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LISBON
At the top of the list of places to visit in Lisbon is the magnificent Belem Tower, built in the 16th century in the name of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. The tower is in the Belem district of the city. It can be easily reached from the city center. Located inside the castle built for defensive purposes, the Belem Tower is an elegant example of Portuguese Manueline, Gothic and Medieval European architecture.
Jeronimos monastery, Santa Maria de Lisbon
A historic monastery located in the Belém district. One of the most prominent symbols of the city, the monastery is one of the most successful examples of the manual style. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.
The Alfama district, located between the Sao Jorge Castle and the Tejo River, is a district that reflects the spirit of the city and contains many characteristic Portuguese elements, from its architecture to its original, steep streets. Alfama has a laid-back atmosphere. Among the laid-back restaurants, steep streets that have not lost their originality, and historical buildings, Alfama has managed to preserve its essence to this day.
The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the most popular structures in Lisbon with its magnificent neo-Gothic architecture. It was built to connect the Bairro Alto and Baixa districts when the city witnessed the 1900s. Designed by French engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, the Santa Justa Elevator is also called the Carmo Lift.
The Commerce Square, which is close to the Tagus River and where you can take many beautiful photos, is also known as the Palace, which was located here before the great earthquake of 1755.
It is also known as Palace Square.
Yellow trams, in addition to traveling on tourist routes, are a city symbol that adds color to the streets of Lisbon and looks extremely photogenic in photographs. The history of these trams, which have the ability to make sharp turns even in narrow streets, dates back to the 1930s.
Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in Lisbon, is one of the interesting structures of the city that attracts tourists. It is a bit difficult to say that the cathedral, which was built in the 12th century and was previously built as a mosque, is original. The cathedral, which has survived many earthquakes, has been restored many times and therefore carries the influence of different architectural styles.
Pasteis de Belem, Lisbon's long-established and popular patisserie, founded in 1837, has brought together different tastes. You may find the desserts here in many parts of Europe, but according to most people, the taste of the ones baked at Belem Patisserie is something else.
SINTRA
Sintra is perhaps one of the most tourist-attracting places in Portugal. A 25-minute drive from Lisbon, it is the most interesting and intriguing city with its palaces that will take you to a fairytale land, its magnificent view and the Coba de Roca cape, the westernmost point of Europe. In short, it is a city that must be visited when you come to Portugal. Pena Palace is a colorful palace standing on a hill in the Sintra Mountains, as if it came out of Alice's Wonderland storybook. Pena Palace, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, is perhaps the most famous and most visited palace in Sintra. It is quite interesting with its colorful appearance and fairytale-like architectural structure.
Praia da Rocha, one of the well-known beaches of Portugal, is a beautiful beach on the coast of Portimao, on the Algarve coast. It is a lively holiday resort, especially in the summer months, with water sports, golden cliffs, nightlife and good food. For those looking for fun, relaxation and sun on holiday, Praia da Rocha is a good choice. Daily tours are organized here to discover other coves and beauties in the surrounding area.
PORTO
We loved Porto, built on the banks of the Douro River, with its world-famous wines, 15th-century houses, a city center that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, narrow, steep streets where laundry is hung from balconies or windows, cuisine, oceanside resorts, and the blue tiles called Azulejo that are used in almost every building.
One of the liveliest, most beautiful and most colorful places in the city is Ribeira Square. The square is also popular because it is within walking distance of most of the city's tourist attractions. It is very enjoyable to stop by this square for lunch or dinner and drink wine.
Considered one of the most beautiful examples of civil architecture, Sao Bento Train Station was built in 1916. The station building, which is quite successful in reflecting the melancholic atmosphere specific to the city, used to be a Benedictine monastery on the site.
Liberdade Square, known as Freedom Street, is home to luxury shopping stores, cafes where you can drink coffee, and impressive buildings. The monument in the middle of the street was built in memory of those who lost their lives during World War I.
By adding Porto Wine Cellars to your list of places to visit, you can have the privilege of learning firsthand about the centuries-old history of the city's world-famous wines. The wine cellars, most of which are located on the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia's Douro River, still age in wooden barrels. Thanks to this, the Porto wines that were discovered by English merchants in the 17th century and introduced to the world preserve their original flavors.
Accommodation recommendation: For Lisbon;
Solar Dos Mouros
Rua do Milagre De Santo António 6, Santa Maria Maior, 1100-351 Lisbon, Portugal • 200 meters from the train station (Limoeiro)
Accommodation suggestions: For Porto;
Casa Farrapos
Rua dos Mercadores 112-114, União de Freguesias do Centro, 4050-374 Porto, Portugal • 300 meters from the train station (Infante) • In the city center
