Portugal Best Cities to Visit in 2025

Portugal’s best cities offer breathtaking scenery, delicious local cuisine, rich and diverse culture, and fascinating historic charm. The country’s high standard of living, relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, amazing weather throughout the year, and affordable housing options draw expats and travelers to its beautiful cities again and again.

In addition, the country offers a good social life, modern public transportation systems, low crime rates, and welcoming locals, making leaving after your visit that much more difficult.

Some of Portugal’s standout cities include bustling Lisbon, charming Porto, beachy Faro, and historic Coimbra, but there are so many other gems in Portugal to explore, too.

With so many lifestyles available across Portuguese cities, you are guaranteed to find a location that meets your needs and matches your lifestyle. In this article, we explore the best cities to visit in Portugal in 2025.

Porto

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and one of the more popular cities in Portugal among expats, can be found in Northern Portugal along the Douro River.

The weather can be a bit colder than the rest of Portugal, but with its charming atmosphere, art nouveau buildings, and breathtaking scenery, Porto is guaranteed to give you an authentic Portuguese experience.

Porto’s historic center has UNESCO World Heritage status, which, along with its architecture, shopping malls, gastronomy, and Port wine, has made it a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over.

Not only is Porto a great destination for holiday-makers, but it is also considered one of the best places to live in Portugal for expats and digital nomads.

Faro

In Southern Portugal, the Algarve is known for having the best weather, a stunning coastline, and picturesque beaches. Faro is the Algarve’s main city, located along the Spanish border, and its golden sun, tranquil sea, and delicious seafood have caused many retirees and other expats to relocate and settle in the city.

With its exceptional weather throughout the year, slower pace, laid-back lifestyle, and nearby golden beaches, the advantages of living in Faro are unmatched for many.

Faro is only about a two-hour drive from Lisbon, and its well-developed transportation system makes navigating between cities hassle-free. Expats and travelers can easily explore the Algarve region from Faro. It also has an international airport, a short 10-minute drive from the city center, making it easy to travel both nationally and internationally.

There are many city highlights in the Algarve, and Faro is a hidden gem that is often overlooked for more well-known locations. Despite this, Faro’s cobblestone streets, historic charm, hot weather, quieter lifestyle, and desirable location continue to attract visitors from all over, making it one of the best cities to visit in Portugal.

Viseu  

The medieval city of Viseu is located in the center of Portugal and is arguably the best city to visit in Portugal if you’re after cultural richness and historical sights.

On multiple occasions, Viseu has been ranked as one of the best cities in Portugal to live in, as well as one of the best cities in Europe. It’s not hard to see why the city is so well-loved when expats can find anything they need to lead a happy life in the city of Viseu.

Locals and expats who live here enjoy an excellent quality of life in the form of fantastic weather, efficient public transportation, and top-notch medical care. In addition to this, Viseu, Portugal, real estate is not expensive, and the job market is on the rise.

What’s more, Viseu is the perfect city for those who like to hike and go on excursions in nature as it is surrounded by mountains and rivers.

The city’s charming Renaissance architecture displays its rich culture and history, as do the statues that decorate its narrow cobbled streets. While it is less well-known than cities like Lisbon and Porto, Viseu sees its fair share of tourists and expats, meaning English speakers can be easy to find. If you want to practice your Portuguese, however, Viseu would be a great place to do so.

Évora 

Évora is the capital city of Portugal’s south-central region, called the Alentejo, not too far from the Spanish border and just north of the Algarve. The walled city of Évora is full of charm, with its beautiful medieval walls and religious architecture hinting at its fascinating history. In fact, it is the city’s history that led UNESCO to classify Évora as a World Heritage site.

The best way to explore the history of the city is on foot. In fact, Évora’s small size makes exploring the entire city easy and enjoyable. A walk through its narrow, historic winding streets will show you white houses, churches, temples, and historical monuments.

Évora’s local attractions include the Church of Santo Antão and the marble drinking fountain (Chafariz), which lie in the small city’s historic center. Other attractions include the Roman baths and the São Francisco Church with its mysterious Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos).

Évora is also home to the second-oldest university in Portugal (the oldest being the University of Coimbra, which is also one of Europe’s oldest universities), as well as the Roman Temple of Évora (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the greatest and best preserved Roman temples in the Iberian Peninsula.

With so much to see, travel within Évora is easy and nothing short of fascinating. If you’re looking for things to do outside of the city, there are nearby wineries that offer the opportunity for fun day trips.

Coimbra

Located in central Portugal, Coimbra is a historic city that leans into both the old and new. Once the country’s capital, it’s best known for the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hilltop campus is a must-visit, with highlights like the Royal Palace, St. Michael’s Chapel, and the Joanina Library showcasing the city’s academic legacy.

Beyond its scholarly roots, Coimbra’s cultural sights make it one of the must-see cities in Portugal. Its winding streets in the old town are home to museums, theaters, and art galleries, including the Machado de Castro National Museum, which houses impressive Roman ruins.

The city’s student population brings a youthful energy that’s reflected in its vibrant nightlife, street music, and seasonal festivals. Coimbra also offers peaceful green spaces, such as the Botanical Garden. Add in traditional Portuguese cuisine, scenic river views, and a deep cultural atmosphere, and it’s clear why Coimbra continues to draw in travelers and expats.

Aveiro

Often dubbed the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a charming coastal city in central Portugal known for its scenic canals, colorful boats, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Once a hub for salt production and maritime trade, Aveiro has evolved into a thriving urban center with a bustling harbor, direct rail links, a prestigious university, and plenty to offer both travelers and expats.

The best way to experience the city is by hopping aboard one of the iconic boats called moliceiros. These traditional boats were originally used to harvest moliço (seaweed used as fertilizer) but now serve a more leisurely purpose, offering canal cruises that give visitors a picturesque view of the city’s maritime heritage.

Aveiro’s city center, Rossio, is perfect for exploring on foot, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and renovated fish market turned dining spot. Must-see attractions include the Aveiro Cathedral, the Museum of Aveiro, and nearby cultural sites like the Vista Alegre porcelain museum and the Ílhavo Maritime Museum, which celebrates the region’s cod fishing heritage. The city is well-connected by train, too, making it an easy and popular day trip.

Sintra

If you’re visiting Lisbon and wondering what cities to visit in Portugal that are close by, the quaint town of Sintra is a must-see.

Sintra is one of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a royal retreat, and today, it continues to charm visitors and expats with its magical setting in the Sintra Mountains.

The standout attraction is the Palácio da Pena, a colorful masterpiece of Romantic architecture, crowned one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and the country’s most visited palace. Other must-sees include the Quinta da Regaleira, known for its mysterious Initiation Well and secret tunnels, and the Moorish Castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Though easily accessible by train, the best way to experience Sintra is on a guided tour from Lisbon. These tours often include historical insights, skip-the-line entry, and a scenic stop in Cascais, one of the best towns in Portugal to visit and live, perfect for a relaxed stroll or beach break.

How To Make Portugal Your Permanent Home

If you’re looking to relocate to any of these cities in Portugal, there are several options available that will allow non-European nationals to live in the country permanently. For EU citizens, you will easily be able to move to Portugal by registering your 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 to find out which pathway is best for you.

• 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.