In a former life, Portugal ruled the seas and won a good chunk of the world, as well as seemingly endless coffers of Brazilian gold in the bargain. Those opulent times have left their mark in the form of fairytale castles, stately palaces and magnificent cathedrals that merit exploration.
But those who revel in everyday discoveries at incredibly down-to-earth prices should not forego the more modest pleasures of the country's present-day incarnation.
