Table of Contents
Discover Portugal, a diverse destination famous for its seafood dishes, fabulous beaches and architecture that dates back in time. Lisbon attractions are remarkable in a capital city that enjoys a stunning location on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Portugal history has a proud seafaring tradition with trailblazer mariners that set sail from here in the 15th and 16th centuries. The dramatic Portugal beaches, vast rolling plains, majestic northern mountains and sunbaked central regions together make the country attractive. With numerous things to do in Portugal, this is a destination worth holidaying. We list for you the 15+ best places to visit in Portugal that you could use as a Portugal travel guide on your next holiday. Read on!
Top Places To Visit In Portugal
Oceanario de Lisboa, Lisbon
One of the top Lisbon attractions is the Oceanarium which is brilliantly conceived and showcases the vast ocean habitats. It contains an array of marine animals and fishes. The ecosystem is recreated into four separate seas and landscapes of the Atlantic, Pacific, Antarctica and Indian Oceans. The huge tank is at different levels with many finned wonders such as sharks and rays swimming by. The main tank is surrounded by a transparent plexiglass design where smaller tropical species swim. The open-air landscapes have penguins and sea-otters that exist in harmony. This is a top-rated Portugal tourist attraction.
Timing: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Location:Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal
Pro Tip: Do book your tickets online in advance for a hassle-free journey.
Torre de Belem, Lisbon
This is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon for Portugal history. The monument stands as a symbol of the Age of Discovery from where epic voyages of explorations began in the 15th and 16th centuries. The fortress is a masterpiece designed in the Manueline style by Francisco de Arruda. The façade is of beautifully carved stone with maritime motifs such as a twisted rope and the armillary sphere. The Portugal tourist attraction is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was completed in 1521 and was built to defend approaches coming into the River Tagus.
Timing: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm
Location: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Pro Tip: The attraction closes an hour earlier in the winter season.
Geres Mountain Range, Northern Portugal
The Serra do Geres is a breathtaking and most beautiful place in Portugal in the remote Minho region. It is located within the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres which is one of the best places in Portugal to visit. The granite peaks are spectacular and the Geres Mountains is a trekkers paradise. Hikers and lovers of the outdoors revel in the rugged landscape and wilderness. The lush valleys, shimmering lakes and rare flora and fauna make this one of the romantic places in Portugal. The granite trails crisscross the area that is scattered with traditional villages. Hiking a track here is one of the popular things to do in Portugal.
Timing: Based on the tour
Location: Gerês Mountains, Portuguese Serra Do Gerês
Pro Tip: Portela do Homem Waterfall in Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal that shouldn’t be missed.
Torre de Clerigos, Oporto
This is one of the landmark Portugal tourist attractions in Oporto. The needle-like slender tower stands 75 meters above the streets and overlooks the old town. It was built in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni and is Baroque style architecture. It is the tallest building in Oporto and was completed in 1763. A popular thing to do in Portugal is to climb the 200 steps for truly magnificent views of the city. There are views of the River Douro from above as you embrace the beauty of the place. The 75 metres tall bell tower is part of the Clerigos Church and is a masterpiece that can be seen from various points in the city. It is a popular Portuguese tourist attraction and remains the tallest building in Portugal.
Timing: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Location: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
Pro Tip: Entrance ticket starts from $6.85 and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for refunds.
Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon
One of the historic attractions in Lisbon is the Castelo de São Jorge which is a prominent monument. It is located on a hill overlooking the Baixa district and is a popular Lisbon attraction. The castle was founded in the late 12th century when King Afonso Henriques recaptured the city from the Moors. The 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the structure and what remains today is a result of renovation efforts. A fun thing to do in Portugal is to explore the castle with its towers and ramparts. Look through one of the Camera Obscura on the Torre de Ulisses tower from where you can see views of the city. Visit the remains of the original Alcacova Palace, the observation terrace and enjoy a top-rated attraction in Lisbon.
Timing: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Pro Tip: You can take Bus 737 from Praca Da Figueira all the way to the castle.
Must Read: 15+ Best European Destinations from Dubai In 2022
Pena Palace, Sintra
The Pena Palace is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal and a popular Portugal tourist attraction in Sintra. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site for its beauty. The facade of the attraction is a mix of varied colours and architectural styles. The palace is surrounded by a park with over 200 hectares of gardens, fountains, bridges, lakes, grottos and greenhouses. This makes it one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and an ideal place for couples. Discover the mystique of the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira which is an ideal romantic place in Portugal. One of the main floors is accessible to visitors and it’s a good idea to take along a Portugal travel guide.
Timing: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Praia do Senhor da Pedra, Porto
This is one of the famous Portugal beaches in Porto which must be visited when the Portugal weather is spring or early autumn season. There are around 17 trains per day that run the route between Lisbon to Porto daily, so it’s easily accessible from the capital. This is one of the finest Portugal beaches with a small chapel on a rock outcrop. The Senhor da Pedra chapel is a hexagonal layout wonder and dominates the golden expanse of sand. The name of the beach is related to the chapel here. Portugal holidays are incomplete without a beach adventure where the sun and sand with ocean waters are welcoming. The beach has a new sidewalk with a bar and a restaurant for you to unwind.
Timing: All-day
Location: Gulpilhares, 4405 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Pro Tip: There is easy car access and external parking here.
Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon
The famous attraction in Lisbon is a centre of cultural pride and has been a National Monument since 1907. One of the best places to visit in Lisbon, the monastery is located on a site on the banks of the River Tagus. The Portugal tourist attraction is where artists, chroniclers and travellers have visited for the five centuries since its existence. UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and it was erected by King Manuel I in honour of Henry the Navigator. It is close to the site where Henry built a church to Santa Maria de Belem in the 15th century. Admire this remarkable piece of architecture and imbibe the wonders of Portugal history. It became a burial place for kings and later poets and preserves an integral part of Portugal identity.
Timing: 10 .00 am to 5.00 pm
Location: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Pro Tip: The last admission is at 5.00 pm, so don’t miss the schedule of operating time.
The Zoomarine Algarve Theme Park, Guia
One of the popular destinations in Portugal with kids is the fascinating theme park. It offers you different types of fun activities from big water slide rides, swimming with dolphins or encountering wildlife. A great way to spend the day, enjoy the magic of an oceanographic park, a fun thing to do in Portugal. Experience thrilling amusements such as Farol, Manta, Aquasplash, Ferry among others. Learn about conservation and science and education of zoo marine animals. There are aquatic attractions, zoological presentations and an interactive map that will help you navigate the park. Dolphin Emotions Encounter is unmissable especially for toddlers to get up close to the dolphin in shallow waters and understand its behavioural patterns. So, don’t give this popular Portugal tourist attraction a miss.
Timing: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location: N125 KM 65, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal
Pro Tip: You could buy your ticket online and avail of amazing discounts and gifts.
The Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon
One of the best evening places in Lisbon is the Vasco da Gama Bridge for awesome sunset views. The name of the bridge commemorates the arrival of Vasco da Gama to India in 1498. It connects the eastern part of Lisbon to the south bank of Alcochete and Tagus Montijo. The bridge is the most extensive in the world and stretches to a length of over 17 km. The infinite overcast sky and fascinating views make this a popular attraction in Lisbon. The construction began in February 1995 and was completed on 29 March 1998 just in time so access to the famous Expo `98 got easier. It celebrated the completion of 500 years of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of sea route from Europe to India.
Timing: All-day
Location: PTE Vasco da Gama, Lisboa, Portugal
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera for astonishing photos.
The Paiva Walkways, Arouca
This is an award-winning facility that is located 70 km north of Aveiro in central Portugal. The Paiva Walkways is an adventurous thing to do in Portugal which is an eight km hike over an elevated boardwalk. The hike takes you through the Arouca Geopark which is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. It is an unspoiled landscape with enormous biodiversity, pristine River Paiva and verdant woodland. Hike through the rugged yet peaceful environs and deep into gorges, Along the way pass by waterfalls, crystal clear pools as you navigate crisscrossing steps. It takes around 2.5 hours to complete in Espiunca.
Timing: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Location: Lugar de, 4540-257 Arouca, Portugal
Pro Tip: Remember to carry energy snacks, plenty of water and sunscreen.
The Douro Valley, 100 km east of Porto
The Douro Valley vineyards are the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Production of grapes goes back 2000 years and the vineyards here make for a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a popular Portugal tourist attraction amongst wine lovers who have been visiting the place since the 18th century. The flavoursome wine tasting and participation in the harvesting and production towards mid to end of September make the valley unmissable. Traditional grape stomping or an abundance of hiking opportunities make the Douro Valley a fine itinerary for your Portugal holiday. The scenic hiking trails or the gentle strolls through the patchwork of vineyards and olive groves is a panoramic scenic wonder. Step into the idyllic villages along the way and indulge in local lifestyles.
Timing: All-day (based on the tour)
Location: 100 km east of Porto
Pro Tip: April and May are the best months to visit here for the beauty of spring colours.
Aveiro
The city is popular as the Venice of Portugal and is full of spectacular canals, colourful gondolas and Nouveau architecture. This is a romantic place in Portugal and is located on the edge of the vast Ria de Aveiro Lagoon. The fishing district has numerous religious attractions such as the Cathedral of Aveiro and the 15th century Convento de Jesus. Take a ride on a traditional moliceiros boat and take in the best views of the town and the Sao Jacinto Nature Reserve. Taste the Aveiro salt often called white gold due to its high quality and taste. Visit the fish market and watch the Art Nouveau houses on either side of the canal.
Timing: All-day (based on the tour)
Location: Portugal
Pro Tip: Buy some cod or bacalhau which is a popular ingredient in Portuguese cuisine.
The Azores Islands
The beautiful archipelago in the mid-Atlantic is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. The nine islands located some 500 km from the west of Lisbon is a pit stop for nature lovers. It is one of the best marine habitats in the world with about one-third of the world’s species of cetacean here. Enjoy yourself here filling your Portugal holidays with dolphin watching, hiking, water sports, diving and more. Blue whales, orcas and humpbacks travel these waters in the months between April and June. Get a chance to see marine biodiversity at its best. Bathe in the island’s geothermal springs and marvel at one of the best places in Portugal.
Timing: All-day (based on the tour)
Location: 500 km west of Lisbon, Portugal
Pro Tip: You could book a tour operator that operates boats to show you the area’s marine world.
Lisbon
The vibrant capital of Portugal which is one of the most charismatic cities in Europe. The country’s most famous landmarks are here from the 11th century Sao Jorge Castle to the 16th century Torre de Belem. Stroll the cobbled streets, visit fairytale castles, explore plazas and gothic monasteries. Lisbon is one of the popular destinations in Portugal with plenty of attractions. Take the Elevador de Santa Justa to the highest part of Lisbon for splendid city views. Visit the beautiful garden called Miradoura de Sao Pedro de Alcantara with an observation point, a famous place in Lisbon. Relish Portuguese custard tart while you listen to fado singers on a patio restaurant.
Timing: Based on the tour
Location: Portugal
Pro Tip: Take a ride in an iconic yellow tram, a fun thing to do in Lisbon.
Porto Cellars
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and is also the name of the country`s most famous export of port wine. No trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to the best places in Portugal such as Porto wine cellars that are open for tasting. You can choose from a dozen of them along the Duoro River on one of the guided tours. There are different port wines to try, a great thing to do in Portugal. Calem is a famous cellar that also offers its guests a unique fado concert which is the traditional music of Portugal. You could choose Taylors which boasts a modern museum and a fabulous terrace with views of the city. Or Espaco Porto Cruz what includes a multimedia centre, workshops and cheese and chocolate tastings.
Timing: Based on the tour
Location: Portugal
Pro Tip: Ramos Pinto Port Winery, Sandeman Cellars, Ferreira Cellars are some of the other famous cellars to visit.
