10 Best Cities to Visit in Portugal: A Local’s Guide

1. Lisbon

As Portugal’s capital, Lisbon brings together historic neighborhoods, hilltop viewpoints, tiled façades, and Atlantic light. It has also been my home for many years, which means I could talk about Lisbon for a looong time.

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood, with narrow streets, small squares, and traditional houses. There are plenty of things to do in Alfama, but Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol remain two of my favorite viewpoints.

Belém is best known for landmarks such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both closely linked to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The monumental architecture and riverside setting make it one of Lisbon’s most recognizable neighborhoods.

Riding the historic Tram 28 is another classic Lisbon experience, as it passes through several of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. Praça do Comércio is another stop worth adding to your itinerary, sitting right on the Tagus River.

Lisbon is also one of Portugal’s best food destinations. You’ll find everything from family-run tascas to Michelin-starred restaurants, along with an excellent brunch scene, contemporary dining, and surprising ethnic restaurants.

2. Porto

Porto is one of the best cities to visit in Portugal. Historic architecture, river views, tiled façades, and regional cuisine are just a few of the reasons why.

The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is compact and easy to explore on foot. Ribeira is one of Porto’s most picturesque spots, where colorful houses line the Douro River. From here, you can walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views over Porto.

Azulejos in Porto is one of the highlights. The tile panels inside São Bento Station depict scenes from Portuguese history, while the exterior of Igreja do Carmo is covered entirely in blue and white ceramic tiles. But you will find beautiful tiles on every corner.

Other must see attractions include Livraria Lello, often listed among the world’s most beautiful bookstores, and Clérigos Tower, which offers one of the best viewpoints in Porto. My guide to the best things to do in Porto covers all of the city’s main attractions and experiences.

Porto is also one of the easiest cities in Portugal to visit on a short trip. Its compact layout makes it possible to see many of the main highlights in just a day or two. If you’re planning a quick visit, don’t miss my 1-day in Porto itinerary.

Food is an essential part of any visit. Francesinha (a layered sandwich with meat, cheese, and beer-based sauce) is the city’s most famous dish, and Brasão is my go-to place. Port wine tastings across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia are another classic experience.

3. Braga

Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, with a history dating back to Roman times. It is also known as the “Portuguese Rome” thanks to its remarkable number of churches.

The city’s most iconic landmark is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, set on Mount Espinho. It is best known for its monumental Baroque staircase, which rises 116 meters and consists of 577 steps. If you prefer to skip the climb, you can drive up or take the historic funicular instead.

A short drive away is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro. It offers similar panoramic views but attracts fewer visitors. If you have more time, continue another ten minutes by car to Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena and Capela de Santa Marta do Leão.

And don’t miss Braga’s historic center. Stop by Braga Cathedral, Praça da República, the Garden of Santa Bárbara, Raio Palace, and Arco da Porta Nova before ending the day at Velhos Tempos, one of my favorite restaurants in Braga for traditional Portuguese food.

4. Évora

Évora is one of the best cities to visit in Portugal for history lovers. Located in the Alentejo region, about 1.5 hours east of Lisbon, its well preserved center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with monuments spanning thousands of years.

One of the city’s best known landmarks is the Roman Temple of Évora, dating back to the 1st century. Just a short walk away is the Cathedral of Évora (Sé de Évora), a medieval landmark with rooftop views over the city. Another highlight is the Chapel of Bones.

Évora is also one of my favorite food destinations in the Alentejo. Taberna Típica Quarta-feira is known for regional dishes, Restaurante Fialho is one of the city’s best established restaurants, and Restaurante 1/4 Para as 9 is a great choice for traditional local flavors.

The area around Évora is one of Portugal’s best-known wine regions. Nearby wineries include Adega Cartuxa, famous for its Alentejo wines, and Dona Dorinda Organic Wines, which focuses on organic production.

5. Aveiro 

Aveiro is one of the most unique cities to visit in Portugal. Often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” it is defined by canals, Art Nouveau façades, and its connection to the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. The comparison only goes so far, as Aveiro has its own character.

Riding a traditional moliceiro is one of the most memorable experiences in Aveiro. These colorful boats were originally used to collect seaweed from the lagoon and now offer a different perspective of the city as they pass through its canals.

The Aveiro Railway Station is worth a quick stop. Its exterior is covered in azulejo panels depicting regional scenes and everyday life. Around the city, you will also find beautiful churches, Art Nouveau buildings, and museums.

Food is another important part of visiting Aveiro. Ovos moles de Aveiro is the city’s most famous specialty, made from egg yolks and sugar and traditionally shaped into small maritime forms.

If you are planning a visit, my Aveiro travel guide covers the best things to do, lesser-known spots, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.

6. Coimbra

Beyond Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is one of my favorite city escapes in the country. Located between the two cities, it sits along the Mondego River and is best known for its university, academic traditions, and centuries of history.

The city’s main landmark is the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university complex, you can visit the Joanina Library, known for its Baroque interior, and explore the historic courtyards overlooking the city.

The old town is divided between the upper and lower areas. In the upper part, narrow medieval streets lead toward the university, while the lower part near the river is filled with small shops, cafés, and pedestrian streets.

Key sites include the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), a well-preserved Romanesque structure, and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, located on the opposite side of the river.

Coimbra is also closely connected to Fado, traditionally performed by male students and linked to the city’s university traditions.

Compact and walkable, Coimbra works well as a stop between Lisbon and Porto or as a short stay focused on history, architecture, and cultural heritage. My Coimbra travel guide covers the city’s highlights, hidden gems, art, history, and food.

7. Guimarães

Guimarães is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and one of the most important places in the country’s history. Founded by the Celts, it is often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal.

The historic center is filled with landmarks connected to the city’s past. Some of the most relevant places to visit in Guimarães include the Gothic Padrão do Salado and the Tower of Alfândega, where a sign famously reads “Here was born Portugal.”

The Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos is one of the most picturesque buildings in Guimarães, with its distinctive Baroque façade and location at the end of a tree lined avenue.

No visit to Guimarães is complete without exploring Guimarães Castle. This medieval fortress is one of the city’s most important landmarks and one of the most recognizable castles in Portugal.

8. Setúbal

Setúbal is one of the best coastal cities to visit in Portugal. Located about 50 minutes south of Lisbon, at the edge of the Sado Estuary, it combines maritime heritage, historic architecture, and strong local food traditions.

The historic center is easy to explore on foot, with highlights including Praça do Bocage, the Convento de Jesus, one of the earliest examples of Manueline architecture, and Mercado do Livramento, known for its azulejo panels and fresh produce.

Above the city stands the Forte de São Filipe, a 16th-century fortress offering views over Setúbal and the surrounding area. Inside the fort complex, you will also find a small chapel decorated with traditional azulejo tiles.

Setúbal is best known for its seafood, especially choco frito (fried cuttlefish), which is considered a local specialty. Casa Santiago – O Rei do Choco Frito is one of the most famous places to try it and attracts visitors from across Portugal.

9. Faro

Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in southern Portugal and the main gateway to the area thanks to its international airport.

It is not among my favorite places in Portugal, as I usually prefer the Algarve’s scenic beaches and smaller coastal towns. However, Faro is still worth exploring for its historic center and access to protected coastal landscapes.

The old town is home to several important landmarks, including the Sé de Faro, located in Largo da Sé, and the Arco da Vila, one of the main entrances into the historic center. Another notable site is the Capela dos Ossos de Faro, located inside the Igreja do Carmo.

Faro is also connected to the Ria Formosa, a coastal lagoon system with barrier islands, wetlands, and birdlife. From the marina, boats provide access to islands such as Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol.

10. Viseu

Viseu is often overlooked, but it is a historic city that deserves a place on your Portugal itinerary. Named one of the best places to live in Portugal, Viseu offers a chance to experience Portuguese culture, architecture, and traditions without the crowds.

The historic center is centered around the cathedral, one of the city’s most important landmarks. The Sé de Viseu combines different architectural styles, with its origins dating back to the medieval period.

Next to it, the Museu Nacional Grão Vasco houses an important collection of Portuguese art, including works by the famous Renaissance painter Vasco Fernandes. On the same square, Igreja da Misericórdia is a must visit.

Praça da República is another highlight, especially if you appreciate Portuguese tiles. The square is home to one of the city’s most impressive azulejo panels, depicting traditional scenes from Viseu’s history.

Beyond the city center, the region is known for its vineyards, local cuisine, and wine tourism. The Palácio dos Condes de Anadia is one of the most beautiful palaces in Central Portugal and makes a good addition when exploring Viseu.