Portugal: Land of Tile
Portugal has been on my bucket list for so long and I’m so glad I finally made it out there!
Cue me obsessing over every single piece of pretty tile the entire time.
It’s been gaining in popularity the last few years, but I still think that it’s one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, where golden beaches, historic cities, incredible food, and warm hospitality come together to create the ultimate travel experience. It’s a place that feels both timeless and exciting. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just the amazing vibes, Portugal will steal your heart.
We started out in Lisbon, took the train to Porto, then flew to Sao Miguel Island in the Azores before flying home. Let’s get into the details:
Lisbon: the bustling city
Lisbon is one of those cities that just grabs you—a mix of old-world beauty, artistic energy, and the best pastries you’ll ever eat. Between the stunning viewpoints, charming neighborhoods, and incredible food, this trip was the perfect mix of history, culture, and indulgence.
Where we stayed
We checked into 9Hotel Mercy, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Chiado. The location was perfect for exploring—close to shopping (Chiado is the shopping district!), restaurants, and some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights. Lisbon’s trams, cable cars, and metro system made getting around super easy. Riding the trams through the city was so fun!
What we did
The Landmarks:
Belém Tower – One of Lisbon’s most famous sights, standing right on the water. We loved wandering along the river and taking in the views.
Jerónimos Monastery – A jaw-dropping masterpiece of Gothic architecture with intricate details everywhere you look. Note: You can buy tickets online, but physical tickets must be purchased at the stands across the street/tram tracks from the Monastery.
Basilica da Estrela – We climbed to the rooftop for stunning panoramic views of the city, then strolled through the peaceful Estrela Garden nearby.
Palace Fronteira – A hidden gem with gorgeous tile-covered walls and lush gardens. Definitely a favorite for history lovers!
The Art & Culture Scene:
LXFactory – A former factory turned into a trendy hub of artsy boutiques, street art, and cute cafés.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum – Often called one of the world’s best small museums, and we totally agree! The art collection is incredible. Note: They have discounts for anyone under 30 years old!
National Tile Museum – My absolute favorite museum in Lisbon! The history and craftsmanship of Portugal’s iconic azulejos were on full display.
Dorey Tile Shop – A must-visit if you’re obsessed with Portuguese tiles (like me!).
Iconic Neighborhoods:
Chiado – Lisbon’s elegant shopping district with boutiques, bookstores, and historic cafés.
Praca do Comercio – The city’s largest and most stunning plaza, right by the river.
Pink Street – One of Lisbon’s most Instagram-famous spots, packed with bars and nightlife.
Where we ate
TimeOut Market – If you’ve been to Union Market (DC) or Chelsea Market (NYC), this is Lisbon’s version—tons of incredible food vendors in one spot.
Dear Breakfast – Get there early—the lines are long, but the brunch is worth it!
Limoncello – Cozy Italian spot with delicious pasta and wine.
Hygge Kaffe – A super cute brunch café with amazing coffee and chai lattes.
Adega das Gravatas – A fun, traditional restaurant covered in ties—a unique and quirky spot with great Portuguese food.
Pastéis de Nata – Obviously, we had to try Portugal’s famous custard tarts, and they were everything and more.
Places we wished we had time for
Quinta dos Azulejos Garden – A beautiful hidden garden full of azulejos (Portuguese tiles).
Monastery of São Vicente de Fora – Another stunning monastery with incredible tilework.
Day trip to Setúbal – Known for beaches, seafood, and dolphin-spotting—definitely on the list for next time!
Noobai – A rooftop café with amazing views that we kept hearing about.
Our Lady of the Hill Viewpoint – One of Lisbon’s best panoramic viewpoints.
MAAT Museum – A modern art and architecture museum that looks super cool.
Museum of Decorative Arts – A hidden gem that we didn’t make it to this time.
Day trip to Sintra & Cascais
We took the train from Lisbon to Sintra, which was super easy and affordable. From the station, we grabbed an Uber up the steep hills to our first stop—Pena Palace. (Pro tip: Get there early! The crowds can be wild. The taxi drivers will also try to convince you that Ubers there are unreliable. DON’T LISTEN.)
What we did in Sintra:
Pena Palace — The crown jewel of Sintra—a vibrant, fairytale-like palace perched high in the mountains. The mix of bright yellows, deep reds, and intricate tilework made it feel straight out of a Disney movie. The views from the terraces were insane—you can see all the way to the ocean on a clear day!
Moorish Castle — Right next to Pena Palace, this ancient fortress was a complete change of scenery—stone walls, watchtowers, and panoramic views over Sintra. Climbing along the walls felt like stepping back in time (and also gave us a great leg workout).
Vale dos Lagos e Pateira — A peaceful, hidden gem near Pena Palace, filled with fairytale-like ponds, charming bridges, and lush greenery. It was the perfect spot to take a breather after all the castle-hopping.
What We Wished We Had Time For:
We loved Sintra, but honestly, one day wasn’t enough! We missed out on:
Monserrate Palace – A stunning, exotic-style palace with Moorish and Indian influences.
Quinta da Regaleira – Home to the famous Initiation Well, a spiral staircase leading deep underground—it looks like something out of an adventure movie.
A Quick Stop in Cascais:
After Sintra, we took an Uber to Cascais, a charming coastal town about 20-30 minutes away. Cascais has beachy vibes, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect way to end the day. We grabbed dinner at Gandhi Palace, an amazing Indian restaurant. After a long day of exploring, a warm bowl of curry and fresh naan hit the spot! Then it was an easy train ride back to Lisbon.
Porto: The Charming City
Porto is one of those cities that completely wins you over—with its historic streets, azulejo-covered churches, and incredible food and wine, it’s the perfect mix of laid-back and lively. We took the train up from Lisbon for a few days of exploring, eating, and, of course, drinking plenty of wine!
Where we stayed
We checked into Portobay Flores, a beautiful hotel right in the heart of Porto. The location was perfect for walking everywhere, and the hotel itself had a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.
The wine tour
One of the absolute highlights of the trip was the Douro Valley Wine Tour with Living Tours. The day included:
Visiting two stunning vineyards, where we learned about the history of port wine and the entire winemaking process.
A river cruise through the Douro Valley, surrounded by rolling vineyards and postcard-perfect scenery.
A delicious lunch at the second vineyard, paired with even more wine—because when in Porto, right?
If you love wine (or just want to spend a day soaking up breathtaking landscapes), this is a must-do!
The landmarks
Praça da Ribeira – The city’s most scenic riverside square, lined with colorful buildings and lively cafés. Perfect for people-watching with a glass of wine.
Capela Das Almas (Chapel of Souls) – A church covered in thousands of blue-and-white azulejos—one of the most beautiful in Porto! (And my personal fav).
Church of Saint Ildefonso – Another stunning blue-tiled church, right in the middle of the city.
Porto São Bento Train Station – Even if you’re not taking a train, stop in just to see the walls—they’re covered in 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portugal’s history.
Porto Cathedral – A historic cathedral with a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, plus amazing city views from the terrace.
Prometeu Artesanato – A cute tile shop where we picked up some authentic Portuguese azulejos!
Where we ate
Bacalhau – A beautiful riverside restaurant specializing in Portugal’s famous salt cod dishes. Also, had one of the most delicious desserts of my life there! Some cinnamon concoction with ice cream.
Mistu – A trendy spot with delicious seafood and great cocktails—highly recommend!
What we wished we had time for
Restaurante Costume Bistro – Heard amazing things about this place, but we couldn’t squeeze it in!
Majestic Café – One of Porto’s most famous cafés, known for its elegant, Belle Époque interior.
Museu da Cidade – A museum dedicated to Porto’s history, with exhibits spread across multiple locations.
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas – A viewpoint with some of the best panoramic views of Porto.
The Azores:
São Miguel is an island straight out of a dream—lush green landscapes, volcanic crater lakes, and dramatic coastlines everywhere you turn. We flew over from Porto and picked up our rental car through AzoresEasyRent. São Miguel is super small, so having a car made it easy to drive all over the island without worrying about schedules or tours. Highly recommend renting one!
Where we stayed
We based ourselves in Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, and stayed at Hotel Casa Hintze Ribeiro. The hotel had a great location, comfy rooms, and a cozy, boutique feel—perfect for exploring the island and coming back to relax after long days of adventure.
Where we ate
Quinta dos Sabores – A 6-course farm-to-table meal with wine pairings—everything was locally sourced, and each dish was a work of art.
Cafetaria Gelataria – A casual, cozy spot for coffee and pastries—perfect for a relaxed morning.
A Tasca – One of the best spots for traditional Azorean food—great seafood, hearty portions, and an amazing atmosphere.
What we did
Nordeste – One of the most scenic regions on the island, with lush hills, winding roads, and stunning ocean views.
A Porta do Diabo – A dramatic, rugged coastline spot—the name translates to "The Devil’s Door," and the views definitely feel otherworldly!
Salto do Cabrito – A hidden waterfall in the middle of the forest, with a short but fun hike to get there.
Sete Cidades – One of the most famous views in the Azores, where you can see two crater lakes—one blue and one green—surrounded by volcanic mountains.
António Borges Garden – A peaceful botanical garden in Ponta Delgada, perfect for a morning walk.
Arruda Pineapple Plantation – Did you know the Azores grow pineapples? We visited this plantation to learn how they cultivate them in greenhouses—it smelled amazing!
Porto Formoso Tea Plantation – A picturesque tea plantation where we got to walk through the fields and sample some local tea.
Igreja de São Nicolau – A beautiful white and black church, with classic Azorean architecture.
Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos – A scenic viewpoint overlooking the ocean and fishing boats below.
Jardim Botânico José do Canto – Another stunning botanical garden, filled with exotic plants and a hidden waterfall.
Parque Atlântico Mall – A good stop for shopping or just a break in between sightseeing.
What we tried (and missed!)
Caldiera Velha – A natural hot spring in the middle of the forest, but unfortunately, it was either booked, closed, or under renovation when we tried to go. Huge bummer, but just another reason to come back!
Whale Watching – The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins, and we totally regret not making time for a tour.
Horseback Riding with Equitur – They offer scenic horseback rides through the mountains, lakes, and lush landscapes—definitely on the list for next time!
Furnas Baths – We really wanted to soak in these famous volcanic hot springs, but they were either booked, closed, or under renovation when we visited.
Lagoa do Empadadas – A lesser-known but gorgeous lake surrounded by forested hills.
Portugal has this perfect balance of old-world charm, natural beauty, and amazing food, and I already know I’ll be back (next time: visiting beaches in the south!). There’s still so much to see, eat, and experience—so consider me Portugal’s newest superfan. 10/10 recommend visiting!
Accommodations and many restaurant recs by Bon Vivant Travel Co
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
