Portugal is a destination that offers incredible value, stunning beauty, and unforgettable flavors. Over four perfect days, we explored the streets of Lisbon, the historic treasures of Belem, and the fairytale charm of Sintra. From the intricate tile work in Lisbon to the bold colors of Pena Palace, Portugal left us with memories we’ll treasure for years to come. Here’s how we spent four perfect days in the destination:
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks in Lisbon
We kicked off our trip in Lisbon, diving straight into the city’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks. Praça Dom Pedro IV was our starting point, a lively square that set the tone for the day. From there, we made our way to the Santa Justa Lift, a neo-Gothic elevator that not only connects neighborhoods but also offers incredible views of Lisbon’s rooftops. The panoramic view from the top made it a great first stop.
As always, food was never far from our minds. We stopped at Fábrica da Nata for our first pastel de nata. Enjoying them warm, fresh out of the oven, set the bar high for all future pastries. These creamy custard tarts with their caramelized tops were worth every calorie! For lunch, we stopped at As Bifanas do Afonso, a tiny spot that specializes in bifanas, juicy pork sandwiches served in a soft roll. Briana’s are a simple dish, but the flavors were incredible and made for a delicious quick meal.
Afterward, we strolled through the grand Praça do Comércio, soaking in the riverside views, and hopped on Tram 28 for a scenic, albeit bumpy, ride through Lisbon’s historic districts. The tram rattled its way through narrow streets, giving us a glimpse of the city’s charm. We ended the day at the Amoreiras 360º viewpoint, where the city unfolded as the sun began to set.
Between jet let and a day full of walking, we were grateful to have had a wonderful hot tub waiting for us back at the hotel.
Day 2: Sintra’s Fairytale Palaces and Sunset at Cabo da Roca
Sintra was the day we were most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint. We rented a car for the day. To our surprise, navigating the roads and finding parking in Sintra was much easier than expected. The drive itself was beautiful, with winding roads and lush greenery all around. Once we arrived, we hired a Tuk Tuk guide to explore the area in the morning. This was a fun and efficient way to learn about Sintra’s history while taking in the sights, the tour included a drive-by of the Sintra National Palace, with its iconic chimneys. Our first stop was the Castelo dos Mouros, a medieval castle perched high on the hills. Walking along its ancient walls gave us breathtaking views of the valley below and the surrounding countryside.
Peña Palace
Next, we headed to the Pena Palace, which was the highlight of the day. Its bold red and yellow colors and whimsical design made it feel like something out of a storybook. The vibrant hues of the palace were absolutely stunning, and we spent plenty of time wandering its terraces and taking in the views. After a morning of exploring, we stopped for lunch at Tascantiga, a cozy tapas restaurant in Sintra’s historic center. Their menu of traditional Portuguese petiscos (small plates) was a treat. We shared dishes and enjoyed the local wine; it was one of those meals where the food and the atmosphere came together perfectly.
In the afternoon, we explored Quinta da Regaleira on foot. Its mysterious gardens, hidden tunnels, and the famous Poço Iniciático, a spiral staircase descending into the earth, gave us plenty to experience. Every corner felt like a new discovery. As we left Sintra, we stopped at a viewpoint to see the Palace of Monserrate, which looked beautiful even from afar.
To finish the day, we drove out to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Standing on the edge of the cliffs and watching the sunset was a moment we’ll never forget. We were disappointed to not get a full sunset view. Nevertheless, the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves were still the perfect end to a magical day.
Day 3: Belem’s History and Maritime Treasures
On day three, we ventured to Belem, a district that perfectly blends history and beauty. The Belem Tower and the Discovery Monument were strong reminders of Portugal’s maritime legacy. The Jerónimos Monastery and Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém were equally impressive, with their intricate architecture and beautiful grounds. The level of detail in the stonework is something you have to see in person to fully appreciate.
No visit to Belem is complete without stopping at Pastéis de Belém. There’s usually a line, but it moves quickly, and those custard tarts are legendary for a reason. The flaky crust and creamy filling were so good, we almost went back for seconds. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I was particularly drawn to the cow statue out front, and got in an obligator picture of me “milking the cow”. After spending the morning in Belem, we opted to head back to Lisbon, where we grabbed a late lunch at Time Out Market and spent a few hours relaxing, snacking, and enjoying some sangria. Because we love a good photo op, we wandered down the famous Pink Street in the afternoon as we made our way back to Just before sunset, we stopped by Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, for another breathtaking view of the city.
Day 4: Wandering the Streets of Lisboa
Our final day was spent wandering Lisbon’s streets and soaking in its charm. We started in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood, where narrow alleys and colorful buildings are adorned with Portugal’s iconic azulejos (hand-painted tiles). The art work here is stunning, and it felt like every street had its own story to tell. We visited the Lisbon Cathedral and the Pantheon, both impressive in their scale and history. Afterward, we stopped by Castelo de São Jorge and enjoyed an afternoon snack of cod cakes and a glass of wine from a nearby shop. Much of the afternoon was spent wandering Lisbon by foot and popping into shops, before we ended our day at Eduardo VII Park. This beautiful park provided amazing views of the city, and we relaxed and reflected together on all we’d seen over the past few days.
Reflections on the Trip
Portugal is a destination that truly delivers on value, flavor, and beauty. From the bold colors of Pena Palace to the intricate tile work in Lisbon, every corner felt like a masterpiece. In reviewing my photos from the trip, I easily had two dozen pictures of the intricate and ornate sidewalks throughout Lisbon, with each tile telling a unique story. The food was consistently delicious, whether it was a simple pork sandwich or a custard tart. Renting a car for Sintra was a great decision, as it gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, and navigation and parking were surprisingly easy. Whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, or just great food, Portugal is a place that leaves you wanting more.
