Situated on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is one of Europe’s most visited countries thanks to its welcoming climate, affordable travel costs, and extraordinary attractions.
The legacy of Portugal’s golden era—when it ruled a vast empire from Brazil to Macau—lives on in its architecture. Rich, exquisite, and drenched in history, the buildings of Lisbon and Porto, especially in their historic quarters, reflect the country’s magnificent past.
Here is the list of the top 10 Visiting Places in Portugal Top 10 Visiting Places in France
1. Coimbra
An enchanting city situated by the Mondego River in Central Portugal, Coimbra is home to a treasure trove of noteworthy destinations, superb gardens, the nation’s second most prominent style of fado, and an exuberant culture centered around one of Europe’s oldest universities. Perhaps the best activity in Coimbra is to wander and discover its notable attractions, from the striking Old Cathedral to the Gothic Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which houses the tomb of Queen Isabel. For more medieval city experiences, see our Top 10 Visiting Places in France.
No excursion to Coimbra would be finished without a visit to the University of Coimbra to respect one of the world’s most lovely libraries, the Joanina Library.
2. The Azores
As of 2024, the Azores archipelago comprises nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km (930 miles) west of Lisbon. Known for world-class whale watching, hot springs, and charming coastal towns, each island has its own distinctive character. São Miguel is the largest island and is nicknamed “The Green Island,” while Pico is home to the highest mountain in Portugal.
If you’re planning a broader Atlantic itinerary, see our Top 10 Visiting Places in Australia.
3. Aveiro
Embracing the nation’s Atlantic Coast in Central Portugal, Aveiro is a bustling town often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its grand canals, charming bridges, and colorful boats.
Notable sights, lovely beaches, and delicious cuisine also make Aveiro a popular tourist destination. Aveiro’s main highlights include the Aveiro Cathedral, the São Gonçalinho Chapel, and the Convento de Jesus, all offering stunning architecture and artwork. These can be explored in the broader context of historic European canal towns featured in our Top 10 Visiting Places in France guide.
4. Evora
Evora may be a quiet town in the Alentejo plains, but it packs a big tourist draw. With a history dating back more than 2,000 years, Evora was once a thriving city under Roman rule. Today, Evora is the capital of the Alentejo region. It is renowned for its well-preserved Old Town, which shelters over 4,000 notable structures including ancient walls and sanctuaries.
Another highlight is the thirteenth-century Cathedral of Evora, one of Portugal’s most important Gothic structures. Not far outside the city is Europe’s largest complex of ancient stone monuments that are well worth a visit.
5. Porto
World-renowned for its production of fine port wine, the bustling city of Porto stretches along the hills above the Douro River in northern Portugal. At the heart of Porto is the pedestrian-friendly Ribeira district, a quintessential riverside area alive with live music, cafés, and market stalls.
Dominating this popular tourist setting is the Ponte Dom Luis, a metal, double-deck arched bridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its port wine cellars. Those seeking more historic riverfront towns can also explore our Top 10 Visiting Places in Germany.
6. Madeira
Dubbed the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic,” Madeira is a lush island paradise in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North Africa, famed for its verdant landscapes, botanical gardens, and fortified wines.
Must-see sites in Madeira include the Orchid Garden and the Laurissilva Forest, which harbors the world’s largest laurel forest. The capital and largest city is Funchal, home to historic churches, forts, resorts, and the tree-lined Lido Promenade offering spectacular sea views. Explore cars for rent in Madeira
7. Sintra
Nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains on the Lisbon Coast, just a day trip away from Portugal’s capital city, Sintra presents a spectacular setting of verdant hills, sprinkled with pretty villas, royal retreats, castles, and palaces such as the famous Pena’s Palace, a fantastical castle reminiscent of Germany’s Neuschwanstein. Built in the mid-1800s and serving as a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family, Pena’s Palace is surrounded by forested parklands containing trees, plants, and flowers.
Also not to be missed are the ancient ruins of the Castle of the Moors crowning the city’s highest hill and the romantic Monserrate Palace with its subtropical gardens.
8. Obidos
Located on a hilltop in the Centro Region of western Portugal, Obidos is encircled by an old fortified wall. Besides the wall, the magnificent medieval castle and historic center of Obidos make up the city’s main attraction and can easily be walked.
A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets leads visitors along busy squares, inviting cafes, quaint shops, and whitewashed houses spruced with colorful flowers. The castle with its commanding edifice, huge gates, towers, and battlements, is now a luxurious hotel but a marvel to behold nevertheless.
9. Algarve
The sunny Atlantic climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, historic sites, fabulous cuisine, and affordable costs are just some of the reasons that make the Algarve one of the best places to visit in Portugal. Located in the country’s southernmost region, the Algarve offers a feast for the eyes, from tranquil landscapes of olive groves, and traditional whitewashed villages to the wild, windswept coast with its dramatic cliffs dotted with summer resorts.
Faro is the region’s capital, and Lagos is the area’s hotspot for nightlife. Looping by orange groves, Silves is best known for its red sandstone castle, while Tavira is an elegant town packed with Renaissance monuments, bridges, and castles. If you’re planning a broader coastal itinerary, see our Top 10 Visiting Places in Australia.
10. Lisbon
Extending along the banks of the Tagus River near the Atlantic, Portugal’s capital and largest city climbs up the seven steep hills, making it a magnetic destination of warm climate, atmospheric streets, charming courtyards, Gothic churches, stunning bridges, and vibrant neighborhoods, resonating in traditional fado music.
The city’s oldest quarter is Alfama, famous for its labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, distinctive architecture, and St. George’s Castle. The most enjoyable way to experience Lisbon is by riding one of the vintage trams, such as the iconic Tram 28, which winds through historic districts, gardens, and major attractions. To discover more capital cities with distinctive architecture, see our Top 10 Visiting Places in New Zealand.
