Lisbon and Porto were listed among the Top 10 Trending City Breaks in KAYAK’s 2015 Travel Hacker Guide. To see what’s so fascinating about these destinations, KAYAK chose three of its most audacious adventurers and sent them on a tough mission abroad: bring back the most valuable travel hacks we can share with our users to help them travel smart and have the time of their lives. In the hunt for travel hacks, which lasted a mere 96 hours, the fearless trio went beyond their comfort zone and surfed their way into the unknown territory of Portugal.
4 days. 3 people. 2 cities. 1 goal… This is what they came up with:
Why walk when you can ride? Plan on renting a car… and if possible get a convertible. The weather in Portugal is everything they promise it to be: 28ºC in late September? Don’t mind if I do. But seriously, renting a car and taking a road trip with some stops on the way – be they planned or spontaneous – is a great idea for exploring beyond the usual city break. Of course, while you’re there, go ahead and book your hotel and cheap flights on KAYAK as well.
Once your plane has landed and you’ve picked up your luggage, go outside and take a breath of warm Portuguese air. You have arrived. Let the adventure begin…
Porto Mon Amour
Get a sneak peak at Mercado do Bolhão. Before embarking on the arduous mission of tasting some of the best dishes you’ve ever had, check out what will land on your plate by visiting this monumental farmers market. You can be sure the fish you see on the counter were swimming in the Atlantic earlier that morning.
Prepare to be amazed… and delete the word “calories” from your dictionary. The food there is decadent, but a real flâneur needs energy, right? Start your day with a super sweet Rabanada (Portuguese-style French toast) at Café Majestic. For lunch we recommend Café Santiago, a.k.a. the kingdom of Francesinhas (meat & cheese sandwiches made famous in Porto). Once the sun has set and your feet can wander no more, head to Andor Violeta and treat yourself with some mouthwatering, modern interpretations of local cuisine.
Always start at the top. If you don’t like planning ahead, make the Clérigos Tower your first stop to get an overview of what’s what and where. From here you can admire all the different attractions and decide spontaneously where to go next. Caution to claustrophobics – the staircase gets smaller the higher up you go.
Ride with style. Book a sidecar tour and feel like an action hero while a local takes you through the narrow streets of Porto. Racing near the coastline with the wind blowing in your hair will give you a rush of, the so called, “freedom” – a common syndrome among travellers. Just remember: one sidecar bike can only fit two people and your guide, so if you are three… rock, paper, scissors?
To read or not to read? Before stepping in the magnificent Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, you’ll need to buy a € 3 entrance ticket across the street. The good news? It’s actually a voucher you can put towards a book purchase. If you just want to roam around bookshelves for free without the mass of visitors, try a not-so-famous store, such as Livraria Chaminé.
What’s in a name? In Porto… a lot! No trip to Porto is complete without tasting its namesake wine. But don’t leave your visit to the cellars until the end of the day: most wineries take their last visitors around 5pm. Additional hack: Take the cable car from the D. Luís bridge to Gaia. Not only will you enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, but you’ll also get a free glass of Port wine at the Quevedo cellar… winning!
Hit the road!
Travel back in time without having to accelerate to 88 miles per hour. With its fortified wall, castle and centuries-old influences, Óbidos is a great way to go back to the 13th century and makes for an excellent day trip from Lisbon (84km). True, the medieval folks probably didn’t drink ginjinha (a delicious wild cherry liqueur) out of a chocolate cup, but sometimes change is for the better.
Hidden gems are what it’s all about. On this occasion we have to admit we failed our mission. Forget everything you’ve read before about Sintra. We naively believed the “must-see” in Sintra is the castle, which deceived us with its picturesque location on a hilltop. Don’t be fooled! Ever heard about the Masonic Initiation Wells? Of course not, neither had we. When in Sintra, don’t look up: look down for the secret treasures located beneath the ground… Who doesn’t love hidden treasure!?
The name’s Bon, Lisbon…
Well earned treats just taste better. So before feasting in Pastéis de Belém (serving the world-famous egg tart pastries) climb the many steps leading to the top of the Monument of Discoveries and the Belém Tower for stunning views of the Belém district. Then prepare to be awed by the impressive beauty of the Jerónimos Monastery. When you’re finally weary and hungry, reward yourself with some pastéis de nata in the store that is the dish’s namesake. Don’t be afraid of the queue: it might seem long, but it’s fast and totally worth it.
Ride the wave. Get off the usual tourist schedule, take advantage of your rental car and drive to the gorgeous Costa da Caparica where you can relax in the sun and have a refreshing dip in the Atlantic. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a surf lesson. After two hours of paddling and countless fails you shall stand on your board and shred the waves with pride for all the world to see.
Completely immerse yourself… Experience Fado the right way. Skip the tourist shows and lose yourself in the labyrinth of impossibly narrow streets in the Alfama district. Find a cozy little bar named Tasca do Chico and watch in disbelief when a fellow guest rises from his chair and reveals himself to be one of the most powerful voices in town. It will give you goosebumps.
Feel on the top of the world. Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon is packed with viewpoints offering spectacular views from every angle. Our top 3: Nossa Senhora do Monte, São Pedro de Alcantara, Santa Catarina. Is it a steep walk up there? You bet, but this shouldn’t deter you (besides, there are always trams and tuk-tuks). Romantics out there: go for the sunset. Party animals: stay for the famous Bairro Alto nightlife.
Now that we’ve bestowed our unique travel hacks upon you, go ahead and find the best offers for flights, hotels or hire cars for your next Portugal trip, on KAYAK.co.uk Boa viagem!
