Lisbon
Join Michael Portillo for tips and tricks to enjoy a voyage of discovery in the vibrant and captivating Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
On an eye-opening weekend packed with revelation, Michael embraces the sea-faring spirit of the great navigators, savours quirky and fiery Portuguese cuisine, uncovers the origins of James Bond, loses himself to melancholic folk music, witnesses divine illumination at a magnificent monastery, and devours a chocolate cake with global ambitions.
Michael begins by jumping aboard the iconic No. 28 vintage tram, which weaves him through Lisbon's narrow medieval streets to the historic district of Alfama, where he discovers the catastrophic consequences of the 1755 earthquake that destroyed the city, before he squeezes into one of the city's tiniest shops selling just one fashion accessory – gloves.
The lively Campo de Ourique food market gives Michael a true taste of the city when he tries unusual delicacies like goosefoot barnacles and tinned fish tapas, while he also enjoys a salted cod feast at an art-nouveau street kiosk.
Feeling creative, he designs his own tile at a 280-year old decorative ceramic factory in a truly unique Portillo style, and is transfixed by an evening of Fado, the wistful folk music that often fills Lisbon air.
Finding his sea legs, Michael takes the helm of a yacht to sail down the Portuguese Riviera to the elite resort of Cascais, where visits the hotel ‘James Bond' author Ian Fleming met the real-life secret agent who inspired his literary creation, and relishes delicious pastries at the favourite bakery of Portugal's sweet-toothed president.
Piri Piri chicken is synonymous with Portugal and Michael seeks out a restaurant that's become an internet sensation for lovers of this spicy dish. He's also left spellbound witnessing the statue of Christ at Jerónimos Monastery bathed in the unique light of the spring equinox and savours a final treat at a bakery claiming to make the best chocolate cake in world – a big claim he can't help but agree with.
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