The roots of Fado trace back to the early 19th century, emerging primarily in the Alfama district of Lisbon. Initially sung in taverns by sailors and the working class, it has evolved over the years into a renowned musical tradition recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The genre’s narrative style often delves into themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of life, known as “saudade.”

To truly experience Fado, one must seek out traditional Fado houses that offer live performances. Neighborhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto are famous for their authentic Fado venues. These locations often provide not just music, but a complete experience involving Portuguese cuisine and local wines, making for an unforgettable evening.

Several renowned artists have shaped the contemporary Fado scene, including Amália Rodrigues, who is hailed as the “Queen of Fado.” Current stars like Mariza and Ana Moura continue to innovate within the genre while paying homage to its rich traditions. Their performances attract both local and international audiences, showcasing the ongoing relevance of Fado in modern music.

Fado is not just about the performance; it’s an interactive experience where the audience becomes part of the story being told. Many venues encourage participation, allowing guests to express their own feelings of saudade through singing or simply by enjoying the music’s nuances.

This vibrant music scene plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Portuguese cultural heritage. However, it faces challenges in the form of commercialization and the risk of losing its authenticity. Therefore, supporting local artists and traditional venues becomes vital for maintaining the essence of Fado.

Looking ahead, Fado continues to evolve, with younger musicians experimenting with new arrangements and influences, blending Fado with genres such as jazz and pop. The Lisbon Fado Festival, held annually, showcases these innovations, highlighting both emerging talent and established icons.

Visitors should plan their Fado outings with consideration of performance times and restaurant reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to check online for recommendations or guided tours that include Fado experiences, ensuring a well-rounded cultural immersion.

What is Fado music?

Fado is a traditional genre of Portuguese music characterized by its expressive and melancholic style, often expressing themes of longing and nostalgia.

Where can I experience Fado in Lisbon?

Fado can be experienced in traditional music venues primarily located in neighborhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto, where live performances are common.

Who are some famous Fado artists?

Notable Fado artists include Amália Rodrigues, Mariza, and Ana Moura, who have significantly influenced the genre while attracting global audiences.

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The Harry Potter vibe

References to the story of the beloved boy wizard who captured the imagination of a generation can be found all over the city. J.K. Rowling lived and taught English in Porto for two years, and it was actually this city that inspired her to write her iconic novels.

Legend has it that the first passage of Harry Potter was written on a napkin from the famous Majestic Cafe, which Rowling frequently visited. That cafe still functions, though it’s normally full with locals and tourists trying to soak up the atmosphere of those distant days.

Another place Rowling often frequented during her Porto days was the bookshop Livraria Lello. Although often crowded, its Gothic atmosphere, beautiful wooden carvings, winding red stairs and stained glass ceiling evoke images of faraway, magical worlds. Here you can find some of the classics of Portuguese literature, which we encourage you to bring back home so you can get a better understanding of the country.

* There is an entrance fee to the bookstore (4 euro). The fee is, however, deducted from any purchase you might make.

The best Harry Potter references are the students of Porto themselves, or their academic uniforms, to be more exact. When you see them walking the streets wearing their long black robes (called traje académico), you might wonder whether they’ve just finished a class with Professor Snape. Of course, the tradition of wearing these robes is actually a lot older than Rowling’s novel and has been passed through the generations until this day.

The majestic staircase of Livraria Lello – amaianos/Flickr

The old town

The historic center of Porto – Ribeira – is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Now, it won’t be a surprise for you to learn that medieval buildings and cobbled streets always make me happy – thank god Europe has so many beautiful old towns to explore. This one, however, felt a little different to all the others I’ve been to; more authentic and even somewhat abandoned, but in a good way. Its beautiful tall and narrow buildings are decorated with the colored tiles typical of Portuguese, and after spending some time wandering around there’s a good chance you’ll start asking yourself: “is it really okay to stop every few minutes to admire a beautiful door, or there is something very wrong with me?”

The colors of Porto – Juan Antonio Segal/flickr

The views

Porto is a city built on hills, which means you’re in for some exhausting climbing: up and down, and up and down, and again and again… But it also makes for some incredible views of the city and the river, which winds its way through Porto. Here are some of best viewpoints in the city:

• The Dom Luís I Bridge – with the picturesque Ribeira district on one side, the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other and the Douro River between them.
• Ribeira – this is the perfect place to enjoy a calm evening sitting by the river, admiring the stillness of the water and the lights of the bridge above it.
• Crystal Palace Gardens – this beautiful eight-hectare park also happens to be the perfect spot for watching the sunset over the river.
• Clerigos Tower – where you’ll be treated with a 360-degree view from the top of a more than 250-year-old tower.
• Farol Molhe do Douro – which offers views of the endless ocean and its crashing waves.

A breathtaking sunset over Porto, as seen from Crystal Palace Gardens – Nesi Zelenkova/ www.203challenges.com

The wine

Porto is famous for its sweet red Port wine, and you’ll be in heaven thanks to the wide variety of local producers to choose from. Cross one of the six bridges and you’ll end up in wine-lovers’ paradise: Vila Nova de Gaia, with its countless wine cellars, each one offering tours and tasting sessions. You can also take a cruise along the Douro River to admire the vine terraces from the water and see where your wine came from.

Barcos rabelos boats used for transporting wine from Gaia to Porto – Güldem Üstün/flickr

The food

One sentence is enough to explain just how good Porto food is: “The world needs nata!” This egg tart pastry can be found in every bakery (and there are a lot of those here), and makes for the perfect breakfast or dessert (and if you ask me, the perfect lunch, dinner or appetizer – basically a dish I’d be happy to live on for the rest of my days).

I wouldn’t mind if there were more Francesinha in the world, as well. Although bread, ham, sausage, steak, melted cheese, tomato and beer sauce, and french fries all together might sound a bit like cardiac arrest – or at least enough to render you immobile for an hour – it is one of the most delicious Portuguese meals. You should definitely try it while in Porto.

You just need nata, don’t you? – Nesi Zelenkova/www.203challenges.com

Don’t forget to pin it before going to buy your plane tickets:

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The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa

Fernando Pessoa is probably the greatest Portuguese writer and poet of all time. Walking around Lisbon, one is sure to stumble upon at least one of his monuments or even his last residence – now a cultural space and bookshop. It’s only fair to get to know who this great man was and what he wrote.

The Book of Disquiet is his most famous work, which was actually unfinished and published around 50 years after his death. The book is hard to define – it is part autobiography, part personal diary, prose, poetry, and descriptive narrative. It is considered one of the greatest modernist works, not only in Portugal but in the whole world.

Fernando Pessoa is also known for developing the concept of literary heteronyms – imaginary characters created by the writer that write instead of him. Heteronyms are similar to pen names, with the difference being that they have their own writing styles and often their own imaginary biographies. Pessoa had around 70 heteronyms and the one that was closest to the real Fernando Pessoa, Bernardo Soares, was actually the name The Book of Disquiet was signed under.

Famous American literary critic George Steiner says about the book that it “gives to Lisbon the haunting spell of Joyce’s Dublin or Kafka’s Prague.”

Pessoa’s statue outside Lisbon’s famous coffeehouse: “A Brasileira”.

The year of the death of Ricardo Reis by José Saramago

Jose Saramago, one of the most acclaimed writers in the world today and the winner of the Noble Prize in Literature in 1998, also comes from Portugal.

The main character of the book, Ricardo Reis, who is actually one of the heteronyms of Fernando Pessoa, comes back to Lisbon after having lived for 16 years in Brazil. He spends the last year of his life there, staying in a hotel, spending his days wandering around the grey and melancholic Lisbon streets and having philosophical conversations with the ghost of Pessoa. All that happens while the dictatorship of Salazar is establishing its control over the country.

Discover 10 beautiful quotes on Portugal

Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal’s History and Culture by José Saramago

Saramago’s other famous work is the book he wrote to show his love for the history, culture, and beauty of his country. Narrating in the third person, referring to himself as ‘the traveler’, he takes the reader on a journey through Portugal beyond the tourist sites and travel guides. His writing brings to life every city, town and natural landmark he discovers during the itinerary.

Night train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

This masterpiece by Swiss author Pascal Mercier is a lot more than travel inspiration – it is a philosophical novel that asks and answers questions about decisions, loneliness, love, and death. The story follows the investigation of Swiss teacher Raimund Gregorius: one day on his way to work he saves a young Portuguese woman from suicide. She disappears immediately afterward, leaving behind only a book by Amadeu de Prado. Spontaneously, Raimund decides to investigate the story of de Prado and takes the night train to Lisbon. His journey leads him through the mysterious streets of Lisbon and introduces him to live under the oppressive regime of Salazar when the wise doctor Amadeus de Prado lived.

In 2013, a movie based on the book was released, starring Jeremy Irons and Melanie Laurent.

To learn more about the Salazar regime and the resistance covered in the book, you might want to visit the Museum of Aljube in Lisbon.

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley

Roger Crowley is a New York Times bestselling writer and historian who tells the story of how the great Portuguese conquerors turned the poor kingdom of Portugal into one of the largest and longest-lived colonial empires in the world. Though highly informative, the book is nothing like a typically boring academic work. Instead, it captivates the reader by turning historical figures into living characters and remains fascinating from beginning to end.

Pin it for later:

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“The journey, not the destination matters…”

Having said that, here are a few random snapshots of castles in Europe for you to consider. We reckon they make the perfect travel antidote for that moment when you feel like giving up on normal life and becoming a Medieval princess or knight.

Old Castle – Celje, Slovenia

This 12th-century castle has always been one of the biggest and most magnificent forts in Slovenia, no matter how often its residents have changed. One of the attractions of the castle – Frederick’s Tower – reveals the intriguing legend behind an impossible love story: the romance between Frederick, son of Count Herman II, and a beautiful maiden named Veronika. Count Herman II did not approve of their love, so he threw Frederick in the tower and left him there for more than four years until he died.

Veliki Tabor – Northwest Croatia

The poor maiden from the story of the previous castle managed to run away from the angry count at first, but was eventually caught and imprisoned by his soldiers in Veliki Tabor Castle and later drowned in a large vat in the castle’s yard. Her body is believed to be built into the wall connecting the entrance of the castle and the pentagonal tower.

Centuries after these horrific events, the castle is now a museum displaying old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords and many more interesting exhibits. The building itself stands out as one of the most important historical examples of secular architecture in Croatia.

Brissac Castle – south of the city of Angers in France

The original castle here was built in the 11th century, and in the 15th century it was renovated by the Duke of Brissac. The twin towers, however, remained the same and can still be seen with their original facades. This castle is known as one of the most haunted places in the world – people claim to have seen and heard the ghost of the Lady in the Green Dress, a victim of a double murder that happened here in the 15th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle – near the town of Fussen, Bavaria, Germany

This famous castle was built by King Ludwig II, who is known as ‘The Fairytale King’. The spectacular surroundings of the castle – which sits atop a hill in the Alps of Bavaria – contribute to the fairytale ambiance it exudes. King Ludwig II is known to have admired and supported legendary composer Richard Wagner; the castle is actually built in his honor and the interior is inspired by some of his works.

Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create The Magic Kingdom.

Birr Castle – Birr, County Offaly, Ireland

Birr Castle was built in the 12th century and now serves as the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse, which is why the residential part of the castle is not open to tourists. However, you can visit the gardens, which are home to many beautiful rare plants, as well as waterfalls, rivers and lakes. As you explore the grounds you’ll find the ‘Great Telescope’, which was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse and for 70 years remained the largest telescope in the world. It is nowadays arguably the largest historical scientific instrument still working.

Castle of Dona Chica – Braga, Portugal

The combination of architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Romanesque – as well as the creative mix of construction materials makes the appearance of this castle unique. The name Chica comes from the nickname of its original patroness, Francisca Peixoto Rego. Over the years the castle has changed hands many times, leading to plenty of discussion as to what should be done with it. However, none of these ideas have been turned into a reality, and the castle remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in the world – a must-see for those into ruins and abandoned sites.

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Food plays an essential role in my life. I’ve always appreciated local produce and high-quality ingredients that can be combined to create authentic soul food. If you add delicious wine, strong coffee and good company, your experience will turn into a feast for your senses.

As one of my biggest food and travel inspirations – Mark Weins – says:

“I believe when you travel, there’s no better way to connect with people, than through food.”

Ready to test your taste buds? This exquisite bucket list will give you food for thought.

Fresh coconut and tropical fruits in Hawaii (or any other exotic island)

Once you’ve set foot in Hawaii, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fruit you never imagined existed and can’t even pronounce – rambutan, egg fruit, pitaya (dragon fruit), poha berry, cherimoya, lilikoi, longan, mangosteen… the list goes on and on. I recommend trying as many as of these exotic fruits as you can, if only for the sake of it. Coconut water is the to-go drink in Hawaii – healthy, rich and refreshing. For a sweet and healthy fruit snack, make sure you try the island’s locally grown lychees, mangoes, guavas, papayas or pineapples.

Sushi and sashimi in Japan

© Lina Kirilova

If you had asked me before my trip “Why Japan?” I would’ve said “For the food!” I love sushi, and where else can you enjoy this iconic dish in its finest form? The best sushi can definitely be found around the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, an area full of affordable restaurants. If you want to step up your food game,  book yourself in for an exclusive fine-dining experience at Yoshihashi, or aim even higher and head to Narisawa – officially rated the second-best restaurant in Asia.

Coffee in Colombia

Colombia is one of the few countries in the world that grows only the fine-flavored variety of Arabica coffee beans. Coffee tourism has grown so popular that the country now offers a wide range of tasting tours around the various plantations. Even though there are big coffee chains emerging (Starbucks opened in 2014), Colombia is more focused on developing its coffee culture by opening new specialty coffee shops. 

Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and espresso in Italy

Italian cuisine is world-famous, appealing to and satisfying almost any taste. Pizza, pasta, seafood, wine, coffee, mouthwatering desserts – you name it, the Italians have perfected it. Napoli is renowned for having the best pizza because they believe in keeping it simple – tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil is all you need. When in Sicily, make sure you try the traditional southern dessert of cannoli, filled with smooth ricotta. Anywhere else in the country, indulge your sweet tooth in tiramisu or gelato. Ask anyone in Rome where to get the best tiramisu and they’ll most likely give you one of the following answers:

#1: “Tiramisu? My nonna makes the best tiramisu in Rome!” or

#2: “Pompi!” (the city’s most famous cake shop)

If tiramisu isn’t your thing, aim for a scoop – there’s hardly a bad gelato in the whole country! Finish off with a shot of espresso taken right at the bar.

Tapas, paella, gazpacho, jamon serrano or churros in Spain

© Lina Kirilova

Spain – and especially Catalonia – has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred chefs in Europe. Once in Spain, it’s your duty to eat like a local and indulge in some tapas! There are a number of decent tapas bars in any big city. Valencia claims to have the best paella, while jamon and churros are the most reliable sweet treats throughout the whole country.

Pastel de nata in Portugal

Pastel de nata | © Lina Kirilova

Pastel de nata – also known as Pastel de Belem – is one of the main reasons to visit Portugal. This typical custard tart can be found anywhere throughout the country, but its historical roots lead back to 1837 in Belem – one of the historical districts of Lisbon. This delicious dessert simply consists of eggs, sugar, pastry dough, cream filling and cinnamon. You can taste the tradition in Pasteis de Belem bakery, which still offers the unique Portuguese sweet made using traditional methods. Coffee and wine complement the dish nicely.

Seafood in the Mediterranean

© Lina Kirilova

I’ve already mentioned three Mediterranean countries that offer an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood: Italy, Spain and Portugal. But there are more! Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Turkey also make the list. Take a trip to one of these coastal countries to indulge in calamari, squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, octopus, eel, oysters and all varieties of freshly caught fish.

Dates in Qatar

Dates are not just a dried fruit in the Middle East; they’re a ritual. I discovered their delicious richness during a long layover in Doha’s international airport. I was wandering around the shops looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth when my attention was drawn to a stand offering a variety of dates. There were plain dates, dates filled with roasted nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews – and dates covered in premium Belgian chocolate. Each bite was a taste of gourmand paradise. It was only later that I discovered the true significance of dates; along with a cup of bitter black coffee, these soft fruits are used as a welcome dish and a sign of hospitality.

Dim sum in China (or Chinatown)

© Lina Kirilova

I was first introduced to dim sum in the narrow streets of Chinatown, San Francisco – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. I was starving after a long day spent running up and down the hills of San Francisco when a sudden encounter with a local brought me to Chinatown for a finger-licking snack. As I devoured the savory snack, I asked myself: what are these dim sum made of? Well, they are small steamed dumplings made with a range of different fillings – from shrimp, beef, and pork to leek, cabbage, daikon and even sweet rice. 

Sachertorte in Vienna

Sachertorte has been around since 1832, and it’s probably one of the most famous cakes in the whole world. Despite this, the original recipe remains a well-kept secret in the Sacher Café in Vienna. In order to indulge in a heavenly piece of chocolate-y Sachertorte, you’ll have to wait in line between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the season. However, the cafe’s staff do a pretty good job of getting people in and out as quickly as possible, allowing the masses to enjoy the sweet treat. For maximum deliciousness, pair the cake with a cup of traditional Viennese coffee: a mélange or a franziskaner.

***

Does this list seem too challenging for you? You can also travel for food without even leaving your own city. How? Just go to that Indian restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or look for a cafe selling a cultural cuisine you’ve never tasted before and give it a shot. We challenge you to experiment – it could be Ethiopian or Mexican, Thai or Turkish, Nepali or Vietnamese. Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll find a world of tempting food just waiting to be devoured.

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If you are just starting to plan your Portuguese vacation, check out our suggestions for the best coastal towns here – it might spice up your itinerary. Keep on reading! 

Aveiro

A stunning landscape dominated by water, Aveiro is a picturesque holiday location equipped to cater to your every need. In no way can you miss it the next time you visit, so it might be good to know a bit more about it. 

Located only about 75 kilometers from Porto, the city is often considered the Portuguese version of Venice, with canals stretching all across, only a bit less lavish and more tourist-friendly. 

Aveiro is actually a super important trading center and seaport, but the industrial never really seeps through once you visit. You can never quite get a hold of that, so it is super easy to enjoy it as a simple, picturesque coastal town, perfect for relaxation and light exploration. 

The delicious cuisine, Spanish wine, and scenic surroundings are all very easily reachable. Just take the train from Lisbon to Porto, and from there, you have less than an hour’s drive. 

Tavira

One of the prettiest towns in the country, Tavira is a dream come true, nestled between two foothills and adorned with natural Spanish terrain that includes the Algarve coastline. 

While the town is relatively popular among tourists, many tend to forget there is more to it than just a pretty facade. You can explore quite a lot, visiting places like the Principal Church, Tavira’s Castle, or the Roman Bridge. The perfect combo between a sweet seaside and historical elements makes Tavira one of the most exciting towns to visit in Portugal. 

Of course, if you are aiming for a relaxing holiday admiring the Algarve coastline, make sure you take plenty of walks on the riverside and find a beach to your liking. Tavira can be whatever you want it to be! 

Lagos

Another popular name but very well-deserved, Lagos is a charming yet wealthy town known for its marine landscape and buzzing nightlife. Interested yet? 

Sitting at the mouth of the Bensafrim River and the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos ranks as one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Portugal. The majority of inhabitants work in agriculture and forestry, and the constant care is evident once you visit. The cityscape is nothing short of impeccable, so it feels like you are visiting a live-action postcard!

Due to its wide variety of tourist-friendly beaches, bars, restaurants, rock formations, and shops, Lagos is often overcrowded and constantly loud. However, not all coastal towns are serene and calm, so if you do not mind the movement, grab a ticket right now. 

Peniche

Once again proving how Portugal is the perfect combination of old history and colorful maritime, Peniche is a must-see.

With a cityscape dating back to the 16th century and plenty of historical establishments to back it up, the town works for those who like to explore and have fun at the same time. There are numerous tours available for the history buff inside of you, exploring places like the Fortress of Peniche, the Bobbin Lace Museum, or a political prison. 

However, when the talking and listening get too much, find a beach closest to you and prepare for an afternoon soaking up the sun, soaking in the water, and maybe mix a cold beverage in between.

Cascais

Last but not least, let’s explore one of Portugal’s best gems and exciting destinations – Cascais! 

The vibrant atmosphere is evident from the first step you take. Colorful buildings, laid-back people, loud vendors, and street music pulls you in and seduces you into not making you want to leave. 

In reality, though, Cascais is mostly suitable for a day trip if you like those. You can spend a good amount of morning exploring the historical side of the town, and once the dangerous sun settles a bit, moving forward to one of the beaches. 

However, if you want to spend more time here and really have the full version of a lavish Portuguese holiday, we suggest looking up Cascais’ resorts. There are several high-ranking, affordable, and very comfortable resorts, ensuring you have the best time here! 

Follow our suggestions and make plans for the best seaside holiday of your life! Do not forget your sunscreen and bathing suit – that is all you need, really. Jokes aside, make sure to have some sort of plan if you are going for a few days; if it is a day trip, let yourself get a little lost and let your heart guide you – these towns are easy to navigate. Good luck! 

The post Portugal’s Best Coastal Towns: Exploring the Country’s Stunning Seaside appeared first on 203Challenges.

The first place I will take you to in Lisbon is… Baixa-Chiado – two neighbourhoods in the heart of the city that stretch from the coast to the main boulevard Avenida da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue). The streets in Baixa are named after the shop-owners and craftsmen, who traded in the area. Here past and modernity meet. Walking around Baixa is almost magical. In addition to the magnificent buildings, the huge coastal square Plaza del Comercio, the elegant square Praça do Rossio, the main boulevard Avenida da Liberdade, the old trams and the elevator Elevador de Santa Justa, (which gives an incredible view to the city), here you can find stores offering elegant and alternative couture, fado restaurants, cafes and museums.

Whenever I want to enjoy some tranquillity, I go to… Belem. In Belem you can find cafes sheltered in beautiful traditional houses, tables in the open by the Belem Tower garden.

The best place for coffee and cake is… Antiga Confeitaria de Belem Café, where they have been serving the delicious cream tart pastry known as Pastel de nata. In fact, the great Portuguese sailors would set out for their discovery missions from Belem neighbourhood itself. There are several monuments by the river, which are worth visiting, such as the Belem Tower (Torre de Belem), the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos) and the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos).

If you come to Lisbon, make sure you take a picture with… the statue of Fernando Pessoa – one of the greatest Portuguese poets. The statue is on Garret Street (Rua Garret), in Chiado neighbourhood, near the emblematic cafe Cafe a Brasiliera.

From the local cuisine make sure you try… cozido à portuguesa (vegetables with different types of meat and sausage) or dried fish (Bacalhau).

When I want to escape the crowds, I go to… Gulbenkian Park. There is an open-air amphitheater for 1,000 people, the park with the lake in the background. During the day, lots of locals turn it into a special place for resting, reading or meditating. In addition, on stage are dance, theater and musical performances – mainly in the summer.

Lisbon residents would never… stop loving their city. Lisbon has a unique natural light and a special atmosphere, which make it one of the most beautiful cities I know.

Few people know that… Lisbon s cobbled pavements are a real work of art. The traditional Portuguese cobbled roads appear and develop during the restoration works after the devastating earthquake in 1755. Everything started with the cobbles at Rossio Square (Praca do Rossio), which soon reached other cities in Portugal, Brazil, Macao and other colonies.

In the spring you should… visit the Nations Park (Parque das Nacoes) – amazing contemporary architecture by the river, in full contrast with the old neighborhoods. One of the world’s most impressive oceanariums is located here. In addition, there is a watch tower, harbor and lots of places where you can grab a bite or a drink in the open while looking at one of the longest bridges in the world – Vasco da Gama.

In the summer you should… visit one of the summer festivals. The biggest is Optimus Alive – a series of concerts. Green Day, Depeche Mode and Kings of Leon among others have performed there. In addition, you should go to the beach. You can choose between Cascais and Costa da Caparica. Both places offer big sand dunes and opportunities to surf, kite surf, body-board, windsurf, etc.

In the autumn you should… take a walk around Baixa and Chiado, snuggled in a warm coat, eating roasted chestnuts bought from street vendors. The weather in Lisbon is mild and you can do the same things in spring and in autumn. You may worry about the rain only in winter.

Discover 10 beautiful quotes on Portugal

In the winter you should… find yourself a quiet and warm place to have a cup of warm tea while reading a book. You can also spare some time for culture, museums (the Fado Museum, the Design Museum), concerts or the theater. If you feel like shopping, you can choose between several trade centers. I personally prefer Atrium Saldanha because there are live piano performances in the late afternoon. The biggest malls, however, are Centro Comercial Colombo, Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama and Dolce Vita Tejo.

The best one-day trip from Lisbon is to… Sintra. It is located 30 minutes away from the capital and will impress you with its mystical hills, on which fairy-tale castles and extravagant villas are perched. North of Lisbon there are several excellent beaches – Praia da Adraga (among BBC’s top 20 European beaches), the spacious Praia Grande and Praia das Macas.

Only in Lisbon you can see… the Santos Populares celebrations. In Lisbon we celebrate St. Anthony the Matchmaker’s Day on 12 and 13 June. “Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, find me a husband” is one of the most popular refrains at this time. But as we also honor the saints Sao Pedro and Sao João, the celebrations last a whole week. We decorate the streets with balloons and colorful paper arches and in the old neighborhoods (Alfama, Ajuda, Mouraria) there are street stands where you can buy red wine and sardines. People dance traditional dances on the streets.

Along Avenida da Liberdade boulevard, on 12 June there is a parade of the city neighborhoods called Marchas Populares. Hundreds of people in colorful costumes march in the spirit of the traditions of their part of the capital – fishermen, old crafts, etc, competing to be the best among the neighborhoods.

There is another tradition on Saint Anthony’s Day – if you love someone, you give them a love letter or a love verse attached to a basil stem.

When I want to take a walk in nature, I go to… the Botanic garden in Principe Real quarter. At its opening in 1873 it was considered the best botanic garden in Southern Europe. Today, although slightly neglected in some parts, you can still see one of Europe s richest subtropical plant collections there. In addition, the thick exotic flowers, trees and bushes (18 000 species in total, all of them labeled) are the coolest place in Lisbon. The other option is Monsanto Park from where you can see entire Lisbon. There are also lots of animals here.

>>> Read more from our Through the Eyes of a Local series.

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Oh salty sea, how much of your salt Is tears from Portugal? – Fernando Pessoa

I’ve got two places I like to be. Portugal is one. – Cliff Richard

But Portugal has a peaceful feel about it. I sit on the terrace overlooking the vineyard there and I feel cut off from the world. You need that sort of thing. – Cliff Richard

By day Lisbon has a naive theatrical quality that enchants and captivates, but by night it is a fairy-tale city, descending over lighted terraces to the sea, like a woman in festive garments going down to meet her dark lover. – Erich Maria Remarque

The only thing that matters is to feel the fado. The fado is not meant to be sung; it simply happens. You feel it, you don’t understand it and you don’t explain it. – fado singer Amália Rodrigues

I heard a musician talking about hip-hop, saying that in some ways hip-hop was the CNN for black people. In a way I think fado was the CNN of that time for the working classes because it was the fadista who used to bring all the news and he was the one who used to open the people’s eyes to what was happening in the country. – fado singer Mariza

I grew up in Portugal, and people there party ’til 7 or 8 in the morning there. – Sara Sampaio

Portugal have a national team called Cristiano Ronaldo and a group of players who run after him. – Carlos Queiroz

Lisbon, to me, 
is the Lisbon of Pessoa. 
Just like London is Woolf’s, 
or rather, Mrs. Dalloway’s. 
Barcelona is Gaudí’s 
and Rome is da Vinci’s. 
You see them in every crevice 
and hear their echoes 
in every cathedral. 
I’d like to be the child, 
or rather, the mother of a city 
but I neither have a home 
nor a resting place. 
My race is humankind. 
My religion is kindness. 
My work is love 
and, well, my city 
is the walls of your heart.
― Kamand Kojouri

Portuguese is cheerful and sweet, like a language of birds. – Paulo Rónai 

Read more: 5 books about Portugal to read before you visit it

5 little-known spots in Lisbon (shared by a local)

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Viewing Platforms of Lisbon

Lisbon is also known as the city of seven hills, which means that there are plenty of places you can go to enjoy the Portuguese capital from up high. My advice is to visit at least a few of the viewing platforms, called miradouros in Portuguese. Some of the more famous ones are Miradouro da Graca, Miradouro da Penha da Franca, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de Santa Katarina, Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, and Mirarouro do Castelo de Sao Jorge.

Miradouro Senhora do Monte, Lisbon | Raphaël Chekroun

Bairro Alto

This is Lisbon’s liveliest nighttime neighborhood. The colorful facades and fences, covered in graffiti, are camouflage for numerous restaurants, serving local and international food, Fado houses, bars, and alternative shops, which remain open to visitors until late at night.

Discover 10 beautiful quotes on Portugal

Fado House Tasca do Chico

This is the oldest Fado house in Bairro Alto. Here you won’t simply hear the music, you will experience it.

Fado in Lisbon

Docks of Santo Amaro

The docks underneath the bridge 25th of April, stretch through the Alcantara neighborhood, from Baixa to Belem. This is one of the most relaxing places to enjoy a late afternoon drink, while in the evening the docks become cheerful and crowded. Abandoned warehouses, with a view of the yacht port, have been transformed into cosmopolitan bars, clubs, and restaurants for every taste. If you prefer leisurely walks, then this can be your starting point to the landmarks of Belem. Getting there takes about 30 minutes by foot, through the lush meadows around the river.

LX Factory

LX Factory in Alcantara district is a chain of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants housed in old factory premises. This urban fragment was kept secret for years but is now available for fashion, marketing, cultural and many other events and exhibitions. Perfect for a cup of coffee in creative surroundings.

LX Factory in Lisbon

>>> Read more from our Through the Eyes of a Local series.

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Not every bookstore is just a bookstore. Some are legendary and deserve your very special attention. Here are a couple of ideas. In the meantime – find your own bookstore that goes with a special story.

Lello Bookstore, Porto, Portugal

Lello Bookstore in Porto, Portugal | Michał Huniewicz/Flickr

Situated in downtown Porto, this is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. Lello’s two levels are connected with a huge red winding stairway. The pillars are ornamented with bronze bas-reliefs of famous figures from Portuguese literature. It’s probably the most inspiring place to grab a book in Portugal.

Selexyz Dominicanen Bookstore in Maastricht, the Netherlands

Selexyz Bookstore in Maastricht, Netherlands | Jorge Franganillo/Flickr

In 2007, the first bookstore in a church emerged in Maastricht, the Netherlands – Selexyz Dominicanen. The Gothic church, recently turned into a temple of books, was built in 1294. In 1794, Napoleon’s army took over the church as they decided it would be more godly to use it for military purposes. Since then it has been used as an archive, warehouse and parking lot for bikes before finally becoming a bookstore.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ateneo Bookstore, Argentina | Deensel/Flickr

It is situated in the building of the former Gran Splendid Theater holding 1050 seats. Its original architecture is completely preserved – the scenery, offices, the red curtain, the balconies and the boxes. Except that there are now bookshelves where there used to be audience seats.

Moscow House of Books, Moscow, Russia

Novy Arbat street and the immediate vicinity is an area famous for its bookstores. Located here is the Moscow House of Books (Dom Knigi) – the biggest bookstore in Russia with a history dating back half a century. Today they sell books, organize holidays, festivals and charity events.

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