Handy tips for Lisbon – Lagos – Seville – Granada – Barcelona

LISBON

Lisbon has 5 central zones:  the historic hilltop of Alfama, neoclassical Baixa, the shopping and theater district of Chiado, the bohemian/nightlife hub Bairro Alto, and the riverside monument cluster of Belém. 

About your district: Cais do Sodré

  • Ribeira das Naus a former 16th-century shipyard, now a deck for chilling

  • Praça de São Paulo square & Igreja de São Paulo

  • Rua da Boavista, historic street of ship chandlers, mercearias (stores) and C18th tile facades

  • Museu das Comunicações (Museum of Communications) interesting and quiet little museum

  • Santos district (design area), the district next to Cais do Sodre, walkable.

  • The Bica funicular runs from Chiado to Cais do Sodré 

Coffee/brunch 5 mins from your Airbnb

Local specialities

  • Sandwiches galore! Try the juicy “bifana” (pork), at As Bifanas do Afonso Or look out for the “prego” (thin-sliced beef) pão com chouriço (chorizo), and “francesinha” (ham, pork, melted cheese and gravy), normally at street stands and TimeOut Market near you: 

  • Chamuças: local samosas with various fillings, often in bakeries.

  • Traditional salt cod (bacalhau) dishes including fritters (pastels).

  • Pasteís de Nata custard tarts: two iconic spots are Manteigaria in Chaido and Pasteis de Belem.

About Tascas 

A tasca is a traditional Portuguese bistro serving simple local dishes at affordable prices, usually offering a full meal with wine for under €20. Bring cash as many still don’t take cards, and leaving a small-change tip. Many only open for weekday lunch. It’s normal to queue for a bit, or get there around before 1pm lunch rush. Check out my map of 10 old-school tasca restaurants on your side of Lisbon.

Activity planning and self-guided/free walks

  • Lisbon Card: check out the table of everything it offers on the home page to see if it makes sense for you.

  • Visit Lisboa: for events when you’re there

  • Agenda Lisboa: cultural happenings

  • GPSmyCity: self-guided with audio tours, see if it’s right for you before upgrading in app

  • Devour Tours have a simple self-walking guide, and also the best food tours in both Lisbon & Barcelona

  • Guruwalks: local guides, no fee, just tip

Main Museums 

Street art

Best barrios for street art are Bairro Alto, Mouraria, Graça, and Intendente.

Day trips

  • Sintra: frequent trains from Rossio Station, takes 40 mins. Tickets here.

  • Cascais: "Linha de Cascais" direct train from Cais do Sodré station, 40 mins, along coast.

Fado

Some great places to experience Fado, they all serve snacks or dinner, reserve where possible.

Other interesting places


Additional Reading 

LAGOS

Overview

Lagos (lah-goosh) has a beautiful, 16th-century walled old town from Portugal’s "Age of Discovery," leading down to the marina, amazing beaches and breathtaking Atlantic coastline of limestone cliffs and blue grottos. It’s packed with delicious seafood restaurants too. 

Good coffee closest to Doris Suites Hotel

These are all about a 20 minute walk from the hotel:

Dining suggestions

The Algarve is all about fish, seafood, cataplana (steamed fish/meat casserole) and piri-piri chicken. Some places to try:

  • O Pescador: local, no-frills seafood with dishes like grilled seabass, octopus rice and garlic shrimp

  • O Camilo: slightly fancier seafood restaurant on sea-facing boardwalk terrace

  • Casinha do Petisco: small, family run place praised for its cataplana

  • Mar d’Estorias: hip, creative restaurant, boutique space, sundowner terrace in a beautiful building. Check their blog for occasional wine tastings


Wine bars & tastings

Just 5-10 minutes outside the town center in an Uber, you can visit two wineries:


Activity planning

Think beach hopping, Benagil cave, Ponte de Piedade cliffs, ocean-view trails, kayaking and dolphin spotting. Excellent summary article here:

EATING IN ANDALUCIA

Tips on how to “tapear” (go on a tapas crawl) 

  1. Trust the kitchen: In authentic bars, you don’t choose your tapa; the waiter decides and it’s free. The quality and size usually increase with every round of drinks ordered. If you order tapas, you pay for them. As a group, order your drinks to get the free tapas, then order one or two raciones (full plates) or medio raciones (half-sizes) to share

  2. Elbow your way to the bar: For the true tapas experience and faster service, it’s best to stand at the bar. Tables are sometimes reserved for full meals. It’s traditional to throw napkins and peanut shells on the floor.

  3. Order "cañas," not pintas: A caña is a small draft beer. Every new drink comes with a free tapa, ordering smaller glasses more frequently lets you try a wider variety of food.

  4. Avoid photo menus: Almost always better to look for hand-written chalkboards and crowds of locals at a tapas bar.

  5. Timing: 1:30 PM for lunch or 8:30 PM for dinner.

Traditional specialities 

Carrillada de cerdo (pork cheeks in wine sauce), rabo de toro (oxtail stew), and solomillo al whisky (pork tenderloin in garlic-whisky sauce). For seafood, try boquerones (fried anchovies) or Huelva shrimps. Veggie dishes include alcachofa a la plancha (grilled artichokes),  espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas), and salmorejo (thick cold tomato soup). Local aperitifs are tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda), vermut casero (house-made vermouth), and vino de naranja (orange-infused wine). 

Additional reading

SEVILLE

Seville became the capital of Andalusia in 1982, but its history and importance reaches back 2,200 years (according to myth, it was founded by Hercules 🤷). Famous for flamenco, oranges, tapas, its amazing golden light and beautiful Mudéjar architecture.

About your district

Your H10 Corregidor Hotel sits between Seville’s historic landmarks and its bohemian north side. To the south, there are "must-sees" like the Metropol Parasol (Las Setas), Seville Cathedral with the Giralda tower, and the Real Alcázar palaces. The Museo de Bellas Artes and shopping streets of Sierpes and Tetuán are a 15-minute walk away.

For local vibes, walk north to the vibrant plaza of Alameda de Hércules – famous for nightlife. Check out the Thursday flea market at Calle Feria Mercado. For a unique sweet experience, visit a convent like Convento de Santa Inés to buy handmade pastries from the nuns (cash only). More information on the baking nuns here.

Coffee close to your hotel

  1. MUY Coffee: small family roasters

  2. Parceria Cafe, vg coffee and brunch

  3. Syra, excellent local Spanish coffee chain

Tapas Bars

With 3000+ to choose from this mini-guide can’t scratch the surface. Some iconic ones include:

Dining suggestions beyond tapas

  • Mechela Arenal: good-quality and good-looking spot for lunch / dinner.

  • Vineria San Telmo: Beloved for creative interpretations of local food and well-priced wine list.

  • Contenedor: Hip slow food in the centre with a changing menu.

  • La Quinta Braseria: Fancier restaurant in old town house for good grilled Spanish meat.

Activity planning

  • It’s the Seville Flamenco Biennale this year (lucky you!). Agenda will be published here closer to the time.

  • Feria de San Miguel takes place at the end of September in Seville, agenda to come.

  • Devour Tapas Tour (book through me), my favourite company for food walks

  • Some good cooking class options (use my affiliate link) https://www.getyourguide.com?partner_id=AQRJJYY&cmp=share_to_earn

  • Guruwalks

  • GPSmyCity

  • Events Agenda

GRANADA

Granada’s main neighborhoods are the historic Moorish quarter El Albaicín, the former jewish quarter and now creative hub El Realejo, and the cave-dotted Sacromonte on the hillsides. Centro Sagrario is the monumental and commercial heart, while La Chana and Zaidín are more residential with lots of tapas bars.   

Your district

Bubaquia House is on the edge of the El Realejo district, which stretches from the grand buildings and flat streets of the centre to steep alleys climbing to the Alhambra. It’s super vibrant, packed with street art and a lively tapas culture. Note: You can take the steep 20-min walk from your hotel to the Alhambra, or the C30 or C32 bus from Santa Escolástica 2 stop.

Coffee close to your hotel 

1. Minuit Pan y Cafe: a 2 min walk, coffee from local roasters Ineffable Coffee, great sourdough bread and artisan pastries. https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGuvw9eBr6zfmwt59

2. Dulcimena Coffee & Go: 6 min walk, tiny spot, often cited as best coffee in the city. https://maps.app.goo.gl/2B6gtFosSSu9W6e4A

3. SEDA Coffee: specialty takeaway spot next to the Cathedral. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MGWcnvEZ9ByMEcm99

4. Sur Coffee Corner: in a pretty plaza with Nomad Barcelona roasts Nomad. https://maps.app.goo.gl/dE8wpM3UV4PZ9M6V7

Dining suggestions 

You’re in the "Golden Triangle" of eating out, with both high-end spots and local Realejo taverns. Your hotel is close to the famous Calle Navas tapas street, but the side streets of your Realejo barrio have more authentic taperias. There are a vast number of tapas bars, around 4,000, so here are just a few suggestions:

Activity planning

BARCELONA

Main areas to check out include: the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas boulevard, El Born district, and Montjuïc (castle, botanical gardens and panoramas), La Barceloneta area near the beach- Don’t miss Eixample and San Antoni barrio (around the Arc de Triomf), the streets around the Sagrada Familia and El Camp de l'Arpa del Clot for colorful corners and local life.  

Coffee near your Airbnb

About Gaudi

The Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and houses Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens and Casa Mila (La Pedrera). If you can only do one, make it La Pedrera. Ask me for my recs on human-guided Gaudi tours or book on the official site with audio guides https://www.sagradafamilia-tickets.org/en/

Tours, transport and activity planning

Must-see Museums 

  • National Art Museum of Catalonia https://www.museunacional.cat/en

  • Modern Art Museum https://www.macba.cat/en/

  • Joan Miró Foundation https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/

  • Palau de la Música Catalana (stunning!) https://www.foreverbarcelona.com/barcelona-palau-de-la-musica-catalana-visit/

Hidden gardens & libraries

Lots of green backyards to nose into. Some have cafes, like Alice Secret Garden. The Massimo Dutti store, 96 Passeig de Gràcia, has a hidden back garden. Here’s a list: https://hotelarclarambla.com/agenda/en/things-to-see-in-barcelona-en/discover-the-hidden-courtyards-of-barcelona/

Biblioteca de Catalunya and the Gabriel García Márquez Library (voted world’s best public library in 2023) are worth a look. 

Dining suggestions

Local Catalan specialties include fricando, a veal-mushroom stew, fideuà, which is like paella but with short noodles instead of rice. There’s arroz negro, black rice from squid ink, and a shredded salt cod salad called “esqueixada de bacalla”. Breakfast is simple: bread with tomato. And they offer great paella (for lunch only, evening paella is touristy and bad).

Expect to spend €35–€60 per person in a “mid-range” restaurant including wine, and reserve in advance for dinner (from 8.30pm) and at weekends. Keep an eye out for a 3-course “menu del dia chalkboards” on weekdays.

Mercado La Boqueria food market is a huge tourist trap. Mercat San Antoni,  maps.app.goo.gl/c8bmLxNJBCWfp3Rm6 Mercat Ninothttps://maps.app.goo.gl/6bEzUV9pXs3MMBSG6 are much better..

Pop these in your Google maps too: 

Maleducat Creative cosy with modern, very tasty Catalan sharing plates.flavors.https://maps.app.goo.gl/EgAjsYqxJ8MKD8Jf9

Bar Cañete Buzzing, awesome seafood, great spot! https://maps.app.goo.gl/hEvcf6byc9AAfrkUA

Cruix Higher-end and great tasting menus, check the online menu for details.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtvnmKkNBFnuFPtZ7


Additional Reading

Good post on traditional food: https://www.atastefortravel.ca/68780-traditional-catalan-food-barcelona/

Blog list of unusual places in the city: https://www.geekyexplorer.com/barcelona-hidden-gems

LISBON

Lisbon has 5 central zones:  the historic hilltop of Alfama, neoclassical Baixa, the shopping and theater district of Chiado, the bohemian/nightlife hub Bairro Alto, and the riverside monument cluster of Belém. 

Info about your district: Cais do Sodre

  • Ribeira das Naus a former 16th-century shipyard, now a deck for chilling

  • Praça de São Paulo square & Igreja de São Paulo (loc: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zSpHu9QGEWcfvuRp8)

  • Rua da Boavista, historic street of ship chandlers, mercearias (stores) and C18th tile facades

  • Museu das Comunicações (Museum of Communications) interesting and quiet 

  • Santos district (design area). Some things to look out for: https://lisboasecreta.co/en/santos-neighborhood-guide.

  • Bica funicular from Chiado to Cais do Sodré 

Coffee/brunch 5 mins from your Airbnb

Eating

Traditional specialities to try

About Tascas 

A tascais a traditional Portuguese bistro serving simple local dishes at affordable prices, usually offering a full meal with wine for under €20. Bring cash, many still don’t take cards. Leaving a small-change tip is a polite gesture. Many only open for weekday lunch. It’s normal to queue for a bit, or get there around before 1pm lunch rush.

Check out my map of 10 old-school tasca restaurants on your side of Lisbon: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1i40TROFztIbLXOR2jp52uOEMZyNeHO4&ll=38.715174605530166%2C-9.134758550000019&z=15

Activity planning

Self-guided/free walks

Main Museums 

  • Calouste Gulbenkian Museum  https://gulbenkian.pt/museu/en/

  • Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture https://www.ccb.pt/en/macccb/

  • Museum of Art Deco https://www.museocasalis.org/

  • Fronteira Palace - https://fronteira-alorna.pt/en/fronteira-palace/ C17th Portuguese tile collection

  • NB: Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga closed for renovation. Check in Sept. http://www.museudearteantiga.pt/english

Street art

Best barrios for street art are Bairro Alto, Mouraria, Graça, and Intendente. Inspiration here: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/discover/street-art

Day trips

Fado

Some good places to experience Fado

Other interesting places


Additional Reading 

LAGOS

Overview

Lagos (lah-goosh) has a beautiful,16th-century walled old town from Portugal’s "Age of Discovery," leading down to amazing beaches and a breathtaking Atlantic coastline of limestone cliffs and blue grottos. It’s packed with delicious seafood restaurants too. 

Coffee & brunch not far from Doris Suites Hotel

These are all about a 20 minute walk

Dining suggestions

The Algarve is all about fish, seafood, cataplana (steamed fish/meat casserole) and piri-piri chicken. Some places to try:

  • Casinha do Petisco: praised for its cataplana https://casinhadopetisco.pt. Location: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Casinha+do+Petisco+Lagos


Wine bars & tastings

Just 5-10 minutes outside the town center in an Uber, you can visit two wineries:

  • Monte da Casteleja: An organic vineyard with small, educational tours and tastings led by the owner, check with them for times. https://montecasteleja.com

  • Falésia Wine: Near the cliffs between Lagos and Praia da Luz, ocean-view tastings, check with them for schedules.https://www.falesiawine.com


Activity planning

Think beach hopping, the Benagil cave, the Ponte de Piedade cliffs, ocean-view trails, kayaking and dolphin spotting. Additional reading: excellent summary article here: https://inbetweenpictures.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-lagos-portugal-algarve-region

EATING IN ANDALUCIA

Tips on how to “tapear” (go on a tapas crawl) 

  1. Trust the kitchen: In authentic bars, you don’t choose your tapa; the waiter decides and it’s free. The quality and size usually increase with every round of drinks ordered. If you actually order tapas, you pay for them. As a group, order your drinks to get the free tapas, then order one or two raciones (full plates) to share

  2. Battle your way to the bar: For the true tapas experience and faster service, it’s best to stand at the bar. Tables are often reserved for full meals. It’s traditional to throw napkins and peanut shells on the floor.

  3. Order "cañas," not pintas: A caña is a small draft beer. Every new drink comes with a free tapa, ordering smaller glasses more frequently lets you try a wider variety of food.

  4. Avoid photo menus: Almost always better to look for hand-written chalkboards and crowds of locals at a tapas bar.

  5. Timing: 1:30 PM for lunch or 8:30 PM for dinner.

Traditional specialities 

Carrillada de cerdo (pork cheeks in wine sauce), rabo de toro (oxtail stew), and solomillo al whisky (pork tenderloin in garlic-whisky sauce). For seafood, try boquerones (fried anchovies) or Huelva shrimps. Veggie dishes include alcachofa a la plancha (grilled artichokes),  espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas), and salmorejo (thick cold tomato soup). Local aperitifs include tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda), vermut casero (house-made vermouth), and vino de naranja (orange-infused wine). 

Additional reading

SEVILLE

Seville became the capital of Andalusia in 1982, but its history and importance reaches back 2,200 years (according to myth, it ws founded by Hercules 🤷). Famous for flamenco, oranges, tapas, its special golden light and beautiful Mudéjar architecture – and truly unforgettable. 

About your district

Your H10 Corregidor Hotel sits between Seville’s historic landmarks and its bohemian north side. To the south, there are "must-sees" like the Metropol Parasol (Las Setas), Seville Cathedral and its Giralda tower, and the Real Alcázar palaces. The Museo de Bellas Artes and shopping streets of Sierpes and Tetuán are a 15-minute walk away.

For local vibes, walk north to the vibrant plaza of Alameda de Hércules – famous for nightlife and  Gallo Rojo jazz clubs. Then there’s El Rinconcillo, the city's oldest bar and the Thursday flea market at Calle Feria Mercado. For a unique sweet experience, visit a convent like Convento de Santa Inés to buy handmade pastries from the nuns (cash only). More information on that here: https://everydayfoodblog.com/spain/seville/convent-sweets-seville/

Coffee close to your hotel

MUY Coffee, small family roasters, https://maps.app.goo.gl/2wTn6cY9CdWggRky6

Parceria Cafe, vg coffee and delish brunch https://maps.app.goo.gl/VQEZaswaboe989wH8

Syra, good local Spanish coffee chain https://maps.app.goo.gl/kFnoR3eRzqHyZRyd9

Tapas Bars

With 3000+ to choose from, it’s impossible to list them. Some iconic ones include:

Here is your short list of Seville’s most iconic, old-school tapas institutions:

Dining suggestions beyond tapas (with maps)

Mechela Arenal: good quality spot for proper lunch / dinner. https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mechela+Arenal+Seville

Vineria San Telmo

Beloved spot for creative interpretations of local food and well-priced wine list. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SvWfyf3vXnUSAu6o7

Contenedor

Hip slow food spot in the centre with local ingredients and a changing menu. https://maps.app.goo.gl/D1nKwY9PpZJAJLgD7

La Quinta Braseria

Fancier restaurant in old town house, good grilled Spanish meas. .https://maps.app.goo.gl/iznYQvjGDNy6oFVV8

Activity planning

GRANADA

Granada’s main neighborhoods are the historic Moorish quarter El Albaicín, the former jewish quarter and creative hub El Realejo, and the cave-dotted Sacromonte on the steep hillsides. Centro Sagrario is the monumental and commercial heart, while La Chana and Zaidín are more residential with lots of tapas bars.   

Your district

Bubaquia House is in the Realejo district, which stretches from the grand buildings and flat streets of the centre to steep alleys climbing to the Alhambra. It’s super vibrant, packed with street art and a lively tapas culture. Note: You can take the steep 20-min walk from your hotel to the Alhambra, or the C30 or C32 bus from Santa Escolástica 2 stop.

Coffee and brunch close to your hotel 

1. Minuit Pan y Cafe: a 2 min walk, coffee from local roasters Ineffable Coffee, great sourdough bread and artisan pastries. https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGuvw9eBr6zfmwt59

2. Dulcimena Coffee & Go: 6 min walk, tiny spot, often cited as best coffee in the city. https://maps.app.goo.gl/2B6gtFosSSu9W6e4A

3. SEDA Coffee: specialty takeaway spot next to the Cathedral. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MGWcnvEZ9ByMEcm99

4. Sur Coffee Corner: in a pretty plaza with Nomad Barcelona roasts Nomad. https://maps.app.goo.gl/dE8wpM3UV4PZ9M6V7

Dining suggestions 

You’re in the "Golden Triangle" of eating out, with both high-end spots and local Realejo taverns. Your hotel is close to the famous Calle Navas tapas street, but the side streets of your Realejo barrio have more authentic taperias. There are a vast number of tapas bars, around 4,000, so here are just a few suggestions:

Activity planning

BARCELONA

Main areas to check out include: the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas boulevard, El Born district, and Montjuïc (castle, botanical gardens and panoramas), La Barceloneta area near the beach- Don’t miss Eixample and San Antoni barrio (around the Arc de Triomf), the streets around the Sagrada Familia and El Camp de l'Arpa del Clot for colorful corners and local life.  

Coffee and brunch near your Airbnb

Information to come

About Gaudi

The Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and houses Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens and Casa Mila (La Pedrera). If you can only do one, make it La Pedrera. Ask me for my recs on human-guided Gaudi tours or book on the official site with audio guides https://www.sagradafamilia-tickets.org/en/


Tours, transport and activity planning

Must-see Museums 

  • National Art Museum of Catalonia https://www.museunacional.cat/en

  • Modern Art Museum https://www.macba.cat/en/

  • Joan Miró Foundation https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/

  • Palau de la Música Catalana (stunning!) https://www.foreverbarcelona.com/barcelona-palau-de-la-musica-catalana-visit/

Hidden gardens & libraries

Lots of green backyards to nose into. Some have cafes, like Alice Secret Garden. The Massimo Dutti store, 96 Passeig de Gràcia, has a hidden back garden. Here’s a list: https://hotelarclarambla.com/agenda/en/things-to-see-in-barcelona-en/discover-the-hidden-courtyards-of-barcelona/

Biblioteca de Catalunya and the Gabriel García Márquez Library (voted world’s best public library in 2023) are worth a look. 

Dining suggestions

Local Catalan specialties include fricando, a veal-mushroom stew, fideuà, which is like paella but with short noodles instead of rice. There’s arroz negro, black rice from squid ink, and a shredded salt cod salad called “esqueixada de bacalla”. Breakfast is simple: bread with tomato. And they offer great paella (for lunch only, evening paella is touristy and bad).

Expect to spend €35–€60 per person in a “mid-range” restaurant including wine, and reserve in advance for dinner (from 8.30pm) and at weekends. Keep an eye out for a 3-course “menu del dia chalkboards” on weekdays.

Mercado La Boqueria food market is a huge tourist trap. Mercat San Antoni,  maps.app.goo.gl/c8bmLxNJBCWfp3Rm6 Mercat Ninothttps://maps.app.goo.gl/6bEzUV9pXs3MMBSG6 are much better..

Pop these in your Google maps too: 

Maleducat Creative cosy with modern, very tasty Catalan sharing plates.flavors.https://maps.app.goo.gl/EgAjsYqxJ8MKD8Jf9

Bar Cañete Buzzing, awesome seafood, great spot! https://maps.app.goo.gl/hEvcf6byc9AAfrkUA

Cruix Higher-end and great tasting menus, check the online menu for details.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtvnmKkNBFnuFPtZ7


Additional Reading

Good post on traditional food: https://www.atastefortravel.ca/68780-traditional-catalan-food-barcelona/

Blog list of unusual places in the city: https://www.geekyexplorer.com/barcelona-hidden-gems