Our guide on the best places to visit in Portugal for your next trip.
Sure! Here’s a travel guide highlighting the best places to visit in Portugal, along with suggestions on what to do and eat in each destination.
Enjoy your trip to Portugal! It’s a country rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, offering something special for every traveler.
Read here best things to know before visiting Portugal, best Portugal sim card for tourist and the best Portuguese food
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Travel Tips
Transportation: Portugal has a good network of trains and buses connecting major cities. Consider renting a car for exploring rural areas.
Language: Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases can enhance your experience.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Culinary Highlights
Bacalhau Dishes: Codfish is a staple, with numerous traditional recipes.
Pastéis de Nata: Available nationwide, these custard tarts are a must-try.
Portuguese Wines: Explore a variety of wines, including Port, Vinho Verde, and Douro reds.
Petiscos: Portuguese tapas, perfect for sampling a variety of flavors.
Best Places to Visit In Portugal
1. Lisbon
Explore Alfama: Wander through the oldest district in Lisbon with its narrow streets, traditional Fado music, and historic charm.
Visit Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this tower is a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
Ride Tram 28: Take a scenic ride on this vintage tram through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Visit São Jorge Castle: Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon from this historic castle.
What to Eat:
Pastéis de Belém: Try these famous custard tarts at their original bakery in Belém.
Bacalhau à Brás: A classic dish made with shredded codfish, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes.
Ginjinha: A cherry liqueur served in small shot glasses, popular among locals.
2. Porto
Walk Along Ribeira District: Explore the colorful waterfront with its medieval streets and lively atmosphere.
Visit Livraria Lello: One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling.
Tour Port Wine Cellars: Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and sample Port wine at the various cellars.
Climb Clérigos Tower: Get a panoramic view of the city after climbing its 240 steps.
What to Eat:
Francesinha: A hearty sandwich layered with various meats, covered in cheese and a rich tomato and beer sauce.
Tripas à Moda do Porto: A traditional tripe stew, reflecting the city’s historic cuisine.
Port Wine: Sample different varieties of the city’s namesake fortified wine.
3. Sintra
What to Do:
Visit Pena Palace: Explore this colorful Romanticist castle set atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains.
Explore Quinta da Regaleira: Wander through this estate’s gardens, grottoes, and the Initiation Well.
Visit Moorish Castle: Walk along the ancient walls of this medieval castle for stunning views.
What to Eat:
Queijadas de Sintra: Small cheesecakes made with fresh cheese, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon.
Travesseiros de Sintra: Puff pastries filled with almond cream, perfect with coffee.
4. Algarve
Relax on Beaches: Visit Praia da Marinha or Praia da Rocha for golden sands and clear waters.
Explore Benagil Cave: Take a boat tour to this iconic sea cave with a natural skylight.
Visit Lagos Old Town: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, shops, and historical sites.
What to Eat:
Cataplana de Marisco: A seafood stew cooked in a traditional copper pot.
Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles): A local delicacy harvested from the rocky shores.
Fresh Grilled Sardines: Enjoy them at beachside restaurants.
5. Coimbra
What to Do:
Visit the University of Coimbra: One of the oldest universities in Europe, with a stunning Baroque library.
Explore the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha): A Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
Stroll Through Botanical Garden: Relax in one of the oldest botanical gardens in Portugal.
What to Eat:
Leitão à Bairrada: Roast suckling pig, a regional specialty.
Chanfana: Goat stew slow-cooked in red wine.
Pasteis de Santa Clara: Sweet pastries made with almonds and egg yolk.
6. Madeira
Hike Levada Trails: Walk along the island’s irrigation channels through lush landscapes.
Visit Funchal: Explore the capital city’s markets, botanical gardens, and historic sites.
Experience Monte Toboggan Rides: Glide down the streets in a wicker sled guided by locals.
What to Eat:
Espetada Madeirense: Skewered beef seasoned with garlic and salt, grilled over wood or charcoal.
Bolo do Caco: Traditional flatbread made with sweet potato, often served with garlic butter.
Poncha: A traditional alcoholic drink made with sugar cane brandy, honey, and lemon juice.
7. Évora
What to Do:
Visit the Roman Temple: Also known as the Temple of Diana, dating back to the 1st century.
Explore Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos): An eerie chapel decorated with human skulls and bones.
Walk Around Évora’s Historic Center: A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved medieval walls.
What to Eat:
Açorda Alentejana: A bread soup flavored with garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and poached eggs.
Migas à Alentejana: Breadcrumbs fried with garlic and served with pork.
Sericaia: A traditional egg pudding dessert, often served with plums.
8. Douro Valley
What to Do:
Wine Tours: Visit vineyards and wineries producing Port and Douro wines.
River Cruise: Take a boat trip along the Douro River to enjoy scenic landscapes.
Visit Lamego: Explore this historic town with its impressive sanctuary and staircase.
What to Eat:
Bacalhau com Broa: Codfish baked with cornbread crumbs.
Arroz de Pato: Duck rice baked with chorizo and spices.
Local Cheeses and Cured Meats: Sample regional specialties at local markets.
9. Nazaré
What to Do:
Watch Big Wave Surfing: Visit during winter months to see record-breaking waves at Praia do Norte.
Ride the Funicular: Travel up to Sítio for panoramic views of the coastline.
Relax on the Beach: Enjoy the traditional fishing village atmosphere.
What to Eat:
Caldeirada: A hearty fish stew with various types of seafood.
Pão com Chouriço: Bread baked with Portuguese chorizo inside.
Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the catch of the day at local restaurants.
10. Braga
What to Do:
Visit Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary: Climb the Baroque staircase or take the funicular to this hilltop church.
Explore Braga Cathedral: The oldest cathedral in Portugal, showcasing various architectural styles.
Stroll Through Jardim de Santa Barbara: A beautiful garden adjacent to the Archbishop’s Palace.
What to Eat:
Bacalhau à Braga: Codfish fried and served with onions, potatoes, and red peppers.
Pudim Abade de Priscos: A rich pudding made with bacon and port wine.
Vinho Verde: Sample this “green wine,” a young wine produced in the region.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.