Zhi - Fodors Essential Portugal

Fodors Recommendations

Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.

Trip Costs

We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.

Hotels

Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, facilities, and deals visit Fodors.com.

Restaurants

Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted.

Credit Cards

The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.

EUGENE FODOR

Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a countrys way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Todays guides continue Fodors legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context.

Numbers refer to chapters.

Lisbon. One of Europes smallest and sunniest capitals, Lisbon encompasses dramatic contrasts. The cobbled streets of Alfama complement Chiados hip cafs and boutiques; out of 18th-century buildings skip stylish youths, and vibrant street art brightens walls while white sheets hang from windows to dry in the sun.

Side trips from Lisbon. The fairy-tale castles of Sintra are just a short train ride from Lisbon; windswept surf beaches lie nearby. Nearby at Cascais and Estoril, tourists can enjoy family-friendly beaches or try their luck at one of Europes largest casinos. South of the River Tagus lie the dramatic mountains and pine forests of Serra da Arrabida, fresh local seafood at the seaside fishing town of Sesimbra, and endless white-sand beaches and dolphin-spotting boat trips on the Setbal Peninsula.