So, you’ve officially landed your dream internship in the beautiful country of Portugal. Your uniform is looking good, your host organization is an incredible place to train at, and your LinkedIn profile is already pretty elite. If we are to be real for a second though, our days off are for living our best lives, and not just catching up on sleep. 

From cities that feel like open-air museums to beaches that look out-of-this-world mesmerizing, there is so much to see in the world we live in. We have rounded up 5 spots you might really want to consider visiting during your stay in Portugal. Wear your most comfortable shoes because we’re going exploring! 📸

LX Factory (Lisbon) 

Imagine an abandoned 19th-century industrial site that got a massive, neon-colored glow-up. Located under the shadow of the massive 25 de Abril Bridge, LX Factory is a creative area in Lisbon that is filled with floor-to-ceiling street art, hidden rooftop bars, and quirky boutique shops!

• The Vibe: High-energy, hipster, and totally unique. You just know it’s where Lisbon’s cool crowd hangs out.
• Why you’ll love it: It’s the perfect place to grab a burger with your fellow interns and teammates. If you’re a book lover, don’t forget to visit Ler Devagar, a bookstore so beautiful it’s frequently named one of the coolest in the world.
• Must-Do: You can go there on a Sunday for the flea market to find vintage clothes and handmade jewelry you won’t find at the mall.

Benagil Cave (Algarve) 

Benagil is a massive sea cave with a natural skylight in the roof that lets the sun beam down onto a hidden beach inside. You have probably seen this spot on your FYP!

• How to get there: You’ll need to rent a kayak or a paddleboard from Benagil Beach to get to the cave. It will be a short 10-minute paddle, and the views will be amazing!
• Pro-Tip: Aim for an early morning trip (around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM) if you want to avoid the crowd because by noon, the boat tours arrive.

Ribeira District (Porto) 

This is the heart and soul of Porto. Think narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses piled on top of each other, and locals drying their laundry on wrought-iron balconies. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.

• Atmosphere: Classic, cozy, and super lively. It’s basically the definition of Old World Europe.
• The Highlight: The Dom Luís I Bridge. It was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (the guy who built the Eiffel Tower), and it is interesting to look at.
• Must-Do: Walk across the top deck of the bridge at sunset. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the Douro River and all the Port wine cellars lighting up for the evening. It’s a 10/10 experience for the price of zero Euro.

Cabo da Roca (Near Cascais)  

Want to stand at the literal edge of the continent? Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It’s a dramatic cliffside with a red-roofed lighthouse, crashing Atlantic waves, and be prepared for a whole lot of wind.

• The Vibe: Epic and moody. It’s the perfect place to clear your head after a busy shift at the hotel.
• Fun Fact: Back in the day, people actually believed this was the end of the world because there was nothing but ocean as far as the eye could see.
• Must-Do: Hike the coastal trails nearby. They lead to hidden beaches like Praia da Ursa, which is arguably the most beautiful beach in the country.

Pena Palace (Sintra) 

A short train ride from Lisbon will take you to Sintra, a town that can be described as misty forest in fairy tale books. The crown jewel is the Pena Palace, which is bright red, lemon yellow, and covered in intricate tiles.

• Vibe: It’s loud and bursting with colors, and it’s unlike any other castle in Europe.
• Note: Because it’s on top of a mountain, there is a lot of uphill walking involved, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Pro-Tip: Buy your tickets online in advance because this place gets packed.

Do you know where you’re going first?

Taking your internship in Portugal will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life with it being home to some of the most iconic places and sceneries. For sure, your internship is about more than just what happens inside the hotel walls, it’s also about the memories you make outside of them!