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Things to Do in Portugal
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Portugal
Among the top attractions in Portugal, visiting Lisbon's Belém Tower provides breathtaking views of the Tagus River along with a glimpse into the history of the Age of Discoveries. Close by, the Jerónimos Monastery displays beautiful Manueline architecture that is over five centuries old. In Porto, walking across Dom Luís I Bridge offers lively riverfront sights and leads to the historic Ribeira neighborhood.
1. Belém Tower
Lisbon
A beautiful riverside fortress detailed with intricate carvings invites you to explore. Climb its towers and enjoy views that reveal stories of Portugal's sea adventures.
Quick facts: Sitting right on the Tagus River, this tower once guarded the entrance to Lisbon's harbor and played a crucial role in Portugal's Age of Discoveries. Its elaborate Manueline style combines military defense with stunning maritime motifs, reflecting the nation's seafaring glory.
Highlights: Nautical enthusiasts will love the tower's stone ropes and tiny sentry turrets shaped like watchful helmets. You can climb narrow staircases to look out from the windows and imagine sailors scanning the horizon centuries ago.
2. Jerónimos Monastery
Lisbon
Discover a perfect blend of art and history. Enjoy breathtaking cloisters and follow the paths of famous explorers.
Quick facts: A stunning example of Manueline architecture, merging maritime elements with Gothic and Renaissance styles. It houses the tomb of famous explorer Vasco da Gama, linking it directly to the Age of Discoveries.
Highlights: The intricately carved cloisters showcase over 300 different motifs, including sea creatures and exotic plants that tell stories of ocean voyages. Natural light filters through ornate windows, casting delicate shadows on the beautifully sculpted stonework, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
3. Palácio da Bolsa
Porto
Admire a beautiful Arabian-style hall rich in history and art. Appreciate ornate ceilings and echoes that fill a grand historic space.
Quick facts: The building features an opulent Arab Room, known for its intricate Moorish revival decor that captivates visitors with gold leaf and vivid colors. It once served as the stock exchange house, symbolizing the city's mercantile power and wealth.
Highlights: The Arab Room's ceiling alone boasts nearly 300 unique wooden panels, each hand-painted with exceptional craftsmanship that creates an immersive setting. A lesser-known fact is the room's acoustics were designed so whispers can be heard throughout, adding a mysterious allure.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Portugal, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Dom Luís I Bridge
Porto
Enjoy stunning river scenes and remarkable architecture. Cross over for wide city views and lively local culture.
Quick facts: Spanning the Douro River, this iconic bridge features a distinctive double-deck metal arch design that stands out against Porto’s skyline. It once held the record for the longest iron arch bridge in the world, showing remarkable engineering skill.
Highlights: Enjoy the vibrant sunset from the upper deck, where golden light bathes the river and cityscape, offering a breathtaking panorama. Early risers might see fishermen casting nets beneath the arches, giving a glimpse of traditional life mingling with urban charm.
5. Pena Palace
Sintra
Reveal a visual delight with colorful rainbow-inspired architecture. Stroll through fanciful halls and terraces that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
Quick facts: A kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and varied architectural styles, this royal retreat sits on a high hill with panoramic views stretching over Lisbon and the Atlantic coast. Its whimsical design blends Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline influences, creating a fairy-tale feel unmatched elsewhere.
Highlights: Painted terraces mimic the bark of pine trees to blend with the surrounding forest, showing a clever camouflage trick. The palace's legendary Arabian Hall features intricate tile work and a majestic ceiling resembling a starry night sky, a whimsical detail often missed by visitors.
6. Quinta da Regaleira
Sintra
Enter a magical world of hidden tunnels and meaningful gardens. Discover spiral wells and lush surroundings that inspire your imagination.
Quick facts: A vast estate with mystical gardens, elaborate fountains, and enchanting grottoes offers a journey into symbolism and romance. The famous Initiation Well whispers tales of secret rituals and endless spiral staircases connecting underground tunnels.
Highlights: Descending the 27-meter deep Initiation Well feels like entering another world, where light filters through spirals as if inviting a secret passage. Intricately carved symbols of alchemy and mythology adorn nearly every corner, making exploration feel like a magical storybook voyage.
7. University of Coimbra
Coimbra
Experience a vibrant mix of history and youthful energy. See ancient books, wonderful architecture, and lively student traditions.
Quick facts: With nearly 24,000 students, the university radiates youthful energy throughout its historic cityscape. Its library holds over 300,000 volumes, including centuries-old manuscripts that transport readers to another era.
Highlights: An awe-inspiring highlight is the Joanina Library, glowing under golden gas lamps and echoing with whispers of scholarly debates from 300 years ago. Students wear academic robes during special ceremonies, adding vibrant color and a sense of timeless celebration to the campus.
8. Ribeira District
Porto
Enjoy the charm of twisting medieval streets and lively riverfront scenes. Savor colorful houses, fragrant seafood, and soulful music as day fades to night.
Quick facts: You'll find a colorful mosaic of narrow streets and lively waterfront cafes filled with the scent of fresh seafood. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting centuries of maritime history and vibrant local culture.
Highlights: Watch the sunset over the Douro River as the sky lights up in oranges and pinks against historic houses stacked like colorful blocks. Every evening, street musicians play Fado tunes, letting you feel the soul of the place deeply.
9. Oceanário de Lisboa
Lisbon
Dive into a fascinating underwater world. Observe sharks and sea otters close-up in engaging displays that bring the ocean alive.
Quick facts: The aquarium houses over 8,000 sea creatures across 500 species, creating a vibrant underwater city. A giant central tank simulates the open ocean, featuring sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish that mesmerize visitors.
Highlights: Observe from an underwater tunnel that puts you face-to-face with curious sharks and playful sea otters just inches away. The unique ecosystem simulation includes both cold and warm water species living together in expertly crafted habitats mimicking real ocean conditions.
10. Visit Monserrate Palace
Visit a palace where fantasy blends with nature. Wander stunning buildings and colorful gardens for a magical adventure.
Quick facts: The palace features an eclectic architectural style blending Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance elements. The gardens surrounding the palace host over 2,000 plant species, some rare and exotic.
Highlights: The palace’s detailed stucco work and hand-painted tiles create a fairy tale atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fantasy world. The use of exotic woods and stained glass windows bathes the interiors in colorful light, making photography especially rewarding.
11. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Discover timeless treasures in a tranquil environment. Walk through 4,000 years of art and enjoy quiet garden views.
Quick facts: A unique art collection of over 6,000 pieces spans 4,000 years, including Egyptian artifacts and European paintings. A strikingly calm garden surrounds the museum, offering a space for reflection amid modernist architecture by Ruy Jervis d'Athouguia.
Highlights: An exquisite art collection once owned by an oil magnate includes ancient manuscripts and Islamic art with breathtaking intricate designs. The museum's centerpiece is a tranquil pond reflecting sunlight onto lush trees, creating a magical light show in the afternoon.
12. Cascais Beach
Where waves meet sand is the perfect beach escape. Feel the fresh sea air, enjoy surfing excitement, and watch lively fishing boats.
Quick facts: A sandy stretch of about 1 kilometer along the Atlantic coast attracts around 300,000 visitors each year. Ocean currents create surfable waves perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Highlights: A cluster of colorful fishing boats contrasts sharply against the blue sea, creating a vivid photogenic scene at dawn. Local fishermen still haul in sardines early in the morning, continuing a centuries-old tradition that visitors can watch up close.
Where to Stay in Portugal
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
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Popular Cities in Portugal
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is a famous Portuguese custard tart with a crispy, flaky crust and a creamy egg custard filling, originally crafted by monks in the 18th century.
Bola de Berlim
Bola de Berlim is a popular Portuguese doughnut filled with sweet egg yolk cream, inspired by the German Berliner but with a delicious twist.
Toucinho do Céu
Toucinho do Céu translates to 'bacon from heaven', but it is a rich almond and egg yolk dessert that dates back to convent recipes in Portugal.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau à Brás is a beloved Portuguese dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes, all bound with scrambled eggs.
Cozido à Portuguesa
Cozido à Portuguesa is a traditional hearty boiled meal that includes a variety of meats, sausages, and vegetables, showcasing the diverse flavors of Portugal.
Francesinha
Francesinha is a Porto specialty sandwich layered with cured meats, steak, and melted cheese, topped with a rich beer and tomato sauce, often served with fries.
Traditional Beverages
Port Wine
Port Wine is a world-renowned fortified wine from the Douro Valley, known for its sweet and rich flavor profile, typically enjoyed as a dessert wine.
Ginjinha
Ginjinha is a traditional Portuguese sour cherry liqueur, often served in small shot glasses with or without a cherry inside.
Madeira Wine
Madeira Wine is a fortified wine from the Madeira Islands that is famous for its longevity and distinctive, complex flavors developed through a unique heating process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal
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Most popular day trips
Cascais
Coastal town with beaches and a charming marina.
Rent a car in Portugal
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
National and international connections
High-speed trains and local lines
Take the metro or Aerobus from the airport to central Lisbon for convenience.
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Visa & entry
EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil
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Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.
Comments (9)
Weather was patchy in November, not ideal beach time but cities like Porto still have great cafes and wine tasting.
Portugal felt affordable compared to other European spots, though Lisbon felt expensive for dining out near main plazas.
Loved wandering Lisbon's old neighborhoods but watch out, some areas get touristy and pricey. Great for a 5-day trip.
Portugal has such a chill vibe, perfect weather in spring, and the seafood cuisine is a total highlight. Wish I had stayed longer to explore more.
Buy a 24-hour tram ticket for Lisbon, it pays off if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in one day easily.