99 Attractions in Portugal You Must Visit

Whether you’re planning your first long trip to Portugal or you’ve visited several cities multiple times and want to explore more of this inviting country, this collection will give you a clear overview. Discover the top attractions in Portugal and find new places to enjoy.

Discover Portugal: A Gem at Europe’s Western Edge

Portugal, located at the westernmost point of Europe, is famous for its stunning coastline and rich historical heritage. Known as the gateway to the Atlantic, it is an enchanting travel destination filled with natural beauty and cultural treasures. Whether you’re drawn to the pristine beaches, charming villages, or historical landmarks, Portugal promises a memorable experience.

Coastal Villages and Cliffside Towns

Portugal’s rugged coastline is home to many picturesque cliffside towns that seem to be a perfect blend of land and sea, such as Sintra. These towns are not only known for their breathtaking natural beauty but also for their rich cultural history and castles. As you stroll along their cobblestone streets, every step echoes the history of this captivating region.

City Life: Lisbon and Porto

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and its second-largest city, Porto, are must-visit cities for any traveler to Portugal. Lisbon, with its iconic yellow trams, historic churches, and squares, offers an unforgettable urban experience.

On the other hand, Porto, famous for its wines and the Douro River, is a destination that captures the essence of Portuguese charm. The walls adorned with blue azulejos tiles in both cities are a unique Portuguese art form that instantly defines the country’s identity. The Porto Luis I Bridge serves as a symbol of the city, connecting the old and new parts of Porto, offering stunning views of the river and the city’s beautiful architecture. A night walk on the bridge or from Vila Nova de Gaia across the river provides a mesmerizing view of Porto’s illuminated skyline—a must-do experience on your trip to Portugal.

A Food Lover’s Paradise

Portugal is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy Mediterranean-style seafood, heartwarming roasted chicken, and, of course, the famous Portuguese egg tarts. Each dish pays homage to the country’s rich cultural heritage, and each bite is an indulgence for your taste buds.

A Comprehensive Overview of Top Attractions in Portugal

Lisbon

The capital city of Portugal is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern vitality. Here are some of the best things to do in Lisbon:

First 15 attractions in Portal Lisbon

Jerónimos Monastery: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of Lisbon. The castle exudes a sense of historical depth and grandeur
Castle of São Jorge: this castle is adorned with exquisite carvings and stands as a temple of art, recognized as a UNESCO listed.
Belém Tower:This defensive structure, built in 1514, also served as a customs house and telegraph station, and is a UNESCO listed.
Alfama: Lisbon’s old town district, where a tram ride offers a glimpse into the hillside charm of the old city, with its ancient, picturesque buildings.
Monument to the Discoveries: A tribute to the great achievements of Portuguese navigators, the monument is a grand and spectacular sculpture.
Avenida da Liberdade: A bustling commercial street with a fine stone-paved pedestrian walkway, lined with shops and brimming with fashion and vitality.
Elevador de Santa Justa: Connecting the upper and lower streets, this elevator offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, featuring unique architectural design.
Lisbon Oceanarium: One of Europe’s largest oceanariums, housing a solemn and diverse array of marine life within its walls.
Lisbon Cathedral: A blend of various architectural styles, this historic church exudes solemnity and reverence.
Commerce Square: Known as one of “Europe’s most beautiful squares,” it is centered around a statue of King José I on horseback.
Edward VII Park: A city landmark, this park is shaded by trees and offers a pleasant setting for leisurely strolls.
Military Museum: The exhibits focus on the evolution of Portuguese weaponry, spanning from the Middle Ages to modern warfare.
Lisbon’s Upper Town: An ancient district where houses are built into the hillside, creating a united arrangement of streets with undulating levels.
National Tile Museum: it displays a variety of tiles from the Moorish era to the present day.

Other 15 attractions in Portal Lisbon

Rua Augusta: Featuring Lisbon’s classic architecture, with intricately carved arches, the street is steeped in history and artistic flair.
Carmo Convent: Known for its roofless nave, the ruins bear witness to history and house the Carmo Archaeological Museum.
Bus Museum: Showcases buses from different eras, reflecting the development of Lisbon’s public transportation.
Elevador da Gloria: An ancient tram-like public transportation vehicle, recognized as a national historical monument in 2002.
Sun Gate Viewpoint: Offers beautiful views of Lisbon’s old town. With an expansive view, it’s an excellent spot for photography and social media checks.
Bica Elevator: Essentially a tram with a charming yellow exterior, affectionately known as the “Yellow Fat Man.”
Lisbon Worldpark: Features various thematic pavilions and entertainment facilities, allowing visitors to learn about culture while having fun.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Offers panoramic views of the Tagus River, São Jorge Castle, Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s Upper Town, and Monsanto Forest Park.
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda: The palace of the Portuguese queen, this Baroque-style building is adorned with opulent gold decorations.
Maritime Museum: Displays a rich collection of ship models, showcasing Portugal’s illustrious maritime history.
Restoration Square: Built to commemorate Portugal’s restoration of independence, the central obelisk was erected in 1886.
Jerónimos Cathedral: A treasure of Portugal’s architectural art during its golden age, with a history of 500 years.
Campo Pequeno Bullring: Built in the 19th century, inspired by Madrid’s old bullring.
Santa Luzia Viewing Platform: Offers views of characteristic red buildings, distant ships at anchor, the sea and sky merging, and sunsets.
Lisbon Zoo: Home to a rich variety of animal species, providing opportunities for close observation of wildlife.
Science Museum: Uses modern technology to display physical and scientific phenomena, sparking visitors’ interest in science.

Remaining 12 cultural attractions in Portal Lisbon

Science Museum: Uses modern technology to display physical and scientific phenomena, sparking visitors’ interest in science.
National Museum of Ancient Art: Houses various fine and decorative arts from the 12th to the 19th centuries.
São Pedro de Alcântara Garden: Offers a panoramic view of Lisbon’s urban area and the hill where São Jorge Castle is located, featuring two levels of gardens.
Estrela Basilica: With its massive dome and twin bell towers, it includes exquisite statues of saints and allegorical figures.
Sporting Lisbon Stadium: Home to Sporting Lisbon’s football team, the club’s football academy is considered one of the best in the world.
Cais do Sodré Square: Located in Lisbon’s old town, it is a city landmark with historical buildings and cultural relics surrounding it.
MAAT Museum：A riverside museum showcasing innovative art and architectural works.
National Pantheon: Built in the 17th century, it houses the remains of several Portuguese presidents, writers, and explorers.
National Coach Museum: Houses a unique collection of carriages, displaying the craftsmanship and historical culture of different periods.
25th of April Bridge: A sister bridge to the Golden Gate, spanning the Tagus River, named after its opening on April 25th.
Marquês de Pombal Square: Built in 1917, with a central bronze statue and a lion symbolizing power.
Gulbenkian Museum: Displays decorative arts from France, Italy, and the Flanders region, dating from the 11th to the 18th centuries.

Sintra

Palácio Nacional da Pena: A colorful palace perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views.
Quinta da Regaleira: A UNESCO World Heritage site with mystical gardens and a well that represents Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Moorish Castle: A historical castle with vibrant exteriors and intricate interior design.
Cabo da Roca: The westernmost point of mainland Europe, offering stunning coastal views.
Sintra National Palace: From the early 15th century to the late 19th century, this palace was home to several royal families, blending Moorish and Siglo Gothic architectural styles.
Palácio de Monserrate: Built in the 19th century, this palace is a fusion of various architectural styles, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Palácio Nacional de Oueluz: Begun in the 18th century, this palace is an important testament to Portugal’s historical and cultural heritage.
Azenhas do Mar: This ancient fishing village, perched dramatically on cliffs that seem to have been carved by divine hands, resembles an eagle’s nest.
Chalet da Condessa d’Edla: Constructed in 1864 by King Ferdinand II and his second wife, this chalet is a charming retreat.

Porto

Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore): Known as “the world’s most beautiful bookstore,” this iconic red spiral staircase inspired Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling during her time as an English teacher in Porto.
Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas): An 18th-century church adorned with 16,000 hand-painted tiles depicting scenes of the Holy Spirit and saints.
Porto Cathedral(Sé do Porto): Founded in the 12th century, this is one of Porto’s oldest buildings, which is a stunning blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Ascend the cathedral for panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River.
São Bento Station: 20,000 tiles illustrate scenes from Portuguese history, including battles and royal weddings.
Luis I Bridge (Ponte Luís I): Built in 1886, the curved arch and steel structure create a striking visual impact. The upper deck offers unparalleled views of the city, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Plan to linger here to soak in the beauty.
Ribeira: Narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings line the Douro River, and the area was designated a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Old Street along Douro River: The ancient streets along the Douro River are steeped in history and reflect Porto’s commercial and cultural prosperity.
Porto Stock Exchange Palace(Palácio da Bolsa): Houses various fine and decorative arts from the 12th to the 19th centuries.
Wine cellar tour
Church of São Nicolau: Built in 1739, it is famous for its blue and white tile exterior and Baroque architecture.
Crystal Palace Gardens: A 19th-century Victorian-style garden adjacent to the Douro River, featuring fountains and a glass palace, with exquisite garden design.
Church of São Francisco: Founded in the 13th century, it is resplendent with golden Baroque-style decorations.
Torre dos Clérigos: An 18th-century Baroque bell tower standing 76 meters high, it is one of the tallest buildings in Porto.
Liberdade Square: The central square of Porto, surrounded by historical buildings and a gathering place for citizens and tourists.
Dragon Stadium: Home to FC Porto, the stadium was built in 2003 and can accommodate 50,000 spectators.

Attractions in Portugal Porto

Majestic Café: Opened in 1921, this “world’s most beautiful café” is renowned throughout Europe.
Casa da Música: A symbol of Porto’s modern culture, hosting numerous concerts and cultural events.
Bolhão Market(Mercado do Bolhão ): A famous traditional market in Porto with a century-old history, showcasing the daily life of Porto.

Cascais

A charming seaside town that offers relaxing beach views and a laid-back atmosphere:

Boca do Inferno: A dramatic coastal cliff where the ocean crashes into the rocks.
Cascais Seaside: A perfect spot for walks along the beach and enjoying the sea breeze.

Évora

A UNESCO World Heritage city rich in Roman and medieval history:

Capela dos Ossos: Built in the 16th century, this chapel is adorned with thousands of human bones, symbolizing a reflection on the transience of life.
Temple of Diana: Constructed in the 1st century AD, this temple has well-preserved stone columns and platforms, making it an important Roman monument.
Evora Cathedral: One of Portugal’s largest medieval cathedrals, it was founded in 1186 and blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
Giraldo Square: The heart of city life since the 16th century, with a fountain dating back to 1571.
Historical City of Evora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves medieval streets and buildings with remnants from Roman, Moorish, and Christian eras.
Almendres Cromlech: Dating back to 6000 BC, this megalithic structure consists of approximately 95 large stones and is believed to be associated with religious rituals or astronomical observations.

Coimbra

Known for its historic university and cultural heritage, Coimbra is a city rich in academic atmosphere.

Baroque Library of the University:Built in the 18th century, this Baroque-style library is opulently decorated with gold leaf, wood carvings, and paintings that are truly astonishing.
Old Cathedral of Coimbra: Constructed in the 12th century, this Romanesque architectural gem reflects the history of resisting Muslim invasions.
Joanina Library: Established in 1728, this is one of the world’s most beautiful Baroque libraries, housing a rich collection of manuscripts and ancient books.
Portugal dos Pequenitos: A miniature theme park from the early 20th century, showcasing scaled-down models of Portugal’s historical, cultural, and architectural heritage.
Paco das Escolas: In the 16th century, this was the royal residence and is now known for its luxurious interior, symbolizing the union of academia and power.
Monastery of the Holy Cross: Founded in 1131, this is an important religious site in Portugal and the resting place of kings.

Braga

A religious and historical hub, Braga is home to beautiful churches and a sanctuary on the mountaintop.

Braga Cathedral: Founded in 1070 and located on Braga Hill, it is renowned and one of the oldest buildings in Portugal.
Bom Jesus do Monte: A pilgrimage site for Jesus, famous for its baroque zigzag staircase. With a long history, it is an important religious destination.
Sameiro Sanctuary: Built in the 19th century, this sanctuary has a fresher, more natural style with neoclassical influences.

Faro

The gateway to the Algarve region, offering excellent beaches and natural landscapes.

Faro Beach: Known for its long sandy beaches and clear waters.
Faro Cathedral: Founded in the 13th century, this cathedral features Gothic architecture with elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Town Arch, Arco da Vila: A neoclassical arch marking the entrance to the old town of Faro, built in 1812.
Algarve Deserted Island: Nearby undeveloped islets accessible by boat, uninhabited, with white sandy beaches and clear waters.
Praia da Marinha: Famous for its clear waters, fine sand, cliffs, and arches, it is a geological wonder and a paradise for photographers.
Faro Lighthouse Island（ Ilha Do Farol): Named after the lighthouse, it features beautiful beaches accessible by boat for a peaceful environment.
Ponta da Piedade: Composed of sandstone cliffs and other geological wonders, it can be explored by boat, kayak, or on foot.
Palacio de Estoi: A Rococo-style palace built in the late 19th century, with exquisite sculptures and fountains in its gardens.
Benagil Sea Cave (Algar de Benagil): With a unique light hole in the cave roof, it offers a distinctive play of light and shadow, accessible by kayak, boat, or swimming.

Madeira Island

A picturesque island offering stunning natural landscapes, ideal hiking trails and warm climate, Madeira is an ideal holiday destination.

CR7 Museum: This museum showcases the career achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo, featuring a collection of numerous trophies, honors, and jerseys.
Fortaleza de Santiago: Built in the 17th century, this fortress was once a defensive structure and has now been transformed into a cultural venue.
Cabo Girão Cliff: One of the highest cliffs in Europe, with an elevation of 580 meters, it features a glass-floored observation deck offering a panoramic view of the magnificent coastline.

How Many Days to Spend in Portugal for first-timer

For the ideal experience, here’s a suggested breakdown of the least days for your trip to Portugal:

Lisbon: 3 days
Sintra: 2 days
Cascais: 1 day
Évora: 1 day
Coimbra: 1 day
Porto: 2 days
Braga: 1 day
Faro: 2 days
Madeira Island: 2 days

Practical Information for Your Trip to Portugal

Currency and Language:

Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and major cities.

Transportation:

Portugal offers efficient public transportation including trains, buses, and trams. Consider using CP (Comboios de Portugal) for booking train tickets and renting a car is recommended for exploring regions like Algarve, Sintra, and Madeira Island.

When booking flights, you can first use Google Flights to check prices across different ticket platforms. Then, consider the platform’s security, any partnerships for ticket prices, or whether you have membership points with that platform before choosing the most suitable one, such as Kayak, Trip, or Agoda.

If you plan to stay in Lisbon for several days, consider purchasing the Lisboa Card, which covers museums and public transportation, offering great overall value.

Food to Try:

Don’t miss trying Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tart) in Lisbon, Francesinha (a Porto sandwich), grilled sardines in the Algarve and specialty wine in Madeira Island

Conclusion

Portugal offers an incredible mix of cultural landmarks, historical treasures, and scenic landscapes. From the charming cities of Lisbon and Porto to the fairytale palaces in Sintra and the serene beaches of Algarve, this country truly has something for every type of traveler. With its rich heritage, mouthwatering food, and warm hospitality, a trip to Portugal is an experience you will never forget.

99 Attractions in Portugal You Must Visit