During one of my previous trips, I met someone from Portugal who shared a story about the “Hill of Kings,” a place filled with the most magnificent palaces. You step off the train and spend the day climbing the mountain, stopping at several fairytale-like castles until you reach the most vibrant one at the very top. Later, I found out that this magical place was Sintra, Portugal.
He also told me about the deep sorrow of Portugal, embedded in their soulful Fado singing—songs performed by women traditionally performed in taverns, filled with pain, longing, and stories of lost loved ones and wars that can easily leave you in tears. These tales struck a chord within me, and that was when I decided—I had to travel to Portugal.
If you only have a day or two in Portugal, Lisbon is the perfect destination, offering a mix of cultural sights and culinary delights. And you can easily combine it with a visit to the nearby fairy-tale town of Sintra. My trip to Lisbon lasted four days, and I have to say—four days in Portugal were not enough, but sometimes you have to take what you can get. So join me on a little virtual journey and let’s find out what to see in Portugal together.
Cost: Mix of free and paid attractions
Length: 4 days
How to get there: We got around the cities by public transport and walking and took a guided tour to reach Obidos
What to See in Lisbon, Portugal
If no one had told me, I would never have guessed that Lisbon had once been devastated by a catastrophic earthquake. The city feels so light, bright, and full of life that its tragic past seems almost impossible to imagine. Only in Lisbon’s historic sights like the roofless Carmo Convent does history whisper it’s reminders, but as you wander the hilly streets, past cheerful, sunlit facades adorned with vibrant tiles, it’s the city’s pulse of energy and resilience that truly defines it.
São Jorge Castle & the Panorama of Lisbon from the Castle Walls
Fairytale castles may belong to Sintra, but this Moorish fortress atop a hill, with its imposing walls and straight lines, resembles a mighty stronghold. And that’s what makes it fascinating. You can walk along the castle walls, gaze over Lisbon from above, and imagine life back in the 11th century.
Oh, and don’t be surprised—peacocks roam freely in the castle courtyard!If you decide to hike up to the Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle, you might pass by Lisbon Cathedral on the way. Since the entrance required a fee and I was visiting Lisbon on a bit of a budget, I didn’t go inside, so I can’t describe it firsthand. But if you love historic architecture, it might be worth a visit.
Santa Justa Lift – a Stand Alone Lift in the Middle of Lisbon?
Taking the lift requires a ticket, but you can admire it from the outside for free.
Santa Justa Lift is one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon. Though I didn’t take the lift up to the viewpoint, just seeing it in person (and snapping a photo) was a must do in Lisbon. After all, how could I say I had been to Lisbon without proof? It’s an intriguing structure—an outdoor elevator right in the middle of the city. How? Why?
Turns out that originally, this lift was built to connect the lower and upper parts of hilly Lisbon, so that people could get to upper levels at ease. After walking up and down the slopes of Lisbon for a while it all makes sense.
Strolling the Sunlit Streets of Lisbon & Stopping by Arco da Rua Augusta
In Lisbon, Portugal many buildings are painted in vibrant colors—pink, blue, bright yellow—while others are decorated with the signature Portuguese tiles. Speaking of which, turns out Lisbon even has a tile museum.
The city also has several famous squares that serve as perfect waypoints when you’re unsure which direction to head in. Rossio Square, known for its distinctive wave-patterned pavement, and Praça do Comércio, once home to a palace before the earthquake destroyed it, are both lively and full of history. And at the heart of Praça do Comércio stands the grand Arco da Rua Augusta the iconic arch often seen in Lisbon’s photos.
Bonus challenge: While exploring, try to snap a picture of one of Lisbon’s famous trams!
Lisbon Food Tour: Foods to Try in Portugal
Has a fee
Is it strange that my most vivid memories from the trip to Lisbon are the flavors of Portugal? If you get the chance , I highly recommend taking a food tour with a local guide. They’ll not only teach you the right way to eat each delicacy but also share fascinating insights about history and culture. These tours can be found on Tripadvisor. But if a food tour is out of your budget here are some foods I learned about and would recommend you to try in Lisbon:
Pastel de Nata – Portugal’s Famous Custard Tart
Before my trip to Lisbon, I kept seeing these praised everywhere online, and now I know why they’re so beloved. Our guide told us they’re best enjoyed sprinkled with cinnamon (and sometimes powdered sugar). Perfect with your morning coffee!
Ginja – Cherry Liqueur
Alkohola lietošanai ir negatīva ietekme.
You’ve probably heard of Portuguese wines, so I won’t go into that, but I do have to mention this little boozy treat. Ginja is a tart cherry liqueur often served with whole cherries in the glass. In Lisbon, you can sample it in small glasses, but in Óbidos, they serve it in edible chocolate cups!
Arroz de Marisco – Portugal’s Seafood Rice
Portugal is known for its fresh seafood, and the options are endless. But my favorite dish was Arroz de Marisco—somewhere between a risotto, a stew, and a soup, packed with shrimp and other seafood goodness.
A Quick Heads-Up for Dining in Portugal: In Portuguese restaurants, it’s common for them to bring bread and appetizers to your table, even if you didn’t order them. These are not free! Some places may try to charge you even if you don’t touch them, claiming they’ve been on the table too long. If you don’t want them, politely let them know right away.
What to See in Sintra, Portugal (Day trip from Lisbon)
I can’t deny it—Sintra was the most magical part of my trip. Getting there from Lisbon is easy—just hop on a train, and in about an hour, you’ll arrive. The real challenge? Choosing which stunning palaces of Sintra to visit in just one day. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: Plan for more than one day in Sintra. And be prepared for long queues at the entrances.
Quinta da Regaleira and it’s Mysterious Park
Quinta da Regaleira palace in Sintra itself is a true sight to behold – a striking, photogenic structure with jagged turrets and delicate patterns, but it’s the sprawling gardens that truly captivate the soul. These gardens, steeped in mystery, seem to whisper secrets with every twist and turn.
Winding paths meander along ancient walls, leading to tiny turrets where you can climb and feel the rush of history beneath your feet. The stones beneath you create intricate, almost magical patterns, while the lush plants breathe life into the place, evoking the ambiance of a fairy-tale forest.
The most photographed spot of Quinta da Regaleira park may be the little bridge by the waterfall, where tourists pause to capture the perfect moment. But the most fascinating features are definitely the Templar initiation wells – eerie, waterless shafts that draw you in with their mystique. You descend into the darkness via a spiral staircase that leads from the light above, and as you journey through shadowy caves, you emerge once again into the light, beside a small, overgrown pond that you cross with stone steps.
Were these wells crafted for ancient ritual ceremonies, or were they simply the fascination of the palace’s owner with the esoteric? Who knows? But it’s impossible not to imagine how the garden must have felt when it was still a private sanctuary, filled with its original owners’ secrets, rather than being one of the most famous tourist spots in Portugal today.
Pena Palace at the Summit Overlooking Sintra
The Pena Palace is perched high atop a mountain, and as far as I know, it’s never been conquered, which isn’t surprising when you consider its location. I think this is THE palace my Portuguese acquaintance mentioned. During our Lisbon trip we had decided to save a few euros and, instead of taking the bus, we embarked on the hike up the steep mountain. We made it to the top, but by the time we reached the summit, I had nothing left in me, so I wouldn’t personally do it again. On the way back, I gladly hopped onto the bus.
It’s clear that Pena Palace of Sintra attracts a lot of visitors, as we had to wait in line to get in. But oh, those colors! Brilliant yellow. Bold red. The palace seems to have been pieced together from vibrant, colorful Lego blocks. As you get closer, though, you start to see the signs of age – some areas of paint are chipped, and the surfaces are dusted with time’s residue. But, as with all ancient buildings, that’s perfectly normal. Despite this, the impression left is unforgettable – a colorful dream rising from the mountaintop.
The Pena palace grounds also boast a magnificent park, perfect for a leisurely stroll. And from the Pena palace terraces, you’re treated to a breathtaking panoramic view over the treetops, with the distant ruins of Sintra’s Moorish Castle visible on the horizon. If we hadn’t used up all our straight trying to hike the mountain we could have gone exploring that too!
What to See in Óbidos, Portugal (Day Trip From Lisbon)
One of the things I would definitely recommend if you have the time is to venture outside of Lisbon. Because once you leave the city, a whole new world unfolds – one that is just as beautiful and vibrant but offers a different story.
During our Lisbon trip we decided to do a day trip to Óbidos. Since I don’t have a driver’s license, we opted for one of the many day tours available online, which not only took us to Óbidos but also offered a glimpse of other stunning spots, like the breathtaking coastline of Nazare, famous for its colossal waves. Only we happened to be there on one of the few days of the year where there were no waves. So I wouldn’t be able to give this place justice if I’d tried to describe it.
Enchanting Streets of Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos is a small, walled town in Portugal, where the streets are lined with white houses, their lower edges adorned with striking blue and yellow accents. As you wander through the town, it feels as though the cute, picturesque houses and the ancient rough, rock walls surrounding the city belonged to two completely different worlds. The narrow, winding streets and alleyways are packed with souvenir shops, snack stalls, plants, and, of course, the occasional crowd of tourists.
Óbidos is home to a quaint little Moorish castle, along with some fascinating religious structures that add to its charm. Since we didn’t linger in any one spot for too long, we had just enough time – about 1.5 hours – to stroll through the tiny town , sample some of the local chery liquor served in tiny chocolate cups and stop by a souvenir shop.
In the souvenir shops, you’ll find a wide array of cork products, as Portugal is one of the world’s largest producers of cork. One of the most iconic symbols of Portugal is the rooster – it turns out, Riga isn’t the only place to choose a rooster as one of its symbols! In Portugal, the rooster is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to its owner. And, of course, you can’t visit Portugal without seeing sardines – they’re painted on plates, displayed on magnets, and are an undeniable part of the country’s charm.
I Would Highly Recommend Traveling to Portugal in January
While January might not be the warmest month (don’t be fooled by photos of women in summer dresses, they don’t actually walk around like that), the days are sunny, and Portugal seems to glow in the sunlight. The streets are bright, the houses are painted in cheerful colors, and the food is extraordinarily delicious all year round. If you love to walk, the cooler temperatures can actually be a blessing. Plus, there are fewer tourists around… Spring travel to Portugal offers so many benefits, so I am very happy that I visited in January.
I’ve only scratched the surface of all that Portugal has to offer. I already can’t wait to indulge in another Pastel de Nata and take a leisurely stroll through the sunlit streets again. If you ever have the chance, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Portugal. And if possible, consider going in the spring – and I hope my guide on what to see in Portugal has helped to inspire your future trip.
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