Portugal is known for awe-inspiring landscapes, cities steeped in history and a unique culture heritage. Located in the far south west of Europe, on the Atlantic Coast, Portugal has a mild climate, making it an ideal destination year round for city hoppers or beach lovers. Whether you fancy wandering the back streets of captivating Lisbon, exploring clean golden beaches or discovering centuries of history, Portugal is packed with unique and beautiful experiences.
Portugal’s cities are rooted in history and throbbing with modern life. There is something distinctly Portuguese about age-old monuments rubbing shoulders with contemporary urban sophistication. A creative, artistic spirit pervades through every picturesque street corner to the backdrop of traditional fado music. Below are some suggestions on cities to visit and must see places.
Things to do in Portugal – Cities to Visit 1: Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city; lively and elegant, it’s a cosmopolitan hub of art, culture and home to some incredible views from its famous seven hills. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and the kind you just need to get lost in. A showcase of rich architectural styles, it’s easy to spend an afternoon just exploring the tangled web of back streets and marvelling at the azulejo covered buildings (painted ceramic tiles) and wide, leafy squares.
No visit to Lisbon is complete without catching one of the traditional trams (great for photo opportunities!) to take you up the steep hills of the central city. Here you can choose from one of many view points (miradouros) and gaze out over exceptional views over Lisbon’s rooftops and beyond to the Atlantic.
Culturally you are spoiled for choice, with several substantial museums (National Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, the Lisbon City Museum) to name just a few as well as the Lisbon Opera House and other theatres. There are two UNESCO sites in Lisbon, the Jeronimos Monastery and the tower of Belem, both beautiful examples of architecture and history.
Lisbon is a foodies dream city, with vibrant cultural influences including India, Angola and Morocco as well as a high standard of Portugal’s own delicious cuisine. Lisbon’s coastal location means you’ll find a delicious variety of fish and seafood prepared everywhere from Michelin starred restaurants to local back-street taverns. Do not miss tasting a Pastel de Nata (sweet custard tart), a tasty treat to enjoy with a coffee on one of Lisbon’s pretty terrace cafes.
Things to do in Portugal – Cities to Visit 2: Porto
The beautiful, buzzing city of Porto is well- known for it’s ornate bridges and Port wine production, but it is also another fine example of stunning architecture (the entire historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Porto’s history dates back to around 300 BC and there are ruins to prove it. It is the second largest city after Lisbon and is alive with history, pulsing with creativity and full of atmosphere.
To really get a taste of authentic Porto, make sure you take in, not only the medieval heart of the city but also the cutting edge modern architecture and museums. Keep an eye out for plenty of original public street art also.
History breathes through every maze like street in Porto. Make sure to spend time wandering the Ribeira along the river where you can see the famous Ponte Dom Luis, a double-deck bridge. Also visit fundamental landmarks such as the Cathedral (Se do Porto) and the hilltop Jardim de Morro (where you will take in breathtaking city views). Modern art can be found at the slickly minimalist Museu de Arte Contemparanea and the Serralves (which also boasts acres of sculpture gardens).
Things to do in Portugal – Cities to Visit 3: Aveiro
Hidden gem Aveiro is a charming city on the Atlantic Coast in Central Portugal and home to a pretty array of canals, connected by beautiful bridges and reminiscent of Venice, Italy. Float on a brightly coloured gondola past fascinating houses and watch the world go by. There are plenty of museums and other attractions for tourists soaking up the city’s atmosphere on foot.
Things to do in Portugal – Cities to Visit 4: Sintra
In the pine-clad foothills of the Sintra Mountains lies the picture perfect town of Sintra. An easy day trip from Lisbon, Sintra has an incredible array of decorative gardens and ornate palaces, all with exquisite architectural details.
Number one pick for weird and wonderful is the Quinta da Regaleira, a stately home set in elaborate gardens. The gardens are full of symbolism with many lakes, fountains, secret tunnels and statues. The most incredible is the Initiation Well, an inverted well that is essentially an inverted tower. You can walk down winding mossy stairs to the bottom to gaze back up at the sky through the round circle at the top.
The symbolism found in the architecture at the Quinta Da Regaleira has been related to Masonic principles and holds a rich and mainly unknown history. The atmosphere here is heavy with mystery and enchantment.
Things to do in Portugal: Other Places to Go
Another short trip from Lisbon takes you to the smart and sought after town of Cascais. Built around a glossy marina, Cascais is full of elegant buildings, designer boutiques and charming pedestrianised streets. There is a high-spirited nightlife and some fabulous seafood restaurants.
Miles of Beaches
Portugal has miles upon miles of golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and one of the best surf scenes in Europe. The Algarve is an obvious choice for families with it’s welcoming Mediterranean climate and bustling tourist hubs round Faro and Lagos.
If you’re searching for seclusion, travel a bit further west to find virtually empty, stunning stretches of beach such as Sagres. An isolated but beautiful coastal village with a relaxed vibe, Sagres makes a good jumping off point to visit some of the most secluded and pristine beaches like Praia do Beliche, Praia do Tonel and Praia da Mareta. These are all golden sweeps of sand, very deserted out of season.
The Great Outdoors
If you thrive on fresh air and activity, Portugal is bursting with opportunities for exploring on foot, bicycle or even horseback. Take a boat or train ride from peso Da Rergua up to the stunning Rio Douro Valley, kayak on the Mondego River, explore trails in the National Park Da Peneda- Geres or dolphin watch from the Sado Estuary near Setubal. With the kind of wild, lush and green landscape that lends itself to off the beaten path exploring, Portugal has everything for your city, beach or countryside fix.
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