Spring Break Travel with Atelier Davis

Portugal has been on our list for years—and while Scott and I visited about a decade ago, this was our first time experiencing it with the kids. Seeing it again through a different lens made it even better.

We love Portugal because it hits that perfect balance: culture, architecture, and incredible food, without feeling overly museum-heavy. It’s immersive but approachable—ideal for traveling as a family.

We flew into Lisbon and made our way north to Porto by train, setting the tone for a trip that blended design inspiration, cultural exploration, and a bit of spontaneity.

Porto: Bridges, Views & Port Wine

Porto immediately charmed us with its layered cityscape, tiled facades, and dramatic riverfront. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need much of a plan—just walking is enough.

One of our favorite days captured everything we love about travel. We took the funicular up the hillside, walked across the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge (the views are unforgettable), and then descended via cable car on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, landing right by the port wine cellars.

It felt cinematic—exactly the kind of spatial experience that reminds you how powerful movement through a city can be.

Food Highlights in Porto

Portugal is a dream if you love seafood. We leaned in fully—octopus, sardines, and anything fresh from the ocean.

Our standout meal was at Estômago, which perfectly balanced creativity with local flavor. Even better, the kids were fully on board—always willing to try something new, which made the experience even more fun.

A Rainy Day in Guimarães

We took a day trip to Guimarães, often considered the birthplace of Portugal. While the weather didn’t cooperate (steady rain all day), the town still delivered.

Cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and a sense of history that feels almost untouched. It’s home to one of the oldest chapels in Portugal, and despite the gray skies, it was worth the visit.

Sometimes the slower, quieter days end up being the most memorable.

Lisbon: Architecture, Shopping & Big Dreams

Back in Lisbon, we settled into a rhythm of walking—lots of it. Lisbon is a city best experienced on foot, where every turn reveals:

  • Historic azulejos (painted tiles)
  • Layered architectural styles
  • Unexpected viewpoints and light

As always, I found myself diving deep into Lisbon real estate, imagining what it would look like to spend more time here. (Dangerous habit.)

Design & Shopping: Embaixada

One of our favorite stops was Embaixada, a concept store set inside a stunning historic building. It’s a perfect example of how Portugal blends heritage architecture with contemporary retail—something we think about often at Atelier Davis.

Food Highlights in Lisbon

Lisbon delivered on food just as much as Porto:

Sintra & the Western Edge of Europe

We booked a day trip to Sintra with an Airbnb guide, and it was one of the highlights of the trip.

Sintra feels almost surreal—castles perched on hills, lush landscapes, and a sense of old-world grandeur. From there, we continued to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Standing there, looking out over the Atlantic, it really hits you how far you’ve come—and how small everything else feels in comparison.

Design Takeaways from Portugal

Travel always feeds our work, and Portugal delivered so much inspiration:

  • The timeless beauty of azulejos and pattern
  • The importance of topography and elevation in shaping experience
  • The seamless mix of old and new
  • How cities create moments through movement and perspective

Final Thoughts

Portugal exceeded expectations—again. Returning after ten years, and this time with the kids, gave us a deeper appreciation for how versatile it is as a destination.

It’s rich in culture but never overwhelming, design-forward without trying too hard, and grounded in experiences that appeal across generations.

We came home full of ideas, a little more adventurous (especially with food), and maybe just a bit closer to picking a future retirement spot.