Portugal Travel Advice

[JohnnyB]

I'm going to be heading out to Lisbon right at the end of June for a conference that is just about the same time my contract runs out with my job, so I'm thinking of staying on for another week or two. I know there are many avid travellers on CP. Anybody have some good tips for how to spend a week and a bit in Portugal?

I'm no stranger to travel as I've been living overseas for years, like the outdoors and like to have adventure. I'm quite partial to taking risks, but I don't want to blow a whole tonne of cash as I'm going to have a lot of other travel to pay for as well this summer. I don't speak Portuguese, but my body language and gestures are practically fluent.

Advice? Tips? Stories? Anything creative?

[kipperfan]

I was in Lisbon last year actually, really loved the city and the people. As for a few things I can recommend, the Lisbon Oceanarium is pretty neat if your into that kind of thing. Its one of the largest aquariums in the world and is an amazing place to visit. If you want a cool little walk through the city, walk up to the Castle Sao Jorge. It's a medieval castle that overlooks the entire city, aside from being a great spot for pics the castle itself is stunning and has alot of information regarding the castle's history as well as the history of the area.

If you like to drink/party/listen to live music/generally have a good time, then you have to head to the Barrie Alto district. It consists of maybe 15-20 blocks of small narrow streets that come alive at night with bars lining every one, music everywhere and people partying in the street everywhere, its pretty great!

Hope that helps a bit, I was only there for a few days and frankly, drank so much that I've forgotten a few of the names and places I went to, but I think those were the highlights.

[kipperfan]

Also just remember the Berardo Museum, it was impressive and I say that having been to the Prado, the Louvre, the Uffizi and the Vatican Museum among others.

Also, be aware of the street pedlars, especially the drug dealers when your anywhere in the city centre. They speak english better then anyone in the country seemingly but are very aggressive and its best not to engage or even acknowledge them at all (unless you plan to purchase). Eating outside (as many restaurants offer) can be iffy as you tend to be bothered by one of these guys (or the same one) every 5 minutes.

[NBC]

The Algarve should be nice and warm in late June. You should be able to beat the major influx of Euro tourists.

If you like wine, you could check out Porto and sample you fair share of port. Nice place Porto.

Lots of people like Braga as well. Big cathedral there.

[Cheese]

so much in Lisbon and close area. I go often as my wife is from there.

Go to the Expo site, some lovely architecture there and you can connect with the Ocenarium while you are there.
Get out to Sintra and see the Palace and old castle grounds...pretty spectacular and a short drive south of Lisbon.
St Georges Castle in Lisbon is also pretty cool as wellas the surrounding area...lots to see.
Municipal square, lots of history. (Praca do Municipal)
Rua Augusta...beautiful pedestrian area
Camoes Square
Restauradores Square
Discoveries Monument and area...very cool...


Lisbon Aqueduct


sooooooooooooo much to see...it is a lovely city with MUCH to offer in and around the area. Go to the beaches...some of the most spectacular beaches in the world.
PM me if you want more info.