Portugal attractions

Shopping, dining, and coworking are just a few of the things you can do at LX Factory, a retail destination beneath Lisbon’s landmark 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril). The cluster of 19th-century factory buildings, now decorated with murals and art installations, houses more than 50 stores and eateries selling everything from books and brigadeiros (a type of dessert) to vintage clothes and quirky souvenirs. On Sundays, yet more vendors gather at LX Factory for a weekly flea market.

The sunny-yellow Bica Funicular (Ascensor da Bica) has been hauling passengers from Lisbon’s waterfront to the historic Bairro Alto district since 1892. More than a means of transportation, the funicular follows a scenic route along one of the city’s most picturesque (and steepest) streets, providing views of lively plazas, brightly painted buildings, and the azure Tagus River from the top.

Set along the estuary of Alvor River, this relaxed harbor town oozes character and charm, with a historic core radiating out from a 16th-century hilltop church. Watch as fishing boats offload their catch—destined for riverfront restaurants—at the harbor, and join fellow vacationers sunning themselves at Praia do Alvor beach.

Although all of Évora’s historical center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) is one of the standout attractions. With walls made entirely from human skulls and bones, it’s simultaneously spooky and sacred; it was built in the 17th century by three Franciscan monks, who wanted to emphasize life’s fragility and temporary nature using bones relocated from overflowing cemeteries.

Walk the meandering Seven Hanging Valleys Trail from Marinha Beach to Vale de Centeanes Beach and you’ll be rewarded with continuous views of the Algarve’s crumbling golden cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. A linear route covering 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) of coastline, the trail passes beaches, lighthouses, and many clifftop viewpoints—all signature scenery for the south coast of Portugal.

Home to more than 140 different species from across the world, Lagos Zoo offers a family-friendly alternative to the crowded Algarve coast. Opened in 2000, the zoo has become a world-class conservation facility, and its close proximity to central Lagos makes it a top choice for a day away from the city.

Set in the picturesque Douro Valley, Quinta do Bomfim Winery is renowned for its premium port and Douro DOC wine. Owned by the same family for five generations, visitors can stroll through the vineyards, tour the cellars, and enjoy tastings with stunning panoramic views. This makes it a must-visit location for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers.

A pretty red-roofed town on the banks of the Guadiana River in southeastern Portugal, Alcoutim has a laid-back rural charm. Come here to get an authentic taste of small-town Portuguese life, and to visit the medieval castle.

Situated on the River Tagus (Rio Tejo) in the center of Lisbon’s downtown, Lisbon Cruise Port is conveniently located for cruise passengers wanting to explore this charming city’s many attractions. However, it also serves as a jumping-off point for venturing farther afield into the surrounding countryside and beyond.

The world’s oldest operating bookstore, Livraria Bertrand’s Chiado outlet has been serving bookworms since 1732. Now one of roughly 60 bookshops, the azulejo-tiled frontage with its art deco sign houses a café, historical paintings and murals, and areas dedicated to the giants of Portuguese literature. In addition to signings, it runs book clubs, courses, and classes.

Floor-to-ceiling azulejo tiles decorate the main foyer of Porto’s Sao Bento Railway Station (Porto São Bento), depicting an array of scenes from Portuguese history. Various shades of blue fill much of the walls inside the entrance to this busy station, fringed by multi-coloured tiles up to the ceiling. The station is a worthwhile stop on your Porto itinerary, even if you’re not taking a train.

The Arruda Pineapple Plantation in the Azores offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how pineapples are cultivated. With a history of over 100 years, this family-run plantation is a living museum, with greenhouses to explore, as well as the chance to taste all sorts of pineapple-related treats, such as pineapple cake, piña colada, and pineapple liqueur.

Often touted as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon, Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a dreamy terrace overlooking the Tagus River and the capital’s Alfama district. With its hilltop location next to Santa Luzia Church, it offers views of landmarks such as the baroque National Pantheon and the Church of St. Michael. It’s also famous for its pergolas covered in climbing flowers and walls adorned with blue-and-white azulejo tiles.

Stalls at Mercado de Santa Clara (Feira da Ladra) sell a wide range of items, including antiques, vintage pieces, handicrafts, and all sorts of knick-knacks. This twice-weekly market has been a moving fixture in Lisbon for centuries, before it settled in the São Vicente neighborhood. While you’ll now find souvenirs, the market still has a down-to-earth approach, with goods often arranged on rugs on the ground.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture Centre is an art museum that’s home to works by many influential 20th- and 21st-century artists, including Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. The permanent exhibitions are displayed in chronological order in the minimalist white galleries, which makes them easy to explore. There are also temporary exhibitions that showcase emerging artists and special themes.

Turquoise water, white sand, a long beach framed by mountains: all relatively familiar sights in Portugal. Yet this beauty of the Atlantic coast remains relatively undiscovered, meaning visitors can enjoy beach time that is gloriously peaceful and uncrowded. Even the lands surrounding Praia da Comporta are gorgeous—think vibrant rice paddies, pine forests, vineyards, and the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and wetlands.

One of Lisbon’s oldest museums, the Lisbon Military Museum (Museu Militar de Lisboa) dates back to 1876 and is a must for anyone interested in military history. Spread across baroque rooms adorned with gold pillars and ceiling frescoes, it’s as much an architectural highlight as a historical one. Exhibits offer a fascinating look at Portugal’s military past, and feature artillery pieces, cannons, swords, pistols, and other firearms.

Home to the chic Hotel do Chiado, as well as 40 stores and 15 eateries, the Armazéns do Chiado building is a popular local shopping destination. Its heritage facade and art deco signage belie the modern interior, which opened in 1999 after a fire destroyed the original department store.

Hailed as one of the best beaches in the Algarve, Praia de Faro boasts soft, golden sands that stretch for more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) along Faro Island. One side of the beach overlooks the sea, while the other side offers views of Ria Formosa National Park, home to mud flats and wetlands that can be explored by bicycle or boat.

Escape Hunt in Lisbon offers a fun, fast-paced way to test your problem-solving skills. The experience takes you into an imaginative themed escape room, where the door shuts behind you and the countdown begins. Then, work together to crack clues, solve puzzles, and complete interactive challenges—all while against the clock to win your freedom. Ideal for couples or groups, it’s a great choice for rainy days or a break from sightseeing.

At the heart of downtown Lisbon, Rossio Station (Estação do Rossio) is part transport hub and part architectural landmark. Built in the late 19th century, it is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations thanks to its striking neo-Manueline facade and horseshoe-shaped arches. Trains run from here to UNESCO–listed Sintra, the city’s most popular day-trip destination.

The Museum of Our Lady of Mercy of Porto (Museu da Misericórdia do Porto, or MMIPO) is dedicated to the long history and charity work of the Holy House of Our Lady of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto), which was founded in 1498. Connected to the 16th-century church of Igreja da Misericórdia, the museum displays artifacts and sacred art.

Housed in a sweeping, wave-shaped white building along the Tagus riverfront, Lisbon’s leading museum of architecture, design, and engineering definitely looks the part. Open since 2016, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, or MAAT, leads the way with forward-thinking temporary exhibitions, events, and workshops, often with a strong focus on renewable energy solutions.

Roaring engines and exhaust fumes replace the region's usual waves and coastal fresh air at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, also known as the Algarve International Circuit. This racing circuit hosts multiple MotoGP races yearly and is the current track for the Portuguese Motorcycle Grand Prix. Go-karts whip around a track across the road at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve.

Note: The museum is closed for renovations until 2026. The National Archaeology Museum (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia) in Lisbon is filled with archaeological treasures, from Egyptian mummies to Iron Age jewelry, Roman mosaics and Moorish artifacts. Located within the western wing of the Jerónimos Monastery, the museum explores Portugal’s archaeological heritage from prehistoric times.

Situated inside the Tower of Tavira on the Algarve in Portugal is Tavira's Camera Obscura, a dark room that uses mirrors and lenses to project images from the city below out onto a screen. During each session, a local guide talks about the history, culture, and monuments of the city while showing visitors different highlights through the camera.

Crowning a hill bordering Portugal’s city of Braga, the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is a magnificent neoclassical church and Christian pilgrimage site. The 18th-century church is approached by a remarkable baroque staircase zig-zagging up to the entrance.

Ponta de São Lourenço is an arid peninsular at the easternmost tip of Madeira, from where the island’s volcanic origins are most evident. While it might not boast the lushness that characterizes most of Madeira, it offers exceptional views of the north and south coasts and the deep blue sprawl of the Atlantic Ocean.

The dramatically named Boca do Inferno, or Mouth of Hell, is a unique rock formation in the seaside town of Cascais in Portugal. It’s constantly battered by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean—when they’re at their most mighty, water surging through the chasm gives the effect of an erupting volcano.

The Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is a national monument and the only theater in Portugal devoted to producing opera, choral, and symphonic music. The Portuguese Symphony Orchestra and the Choir of the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos perform here, as well as visiting artists. It’s a great place to catch a concert in Lisbon or to admire its neoclassical facade during sightseeing tours.