Portugal is one of the most rewarding countries in Europe to explore. From the faded grandeur of Lisbon's Alfama district to the baroque wine estates of the Douro Valley, the dramatic sea cliffs of the Algarve, and the medieval hilltop villages of the Alentejo, Portugal packs an extraordinary variety of experiences into a relatively small country. This guide covers the best things to do in Portugal in 2026.
Best Things to Do in Lisbon
Explore the Alfama — Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood is a labyrinth of steep, cobbled streets, tiled buildings, and miradouros (viewpoints) with sweeping views over the city and the Tagus estuary. The Castelo de São Jorge sits at the top, the Sé Cathedral at the bottom, and the sounds of fado music drift from the restaurants in between. Get lost here — that's the point.
Ride Tram 28 — Lisbon's iconic yellow trams are both a practical transport system and a tourist experience. Tram 28 winds through the Alfama, Graça, and Estrela neighbourhoods, climbing hills that would defeat most vehicles. It's crowded in summer — go early morning for a more comfortable ride.
Belém — The riverside district of Belém, 6km west of the city centre, is home to the Torre de Belém (a 16th-century fortified tower on the Tagus), the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (a UNESCO-listed Manueline monastery of extraordinary beauty), and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). The original Pastéis de Belém café, which has been making the definitive pastel de nata since 1837, is here.
LX Factory — A converted 19th-century industrial complex in Alcântara that now houses independent restaurants, design shops, bookshops, and a Sunday market. One of the best places in Lisbon to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Day trip to Sintra — 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary fairy-tale palaces set in forested hills above the Atlantic. The Palácio Nacional da Pena (a wildly colourful 19th-century Romanticist palace) and the Quinta da Regaleira (with its mysterious initiation well) are the highlights. Go on a weekday to avoid the worst crowds.
Best Things to Do in Porto
Porto is one of Europe's most atmospheric cities — a compact, hilly city of baroque churches, azulejo-tiled buildings, and the Douro River lined with port wine lodges.
Ribeira district — Porto's UNESCO-listed riverside neighbourhood is the heart of the city. The colourful buildings stacked up the hillside above the river, the Dom Luís I bridge, and the rabelo boats (traditional port wine boats) on the Douro make it one of the most photogenic urban scenes in Europe.
Port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia — Cross the Dom Luís I bridge to the south bank and you'll find the famous port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia — Taylor's, Graham's, Sandeman, and dozens more. Most offer tours and tastings. The views back across the river to Porto from the lodge terraces are spectacular.
Livraria Lello — Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, Livraria Lello is a 1906 neo-Gothic masterpiece with a stunning carved wooden staircase. Entry requires a ticket (redeemable against a book purchase). Book in advance.
Douro Valley day trip — The Douro Valley, 100km east of Porto, is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world — steep terraced vineyards dropping to the river, ancient quintas (wine estates), and a landscape that changes colour dramatically through the seasons. Take the train from Porto Campanhã for a scenic 2-hour journey, or join a river cruise.
Best Beaches in Portugal
Portugal has some of the finest beaches in Europe, from the sheltered golden coves of the Algarve to the wild Atlantic surf beaches of the west coast.
Algarve (best for families and sun-seekers) — The Algarve's south-facing coast has calm, warm water and dramatic golden limestone cliffs. Praia da Marinha, Praia de Benagil (famous for its sea cave), and the beaches around Lagos are among the most beautiful. The resort towns of Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Lagos offer the full range of accommodation and facilities.
Comporta and the Alentejo coast (best for escapism) — 90 minutes south of Lisbon, Comporta is a low-key, upmarket alternative to the Algarve — long, empty Atlantic beaches backed by rice paddies and pine forests. It's become fashionable with Lisbon's creative class and European celebrities seeking something quieter.
Cascais and Estoril (best for day trips from Lisbon) — 30 minutes from Lisbon by train, the Estoril coast offers a string of good beaches, a casino, and the charming town of Cascais. Praia do Guincho, 10km west of Cascais, is a wild Atlantic beach backed by dunes — spectacular but often windy.
Portuguese Food and Wine
Portuguese cuisine is one of Europe's most underrated food cultures — honest, ingredient-led cooking built on exceptional seafood, pork, olive oil, and wine.
Pastel de nata — The custard tart that conquered the world. The original is from Belém in Lisbon (Pastéis de Belém café), but good versions are available at every pastelaria in the country. Eat warm, dusted with cinnamon.
Bacalhau (salt cod) — Portugal's national dish, said to have 365 different recipes — one for every day of the year. Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes), bacalhau com natas (with cream), and bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (with potatoes and hard-boiled eggs) are the most common versions.
Seafood — Portugal's Atlantic coastline produces exceptional seafood. Grilled sardines (particularly during the June Festas de Lisboa), percebes (barnacles), amêijoas (clams), and fresh fish are staples of the Portuguese table.
Port wine — The world's most famous fortified wine, produced in the Douro Valley and aged in the lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia. Tawny port (aged in small oak barrels) and vintage port (aged in bottle) are the two main styles.
Vinho Verde — A light, slightly sparkling white wine from the Minho region in northern Portugal. Refreshing, low in alcohol, and excellent value — the perfect summer wine.
