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 with friends and river in the background

Porto: A Rainy but Magical Start

Our adventure started in Porto, a city known for its stunning architecture, riverfront views, and cozy cafés. Despite the constant drizzle, we made the most of it, exploring on foot and embracing the city’s charm.

1. Walking Tour in the Rain

We strolled through some of Porto’s most famous landmarks, including:

Ribeira District – The colorful, UNESCO-listed historic quarter along the Douro River.
São Bento Train Station – Known for its incredible blue-and-white azulejo tile murals depicting Portugal’s history.
Clérigos Tower – A Baroque tower offering some of the best panoramic views of the city.

💡 Tip: Don’t let rainy weather stop you in Porto! Bring a waterproof jacket, wear comfy shoes, and warm up with a bica (Portuguese espresso) in a cozy café.

2. Visiting Livraria Lello – One of the World’s Most Stunning Bookstores

One of the biggest highlights of Porto was visiting Livraria Lello, often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

📖 Why It’s Famous:

The staircase inside supposedly inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts!
Stunning neo-Gothic architecture with intricate wooden details and a stained-glass ceiling.
Over 100 years old, it’s a literary landmark for book lovers.

How to Visit Livraria Lello Without Waiting in a Huge Line

Entry Fee: €8 (redeemable toward a book purchase).
Buy Tickets in Advance – You must purchase online before arriving.
Go Early in the Day – Mornings have fewer crowds.
Plan Your Book Purchase – I chose a Portuguese classic—a meaningful souvenir!

3. The Fanciest McDonald’s in Europe

Porto is home to what’s often called the most beautiful McDonald’s in Europe—the McDonald’s Imperial, housed in a former Art Deco café.

🍔 What to Try:

McBifana, a Portuguese take on a classic pork sandwich.
Pastel de nata, served alongside a coffee.

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!

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.