Things to do in Porto
Architecture
📍 Monastery da Serra do Pilar An architectural landmark that glows with golden lights at night. The Miradouro da Serra do Pilar on the grounds is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset!
⛪ Igreja de São Francisco This church is decorated with more than 200kg of gold and features a unique “Tree of Jesse” sculpture depicting the lineage of Jesus.
✨ Igreja de Santa Clara Originally a Catholic convent, this structure features Gothic architecture and an interior filled with intricate gilded woodwork.
🌉 Ponte Dom Luís I A famous bridge designed by a student of the Eiffel Tower’s engineer! Take a jaunt across or stay a breath to watch the boats on the river.
🎨 Church of Santo Ildefonso An azulejos-covered church with a vintage feel, often surrounded by a craft market.
🏰 Sé do Porto The city’s imposing Monastery and Cathedral—a fortress-like structure overlooking the city.
Culture
🏛️ Palácio da Bolsa A palace that took 67 years to build. You can only enter on an official guided tour as it is the active headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto.
🔭 Torre dos Clérigos Travel up 240 stairs for a panoramic view of Porto. The ticket includes access to the museum of Catholic artifacts and artwork.
🚂 São Bento Station An aesthetically pleasing train station adorned with more than 20,000 of Portugal’s famous azulejos tiles.
🦚 Jardins do Palácio de Cristal A relaxing public garden with a tower, peacocks, peahens, and chickens roaming the grounds.
🚠 Teleférico de Gaia A cable car ride across the Douro River providing clear views of the city and the Dom Luís Bridge.
🏘️ Ribeira District A UNESCO World Heritage site on the riverbanks, breathtaking with picturesque houses, vendors, and vibrant nightlife.
🛍️ Rua de Santa Catarina A mile-long stretch of boutiques and international stores. Don’t miss the Capela das Almas(Chapel of Souls) nearby.
📚 Livraria Lello The stunning bookshop that inspired Harry Potter. Tickets are required (but discounted from book purchases). It gets packed, but the editions inside are beautiful.
🗺️ World of Discovery Perfect for guests with kids—a museum doubling as a theme park centered on the Age of Discovery.
🛍️ Shopping Spots Check out Urban Market for local creators or CLONE by Ana for high-end inspired fragrances without the price tag.
Food & Wine
🍽️ Local Dining Favorites Explore local gems like Congo, Taberna Santo António, Large Senhor do Padrão, O Afonso, and Bacalhau. For brunch, try Floresta Cafe.
🥧 Manteigaria A famous spot for Catherine’s favorite Portuguese snack: Pastel de Nata. Most cafes offer them, so shop around to find your favorite!
🍷 Port Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia Across the river is the spot for Port. Favorites include Cálem, Cockburn, Graham’s, Taylor’s, Burmester, Ferreira, Caves Poças, Sandeman, and Casa Ramos Pinto.
🌇 Rooftop & River Views Visit BOSCO for superior river views or Porto Cruz, which offers tastings and a rooftop bar.
🍔 McDonald’s Imperial Arguably the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world! Enjoy french fries in a stunning, historic cafe setting.
🐟 Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha A whimsical shop celebrating Portuguese sardine culture, wall-to-wall with colorful tinned fish.
🍷 The World of Wine Opened in 2021, this district features museums dedicated to port production, wine, and even chocolate!
🍇 Markets Visit Mercado Bom Sucesso or Mercado do Bolhão, a food hall filled with tasty treats and wine.
We hope Porto becomes as special to you as it is to us.
Things to do in Braga
Historic Landmarks & Architecture
⛰️ Bom Jesus do Monte A famous sanctuary and pilgrimage site known for its dramatic Baroque stairway.
🚪 Arco da Porta Nova An ancient gate that is always open; it is the origin of the city’s famous phrase “leaving the door open.”
⛪ Sé de Braga A beautifully preserved Roman Catholic Church and the oldest cathedral in Portugal.
⛪ São Martinho de Tibães A historic Benedictine monastery with ornate Rococo interiors.
Culture & Nature
🖼️ Biscainhos Museum A museum housed in a noble palace, showcasing decorative arts and daily life of the 17th–19th centuries.
🌹 Santa Bárbara Garden A stunning 17th-century public garden filled with colorful flowers and manicured hedges, set against the backdrop of the Archbishop’s Palace.
🦢 Quinta Lago dos Cisnes Translates to “Swan Lake Farm”—a picturesque venue often used for events, featuring lush surroundings and a tropical vibe.
Things to do in Aveiro
Essentials & Food
🚆 Getting There Take the train from Porto for a quick and scenic trip—tickets are approximately €4-5 each way.
🍬 Ovos Moles A must-try sweet treat! These famous local desserts are made of egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin wafer and often shaped like shells or fish.
Sights
🧂 Salinas de Aveiro Visit the historic salt flats to see traditional salt harvesting and get a unique, reflective photo-op.
🛶 The Canals Stroll along the water or take a ride on a colorful Moliceiro boat to see the city’s charming Art Nouveau architecture from the best angle.
Things to do in Lisbon
Sights & Landmarks
🏟️ Benfica Stadium (Estádio da Luz) The home of Matt’s favorite football team and where Catherine saw the Eras Tour. This stadium holds special love in both of their hearts. Tours are available to see the storied history of the team.
🏰 Castelo de São Jorge A historic castle overlooking the city. (Listed twice in your notes—definitely a must-see!)
🕍 Sé de Lisboa The oldest church in the city, an iconic cathedral with fortress-like features.
📍 Praça do Comércio The city’s magnificent main square facing the Tagus River.
🏗️ Elevador de Santa Justa A 19th-century lift that offers unique views over the downtown district.
🎨 MAAT Museum The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology—a modern architectural gem on the waterfront.
🚂 Tram 28 Probably the most recognizable symbol of Lisbon. This vintage trolley car is worth the ride, even if just for the photos.
🏗️ LX Factory A creative hub filled with shops, cafes, and street art in an industrial setting.
Districts & Views
🏘️ Alfama District The oldest and most traditional neighborhood in Lisbon, perfect for getting lost in narrow streets.
🌅 Miradouro das Portas do Sol A popular viewpoint offering sweeping views of the Alfama rooftops and the river.
🖼️ Miradouro de Santa Luzia A picture-perfect observation deck covered in beautiful azulejos (tiles).
🌳 Jardim Fialho de Almeida A pleasant garden space to relax in the city.
Belém & Day Trips
⛵ Belém Tower & Monastery The birthplace of the famous Pastéis de Belém. Worth a try for the novelty. Don’t miss the impressive Jerónimos Monastery nearby.
🏰 Day Trips: Sintra & Cascais Explore the magical palaces of Sintra, including the colorful Pena Palace and the Bussaco Palace (Note: Bussaco is further north, but often listed as a grand palace trip).
Culture & Shopping
🛍️ Avenida da Liberdade A wide, elegant avenue full of high-end shops and luxury boutiques.
🎶 Indaneite e uma chanca A perfect part of the city to listen to Fado music, an authentic part of Portuguese culture.
📚 Bookshops: Salted Books or Good Company Books Because no sightseeing list is complete without some bookshops!
👃 Next Memory Atelier A perfume shop where you get to create your own signature scent.
💍 Sentido da Cor A cute little jewelry shop where everything is made of stainless steel and is super affordable.
Food & Drink
🍽️ Local Favorites
Ponto Final: Iconic dining by the water.
Green Street: A trendy street filled with cafes and restaurants.
O Velho Eurico: A popular spot for traditional food.
Solar 31: Known for excellent seafood.
Cantinho da Amizade: A friendly local spot.
☕ Zara Café The only Zara in the world with a cafe! Worth a visit to get some shopping done and eat some treats.
🎭 Palácio do Grilo A unique dinner theater experience set inside a palace!
🍷 Bars & Rooftops
Magnolia Wine Bar: A cozy spot for wine lovers.
Ruby Rosa: A beautiful rooftop bar with views of the city.
🍗 Guarda Mar “Ring a doorbell for chicken!” (A fun, hidden gem experience).
🪞 Comadre A secret restaurant hidden behind a mirror—a truly magical dining atmosphere.