Best Things to Do
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Portugal
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Trip.Best Popular Best Things to Do in Portugal [2024]
Explore the best things to do in Portugal! Uncover top activities and experiences for an unforgettable visit.
Updated Sep 2024
- 9.24.6/5526 ReviewFrom17.76
based on 38140 reviews"Impressive tower at the spot where Portuguese discovery quests started."Belem926m from downtown BelemHighlights: Belém Tower is a classic landmark building in the port of Portugal and a symbol of Lisbon. It has witnessed the voyages and departures, return and reunions of countless ships in Portugal in the era of great sailing. In 1983, the Belém Tower was officially rated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO, and in 2007 it was named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. This fortification was ordered by Manuel I between 1514-1520 to commemorate Da Gama's arrival in India, and was later used as a customs house, a telegraph station, and even a lighthouse. The overall building of the Belém Tower is arranged in an "L" shape with five floors. The entire tower is made of white marble. It is a typical Manuel style building: the tower is surrounded by stone ropes, dotted with stone knots, Stone carvings of crosses and some flora and fauna. Among them, the stone rhinoceros at the base is quite eye-catching, built to demonstrate the achievements of Portuguese navigators in exploring overseas. When the sun goes down, the Belém Tower has a unique charm. It is also a pleasant enjoyment to take a walk in the harbor and blow the sea breeze. The barrier crossed the drawbridge, and the main entrance through which came to the Belem Tower barrier. There are a total of 16 artillery positions on the wall for placing cannons to defend against the enemy. In the center of the roof was a Gothic rectangular skylight, which was used as a vent for the ramparts, so that the smoke from the cannon fire could quickly dissipate. There are a number of storage rooms under the floor of the rampart, a large one can be reached from the stairs on the north side. Platform A steep staircase to the right of the main entrance to the Tower of Belém leads to a platform at the top of the rampart, which is polygonal in shape and has a sentry box at each corner with lookout windows and a pepper-box roof. In the center of the platform is a ring of balustrades surrounding the patio below, and on the south side of the balustrade is a statue of Our Lady of Victory. On the rampart platform, you can admire the south façade of the Tower of Belém up close. The balconies and railings are decorated with stone carvings, which are very beautiful. Among them, the stone carvings of the shield of King Manuel I are particularly eye-catching, and the top of the shield is decorated with flowers and plants. The stone carvings are embellished, lifelike. At the top of the tower, go up the stairs on the right side of the platform, and you can enter the interior of the tower of Belém. Follow the spiral staircase to the top platform of the tower, and you can see the beautiful scenery of the port of Lisbon: the Tagus River, the Geronimoche Monastery, the nautical monument, the big Jesus statue on the opposite bank, the April 25 Bridge, etc. From the bottom of the eye, the sailboats drifting by the sea from time to time are also a beautiful scenery. Belem tower top platform is very windy, please pay attention to wind protection and warmth.Show Less - 9.04.6/5253 ReviewFrom35.85
based on 19998 reviews"The National Palace of Pena is absolutely stunning! Perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views, the vibrant colors and unique architecture make it feel like something out of a fairy tale. The interior is equally beautiful, filled with intricate details and history."Sao Pedro de Penaferrim979m from downtown Sao Pedro de PenaferrimHighlights: Pena Palace is the king's departure palace, its dazzling, peculiar, pretentious figure looks like a paradise castle. The palace itself is a hodgepodge of various architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish, and Manueline (Manueline, the architectural style of the reign of King Nuel I of Portugal). The brainchild of Ferdinandofsaxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Maria II. It is not only a national monument of Portugal, but also one of the seven wonders of Portugal. It is located on the top of a hill in the São Pedro de Penaferrim in Sintra, near Lisbon. It is clearly visible in the city of Lisbon in clear weather. In 1995, it was selected as a World Heritage Site as part of Sintra's Cultural Landscape. It is now frequently used for state activities by the President of Portugal and other government officials. In the Middle Ages, it was only a chapel of Our Lady. In 1493, Joao II and his wife came here for a pilgrimage. His successor, Manuel I, built the monastery. In 1755, the monastery was razed to the ground in the Lisbon earthquake. From 1842 to 1854, great efforts were spent to build the royal summer palace. The architect was Baron von Eschwege, a German, and was finally completed in 1885.Show Less - 8.84.6/5243 ReviewFrom29.26based on 32656 reviews"una magnífica joya arquitectónica que se alza orgullosa en el histórico barrio de Belém en Lisboa, Portugal. Se encuentra entre el CCB , el MAAT y la Torre de Belém, en el recorrido del tranvía nº 15E de Cascáis. Este grandioso monumento, declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO, es una espectacular representación de la riqueza y el poder de Portugal durante la Era de los Descubrimientos. Fue aquí donde los navegantes portugueses se encomendaron a la divinidad antes de embarcarse en sus peligrosos viajes al desconocido."Belem1.2km from downtown BelemHighlights: The Jeronimos Monastery is located in the Belém district. This grand white building is a conspicuous landmark of the port city. Together with the church of the Knights of Santa Maria, it is called the culmination of the history of medieval architecture. In 1983, together with the nearby Tower of Belém, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and the navigator da Gama is also buried here. Brilliant History The Jeronimos Monastery was built in 1501. King Manuel I presided over the construction in commemoration of Da Gama's significant voyage. It took nearly 100 years before and after. The door wall connecting the church and the monastery is more than 100 meters long, occupying almost the entire street. This majestic momentum also highlights the unrivaled maritime hegemony of Portugal in the past. There is not enough open space in front of the monastery. It is difficult to take a panoramic view, but you don't have to struggle. The exquisite carvings on the outer wall are enough to make people stop and taste for a long time. Being given life is generally lifelike. The south gate of the monastery is ornately decorated with exquisite carvings. The south gate is two stories high and there are many fine reliefs above. Among them, the emblem of Manuel I is engraved on the spandrel in the middle, and the relief above the arch depicts St. The scenes of Ronimo pulling the thorns for the lion and San Jeronimo in the desert are exquisitely sculpted. Although the main entrance is not as gorgeous as the south gate, it is also very unique. The scene of the birth of Jesus is carved above the arch. On both sides of the gate are Manuel I, the Virgin Mary, Saint Jerome, Saint John and other saints. statue. The nave of the monastery is spacious and holy. The Gothic hall has a high vaulted ceiling. The altar in the center of the hall is decorated with gold and green carvings, and the altar next to it has a statue of St. Jeronimo made of red-red glazed porcelain. The Church of the Knights of Santa Maria next to the monastery of the Knights of Santa Maria is also worth seeing. As soon as you enter the door, you can see the sarcophagus of Da Gama, and on the other side is buried the Portuguese poet Camos, whose The works represent the high achievement of Renaissance Portuguese literature. The chapel is very ornately decorated, and the huge transept roof in front of the altar, which is not supported by any pillars, can be described as an engineering miracle in the Middle Ages and was once regarded as a classic. There is a crucifix on the second floor. From the exquisite cloister, you can overlook the elegant view of the monastery courtyard. It is very Portuguese. You may stop here and watch it.Show Less
- 8.44.4/5109 ReviewFrom17.21based on 18116 reviews"Walking into Livraria Lello feels like stepping into a magical world. The stunning wooden staircase and stained glass ceiling are straight out of a storybook. Every corner of the bookstore is packed with charm and history. I browse through beautiful editions of classic books, but honestly, just being inside feels like an experience on its own. It’s like a dream for book lovers!"Porto1.3km from downtown PortoHighlights: Lello Bookstore is one of the oldest bookstores in Porto, Portugal. Its neo-Gothic façade and staircase were designed and built by architect Estevez. The top floor of the bookstore has food and wine, and books in Portuguese, English and French are everywhere. Since its opening in 1881, Lello Bookstore has attracted a large number of readers with its good design. There is a beautiful wooden staircase in the center of the bookstore, which leads to the roof. Readers can look up at the sky 360 degrees through the glass roof. The bookshelves around the stairs are filled with all kinds of good books, making the "bookworms" linger.Show Less
- 8.14.5/579 ReviewFrom28.12
based on 14031 reviews"So good! Especially the revelation well (Initiation Well) must go! It's really shocking! This manor is very large, you can stroll slowly."Sao Martinho459m from downtown Sao MartinhoHighlights: Located near the historic center of Sintra in Portugal, the Regaleira Estate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape and is one of Sintra's main tourist attractions. The Regaleira estate includes the romantic Regaleira Palace, the Regaleira Chapel, and a sumptuous park with lakes, caves, wells, benches, fountains and a wide variety of exquisite buildings. The estate is also known as the "Millionaire Monteiro's Palace," after the nickname of the first owner. There is a small curved city wall in the middle of the manor. There are many sacred objects carved on the city wall. When you walk into the city wall, you will see a dry well with a depth of 27 meters when you pass through a cave that is more than ten meters long. The exit at the end of the cave is just right. In the middle of the well, a spiral staircase surrounds the well, with 9 spiral layers, symbolizing the 9 cycles of heaven, hell and purgatory described by Dante. Along the spiral staircase, you can walk from the bottom of the well to the wellhead. Outside the wellhead is a garden, a world of flowers.Show Less - 8.04.6/5275 ReviewFree"I really don’t need to listen to everyone toss by train and bus. Since I go so far to play, do I care about the taxi money at that point? Everyone said right. My husband took a taxi directly from Lisbon to this. I spent 13 euros. I will regret it for a lifetime."Colares4.9km from downtown ColaresHighlights: Cape Roca is about 40 kilometers from Lisbon, located in the west of Sintra in the Lisbon district, and belongs to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It is a narrow cliff about 140 meters above sea level at the western tip of Portugal, once considered the end of the world. Compared with other coasts, Cape Roca is indeed different. The steep cliffs are like lonely arms reaching out to the vast Atlantic Ocean. When you look down, you can see the vertical towering cliffs. Walking on them is like walking to the horizon. The sea and sky are the same color, and the scenery is magnificent It is wide open, and you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset views here. Guardrails are built around the cliffs to prevent accidents for visitors.Show Less
- 7.74.5/5200 ReviewFrom32.1based on 30655 reviews"Good but not great. Located on the highest hill of Lisbon, old style fortifications. If you have no other things on your bucket list then go for it."Lisbon.Santa Maria Maior1.1km from downtown LisbonHighlights: São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest buildings in Lisbon and is the main historical monument and tourist attraction in Lisbon. The castle was built on the high point of the Alfama region and was the fortress when the Moors occupied Lisbon in the Middle Ages. Because it is located on a commanding hillside, it can be seen from almost every corner of Lisbon. The castle originally belonged to the earlier Visigoths. After the Moors invaded, it underwent a large-scale expansion. The 8-meter-thick city wall still makes people feel extraordinary. Here one can better appreciate the city's architectural art, whether it's the futuristic castle and drawbridge from Alfama to the city in the distance, or the open-air ruins of the Carmo church in the city.Show Less
- 7.44.6/5140 ReviewFreebased on 21361 reviews"Alfama es uno de los barrios más antiguos y pintorescos de Lisboa, Portugal. Conocido por sus calles estrechas y serpenteantes, casas con azulejos coloridos y vistas impresionantes, Alfama es un viaje atrás en el tiempo a una Lisboa antigua y auténtica.Alfama es el hogar de la música de fado, una forma tradicional de música portuguesa que expresa nostalgia y melancolía, y puedes escucharla en numerosos bares y restaurantes del barrio. Muchos de estos establecimientos ofrecen espectáculos de fado en vivo en las noches. Aquí de dejo uno muy recomendado para que disfrutes del auténtico Fado.El barrio está construido en la ladera que se extiende desde el Castillo de San Jorge hasta el río Tajo, lo que ofrece vistas panorámicas de la ciudad y el río. Hay varios miradores (o «miradouros») desde los que puedes disfrutar de estas vistas, incluyendo el Miradouro de Santa Luzia y el Miradouro das Portas do Sol.Alfama es también el hogar de varias iglesias históricas, incluyendo la Catedral de Lisboa (Sé de Lisboa) y la Iglesia de San Vicente de Fora. Además, cada junio, el barrio se llena de vida para las festividades de los Santos Populares, donde las calles se llenan de decoraciones coloridas, música, baile y deliciosos alimentos y bebidas."Lisbon.Lisboa Centro1.3km from downtown LisbonHighlights: Alfama Old Town is an ancient area of Lisbon with many historical monuments. It is located on a small hill in the Tejo Bay. The hillsides here are undulating, there are countless winding stone steps and alleys, and the old houses have strong colored outer walls, exuding a retro charm everywhere. There are many grocery stores on both sides of the streets in the old city that maintain the same appearance as they used to be, full of food and daily necessities. There are many bars and cafés, and it is the ideal place for Lisbon's nightlife.Show Less
- 7.44.5/5290 Reviewbased on 11447 reviews"The entrance ticket allows you to take the lift to the top floor. From there you still have to climb a few flights of stairs to reach the observation deck. The view is nice but it's not the only place in Lisbon where you can get nice views over the Tagus estuary. The museum at the basement is worth a visit if you're interested in how the landscape in Lisbon changed over the years."Belem1.4km from downtown BelemHighlights: The Nautical Monument, also known as the Great Discovery Monument, has stood beside the Imperial Square since its inauguration in 1960. Its beautiful and upright posture and modern design have also made it one of the new landmarks of Lisbon. The monument was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Don Alfonso Henry, the "Prince of Navigation". From a distance, the solid base of the monument seems to have a white stone sailboat riding the wind and waves on the sea, which is imaginative. In the details, the delicate stone carvings of the figures on its base are exquisite and can be described as masterpieces. The monument is engraved with statues of Henry, da Gama and 80 other sailors. On both sides are some navigators who accompanied them, as well as famous generals, missionaries and scientists in Portuguese history. Behind the monument is a large cross that symbolizes religious beliefs. . The monument is 52 meters high and has 7 floors inside. There are rooms with various functions. Visitors can not only watch Lisbon's nautical-related exhibits here, but also climb to a high place to overlook the surrounding squares and the harbour.Show Less
- 7.34.5/5112 ReviewFreebased on 2442 reviews"To visit Lisbon, Portugal, strolling on Liberty Avenue, shopping and eating, is a must-have task. Liberty Avenue, which runs through the north and south central axis of Lisbon, was built in 1879-1886 years,1.2 kilometers long, 90 meters wide, and has the reputation of "Lisbon's Champs-Elysees". Walking the avenue, 5-10 the traffic lanes are varied and orderly; the street garden + pedestrian lanes wide than the traffic lanes, the rows of large trees shade the sun, the black and white brick floor of Portuguese characteristics are full of charm; the different buildings facing the street are competing with each other, and the luxury shops of the big brands are in scale; It is a spacious and lively square, but it is an alley at the intersection; the towering sculpture is telling the history, and the comfortable tourists are enjoying today."Lisbon.Baixa601m from downtown LisbonHighlights: Liberty Avenue is the main street in Lisbon. This prosperous commercial street is about 1.2 kilometers long. The exquisitely paved stone walkway is inlaid with beautiful painted floor tiles. On both sides of the road are endless dense trees, and there are many Hotels, various fashion shops, known as Portugal's "Champs Elysees". Liberty Avenue divides Lisbon into two major areas, the east-south part is the old city of Alfama, and the west side is roughly divided into two major areas: the north and the south - the Bairro Alto area in the north and the Bairro Alto area in the south. Chiado. This street was built after Lisbon's 1755 earthquake and is considered a masterpiece of Lisbon's reconstruction history. In the square at the north end of Liberty Avenue, you can see the statue of the then Prime Minister Marquis de Pombal, who worked hard for the reconstruction work.Show Less
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FAQ
What Best Things to Do are there in Portugal?
These are all Best Things to Do in Portugal:Belém Tower, National Palace of Pena, Jerónimos Monastery, Livraria Lello, Quinta da Regaleira
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Portugal?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Portugal include:Belém Tower:4.6, National Palace of Pena:4.6, Jerónimos Monastery:4.6, Livraria Lello:4.4, Quinta da Regaleira:4.5
At what locations in Portugal can Best Things to Do in Portugal be found?
The Best Things to Do in Portugal are mainly located in:Belém Tower:Belem, National Palace of Pena:Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, Jerónimos Monastery:Belem, Livraria Lello:Porto, Quinta da Regaleira:Sao Martinho
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