Trip takeaways:
- Stay at Tings in Lisbon if you don't mind walking uphill and are available from 8-10am for breakfast (and RD's is a great Nepalese restaurant in the same neighborhood).
- Don't overlook the free museums in Lisbon (e.g., the Archaeological Nucleus and the Money Museum).
- Armação de Pêra is a great base in the Algarve, with fab restaurants like Olivalmar and Inévitavel.
- In Loulé, don't miss the municipal market, and in Silves, have coffee and cakes at Da Rosa. Stop in local bakeries and try local/regional pastries whenever possible.
- Portugal is a fun spot for birdwatching. Birds & Nature offers great guided tours, and Ria Formosa has a lot to see even without a guide.
- Switzerland is expensive, so don't skip Zürich's free attractions (e.g., the Succulent Greenhouse, the Aviary and the Central Library).
- In Zürich, eat schnitzel at Gertrudhof and fondue at Degenried. Stop in as many local bakeries as possible (but Migrolino mini-marts have fresh baked goods and will do in a pinch).
- Christmas markets are overpriced and crowded, but go anyway for the mulled wine and people-watching.
