While Spain has long been a popular vacation choice among American travelers, Portugal is slowly emerging from its neighbor's shadow. And rightly so: this country has everything to offer for the perfect getaway, including an amazing Mediterranean climate, a diverse population, delicious seafood, a never-ending nightlife and stunning beaches.

Portugal's capital Lisbon, on the country's Atlantic coast, is as authentic a city as it gets, with not many tourists in sight. At least, not yet. Here is a peek of what to see and do when visiting Lisbon for the first time.

View from St. George Castle. Photo by L. Girma.

Take a cruise on Lisbon's Tejo River for a breathtaking view of the city from the water. The two-hour journey goes down the coast line, showing off Lisbon's landmarks and fascinating history. Sit back and relax while you take in the blue skies and the Lisbon landscape. Use "Cruzeiros no Tejo," located near the Praça do Comercio. Tickets are 20 Euros each for adults. Drinks included.

Visit the Castle of Saint George (Castelo de Saõ Jorge) in the Alfama district. Catch the Tram 28 up to the castle; Lisbon’s cute vintage trams are actually a form of public transportation. Riding the tram is an experience by itself. You won't believe how high up you have to go to reach the castle. Once there, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of Lisbon and the Tejo River below. You can also take a taxi to the castle. A tip: wear rubber-sole shoes!

Stroll down Rua Augusta. Located off Praça do Comercio, Rua Augusta is a pedestrian street with independent shops, cafes and fabulous ambiance. Grab a bica (Portuguese espresso) or a gelato, sit outdoors and people-watch Portuguese-style. You can also shop for souvenirs here.

Spend an afternoon at the Parque de Nações. Built for "EXPO '98" – a world exposition held in Lisbon – the area includes a park, an aquarium (the largest in Europe) and other activities. Ride the cable car from one end of the park to the other for fabulous views of the river and the Vasco de Gama bridge. At the other end of the line is a row of outdoor cafes and restaurants, with music and a lovely atmosphere.

Algarve Beach. Photo by L. Girma.

Savor a pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belém. The pastel de nata is the traditional Portuguese pastry, and the original recipe is made at Pasteis de Belem. This thick custard tart is unlike any in Europe. Have a seat in this historic cafe and enjoy.

Walk through the Baixa/Chiado districts of Lisbon. The Baixa/Chiado neighborhoods have many cafes and shops, and this is where you will find many Lisboetas enjoying their afternoons and weekends.

Experience a night of fado music in the Alfama."You can't come to Lisbon and not experience fado," someone will say it to you at least once when you visit Lisbon. And that someone would be right. Fado is a form of Portuguese music with melodious and mournful tones. The songs evoke saudade (or sentiment). Having dinner at a cozy restaurant in the Alfama district while listening to melodious live music is a perfect wind-down activity for any evening. A group of men and women take turns singing while folks enjoy their food. For the best, head to Casa de Linhares at Bacalhau de Molho. Tip: Reservations are recommended, and you must be silent during the performances.

Go on a beach trip to the Algarve, south of Portugal. A 45-minute plane ride lands you in the South of Portugal, by the beach towns in the Algarve. From the white sands to the gorgeous cliffs, this area is stunning. One warning: the ocean is chilly year round. Still, laying back on a sunbed at one of the many resorts and watching the beautiful Atlantic ocean is the perfect addition to a Portuguese getaway.