Porto & Lisbon Travel Guide: A First-Class Adventure with Friends

cover image with the name of the blog and photo of Hannah

Written by Lupita

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Europe

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February 27, 2025

Traveling with friends always makes for great stories, and my recent Porto and Lisbon Travel Guide with Cody and Oliver was no exception. We explored rainy Porto, indulged in incredible food, took a first-class train ride, and discovered some unexpected gems in Lisbon—including a super fun interactive Earthquake Museum!

From selecting a book at Livraria Lello to trying Portugal’s famous pastéis de Belém and dining at my first-ever Michelin-star restaurant, this trip was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and delicious food.

Here’s everything you need to know for your own Porto and Lisbon Travel Guide adventure!

Hannah and two friends by the river with the Dom Luís I Bridge behind them in Porto — A rainy but magical start in Porto with Cody and Oliver.

Hannah in a blue raincoat outside Livraria Lello in Porto — Raincoat weather in Porto.

Green fountain in a square in Porto on a foggy day — Foggy morning in Porto.

Busy rainy street in downtown Porto — Umbrellas out in downtown Porto.

Carved wooden staircase and stained glass ceiling inside Livraria Lello — Livraria Lello is over 100 years old.

Hannah taking a selfie inside the crowded Livraria Lello bookstore — Entry is €8, and it counts toward a book purchase.

Art deco entrance with an eagle above the McDonald's in Porto — Possibly the fanciest McDonald’s in the world.

Chandeliers and ordering kiosks inside the McDonald's in Porto — Chandeliers at McDonald’s.

Taking a First-Class Train to Lisbon

We traveled to Lisbon in first-class style, and honestly, it was so worth it.

🚆 Why Choose First-Class?

Super comfortable seats with extra legroom.
Complimentary snacks and drinks (yes, even wine!).
Scenic countryside views.

💡 Tip: Book first-class in advance—it’s often just a few euros more than economy!

Lisbon: Exploring Portugal’s Capital

1. Downtown Monuments by the Water

Lisbon’s Belém district is home to some of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks, including:

Jerónimos Monastery – A Manueline-style monastery where Vasco da Gama is buried.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) – Honoring Portugal’s great explorers.
Belém Tower – A historic fortress that once protected Lisbon’s harbor.

🚖 Fun Side Trip: We got tired of walking and took an electric golf cart taxi to our next destination—such a fun way to explore Lisbon!

2. The New Earthquake Interactive Museum – Super Fun & Educational!

One of the coolest surprises of the trip was the Lisbon Earthquake Museum—a super fun interactive experience about the devastating 1755 earthquake that changed the city’s history.

🌍 Why It’s Worth Visiting:

Simulated earthquake experience – Feel what a 9.0 magnitude quake would be like!
Engaging exhibits explaining how Lisbon was rebuilt after the disaster.
Not crowded – A great hidden gem compared to Lisbon’s busier museums.

💡 Tip: This museum is great for all ages—interactive, educational, and way more fun than expected!

3. Trying the Original Pastéis de Belém

You can’t visit Lisbon without trying pastéis de Belém, the original Portuguese custard tarts.

🥧 What Makes Them Special?

First made by monks at Jerónimos Monastery in the 19th century.
Served warm, with a crispy pastry shell and creamy custard filling.
Only one bakery in Lisbon—Pastéis de Belém—can use the original recipe.

💡 Tip: The bakery is super popular—visit in the morning for fewer crowds!

4. The Museum of Aviation – A Surprising Favorite

This museum turned out to be way more interesting than expected!

✈️ Why It’s Awesome:

Not touristy – A great break from Lisbon’s usual sights.
Interactive exhibits and vintage planes.
Fascinating history of Portugal’s aviation industry.

💡 Tip: If you love offbeat museums, this is a great hidden gem!

5. A Michelin-Star Finale at Kabuki

To end the trip in style, we had an unforgettable dinner at Kabuki, a Michelin-star Japanese restaurant in Lisbon.

🍣 Why It Was Amazing:

High-end Japanese cuisine with a Portuguese twist.
Impeccable sushi and creative dishes.
A perfect, luxurious way to end the trip.

💡 Tip: Reservations are a must—book early!

Monument to the Discoveries against a bright sky in Lisbon — The Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon.

Baked dish with melted cheese on a restaurant table in Lisbon — Dinner in Lisbon.

Ornate carved interior of the Jerónimos Monastery church in Lisbon — Inside the Jerónimos Monastery church.

Gothic facade of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon — Pastéis de Belém were first made by monks at Jerónimos Monastery.

Historic boats displayed in a large museum hall in Lisbon — Historic boats on display in Lisbon.

Arched cloister and courtyard of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon — The monastery cloister.

Nigiri sushi served on a dark stone plate in Lisbon — A sushi dinner to end the trip.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Trip with Friends

This Porto and Lisbon adventure with Cody and Oliver was the perfect mix of history, culture, unexpected surprises, and a little bit of luxury.

From rainy bookshop visits to earthquake simulations and Michelin-starred meals, Portugal did not disappoint.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Trip with Friends

This Porto and Lisbon adventure with Cody and Oliver was the perfect mix of history, culture, unexpected surprises, and a little bit of luxury.

From rainy bookshop visits to earthquake simulations and Michelin-starred meals, Portugal did not disappoint.