Portland, Oregon:

Funky Fact: Portland, Oregon is the most bike-friendly city in the U.S.A.

1. Raven’s Manor

Downtown Bar with a dark creepy haunted manor theme. Specialty seasonal drinks range from $12-18. This place can be packed and bar seating is limited. They stop bar seating an hour before close. You can also book a specialty experience that includes a horror escape room for $55 per person.

Webpage and Information: Raven’s Manor

2. The Aimsir Distilling Co.

Some of the best locally distilled drinks in town. The stunning bar reminds me of a speakeasy inspired by the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. Try the $10 tasting flight and the Sweet Manhattan. Hours are limited.

Webpage and Information: Aimsir Distilling Co.

3. Portland City Grill (Upscale City Views)

A bar with the best view of the city. Call ahead to make a reservation if you want a view or window seat in the restaurant. Try to arrive around happy hour for the best drink prices and sitting at the bar is easy if you don’t have reservations and just want a drink.

4. Departure (Swanky Rooftop Bar)

Stunning rooftop skylounge. The theme is modeled after a swanky futuristic Airport. Take the elevator up from The Nines Hotel. Ask to sit at the outdoor bar. Cocktails range from $15-20. Beers are $7-9. Anticipate a wait for a seat and try going on a Sunday night. There are two wings, the restaurant portion serves top dollar sushi. (They are currently closed for Kitchen Renovations)

5. Ground Control (Arcade Bar)

Youthful and hip arcade bar serving food, drinks and home to tons of arcade games.

6. My Fathers Place

Classic throwback bar with vintage 70s vibes, swag lamps and a dim lit ambiance.

7. The Bible Club

Crowded bar filled with prohibition theme decor. Victorian sofas and antique artwork fill the walls. Plan on over an hour wait to enjoy the vibes. Even bar seating is limited.

Webpage and Information: The Bible Club

8. Horse Brass Pub

Quirky old english pub full of history, charm, and wood carved rafters lovingly plastered with humor and antiques. Affordable and simple drinks.

9. McMenamins

Beloved funky chain of pubs. This franchise renovates historic properties and incorporates bohemian art filled flair with secret rooms, passport adventure books, and specialty holiday events. Check out a Movie at one of their theater locations and try the cajun tots. Kennedy School, Edgefield, Crystal Ballroom, and the Backstage Bar at the Bagdad Pub are a few of the best nearby locations.

Webpage and Information: McMenamins

10. Moloko (Aquarium Bar)

Neon fish tank filled bar full of color and funk and unusual Art.

11. Psychic Bar

An eerie drink at the psychic bar is just what you need to find your center while strolling Mississippi Ave.

12. Bye and Bye

Fabulous drink menu with southern comfort flair. Try to arrive during happy hour 4-7 pm and try their vegan grub.

13. Radio Room

Fun and funky vintage Americana themed dinner. Come on the weekend for their Bloody Mary Bar and make sure to take a look at their heated rooftop patio (great at sunset).

14. A Roadside Attraction

*Cash only Bar* One of the most unusual bars in Portland, this place flies under the tourist radar. Its FULL of Asian and Maritime inspired antiques, vintage trinkets and oddities. If smoking bother you, this may not be your bar. Bring cash and enjoy the odd seating options. There is also an ATM inside.

15. The Coffin Club

*Cover Charge* Often entry requires a cover for the live band. This dark goth bar has dead horror-themed decor, and is a dance club that hosts rotating bands in a fog filled haze of lasers and black lights. Mixed Drinks $7-11. Great Vegan bites for $10.

16. Creepy’s

Somewhere between a vintage toy store, a bar and a gallery of velvet clown paintings. This bar has a unique theme and warm cheery vibe. Mixed drinks $10-11.

17. Pips and Bounce

Yep, that’s right. This is a ping pong bar! 10 pong tables are priced at $16 for 30 min. of table time. Check their Happy Hour deal: free 30 min. of table time
when you buy 2 alcoholic beverages. Mixed drinks $8-13. Cheap tallboys as well.

18. The White Owl Social Club

Fun and youthful tequila bar with a floral modern feel. Try them on Tuesday, when you can score $2 tacos.

19. The Blue Diamond

Home to live jazz and oldies, sung by some of the most talented voices in Portland. The crowd is usually made up of those 50+. Cheap drink, small dance floor and amazing shoestring french fries.

20. Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery

A viking bar for mead lovers in a downstairs hideout complete with mediaeval armor, fur pelts, roaring fires and a leather craft gift shop. Stay for last call and enjoy the beat of drums and blow of carved horns.

21. Saraveza

Craft brewery filled with 1940s vintage coolers full of take home beer. Kind staff and good food and in full supply. Bottleshop beers $6-12

22. Victoria Bar

Enjoy the victorian vibes at the wrap around bar. This drinking parlor also serves vegan eats. Go for the Happy Hour Monday to Friday 3 – 6pm. Mixed drinks $12-14.

23. Holy Ghost

A mezcal and classy margarita lovers delight! Try the watermelon margarita with a pop-rocks rim. Mixed drinks $10-20.

1. The Morrison Street Mini Gallery

A very tiny street side, art gallery the side of a mailbox. Home to magical art that changes seasonally. Free and open 24h.

2. Ramona Quimby Statue

A charming bronze statue and fountain for the beloved Beverly Cleary’s characters Ramona, Henry and Ribsy the dog. These statues sit in Grant Park, near the Beverly Cleary School. The fictional literary character Ramona lived and adventured in Portland.

3. Portland Sign

One of two famed signs that represent Portland. This vertical beauty is in front of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

4. Weather Machine

A useless but fun functional art piece located in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Weather Machine displays a prediction of the weather every day at 12:00pm.

5. Freakybuttrue Peculiarium-Museum

*Not recommended for children* This odd museum is home to strange exhibits, sci-fi memorabilia, horror theme sets, cryptids, and mysterious oddities. They also sell artwork and merchandise in their gift shop. Free for persons wearing awesome costumes, otherwise plan on a $7 admission.

6. Glowing Greens (Pirate Glow MiniGolf)

A wonderful 13 hole blacklight mini-golf adventure. Price varies and is roughly $28 for 2 people. Book a timeslot slot online.

7. Horse Rings

Pay attention because scattered throughout the city are fun remnants of Portland history. These rings date back to the late 1800s. When riding a horse was key to getting around the old logging town. These horse rings are iron or brass loops fixed to curbs where a horse would be tied off on a main street. Portlanders wanted to preserve this piece of history and when sidewalks are repair they can be replaces by nearby homeowners for a small fee.

8. Portland Stag Sign

9. Salmon Sculpture

Beautiful outdoor sculpture piece titled “Transcendence” on Southwest Salmon Street and Southwest Park Avenue in downtown Portland.

10. Bart Simpson

11. SPIN Laundry Lounge

Fun and functional SPIN is a bar, eatery and laundromat all in one. They also house arcade games to entertain you while you wait for your laundry.

12. Peacock Lane-Seasonal x-mas Street

A seasonal favorite. This street is packed with tourist and locals who love the Christmas season. Almost every house on the block is decked out in colorful lights with some homes choosing themes. Go during the week in mid-December for a smaller crowd.

13. Movie Madness Video Rental and Memorabilia Museum

Part museum for movie memorabilia and park movie rental store. This Portland gem has been around for over 30 years and has thousands of titles. They specialize in hard to find films and cult fiction. They also have movie showings.

14. The Wishing Tree

A oddity unique to Portland this stunning old growth horse chestnut tree is covered in wishes. Its located on Northeast Morris Street and 7th Avenue and has been granting wishes since 2013.

15. Paul Bunyan Statue

A tribute to the mythical man Paul Bunyan. It’s said he lived in the Pacific Northwest or Canadian woods and made his living during the early 1900s during peak of the logging industry. This statue was erected in 1959 to commemorate the centennial of Oregon’s statehood. You can find him towering over the intersection in the Kenton neighborhood.

16. Pioneer Courthouse Square Signpost

Quirky direction marker which tells direction and distance to nine sister-cities and many useless geographical destinations.

17. Zelda Dog Fountain

This cute sculpture fountain is modeled after a real pet English bulldog names ‘Zelda Wisdom.’ In 2010 this sculpture opened in front of Portland’s Heathman Hotel. The pooch is dresses as a Heathman “beefeater” doorman.

18. Umbrella Man

Umbrella Man” also called ‘Allow Me’ is a 1983 full scale bronze sculpture, located in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Some call him the most photographed man in Portland.

19. Bubbler Fountains

Check out another historical landmark from 1912. Take a sip from one of the four-bowl Benson Bubbler fountains. Donated by Portland Philanthropist Simon Benson. In an effort to keep loggers out of the saloons at lunchtime and to encourage drinking water over booze. There are 52 of them today. Block a hole, or two, or three with your finger and watch the others shoot up wildly.

20. The Gold Door

Fanciful, odd, magical, macabre, cultural and mystical wonders await you at the gold door. Make sure to wander downstairs too.

21. House of Vintage, Red Light Clothing Exchange, Buffalo Exchange

Hawthorn is the local haunt for discount, vintage, used and recycled fashion. Check out House of Vintage, Red Light Clothing Exchange, or Buffalo Exchange to find just the perfect thing to add to your wardrobe. Each store offers different styles, make sure to bring your own bag!

22. Saturday Market

Since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market has entertained the city along Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza in Portland’s historic Old Town. It’s one of the most popular activities in the summer.

23. Paxton Gate

An unusual collection of taxidermy, skulls, bones, butterflies, preserved bugs, fossils, and crystals. They also have wall art, and a beautiful plant section. Perfect for finding treasures for your curio cabinet.

24. Powells City of Books

The best bookstore in the world. Ok, that’s my opinion. Powells has locations all over the city and deal in new, used and recycled books, art, stationary, games and art supplies. The sections twist and turn with funny, dark, quirky, and odd books. shelves are covered in book reviews, quotes and cool stuff all over the store. This is the best place to find travel souvenirs.

25. Mill Ends Park

The worlds smallest park. Sometimes its decorated, sometime its not. You can find it in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway and SW Taylor Street. It holds the Guinness world record for world’s smallest park with a total area of 452 square inches.

1 Doe Donuts

Better than Voodoo, I promise and almost no line. They are all vegan. Try the tiramisu it’s filled, has a coffee glaze and covered in cocoa powder. They have unusual flavors and seasonal unique pairings. At the end of the day selection is small, so go early. $3-4 each.

2. Mis Tacones

Vegan tacos with a colorful flair. Trans friendly and full of Art, color and fun.

3. Marrakesh

Amazing 5 course meal inside a cozy bohemian oasis. The interior is lavishly decorated and adorned with beautiful Moroccan tapestries, tassels and silver carved ornamentation. $25-30 per person for a 5 course meal. You may also see belly dancers jingling about the place. They are humorous, sweet and a cute extension of the ambiance.

4. Salt and Straw

Unusual ice cream flavor galore! Try the pear and cheese. Flavors rotate seasonally.

5. Papa Haydn

Upscale French restaurant know for opulent deserts.

6. Secret Pizza Society

Of all the flavors the Chalupa Batman is by far the best. The secret is in their amazing crust which is made from soft yet crispy focaccia bread. Did I mention, the pizzas are vegan?!

7. Food Cart Culture

Estimates say there are over 500 food carts around the city. Most lumped together as 2-3 cart mini pods. Some pods have a dozen or more. You can find some of the best food in town in these little cart pods. Some notable pods that offer great variety are Portland Mercado, Cartlandia, Piedmont Station Food Carts, Hinterland Bar & Food Carts and 5th Avenue Food Cart Pod. The larger pods usually have covered outdoor seating, a beer cart and some have live music and heaters for winter.

8. Bollywood Theater

Fantastic Indian street-food inside a funky bar. They also play old Bollywood films showing on a projector that drops down over a wall.

1 Mount St. Helens

On a clear day its likely you’ll catch a glimpse of the flat topped Mt. St. Helens to the north of Portland. From Portland its about an hour and a half drive. In the summer adventurers can climb up its ashy slopes to summit it. Check out the Ape Caves are the Guller Ice Caves if your looking for more interesting sites in the area. *Check if a forest pass is required for parking during your visit.*

2. Powel Butte

A stunning sunset or sunrise view of the city. This is one of the best places to watch for shooting stars on a clear night.

3. Mt. Tabor

Try and catch a stunning sunset as it reflects over the reservoir atop Mt. Tabor. If you are visiting during the summer check the time and date of the famed Soapbox Derby held here.

4. Laurelhurst Park

A 26 acre park with a huge duck pond and adorable boomerang island. One of the best times to visit is in the fall when the park turns a stunning yellow and orange.

5. Vista House at Crown Point Lookout

A secret spot many only visit during the day. Little do the tourist know, it comes to life on clear nights. This is the best place near the city to catch a small glimps of the Northern Lights during the right time of year. Not visible to the naked eyes. Photographers swarm here when weather patterns change and the Northern Lights swings down from Canada.

6. Clackamas River

Famed for kayaking, rafting, and floating. This stunning river offers stunning scenery in the spring, fall and summer. Many beaches along this river are also known for agates its a rockhounders delight.

7. Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge

At 11,240 feet Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon. A fun fact is that it’s the second most climbed mountain in the world (second to Mt. Fujiyama). One of the most magical places in Oregon is Timberline Lodge. Built in 1937, Timberline Lodge was crafted by artisans and filled with old growth wood, stone fire places, animal and nature carvings. This beautiful 55,000 square foot lodge is a must see when visiting. Try a cup of hot chocolate in the upper restaurant for a sugary treat.

Webpage and Information: Timberline Lodge

8. Japanese Garden in Gresham

The city of Gresham (just next to Portland) hosts a stunning (and free) Japanese Garden. Visit the cherry blossoms in the spring and the bright red and oranges in the fall for some brilliant color.

9. Rose Garden

The incredible International Rose Test Garden is nestled in Washington Park. its home to 10,000+ rose bushes with roughly 650 unique types. Bloom and be savored for May to early October. There is Paid parking but the Garden is free to all visitors. June is a magical time to visit and musicians and harpists frequent the garden.

10. Pittock Mansion

The Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon, United States. The mansion was originally built in 1914 as a private home for London-born Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana Burton Pittock. The Mansion’s 23 rooms include a Library, Music Room, Turkish Smoking Room, Sewing Room, five large bedrooms, and two sleeping porches

11. Japanese Garden

Magic, peaces, and tranquility are the theme of this 1963 garden. Take an hour long stroll through the waterfalls, zen gardens, teahouses, streams and bridges. The garden also offers a stunning Mt. Hood view. Many visit for writing, drawing, photography or meditation. Admission is $12- 14.

12. South Blocks Park

This park is a 12-block greenspace stretching through the heart of downtown Portland. This park is home to 337 old growth elm, oak, and maple trees. A visit during the fall is a treat filled with crunchy leaves, and a cascade of yellow foliage that blocks out the sun and blankets the street in gold.

13. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

A stunning 36-acre park located in downtown along the Willamette River. This park offers spring cherry blossoms, summer fountains, rollerblading, biking, festivals and a Saturday market.

14. St. Johns Bridge and Cathedral Park

Known as the city of bridges this one holds a place in many Portlanders hearts. This Gothic-style cable suspension bridge spans the Willamette River and was built in 1931. Its easily the most iconic bridge in town and hosts the ‘Bridge to Brews race,’ an 8k & 10k walk/run in April.

1 Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

*Cash Only* A staple for lovers of the unique and quirky this victorian music theme coffee and desert restaurant targets the night owls, open 7 pm-midnight Wed.-Sunday. Report of this location being haunted are frequent. The upstairs bathroom is famed for its wildly odd under-the-lake theme including a ceiling mural and a full size kayak.

2. Tov Coffee and Tea

Its two magical themes in one. A Turkish tea shop inside a renovated double decker bus. Order downstairs and the friendly staff will sit you on the top level where the candles and ambiance will have you enjoying conversations for hours.

3. Petite Provence Patisserie

Everything on the menu in this French bistro will appetizers you. The glass case is filled with fresh baked bread, croissants, pastries, cookies and macaroons. I have glanced at their food menu, but I only every get one of the amazing looking deserts with a coffee of course.

South Korea & The DMZ:

Funky Fact: Koreas count a baby age differently: they’re automatically one year old when born.

1 National Folk Museum of Korea (영어 – 국립민속박물관)

2. Bokjeong Well (복정(福井)우물)

3. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

4. Namaksin and Gat

5. Yeontral Park (연트럴파크)

6. Gyeongui Line (경의선(京義線))

7. Dorasan Station (도라산역)

8. The DMZ (한반도 비무장지대/韓半島非武裝地帶)

9. DMZ Map 

10. Imjingak Park (임진각) 

11. Tornado Potatoe

12. Cheonggye Plaza 

13. Gyeongbokgung Palace

14. Jogyesa Temple

15. Mal Dduk Back Gi

16. Hanbok

17. Street Art 

18. King Sejong Statue

9. DMZ Map

Check out all of the sights on you tour of the DMZ. The tours cost around ($60 USD) and the bus ride take about and hour and a half each way.

11. Tornado Potato

Korea is known for inventive, whacky and unusual foods. Pop into a supermarket, mini mart or street market and try something fun. I found a tornado cut spiral potato chip that was dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles!

12. Cheonggye Plaza

Cheonggye Plaza is the start of the Cheonggye stream, which was covered by an elevated highway for years and uncovered in 2005. The reopening of the stream included a beautiful park, waterfall and liberated stream bed. Also, make sure to check out the towering pink-and-blue spiral shell artwork called ‘Spring’.

13. Gyeongbokgung Palace

A main attraction at the Palace is the Changing Ceremony of The Royal Guards in Gyeongbokgung Palace Plaza. You can see this everyday (except Tuesdays) at 10 am and 2 pm.

Webpage and Information: Gyeongbokgung Palace

14. Jogyesa Temple

A beautiful and culturally important place to visit is the head temple of the Jogye order. Make sure to see the stunning Chinese Scholar Tree. It’s over 450 years old and around 85 feet tall. These type of trees are usually found near Buddhist temples or palaces. It’s believed that they convert negative energy into happiness and positivity. They are usually decorate during festivals and is a stunning colorful treat to see them decorated.

Webpage and Information: Jogyesa Temple

15. Mal Dduk Bak Gi

Korea is filled with the wildly quirky and unusual. Check out this slightly inappropriate statue representing a leap frog type children’s game called Mal Dduk Bak Gi.

16. Hanbok

The Hanbok is traditional attire of the Korean people. Today its worn on special occasions, celebrations, and anniversaries. The origins of this Formal attire can be traced back to 57 BC.

17. Street Art

Hongdae is the art district in Seoul. Plan you visit for the morning to get the best photos with fewer photo bombers. You can find awesome street art as well as art galleries in this area.

18. King Sejong Statue

This stunning statue is dedicated to the 15th century Korean monarch. His legacy was creating Hangul and the Korean alphabet. He was also a patron of music, technology, literature, and medicine.

Porto:

Funky Fact: Porto is lovingly known as “Invicta” and the Portuguese from Porto are known as “Tripeiros”(a famed regional dish).

1. Livraria Lello

This incredibly charming little bookstore once had a coffee shop upstairs is said to have been the inspiration for the scenery in the Harry Potter films as J.K. Rolling was writing her famed books, she was living in Porto in the 1990s. I suggest buying an online ticket for 5 euros. I waited for only 10 min. If you want to buy at the ticket counter, the wait can take up to 3 hours.

Webpage and Information: Livraria Lello

2. Cais da Ribeira

Running along the banks of the river, Cais da Ribeira is a lively street lined with shopping and restaurants. It really charms guests in the evening when buskers sing and the sunset turns the river into a mirror of color.

3. Luís I Bridge

This iconic arched bridge straddles the river and connects the two cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was built in 1886 and is a gem of the city. You can walk along the top and bottom story of this double-decker beauty and take in stunning sweeping panoramas of the city.

4. Church of São Francisco

Historic baroque style church famed for opulent carved gold leaf interior. The Church of São Francisco is one of the oldest buildings in the city and dates back to the 13th century.

5. Rua das Flores

This Street opened in 1521 and is now a bustling shopping street. In the 19th century, it was the wealthiest neighborhood and continues to flourish. Don’t forget to peek down the side streets and find the giant blue cat, likely drawn to all the sardines.

6. Clérigos Church or Torre dos Clérigos

This iconic 75-meter-tall bell tower was built in 1750 and has a stunning baroque facade. Visitors can climb its steep steps and take in a stunning city view from the top veranda.

7. Porto Cathedral and the Pillory of Porto

The Roman Catholic Church is perched high above the city. Also known as the Sé Cathedral it was constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, it’s one of the most famous buildings in the city.

8. Muralha Fernandina

Check out the Walls of Dom Fernando, also known as the Fernandine Walls. They are the remains of the medieval fortification that was built in the 14th century, they were restored in the 1920s and can be seen in various areas throughout the city.

9. Gardens of the Crystal Palace – Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The original crystal palace was built in the 1860s and replaced by what is called the ‘UFO’ in the 1950s. Today the landscaped gardens offer fountains, ponds, peacocks, paths, and stunning visas of the Douro river.

10. Port Wine Caves

A must when visiting Porto is a cave tour paired with a sampling of Port wine. Just up the river from the city is the Douro Valley, which has been growing wine for centuries. There are dozens of distillery caves all over the city but my favorite was Quevedo. I tasted three aged ports (10-25 euro) and fell in love with their family’s secret: the 30-year-old aged white port. It’s toasted hazelnuts in a glass! Simply heavenly.

11. Igreja do Carmo

These two Churches are a must-visit on your trip to Porto. This appears to be one massive church but is actually two churches separated by a thin house to separate the monks from the nuns. The most famous part of this site is the stunning azulejos facade. The lovingly handprinted blue tiles on the exterior depict and rich baroque and rococo style scene showing the Brown Scapular imposition on Mount Carmel.

12. Mural ‘Mira’

Mural ‘Mira’ by street artist Daniel Eime. This huge stencil graffiti piece shows the strength of the city in its old age.

13. Mercado Ferreira Borges

This 1885 glass ceiling posts stunning original iron work. Once uses as a fruit market hall it’s now home to a nightclub and restaurant.

14. WOW Porto the Culture District

A place where culture, history, and dining collide this artistically renovated district has a playful labyrinth of discoveries. Everything from world-class museum experiences, twelve restaurants, bars and cafés, shopping, gallery exhibits, and even a wine school.

Webpage and Information: WOW Porto the Culture District

15. Jardim do Morro

Take the cable car up to the most romantic sunset views in the city. This palm tree-lined garden is at the summit of the hill and gives visitors the perfect vista of the city.

16. Half Rabbit

A towering commentary on human consumption, this three dimensions sculpture clings to the facade on a street corner. Composed of recycled trash the rabbit poses still half colorful and hopeful to the future and half dark and ominous. It can be found down a quiet street in Gaia, Portugal.

17. Igre de Santo Ildefonso

This 18th century church is the perfect place to catch a photo with those stunning blue tiles and avoid the crowds of people.

18. Rua de Miguel Bombarda

This lesser known art street has tons of hidden gems for the street art aficionado. It also filled with art galleries, shopping, stunning tile buildings, and restaurants.

19. Mercado Bom Sucesso

This fully renovated market hall has modern flair and is full of different restaurants, eateries, and bars with a huge variety of cuisines and drinks to try.

20. Sao Bento Station

One of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. This gem was constructed in 1900 and named after the Benedictine monastery that once stood here. The wall of the entrance hall dazzle visitors with rich blue and white tile splendor. It’s especially stunning as sunset as the light filters through the stained glass windows.

21. Pasteis de Nata

This Portuguese delicacy is a must try on your stay in Porto. Its signature flaky crust and sweet custard filling are world-famous and will have you hooked.

22. Postigo do Carvao

An unusual city site is the Postigo do Carvao. It’s the only remaining gate built into the medieval Fernandine Walls.

23. Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

An indescribable experience this place is a riot of color that celebrates two Portuguese delicacies: the codfish cake (pastel de bacalhau) and Queijo da Serra (Serra cheese).

24. Portuguese Sardine Factory

An unusual touristic stop is to one of many sardine canneries in Porto. Decorated like a candy store they house massive collections of artisanal canned fish. This traditional food has been a staple in Portugal for ages and you can visit one such as ‘O Mundo Fantástico das Sardinhas Portuguesas’ for a fishy treat.

25. 3+ ARTE

Hybrid space that runs on art and wine. Fabulous service and wonderfully quirky art to enjoy while you sip some of the finest glasses of port.

Andermatt:

Funky Fact: The Historic Village of Andermatt dated all the way back to 4000 BC.

1. Walk Main Street: Gotthardstrausse

Gotthardstrausse is the original main street and contains most of the sights in town. Make sure to look up and all the ornate vintage signage that hints at the city’s history.

2. Talmuseum Ursern

Built in 1786 this charming chalet is a must see when visiting the city and now functions as a museum. The museum focuses on cultural history, military, alpine economy and tourism.

Webpage and Information: Talmuseum Ursern

3. Faun – Hirtengott

This fountain and sculpture is of a charming satyr. They are believed to be the “Shepard gods” and protectors of farmers and shepherds, their cattle and their fields.

4. Blue Bear

Find the cities blue bear and take a selfie. Bears symbols are seen throughout this region. The ‘Ursern’ valley is a modern adaptation of ‘Ursaria’ which is believed to be the Romans name for the valley, this translates to ‘bear’ valley.

5. Bear Fountain

The fountain was built around 1580 by Johann II Schmid. Before homes had running water, this Fountain was the source for each home to grab a bucket from. The fountain’s front face showcases the coat of arms of the Ursern Valley.

6. Tavillons

Look for chalets adorned with thousands of wooden shingles called ‘tavillons (French)’. The tradition and craft of this type of shingling is passed down orally and tradesman are called ‘tavillonneur’ with their own signature methods.

7. Bridge stroll

Walk the river and cross over the Unteralpreuss while drinking in the majestic alps scenery.

8. The Hotel Schweizerhof

Catch a glimpse of this Swiss gem. Well over 100 years old this is a family run hotel, it’s been in the Somoza-Sasso family since 1979.

9. Rath Haus or Town hall

This building has been rebuilt due to a fire but has been in this spot since 1459. Take a close look at the carved coat of arms from 1931 half way up the façade.

10. William Tell

Hunt for folklore and see if you can spot this nod to William Tell the famous marksman. According to legend, William was a Swiss patriot and shot an apple off his son’s head with a bow and arrow. He refused to submit to the Hapsburg liege and was forced to this test of marksmanship in 1307.

11. Hotel Zur Sonne

This stunning vintage chalet is the quintessential alpine escape. Note the ornate dangling golden sun, which is a nod to the hotels name which translates “to the sun”

12. Half & half house

As you are strolling, look for the half and half house. Half traditional shingle half sawn timber construction.