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Going Places: Destinations |
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Portugal is not a place to be rushed around—it’s just begging to be lingered in. Maybe it’s the light that bounces off the tiled facades of Lisbon’s hills. Or the rhythm of fado echoing from a backstreet bar. Or the fact that every pastel de nata feels like it’s competing for best in show.
Whether it’s the cobblestone charm of the capital, the vine-covered valleys, or the island adventures that lay beyond, Portugal rewards slow travelers and the ever-curious. Here’s how to peel back its layers—one tram ride, day trip, and custard tart at a time.
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Never miss a deal to Portugal! Head to the Going app to find deals around $554 roundtrip (that's 37% off the regular price).
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Lisbon’s about contrasts: ancient cobblestones meet bold street art, quiet miradouros overlook modern riverfronts, and vintage yellow trams trundle through lively neighborhoods. |
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Tram 28: Hop on for a whirlwind tour through the city’s most iconic districts.
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Belém: Home to Portugal’s Age of Discovery monuments, including the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery, birthplace of the pastel de nata. Grab a box at Pastéis de Belém.
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São Jorge Castle: Climb for panoramic views of the Tagus River and terracotta rooftops.
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Alfama: Lose yourself in Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, with twisting alleys and photo ops from miradouros (viewpoints).
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LX Factory: Repurposed industrial space filled with cafes, galleries, and indie boutiques.
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Fado performances: Traditional music known for its melancholic vibes. Catch a show in Bairro Alto or Alfama.
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Azulejos—Portuguese tiles—have historically been used to both insulate and beautify architecture, from grand palace murals to decorative touches in Lisbon’s nooks and crannies. Now, they also make great Portuguese souvenirs. Family-run Cortiço & Netos; Solar Antiques, the world’s largest antique tile store; and Fábrica Sant’Anna, shopping alongside tile-painting demonstrations, are great places to start. Beware that some operations, like flea market stalls, don’t source their tiles ethically, pulling them straight from building facades, so always ask where they come from.
–Jamie Ditaranto, Going contributor
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Ready to stretch your legs? Portugal’s magic continues to unfold beyond Lisbon’s hills. Here’s where to go, from palace-topped forests to volcanic islands. |
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Day trips from Lisbon: Sintra (a fairytale come to life, with colorful Pena Palace and misty forests) and Cascais (once a fishing village, now a coastal escape, perfect for a seaside lunch, clifftop stroll, or bike ride to Guincho Beach). Find other day trips here.
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Porto: Portugal’s “second city” but just as worthy of a visit, with blue-tiled churches, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and port wine cellars lining the Douro.
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The Algarve: Golden cliffs, sea caves, and slow sunsets down south.
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Alentejo: Portugal’s answer to Tuscany, with wide plains, whitewashed towns, and cork forests. Don’t miss Évora, the region’s capital with a Roman Temple.
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Madeira: An archipelago floating off Africa’s coast, where you can hike levadas (UNESCO-listed system of channels), sip wine, and brave the toboggan ride.
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The Azores: An even bigger archipelago where volcanic lakes, crater hikes, and tea fields meet Atlantic breezes.
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Visiting Porto? Venture even further afield with a short train ride to Aveiro. Sometimes called Portugal's Venice, the town is situated along a series of canals full of colorfully painted boats called moliceiros. While there, tuck into a hearty meal at Tasquinha do Leitão. It’s excellent.
–Scott Keyes, Going Founder and Chief Flight Expert
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Ultimate Travel Box Giveaway
We've teamed up with Airalo, Unbound, and Trtl to put together the "Ultimate Travel Box", a box filled with everything every traveler needs before, during, and after their trip, valued at USD $1,000+.
Don't wait—last chance to enter is tomorrow November 6th, 2025!
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Pastéis, petiscos, and port |
If you measure a country by how good its food is, Portugal ranks near the top. From Lisbon’s cafes to Porto’s cellars, it’s a nonstop flavor tour of the salty, sweet, and everything in between. |
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Pastéis de nata: World-famous custard tarts invented by monks in Lisbon’s Belém neighborhood and spread everywhere that delicious things exist.
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Bifana: Traditional pork sandwich. Go for As Bifanas do Afonso, and thank me later.
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Bacalhau: Aka salt cod, cooked in hundreds of ways (locals say there’s a recipe for every day of the year).
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Petiscos: Portugal’s answer to tapas: think grilled chouriço, octopus salad, and piri-piri chicken.
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Francesinha: Porto’s over-the-top sandwich layered with meat and drenched in spicy beer sauce.
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Port wine: Sipped along the Douro River where vineyards cling to terraced hillsides.
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LIS flight price history
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$554 Average Going deal
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$872 Normal ticket price
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Interested in a trip to Portugal?
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Best places to visit in Portugal |
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How to plan a trip to Portugal |
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