A Best Value Destination, Portugal should be on every traveler's list.

Porcelain tiles cover the buildings of Lisbon, bold colors, elaborate doors, artfully designed stone walkways, and colorful graffiti, make exploring Lisbon a pleasure for the eyes and senses.

From the moment you arrive in Lisbon, you’ll be enchanted with all things Portugal. The landscape is hilly, streets winding and views impressive. Music drifts from the doorways of small cafe’s and tucked away restaurants, “Fado” (the traditional music of Lisbon) is a beautiful, albeit sad sound, telling stories of hardship and loss, which only a place as rich with history, can do. This place will endear itself in your memory.

Cork, port, and pastry

The primary export of Portugal is cork, which you’ll see in all shapes and sizes, and a variety of uses, being sold at tourist shops.

Perhaps a cork Christmas tree ornament as a little memento?

Seafood is also in abundance here, sardines caught fresh and prepared in innumerable ways, are a food of choice, alongside a small pour of another popular export, port.

Perhaps a particular point of pride for the people of Lisbon is a small custard tart by the name of pastel de nata. The most popular place to experience one of these tasty treats is the famous Pastéis de Belém, located near the waterfront and monument to the Explorers.

Home away from home

While in Lisbon, we stayed at a charming little B&B, by the name of the “Lisbon Rooftop Guesthouse.” The proprietor was beyond accommodating, and despite our arrival not occurring until well after midnight (due to delay), he met us personally, to help get us settled upon our eventual arrival at the door.

Breakfast was provided each morning, and the personal attention was exceedingly helpful with not just planning our daily outings, but in general, setting us at ease in the space.

At less than $60 per night, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else, if I should ever return to Lisbon. A true value among accommodations.

So much to see, so little time…

It’s safe to say, that it takes more than two full days to truly see a city, and two days in Lisbon is an injustice. Striving to make the most of our limited time (cut short by an entire day, due to flight delays), we still managed to fall in love with the city.