Praca do Imperio: Right after enjoying dessert, walk around this beautiful garden and enjoy the view you will have of the Mosterio from there as well as the view to the water.
3) Torre de Belém: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must while you’re in this area. This tower was built as a primary defense system for the city, as this was the main gateway into Portugal at the time. When you are there, you might have to do a very long line unless you use the tips I suggested above of buying the tickets in advance. Very worth it, especially because of its view to the water and it lasting and incredible architecture on top of the water.
4) Rosa dos Ventos Portugal is known for its tile, so don’t miss this piece of art that has been made in tile close to the water. The pictures to take and views here as very worth it. It includes a world map, tiled into the floor in which you can take fun pictures.
5) Padrao dos Descobrimentos: Finally go visit this statue if there is enough time for you to do so. Everything is walkable distance and the walks are always enjoyable.
Area #2
Elevador de Santa Justa: For a day downtown make sure you visit this elevator that will take you as high up as possible to have an amazing city view of Lisbon. The tickets costs around 3 euros a person and if you have a public transport ticket you can get in for free. When you are there you might have to wait in a long line, if there is not enough time this is not a high priority to visit, but if you have time make sure you stop by.
Resturants: Solar Dos Presuntos: Around this area you will find several places to eat and enjoy little things but a well-known recommended restaurant with amazing Portuguese food is Solar Dos Presuntos. This restaurant can be a little bit on the pricier side, but it is a must while you are there. Truly great service and amazing food and wine. While you are visiting here walk around the streets and find yourself close to a famous landmark of Lisbon which is the yellow ferry. This is located right next to the restaurant and it’s a very famous sigh for Lisbon so make sure to take some photos!
Castillo de San Jorge de Lisboa: This castle has been witness to some of the most important moments in Portuguese history. Started in the XII century it has stayed in amazing shape and holds some crazy secrets. The view of the city from this spot of Lisbon is quite a marble. The walk to get there can be a little hectic so we recommend you either wear comfy shoes or get an Uber that can take you up there. The entrance for cars is very limited in this area as it’s a historically paved part of the city so your car might leave you a couple blocks away from the main entrance. The restaurant here is not as good as we were expecting so we DO NOT recommend it, we had a bad experience here so we recommend you enjoy your meal somewhere else.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol: While you are in the area stop by the Miradouro for a magnificent picture of the white architecture that surrounds the mountain. Beautiful place, worth it. Just make sure you are a bit more vigilant to your things, as it is a very touristy area and there can be people lurking around. As in everywhere you go just be aware and alert for your belongings.
EXTRA VISIT RECOMMENDED:
Museo Nacional del Azulejo: Finally, if you would like to learn about one of the most popular crafts of the country. We recommend you visit this tile museum. It sounds weird to go to a tile museum, but the history behind the process and the tiles at the museum, open a whole new perspective of architecture for those who enjoy it! The entrance is not very expensive and it is an incredible thing to learn about, as it is of great importance to the country’s
PORTO
Majestic café: Have a wonderful experience while you enjoy breakfast in an amazingly old structure that takes you back several years. Incredible service and breakfast. Breakfast Hour can get hectic so if you can reserve before hand be sure to do so. We recommend you get the omelets and to enjoy the decoration and vibe of this cool hip breakfast place.
Iglesia de San Francisco: Constructed at the beginning of the XIV century, its granite structure and architecture appeal to all the gothic and romantic style Architectural lovers out there. Constructed in 1245 this structure maintains itself in amazing shape and its golden walls inside are one of a kind. The view of the city from the outside of the cathedral is very cool too and good for pictures.
Catedral de Oporto: This is one of the most interesting cathedrals I have been to. With its amazing history and beautiful color tiles on the inside walls, this place can be easily one of the most unique and cool cathedrals. The second floor is very worth to look at and get a good picture of. There are several pieces to this place, but for those who love architecture and color my favorite part was just to wonder around it and see the different tile art styles.
Torre de los Clérigos: This is something to do if you are there for more than just a weekend. This tower is a historical piece that collects many religious symbols and history from the town. Pretty to go see, but it would not be something we recommend as a main attraction.
Port Wine Museum/ Tour: If you are a fan of wine, we recommend you take either the boat tour or the walking tour of the Porto wineries and museum. They will let you taste the wines, as they teach you how they’re made and where they come from specifically. Incredibly fun, the tickets can get a little bit expensive but before buying them at a ticket stand in the museum, make sure you check the Porto /museum website to see if the tickets might be discounted online.
Customs Port Alfândega do Porto: The first and number 1 must thing to do in Porto… visit the Port. This incredible set up next to the river full of colorful houses, musicians and good food is one to remember. The summer in Porto can get hot! So be sure to wear sunscreen and bring tons of water with you while you walk. It’s a city on a hill. So the walks can get hectic but if you do go down to the port, and need to go back up hill. We recommend you take the funicular. It’s not very expensive and it’s a fun experience to watch the city as you move over it.
