Portugal 

Ginjinha (pronounced sheen-SHEEN-yah) is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from the ginja berry, which is a bit like a sour cherry. We didn’t love it, but it’s worth trying if you’re interested. And this spot is a cultural experience, a tiny hole-in-the-wall that’s probably the oldest ginjinha bar in Lisbon.

Almost hidden behind Carmo Convent, Topo Chiado is a charming bar and restaurant clinging to the edge of Lisbon’s Barrio Alto neighborhood. Sit and enjoy a craft cocktail (not all that common in Portugal), a glass of wine, or a snack as you soak in the incredible views.

If you’re craving seafood in Lisbon, it’s hard to go wrong with Mar ao Lago. This restaurant offers a modern spin on traditional Portuguese seafood dishes and boasts a large aquarium and shellfish and fresh bank. It has a fun outdoor patio as well as indoor seating.

There isn’t much of a craft beer scene in Portugal. You’ll see lots of Super Bock and Sagres, both of which are fine, but it’s sometimes hard to find anything more interesting. Not so at Queen Ale. This bar offers several taps with a great collection of local and imported beers.

A note on Lisbon restaurants, make a reservation in advance. If you can’t make one online, email or call the restaurant. Another option is to walk up earlier in the day and get your name on the restaurant’s list.

Built in the 8th and 9th centuries during a period of Islamic rule in Spain, the impressive Moorish Castle occupies a sheer hilltop above Sintra. The history and walk along the walls (careful on the steps, and the uphill portion is a moderate hike) are well worth the visit.

This museum offers an impressive collection of horse-drawn royal coaches from throughout Portugal’s history. The main building has about 70 coaches (and helpful explanations in English). The Royal Riding School, also part of the museum, but requiring a separate ticket, has a beautiful historical interior, but only a handful of coaches on display.

Founded as a convent in 1389, the Igreja do Carmo was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The walls of the church still stand, as do some of the arches that once supported the roof. It’s worth the visit just to wander the eerie site, open to the sky. There’s also a small archaeological museum in the nave and apse containing pieces from throughout Portuguese history.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Lisbon, the Castelo de Sao Jorge traces hundreds of years of Lisbon’s history. Perhaps the main attraction is the incredible view offered from the courtyard, though walking through the castle and visiting the museum are enjoyable as well.

8 hectares of sprawling foliage that burst to bloom in Madeira’s extremely fertile volcanic soil. The view alone is worth it, but equally spectacular are its 2000 varieties of plants and flowers. The gardens are located in the Bom Sucesso Estate built in 1881 as a private park. This is best reached by a second […]

Built by King João II in 1493 at the peak of Portugal’s world exploration, this cathedral serves as a reminder to Portugal’s great wealth of that era. Enjoy the Gothic altarpiece and wooden cedar ceiling, a wonderful example of Mudéjar decoration (alfarje ceilings, from the Islamic artistic tradition).

The museum offers a fine collection of Portuguese art, but the real draw is the opportunity to walk through a beautifully furnished aristocratic household.

One of the creepiest sites in Portugal, the bone chapel connected to the gold-leafed church, is literally lined with bones. Bones (including skulls) cover the walls and were placed there in the 15th century by some arguably macabre monks. The message on the entrance says “We bones in here wait for yours to join us”… […]

Located just next to the upper station of Monte cable car, this park features over 100,000 plant species from all over the world. While the mansion, built in the 18th century, is closed inside, the surrounding gardens are well-worth the visit and the location offers panoramic views over Funchal’s bay.