THU is a life-changing experience. It's an event that brings together hundreds of creatives from all over the world for five days of inspirational talks, masterclasses, and creative activities. But, let's face it, it's also a great excuse to visit Portugal!

Of all European countries, Portugal is one to often stand in the shadow. To help you discover this beautiful country and make the most out of your short stay, the THU Team has made a list of suggestions that will give you a unique local experience in both Lisbon and Setubal.

Here's our TOP 10 THINGS TO DO, and not necessarily in this order:

1. Estrela da Bica – (reservations are recommended) A nice restaurant in the center of Lisbon, that serves traditional Portuguese specialties. Address: Travessa do Cabral, 33 | Telephone: +351213473310

2. The Food Temple – (reservations are recommended) Forget all you heard about Portuguese sausages so far and enjoy a meal in this vegan restaurant in the heart of Lisbon's trendy Mouraria neighborhood. After such a healthy and delicious dinner, don't feel guilty to head to Os Amigos da Severa for a ginjinha in the company of elderly people and Jesus Christ. Address: Beco do Jasmim, 18 | Telephone: +351218874397

3. Park Bar – Don't let the filthy stairs that lead you here turn you off. The rooftop of a car park (7th floor) was transformed into a bar with a beautiful view over Lisbon, the river, and the bell towers of Santa Catarina Church. It opens daily at 1PM and only closes late at night. Address: Calçada do Combro, 58 | Telephone:  +351215914011

4. Museu do Choco – At a five minutes' walk from Setubal's famous fish market, this restaurant's specialty is the “choco”, a symbol of local cuisine. Address: Avenida Luísa Todi, 49 | Telephone: +351937360061

5. Batareo – The fish restaurant that exists in your imagination also exists in reality: it's called Batareo and it's located in Setubal. Oh, and it's only open at lunch. Address: Rua das Fontaínhas, 64 | Telephone: +351265234548

6. Manteigaria – Sit in the square and wait for the bell to ring, then head inside to have a still warm, freshly-baked Pastel de Nata. Don't forget to add some cinnamon on top!

7. Cacilhas – There's a ferry every 10 minutes from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, the other side of the river Tagus. This is a picturesque neighborhood on the banks of the river, best known for its Cervejarias. We recommend heading there to enjoy a beer while watching the sun set over Lisbon.

8. Carcavelos – Only a short train ride from Lisbon, this sandy beach is 1,350m long and hosts surfers all year round. Grab a drink, walk to the end of the beach, and climb onto the rocks in front of the Fortress of St. Julian of Barra to enjoy a moment of peace on this crowded beach.

9. Comporta – Comporta Beach on Troia's peninsula, lies between a dense forest and the Atlantic Ocean. It's both affordable and not too crowded – a local favorite.

10. Gulbenkian – Now this garden is one of our favorite spots to go to, especially for lunch, since it's so close to our office in Lisbon. Feed the ducks or yourself, whatever works. We normally grab a sandwich and head here for a break from everything. For all you art lovers, there are also two museums inside worth paying a visit to.

If you don't manage to follow our tips this time, plan ahead for next year. Portugal really has a lot to offer and making this list was no easy task.

With love,

The THU Team