• Flight Centre Home
  • Blog Home
  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Canada & USA
    • Europe & UK
    • Mexico & Caribbean
    • Oceania
  • Interests
    • Beach
    • Cuisine
    • Luxury
    • Wellness
    • Adventure
    • Off The Beaten Path
  • Travel Styles
    • Couples Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Family Travel
    • Group Travel
    • Business Travel
    • Cruises
    • Tours
  • Book A Trip
    • Flights
    • Vacations
    • Better Beach
    • Destinations
    • Cruises
    • Tours
    • Deals
    • Groups
    • Business

Flight Centre Travel Blog

Banner
  • Flight Centre Home
  • Blog Home
  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Canada & USA
    • Europe & UK
    • Mexico & Caribbean
    • Oceania
  • Interests
    • Beach
    • Cuisine
    • Luxury
    • Wellness
    • Adventure
    • Off The Beaten Path
  • Travel Styles
    • Couples Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Family Travel
    • Group Travel
    • Business Travel
    • Cruises
    • Tours
  • Book A Trip
    • Flights
    • Vacations
    • Better Beach
    • Destinations
    • Cruises
    • Tours
    • Deals
    • Groups
    • Business
BeachCuisineDestinationsEurope & UKInterestsOff The Beaten PathThings-To-Do

Top 10 Things To Do In Portugal

by Jack Cheng April 15, 2021
written by Jack Cheng April 15, 2021
best things to do portugal

Famous for its explorers, maritime charms, and photogenic cities, Portugal is one of Europe’s most culturally robust countries. For travellers, it’s easy to associate Portugal with its trademark terra cotta roofed townhouses, Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams, and the surreal beauty of Algarve’s rugged coast. But these postcard-ready sceneries barely scratch the surface.

From its verdurous countryside to the architectural marvels that sculpted its cosmopolitan urban centres, Portugal is a destination worth many repeat visits. Here are the top 10 things to do and to check out while you’re there:

1. Find the Best Beaches

things to do in portugal

The image of gold-sand beaches brushed by glassy, azure waters is forever etched in the mind of travellers when they think of Portugal. The country, owning more than 1,000-km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, is speckled with hidden coves, Blue Flag beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons backed by colourful, plunging cliffs. Enjoy beach hopping in the Algarve, Alentejo, Costa Vicentine, and the Azores. The beaches can range from peaceful secluded hideaways to buzzing surf spots that are also perfect for water sports.

Read more about Portugal’s best beaches here. 

2. Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

things to do in portugal

A world-class city built on seven hills, Lisbon bustles with history, art, culture, and architecture. Explore the city by journeying through medieval neighbourhoods like Alfama, strolling past calçadas-paved streets near Praça da Figueira, and finding 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.

3. Ride Tram 28

things to do portugal

See all the best sight and sound of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods onboard the iconic tram 28. Starting from Martim Moniz Square, the tram winds through historic quarters including Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Alfama. In one trip, you’ll able to catch landmarks like Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and many azulejo tile-covered houses from the tram’s windows.  

4. Sit in on a Fado Show

things to do in portugal

The bittersweet, soulful music of Fado spins mournful yarns of longing. Through ballads accompanied by guitars, this traditional folk music illustrates the essence of the Portuguese word, saudade, a nostalgic melancholia associated with permanent loss. In Lisbon and Coimbra, you can sit in on live performances in various bars and restaurants. Depending on the region, the style and lyric of local Fado can range from sorrowful and heart-wrenching to festive and upbeat.

5. Discover Porto’s Old Quarters

things to do in portugal

Portugal’s second city has an enduring rivalry with its capital, Lisbon. While not as polished, Porto posses just as much cultural charms. Along its gritty streets are narrow, azulejo decorated townhouses, trendy cafes, wine bars and riverside restaurants. By the River Douro, the Ribeira District buzzes with street performances, gourmet dining, and vibrant nightlife. Across the river, in Villa de Gaia, you’ll find many world-famous Port cellars and opportunities to try an award-winning bottle.

6. Climb Tower of Belém

things to do in portugal

The waterfront district of Belém just west of downtown Lisbon is home to several iconic historical sites. Among them, the 16th-century fortification, Tower of Belém, overlooks the Tagus River and stands as a reminder of the nation’s seafaring days. The limestone tower features several types of medieval architectures, elaborate façade and ornaments that were added on over the centuries. At the top of the fortress, you can get a far-reaching view of Lisbon’s cityscape and gleaming shoreline just over the parapets.

7. Stroll through Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

things to do in portugal

Also located in Belém, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a highly ornate Gothic Manueline style monastery. This 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site features the stone tombs of Vasco da Gama, several royalties, famous poets, writers, and politicians. The monastery’s intricately decorated cloisters are connected by chapels, churches, and courtyards with varying motifs bearing Moorish, European, and Eastern influences.

8. Visit Sintra

things to do in portugal

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 cluster of castles and palaces. A popular day trip location from Lisbon, Sintra provides a relaxing atmosphere for exploring national treasures and tranquil nature parks. Plan your tours around the Pena Palace, a vividly painted Romanticist castle at the top of the hill. Then, make your way to Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, National Palace and other UNESCO Sites.

9. Join Wine-tasting Tours

things to do in portugal

Portugal’s Douro Valley is abundant with rolling vineyards and diverse varietals. Although the region’s many renowned estates specialize in Port wine production, they also bottle some of the world’s best red and white wines. On a wine tour, you’ll have the chance to visit historic, award-winning cellars along the Douro River and wander through traditional scenic villages dotting the valley. There is also the option of taking a robelo boat tour and stop by wineries in authentic, picturesque towns like Lamego, Amarante, Régua and Pinhão along the banks.

10. Try Traditional Pastries

things to do in portugal

Creamy, flaky, and custardy pastries are the cornerstones of Portuguese gastronomy. In Lisbon alone, you’ll find cafes and bakeries prominently displaying rows of oven fresh pastel de nata egg tarts. And while every town has its 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.

 

Portugal’s world-class cities, spectacular beaches, and cultural treasures are even better when seen up close. Let our Travel Experts craft your tailor-made vacation and get you there. 


Talking to a Travel Expert couldn’t be easier.

GET IN TOUCH

We offer travel consultations in-person, by phone, email, online chat, video chat, and our 24/7 Customer Care line. Whatever works for you! 

1-877-967-5302

EuropePortugal
previous post
Top 10 Things To Do In Croatia
next post
Top 7 Foods & Drinks to Try in Spain

You may also like

The Top Things to Do in the French...

April 19, 2021

Top 5 Best French Riviera Beaches Worth Visiting

April 19, 2021

The 10 Best Beaches In Italy

April 15, 2021

Top 7 Foods & Drinks to Try in...

April 15, 2021

Top 10 Things To Do In Croatia

April 15, 2021

Puerto Vallarta Gay Bar Hopping Guide

April 14, 2021

Marieta Islands Guide

April 13, 2021

10 best traditional Jamaican Food you must try...

April 13, 2021

Poi, oh Poi! Traditional Hawaiian Food You Gotta...

April 12, 2021

Best 9 Attractions to Visit in the Dominican...

April 12, 2021

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Top 10 Best Beaches in Dominican Republic (with nearby resorts)

    March 29, 2021
  • 2

    Meet Mpuuga Rwabutara: Flight Centre Travel Group Americas’ Diversity Ambassador

    March 29, 2021
  • 3

    Taste Jamaica! Best Resorts for Farm to Table Dining (And Why It Matters)

    March 25, 2021
  • 4

    Top 10 Europe Vacations We’re Planning in 2021

    March 18, 2021
  • 5

    Introducing Intrepid Premium: The Newest Style of Adventure Travel!

    March 18, 2021
  • 6

    Top 10 European Road Trips (Updated 2021)

    March 9, 2021
  • 7

    5+ Sparkling New Resorts Opening in Mexico This Year

    January 6, 2021
  • 8

    5 Signs You Need to Stop What You’re Doing and Call a Travel Agent

    January 5, 2021
  • 9

    6 Dreamy Luxury Vacations to Add to Your Travel Wish List

    December 11, 2020
  • 10

    Travel in Your Own Bubble with These Small Group Tours

    October 22, 2020
  • 11

    Weddings & Reunion Trips: What a Difference an Expert Makes!

    September 8, 2020
  • 12

    Top 5 Vacation Spots Open to Canadians

    July 30, 2020
  • 13

    Top 5 Places in Ontario to See Fall Colours

    September 23, 2014
  • 14

    6 Québec Winter Carnaval Activities you Cannot Miss

    March 4, 2016
  • 15

    Top 10 Traditional Thai food you must try in Thailand

    December 28, 2018
  • 16

    A Message from Flight Centre Travel Group

    March 16, 2020

Follow Us on Twitter

Tweets by @FlightCentreCa
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

© Flight Centre Travel Group (Canada) Inc


Back To Top