PORTUGAL
SEE
Take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra (30 minute train ride) for gorgeous palaces like the colorful one pictured above. It's best to take the train from Lisbon early in the morning before Sintra becomes overrun with tourists as the day goes on.
Livararia Lello in Porto: One of the oldest bookshops in Portugal and rated one of the best in the world. Author JK Rowling often visited this shop when she lived in Porto and is believed to have served as inspiration for her Harry Potter series.
*Tickets are required to visit the bookshop, but the cost of the ticket will then be applied to any purchases made inside the shop. After purchasing your book, you can ask the staff to stamp it with the Livararia Lello seal, which makes for an extra special souvenir.
SHOP
A Vida Portuguesa: This is the best shop to visit if you want to purchase truly unique portuguese-made souvenirs. They have several locations throughout Lisbon and Portugal, and even have a little pop up shop at the Time Out Market in Lisbon.
Cerâmicas na Linha: My favorite pottery shop in all of Europe! This is a must-shop if you love cute ceramics and home decor. I love everything I've purchased from this shop, but especially the giant ceramic umbrella holder shaped like a Hunter boot!
*One popular souvenir that is available at both of the above shops is the ceramic Portuguese swallows.They look beautiful displayed on their own or in a group with several birds and come in various different colors and sizes.
STAY
If you're interested in a relaxing beach vacation, consider staying at the Hilton Vilamoura located in the Algarve region. Gorgeous hotel with several different pools, delicious restaurants, and the best kids club in Europe! Lisbon is a day trip from Algarve.
If you're interested in seeing the sights, shops, and heart of Portugal, a visit to Lisbon is a must. We love to stay at the DoubleTree hotel.
SAVOR
I can't even describe how incredible the food in Portugal is. Like, mind-blowing good, especially if you love seafood and sweets!
Time Out Market: If you visit Lisbon, you absolutely must eat at this market! The restaurant area resembles a food court layout, but most of the food is gourmet quality. We love to pick plates from a few different restaurants (like a charcuterie board from the butcher, salads and seafood from another, etc) and the cuisines range from traditional Portuguese food to pizza and sushi...there is definitely something for everyone! The Manteigaria bakery makes wonderful pasteis de nata's.
And speaking of pasteis de nata's, these incredible egg custard tarts will tempt you to stay in Portugal forever! The very best pasteis de nata's can be found at Pastéis de Belém...over 46,000 4.5 star reviews on Trip Advisor can't be wrong! This bakery always has a line out the door BUT if you are willing to take the nata's to go, enter the line on the right side for counter pick up to go. The line on the left is for visitors who want to sit at a table in the restaurant. The soft custard filling and crisp pastry crust is impossible to replicate at home, so consider splurging for the party box of 50 if you're traveling with a group!
Cais ao Mar-Cervejaria Marisqueira: If you love seafood, don't miss an opportunity to dine at this restaurant that is frequently featured in foodie television shows such as Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown. Get a reservation if you can, or try for an early dinner as the crowd lines up around the evening time. Everything is incredible here, but I still dream about their soft shell crab dip.
My favorite Portuguese dish, found at almost every restaurant, is a mixture of rice, broth, and shellfish served in a large pot. I've eaten many different versions of this dish throughout Portugal and have never been disappointed. Not only is it flavorful and filling, but it's a cheaper way to try a variety of the local shellfish.