The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, standing tall in Largo da Oliveira, resembles a regal castle with a stone-brick façade and crenelated clock tower. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a striking 18th-century altarpiece and the striking silver altar of the Capela do Santíssimo Sacramento, along with exquisite neo-classical choir stalls. However, the church's true claim to fame lies in its fascinating history.
Spanning the Douro River, Porto’s Arrábida Bridge was the largest concrete-arch bridge in the world when it was completed in 1963. Today, pedestrians can walk up the span’s archway with Porto Bridge Climb, the only bridge-climb experience in Europe. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective on the city and river below.
A peaceful escape from some of Sintra’s busier landmarks, the Chalet of the Countess d’Edla is an Alpine-style 19th-century retreat on the forested grounds of Pena Park, not far from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pena National Palace. Visitors to the building can learn about its namesake, the Countess of Edla, while admiring the ornate interiors and beautiful gardens.
One of Lisbon’s most popular family attractions since it opened in the 19th century, the Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa) is home to hundreds of species of animals from around the world, from primates to farmyard animals. More than just a zoo, it’s also a conservation, reproduction, and reintroduction center for endangered species, where scientists and spectators can learn about animals from tigers to dolphins.
One of Lisbon’s most recognizable symbols, the egg-yolk-yellow Tram 28 rattles through the capital’s narrow streets and offers a unique perspective on the city. Riding aboard is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon, thanks to the cost-effective ticket price and the wealth of attractions the tram covers. Highlights along the route include São Jorge Castle, the Sé Cathedral, and Jardim da Estrela park.
Built in 1744 to bring potable water to the people of Lisbon, the mighty Águas Livres Aqueduct is one of the few historical monuments to have withstood Lisbon’s devastating 1755 earthquake. The ruins are just as impressive today, with 109 stone arches that tower as high as a skyscraper and cover a distance that would span the entirety of New York City.
Set within the complex for the 1998 World Expo in Lisbon, the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center is one of Lisbon’s largest and most beautiful shopping malls. Today, it comprises over 150 stores, as well as a multiplex cinema, a wide selection of restaurants, and a health club. Walkways connect it directly with Oriente station, one of Lisbon’s main transit hubs.
Set in a lush garden, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is regarded as one of Portugal’s finest private collections and contains artworks ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to modernist paintings. The museum also houses a large selection of European art, with pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Van Dyck, and Renoir.
Tavira is thought to be the oldest settlement in Portugal—with signs of life dating back to 2000 BC. Whether you delve into the town’s history or simply enjoy the nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do here.
The town of Silves, in Portugal’s Algarve region, has been inhabited since paleolithic times. Links to the past are found throughout the fortified town, from the imposing Moorish castle to the Roman bridge and the cathedral, which was originally built as a grand mosque before being converted into a church in the 13th century.
Barcelos is known as the birthplace of Portugal’s unofficial symbol—the Rooster of Barcelos (Galo de Barcelos). You’ll find ceramic versions of the rooster throughout the city, celebrating its legend and the city’s heritage as a home for artisans. Many travelers come to Barcelos on half-day and full-day trips from Porto or Braga to see the medieval architecture and visit handicraft centers and street markets.
Across the red 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) from Lisbon begins a prized strip of coastline called the Costa da Caparica. Extending for about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from a city of the same name down to the Arriba Fóssil nature preserve, the area is a Portuguese mainstay for surfing and sunbathing. Head to its windswept beaches to watch fishermen and kitesurfers in action, then take in the scenery from a different angle on clifftop trails.
Located on the upper level of the 16th-century, eccentric-looking Casa dos Bicos (literally, House of Spikes) is the José Saramago Foundation (Fundação José Saramago), dedicated to one of Portugal’s most celebrated writers. The small museum presents the life and work of Saramago, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998.
Visible in the distance from any of Lisbon’s famous seven hills, the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) is a lasting symbol of the city. Not only is it the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, but its port is one of the busiest in Europe. Plus, on the banks of the Tagus River, you’ll find some of the capital’s top attractions, including the UNESCO–listed Belém Tower.
Backed by ochre cliffs, the seemingly endless shoreline of Praia dos Salgados exemplifies the picture-perfect beauty of The Algarve’s coastline. Steps away from the sand, you’ll find a golf course and reserve that cater to nature lovers and families alike. Meanwhile, the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide a safe place for kids to swim.
One of central Lisbon’s most beautiful parks, Estrela Garden (Jardim Da Estrela) is an oasis from the bustling neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Chiado. Go for a stroll here to see tropical trees, sculptures, a small lake surrounded by an old English cemetery, and a wrought-iron gazebo. Some visitors combine a walk or picnic in the park with exploring the 18th-century Estrela Basilica (Basilica de Estrela).
Learn why Portugal is famous for the popular dessert wine of port. Espaço Porto Cruz offers pours, tastings, and a variety of workshops—from pairing with food to mixing into cocktails—along with views overlooking the Douro River and a restaurant, cocktail lounge, shop, and meeting and event space.
Spanning the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) at its narrowest point, the soaring 5th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) is one of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks. Housed within one of the bridge’s pillars, the Pillar 7 Bridge Experience offers visitors a unique perspective on the bridge, complete with an all-glass viewing point and immersive experiences.
In Lisbon’s affluent Lapa district, international embassies stand beside grand homes, including the official residence of the Portuguese prime minister. Neighborhood highlights include its historical mansions, the 15th-century São Bento Palace, and the famous Basilica da Estrela. Providing a welcome break from the buzz of central Lisbon, Lapa is especially popular with those seeking green space; the English-style Estrela Garden (Jardim de Estrela) boasts a pondside café for wine and snacks.
Spread over three floors, Lisbon’s Benfica Museum (Museu Benfica–Cosme Damião) tells the story of football (soccer) in Portugal. Located beside the mighty Estádio da Luz, the museum explores the history of the Sport Lisboa e Benfica football club. Highlights include a showcase of hundreds of trophies along with a selection of interactive audiovisual displays. A short documentary is screened inside a geodesic dome theater.
The historic Dom Fernando II e Glória frigate was the Portuguese Navy’s last wooden sailing warship. Featuring 50 cannons, the vessel has been restored to appear as it did when the Portuguese Navy launched it in 1843. The ship, now dry-docked just outside of Lisbon, is one of the best-preserved examples of a wooden-hulled frigate in the world, making it a must-visit for travelers interested in maritime history.
The Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues is dedicated to the great Queen of fado, Portugal’s most famous musical genre. Her three-story former home now features more than 30,000 of Rodrigues’ personal items on display for fans to discover. Visitors can see her glamorous outfits, portraits, awards, jewelry, and recordings on display.
With its elegant landscaping and meandering pathways, the Gulbenkian Garden provides a serene retreat from Lisbon's busy city streets. Here, nature lovers can explore garden trails that wind past a variety of plants and trees, and around a large pond. Plan a visit here to relax during an open-air concert, attend a talk or workshop, or simply kick back with an ice cream at the café.
This popular resort in the southern Algarve is named after Portimão’s main beach, Praia da Rocha, a spacious sweep of golden sand backed by amber-colored cliffs. By day, families gather on the beach to sun themselves, play in the sand, and splash about in the water, while at night, bars and clubs attract revelers looking for fun.
With its golden sands and sandstone-carved coves, Armacao de Pera Beach (Praia Armacao de Pera) epitomizes the coastal beauty of Portugal’s Algarve. Backed by a fishing village of the same name, the beach is an ideal choice for both families and sun-worshippers: umbrella-shaded sunbeds offer respite from the midday sun while the rocky coves on either side of the beach make for a fun day of exploration.
One of Porto’s top attractions for families of all ages, the SEA LIFE® Porto aquarium is home to dazzling displays of marine life. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with some of the sea’s most colorful inhabitants, including octopus, rays, sea turtles, and sharks.
An ornate baroque palace located in the heart of Lisbon, Foz Palace (Palacio Foz) was built in the 18th century and received extravagant interior updates in the 1800s. The halls of this palace are typically not open to visitors, but that doesn’t stop the building from adding class and color to Restauradores Square. Various institutions, including the National Museum of Sport and a tourist information center, have taken over parts of the palace.
Sea pillars, shady grottoes, and rock arches make Ponta da Piedade one of the most scenic spots in Lagos, a postcard-perfect scene backdropped by tropical-hued seas. Flanked by Praia da Balança and Praia do Barranco do Martinho beaches, this windswept headland feels extra special because it is only accessible by boat, hiking trails, and a boardwalk offering dramatic views.
Casa Fernando Pessoa is dedicated to the life of one of Portugal’s most prolific writers. Fernando Pessoa called this apartment in Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique neighborhood home for the last 15 years of his life. Today it is now filled with his personal possessions including his writing desk, handwritten letters, paintings, and tapestries.
The latest jewel in riverside Porto’s cultural crown is the WOW — Cultural District, a drinking and dining hub in the historic neighborhood of Vila de Gaia. Here, you can find seven interactive museums and 12 restaurants and bars, as well as wine-themed workshops—including classes on how to pair wine with sweet treats and chocolate.
