CityBuddy
English
Things to Do in Portugal
When to visit
Plan your perfect trip to Portugal
Get a complete travel plan built just for you in under 30 seconds, with daily routes, local food tips, budget estimates and more.
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Portugal
Among the top things to do in Portugal, exploring Lisbon's Belém Tower offers stunning views of the Tagus River and a dose of history from the Age of Discoveries. Nearby, the Jerónimos Monastery showcases exquisite Manueline architecture dating back over 500 years. In Porto, crossing Dom Luís I Bridge reveals vibrant riverfront scenes and connects to the historic Ribeira district.
1. Belém Tower
Lisbon
A stunning riverside fortress with intricate carvings awaits your discovery. Climb its towers and soak in views that tell tales of Portugal’s sea voyages.
Quick facts: Sitting right on the Tagus River, this tower once guarded the entrance to Lisbon's harbor and played a vital role in Portugal's Age of Discoveries. Its elaborate Manueline style mixes military defense with stunning maritime motifs, reflecting the country's seafaring glory.
Highlights: Fans of nautical flair will adore the tower's stone ropes and tiny sentry turrets shaped like watchful helmets. You can actually climb up narrow staircases to peek out from the windows and imagine sailors scanning the horizon centuries ago.
2. Jerónimos Monastery
Lisbon
Explore a masterful blend of art and history. Experience breathtaking cloisters and trace the footsteps of legendary explorers.
Quick facts: A stunning example of Manueline architecture, blending maritime elements with Gothic and Renaissance styles. The place houses the tomb of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, linking it directly to the Age of Discoveries.
Highlights: The intricately carved cloisters feature over 300 different motifs, including sea creatures and exotic plants that tell tales of ocean voyages. Natural light filters through the ornate windows, casting delicate shadows on the beautifully sculpted stonework, creating a serene atmosphere.
3. Palácio da Bolsa
Porto
Marvel at a stunning Arabian-inspired hall filled with rich history and art. Experience ornate ceilings and whispers that echo through a grand historic venue.
Quick facts: The building boasts an opulent Arab Room, known for its intricate Moorish revival decor that captivates visitors with gold leaf and vibrant colors. It was once the stock exchange house, symbolizing the city's mercantile power and prosperity.
Highlights: The Arab Room's ceiling alone features nearly 300 unique wooden panels, each hand-painted with astounding craftsmanship that creates an immersive atmosphere. A lesser-known fact is the room's acoustics were designed so whispers can be heard across the space, adding a mysterious charm.
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
Experience stunning river views and architectural marvels. Walk across for panoramic cityscapes and vibrant local life.
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, showcasing engineering brilliance.
Highlights: Catch the vibrant sunset from the upper deck, where the golden light bathes the river and cityscape, creating a breathtaking panorama. Early risers might catch fishermen casting nets beneath the arches, offering a glimpse into traditional life blending with urban charm.
5. Pena Palace
Sintra
Unveil a feast for the eyes with stunning rainbow-hued architecture. Wander through whimsical halls and terraces that feel pulled from a storybook.
Quick facts: A kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and eclectic architectural styles, this royal retreat stands on a high hill with panoramic views stretching over Lisbon and the Atlantic coastline. Its whimsical design blends Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline influences, creating a fairy-tale vibe unmatched anywhere else.
Highlights: Unique painted terraces mimic the bark of pine trees to blend with the surrounding forest, showcasing a clever camouflage trick. The palace's legendary Arabian Hall features intricate tile work and a majestic ceiling that looks like a starry night sky, a whimsical detail often overlooked by visitors.
6. Quinta da Regaleira
Sintra
Step into a mystical world of secret tunnels and symbolic gardens. Explore spiraling wells and lush landscapes that spark your imagination.
Quick facts: A sprawling estate with mystical gardens, elaborate fountains, and enchanting grottoes offers a journey into symbolism and romance. The place's famous Initiation Well whispers stories of secret rituals and endless spiral staircases linking underground tunnels.
Highlights: Descending the 27-meter deep Initiation Well feels like stepping into another world, where light filters through spirals as if inviting a secret passage. Intricately carved symbols of alchemy and mythology decorate nearly every corner, making exploration feel like a voyage through a storybook of magic.
7. University of Coimbra
Coimbra
Discover a lively blend of history and youthful spirit. Experience ancient books, stunning architecture, and vibrant student traditions.
Quick facts: With nearly 24,000 students, the university pulses with youthful energy across its historic cityscape. Its library houses over 300,000 volumes, including centuries-old manuscripts that feel like stepping into 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 traditionally wear academic robes during special ceremonies, adding vibrant color and a sense of timeless celebration to the campus atmosphere.
8. Ribeira District
Porto
Experience the charm of winding medieval streets and lively riverside vibes. Feel the magic of colorful houses, aromatic seafood, and soulful music as day turns to night.
Quick facts: You'll find a colorful mosaic of narrow streets and lively waterfront cafes filled with the aroma of fresh seafood. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting centuries of maritime history and vibrant local culture.
Highlights: Catch the sunset over the Douro River where the sky lights up in hues of orange and pink against the backdrop of historic houses stacked like colorful blocks. Every evening, street musicians add a soundtrack of Fado tunes that lets you feel the soul of the place deeply.
9. Oceanário de Lisboa
Lisbon
Explore a captivating world beneath the waves. See sharks and sea otters up close in immersive exhibits that bring the ocean to life.
Quick facts: The aquarium holds over 8,000 sea creatures spanning 500 species, creating a vibrant underwater metropolis. A giant central tank simulates the open ocean, featuring sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish that mesmerize visitors.
Highlights: Watch from an underwater tunnel that places you face-to-face with curious sharks and playful sea otters just inches away. The unique ecosystem simulation includes cold and warm water species coexisting in expertly crafted habitats that mimic real ocean conditions.
10. Visit Monserrate Palace
Explore a palace where fantasy meets nature. Wander through stunning architecture and vibrant gardens for a magical experience.
Quick facts: The palace features an eclectic architectural style blending Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance elements. Gardens around the palace host over 2,000 plant species, some rare and exotic.
Highlights: The palace’s intricate stucco work and hand-painted tiles create a fairy tale atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fantasy world. The unique use of exotic woods and stained glass windows bathes the interiors in colorful light, making photography especially rewarding.
11. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Experience timeless treasures in a serene setting. Walk through 4,000 years of art and soak in peaceful 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 chance 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 the sunlight onto lush trees, creating a magical light show during afternoon hours.
12. Cascais Beach
Waves meet sand for the perfect seaside escape. Enjoy fresh sea breeze, surfing thrills, and vibrant fishing boat scenes.
Quick facts: Sandy stretch measures about 1 kilometer along the Atlantic coast, attracting around 300,000 visitors annually. Ocean currents create surfable waves ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
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 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
Search all hotels in PortugalPowered by agoda
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
What are the best months to visit Portugal?
Is Portugal expensive to live in or visit?
How is public transport in Portugal?
Is tap water safe to drink in Portugal?
How many tourists visit Portugal each year?
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips. Perfect for offline use.
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.
Click to get eSim for Portugal
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil
Most other non-EU countries
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.