25 Best Things to Do in Portugal

Portugal packs an incredible amount into a small country: hilltop capitals, fairy-tale palaces, wine valleys, golden cliffs, volcanic islands and some of the best food in Europe. Here are the 25 best things to do in Portugal, picked by the families, members and locals of our Portugal Travel Tips groups, with links to our detailed guides for each one.

Quick answer: on a first trip, don’t miss Lisbon’s Alfama, Sintra’s palaces, Porto and the Douro Valley, the Algarve’s cliffs and Benagil Cave, and a pastel de nata (or three). With more time, add Évora, Madeira or the Azores. Our 10-day itinerary puts the highlights together.

Lisbon

City guides: things to do in Lisbon and free things to do in Lisbon. Neighbourhoods: Alfama, Belém, Chiado and Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real.

1. Get lost in Alfama

Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood: steep lanes, laundry lines, fado drifting out of taverns and views from the castle. See our Alfama guide. Read our 3 days in Lisbon itinerary, how to get from Lisbon to Sintra, where to stay in Lisbon and the best Lisbon hotels with a view (or with a pool). Rain forecast? See Lisbon on a rainy day or head to Parque das Nações. Only got a day? Lisbon in one day, or two days. Visiting in winter? Lisbon in winter. Sunset drinks? Lisbon rooftop bars.

2. Watch the sunset from a miradouro

Senhora do Monte, Graça and Santa Catarina are local favourites. Hunt for street art on the way. See the best Lisbon viewpoints and most Instagrammable spots.

3. Hear fado

From amateur nights in tiny taverns to classic fado houses. See fado in Lisbon.

4. Eat your way through Lisbon

Warm custard tarts, petiscos, grilled sardines and the Time Out Market. See the best pastel de nata and Lisbon food markets.

5. Explore Belém

The Jerónimos Monastery, the reopened Belém Tower and the original pastel de Belém. See the best tours in Lisbon.

6. Ride the hills by tuk-tuk

An easy way up the hills, especially with most of the historic lifts and funiculars closed. Tuk-tuks are now barred from hundreds of narrow streets from 9am to 7pm and can’t enter the castle quarter. See Lisbon tuk-tuk tours, or ride the yellow trams: Lisbon trams guide.

Day trips from Lisbon

7. Explore Sintra’s palaces

Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle. See Sintra in one day, visiting Sintra, the best Sintra tours and where to stay in Sintra.

8. Hit the beach in Cascais or Arrábida

Seaside Cascais is 40 minutes by train, and the turquoise coves of Arrábida are close too. See things to do in Cascais, the Cascais day trip (and where to stay there) and Setúbal and Arrábida.

9. Walk the walls of Óbidos

A walled medieval town with ginjinha in chocolate cups, at the heart of the Silver Coast. See Óbidos, and the giant waves of Nazaré nearby (see Nazaré hotels). Stay inside the walls: where to stay in Óbidos.

10. Visit Berlenga Island

A wild, protected island off Peniche. See Berlengas. Also: Fátima, Tomar, Comporta, Ericeira, Sesimbra and the best beaches near Lisbon. More ideas: the best day trips from Lisbon. No car? See day trips from Lisbon by train.

Porto and the north

City guides: things to do in Porto and free things to do in Porto. Areas: the Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia. Getting around: Porto public transport. Views: the best Porto viewpoints. Nights out: Porto nightlife.

11. Cross the D. Luís I bridge and taste port

Walk the top deck, then taste port in the cellars of Gaia. See Porto in one day, what to eat in Porto, 2 days in Porto, the best tours in Porto, Porto’s best photo spots, Porto hotels with a view and boutique hotels.

12. Spend a day in the Douro Valley

Terraced vineyards, quintas and river cruises. See Douro wine tours, the Douro without a tour, the best Douro hotels, Douro river cruises and our 3-day Douro itinerary.

13. See where Portugal was born

Guimarães castle and Bom Jesus in Braga. See Braga and Guimarães, Viana do Castelo and the Minho, plus Aveiro and Coimbra. No car? See day trips from Porto by train. Overnight in Coimbra.

14. Swim under a waterfall in Peneda-Gerês

Portugal’s only national park. See Peneda-Gerês. Further south, explore Serra da Estrela and the historic villages.

The Algarve

15. See Benagil Cave from the water

By licensed boat or guided kayak only. See Benagil Cave and the best Algarve boat trips.

16. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail

Clifftop views from Praia da Marinha, one of the best beaches in Portugal. See the best Algarve beaches and the Algarve’s best photo spots.

17. Explore Lagos and the wild west coast

Ponta da Piedade, Sagres and the empty beaches of the Costa Vicentina. See Lagos and the western Algarve and Costa Vicentina. Stay: where to stay in Sagres.

18. Island-hop in the Ria Formosa

Tavira, Olhão, Faro and car-free islands. See Tavira and the eastern Algarve.

Town guides: Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Portimão and Vilamoura. Plan it with our 7-day Algarve itinerary. Going out? Algarve nightlife.

Planning the Algarve: where to stay, the best hotels in Lagos, Tavira, family resorts, beach restaurants and the best day trips. Visiting off-season? See the Algarve in winter. Head inland to the prettiest villages and Monchique and Silves. Staying in Albufeira? See the best hotels in Albufeira. Golfers: the best Algarve golf courses.

The Alentejo

19. Explore Évora

A Roman temple, the Chapel of Bones and Alentejo wine. See Évora and the Alentejo and the best Alentejo hotels. Stay: where to stay in Évora.

20. Stargaze at Alqueva

The world’s first Starlight Tourism Destination, below the hilltop village of Monsaraz. See Monsaraz and Alqueva.

The islands

21. Walk a levada in Madeira

Mountain trails and laurel forests (book your slot first). See Madeira levada walks, the Madeira travel guide, things to do in Funchal and the best hotels in Madeira and our 5-day Madeira itinerary. Choose your base: where to stay in Madeira. Beach escape: Porto Santo. Winter sun: Madeira in winter and New Year in Madeira.

22. Soak in the hot springs of the Azores

Crater lakes, whales and Furnas. See the São Miguel itinerary, Azores island hopping, São Miguel hotels and Azores travel guide. Island guides: Ponta Delgada, Pico, Faial, Terceira, São Jorge and Flores. When to go: the best time to visit the Azores.

Food and culture

23. Eat like a local

Bacalhau, francesinha, cozido, petiscos and the prato do dia. See what to eat in Portugal, bacalhau, seafood and Portuguese desserts. Take some home: the best souvenirs. Try Portuguese cheese, tinned fish and ginjinha. Vegetarian? See Portugal for vegetarians.

24. Drink port, vinho verde and Alentejo reds

Portugal has some of the best-value wine in the world. See Portugal’s wine regions, the port wine guide and vinho verde. And order coffee like a local with our coffee guide.

25. Catch a wave (or slow down)

Take a surf lesson in Ericeira or the Algarve (see surfing in Portugal), or simply enjoy long lunches, coffee at the counter and an evening stroll. It’s the Portuguese way.

Plan your trip

• When to go: the best time to visit Portugal, and Portugal in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Month by month: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
• When to go, by place: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Madeira, the Azores and the Douro.
• Winter guides: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Madeira and the Douro.
• On a budget: Portugal on a budget, Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and Madeira, plus Lisbon hostels and Porto hostels.
• Backpacking and outdoors: backpacking Portugal, camping, campervans (including glamping) and sustainable travel.
• Before you go: entry requirements, costs, packing list, safety, phrases, etiquette, things to know, money and eSIMs.
• Practical FAQs: public holidays 2027, tipping, healthcare, plugs and voltage and tap water.
• Short visit? A Lisbon layover or stopover, and Lisbon airport hotels for an early flight.
• Arriving by cruise ship? Lisbon, Porto, Funchal and Ponta Delgada.
• Getting around: trains, Lisbon to Porto by train, Lisbon to the Algarve, driving and car rental.
• By boat: ferries in Portugal.
• More transport: getting around the Algarve, Madeira and the Azores, Portugal by bus and Portugal without a car.
• Can’t decide? Porto vs Lisbon, Lisbon or the Algarve, Sintra vs Cascais, Algarve vs Madeira, Madeira vs the Azores and Portugal vs Spain.
• More comparisons: Lagos vs Albufeira, Lagos vs Tavira, east vs west Algarve, Cascais vs Lisbon and Porto vs the Algarve.
• Portugal vs elsewhere: Portugal vs Spain (including Lisbon vs Barcelona and Madrid, and the Algarve vs the Costa del Sol), Portugal vs Italy and Madeira vs the Azores and the Canaries.
• Culture: a quick history of Portugal, UNESCO sites, castles, palaces, azulejo tiles, Lisbon museums, Porto museums and the festivals calendar.
• Top sights, ticket guides: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, the Moorish Castle, Monserrate, Cabo da Roca, the Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, the Oceanário, Livraria Lello and the Clérigos Tower.
• More sight guides: Sintra National Palace, the Chapel of Bones in Évora, São Bento station, the Palácio da Bolsa and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
• Lisbon-area sights: the Gulbenkian Museum, MAAT, Cristo Rei, Queluz Palace and Mafra Palace.
• More Lisbon sights: the National Coach Museum, Ajuda Palace, the science centre, the Estufa Fria and the Águas Livres Aqueduct.
• Algarve and Madeira sights: Ponta da Piedade, Praia da Marinha, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, the Monte toboggans and the Porto Moniz pools.
• Algarve towns: Olhão, Ferragudo, Alvor, Praia da Luz and Loulé.
• More Algarve towns: Armação de Pêra, Quarteira, Monte Gordo, Vila Real de Santo António and Cacela Velha.
• Algarve extras: beaches in Lagos, beaches in Albufeira, water parks and markets. In Porto: shopping in Porto.
• More Algarve sights: Praia da Falésia, the Ria Formosa, Ilha Deserta, Estoi and Milreu and Caldas de Monchique.
• Madeira highlights: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Ponta de São Lourenço, Santana, Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.
• More island sights: Funchal Old Town, the Botanical Garden, Seixal, the Fanal forest and Angra do Heroísmo.
• Madeira towns: Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Machico, Curral das Freiras and São Vicente.
• Azores sights: Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo, climbing Mount Pico and whale watching.
• More islands and seasons: Santa Maria, Graciosa, Corvo, the best time to visit the Azores and the best time to visit Madeira.
• More Azores sights: the Gorreana tea plantation, Nordeste, Salto do Prego, Capelinhos and the Pico vineyards.
• City spots: LX Factory, Time Out Market, the University of Coimbra, Foz do Douro and Matosinhos.
• Lisbon neighbourhoods: Alfama, Mouraria, Graça, Chiado and Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real, Campo de Ourique, Cais do Sodré, Avenida da Liberdade, Belém and Parque das Nações.
• Porto neighbourhoods: Ribeira, the Baixa, Cedofeita, Miragaia, Boavista, Bonfim, Foz do Douro and Gaia.
• Porto essentials: the best port cellars, walking tours, food markets, Porto on a rainy day and a Douro day trip.
• Porto sights: the cathedral, Serralves, WOW, the Crystal Palace Gardens and World of Discoveries.
• Douro towns: Pinhão, Peso da Régua, Lamego, Amarante and Mateus Palace.
• Alentejo towns: Marvão, Castelo de Vide, Estremoz, Elvas and Mértola.
• More Alentejo: Vila Viçosa, Arraiolos, Évoramonte, Beja and Serpa.
• Central Portugal: Batalha, Alcobaça, Conímbriga, Piódão and Monsanto.
• More central Portugal: Leiria, Figueira da Foz, the Buçaco forest, Santarém and Viseu.
• Silver Coast and wild west: Peniche, Foz do Arelho, Caldas da Rainha, São Martinho do Porto and Aljezur.
• Costa Vicentina villages: Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odeceixe, Carrapateira and Salema and Burgau.
• The north: Bom Jesus do Monte, the Paiva Walkways and 516 Arouca, Ponte de Lima, Costa Nova and the Camino Português.
• Minho and north coast: Valença, Caminha, Soajo and Lindoso, Barcelos and Vila do Conde.
• The remote northeast: Bragança, Miranda do Douro, Chaves, the Côa Valley rock art and Guarda.
• Honeymoon? A romantic trip to Portugal and the best spa hotels. In Lisbon: romantic Lisbon.
• More romance: romantic Porto; romantic Sintra, the Algarve, Madeira and proposal spots are in the honeymoon guide.
• Working remotely? Digital nomads in Portugal.
• How many days? See how many days you need in Portugal.
• Itineraries: 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks by train; Lisbon in 2, 3 or 5 days; Porto in 2 or 3 days; 3 days in the Algarve.
• City and island itineraries: 4 days in Lisbon, 4 days in Porto and 3 days in Madeira. Lisbon extras: Lisbon at night and shopping in Lisbon.
• Themed itineraries: food, wine, hiking, beaches, history and families.
• Road trip: our two-week Portugal road trip and the best scenic drives.
• Bucket list and hidden gems: the Portugal bucket list, hidden gems, the most Instagrammable places, the best sunset spots and unusual things to do in Lisbon.
• Top lists: the best places to visit, the best cities, the best beach towns, the best pousadas and unique places to stay.
• Outdoors: hiking in Portugal, Algarve hikes, cycling and wildlife watching.
• Experiences: surf camps, kayaking, a tile-painting workshop, a pastel de nata class and fado in Porto.
• City beaches and trails: beaches near Porto, beaches near Cascais, Carcavelos, Guincho and Sintra hikes.
• Lisbon coast: Costa da Caparica, Estoril, Sintra beaches, Azenhas do Mar and the Arrábida beaches.
• More around Lisbon: Cabo Espichel, Palmela Castle, the Tróia peninsula, the Capuchos Convent and Almourol Castle.
• Tours: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Madeira, the Azores, plus food tours, wine tours and boat trips (including the Lisbon sunset cruise and Porto six bridges cruise).
• Into Spain: Seville from the Algarve and Santiago de Compostela from Porto.
• Day trips from Lisbon: Sintra and Cascais in one day, Évora, Coimbra and Porto. In the city: Lisbon walking tours.
• Where to stay: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Madeira, the Azores, Sintra, Cascais, Ericeira, Setúbal, Aveiro, Braga, Coimbra and Évora.
• Where to stay in the Algarve and Douro: Lagos, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Tavira, Sagres and the Douro Valley.
• Best hotels: Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, the Algarve, Madeira and the best luxury hotels in Portugal.
• Churches and small towns: Lisbon churches, Porto churches and the most beautiful small towns.
• With a baby? Portugal with a baby or toddler.
• Winter wine trip? The Douro Valley in winter.
• Visiting in December? Christmas in Portugal.
• Festivals: the festivals calendar, Santo António in Lisbon, São João in Porto, Carnival, Easter and Nazaré’s big waves.
• Food and drink: what to eat in Portugal, the francesinha, piri-piri chicken, cataplana, caldo verde, sardines, bacalhau, pastel de nata and port wine.
• More food and drink: bifanas and pregos, Portuguese breakfast, Alentejo food, Madeira wine and Portuguese beer.
• Travelling with family? Portugal with kids, Porto with kids, Sintra with kids, the Algarve with kids, Madeira with kids, with teenagers and with a dog.
• More for families: a 10-day family itinerary, the best family hotels, kid-friendly Algarve beaches, the Azores with kids and the Algarve on a rainy day.
• Travelling alone? Solo travel in Portugal.
• First time? First time in Portugal.
• Travel for everyone: accessible travel, LGBTQ+ travel and Portugal for older travellers.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Portugal?

Seven to ten days is ideal for a first trip: enough for Lisbon, Sintra and Porto, plus the Douro Valley or the Algarve. With two weeks you can add the Alentejo or Madeira.

What is the best month to visit Portugal?

May, June and September are the sweet spot: warm, sunny and less crowded than July and August. Winter is mild and quiet, which suits city breaks.

Do you need a car in Portugal?

Not for Lisbon, Porto, Sintra or Cascais, where trains, buses and ride apps are easier. A car is best for the Algarve beyond the main towns, the Douro Valley, the Alentejo and the islands.

Is Portugal expensive to visit?

It’s still good value compared with much of Western Europe, though Lisbon and the Algarve in summer cost more. Budget for a tourist tax of €4 per person per night in Lisbon and €3 in Porto.

Got a question? Ask our 305,000+ members in the Portugal Travel Tips groups, and grab our free trip checklist.

From our sister blog: The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Portugal on Sunset Travellers.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.