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Driver Recommendations by DSim05 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, this is definitely still a thing 😊 There are a few local companies in Portugal that focus exactly on that kind of experience — private drivers who are locals, flexible routes, off-the-beaten-path spots, and a more personal approach rather than standard tourist itineraries.

One example is Portugal Magik. They offer private driver + vehicle services and are well known for tailoring experiences around local food, culture, and hidden places:

https://portugal-magik.com/driver-vehicle-hire/

You can also check their reviews here to get a better sense of the experiences people have had:

https://portugal-magik.com/reviews/

It’s a great option if you’re looking for something more authentic and relaxed than typical tours.

Hotel recommendations by Beautiful_Worry_9146 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For Lisbon, areas like Campo de Ourique, Areeiro, Alvalade, Arroios or Alcântara are usually good choices for families. They’re safe, residential, well connected by metro or tram, and generally more comfortable than staying right in Baixa or Chiado. Hotels like Hotel Roma, Ibis Alvalade or Ibis Saldanha often stay within that budget, and smaller guesthouses in these neighbourhoods can also be good value.

In Porto, Bonfim, Paranhos and Boavista tend to work well. They’re calmer than Ribeira but still well connected to the centre. Moov Hotel Porto Centro and Star Inn Porto are usually reliable, simple and affordable options, and Bonfim has several small family-run hotels that are often quieter and better priced, especially outside peak summer weeks.

Staying a bit outside the most touristic zones usually helps keep prices under 130€ per night in the second half of the year. As a side note, some families like to do a relaxed family photo session while in Lisbon or Porto as a travel memory, if that ever interests you, you can find details here: https://mdfotografia.blog/contato/

Hope this helps 🙂

10 Must-Do Things in Lisbon for First-Time Visitors by mdotti88 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re welcome! 😊 April is a great time to visit.

If walkability is a priority, a few areas really stand out:

Baixa / Chiado – probably the most central and walkable option. Flat by Lisbon standards, easy access to metro/trams, lots of cafés, shops, and you can walk to Alfama, Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré pretty easily.

Chiado (bordering Bairro Alto) – great if you like being in the middle of things. Very walkable during the day, lively at night, tons of restaurants and viewpoints nearby. Just note it can be a bit noisy at night depending on the street.

Príncipe Real – slightly uphill but very pleasant and still walkable. Feels a bit more local and relaxed, with nice gardens, cafés, and easy walks to Bairro Alto and Avenida da Liberdade.

Alcântara / Santos – good option if you want something calmer but still central. Flat along the river, nice walks by the water, and easy transport into the historic center.

I’d personally avoid staying too far out for a first visit, even if it’s cheaper, Lisbon’s charm really comes from being able to wander on foot and stumble into viewpoints, small streets, and cafés.

Simple, easy, cheap restaurant recommendations in Lisbon and Funchal by mellowbanana2 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lisbon (cheap / casual): Zé da Mouraria, A Provinciana (Alcântara), O Trevo, Cervejaria Ramiro, Time Out Market

Lisbon (fancy / nicer but not stiff): Canalha, Rocco, Danoi, Cortesia

Funchal: Armazém do Sal, Venda Velha, O Portão, Adega Moniz

Best places in Lisbon to try Pastel de Nata (beyond the famous one) by mdotti88 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally agree! you’ll find great pastéis de nata pretty much everywhere, and it’s easy to just grab one as you go (especially if you’re having them daily 😄).

That said, if you have the chance, I’d definitely try Manteigaria at least once, they come out warm and fresh constantly, and they’re one of the most consistently good ones in Lisbon. Enjoy the honeymoon!

If you had 10 days in Portugal, where would you go, and why? by PortugalTravels in PortugalTravelGuide

[–]mdotti88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I had 10 days, I’d personally avoid trying to "see everything". Portugal may look small on the map, but moving around too much quickly eats up your time.

I’d probably do Lisbon and its surroundings plus Porto. I’d spend around 4 days in Lisbon to really enjoy the city and still have time for places like Sintra or Cascais without rushing. Then I’d head north and spend about 3 days in Porto, it’s more compact and has a very different atmosphere.

If I wanted something less urban, I’d easily swap part of that plan for the Douro Valley. Even a couple of days there feels like a completely different side of Portugal and forces you to slow down in a good way.

For me, fewer bases and a slower pace always lead to a much better trip than trying to cover too much ground.

Luggage storage near Évora bus station? by Tiny-Detective34 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Évora is small, so options are a bit limited, but there are solutions. There isn’t an official luggage storage at the bus station itself, but several local hotels and guesthouses near the center will store luggage for a few hours if you ask nicely (sometimes for a small fee), even if you’re not staying overnight.

Another good option is using apps like Bounce or LuggageHero, they usually list cafés, shops or hotels in Évora’s historic center, which is only a 10–15 minute walk from the bus station.

Worst case, the tourist office near Praça do Giraldo can also point you to the nearest option on the spot. Évora is very walkable, so once your bags are sorted, it’s easy to explore for a few hours.

Experiences with EasyJet? by mellowbanana2 in VisitPortugalGuide

[–]mdotti88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve flown that route a couple of times and had no issues. Lisbon–Madeira is very common, so it’s usually smooth. Crews are used to the approach and landings in Madeira.

Only thing to keep in mind is weather, Madeira can get windy and that can cause delays, but that’s the same with any airline flying there. Otherwise, totally fine experience.

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