Are you considering a city break to Portugal in the near future? Well, Portugal has several great options for you to consider and the experts here at Your Tours Portugal want to help you plan your trip.
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world. From the vibrant city of Lisbon to the picturesque coastal towns of the Algarve, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Portugal.
In this guide, we cover some of the best cities to visit in Portugal, offering some helpful insight into each location.
If anything we say inspires you to visit Portugal with us, please take a look through our All-Inclusive Private Day Tours in Portugal and perhaps even consider our Tailor-Made Travel in Portugal. We can design your dream trip in Portugal!
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and it is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. With its charming streets, stunning architecture, and lively nightlife, Lisbon is a must-see destination for almost any traveler.
One of the top landmarks in Lisbon is the Belem Tower: a beautiful 16th-century fortification located on the banks of the River Tagus. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate decorative carvings and its beautiful views of the city.
Another popular attraction in Lisbon is the Jeronimos Monastery. This beautiful 16th-century monastery is located in the city center. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and its beautiful cloisters.
In addition to its beautiful landmarks, Lisbon is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The city has a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it a great destination for those who have the most fun on vacation after the sun goes down.
Porto
Located in the north of Portugal, Porto is a beautiful city with a deep history and culture for visitors to explore. The city is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful beaches, as well as its famous port wine, from which it shares its name.
One of the must-see landmarks in Porto is the Clerigos Tower, a stunning baroque tower located in the city center. The tower offers beautiful views of the city and is a popular spot for photographers (both amateur and professional).
Another popular attraction in Porto is the Sao Francisco Church — a stunning Gothic church with beautiful interior decorations. The church is known for its elaborate gold altars and its intricate stained-glass windows.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a beautiful city located in central Portugal. The city is known for its impressive architecture and its rich history. It is home to the oldest university in Portugal and is known for its stunning gardens and its vibrant student culture.
One of the must-see landmarks in Coimbra is the Old Cathedral; this is a beautiful 12th-century cathedral located in the city center.
Another popular attraction in Coimbra is the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha — a beautiful 14th-century convent located on the banks of the River Mondego. The convent is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and its well-preserved tombs.
Coimbra is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, making it a great destination for visitors eager to experience Portuguese culture.
Braga
Braga is a beautiful city located in the north of Portugal. The city is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its stunning religious architecture.
One of the must-see landmarks in Braga is the Bom Jesus do Monte, a famous pilgrimage site located on a hill overlooking the city. The site features a beautiful baroque stairway, as well as stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Another popular attraction in Braga is the Cathedral of Braga. This beautiful Gothic cathedral is located in the city center and it is celebrated for its elaborate interior and the various chapels built in close proximity.
Faro
Faro is a beautiful coastal city located in the Algarve region of Portugal. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, its rich history, and its energetic nightlife.
One of the must-see landmarks in Faro is its Old Town, which is a beautiful historic district located in the city center. The Old Town is known for its well-preserved walls and gates, as well as its beautiful churches and museums.
Another popular attraction in Faro is the Faro Cathedral, a beautiful 13th-century cathedral located in the Old Town. The cathedral is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and the views it offers over the serene Ria Formosa nearby.
Sintra
Sintra is a beautiful town located near Lisbon, Portugal. The town is known for its epic castles and palaces, as well as its beautiful gardens and parks.
One of the must-see landmarks in Sintra is the Pena National Palace (pictured above), a stunning 19th-century palace located on a hill overlooking the town. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful Romantic architecture and its stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Another popular attraction in Sintra is the Castle of the Moors a beautiful castle located on a hill overlooking the town. The castle is known for its well-preserved fortifications and its beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Guimaraes
Guimaraes is a beautiful city located in the north of Portugal. The city is known for its medieval architecture and its rich history. It is considered to be the birthplace of Portugal, and is home to the historic Guimaraes Castle.
Guimaraes Castle is a beautiful medieval castle located in the city center. The castle features a stunning chapel and a well-preserved keep, and it offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Another popular attraction in Guimaraes is the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a beautiful late-medieval palace located in the city center. The palace is known for its elaborate interior decor and its impressive gardens.
Tomar
Tomar is a beautiful city located in central Portugal. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and its deep history.
One of the must-see landmarks is the Castle of Tomar, a beautiful 12th-century castle located in the city center. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and well-preserved keep.
Another popular attraction in Tomar is the Convent of Christ (pictured above). This is a picturesque convent located in the city center. The convent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture.
Portugal is a beautiful country with a huge number of cities worth exploring. We do hope, however, to have added at least one or two cities to your Portuguese bucket list.
If anything we’ve said here has inspired you to travel to Portugal with Your Tours Portugal, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
