Portuguese Poetry
- Tasnia Mozammel
- Aug 29
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Portuguese Poetry is a love letter to Portugal — a place where every cobbled street, seaside breeze, and pastel de nata tells a story. From the melancholic chords of Fado echoing through Lisbon’s alleyways to the golden cliffs of the Algarve bathed in sunlight, this blog captures the rhythm and romance of the country. Join me as I explore the vibrant markets, ancient castles, and sleepy seaside towns, tracing the lyrical beauty that makes Portugal feel like poetry in motion.
After long sitting at the top of my bucket list, we finally made a short trip to Lisbon and the Algarve. Lisbon delivered on every promise and immediately stole our hearts with its charm, food and energy — a city that felt alive in every corner. Lagos, on the other hand, wasn’t quite what we expected. Having seen some of the world’s most stunning beaches, we found it a little underwhelming despite its postcard-perfect cliffs. Sintra and Cascais, unfortunately, were also off the cards altogether due to the forest fires that swept across the region during our visit. Still, the trip was filled with moments worth remembering — some magical, some less so — and that mix made Portugal an adventure in its own right.
This post features 5 days of exploring Lisbon and the Algarve region including Lagos, Benagil, Portimão, and Carvoeiro!
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Tourism. Tours can be pre-booked via sites including GetYourGuide and Booking.com. If contemplating on either independent or guided explorations in Portugal, I highly recommend a combination of both. I highly recommend pre-planning this TukTuk Tour of Lisbon Old Town with Wesley, an exceptional guide! We booked our full day excursions to Sintra and Lagos via GetYourGuide. However, independent travels by bus or train transfers are also an affordable option.
2. Where to Stay. The best areas to stay in Lisbon, especially for first-timers include Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Bairo Alto — all within the heart of the city! We stayed Bairo Alto, perched on a hill above Alfama with viewpoints from our windows and steps outside the hotel. Everything we wanted to see was within walking distance or short Uber rides away, which made exploring the city as effortless as it was enjoyable.
4. Local Transport. Make sure to download Uber and Bolt! Commuting is easy and affordable, but if you're travelling with a group, simply using Uber or Bolt may be more feasible.
5. Don't forget your camera!
Cobblestones, Custard Tarts & Coastal Views
~ Lisbon in Layers ~
Perched on seven hills and kissed by the Atlantic breeze, Lisbon is a living mosaic — colourful, historic, and full of rhythm, where tradition and trendiness dance effortlessly together. From five-century-old decorative ceramic tiles and storied landmarks to the iconic yellow trams and pastel-hued buildings, there’s so much to unpack in this thriving city. Despite such short time, rounded up below are top sights and experiences that truly capture the essence of Lisbon, the perfect highlights that can be covered within three days.
Watch the Sunrise at Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Tucked in the heart of Alfama, this romantic viewpoint offers sweeping views over Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Tagus River. Framed by blooming bougainvillaea and traditional azulejos (blue ceramic tiles), Miradouro de Santa Luzia is as charming as it is scenic, perfect for a photo op whilst capturing Lisbon's old town beauty.
The viewpoint also features a terrace café making for an exceptional spot to catch the sunrise over breakfast or unwind during golden hour at sunset.
Tiles, Trams & Tuk-Tuks ~ Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour
Embark on the perfect Lisbon adventure by hopping into a Tuk-Tuk — the ideal way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks without breaking your feet. Most tuk-tuks onsite are scammers, hence, I highly recommend preplanning the linked tour!
With Lisbon’s famously steep hills and maze-like streets, Tuk-Tuk tours offer an efficient way to cover more ground, especially in areas where cars can't reach. Plus, with a knowledgeable local guide like Wesley at the wheel, you’ll uncover hidden gems and rich history along the way.
Ride the Iconic Tram no. 28 or Elevador da Bica
Hop aboard the iconic Tram no. 28 or Elevador da Bica! If you're short on time, you may only be able to squeeze in one of these two charming vintage yellow modes of transport.
While they are both perfect for independent exploration, Tram no. 28 doubles as both public transport and sightseeing, winding its way through the city's historic neighbourhoods — Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. This route is both scenic and practical, especially for tackling Lisbon’s famously steep hills. Meanwhile, Elevador da Bica is a short, but vertically steep funicular railway connecting the neighbourhoods of Cais do Sodré to Bairro Alto — more about the photo op and vintage charm than getting around.
We actually didn't ride either of these because it was cheaper just to Uber and the areas we wanted to explore were all within short walking distances!
Explore Alfama ~ Wander Through Lisbon's Winding Heart
Explore Alfama — Lisbon's oldest district and soul. Alfama's narrow alleyways, colourful tiled façades all tumbling down the hillside from São Jorge Castle to the riverfront are best explored slowly, with no set agenda, and just following the sound of music, the smell of grilled sardines, and curiosity.
Stroll Through Baixa & Rossio Square
Baixa, adjacent to Alfama, is Lisbon’s grand downtown district known for its elegant neoclassical-style wide boulevards, symmetric grid layout, and majestic plazas. It’s the perfect area to shop, dine, explore, and people-watch.
At the centre of it all lies the bustling Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV), lined with ornate fountains and 19th-century buildings. Connecting Rossio Square to the grand Arco da Rua Augusta at Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta is Lisbon’s beating pedestrian street, lined with cafés, bakeries, and restaurants! This was a spot of frequent return during our stay in Lisbon.
Catch Sunset at One of Lisbon's Viewpoints
Lisbon is famously known as the City of Seven Hills, which means there are breathtaking viewpoints or miradouros around every other corner! As the day winds down, head to one of these scenic terraces to watch the city bathe in golden hour light. Popular spots include Miradouro de Santa Luzia, mentioned in the sections above, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the highest points in Graça, and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, situated in Bairo Alto. São Pedro de Alcântara was right around the corner of our hotel in Bairo Alto, so we were lucky to catch golden hours and sunsets spontaneously.
Bar-Hop in Bairo Alto ~ Experience Lisbon's Nightlife
Bairro Alto is a historic hilltop neighborhood with tiled facades and narrow cobblestone lanes, as well as Lisbon’s nightlife epicenter. The streets are filled with locals and travelers alike spilling out of cozy bars, sipping cocktails, and hopping between live-music spots.
Experience an Evening of Fado ~ Portuguese Soul in Song
They say that to truly feel Lisbon, you must hear it, and nothing captures the city's soul like Fado. This traditional Portuguese music genre, born in the old taverns of Alfama and sung with raw intensity accompanied by the gentle plucking of the Portuguese guitarra, is all things love, loss and fate — hauntingly beautiful and filled with emotion, longing, and nostalgia.
You can spend an evening at a traditional Fado house for a curated intimate experience. Alternatively, if you're lucky, you may stumble across free authentic Fado, raw and full of heart within Alfama or Bairro Alto.
Belém & Beyond ~ Where History Meets the Horizon
Set along the Tagus River, Belém is Lisbon’s tribute to its Age of Discoveries, where grand monuments, leafy promenades, and pastel delights collide. Once the launching point for Portuguese explorers setting sail into the unknown, today it’s home to some of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks including the Jerónimos Monastery, the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It's best to plan an early day to Belém if you plan to enter the landmarks and to avoid long queues.
Beyond the history, Belém offers riverfront walks, museums including the MAAT and the Berardo Museum, and the world-famous Pastéis de Belém. During our time in Lisbon, we picked up the famous pastéis and drove passed Belém's landmarks due to the heat.
Cais do Sodré, Time Out Market & Pink Street
Walk along the Tagus river and the gritty dockside neighbourhood of Cais do Sodré — buzzing with energy, colour, and culinary flair. At its centre lies Time Out Market, whilst just steps outside lies Pink Street.
Though popular destinations, we found Time Out Market and Pink Street to be an overrated stops. While it’s often billed as a foodie haven, Time Out Market was overcrowded, pricey, and leaned more towards a rugged commercial food court than an authentic Portuguese dining experience. If you’re short on time, you’re better off eating in a local tasca or enjoying traditional dishes in Alfama or Baixa.
Once Lisbon’s red-light district and now known as one of Lisbon’s nightlife spots, Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) also didn’t live up to its Instagram reputation. This street comes alive with bars, music, and neon lights, but simultaneously caters more to a rowdy backpacker/hippy crowd. If you prefer something more atmospheric, Bairro Alto’s bars or an evening fado show are far more authentic alternatives.
LX Factory ~ A Creative Detour
Situated outside the central districts and a short Uber ride away, LX Factory, hyped as Lisbon’s creative hub, is a former industrial complex repurposed into a hotspot of street art, indie boutiques, and quirky cafés. We surprisingly enjoyed LX Factory and while it gave Camden Town vibes delivering Lisbon’s cool, creative pulse, the crowd was more sophisticated and family-friendly compared to other nightlife-heavy areas.
National Tile Museum ~ A Tribute to Portugal’s Iconic Art Form
Located in a former 16th-century convent, the Museu Nacional do Azulejo is one of Lisbon’s most unique and underrated gems. Dedicated entirely to azulejos — Portugal’s famous painted ceramic tiles — this museum takes you on a vibrant journey through five centuries of decorative art.
Shop Through Avenida da Liberdade
Often called the Champs-Élysées of Lisbon, Avenida da Liberdade is the city’s grandest boulevard — a leafy, elegant stretch lined with designer boutiques, high-end hotels, and chic cafés. Even if luxury shopping isn’t on your list, it’s worth wandering for the architecture, the atmosphere, and the window-shopping.
Palaces in the Clouds
~ My Sintra Sojourn ~
Roughly an hour southwest of Portugal's bustling capital lies Sintra — described to be a fairytale town brimming with mystery and enchantment. Nestled among lush, misty hills, Sintra is a must-visit destination, home to magnificent Portuguese palaces, romantic mansions, and whimsical gardens that feel plucked from the pages of a storybook.
Sadly, during our visit in August, the entire Sintra area was closed due to forest fires — a reminder of how unpredictable travel can be. It was a big miss, as we were looking forward to seeing the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the dramatic Moorish Castle.
If you’re luckier than us, Sintra is easily reachable by train, car, bus, or guided tour. For us, it remains on the list for next time!
Where Land Meets the Sea
~ A Love Letter from Lagos ~
A trip to Portugal is supposedly incomplete without a visit to Lagos. Tucked away in Portugal’s sun-drenched south, the Algarve region is a Portuguese postcard paradise of golden cliffs, hidden coves, and sparkling turquoise waters — and at its heart lies the sleepy town of Lagos.
During our short stay in Portugal, we carved out a day trip to Lagos, situated about three hours south of Lisbon by car. We booked a day tour via GetYourGuide in pursuit of a seamless and stress-free journey and reserved a Benagil Cave boat tour separately to experience Portugal’s natural wonders by sea.
Portuguese Postcards from Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade, often hailed as the Algarve’s highlight, showcases dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and hidden grottoes carved by centuries of waves and wind. It’s undeniably photogenic, but Lagos as a whole didn’t quite win us over. Having been fortunate enough to see some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, we found the coastline here a little underwhelming while our day tour guide certainly didn’t help. The parking areas around the iconic beaches also felt a bit crowded and unkempt, which took away from the magic.
For the Coastal Explorer ~ Benagil Cave Boat Tour
Benagli Cave is Lagos' unmissable coastal crown jewel and the most famous attraction and natural wonder in the Algarve! While boat tours are available onsite and departing from various ports, it’s best to pre-book in advance, especially during summer or on a tight itinerary. These tours offer views of hidden beaches, sea-carved formations, and if you're lucky — dolphin sightings!
The highlight was taking a refreshing dip in the Atlantic's cold saltwater. The cave itself is striking, and gliding past hidden beaches and rock formations made for great views. That said, our 2-hour tour felt too long and under the blazing sun, the rocky formations started to feel repetitive, while motion sickness hit us hard in the heat. A shorter boat ride is definitely worth considering.
Dip at Praia do Camilo or Meia Praia
If time allows, Lagos does deliver on the beach front. Praia do Camilo is famous for its golden sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic staircase descent, while Meia Praia offers space to stretch out and relax.
Eat Your Way Through Portugal
~ The Portuguese Food Scene ~
Flavours of Portugal ~ More than just Seafood
While Portugal is famously known for its fresh seafood dishes — from grilled sardines and bacalhau (salted cod), there is plenty on the table for those of us who aren’t seafood lovers (myself included). From sizzling piri-piri chicken to hearty stews, pastries, and regional cheeses, Portuguese cuisine offers a little something for every palate. Just a side note, Portugal’s version of piri-piri is a lot simpler and more traditional — grilled chicken brushed with a homemade chili oil. It’s smoky and spicy, but not the saucy, marinated style that Nando’s made famous!
Rua Augusta ~ Lisbon’s Food Street
Connecting Rossio Square to the grand Arco da Rua Augusta, Rua Augusta is Lisbon’s beating pedestrian heart. Lined with cafés, bakeries, and restaurants spilling onto cobblestones, it’s the perfect place to pause for a meal or a quick nata while people-watching. Street performers keep the atmosphere lively, making it a natural stop between sightseeing. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or just soaking up Lisbon’s atmosphere, Rua Augusta is the perfect stop between sightseeing and gastronomy.
A Love Affair with Pastéis de Nata
No trip to Portugal is complete without indulging in its globally iconic treat — the Pastel de Nata. These golden, flaky custard tarts are pure magic: crisp on the outside, creamy and just sweet enough on the inside, with a touch of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top.
While the world-famous Pastéis de Belém is the original and most historic spot (expect long queues), Lisbon is blessed with other contenders that often steal the show. Manteigaria, for instance, immediately became my absolute favourite — smooth, perfectly balanced, and consistently fresh, it surpassed Belém in both taste and experience during my litte nata-crawl. Unlike Belém, Manteigaria has multiple locations throughout the city! Other beloved houses like Fábrica da Nata and Aloma also compete for the crown, each with their own following. Whichever you choose, one nata a day won't be enough.
Where (and Where Not) to Dine
Dine in Bairro Alto: This historic, hilltop district was where we stayed, and it’s full of tucked-away romantic restaurants perfect for dinner. The vibe is lively but authentic, with viewpoints just steps away.
Chiado for Lunch: Stylish, central, perfect for a relaxed midday meal.
Time Out Market: This food hall is one of Lisbon’s most famous, with 40+ stalls curated by top chefs. We didn’t love it — the crowd felt rugged more than refined foodie. Still, it’s a convenient way to try a mix of dishes in one place if you’re curious.
LX Factory: Located a short Uber ride away from Alfama, LX Factory is lined with creative restaurants, bars, and cafés. Great for browsing shops, and grabbing dinner.
Bring Home Pieces of Portugal
~ Portugal in Your Pocket ~
No trip is complete without a little something to remember it by — and Portugal offers no shortage of meaningful, beautiful souvenirs to bring home. From hand-painted azulejos (ceramic tiles) and fragrant soaps to bottles of velvety port wine and tins of locally caught sardines, every item symbolizes the country’s rich culture and craftsmanship.
Perhaps the most iconic keepsakes are those inspired by Portugal’s famous mosaics and tiles. You’ll find their intricate blue-and-white patterns splashed across tote bags, aprons, kitchenware, notebooks, and even jewelry. Explore the artisan shops of Portugal for some iconic and heartfelt keepsakes to tuck into your suitcase and pack into your pockets — little pieces of Portugal to carry with you, long after the trip ends.
Gallery
~ Postcards from Portugal ~
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