r/Portugaldigitalguides

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Everyone talks about Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. But there is much more to see if you go a bit further.

Alto Minho (North of Porto)

This area still feels very local and untouched. Viana do Castelo is a great base, close to the sea and full of character. From there you can explore Ponte de Lima and Arcos de Valdevez, two small towns with a strong traditional feel.

Most people stop at Porto or maybe Braga and Guimarães, but going further north gives you a more authentic side of the country, especially near Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Bairrada (Between Porto and Lisbon)

This is one of the best stops if you are driving between the two cities. The highlight is Buçaco Palace, a former convent hidden in a beautiful forest that is now a luxury hotel. The surrounding forest is worth the visit on its own.

After that, continue to Luso and then Mealhada to try one of Portugal's most famous dishes: leitão (roast suckling pig).

This region is also known for its wines, with many traditional producers, and you are still close to the coast for excellent seafood.

Alentejo (Coast and Inland)

For me, this is the most underrated region in Portugal.

Along the coast, places like Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar offer beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Further inland, close to the Spanish border, you'll find historic towns like Marvão, Mértola and Monsaraz. These hilltop villages have incredible views and centuries of history.

The food is simple but excellent, the wines are among the best in Portugal, and many parts of the region still feel authentic and far from mass tourism.

if you need more recommendatios check out my blog

👉 www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Opened in 1922, Pastelaria Versailles is one of Lisbon’s classic cafés.

It is located on Avenida da República 15A, in Avenidas Novas, and still keeps much of its old charm: mirrors, chandeliers, carved wood and a very elegant interior.

The café was founded by Salvador José Antunes, a Portuguese pastry chef with French training and a taste for French-style pastry shops.

At the time, this part of Lisbon was growing fast, and Versailles became one of the great cafés of the new Avenidas Novas area.

More than 100 years later, it is still a beautiful place to stop for breakfast, coffee, pastries or a slow afternoon break.

You can try classics like pastéis de nata, mil-folhas, éclairs, cakes and, during Christmas, bolo-rei.

It is not a hidden place, but it is one of those cafés where you can still feel a bit of old Lisbon.

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

My digital travel guides include detailed PDFs and various Google Maps lists organised by category, with restaurants, cafés, viewpoints, beaches, historic sights, hidden gems, day trips and much more.

🌍 www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Piri-piri chicken is one of Portugal's most popular meals.

As a kid, I used to go almost every Sunday with my grandfather to eat grilled chicken at a local restaurant. Even today, if you visit a summer festival anywhere in Portugal, there is a good chance you'll find chicken cooking over charcoal.

In Portugal, we usually call it frango assado or frango no churrasco. It is usually served with fries, rice and a simple salad.

The story of piri-piri goes back to the Age of Exploration. Chilli peppers originally came from the Americas and were taken by the Portuguese to Africa, where they became part of local cooking, especially in Mozambique and Angola. Over time, this flavour returned to Portugal and became one of the country's favourite ways to enjoy grilled chicken.

One thing I love is that almost every piri-piri chicken restaurant has its own sauce. Some are mild, others are much spicier, and each place has its own recipe.

Where to eat piri-piri chicken in Lisbon

Maybe the best-known place among visitors is Bonjardim, but here are some of my personal favourites:

📍 A Valenciana (Campolide)

One of Lisbon's classics for grilled chicken. Simple, traditional and consistently good.

📍 O Primavera (Arroios)

A local favourite, known for its grilled chicken, generous portions and very Portuguese atmosphere.

📍 Quionga (Arroios)

A small neighbourhood restaurant that I visit regularly. Besides the chicken, don't leave without trying the Pudim Toucinho do Céu, one of my favourite desserts.

📍 Rio de Mel (Alvalade)

Take-away only, but definitely worth the stop if you're nearby. One of my favourite places for grilled chicken.

Where is your favourite place to eat piri-piri chicken in Lisbon?

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

My digital travel guides include detailed PDFs and various Google Maps lists with my favourite restaurants, cafés, viewpoints, beaches, historic sights, hidden gems, day trips and much more.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Castelo de Almourol is on a small island in the Tagus River, near Vila Nova da Barquinha.

It dates back to the 12th century and is linked to the Knights Templar, who rebuilt it as part of a defensive line along the river.

The only way to get there is by a short boat ride from the nearby pier, which already makes the visit a bit different from most castles in Portugal.

It’s not a large place and there isn’t much inside.

But the setting is what makes it special. Surrounded by water, with open views over the river and the landscape, it feels quite isolated.

You can walk around the walls, climb the tower, and take in the view.

For more recommendations check out my blog at www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Piri-piri chicken is one of Portugal's most popular dishes, but there is one place that became especially famous for it: Guia, a small village in the municipality of Albufeira.

For decades, people have travelled to Guia to try its famous Frango da Guia. The chicken is traditionally grilled over charcoal and brushed with a piri-piri sauce, although every restaurant has its own recipe.

In Portugal, we usually call it frango assado. It is normally served with fries, rice and a simple salad.

The story of piri-piri goes back to the Age of Exploration. Chilli peppers originally came from the Americas and were taken by the Portuguese to Africa, where they became part of local cooking, especially in Mozambique and Angola. Over time, this flavour returned to Portugal and became one of the country's favourite ways to enjoy grilled chicken.

Where to Eat Frango da Guia

📍 O Teodósio (Guia, Albufeira)

Probably the best-known restaurant for Frango da Guia and a true Algarve classic.

📍 Ramires (Guia, Albufeira)

Another local institution that has been serving grilled chicken for decades and remains a favourite among both locals and visitors.

📍 O Ribeirinho (Guia, Albufeira)

A traditional family restaurant where you can also enjoy the famous Frango da Guia in a relaxed atmosphere.

Have you tried Frango da Guia? Which restaurant would you recommend?

📘 Planning your trip to the Algarve?

My Algarve Digital Travel Guide includes a detailed PDF and various Google Maps lists organised by category, making it much easier to explore the region.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

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A few years ago I did a small part-time job in a brunch café in Lisbon. One day we received a box of avocados that were still very hard. Not really ready to eat. The staff warned the clients before serving the plates and something curious happened. Some people said it was no problem. They took the photo of the avocado toast... and then left the avocado almost untouched on the plate.

Today Lisbon has more than 100 brunch cafés. Most of them appeared after 2016, when tourism increased, digital nomads arrived, and the specialty coffee trend became popular. Many places follow almost the same concept you see everywhere in Europe. Prices are usually quite high, and sometimes the experience feels a bit... standard. Of course this is just my opinion.

If you are visiting Lisbon for the first time, I still believe you can have a more authentic experience. Globalisation is real and cities start to look more and more similar. But in Lisbon you can still sit in a small café, order a galão and a torrada.

Bom apetite!

For more recommendations check out my blog at

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

One of the questions I get asked most is:

"Where can I eat good seafood in Lisbon?"

Here are some of the places I usually recommend. Some are famous, others are more local, but all of them are known for serving fresh seafood.

📍 Lisbon

Penalva da Graça (Graça)

Probably the most local restaurant on this list. Great seafood, fair prices and a place where you'll find plenty of locals.

Ramiro (Intendente)

Probably Lisbon's most famous seafood restaurant. Expect to queue, especially in the evening, but it's a classic for a reason.

Marisqueira do Lis (Intendente)

Just a short walk from Ramiro. A great alternative if you don't want to wait as long, with fresh seafood and fast service.

Nunes Real Marisqueira (Ajuda, near Belém)

A great option if you're visiting Belém. Fresh seafood in a traditional atmosphere.

Pinóquio (Restauradores)

Right in the city centre. It attracts plenty of tourists, but the seafood is consistently good and the location is very convenient.

📍 Across the River

Cabrinha (Cacilhas)

A simple local restaurant serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

Farol (Cacilhas)

A great place to enjoy seafood by the river after taking the ferry from Lisbon.

📍 Worth the Trip

Eduardo das Conquilhas (Parede)

One of the best places around Lisbon for conquilhas (small clams). A long-time favourite among locals.

Mar do Inferno (Cascais)

Fresh seafood with beautiful ocean views. It's a little more expensive, but the setting makes it worth it.

Did I miss your favourite seafood restaurant? Let me know in the comments!

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

I created digital travel guides with detailed PDFs, Google Maps lists, local restaurants, viewpoints, beaches, day trips and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

The origin of the bitoque is uncertain.

Some believe it was inspired by the French bifteck, while others suggest the idea evolved through influences from neighbouring Spain before becoming the Portuguese dish we know today.

Like many traditional recipes, its exact origin is still debated.

Today the bitoque is one of Portugal's favourite comfort foods and usually it's the meal that always saves the day when nothing else on the menu sounds right.

A dish made with a thin beef steak, usually topped with a fried egg and served with fries, rice and a simple salad. Many restaurants also offer pork version.

I know some people prefer their bitoque without rice, but for me it's always better with rice and a cold Super Bock.

These are some of my favourite places to eat one in Lisbon:

Adega Solar Minhoto (Alvalade)

Probably the most talked about bitoque in Lisbon.

Tico Tico (Alvalade)

Jorge d'Amália (Ajuda)

O Bitoque (Campo de Ourique)

I'm curious... where have you had your favourite bitoque in Portugal?

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

I created digital travel guides with detailed PDFs, Google Maps lists, local restaurants, viewpoints, beaches, day trips and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

I made a post about things you should do in Lisbon, so I thought it would be fun to do the opposite.

Here's my list of things I don't recommend, especially if it's your first time in Lisbon.

Note: This is just my opinion. You don't have to agree with me. I'm curious to know what you would add to the list.

Sitting at a kiosk in Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Trying the codfish cake with cheese and Port wine.

Waiting more than 20 minutes at Martim Moniz for Tram 28. Walk to another stop like Graça or Estrela instead.

Standing in the sun just to try the bifanas at As Bifanas do Afonso.

Buying cork souvenirs or magnets from tourist shops in Baixa.

Spending an entire afternoon at LX Factory.

Booking a tuk tuk tour around Baixa and Rua Augusta.

Taking the Rua Augusta Arch if there's a long queue.

Eating at random restaurants on Rua Augusta.

Taking a photo at Pink Street.

Buying canned sardines from shops like O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa.

Having lunch or dinner at Time Out Market.

Staying in an Airbnb in Alfama, Mouraria or Castelo, especially if you're arriving by car or with heavy luggage.

Having breakfast at a specialty coffee café. I'd rather go to a traditional Portuguese pastelaria.

Spending the night of Santo António in Bica.

Eating at Mercado do Rossio.

Planning your trip to Lisbon?

My Lisbon Digital Travel Guide includes a detailed PDF with local insights, practical tips, food recommendations, viewpoints, day trips and useful information to help you prepare your trip.

You'll also get several Google Maps lists organised by category, including restaurants, cafés, viewpoints, gardens, museums, hidden gems and where locals eat.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

A few days ago I shared a list of things I personally don't recommend in Lisbon. Many people asked for the reasons, so here are a few of them.

Why do I recommend Uber or Bolt instead of a taxi from the airport?

Because there are still many cases where visitors are charged much more than they should be. Sometimes the route is longer than necessary, sometimes the fare feels excessive, and unfortunately there have been cases where tourists felt taken advantage of.

With Uber or Bolt, at least you know the price before the trip starts.

Why don't I recommend spending an afternoon at LX Factory?

LX Factory is not a bad place. I just think it has become the type of place you can find in many European cities. Cafés, concept stores, bars and coworking spaces.

If you only have a few days in Lisbon, I think there are more interesting places that feel more connected to the city.

Why not stay in an Airbnb in the historic centre?

Areas like Alfama are beautiful, but they can be difficult.

Many streets are steep, narrow or inaccessible to cars. If you are carrying luggage, arriving and leaving can be a challenge.

Many buildings don't have lifts and some apartments were never really designed for modern tourism.

I also think these neighbourhoods have been heavily affected by short-term rentals and deserve to keep some of their local character.

Why don't I recommend lunch at Time Out Market?

For similar reasons to LX Factory.

It is busy, noisy and, in many ways, offers an experience that feels similar to food halls you can find elsewhere.

One of the things I enjoy most about Portugal is sitting down in a tasca and having a proper meal. Thankfully, there are still many of them around Lisbon.

Why not only visit pastel de nata places?

Pastel de nata is Portugal's most famous pastry, but Portuguese pastry goes far beyond that.

Sometimes I see people visiting Manteigaria, Pastéis de Belém and Fábrica da Nata on the same trip. Nothing wrong with that, but I would also suggest visiting a traditional pastelaria and trying other pastries.

A queijada, a bola de Berlim, a pão de Deus or whatever catches your eye in the display. That is how many Portuguese people actually experience a pastelaria.

Do you agree or disagree with any of these?

Planning your trip to Lisbon?

My digital travel guides include practical PDFs, curated Google Maps lists, local restaurants, viewpoints, hidden spots, day trips and useful information to help you make the most of your time in Portugal.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

Just 1.5 hours from Lisbon, Évora is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

Located in the Alentejo region, it's known for its Roman history, medieval streets, great food and relaxed atmosphere. If you want to experience a different side of Portugal, Évora is an excellent day trip.

The historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, with centuries of history around every corner.

What to see in Évora

Roman Temple of Évora – One of the best preserved Roman temples in the Iberian Peninsula.

Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) – One of Portugal's most unusual monuments, built with thousands of human bones.

Évora Cathedral – The largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. Don't miss the rooftop for one of the best views of the city.

Praça do Giraldo – The heart of Évora, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and historic buildings.

Rua 5 de Outubro – A great street for local shops selling cork products, ceramics and traditional Alentejo crafts.

Need a driver or private tour from Lisbon?

I always recommend Bruno, the driver I usually suggest to my guests. Send me a message and I'll share his contact.

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

I created digital travel guides with PDF guides, Google Maps lists, local restaurants, viewpoints, beaches, day trips and practical tips to help you plan your trip.

Available here:

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

The USA is 249 years old.

These Lisbon spots? They were already here decades (or centuries!) before 1776, and you can still visit them today.

Livraria Bertrand (Bertrand Bookstore): 1732

Recognised by Guinness as the world's oldest operating bookstore. It has survived earthquakes, revolutions and centuries of change, and still stamps every book with "1732."

Feira da Ladra: Since the 1200s

Lisbon's oldest flea market has been running for more than 800 years. From antiques to vintage records, it still has the same spirit it had in medieval times.

Igreja de São Roque (St. Roch Church): 1573

Simple on the outside, but step inside and you'll find one of the richest church interiors in Europe. The Chapel of St. John the Baptist, built in Rome and brought to Lisbon in the 18th century, is often described as one of the most expensive chapels ever built.

Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle): 11th Century

The castle you see today has been restored over the centuries, especially during the 20th century. But its origins go back to the 11th century, when it was built by the Moors, and people had already been living on this hill since the Iron Age. For almost a thousand years, this has been one of the most important places in Lisbon.

Aqueduto das Águas Livres (Aqueduct of the Free Waters): 1731–1748

An engineering masterpiece built to bring water to Lisbon. Its 65-metre-high arches survived the 1755 earthquake, and today you can still walk across the top and enjoy one of the city's most impressive views.

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

My digital travel guides include detailed PDFs with local insights, practical tips and everything you need to prepare your trip.

You'll also get several Google Maps lists organised by category, including restaurants, cafés, viewpoints, beaches, museums, castles, gardens and many other places worth visiting.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

O Velho Eurico was once a well-known casa de pasto in Mouraria.

For decades it was part of daily life in Lisbon with traditional food and regular clients.

But in recent years, many old tascas in Lisbon have started to disappear.

In 2019, the young chef Zé Paulo Rocha took over O Velho Eurico. He kept the spirit of a Portuguese tasca, but added creativity and a little modern touch to traditional dishes.

Today, O Velho Eurico is one of the hardest restaurants to book in Lisbon. The food is excellent, but the atmosphere is a big part of the experience too. The room is small and the service feels warm and personal.

Some dishes to look for are Bacalhau à Brás, Arroz de Pato, Migas de Alheira and Polvo à Lagareiro, although the menu changes often. So the best advice is simple: book a table and trust the kitchen.

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

My digital travel guides include a detailed PDF with local insights, useful tips to prepare your trip, food recommendations, must-see places and several Google Maps lists organised by category.

They are made to help you save time, avoid random planning, and find places that actually make your trip better.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com

The story of Estufa Fria began in 1910, when an old basalt quarry was turned into a place to grow plants for Lisbon's gardens.

Architect Raul Carapinha later designed the space, and it officially opened to the public in 1933.

In 1975, two new areas were added: Estufa Quente, with tropical plants, and Estufa Doce, home to cacti and other plants from dry climates.

What you'll find

Estufa Fria: The largest area, with ferns, camellias, azaleas, waterfalls and quiet paths.

Estufa Quente: Home to tropical plants like banana trees, coffee plants and other exotic species.

Estufa Doce: Full of cacti and succulent plants from dry climates.

Practical information:

Parque Eduardo VII (near Marquês de Pombal)

Summer opening hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Ticket: arround €3.60

Free for everyone on Sundays and public holidays until 2:00 PM.

After your visit, walk to the top of Parque Eduardo VII. In my opinion, it's a great view in Lisbon.

Planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve?

My digital travel guides include detailed PDFs with local insights, practical tips and everything you need to prepare your trip.

You'll also get several Google Maps lists organised by category, including restaurants, cafés, viewpoints, gardens, beaches, museums and many other places I recommend.

👉 www.portugaldigitalguides.com

The eastern Algarve, often called Sotavento, is the part of the region closer to Spain, stretching from the Faro area towards Vila Real de Santo António.

This is the Algarve of long sandy beaches, warmer and calmer waters, fishing towns, Ria Formosa islands and slower summer holidays.

It is also the side of the Algarve where many Portuguese families spend their summer. I grew up going to places like Praia da Altura, so for me this part of the coast has always felt more relaxed and familiar than the busier resort areas.

A few places worth visiting, from west to east:

Faro

Often used only for the airport, but the old town is worth a stop.

Olhão

Good for seafood, markets and boat trips to Culatra, Farol and Armona.

Tavira

One of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve, with access to Ilha de Tavira.

Cacela Velha

Small village with one of the best views over the Ria Formosa.

Altura

Long sandy beach, easy access and a very Portuguese summer feeling.

Monte Gordo

Wide beach, warmer water and a classic family holiday atmosphere.

Vila Real de Santo António

Elegant border town by the Guadiana River, with a planned historic centre rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

Planning your trip to the Algarve?

I created an Algarve Digital Travel Guide with beaches, food recommendations, day trips, practical advice and Google Maps lists to help you explore the region without wasting hours online.

www.portugaldigitalguides.com