Whirlwind Portugal!

September 14, 2009 5:55 AM

Help me plan the perfect last-minute trip to Portugal!

I'll be in Portugal for five days starting Wednesday. It's such a last minute trip that we just have a hotel for 2 nights in Lisbon, then the trip is open. Please help with must-see stuff to see/do in Lisbon, and other parts of the country not to miss during our short impromptu trip. We may rent a car if necessary, and we'd like to make it to the beach as well. I've heard Sintra is a must and Porto, but I'd like to go beyond the usual.

I don't speak any Portugese and due to the last-minute nature of the voyage, have had no time to research. I'm interested in restaurants, towns, activities, (affordable) shopping--your secret Portugal, both in Lisbon and beyond. What does a first-time visitor need to know?

posted by annabellee to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

I really loved Sintra, and also stayed in Cascais. Both are nearby Lisbon.
After that I drove down to coast stopping and staying at little beaches on my way to Faro. It was a really beautiful trip!
posted by avex at 6:20 AM on September 14

I really liked Batalha. In/near Lisbon, Belem (especially Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is a highlight. Other suggestions for the rest of Portugal: Obidos, Tomar, Coimbra, Braga (Bom Jesus do Monte).
posted by swordfishtrombones at 7:06 AM on September 14

I'm heading to Portugal soon, too and when I searched on "Portugal", "Lisbon", etc... here on askMeFi, I came up with a ton of useful threads. Highly recommend!
posted by echo0720 at 5:29 AM on September 15