Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination, and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.
Here is a bucket list of things to do when in Portugal according to bucketlistjourney.
Climb Livraria Lello’s Red Staircase
Livraria Lello is the stunning bookshop said to be an inspiration for J.K Rowling’s famous series, Harry Potter.
Besides Rowling, a large number of renowned writers have hung out here buying books, exchanging reviews, and having some coffee.
There is a plethora of Portuguese, English, and French literature to choose from. If you’re a bookworm, it’ll be heaven for you, but truth be told most people these days go there just to get a selfie on the staircase.
Wander Through Parque de Cidade
When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, go to Parque de Cidade. The spacious park is ideal for jogging, picnicking or simply wandering about.
The lawns are manicured and well-maintained, flourishing with blossoming flowers and greens. You may also spot flocks of geese and swans fluttering in the calm water of lakes!
Climb to the Top of Torre dos Clérigos
Clérigos is another spectacular church boasting a facade of Baroque finery.
But one of the main features is the iconic bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, which is a symbolic monument and can be seen from various points of the city. Devised by an Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni, the 249-foot tall tower was the tallest building in the country when it was first completed in 1763.
It will take you about 240 steps to ascend the Torre dos Clérigos to take in the marvelous panoramas of the city.
Climbing the six stories will leave you gasping for air and once on the top, the sweeping views will also take your breath away.
View the Art at Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha
Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha is a uniquely set up nineteenth-century aristocratic house museum where you can view fascinating pieces of period art, exquisite furnishings, billiards room, ballroom, and impeccable gardens with stunning views of the river.
It is located within the parameters of Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and it is the very same house where Charles Albert, the King of Sardinia, spent the last few years of his life and died in exile.
Walk the Maze of Streets of Ribeira
One of the oldest neighborhoods of Porto and a designated UNESCO World Hertiage site, Riberia is a quaint riverside quarter where you will float back in time. Here you’ll come across medieval cobbled streets, an array of 18th-century townhouses, a quay with colorful boats, local art galleries, cafes, and shops selling handmade crafts.
Walking through this historic district is one of the highlights of Porto, but make sure to make a few stops too. Grab a traditional Portuguese meal at Jimão Tapas e Vinhos. Take in the architecture of Capela da Lada, a small church tucked in between historic buildings.
