Things to do in  Portugal

Described by Lord Byron as a “glorious Eden,” the fairy-tale district of Sintra more than lives up to its name. Emerald hills harbor buildings with extravagant architectural styles, ranging from neo-Gothic palaces and turreted Moorish castles to candy-colored mansion houses. But that’s not all—Sintra’s historic center is a lovely place to wander around and enjoy a pastel de nata (custard tart).

From its hilltop perch above Lisbon’s Graça neighborhood, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte lookout offers panoramic views across Portugal’s capital city. Included in its clear vista are the hilltop Castle of St. George (Castelo de São Jorge) and the city’s rooftops leading out towards the 25th of April Bridge. The viewpoint is named for the churchyard where it is located: Our Lady of the Hill.

The crown jewel of UNESCO–listed Sintra, Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena), never fails to inspire. The fanciful red and yellow palace, combined with its eclectic 19th-century architecture, makes this hilltop landmark unlike anything else you’ll see on a day trip from Lisbon. What’s more, the palace’s sprawling park hides gorgeous chalets and panoramic viewpoints that are just waiting for visitors who take the time to wander.

Just north of Lisbon, Cabo da Roca is known for its dramatic views and scenic cliff-top walking path. As the westernmost point in continental Europe, it was once believed by Europeans to be the edge of the world. Today, it is home to a defensive lighthouse built in the 16th century and serves as a haven for local birdlife, which you can see soaring above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean below.

The mighty medieval fortress Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), perched on the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit landmark for visitors to Lisbon. It’s a lasting symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, dating back to the early 1500s, alongside the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. Plus, you can enjoy panoramic views from its rooftop.

Sprawling down the southern slopes of Lisbon, Alfama is the capital’s oldest and most picturesque district, with steep cobblestone lanes and a sea of terracotta roofs below the high walls of Castelo de São Jorge. Head there in the daytime to take in the sights, browse the flea market, and ride the historic tram, then come back after dark to soak up the atmosphere at the many fado bars.

Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is one of Lisbon’s largest and best-known public plazas. It was formerly home to the city’s Royal Palace, which was destroyed during a devastating 1755 earthquake. The palace now stands elsewhere, and the square has been restored with ornate arches, grand civic buildings, and an equestrian statue of King Jose I. Marble steps lead from Commerce Square directly down to the Tagus River.

The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most elaborate buildings. Inspired by Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, the monument is a feast of architectural delights; its cloisters exemplify the Manueline style, while the stained-glass windows and intricate carvings within the Church of Santa Maria are another highlight.

Stretching from the city of Porto on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra, the Douro river is the third-longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, and flows through one of Europe’s most picturesque wine-growing regions. Visitors come to enjoy the scenery, and taste the local wine and port.

Since the 11th century, the Castelo de São Jorge (or St. George’s Castle) has stood tall in the Lisbon skyline, viewable from almost every point in the city. The Moorish castle overlooks various districts and offers some of the best panoramas of the city. Even if you only have a few hours, the former fortress offers plenty to do, from climbing its ramparts and viewing the camera obscura to exploring the artifacts at its archaeological museum.

Erected in 1960, Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) stands at the edge of the Tagus River and depicts a caravel (a ship commonly used by Portugal’s 15th-century explorers) about to set sail. Aboard the ship are 32 sculptures of leading figures from Portugal’s seafaring heyday, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. Climbing to the observation deck atop the 170-foot (52-meter) sculpture affords panoramic views of Portugal’s capital.

Patchwork stone hints at the many restorations that Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) has undergone over its more than 800 years, following repeated attempts by earthquakes to topple it. A signature site in the popular neighborhood of Alfama, the cathedral features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, excavated Roman ruins in its cloister, and various significant relics in its treasury.

Originally built in the 17th century as the Church of Santa Engracia, the National Pantheon (Santa Egracia Panteao Nacional Lisbon) is now the burial place of many notable Portuguese personages, such as fado superstar Amália Rodrigues. The massive white structure is omnipresent throughout Lisbon’s Alfama district, and its interiors feature beautiful Italian marble.

Hailed as one of the prettiest places in Portugal, Óbidos is a medieval town encircled by fortified walls. It’s known as the Wedding Present Town, because Portuguese kings often gave Óbidos to their wives as part of their dowry, and it boasts a cluster of Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque churches. Its whitewashed historical center is immensely photogenic, studded with blue-and-white azulejo (ceramic tile) murals.

A major river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro River (Rio Douro) flows from Duruelo de la Sierra in northern Spain all the way to Porto in Portugal, where the river mouth empties into the Atlantic Ocean. More than just the region’s lifeline, it’s also the centerpiece of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.