10 Best Things to Do in Aveiro for First-Time Visitors

1. Explore Aveiro’s Charming Canals on a Moliceiro Boat Ride

If there’s one experience that really defines Aveiro, it’s a Moliceiro boat ride. These traditional boats are the reason the city is often called the “Venice of Portugal.” 

Shaped a bit like gondolas, Moliceiros stand out thanks to their hand-painted panels, each one telling a small story from Portuguese daily life.

Boat tours run throughout the day and last around 45 minutes, taking you through the main canals, passing Art Nouveau buildings, colorful façades, and salt flats.

While any time is nice, I personally recommend going at sunset, when the city feels calmer as day trippers head home. In my opinion, it’s one of those unmissable things to do in Aveiro if you want to see the city from a different perspective and really get a feel for its soul.

Tickets cost around €14 for adults and €7 for children. Book your tickets in advance here.

2. Admire the Art Nouveau Buildings

Despite its small size, Aveiro has an impressive collection of Art Nouveau buildings that are well worth your time. One of the best places to start is along the main canal, especially on Rua João Mendonça, where you’ll find some of the most eye-catching façades in the city. 

What I love most is that these buildings are still part of everyday life in Aveiro. Many of them house local businesses such as butchers, small grocery stores, or cafés selling regional treats like ovos moles.

While the main canal is the easiest place to spot Art Nouveau architecture, it’s worth exploring beyond it too. Casa da Silva Rocha, on Rua do Carmo 12, is one of the most beautiful examples, just a short walk from the Hotel As Américas, another notable Art Nouveau landmark in Aveiro.

3. Try the Famous “Ovos Moles”

You can’t leave Aveiro without trying ovos moles. Made from egg yolks and sugar, and wrapped in a thin wafer shaped like shells or fish, it’s simple but very rich in flavor. The recipe dates back to convent traditions and has become Aveiro’s most famous treat.

You’ll find ovos moles in many cafés and pastry shops around town, often sold individually or in small boxes that also make an easy souvenir. I recommend trying them fresh, ideally with a coffee, to really appreciate the texture and sweetness.

Even if you’re not usually into very sweet desserts, it’s one of those regional specialties that’s worth tasting at least once while you’re in Aveiro. Want to make it yourself? Try this workshop!

4. See the Beautiful Train Station

Every Aveiro travel guide highlights the city’s historic train station, and for good reason. While the city is now served by a modern station, all eyes turn to the old building just a few steps away. 

Its white façade is decorated with some of the finest azulejos in Portugal, making it one of my favorite stations in the country, right after São Bento in Porto and Rossio in Lisbon.

Azulejos tell the story of the region, depicting local life, regional landscapes, notable figures, the city’s coat of arms, and monuments of both local and national importance.

It’s the perfect place to walk around, admire the azulejos up close, and see why this building is considered one of Aveiro’s true architectural gems.

Looking for more azulejos in Aveiro? The Casa de Santa Zita displays some of the finest tile works in the whole region, while the Mural Cerâmico is a bit more modern representation of art on walls.

5. Discover the Historic Churches

Aveiro’s churches are easy to miss if you rush through the city, but a few of them are well worth a stop. 

Capela de São Gonçalinho, near the canal in the historic center, is known for its round shape and the annual festival where locals throw sweets from the rooftop. It’s a quick visit, but a very local one.

The Igreja de São João Evangelista forms one of the city’s most impressive religious complexes. Inside, expect detailed azulejos and richly carved wooden altars that reflect the Carmelite tradition, making it one of the best places in Aveiro for religious art.

The Church of Aveiro’s Mercy stands out for its azulejo-covered façade. For a quieter stop, the Capela do Senhor das Barrocas is a small baroque chapel tucked away from the main sights and a true hidden gem in Aveiro.

6. Explore the Local Museums

If you want to better understand the city beyond its canals and façades, visiting a few local museums is one of the best things to do in Aveiro.

The City Museum is small and easy to visit. It’s set inside two historic buildings, one with Art Nouveau details and the other covered in yellow-and-blue azulejos. 

Inside, you’ll learn how the city grew, its connection to the lagoon, and the importance of the salt industry. It’s ideal for getting a feel for Aveiro’s local identity. Entry is €4. 

The Museu de Arte Nova is one of the prettiest stops in the city. It’s located in the former Major Pessoa house, a 1900s mansion designed by Art Nouveau architect Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha. The façade alone is worth a look.

Inside, the museum explains how Art Nouveau arrived in Aveiro and why the city became a key spot for this style in Portugal. The visit is short but informative. Tickets cost €5.

The Aveiro Museum is housed in the old Convent of Jesus. This 15th-century complex is linked to Princess Santa Joana, whose marble tomb is the main highlight. You can also visit the cloisters, the church, and see a strong collection of religious art and azulejos. Entry is €4.

💡 Planning to visit several churches and museums in Aveiro? Ask about combined tickets when you buy your first entry, as they can save you money. Also, keep in mind that many museums are free to visit on the first Sunday of every month.

7. Spot the Street Art

Beyond canals and historic buildings, street art is one of the Aveiro attractions. Scattered around the city, these works reflect its strong connection to the sea and local identity.

One of the most photographed spots is the “I Love Aveiro” stairs, located near the old Antiga Fábrica Jerónimo Pereira Campos. It’s simple, colorful, and hard to miss. 

Another standout is Graffiti Atita by Fábio Carneiro, a powerful piece that reflects Aveiro’s deep relationship with the ocean. 

Right along the canal, you’ll also find Bordalo II – Rã, an eye-catching artwork made from recycled materials and a must-see for fans of urban art.

These were some of my favorite murals in Aveiro. However, you don’t need a map, because most pieces appear naturally as you explore on foot.

8. Visit the Salt Pans

We visited salt pans on a guided tour, walking between the ponds while learning how salt once drove the local economy and shaped everyday life in the region. Even though there are fewer active pans today, the area still feels deeply connected to the city.

If you want to understand how salt is harvested and why it mattered so much to Aveiro, a guided visit is the better choice. It’s one of the more authentic Aveiro attractions, especially if you’re curious about local traditions.

The salt pans are also an important natural habitat. During our visit, we saw stilts, but you can encounter flamingos as well. Some locations, such as Cale do Oiro, also offer saltwater and mud baths for therapeutic purposes. 

9. Experience Aveiro’s Food Scene 

Even though I live in Lisbon and eat Portuguese food all the time, I wanted to explore Aveiro’s local specialties and taste what makes the city unique. Sampling these local flavors quickly became one of the highlights of our visit.

My first stop was Zico, a classic Portuguese tasca you really can’t skip. Their house steak with garlic sauce is a must-try, and if you prefer milder flavors, there are plenty of other grilled dishes on the menu. Come early to get a table because it fills up quickly.

Another spot I loved was Taberna do Arco, a cozy place serving traditional regional dishes with care and flavor. For something a bit more refined, Bacalhau & Afins blends tradition with modern touches, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood prepared creatively.

For brunch or a coffee break, M Bakery Aveiro is the place to be. The bakery is perfectly Instagram-worthy, with sweets and pastries that taste as good as they look. 

Finally, for a truly local experience, head to Mercado Manuel Firmino. Here you can browse fresh produce, fish, and regional treats, and even pick up souvenirs like local salt or sweets to take home.

10. Escape to Costa Nova

When you visit Aveiro, make sure to set aside time to explore the coastal side of the region, especially Costa Nova. While there are other nice beaches nearby, like Praia da Barra, Costa Nova often steals the show as one of the most picturesque spots in Portugal.

The town is famous for its striped houses, brightly painted and set against the waterfront. Originally, fishermen’s storage houses, many have been converted into summer homes or accommodations, though a few locals still live there.

Costa Nova is lively, with plenty of cafés and restaurants lining the streets. The beach itself is long and sandy, with seasonal chairs, beach clubs, and public facilities. It is truly one of the best places to visit near Aveiro.

🚗The easiest way to reach Costa Nova is by Uber or car rental. If you prefer public transport, Transdev buses run from Aveiro Station, and you pay on board (around €3). The bus makes a few stops, but Costa Nova is easy to spot with its colorful striped houses.