Famous for its explorers, maritime charms, and photogenic cities, Portugal is one of the most culturally fascinating countries in Europe. For many travellers, they immediately associate Portugal with Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams, city streets lined by rustic terra-cotta-roofed townhouses, and the surreal beauty of Algarve’s rugged coastline. But these postcard-ready sceneries barely scratch the surface.
Beyond Portugal’s cosmopolitan urban centres, you’ll find an idyllic countryside with rolling vineyards and lush, green valleys. Meanwhile, the southern coast is home to many Blue Flag beaches and sleepy, traditional seaside towns. Although you won’t be able to see them all in one trip, here are the top 10 things you can check out while you’re there:
Find the Best Beaches
The image of gold-sand beaches brushed by glassy, azure waters is forever etched in the minds of travellers when they think of Portugal. The country’s more than 1,000-km long coastline is speckled with hidden coves, Blue Flag beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons backed by colourful, plunging cliffs. In the Algarve, Alentejo, Costa Vicentine, and the Azores, you can easily go from secluded hideaway beaches to buzzing surf spots that are also perfect for water sports.
Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods
A world-class city built on seven hills, Lisbon bustles with history, art, culture, and architecture. Explore the city on a ramble through medieval neighbourhoods like Alfama, stroll by calçadas-paved streets near Praça da Figueira, and find hidden miradouros (lookout points) around Castelo de São Jorge. For shopping, dining, and a taste of modern Lisbon, stop by Baixa, Rossio, Bairro Alto, and Cais do Sodré to experience the pulse of this vibrant capital city.
Ride Tram 28
See all the best sights and sounds of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods onboard the iconic tram 28. Start by boarding the tram at Martim Moniz Square, it’ll take you on a winding journey through historic quarters including Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Alfama. In a single trip, you can expect to see landmarks like Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and many azulejo tile-covered houses from the tram’s windows.
Sit in on a Fado Show
Fado, a style of traditional folk music typically consists of soulful ballads accompanied by guitar performances, captures the bittersweet essence of the Portuguese word, Saudade. Roughly translated, Saudade describes the deep sense of longing for something or someone forever lost. In cities like Lisbon and Coimbra, nightly live Fado shows dominate local bars and restaurants. You can easily find a Fado club at the music’s birthplace, Lisbon, especially in trendy neighbourhoods like Chiado and Mouraria. Depending on the region, the style and lyrics of local Fado can range from sorrowful and heart-wrenching to festive and upbeat.
Discover Porto’s Old Quarters
Portugal’s second city enjoys an enduring rivalry with the country’s capital, Lisbon. While a bit gritty and rough around the edges, Porto possesses just as many cultural charms as its rival. Surrounded by azulejo decorated townhouses, trendy cafes, wine bars and riverside restaurants, Porto’s narrow and winding streets are highly walkable. The Ribeira District along the River Douro buzzes with street performances, gourmet dining, and exciting nightlife. For some Port wine-tasting, head across the river to Villa de Gaia. It’s where many world-famous Port cellars age their award-winning vintages.
Climb the Tower of Belém
Lisbon’s waterfront district, Belém, is home to several iconic historic sites. Among them, the Tower of Belém, a 16th-century fortification, overlooks the Tagus River and stands as a reminder of the nation’s seafaring days. The limestone tower features several types of medieval architecture, including elaborate façades and ornaments that were added on over the centuries. The tower also offers a stunning view of Lisbon’s picturesque cityscape and gleaming shoreline at the very top of the fortress.
Stroll through Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
An ornate Gothic Manueline-style monastery, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, also located in Belém, is an architectural marvel to behold. This 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site features the stone tombs of Vasco da Gama and several famous Portuguese poets, writers, monarchs, and politicians. While exploring the monastery’s intricately decorated cloisters, you’ll come across varying motifs along the walls and pillars of its chapels, corridors, and courtyards bearing influences from Moorish, European, and Asian cultures.
Visit Sintra
Once the summer retreat of the royal family, Sintra remains a luxury destination today. This tourism hub in the Portuguese Riviera is famous for its collection of fantastical-looking castles and extravagant palaces. From Lisbon, Sintra is only a short one-hour train ride from downtown, making it a popular day trip option if you’re staying in the city and wish to explore nearby historic landmarks and tranquil nature parks. Plan your tours around the Pena Palace, a vividly painted Romanticist castle at the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains. Then, make your way to the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, National Palace and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Join Wine-tasting Tours
With rich soil and a warm climate ideal for growing vineyards, it’s no wonder Portugal’s Douro Valley is renowned for producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Although many estates in the valley specialize in Port wine production, some also bottle highly-acclaimed red and white wines. Plan a robelo boat wine tour, and go from one historic, award-winning cellar to the next in authentic, traditional towns like Lamego, Amarante, Régua and Pinhão along the river banks.
Try Traditional Pastries
Creamy, flaky, and custardy pastries are the cornerstones of Portuguese gastronomy. In Lisbon alone, you’ll find many cafe and bakery windows displaying rows of oven-fresh pastel de nata egg tarts. And while every town has its very own famous nata stores, other traditional desserts including Pudim Caseiro (egg pudding with port wine), leite crème (Portuguese Crème brûlée), Malassada (fried donut with granulated sugar), and Bolo de Bolacha (layered biscuit cake) are simply decadent and not to be missed.