https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/portugal/best-things-to-do/10070100106090
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Portugal [2025]
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National Palace of Pena
4.7
/5
456 reviews
9.9
From SAR 74.91
Based on 20,313 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351219237300
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Multi-style architectural marvel National Palace of Pena
Overlook the panorama from the observation deck of the National Palace of Pena
Saved by 219 users332 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Pena Palace is a very beautiful castle, combining Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish and Manueline styles (Manueline, the architectural style during the reign of King Nouel I of Portugal). It is better to take pictures outside than inside. There are so many people and you have to queue up to see the palace.
Stepping into the National Palace of Pena feels like entering a fairytale. Perched atop the hills of Sintra, its vibrant colors, romantic architecture, and sweeping views are simply breathtaking. Every corner tells a story — from intricate tilework to lush gardens that stretch into the mist. It’s a dream come true for history lovers, photographers, and wanderers alike. An absolute must-see if you're anywhere near Lisbon.
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Jerónimos Monastery
4.4
/5
363 reviews
9.5
From SAR 79.32
Based on 32,971 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351213620034
Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-1.5 hours
Featured in 2025 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
A Religious Architectural Gem from Portugal's Age of Discovery
16th-century Manueline icon
Saved by 369 users165 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon's Belém district, a jewel of Manueline architecture and an epic monument to the Age of Exploration! Built in 1502 to commemorate Vasco da Gama's successful journey to India, the pure white limestone gleams like a ship in the sun. Intricately carved over a century, the arches are adorned with mooring cables, anchor chains, and exotic treasures, while the columns resemble entwined siren tentacles. Every inch of the stone carving speaks of the grandeur of the expedition. Inside, navigator Vasco da Gama and poet Camões lie buried, and the stained windows cast a turquoise shadow of the ocean waves. Standing in front of the south gate, adorned with reliefs of sailboats and sea monsters, it's as if you can hear the horns of the Age of Exploration echoing along the banks of the Tagus River, witnessing Portugal's most glorious era of maritime hegemony.
The Jeronimos Monastery is a landmark building in Lisbon, known as the peak of Manuel architecture. The day before the big navigators were going to sea, they came to Jeronimos Monastery to receive prayers. Now it is Lisbon's most famous monument. The square next to it, the environment is very good, you can take a leisurely ride.
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Belém Tower
4.6
/5
665 reviews
9.0
Based on 38,321 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351213620034
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Symbol of the Great Navigation Era's starting point
360-degree view from tower
Saved by 429 users222 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Berenta, a world heritage site, is a landmark of Lisbon, a witness to the history of Portuguese navigation. The former Berenta is where the great navigators set off. Berenta is next to the navigational monument, built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry, the seafaring prince, like a ship with a huge sail.
The scenery outside is nice, but the queue is quite long. If you go there in the summer, you must be prepared to wear sunscreen. As a nearly 600-year-old monument, there are not many shocking places inside, but when you think about how the ancients could build such a building so many years ago, you still admire it. I recommend it.
No.
4
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Livraria Lello
4.3
/5
190 reviews
9.0
Based on 18,602 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351222002037
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Highlights:
Trilingual library attracts international readers
Spiral wooden stairs: magical world
Saved by 412 users128 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There were so many people, the bookstore was beautiful, and it was so difficult to take pictures. I originally wanted to buy a book to take home as a souvenir, but I thought my bag was too heavy, so I had to give up. The cheapest book cost 16 euros, but the ticket price can be deducted, so I just visited it.
Livraria Lello is truly stunning; a magical place that feels straight out of a Harry Potter scene. The iconic staircase, stained glass ceiling, and rich wooden details are breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why it inspired J.K. Rowling during her time in Porto.However, the experience is far too crowded. The space is quite small, yet large groups are allowed in at once, making it difficult to move, enjoy the architecture, or take decent photos.It’s interesting but overpriced for what you get, unless they start limiting the number of visitors per time slot.Tip: Book online in advance and go early if you want a slightly calmer experience.
No.
5
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São Jorge Castle
4.5
/5
242 reviews
8.5
From SAR 103.78
Based on 30,869 reviews
Santa Maria Maior | >100 km from downtown
Phone +351218800620
Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Europe 50 - Night Attractions
Highlights:
Viewpoint overlooks Alfama old town
Lisbon rooftops & Tagus River views
Saved by 237 users138 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Explore the stunning São Jorge Castle in Lisbon! 🏰🌟 With panoramic views over the city, rich history, and charming gardens, it’s the perfect spot for history buffs and photographers alike. 📸✨ #SaoJorgeCastle #Lisbon #HistoryInTheMaking #ExplorePortugal #TravelGoals
castle with breathtaking views of Lisbon. My favorite site in all of Lisbon as it takes you to a high elevation point where you have the views. The castle also has lots of history.
No.
6
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Quinta da Regaleira
4.4
/5
103 reviews
8.3
From SAR 92.53
Based on 14,196 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351219106650
Address: R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Highlights:
Explore the underground wonders of Morning Star Palace
Climb the spiral staircase to explore the dry well maze
Saved by 140 users49% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It feels a bit like a ghost castle. It rained on the day we went there, which really enhanced the atmosphere. However, the Nine-story Demon Tower was really average and uninteresting. The whole manor was still very photogenic, and we also caught the rainbow after the rain, a double rainbow, which was quite lucky!
It's so beautiful! Especially the Initiation Well is a must! It's really shocking! The manor is very large and you can take your time to walk around.
No.
7
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Cape Roca
4.7
/5
345 reviews
8.1
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351219280081
Address: Estrada do Cabo da Roca s/n, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
140m cliff view & ocean
Land ends here lighthouse
102 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Cape Rocca, the westernmost point of Eurasia, facing the vast Atlantic Ocean, "the land stops here, the sea starts at Si". Good weather, the wind on the cliff is very big, very big, even walking a little staggering, the fear of heights is afraid. The steep cliff is 140 meters from the sea level, surrounded by rocky coastline, the scenery is extremely magnificent, the weather is good, the people are beautiful, it is a serious area for thieves, and you must take care of it.
Cape Roca, located at the westernmost tip of Portugal, is a cape in Portugal adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and one of the 50 most worthwhile places to visit in the world. Although the weather was not the best that day, it did not affect our excitement. The lighthouse was hidden by the clouds and mist from time to time, and we seemed to blend into the scenery...
No.
8
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Alfama
4.6
/5
165 reviews
8.1
Based on 21,449 reviews
Santa Maria Maior | >100 km from downtown
Address: Lisbon, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Traditional grocery stores
Lisbon coast views & lookouts
Saved by 268 users35% positive reviews
Verified user 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.
Spending a few days in Lisbon was an incredible treat for the senses. The city is beautifully colorful, with painted streets, murals, artwork, and the iconic Portuguese tiles. Strolling leisurely down the streets, I found several street musicians playing Fado music. And of course, the food is amazing and affordable. Lisbon has some of the nicest and most social hostels I found in Europe, and I joined a free walking tour through the hostel to see the major sites and learn the local history. One of my absolute favorite cities in Europe!
No.
9
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National Palace of Sintra
4.5
/5
107 reviews
7.8
From SAR 54.23
Based on 5,299 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351219237300
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
A treasure of diverse architectural art
Immersive Portuguese cultural experience
31% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
In the center of Sintra town, you can take a train from Lisbon. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Sintra Station to the Royal Palace. Walking through the old streets of the town, the scenery along the way is very good. The Royal Palace displays gorgeous decorations and some of the furniture of the time. Through visiting history.
Sintra, which is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, has the most recognizable and eye-catching landmark, the "Horn Palace" - the Sintra Royal Palace.
Located in the center of the town, the Sintra Royal Palace was built in the late 14th century to the first half of the 16th century. From its completion until the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1900, it has been the summer palace of successive kings.
The two-column chimney of the palace kitchen, with a chubby cone shape, stands like a pair of huge horns in the Sintra Mountains, becoming the landmark of Sintra City. The palace also has a romantic nickname - the Horn Palace.
Looking from a distance, surrounded by mountains, a pair of white horns pierce the blue sky, adding a bit of fairy-tale romance to the green mountains of Sintra;
Looking closely, the dark red slope top, snow-white exterior walls, exquisite window lattices... the fusion of artistic style is impressive;
Standing in the small square in front of the palace and looking in all directions, the undulating hillsides are dotted with colorful buildings, which are very beautiful...
No.
10
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Porto Cathedral
4.6
/5
106 reviews
7.6
Based on 5,075 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +351222059028
Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Overlook Douro River & Gaia
Old town & Douro River views
Saved by 186 users34% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Porto Cathedral, one of the oldest religious buildings in Porto, was built in the 12th century and completed after a century. It combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles and is now a core part of Porto's World Cultural Heritage. The church is located on the hill on the north bank of the Douro River, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the river at the same time. It is beautiful.
Porto must-see attractions: a feast of vision and experience
If you are planning a trip to Europe, then this attraction in Porto is definitely worth putting on your itinerary. It is like a shining pearl inlaid in the city, attracting tourists from all over the world with its unique charm.
The moment you step into the attraction, it feels like entering a dreamlike art palace. The most eye-catching thing is the exquisite white and blue tiles, which are arranged in a staggered manner, as if telling the history and story of the city. These tiles are pure in color, white like snow, blue like the deep ocean, interweaving with each other to form a series of artistic patterns. From simple geometric figures to complex figures and landscapes, each tile embodies the hard work and wisdom of the craftsmen. However, if you want to take amazing photos in this world of white and blue tiles, it is particularly important to match your clothes in advance. Light-colored clothing, such as off-white dresses and light blue shirts, can complement the tones of the tiles, allowing you to easily blend into this beautiful background and become a lively part of the picture; while clothing with simple patterns or plain colors can avoid visual conflicts with the tile patterns and highlight the main body of the characters. Carefully matched clothing, coupled with the right shooting angle and light, every photo can become a fashionable blockbuster that will be popular on WeChat Moments.
However, if you want to fully appreciate the beauty of the scenic spot, you also need to be prepared to climb the stairs. The stairs here are winding, as if leading to a mysterious secret place. Although climbing the stairs may consume some physical strength, you can get different surprises and beautiful scenery at each level. Therefore, be sure to wear a pair of comfortable shoes to make your journey easier and more enjoyable. Comfortable shoes can not only reduce foot fatigue, but also make you safer and more comfortable during the walking process, and devote yourself to exploring the scenic spot.
When you climb up the stairs step by step and finally reach the top, the scene in front of you will surely amaze you. Here, you can overlook the entire city of Porto, and a magnificent picture slowly unfolds before your eyes. The city's well-arranged buildings, red tiles and white walls sparkle under the sun; the winding Douro River, the river water is sparkling, and the boats slowly sail on the river, drawing beautiful arcs; the rolling mountains in the distance add a touch of natural color to the city. Whether it is in the early morning, the sun shines on every corner of the city, giving everything a golden glow; or in the evening, the sun sets, the sky is dyed a gorgeous orange-red, and it reflects the lights of the city. The scenery here is breathtaking.
To ensure that you can start this wonderful journey smoothly, it is recommended to book tickets in advance. As the popularity of this attraction continues to increase, more and more tourists come here. Booking tickets in advance not only allows you to avoid waiting in line for a long time at the entrance of the attraction, saving precious time, but also ensures that you can enter the attraction at your favorite time to visit and better plan your itinerary. Imagine that while others are still anxiously queuing up to buy tickets, you have already leisurely stepped into the scenic spot and started to enjoy the beautiful scenery here.
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