Best places to visit in Portugal

Editor's Choice

This selection highlights Portugal’s architectural and natural diversity, spanning the mainland and Atlantic archipelagos. In Porto, explore the azulejo-tiled São Bento Station and the double-deck Dom Luís I Bridge. Lisbon offers the baroque National Pantheon and the 19th-century Pastéis de Belém bakery. Beyond the cities, the list features the 1,818-meter Arieiro Peak and the glass-floored Cabo Girão viewpoint in Madeira, alongside the UNESCO-listed historic center of Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores. Each site represents a significant facet of Portuguese heritage and landscape.

Editor's Choice — Map

chicadelatele / CC BY 2.0

A

Dom Luís I Bridge

Double-deck metal arch bridge spanning the Douro River, known for its striking design and scenic views connecting two cities.

Eurico Zimbres / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

National Pantheon

Historic baroque church and national mausoleum housing tombs of important Portuguese figures. Noted for its architectural beauty and central dome.

paul Barker Hemings / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Pastéis de Belém

Historic pastry shop known for original custard tarts made from a secret recipe dating back to 1837. It specializes in traditional Portuguese desserts and regional cuisine.

IngolfBLN / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

São Bento Railway Station

Historic train station known for its stunning azulejo tile panels depicting Portuguese history and rural scenes. It serves as a key hub for local and regional train services and is recognized as a cultural heritage site.

Public domain

E

Stock Exchange Palace

Historic 19th-century neoclassical palace with richly decorated interiors and the distinctive Moorish Revival Arab Room. It functions as a museum and cultural site showcasing Portuguese commercial history and architecture.

Ruialbuquerque / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Chapel of Souls

Historic baroque chapel known for its extensive blue-and-white tile exterior depicting religious scenes.

Maragato1976 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Café Majestic

Historic Art Nouveau café renowned for its Belle Époque architecture and cultural significance, featuring outdoor seating and a stylish ambiance.

Unukorno / CC BY 3.0

H

Cabo Girão

Highest promontory in Europe featuring a suspended glass platform with panoramic views over the south coast and local agricultural landscapes.

Ondřej Žváček / CC BY 2.5

I

Arieiro Peak

Mountain peak with an altitude of 1,818 meters, featuring panoramic views of the surrounding mountain massif and the Atlantic Ocean.

Carlos Paes / Copyrighted free use

J

The 25th of April Bridge

Suspension bridge connecting Lisbon and Almada over the Tagus River, serving both road and rail traffic and recognized for its distinctive design and cultural heritage status.

José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha… / Public domain

K

Angra do Heroismo Town Centre

Angra do Heroísmo, or simply Angra, is a city and municipality on Terceira Island, Portugal, and one of the three capital cities of the…

Shadowgate / CC BY 2.0

L

Café A Brasileira

This famous café was first opened in 1905 and used to be frequented by Portuguese intellectuals and artists.

Daniel Villafruela / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Saint Anthony's Church (Congregados)

This church with its eye-catching façade decorated with blue tiles is the dominant of Praça de Almeida Garrett.

Joao Pires / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Trinity Church

Located behind Porto's City Hall, this 19th-century church is a gem of Neoclassical style.

Other Lists

Portugal Essentials Portugal's Hidden Gems Best Viewpoints in Portugal Ancient Archaeological Sites Architectural Highlights Stunning Portuguese Beaches Castles and Fortresses Historic Churches & Monasteries Portugal's Heritage Sites Top Museums & Cultural Sites Enchanting Parks & Gardens Authentic Portuguese Flavors Natural Wonders: Waterfalls & Caves