u/Common_Series_938

One of my childhood memories is going with my family to Almeirim to eat Sopa da Pedra.

It is one of the dishes most connected with this town in the Ribatejo, and despite the name, it is much more than a soup.

Sopa da Pedra is made with beans, potatoes, pork and Portuguese sausages. It comes from a rural tradition, when a rich soup like this could be a complete meal after a long day of agricultural work.

🪨 So why is it called “Stone Soup”?

There is a famous local legend about a hungry friar who arrived at a farmer's house saying he could make soup using only a stone.

He started with the stone and some water, then slowly asked for a little olive oil, meat, beans, potatoes and other ingredients. In the end, he had made himself a complete meal.

When they asked what he would do with the stone, he washed it and took it with him for the next time.

But there is also a less well-known part of the story.

According to the official record of this traditional dish, the name Sopa da Pedra de Almeirim only became widely used in the early 1960s. The appearance of the thick soup was compared with the stones that covered Almeirim's old streets. Its fame grew and people started travelling to Almeirim specifically to eat it.

In 2022, Sopa da Pedra de Almeirim was officially registered by the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed.

🍲 Where to try it?

There are many restaurants serving Sopa da Pedra in Almeirim, but three of the best-known names are:

O Toucinho

O Minhoto

O Pinheiro

All three are listed by the Municipality of Almeirim among the town's restaurants.

🇵🇹 Want to discover more places to eat around Portugal?

My Portugal Google Maps Pack includes curated lists with authentic Portuguese restaurants, beaches, river beaches, castles, historic places, viewpoints and much more.

You can open everything directly in Google Maps, see what is close to you and use the lists while travelling.

The Portugal Maps Pack is only €9.99, and I also have complete digital guides for Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.

Download here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Sopa da Pedra: The Portuguese Soup People Travel to Almeirim to Eat

One of my childhood memories is going with my family to Almeirim to eat Sopa da Pedra.

It is one of the dishes most connected with this town in the Ribatejo, and despite the name, it is much more than a soup.

Sopa da Pedra is made with beans, potatoes, pork and Portuguese sausages. It comes from a rural tradition, when a rich soup like this could be a complete meal after a long day of agricultural work.

🪨 So why is it called “Stone Soup”?

There is a famous local legend about a hungry friar who arrived at a farmer's house saying he could make soup using only a stone.

He started with the stone and some water, then slowly asked for a little olive oil, meat, beans, potatoes and other ingredients. In the end, he had made himself a complete meal.

When they asked what he would do with the stone, he washed it and took it with him for the next time.

But there is also a less well-known part of the story.

According to the official record of this traditional dish, the name Sopa da Pedra de Almeirim only became widely used in the early 1960s. The appearance of the thick soup was compared with the stones that covered Almeirim's old streets. Its fame grew and people started travelling to Almeirim specifically to eat it.

In 2022, Sopa da Pedra de Almeirim was officially registered by the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed.

🍲 Where to try it?

There are many restaurants serving Sopa da Pedra in Almeirim, but three of the best-known names are:

O Toucinho

O Minhoto

O Pinheiro

All three are listed by the Municipality of Almeirim among the town's restaurants.

and if you want to discover more places to eat around Portugal?

My Portugal Google Maps Pack includes curated lists with authentic Portuguese restaurants, beaches, river beaches, castles, historic places, viewpoints and much more.

You can open everything directly in Google Maps, see what is close to you and use the lists while travelling.

The Portugal Maps Pack is only €9.99, and I also have complete digital guides for Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.

Download here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

On top of a hill in the Alentejo, between Évora and Estremoz, you will find the small fortified village of Évora Monte.

And right in the middle is a castle that looks very different from most castles in Portugal.

The medieval walls date back to the time of King Dinis, who ordered the town to be fortified in 1306. But the unusual building you see today came later, after a strong earthquake in 1531.

The Torre/Paço Ducal was built for the powerful House of Bragança. It has a square shape with four large circular towers, and stone ropes around the outside representing symbols of the Braganza family.

And the best part of the visit is probably at the top.

You can climb to the terrace and get a huge view over the Alentejo plains. The official local tourism information describes the view from more than 500 metres above sea level as one of the highlights of the visit.

Évora Monte also gave its name to the Convention of Evoramonte, signed in the village in 1834, which ended the Portuguese Civil War between liberals and absolutists.

🎟️ Visiting the castle

The current individual ticket is only €2, and the official cultural listing gives opening hours of 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:30. I always recommend checking the hours before travelling, as temporary closures can happen.

For €2, I think the view alone makes it worth going up.

Had you heard of Évora Monte before?

for more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

​

On top of a hill in the Alentejo, between Évora and Estremoz, you will find the small fortified village of Évora Monte.

And right in the middle is a castle that looks very different from most castles in Portugal.

The medieval walls date back to the time of King Dinis, who ordered the town to be fortified in 1306. But the unusual building you see today came later, after a strong earthquake in 1531.

The Torre/Paço Ducal was built for the powerful House of Bragança. It has a square shape with four large circular towers, and stone ropes around the outside representing symbols of the Braganza family.

And the best part of the visit is probably at the top.

You can climb to the terrace and get a huge view over the Alentejo plains. The official local tourism information describes the view from more than 500 metres above sea level as one of the highlights of the visit.

💡 note

Évora Monte also gave its name to the Convention of Evoramonte, signed in the village in 1834, which ended the Portuguese Civil War between liberals and absolutists.

🎟️ Visiting the castle

The current individual ticket is only €2, and the official cultural listing gives opening hours of 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:30. I always recommend checking the hours before travelling, as temporary closures can happen.

For €2, I think the view alone makes it worth going up.

🇵🇹 Want to discover more places like this around Portugal?

Besides my digital guides for Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, I also created a Portugal Google Maps Pack for only €9.99.

It includes my Lisbon and Porto Maps lists, plus Portugal wide lists with:

Authentic Portuguese restaurants

Beaches

River beaches

Castles and historic places

Some of the best views in Portugal

and much more.

Open the lists directly in Google Maps, see what is close to you and discover places while you travel.

Download here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Lisbon is quite easy to get around, but there are a few small things that can save you time, money and a lot of unnecessary walking.

Here are 7 tips I often give visitors:

1. Getting from the airport to your accommodation

Lisbon Airport has its own Metro station on the Red Line, so public transport is easy.

If you have a lot of luggage, Uber or Bolt can be more comfortable. A trip to the centre is often around €12, depending on demand.

If you take a taxi, the airport estimates around €10 to €15 to the city centre. Make sure the meter is on and ask for a receipt.

2. Arriving in Lisbon by train?

People often ask me:

Oriente or Santa Apolónia?

If your train stops at both, Santa Apolónia is usually more convenient for Alfama, Baixa and the historic centre. It is on the Blue Metro Line.

Oriente is on the Red Line and makes more sense for Parque das Nações or the airport.

3. Remember these two stations for day trips

Rossio → Sintra

Cais do Sodré → Cascais and the beaches

Simple, but knowing this before your trip can save some confusion.

4. Know which transport ticket to buy

Every Metro station has machines where you can buy a Navegante occasional card for €0.50.

A Carris + Metro ticket costs €1.90, Zapping on the Metro is €1.72, and a 24-hour Carris + Metro pass is €7.25.

For a single Metro trip, you can also simply tap a contactless bank card at the gate. It currently costs €1.92.

And if you are 3 or 4 people, sometimes it is worth checking Uber or Bolt before buying several individual tickets.

5. Use the free lifts in Baixa

There is a free public lift from Rua dos Fanqueiros to Rua da Madalena, and another at Chão do Loureiro that helps you continue towards the Castle.

The first one also leaves you very close to Bifanas do Afonso, so you can save your legs and get a bifana at the same time

6. Don't automatically join the Tram 28 queue

Martim Moniz can have a very long queue.

You can also start at the other end, Campo de Ourique (Prazeres), and do the route in the opposite direction. The official 28E route connects both points.

And Tram 28 isn't the only historic tram in Lisbon. 25E, for example, passes through Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Lapa and Santos.

7. Book private day trips early in summer

If you're thinking about a private driver for Sintra, Nazaré, Óbidos, Arrábida or other places outside Lisbon, don't leave it until the day before.

During the summer, good drivers can be fully booked.

I have someone I regularly recommend to my guests, so send me a DM if you need his contact.

for more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Lisbon is quite easy to get around, but there are a few small things that can save you time, money and a lot of unnecessary walking.

Here are 7 tips I often give visitors:

1. Getting from the airport to your accommodation ✈️

Lisbon Airport has its own Metro station on the Red Line, so public transport is easy.

If you have a lot of luggage, Uber or Bolt can be more comfortable. A trip to the centre is often around €12, depending on demand.

If you take a taxi, the airport estimates around €10 to €15 to the city centre. Make sure the meter is on and ask for a receipt.

2. Arriving in Lisbon by train?

People often ask me:

Oriente or Santa Apolónia?

If your train stops at both, Santa Apolónia is usually more convenient for Alfama, Baixa and the historic centre. It is on the Blue Metro Line.

Oriente is on the Red Line and makes more sense for Parque das Nações or the airport.

3. Remember these two stations for day trips

Rossio → Sintra

Cais do Sodré → Cascais and the beaches

Simple, but knowing this before your trip can save some confusion.

4. Know which transport ticket to buy

Every Metro station has machines where you can buy a Navegante occasional card for €0.50.

A Carris + Metro ticket costs €1.90, Zapping on the Metro is €1.72, and a 24-hour Carris + Metro pass is €7.25.

For a single Metro trip, you can also simply tap a contactless bank card at the gate. It currently costs €1.92.

And if you are 3 or 4 people, sometimes it is worth checking Uber or Bolt before buying several individual tickets.

5. Use the free lifts in Baixa

There is a free public lift from Rua dos Fanqueiros to Rua da Madalena, and another at Chão do Loureiro that helps you continue towards the Castle.

The first one also leaves you very close to Bifanas do Afonso, so you can save your legs and get a bifana at the same time

6. Don't automatically join the Tram 28 queue

Martim Moniz can have a very long queue.

You can also start at the other end, Campo de Ourique (Prazeres), and do the route in the opposite direction. The official 28E route connects both points.

And Tram 28 isn't the only historic tram in Lisbon. 25E, for example, passes through Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Lapa and Santos.

7. Book private day trips early in summer

If you're thinking about a private driver for Sintra, Nazaré, Óbidos, Arrábida or other places outside Lisbon, don't leave it until the day before.

During the summer, good drivers can be fully booked.

I have someone I regularly recommend to my guests, so send me a DM if you need his contact.

🇵🇹 Planning your trip to Lisbon?

These are exactly the kind of small practical details that can make travelling much easier.

My Lisbon Digital Guide includes transport information, neighbourhoods, local food, places to visit, day trips and curated Google Maps lists with restaurants, cafés, viewpoints and other places I recommend.

Open the maps directly on your phone, see what's close to you and spend less time searching while you're here.

You can also bundle Lisbon with my Porto or Algarve guides and get a discount.

Download your guide here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

São Martinho do Porto is around 1h15 by car from Lisbon, so it works very well as a beach day or as a stop if you are travelling north.

The beach sits inside a natural shell-shaped bay, with around 3 km of sand and only a narrow opening to the Atlantic. Because the bay is protected, the sea is usually much calmer than on most beaches along Portugal’s west coast.

The bay was once part of a much larger lagoon, and the village itself was founded by monks from the Monastery of Alcobaça in the 13th century.

It is especially good for families, swimming and water activities such as sailing and canoeing.

If you are exploring the coast north of Lisbon, I think São Martinho do Porto is definitely worth knowing about.

for more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

São Martinho do Porto is around 1h15 by car from Lisbon, so it works very well as a beach day or as a stop if you are travelling north.

The beach sits inside a natural shell-shaped bay, with around 3 km of sand and only a narrow opening to the Atlantic. Because the bay is protected, the sea is usually much calmer than on most beaches along Portugal’s west coast.

The bay was once part of a much larger lagoon, and the village itself was founded by monks from the Monastery of Alcobaça in the 13th century.

It is especially good for families, swimming and water activities such as sailing and canoeing.

If you are exploring the coast north of Lisbon, I think São Martinho do Porto is definitely worth knowing about.

🇵🇹 Planning a trip to Portugal?

My Lisbon, Porto and Algarve guides include practical tips, local recommendations, day trips and curated Google Maps lists you can open directly on your phone while travelling.

Spend less time searching and keep my recommendations with you during your trip.

Download your guide here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

​

If you enjoy history, gardens and Portuguese tiles, Palácio Fronteira is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Lisbon.

Unlike many of the city's main attractions, it sits in a quiet residential area of São Domingos de Benfica, away from the busiest tourist routes. It feels more like discovering a hidden corner of Lisbon than visiting a famous monument.

Built between 1668 and 1672, the palace was commissioned by Dom João de Mascarenhas, the 1st Marquis of Fronteira, after Portugal regained its independence from Spain. It was designed as a country residence and remains in the hands of the same family more than 350 years later.

The palace is famous for its extraordinary collection of 17th and 18th-century azulejos.

You'll find them throughout the property, decorating the palace, terraces, fountains, staircases and gardens.

Many of the panels tell stories through images, showing battles, mythology, hunting scenes, animals and everyday life. Together, they offer one of the best introductions to Portuguese tile art anywhere in the country.

The gardens

The gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself.

With fountains, sculptures, terraces and beautifully decorated walls, they're among the finest historic gardens in Portugal and one of my favourite peaceful spots in Lisbon.

The palace can only be visited on a guided tour, and places are limited, so it's worth checking the official opening times before you go.

If you enjoy history, architecture and quieter places away from the crowds, Palácio Fronteira is one of Lisbon's hidden treasures.

For more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

​

If you enjoy history, gardens and Portuguese tiles, Palácio Fronteira is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Lisbon.

Unlike many of the city's main attractions, it sits in a quiet residential area of São Domingos de Benfica, away from the busiest tourist routes. It feels more like discovering a hidden corner of Lisbon than visiting a famous monument.

Built between 1668 and 1672, the palace was commissioned by Dom João de Mascarenhas, the 1st Marquis of Fronteira, after Portugal regained its independence from Spain. It was designed as a country residence and remains in the hands of the same family more than 350 years later.

The palace is famous for its extraordinary collection of 17th and 18th-century azulejos.

You'll find them throughout the property, decorating the palace, terraces, fountains, staircases and gardens.

Many of the panels tell stories through images, showing battles, mythology, hunting scenes, animals and everyday life. Together, they offer one of the best introductions to Portuguese tile art anywhere in the country.

The gardens

The gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself.

With fountains, sculptures, terraces and beautifully decorated walls, they're among the finest historic gardens in Portugal and one of my favourite peaceful spots in Lisbon.

The palace can only be visited on a guided tour, and places are limited, so it's worth checking the official opening times before you go.

If you enjoy history, architecture and quieter places away from the crowds, Palácio Fronteira is one of Lisbon's hidden treasures.

📍 Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

I created digital travel guides after more than 10 years working in tourism, with everything I genuinely recommend to friends visiting Portugal.

Inside you'll find local restaurants, practical tips, day trips, neighbourhood guides and Google Maps lists ready to use on your phone, helping you spend less time researching and more time enjoying Portugal.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Portuguese people are very proud of our food. But the truth is that not every visitor falls in love with Portuguese cuisine.

For me, one of the best things about our food is its simplicity. Good olive oil, fresh fish and good meat can be enough to make something special.

But this simplicity depends a lot on the quality of the product. Today, with more mass production and global food supply chains, finding really good ingredients is not always as easy. And when the product is average, Portuguese food can easily feel quite ordinary.

Luckily, Lisbon has a new generation of talented chefs taking traditional recipes and flavours and doing something more creative with them.

Here are 5 places I recommend:

1. O Velho Eurico

One of the best examples of Lisbon's new generation of tascas.

Chef Zé Paulo Rocha took an old traditional restaurant near Mouraria and kept its Portuguese identity while bringing new ideas to the food. You will recognise many of the flavours, but often in ways you don't expect.

2. Ciclo

A small restaurant in Mouraria by chef José Neves and Cláudia Abreu da Silva.

Ciclo works with seasonal products, local producers and Portuguese native varieties. They also use fermentation and try to use as much of each ingredient as possible. The result is creative but still very connected to Portuguese products and traditions.

3. Petisco Saloio

Diogo Meneses and Luís Vieira came from a fine dining background and decided to focus on popular Portuguese recipes.

The food feels familiar, but there is more technique behind it. I think it is a great example of what can happen when young chefs look again at the food we grew up eating.

4. Canalha

Created by chef João Rodrigues, Canalha feels like a modern neighbourhood restaurant.

The focus is strongly on the product, with fresh ingredients displayed in the restaurant and a menu that changes depending on what is available. The restaurant describes its cooking as Portuguese in content and Iberian in form.

5. Ofício

In Chiado, Ofício is currently led by chef Maurício Varela.

It is another good example of younger Portuguese cooking, with familiar flavours and ingredients presented in a more contemporary way, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed.

I love traditional Portuguese but I also really enjoy seeing younger chefs exploring our recipes and ingredients in new ways.

Which restaurant would you add to this list?

For more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Portuguese people are very proud of our food. But the truth is that not every visitor falls in love with Portuguese cuisine.

For me, one of the best things about our food is its simplicity. Good olive oil, fresh fish and good meat can be enough to make something special.

But this simplicity depends a lot on the quality of the product. Today, with more mass production and global food supply chains, finding really good ingredients is not always as easy. And when the product is average, Portuguese food can easily feel quite ordinary.

Luckily, Lisbon has a new generation of talented chefs taking traditional recipes and flavours and doing something more creative with them.

Here are 5 places I recommend:

1. O Velho Eurico

One of the best examples of Lisbon's new generation of tascas.

Chef Zé Paulo Rocha took an old traditional restaurant near Mouraria and kept its Portuguese identity while bringing new ideas to the food. You will recognise many of the flavours, but often in ways you don't expect.

2. Ciclo

A small restaurant in Mouraria by chef José Neves and Cláudia Abreu da Silva.

Ciclo works with seasonal products, local producers and Portuguese native varieties. They also use fermentation and try to use as much of each ingredient as possible. The result is creative but still very connected to Portuguese products and traditions.

3. Petisco Saloio

Diogo Meneses and Luís Vieira came from a fine dining background and decided to focus on popular Portuguese recipes.

The food feels familiar, but there is more technique behind it. I think it is a great example of what can happen when young chefs look again at the food we grew up eating.

4. Canalha

Created by chef João Rodrigues, Canalha feels like a modern neighbourhood restaurant.

The focus is strongly on the product, with fresh ingredients displayed in the restaurant and a menu that changes depending on what is available. The restaurant describes its cooking as Portuguese in content and Iberian in form.

5. Ofício

In Chiado, Ofício is currently led by chef Maurício Varela.

It is another good example of younger Portuguese cooking, with familiar flavours and ingredients presented in a more contemporary way, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed.

I love traditional Portuguese but I also really enjoy seeing younger chefs exploring our recipes and ingredients in new ways.

Which restaurant would you add to this list?

🍴 Looking for good places to eat during your trip to Portugal?

All my digital travel guides for Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve include curated Google Maps lists with local restaurants and other places I recommend.

Open the lists on your phone, see what's close to you and get directions directly in Google Maps.

You can also bundle 2 or 3 guides and get a discount if you're visiting more than one region.

Download your guide here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

You may have seen the Águas Livres Aqueduct while arriving in Lisbon or travelling towards Sintra, but many visitors don't realise that you can actually visit it and walk across part of it.

Built between 1731 and 1799, the aqueduct was created to bring drinking water into Lisbon from springs northwest of the city.

And one of the most impressive things about it is that it survived the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

💧 Much bigger than it looks

The main aqueduct runs for around 14 km, but once its secondary branches and distribution network are included, the entire Águas Livres system reached approximately 58 km by the middle of the 19th century.

Its most spectacular section crosses the Alcântara Valley.

This section is 941 metres long and has 35 arches.

The largest rises more than 65 metres above the valley and, according to the Museu da Água, is the largest stone pointed arch in the world.

🚶You can walk on it

This is the part many visitors don't know.

The Museu da Água allows visitors to walk along the aqueduct across the Alcântara Valley, with views over this part of Lisbon.

The entrance is at Calçada da Quintinha 6, in Campolide.

At the moment it is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00, and a regular self-guided visit costs €4. Guided visits are also available.

For me, this is a good example of how Lisbon has much more to see once you move beyond the usual monuments of Alfama and Belém.

You get history, engineering, great views and a completely different perspective of the city.

Would you walk across it?

🇵🇹 Planning a trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

I created digital travel guides to help you spend less time searching and more time enjoying your trip.

Each guide includes practical information, local food recommendations, neighbourhoods, viewpoints, museums, day trips and curated Google Maps lists that you can open directly on your phone while exploring.

Download your guide here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

You may have seen the Águas Livres Aqueduct while arriving in Lisbon or travelling towards Sintra, but many visitors don't realise that you can actually visit it and walk across part of it.

Built between 1731 and 1799, the aqueduct was created to bring drinking water into Lisbon from springs northwest of the city.

And one of the most impressive things about it is that it survived the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

💧 Much bigger than it looks

The main aqueduct runs for around 14 km, but once its secondary branches and distribution network are included, the entire Águas Livres system reached approximately 58 km by the middle of the 19th century.

Its most spectacular section crosses the Alcântara Valley.

This section is 941 metres long and has 35 arches.

The largest rises more than 65 metres above the valley and, according to the Museu da Água, is the largest stone pointed arch in the world.

🚶 You can walk on it

This is the part many visitors don't know.

The Museu da Água allows visitors to walk along the aqueduct across the Alcântara Valley, with views over this part of Lisbon.

The entrance is at Calçada da Quintinha 6, in Campolide.

At the moment it is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00, and a regular self-guided visit costs €4. Guided visits are also available.

For me, this is a good example of how Lisbon has much more to see once you move beyond the usual monuments of Alfama and Belém.

You get history, engineering, great views and a completely different perspective of the city.

for more recommendations check out my guide at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Around 120 km north of Lisbon, Alcobaça is home to one of Portugal’s most important monasteries and one of the most famous love stories in Portuguese history.

The Monastery of Alcobaça was founded in 1153 by Portugal’s first king, D. Afonso Henriques, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.

But for many Portuguese people, Alcobaça is also closely connected with the story of Pedro and Inês.

♥️The story of Pedro and Inês♥️

Prince Pedro fell in love with Inês de Castro, a noblewoman from Galicia.

Their relationship soon became a political problem.

Inês belonged to the powerful Castro family, and her brothers became close to Pedro. King Afonso IV, Pedro’s father, feared that their influence could involve Portugal in the political conflicts of neighbouring Castile.

Pedro and Inês also had children, which created more concerns about the future succession to the Portuguese throne.

In 1355, King Afonso IV ordered Inês to be killed.

Pedro became king two years later.

He later declared that he and Inês had secretly married and ordered two extraordinary tombs for them inside Alcobaça Monastery.

Today, the tombs are considered masterpieces of medieval sculpture.

One of the most beautiful details is their position.

Pedro and Inês are buried facing each other, traditionally explained as allowing them to see each other again on the Day of Resurrection.

Alcobaça can work very well as a day trip from Lisbon, especially if you have a car or private driver.

You can also combine it with Nazaré, Batalha or Óbidos.If you enjoy history, architecture and places with a good story behind them, Alcobaça is definitely worth adding to your plans.

For more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Around 120 km north of Lisbon, Alcobaça is home to one of Portugal’s most important monasteries and one of the most famous love stories in Portuguese history.

The Monastery of Alcobaça was founded in 1153 by Portugal’s first king, D. Afonso Henriques, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.

But for many Portuguese people, Alcobaça is also closely connected with the story of Pedro and Inês.

♥️The story of Pedro and Inês♥️

Prince Pedro fell in love with Inês de Castro, a noblewoman from Galicia.

Their relationship soon became a political problem.

Inês belonged to the powerful Castro family, and her brothers became close to Pedro. King Afonso IV, Pedro’s father, feared that their influence could involve Portugal in the political conflicts of neighbouring Castile.

Pedro and Inês also had children, which created more concerns about the future succession to the Portuguese throne.

In 1355, King Afonso IV ordered Inês to be killed.

Pedro became king two years later.

He later declared that he and Inês had secretly married and ordered two extraordinary tombs for them inside Alcobaça Monastery.

Today, the tombs are considered masterpieces of medieval sculpture.

One of the most beautiful details is their position.

Pedro and Inês are buried facing each other, traditionally explained as allowing them to see each other again on the Day of Resurrection.

Alcobaça can work very well as a day trip from Lisbon, especially if you have a car or private driver.

You can also combine it with Nazaré, Batalha or Óbidos.

If you enjoy history, architecture and places with a good story behind them, Alcobaça is definitely worth adding to your plans.

📘 Planning a trip to Lisbon, Porto or Algarve ?

My digital travel guides include practical information, local food, day trips, places to visit and curated Google Maps lists that you can open directly on your phone while travelling.

Spend less time searching and keep the places I recommend with you during your trip.

Download here:

🌍 www.portugaldigitalguides.com

I posted about this some time ago, but after some recent news I thought it would be interesting to ask again, especially to people who have visited Lisbon recently.

A few days ago, a tourist was hit by a stray bullet while buying pastéis de nata on Rua Augusta. The shot happened during an argument involving two men connected to the street sale of fake drugs. Police have since reinforced their presence in some of Lisbon's busiest tourist areas.

I still consider Lisbon a safe city and I walk around here at night without feeling afraid.

But like in any major tourist city, there are a few things I think visitors should know.

1. Pickpockets in tourist areas

I would pay extra attention around Baixa, Rossio, Chiado and crowded public transport, especially the historic trams.

Keep your bag close, don't leave your phone on a café table and be particularly careful when entering or leaving crowded transport.

2. Fake drugs in the city centre

Around Rua Augusta, Baixa and Cais do Sodré, you may be approached by people offering hash or cocaine.

A lot of what is sold to tourists is fake. The recent shooting on Rua Augusta has brought this problem back into the discussion.

My advice is simple: don't engage and keep walking.

3. Intendente and Mouraria

I don't consider Intendente or Mouraria areas that tourists need to avoid.

There are good restaurants, old streets and a lot of history here.

But some streets around Mouraria, Martim Moniz and Intendente still have visible drug use and street dealing.

I walk around these areas myself, but late at night I would pay a little more attention to my surroundings and belongings.

4. Nightlife areas

Like in most cities, nightlife can bring more confusion.

Places such as Pink Street/Cais do Sodré, Bairro Alto and Docas can become very busy at night, especially at weekends.

Alcohol, large crowds and people leaving bars at the same time can make small problems more likely.

Go, enjoy yourself, but keep an eye on your phone, wallet and drinks.

5. Local accommodation

If you are staying in an Airbnb or another short-term rental, check that the door is actually locked, especially if the building uses a traditional key instead of an automatic lock.

Don't leave passports, large amounts of cash or expensive items in obvious places.

Break-ins do happen in Lisbon, including cases involving tourist accommodation, although residential burglaries actually decreased in the first half of 2026. The PSP also recommends keeping doors and windows properly closed when leaving a property.

For me, Lisbon is still a city where I feel comfortable walking, taking public transport and going out at night.

Being careful doesn't mean being afraid. It just means using the same common sense you would use in any busy European city.

For those who have visited Lisbon recently: how safe did you feel?

for more recommendations and tips about Lisbon and Portugal check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

I posted about this some time ago, but after some recent news I thought it would be interesting to ask again, especially to people who have visited Lisbon recently.

A few days ago, a tourist was hit by a stray bullet while buying pastéis de nata on Rua Augusta. The shot happened during an argument involving two men connected to the street sale of fake drugs. Police have since reinforced their presence in some of Lisbon's busiest tourist areas.

I still consider Lisbon a safe city and I walk around here at night without feeling afraid.

But like in any major tourist city, there are a few things I think visitors should know.

1. Pickpockets in tourist areas

I would pay extra attention around Baixa, Rossio, Chiado and crowded public transport, especially the historic trams.

Keep your bag close, don't leave your phone on a café table and be particularly careful when entering or leaving crowded transport.

2. Fake drugs in the city centre

Around Rua Augusta, Baixa and Cais do Sodré, you may be approached by people offering hash or cocaine.

A lot of what is sold to tourists is fake. The recent shooting on Rua Augusta has brought this problem back into the discussion.

My advice is simple: don't engage and keep walking.

3. Intendente and Mouraria

I don't consider Intendente or Mouraria areas that tourists need to avoid.

There are good restaurants, old streets and a lot of history here.

But some streets around Mouraria, Martim Moniz and Intendente still have visible drug use and street dealing.

I walk around these areas myself, but late at night I would pay a little more attention to my surroundings and belongings.

4. Nightlife areas

Like in most cities, nightlife can bring more confusion.

Places such as Pink Street/Cais do Sodré, Bairro Alto and Docas can become very busy at night, especially at weekends.

Alcohol, large crowds and people leaving bars at the same time can make small problems more likely.

Go, enjoy yourself, but keep an eye on your phone, wallet and drinks.

5. Local accommodation

If you are staying in an Airbnb or another short-term rental, check that the door is actually locked, especially if the building uses a traditional key instead of an automatic lock.

Don't leave passports, large amounts of cash or expensive items in obvious places.

Break-ins do happen in Lisbon, including cases involving tourist accommodation, although residential burglaries actually decreased in the first half of 2026. The PSP also recommends keeping doors and windows properly closed when leaving a property.

For me, Lisbon is still a city where I feel comfortable walking, taking public transport and going out at night.

Being careful doesn't mean being afraid. It just means using the same common sense you would use in any busy European city.

For those who have visited Lisbon recently: how safe did you feel?

If you need more Lisbon recommendations, I also share local places, food, neighbourhoods and practical travel information on my blog:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Graça is one of my favourite areas in Lisbon for traditional food.

One place I like is Estrela d’Ouro, a Portuguese tasca at Rua da Graça 22.

The food is traditional and the menu changes, with dishes such as bacalhau, grilled fish, meat and other Portuguese classics.

Right beside the restaurant is Bairro Estrela d’Ouro, an old workers’ neighbourhood built in 1909. If you walk through it, look for the star symbol that appears in the tiles and other details around the streets.

So if you are exploring Graça, this can be a nice stop for lunch before continuing to Miradouro da Graça or Senhora do Monte.

📍 Estrela d’Ouro

Rua da Graça 22, Lisbon

What is your favourite tasca in Lisbon?

📘 Looking for good local restaurants during your trip?

All my digital travel guides include curated Google Maps lists with local restaurants I recommend, so you can open the map on your phone and quickly see what is close to you.

The guides also include practical tips, places to visit, food, neighbourhoods and day trips.

Download here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Graça is one of my favourite areas in Lisbon for traditional food.

One place I like is Estrela d’Ouro, a Portuguese tasca at Rua da Graça 22.

The food is traditional and the menu changes, with dishes such as bacalhau, grilled fish, meat and other Portuguese classics.

Right beside the restaurant is Bairro Estrela d’Ouro, an old workers’ neighbourhood built in 1909. If you walk through it, look for the star symbol that appears in the tiles and other details around the streets.

So if you are exploring Graça, this can be a nice stop for lunch before continuing to Miradouro da Graça or Senhora do Monte.

📍 Estrela d’Ouro

Rua da Graça 22, Lisbon

What is your favourite tasca in Lisbon?

📘 Looking for good local restaurants during your trip?

All my digital travel guides include curated Google Maps lists with local restaurants I recommend, so you can open the map on your phone and quickly see what is close to you.

The guides also include practical tips, places to visit, food, neighbourhoods and day trips.

Download here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com