Experiencing the sights and sounds of a morning market  : If you get up  early, catch tram 28 to Alfama at 6am on a Tuesday or Saturday to enjoy the best of Lisbons famous flea market,  Feira da Ladra  or Thieves Market. For some, its a mess, but they say that one persons trash is someone elses joy. Search the bricabraque and you will find your own personal treasure, whether its an antique ornament, vintage clothing or Portuguese handicrafts.

Enjoying the citys oasis  : If the midday sun makes you pass out, then this is the best time to visit the Lisbon Botanic Gardens. And the probability is that very few people will be there. Behind this high-walled garden, tucked between Bairro Alto and Rato, the sounds of the city fade away and all you can hear is the drop of water in the lake. Here you can walk along mosaic paths between orchids with a palm roof protecting you from the sun.

Feeling the power of Fado  : Mention the name Amalia to any Lisboeta and they will say that she was the greatest  fadista  (fado singer) who ever lived. So getting to know Amália helps to understand the  longing  or nostalgia so evident in the song. Start with the Fado Museum to see, learn and hear about the artists, art and sounds of fado. Then dive deeper into a fado house like A Baiuca, a relaxed space with ad hoc performances by amateurs.

Exploring the silent spaces of the National Pantheon  : The Church of Santa Engrácia is the resting place for kings, presidents, explorers and singers. Although visiting tombs is not everyones idea of a good time, the church bears witness to some of Portugals most influential characters. Tribute to Portugals greatest singer, Amália Rodrigues; writer Almeida Garrett; and visit the cenotaphs of Luis de Camoes, Pedro Alvares Cabral, Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator - all big names in the Golden Age of Discovery in Portugal.

Port Wine Tasting  : After a long day of wearing your shoe leather in the hills of Lisbon, the Porto Wine Institute (IVP) is a comforting treat for both the feet and the palate. Located in the Ludovic Palace in Bairro Alto, the IVP, or the  Solar,  as it is known, is quiet and elegant, with little lighting. Sample a selection of vintage tawny, ruby, white, and bottle-end doors with a plate of bread and cheese; Or, if youre a true connoisseur, pick a bottle of your favorite fortified.

Finding a city within a city  : Byron has described Sintra as a glorious Eden and it is easy to see why when fleeing the bustling city center. Take the bus to Pena Palace to see the exotic pastiche of Portuguese architecture, but return alone. On the way, climb to the peak of the Moorish Castle to take photos or just enjoy the long-range views of Sintra National Park towards the sea and the palace, perched on a nearby forest peak.

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