15 Best Cities to Visit in Portugal Located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the cities of Portugal have a rich history intertwined with the surrounding waters. Renowned explorers embarked from its ports, returning with extraordinary treasures that contributed to the development of the remarkable cities we admire today.
From the charming Porto and the historically significant Evora, to the enchanting Lisbon and the whimsical Sintra, Portugal offers an abundance of captivating cities waiting to be discovered.
Leiria [SEE MAP]
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Leiria’s primary highlight is the magnificent castle, gracefully perched on a hill, commanding a breathtaking view of the city. The castle’s ancient walls are adorned with flourishing trees, creating a truly enchanting sight reminiscent of a fairy tale.
From the castle, one can enjoy a splendid panorama of Leiria below. Amidst the closely clustered buildings, there are several museums waiting to be discovered. Being a university town, the city center comes alive at night, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
For those seeking relaxation, the nearby beaches offer both visitors and locals the opportunity to bask in the sun while lounging by the shore.
Guarda
Guarda, the highest city in Portugal, presents a somewhat somber appearance due to its predominantly granite architecture. This is primarily attributed to its historical role in safeguarding its inhabitants from Spanish invaders. As a result, remnants of an ancient castle can still be found scattered throughout the city center, serving as a reminder of its defensive past.
Despite its somewhat dull exterior, Guarda boasts a number of noteworthy attractions, including old churches, palaces, and townhouses. The centerpiece of the city, however, is the magnificent Gothic cathedral, which draws visitors from far and wide. Its grandeur is truly captivating.
Moreover, Guarda serves as an excellent starting point for those wishing to explore the breathtaking Serra da Estrela mountains. The mountain range itself is a sight to behold, and Guarda provides convenient access to its scenic wonders.
Viana do Castelo
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Viana do Castelo is truly a gem with its picturesque landscape, stunning landmarks, impressive structures, and delightful atmosphere. The Republic Square exudes a classic ambiance with its charming edifices and facades, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink while admiring their beauty. Moreover, the Basilica of Santa Luzia, fashioned after the Sacre Coeur in Paris, is just one of the many attractions that captivate tourists in this magnificent city.
Guimaraes
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Guimaraes, known as the birthplace of Portugal, holds a significant place in the country’s history as its first capital. The city’s remarkable castle and beautiful palace are a testament to its glorious past. Although these two landmarks are the main attractions, there are other places worth exploring. For a breathtaking view, visit Penha Mountain nearby and admire the city from above. Olive Square is a serene spot to soak up the city’s rich history. Located just fifty kilometers north of Porto, Guimaraes is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts looking for a day trip.
Funchal
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Situated on the breathtaking island of Madeira, Funchal acts as a starting point to discover its awe-inspiring natural marvels. Within the city, there are several delightful botanical gardens that offer pleasant strolls and captivating vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Among the top attractions to explore are the Colegio Church, boasting an intricately adorned interior, and the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores. Given the production of numerous internationally renowned wines in Madeira, it is highly recommended to indulge in sampling as many varieties as you can before embarking on your next adventure.
Evora
Evora is a city that boasts over four thousand historic buildings, temples, and churches, some of which date back to Roman times, making it a city with more than two thousand years of history. Exploring this small city is a mesmerizing experience. The Bone Chapel is a must-visit, along with the Roman walls, ancient aqueducts, and 13th-century Gothic cathedral. The city center is filled with fascinating places to explore, and outside of Evora lies the intriguing megalithic complex of Almendres Cromlech, which features a large group of menhirs and gigantic stones arranged in a circle.
Coimbra
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Coimbra, the biggest city in its region, boasts an abundance of historical landmarks that will captivate enthusiasts of history. With its prestigious ancient university, the city has served as an educational hub for countless generations.
Nowhere is this more evident than at the magnificent baroque Biblioteca Joanina, a sight that is truly breathtaking. Exploring the city center is a delightful experience, with serene gardens and ancient churches offering picturesque views of the Rio Mondego below. Before bidding farewell, be sure to immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Fado music, a cherished tradition native to this city.
Braga
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Braga is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends the old and the new. One of its main attractions is the awe-inspiring Bom Jesus do Monte, which can be admired from the bottom of a seemingly endless staircase. Upon reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The city’s historic center is also worth exploring, with its array of churches and museums. The magnificent cathedral, which has stood for nearly a millennium, is a testament to Braga’s rich history. The city’s modern developments and sprawling university campuses provide a striking contrast to its ancient landmarks, showcasing the many facets of this fascinating destination.
Aveiro
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Aveiro, often referred to as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, boasts a charming network of canals, footbridges, and vibrant boats. It comes as no surprise that this city attracts numerous visitors who are drawn to its picturesque beaches and the array of watersports available. Apart from its coastal allure, Aveiro offers a plethora of attractions to keep visitors engaged. The remarkable Aveiro Cathedral and the intricately adorned Convento de Jesus are among the top favorites. For a delightful culinary experience, one can venture to Bairro Antigo and savor the delectable local cuisine.
Sintra
Sintra, with its enchanting attractions, offers a truly magical experience. The majestic castles, graceful palaces, opulent villas, and regal residences are sure to captivate and amaze all who visit this stunning region. The undeniable gem is the awe-inspiring Pena Palace, which possesses a spellbinding charm all its own.
Perched atop a hill covered in lush trees, the vibrant yellow structure seems to have materialized straight out of a Disney movie, showcasing its whimsical and unique architectural style. The nearby Moorish Castle is yet another remarkable destination to explore, along with the picturesque mountains that encircle the area.
Porto
When you visit the city in northern Portugal, it is almost obligatory to sample the sweet yet strong port wine, as it is the city’s specialty. Porto is a charming destination with its colorful buildings that line the Douro River, and you can find the iconic white and blue tiles, which are synonymous with the country, scattered throughout the city.
The city is adorned with medieval palaces, cathedrals, churches, and more, dotting its numerous hills. Simply strolling through Porto is a pleasure in itself. Make sure to explore the lively atmosphere and narrow winding alleys of the old center, Ribeira, where you can also enjoy stunning views of the river.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city has experienced a surge in popularity among tourists in recent years, and the reasons for this are evident. Its delightful climate, abundance of historical landmarks, and picturesque location on the banks of the Tagus River make it an exceptional destination to explore.
One of the must-visit attractions is the remarkable St. George’s Castle, situated atop a hill with commanding views of the city. Equally captivating are the Belem Tower and the awe-inspiring Jeronimos Monastery. Additionally, Lisbon offers a wide range of delicious and affordable cuisine, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate. Don’t forget to indulge in the renowned Pastel de Nata before bidding farewell to this enchanting city!
Faro
Situated in the picturesque Algarve region, Faro presents itself as an excellent urban center to embark on a journey through the enchanting and unspoiled landscapes of Portugal. Along the coastline, one can find an abundance of stunning beaches, sea cliffs, and charming rocky alcoves, each offering a unique experience. Moreover, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be explored, boasting breathtaking vistas that will leave visitors in awe.
Within Faro itself, the old quarter of the city is a delight to wander through. During the summer months, when a multitude of tourists flock to the city, the atmosphere becomes vibrant and lively as holidaymakers seek to make the most of their time under the sun.
Figueira da Foz
Despite its unattractive appearance, Figueira da Foz has been a popular destination for tourists for many years. During the summer months, large crowds of visitors flock to the city to enjoy its many offerings. The city boasts the widest beach in Europe, which takes nearly ten minutes to cross on foot, attracting many beachgoers who also enjoy the local cuisine at nearby restaurants and bars. Figueira da Foz is also home to a massive casino, making it the busiest resort in the area. Additionally, there are many other great attractions to explore in the city.
Viseu is one of the 15 Best Cities to Visit in Portugal
Viseu is a charming city to explore, with its enchanting historic center featuring charming narrow alleys that wind through elegant mansions, palaces, and churches. The main highlight is the 12th-century cathedral, which exudes a delightful sense of age with its weathered façade. Situated on a hilltop, the newer areas of the city gracefully descend down the hillside, creating a picturesque view. Strolling through Viseu is a delightful way to spend a leisurely day.
