Dishes you have GOT to try in Lisbon

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Dishes you have GOT to try in Lisbon

Being the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of gastronomic heaven. With this guide, we will gurantee that you get good authentic local food while not breaking the bank.

1. Caracois

Caracois are snails. I know the French seem to have taken the snail-serving crown but Lisbon is definitely where you should be trying this delicacy. These slimy little creatures are best eaten with beer. Served in almost all restaurants and bars in Lisbon, a huge serving plate of these costs only less than 5 Euros. Bargain!

2. Pasteis de Belem

These portugeuse egg tarts are soft, crispy and aromatic at the same time. The crusts are crispy and has multiple layers while the fillings are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Made with eggs and milk, the custard filling is to die for and has a very rich milk aroma. Did you know that the small, darker spots are actually burnt on purpose to give them this traditional look. 

3. Bacalhau

Bacalhau is portuguese for dried and salted cod. It is said that there are 365 ways of making Bacalhau, one way for each day of the year. This dish has become the icon of Portugeuse cooking. One of the recommended restaurant to eat Bacalhau is at Restaurante Laurentina o Rei du Bacalhau. This restaurant has the most authentic Bacalhau and features many different ways of cooking such as grilled or barbequed.

4. Caldo Verde

Usually eaten on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and other celebratory occasions. This hearty soup is made of potatoes, the currently very trendy kale and olive oil. Most of the time it is served with ham hock or sausages, along with some bread to dip in. 

5. Sapateira Recheada

Seafood fans will love this dish. The crab's own roes and insides are stuffed in it's shell and served together with potato salad. This unique combination creates a flavour that is better than that of the crab meat. It is creamy and rich as the potato salad mixes in with the roe and insides. Even those who aren't lovers of seafood will be persuaded by this dish.

I can see we have given you a taste of Portuguese cuisine…Why not take that step further and eat it with a local? Check out our amazing BonAppetour hosts in Lisbon! They provide a range of experiences from market tours and chatting with the locals to enjoying a cooking class on local Lisbon food.

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Must see attractions in Lisbon

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Must see attractions in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe's most underrated cities. It may not have the glitz and grandeur of more well-known European cities but the Portuguese capital charms visitors with its rustic and picturesque sidewalks, neighbourhoods and monuments. 

During your visit to Lisbon, be sure to visit the follow attractions!

1. Belem Tower

The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage monument that is a symbol of the country and represents Portugal's Age of Discovery. It was built in the 16th century as a fortress to defend the port of Lisbon and is an example of Manueline architecture, which is reflected in the monument's lavish details. Such an architectural style symbolises the wealth and prosperity that Portugal was enjoying then. 

2. Feira Da Ladra

If you are hoping to snag a good deal during your stay in Lisbon, visit Feira Da Ladra, a flea market held every Tuesday and Thursday. The name of the market translates into 'female theives' market' but fear not, the market is safe and legal and packed full of bargains. You can expect to find antiques, hand-made crafts, books, clothing, furniture and other knick knacks here. Do drop down early if you are intending to do some serious shopping here!

3. Roman Theatre Museum

Discover Lisbon's Roman Past at the Roman Theatre Museum, which features the remains of Lisbon's Roman theatre as well as other archaeological findings such as columns and structures. It is believed that the Roman theatre was built during the Augustan age but was abandoned by the 4th century. The massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755 piled rubble onto this site and it was only during the 1960s that excavations of the city's Roman Theatre began.

4. Jeronimos Monastery 

Like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a monument to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It is one of the most iconic examples of late-Gothic Manueline style architecture and houses a church, cloister and two museums – the Maritime Museum and Archaeology Museum. Discover Portugal's rich maritime history and its expeditions at sea as well at the Maritime Museum as well as Egyptian antiques and relics excavated throughout the country at the Archaeology Museum. 

5. Carmo Convent

Carmo Convent was once Portugal's largest church. Following the massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, the church was ruined and its library of 5,000 books were reduced to ashes. All that remains of Carmo Convent are its ruined arches and its roofless nave is a feature intentionally kept as a reminder of the disaster then. There is a small archaelogical museum at where the main altar was once situated, displaying a collection of artifacts, old coins as well as ancient tombstones.

6. Castelo de Sao Jorge

Located at the top of a hill, the Castelo de Sao Jorge visible from nearly anywhere in Lisbon. The castle was mainly used to house military personnel but was once the residence of the Moorish royals. During the 1755 earthquake, much of the castle was destroyed but a series of rebuilding and restoration projects soon followed. Today, the castle houses a Camera Obscura, archaeological site as well as a gallery. Given the hilltop location of the castle, you will also get to enjoy spectacular views of the city. 

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Top Tips for Planning a Vacation on a Tight Budget

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Top Tips for Planning a Vacation on a Tight Budget

There are many factors that will influence the cost of your vacation, such as airfares, accommodation, meals, transport and other miscellaneous expenses. But that does not mean that the budget-conscious cannot travel. In fact, it is possible to travel on a budget as long as you do enough research and know when and where to get the best deals.

Here are some tips for budget-conscious wanderlusters!

1. Plan and book early

The earlier you book, the more options you will have when it comes to flights and accommodation. You also get to take advantage of lower prices and early-bird offers, which means you are less likely to fret over exceeding your budget. Airfares and accommodation costs will only escalate as you book closer towards your planned travel dates so you have every reason to plan and book your vacation early!

2. Travel off-peak

The demand for travel is highest during summer, which translates into higher prices so avoid travelling during the warmer months where possible. The best time to travel is typically between January to April, when demand for travel is lower – airfares and accommodation are not only cheaper, you also have more options to choose from. With fewer tourists around during the off-peak travel season, you are unlikely to be faced with long queues at attractions – less time spent queuing means you will have time for more activities in your travel itinerary! Travelling on a budget is also about making the most of your holiday!

3. Self-catering accommodation

Self-catering accommodation is typically cheaper than a hotel stay and gives you the option of preparing your own meals. Having your own kitchen will not only save you the hassle of looking for eateries to dine at during your travels, but also allow you to save on meals. Dining out can be a costly affair and eateries at touristy spots tend to be overpriced. Ingredients at grocery stores are not only cheaper, but can also last you for a couple of days so you effectively save more by preparing most your meals when you travel.

Check out online platforms such as Airbnb or Holiday Lettings to book your self-catering accommodation!

4. Travel light

Travelling light is not just about reducing the load of your suitcases – it is also about bringing one less bag. Depending on the airline that you take, not bringing a checked-in suitcase means that you pay a lower airfare. Apart from airfare, having just a carry-on bag also gives you greater convenience as you will be able to get around more easily and take public transport – you will spend less on transportation since you do not have to resort to taking a cab. 

5. Discounts and deals

Make use of discounts and deals available in the destination you are in, whether it be dining coupons or group discounts for entry to a particular attraction. If you are planning to visit many different attractions in a city, you may wish to consider getting a travel pass that offers you free entry or discounted ticket prices to various attractions. Such passes may even include free rides on public transport too! 

6. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an expense that no traveller should cut off. The last thing you want is to be caught off-guard in the event that anything unfortunate happens. With insurance, you can be assured that you will not have to fork out unexpected costs should anything unfortunate happen during your travels. 

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Things to do in Hamburg

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Things to do in Hamburg

Hamburg is home to the second largest seaport in Europe and handles over 8 million containers each year. But Germany's port city is not all industrial. In fact, Hamburg boasts spectacular waterfront views, a thriving cultural scene and plenty of shopping opportunities so there is something for anyone who visits this city!

Here are some places to visit when you are in Hamburg.

1. Port of Hamburg Museum Ships

Hamburg has a rich maritime heritage and the best way to learn more about it is to visit the museum ships at the Port of Hamburg. These ships carried passengers or freight before they were converted into museums and they played a pivotal role developing the city's port. The exhibitions at the museum ships do not only chart the growth of the harbour, but also reveal the tales of seafarers. Cap San Diego, the largest museum ship, is still operational and you can even spend a night or two onboard its passenger cabins!

2. Miniatur Wunderland

This attraction is not just for kids – adults will love it too! Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model railway exhibition in the world and it is continuing to grow, with the final construction phase scheduled for completion by 2020. As you pass through different sections of the exhibit, you will see miniature versions of the different landscapes such as that of Harz, the fictional city Knuffingen, the Alps, Hamburg, America, Scandinavia, Switzerland and Knuffingen airport. Do reserve your tickets online to beat the queues so that you will have more time at this attraction!

3. Planten un Blomen

Did you know that Hamburg was Europe's Green Capital in 2011? Green spaces occupy about one-fifth of the city and there is no denying that the locals love greenery. If you are a nature-lover too, be sure to visit Planten un Blomen, a centrally-located public park with sprawling lawns, gardens and small lakes. Between April to August, there are water and light shows accompanied with music in the evenings so if you will be in Hamburg during this period, do drop the park before dusk to catch the parade of water and light!

4. Bismarck Monument

Otto von Bismarck was the first German chancellor and credited with unifying German states during the 19th century. There are many monuments erected across Germany dedicated to him but the one in Hamburg is the largest of them and was built between 1903 and 1906. It is situated in Alter Elbpark, which is close to the Port of Hamburg so if you may consider dropping by after your visit to the museum ships.

5. St. Michael's Church

St Michael's Church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and features Baroque-style architecture. It is the largest church in the city and was destroyed twice and rebuilt three times over the course of its history. You may take the elevator to get to the top of the bell tower where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city but if you are feeling adventurous, take up the challenge of climbing up the 103m tall church tower to get to the top! 

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