7 Ideas to Experience the Culture of Cascais
Publish date : October 12, 2022
Are you ready for an adventure that will take you beyond the sun, sea, and sand of Cascais? While the town is known for its beautiful beaches and oceanfront views, it also boasts a rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered. From indulging in traditional delicacies to exploring historic landmarks, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and truly experience the soul of Cascais. In this article, we'll take you on a journey beyond the typical tourist experience. So, come along and discover the rich tapestry of culture that makes Cascais special.
1. The Albatroz Hotel
For a grand initiation into the Cascais way of life, book a table for lunch at the balcony of The Albatroz Hotel. You’ll find a recently revamped boutique hotel with all rooms differently decorated, holding a spectacular restaurant on top of Conceição beach. You’ll be treated to a view of the entire Cascais coastline. Here, you can have some delicacies, snacks or a proper meal.
That said, a meal for two will cost you around €70.
2. Museum Quarter
Then, walk to Bairro dos Museus, or Museum Quarter, which gathers a set of great museums in the village, and choose your starting point from the 20 available options. You need some recommendations? The must-see Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, devoted to the work of Portuguese visual artist Paula Rego; Casa Duarte Pinto Coelho (former Casa dos Guardas do Palácio Condes de Castro Guimarães), exhibiting the collections of Portuguese decorator Duarte Pinto Coelho; and the Cidadela Art District, within the Citadel of Cascais (which can also be visited), a project by the hotel group Pestana with galleries, art rooms, and works of art spread throughout the hotel.
3. Cais 16
Still in the vicinity of Bairro dos Museus, walk to Cais 16 - Craft Gallery to see an outstanding project. It’s a store, gallery and convivial space asserting itself as a showcase of several national talents. From the accessories to the tiles, from the paintings in temporary exhibitions to the souvenirs, from the oils to the preserves, everything here displays the best skills in the country.
4. Cascais Historic Center
Before dinner, or at any other time of day, it’s a great idea to spend a few hours in the Cascais Historic Center, one of the places where visitors come across locals, where traditional commerce intersects internationally renowned brands, where children walk in the daytime and youngsters and adults meet for dinner and an evening out.
5. Cimas English Bar
Still in Cascais, more precisely in Monte Estoril, have a meal in one of the best and most historic restaurants in the area, Cimas English Bar. It opened in the 1940s and it’s been in the hands of a Galician family since the 50s, like many restaurants in Lisbon were at the time. It was a meeting place for spies during World War II and has been a favorite among kings, princes, and political figures (national and international) ever since then. The menu is composed of traditional Portuguese dishes distinguished by international influences. Whatever you choose, it will be great.
The price for a meal for two people is around €90.
6. Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla
Once you’ve seen Cascais, it’s time to take advantage of its great location and discover the surroundings. By car, take Estrada da Serra de Sintra from Malveira and head to Colares, to the beautiful village of Azenhas do Mar, all built on top of a cliff that descends to the sea – a guaranteed Kodak moment.
In Sintra, you can visit the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, built by Dom Ferdinand II, who ruled by right of his wife, Queen Maria II (1819–1853). It’s an alpine-inspired chalet with a botanically rich garden, where even horse and pony rides are organized.
7. Palace of Queluz
Take a half an hour’s drive from a chalet to a palace. Palácio Nacional de Queluz, a work of the 18th century, was one of the residences of the Portuguese Royal Family. Elegant and harmonious, it’s a landmark of many architectural styles and an unforgettable visit.
Ready to indulge in the flavors of Portugal? Check out our article featuring 7 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Cascais!
