Updated: October 31, 2025

 

If you are traveling to Portugal, there are a few places you shouldn’t miss. The country is renowned for its coastal cliffs, sunny beaches, high quality of life, and superior wine. But the best cities to visit in Portugal depend on the type of adventure you are after.

For example, Lisbon and Porto are top choices for a vibrant nightlife, rich history, and shopping. Other locations like Lagos, Évora, and Sintra are also sought-after, providing stunning coastlines, relaxation, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Our guide ranks the best Portuguese cities to visit for every traveler. We’ve also listed the most popular tourist attractions, the average cost of a meal at inexpensive restaurants, and the prices for local transport.

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Quick Summary

  • The best places to visit in Portugal depend on your personal preference, but destinations like Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra often rank at the top.
  • You can save on traveling costs if you use public transportation and eat at mid-range restaurants.
  • It's best to calculate your travel expenses before visiting Portugal, as coastal areas with many tourists can cost more.

Top 10 Best Portuguese Cities to Visit

The best cities to visit in Portugal depend on your interests, travel style, and budget. The country has a rich culture, history, and coastal beauty that attracts visitors from around the world, especially from the UK, the United States, and Germany. Below are the top places you should add to your bucket list for the ultimate road trip.

1. Lisbon

  • a view of Lisbon one of the best cities to visit in PortugalBest places to visit: Alfama, Baixa-Chiado, and Belém
  • Average meal cost: €12.50
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €2.00

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. It is a beautiful city and a great place with hills, trams, and sea views. You can walk on narrow cobbled streets, explore the historic center, and visit cafés in the old town.

There are many Lisbon tourist attractions. Visitors can admire the views from São Jorge Castle, listen to soulful Fado music in Alfama, or take a day trip to nearby Sintra’s fairytale palaces.

As the largest city, Lisbon blends tradition with an active Portugal nightlife. The entire area comes alive after dark, from rooftop bars in Bairro Alto to riverside clubs in Cais do Sodré.

2. Porto

  • clerigos tower in porto portugalBest places to visit: Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, Clérigos, and the arts district in Cedofeita
  • Average meal cost: €10.00
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €1.80

Porto is located in Northern Portugal with many places to see. The cobblestone streets lead through a historic city known for port wine and vibrant culture. You can visit the riverfront cafés by the Douro River. The Douro Valley makes it one of Europe’s most popular destinations with various restaurants and delicious food.

3. Sintra

  • sintra palace with green forest and blue skyBest places to visit: Historic Centre, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle
  • Average meal cost: €15.00
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €1.80

Sintra is a town that feels straight out of a fairy tale, with the colorful Palácio da Pena and mystical Quinta da Regaleira. Just a short-day trip from the capital city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors with its gardens, historic city charm, and hills. Here, you can enjoy walking through beautiful scenery.

4. Lagos

  • a view of a beach in lagos portugal with cliffsBest places to visit: Old Town, Marina, and the coastal path to Ponta da Piedade
  • Average meal cost: €14.50
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €1.50

Located in southern Portugal, Lagos draws travelers with the most beautiful beaches with golden sand and dramatic cliffs along the Algarve coast. It’s a laid-back city with a buzzing city center and many restaurants that serve fresh seafood. Lagos remains one of the best cities to relax by the Atlantic, which is ideal for visiting Portugal.

Unsure whether to live in Lisbon or the Algarve region? Check out our comparison guide on Lisbon vs Algarve.

5. Évora

  • a historic monument in Evora, PortugalBest places to visit: Historic Centre, Roman Temple, and the Chapel of Bones
  • Average meal cost: €10.50
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €2.75

Set in the Alentejo region, Évora is a historic city famous for its iconic landmarks. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a Roman temple, ancient walls, and narrow streets filled with charm. It symbolizes Portugal’s rich heritage, which is perfect for travelers.

6. Coimbra

  • Coimbra city at night with lights and waterfrontBest places to visit: Joanina Library, Baixa, and Santa Clara-a-Velha
  • Average meal cost: €10.50
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €2.00

In central Portugal, Coimbra is a classic university city filled with young people. Its historic centre sits above the river, lined with cobblestone streets and bookshops.

As one of the big cities, you can enjoy walking through its old town, discovering its culture and rich history. Read our full guide to learn more about the latest trends in Coimbra, Portugal real estate.

7. Funchal

  • the coastal area in Funchal in Madeira islandBest places to visit: Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, Zona Velha, and Sé Cathedral
  • Average meal cost: €10.00
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €1.98

If you are visiting Portugal, you have to come to the capital of Madeira, Funchal. Madeira is one of Portugal’s autonomous islands. This place is known for its natural beauty, gardens, and vibrant mountains overlooking the Atlantic. It is a picturesque city known for markets, cable cars, and fresh seafood. It’s a hidden gem with a mild climate, scenic coastlines, and a relaxed way of life.

8. Guimarães

  • apartment buildings near street in PortugalBest places to visit: Guimarães Castle, Historic City Center, and Largo da Oliveira
  • Average meal cost: €10.00
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €2.30

Guimarães is a fairy tale destination in northern Portugal. Here, you can experience Portugal’s rich history firsthand. This historic city has narrow cobbled streets and charming squares. A trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park is a great place to visit for nature lovers. It is filled with waterfalls, mountain trails, and untouched villages to explore.

9. Aveiro

  • Aveiro with waterfront and buildings during the dayBest places to visit: Costa Nova, Aveiro Museum, and Aveiro Train Station
  • Average meal cost: €12.00
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €2.00

Aveiro is one of the prettiest cities in Portugal. It is often called the “Venice of Portugal”, enchanting visitors with canals, boats, and colorful houses along Costa Nova. It’s a picturesque city with a laid-back feel. It is easy to explore on foot or by bike from the train stations. Its proximity to other towns adds to its natural beauty.

If you are interested in the Aveiro or the nearby areas, check out the latest market insight in our ultimate guide to Viseu, Portugal real estate.

10. Tavira

  • boats in water in Tavira, AlgarveBest places to visit: Tavira Castle, Ilha de Tavira, and Praia do Barril
  • Average meal cost: €11.00
  • Cost of one-way ticket with local transport: €3.00

Tavira, in southern Portugal near the Spanish borders, is a hidden gem with serene, old-world charm. Its whitewashed houses, Roman bridge, and Ria Formosa nature reserve offer pristine beaches and quiet traditional villages. It’s one of the nicest cities in Portugal, and visitors can often explore it on foot.

Check our ultimate guide to buying property in Portugal

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What is the best time of year to visit Portugal's top cities?

The best time to visit Portugal’s best cities, like Lisbon and Porto, is during the shoulder seasons: late spring (April-June) or early autumn (September-October). These months are very warm and sunny, but not as scorching as in mid-summer.

There are also fewer crowds, and rent prices tend to be lower. Also, booking a flight and accommodation during the shoulder season can lead to significantly better deals.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Best Cities in Portugal

Here are a couple of tips for a first-time traveler in Portugal:

  • Many places accept credit cards, but you should always have some cash in case they don’t.
  • Portugal is safe to visit. However, you should still take basic safety precautions, like tucking away your valuables on public transport.
  • Respect the flags at the beach and avoid swimming in high waves.
  • Explore the medieval castles in Portugal, there are hundreds of them.
  • Bring shoes you can walk in, since you may do a lot of hill climbing in Lisbon or Porto.

How to make Portugal your permanent home?

a person talking with a real estate agent in PortugalIf you’re looking to relocate to Portugal, several options allow non-European nationals to live in the country permanently. EU citizens can easily move to Portugal by registering their residence with the local council (Camara Municipal).

For non-EU nationals, you can explore either one of the visa routes below. The best option for you will depend on your personal situation. We recommend chatting with the residency experts at Global Citizen Solutions. You can make Portugal your permanent home via the:

  • Portugal Golden Visa: This five-year residency-by-investment scheme grants you residency and gives you the right to live, work, and study in Portugal in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy.
  • Portugal D7 Visa: The D7 Visa is a great option for retirees and passive income earners looking to relocate to Portugal. You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents who may accompany you.
  • Portugal D8 Visa: The D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, applies to remote workers who earn four times the local minimum wage, which is about €3,480 as of 2025.

If you are a British citizen looking to relocate, check our ultimate guide for moving to Portugal from the UK.

How can Goldcrest help you?

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy properties in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered.

Our team also offers property search services across Portugal. With our help, you can receive rental services for long-term rentals for more than a year.

If you are looking to purchase property anywhere in Portugal, don’t hesitate to contact us. From sublime beach houses in the Algarve to modern renovated houses in the historic city of Porto, we are more than happy to discuss your options, negotiate prices, and connect you with local contractors, lawyers, or tax advisors.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Cities to Visit in Portugal

The best places to visit in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, and Lagos. Other options include Évora, Coimbra, and Funchal. Each city has something unique to offer for travelers.

For many travelers, Aveiro is one of the prettiest cities in Portugal. It is a perfect place for a romantic getaway with stunning areas like Aveiro Lagoon. The entire place feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

For a first-time trip to Portugal, you might want to focus on Lisbon or Porto. These cities offer many opportunities to explore, such as historic neighborhoods, local museums, and nightlife. Major cities are very accessible by train for a day trip and are one of the best places to live in Portugal.

Tavira and Guimarães are very underrated. They are beautiful and well-preserved places that are quieter and less visited than Lisbon, Porto, or Lagos. For example, Tavira is a hidden gem for exclusive real estate in Portugal.

Portugal is an affordable country for tourists. Most visitors spend an average of €100 to €166 per day. You can save a lot of money if you go to mid-range restaurants and use local public transport.

One of the best destinations for hiking is Covilhã. It is on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela mountains and a good base for a trip up Torre, the highest peak in mainland Portugal.

It depends on your citizenship. Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, so most foreigners don’t need a visa for short visits. But all other nationalities not on the Schengen visa-waiver list must apply for a visa to visit Portugal. You can read more about the visa requirements in our guide for living in Portugal as an expat.