The Ten Best Things to Do in Portugal: Hotspots and Hidden Gems

Portugal is a destination that truly has it all — from the sun-drenched golden beaches of the Algarve to the enchanting streets of Lisbon that make time still, the country offers an array of experiences that captivate every traveler. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or a history lover, there are so many top things to do in Portugal to make your stay memorable.

In this guide, we explore a mix of popular bucket list hotspots and off-the-beaten-path gems, taking you on a journey through Portugal’s most captivating destinations and activities that might make you want to make the move permanent.

Explore Popular Experiences

Whether you prefer exploring ancient castles or indulging in great food, every corner of Portugal offers something special. Of course, visiting every attraction would take a long time, so it is good to know the types of experiences you want to have and the top places you would like to see.

Perhaps you are traveling as a family and looking for the best things to do in Portugal with kids, or maybe you are a young professional traveling with friends and on the lookout for the top things to do in Portugal for young adults. On the other hand, you may just be interested in getting a glimpse of the natural beauty of the world-renowned beaches or have your sights set on day tours of the historic landmarks in the oldest cities. Either way, once you have your own list of top places to visit, it will make planning your time a lot easier

Best Places to Visit in Portugal

While there are endless attractions and unique things to do in Portugal, no matter which places you choose to visit, having a basic background of what you will see in each place in Portugal will help you navigate the areas a little easier. Here’s a summary of some of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Lisbon

As Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon is a hub for international travelers. A blend of preserved culture and modern innovation, the city is a must see when traveling to Portugal and one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe.

With a warm, Mediterranean climate, vibrant nightlife scene, cobbled streets, and sun-kissed beaches of the Atlantic Sea, Lisbon continues to be a top choice for travelers and expats living in Portugal. Later in the article, you will see multiple activities and sights in Lisbon on our ultimate list of things to do in Portugal.

Porto

Those living in Portugal as an expat often opt to stay in Porto rather than Lisbon – and for good reason. Not lacking in rich history and tradition by any means, the city can be found along the beautiful riverside setting of the Douro Valley and is the birthplace of the world-famous port wine. Porto is less crowded than Portugal’s capital city and boasts a trendy food scene for travelers looking to taste every local delicacy and the best of Portugal gastronomy.

The city is celebrated for its magnificent architecture, featuring the iconic ornate azulejos (ceramic tiles) that decorate many of its buildings. With its charming old town and a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, Porto offers an authentic Portuguese experience.

Algarve

Affectionately known as the ‘Florida of Europe’, the Algarve is famous for its breathtaking coastline, featuring golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque caves. This makes it the go-to destination in the summertime. Active and adventurous travelers in Portugal choose a pitstop in the Algarve region because it is a haven for water sports, golfing, and exploring quaint fishing villages that dot the coastline.

If staying in Algarve is on your list, its capital, Faro, is the best place to take in the charming old town culture of the area, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional Portuguese architecture.

Cascais

With beautiful beaches framing the Atlantic Ocean, Cascais offers a perfect spot for relaxation and water sports.

The town preserves a piece of history with its charming streets, museums, and the impressive Cascais Citadel. Additionally, Cascais is an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Sintra’s palaces and Lisbon, making it a diverse, convenient, and enriching travel destination.

Sintra

Sintra is a fairytale town for history and architecture lovers, known for its charming palaces and amazing architectural wonders.

Located very close to Lisbon, this UNESCO World Heritage town can be explored on a day trip or over a weekend visit if you want to add both places to your travel itinerary.

The Islands

Portugal’s volcanic islands, including the Azores and Madeira, offer breathtaking natural beauty, volcanic landscapes, and lush greenery – enough to make any nature lover’s dreams come true.

Travel to these islands of paradise to snap viral-worthy photos of the scenery, or take the more adventurous route by tackling a fun hike through the forests.

Evora

Another checkpoint for history lovers, the medieval town of Évora in the Alentejo region is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and medieval architecture, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. The city’s historic center is characterized by its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and iconic landmarks like the Roman Temple of Évora and the eerie Chapel of Bones – a unique window into Portugal’s past.

Now that we have a better idea of some of the best places to visit in Portugal, it is time to get to the fun part – exploring the best things to do in Portugal. See what sparks your interest in our top ten list below and start bookmarking your favorites for your own experiences.

1. Check Off the Bucket List Top Attractions in Portugal

There are certain bucket list experiences that it would almost be a crime not to include on your travel itinerary when visiting Portugal. These are mainly historic buildings that cannot be found anywhere else in the world and natural sites that hint at why Portugal is one of the world’s best countries.

Here are our top five bucket list things to check off in Portugal:

1. The Belém Tower: Located in Lisbon along the Tagus River and also known as the Torre de Belém, is a 16th-century monument ingrained in Portugal’s history. One of Portugal’s most famous sights, the iconic tower is a landmark of Portuguese identity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A climb to the top will give you 360-degree views of Lisbon.
2. Jerónimos Monastery: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this landmark is located in Lisbon and was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s discoveries. You will find the tombs of the explorer, as well as other notable figures, housed in the monastery. It is a gem for any history enthusiast and is a beautiful example of Manueline architecture, characterized by its intricate stone carvings and elaborate decorative details.
3. Algarve: This is a must-see for all beach lovers. Picture crystal clear waters on Europe’s best beaches, stunning beach resorts, and fresh seafood waiting to be enjoyed in Portugal’s southernmost region.
4. The palaces of Sintra: Be transported into your very own fairytale in these palaces, something you won’t see anywhere else in the world. The world-famous Pena National Palace (yet another UNESCO World Heritage site) should be at the top of the list, with its unique, colorful features. The romantic, lush gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, an opulent Gothic palace, are also worth a visit. The Castle of Moors also adds a medieval tone to the village. This is a perfect day trip location if you’re in the area of Lisbon, and letting local experts guide you on a tour will enrich the experience that much more.
5. São Miguel Island: São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is located in the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its geothermal activity, the island features captivating hot springs. While there, you’ll have ample opportunities to take a dip in the soothing, warm geothermal waters. Madeira, the other autonomous island of Portugal, with its perpetually warm climate, is another gem that should also be on your wish list.

2. Discover Hidden Gem Attractions in Portugal

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Portugal that is off the main tourist routes, try a visit to Sado Estuary, located about a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. It is a great location to spot bottleneck dolphins or to enjoy a memorable kayaking experience. The area also has idyllic hiking and cycling routes.

Another road off the beaten path is the Conimbriga ruins in Central Portugal. Located close to the university town of Coimbra, Conimbriga makes for an ideal day trip if you are in the area. What now is Roman ruins used to be once a prosperous Roman city home to more than 10,000 residents.

Conimbriga now showcases some of the most well-preserved floor mosaics of the ancient world. You will find artful examples of vibrant mosaics at the House of Fountains, the House of Cantaber, and the House of the Swastika. While you’re there, be sure to visit the public baths, the Roman forum, an aqueduct, and the on-site archaeological museum.

3. Sample the World-class Cuisine

Portugal’s culinary scene is an event on its own, with a masterful blend of flavors and each region offering something unique. The excellent food available is one of the many reasons Portugal’s quality of life is so high – along with the country’s pleasant weather, stable economy, low crime rates, and value-for-money real estate options.

Lisbon’s traditional eateries in the Baixa and Chiado Districts are an excellent place to start, where you’ll find the best of traditional Portuguese dishes like Bacalhau à Brás (salted cod), Caldo Verde (shredded cabbage soup), and of course, the iconic dessert, Pastéis de Nata (custard tart). You’ll have your pick at some of the world’s top restaurants, offering fine dining options for a more refined dining experience.

Recently, Lisbon was crowned as the Best Culinary Destination in Europe at the World Culinary Awards, further showcasing that eating in Lisbon means experiencing the best European gastronomy.

The Ribeira District in Porto is another trendy option, providing a vibrant atmosphere on the riverside. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional and more modern dishes, all to be enjoyed with Porto’s signature Port wine.

4. Join In on Day Trips and Full-day Tours

As we’ve already discovered. Portugal is full of smaller towns and villages that are ideal for a day trip or full-day tour, and you’ll find excellent tours in larger cities as well. Some popular tours to check out are:

• Tours of the Douro Valley, exploring historical sites, wine regions, and cruise opportunities
• Day trips from Sintra to Cascais for hours of history, palaces, and landmarks
• A tour of the stunning landscapes in São Miguel
• A day tour to the Arouca Suspension Bridge and Paiva Walkway from Porto

5. Experience the Wonders of Whale Watching

Something about whale watching gives you a newfound appreciation for marine life. Their majestic, graceful nature draws your attention and leaves you in wonder about just how vast the ocean is. Portugal offers exciting whale and dolphin-watching excursions, which are popular in the Azores and Madeira islands. The ideal time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is from spring to autumn in Portugal.

7. Witness Historic Wonders on Cultural Tours

In a country brimming with rich history, there are thousands of cultural tours, tours of historic sites, historical tours, and even tours specializing in Portugal’s many churches and cathedrals.

Depending on where you find yourself in Portugal, it is easy to research nearby tours on travel sites to see which sounds most interesting to you or to pick a tour based on the sights you most want to see. Popular places for cultural tours due to their uniqueness, history, and variety of cultural sights include:

• Cascais and Sintra
• Evora
• Óbidos
• Tomar
• Fatima
• Santa Maria

9. Enjoy Opulence with Private and Luxury experiences

For those who prefer to travel in style, book private yacht cruises along the Douro River with fine dining options prepared by Michelin chefs and the finest wines flowing aboard. If you prefer to stay on land, many luxury tours in Lisbon, Algarve, Porto, and the Alentejo region feature winemaking, private dinners, and a curated tour experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

As a traveler, you most likely want to see and experience things in Portugal that you won’t be able to do elsewhere. Seeing iconic sights, enjoying the natural beauty and stunning landscapes, learning about Portugal’s history, meeting the people, and experiencing the Portuguese lifestyle are some of the top reasons to explore the different regions and learn from the local experts on tours.

Perhaps you’re also traveling to discover if Portugal is a place where you could consider living, in which case, you might find our guide on living in Portugal as an expat helpful for taking that next step.