18 Best Things to do in Portugal 

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in luck! 

Portugal is one of our favorite countries in Europe – and the entire world, come to think of it. We just love the rich culture here, the relaxed way of living, and the sunny weather doesn’t exactly hurt. It’s really amazing just how much variety the country has to offer, from the Douro wine region and the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve to the colorful cities of Lisbon and Porto. 

But with so much to do, it can be hard to know where to start! That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to our favorite experiences in Portugal to make planning your trip a breeze. Let’s get into it!

Things to do in Portugal

1. Go wine tasting and river cruising in the famous Douro Valley 

As far as we’re concerned, a trip to the Douro Valley is an absolute must when you’re in Porto! It’s one of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe, and honestly, the scenery alone makes it worth the journey. But of course, you’ll want to drink lots of wine, which is why we recommend booking a guided tour so that nobody has to drive!

We did this tour while we were in Porto, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The Douro Valley isn’t the easiest place to explore on your own, so having everything organized for us made a huge difference. We were picked up in the city and taken straight into the valley, with a few scenic stops along the way.

We visited two different wineries during the day, where we learned about the winemaking process and tasted a great selection of wines. We loved hearing directly from the winemakers, and the lunch was a real highlight, too. It was a proper Portuguese meal, paired with yet more local wines, which just adds to the whole experience.

But for us, the best part was actually the river cruise! We got to float along the Douro on a traditional boat with vineyard views everywhere we looked. It was such a cool way to see the region, and so beautiful that it almost felt surreal. Honestly, we had the best time on this tour, and we’re not the only ones – it has a whopping 12,500+ 5-star reviews! 

2. See the fairytale Pena Palace in Sintra 

If you’ve seen photos of Portugal’s colorful fairytale castle, chances are it was Pena Palace in Sintra! It really does look like something straight out of a storybook, with bright yellow and red towers perched high up in the hills. Seeing it in person is even better, especially when the mist rolls in around the mountains.

We’d strongly recommend visiting this famous landmark on this guided day trip from Lisbon. Sintra is only about 40 minutes away, but getting between the sights once you’re there can be a bit of a mission. This tour takes care of everything, so you can just enjoy the day without worrying about transport or logistics.

The highlight, of course, is the Pena Palace. If you book the option with entry tickets, you’ll get to explore inside as well, which we think is definitely worth it. The rooms are just as detailed as the exterior, and having a guide there helps you understand what you’re actually looking at. We’re so glad we went inside!

You’ll also have some free time in Sintra itself, which we really liked. It’s a great spot to grab lunch or try local pastries like travesseiros.

After that, the tour continues along the coast to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, before finishing in Cascais. It’s such a nice mix of castles, scenery, and seaside towns, all in one day.

3. Taste authentic Portuguese cuisine on a food tour

Food is a huge part of any trip to Portugal, whether you’re most excited for fresh seafood or the iconic pastéis de nata. But with so much to get stuck into, it can be hard to know where to start!

We’ve found that one of the best ways to experience it all is by joining a food tour. Instead of guessing where to eat or falling into tourist traps, you get taken straight to the spots locals actually love. Plus, food tours are typically fun and social, so they’re a great way to meet new people.

Lisbon

If you want to get a proper feel for Lisbon’s food scene, we’d definitely recommend this small-group tour. We did it early on in our trip, and it really helped us learn what to order throughout the rest of our time in Lisbon. 

Instead of sticking to the busy tourist areas, this tour took us to local neighborhoods like Baixa and Mouraria, where we stopped at a mix of traditional taverns and smaller, tucked-away spots that we never would have found on our own. Our guide, Amanda, was amazing, too. She was so friendly and knew loads about the food, the history, and the neighborhoods, which made everything way more interesting!

As for the food, we tried everything from bifana sandwiches and chorizo to codfish dishes, plus a pastel de nata at the end. It’s such a fun, relaxed way to spend an evening and a great intro to Lisbon.

Porto

Porto’s food scene feels a bit heartier and more traditional than Lisbon’s, with rich, comforting dishes and a strong focus on local ingredients. Plus, Porto is very much a wine city, and if there’s one thing that we’ve learned on our travels, it’s that wine cities always offer good food!

We did this tour early in our trip, and it really helped us get our bearings. Instead of guessing what to order, we got introduced to all the classics straight away, from codfish cakes and caldo verde to a proper francesinha. It made eating out for the rest of our stay so much easier!

With our wonderful guide, Igor, we explored some of Porto’s most characterful neighborhoods, including Ribeira, and stopped at a mix of traditional cafes and markets along the way, as well as local hole-in-the-wall spots we definitely would have walked straight past otherwise.

Madeira

Madeira’s food scene is different again! Madeira is an island, and it’s actually closer to Africa than it is to Europe, so here you’ll find lots of fresh seafood and some local dishes that you might not recognize straight away. So even if you’ve been to other parts of Portugal before, we think a food tour is a great way to get a proper introduction to the vibrant food scene here.

We like this small-group tour in Funchal because it takes you to a mix of local spots and lesser-known eateries, so you’re not just sticking to the obvious places. You’ll try a wide range of Madeiran dishes and drinks along the way, and everything is included, which makes it really easy to just relax and enjoy it.

Having a guide with you also makes a big difference here. They’ll explain what you’re eating, share a bit of background on the island’s food culture, and help you get your bearings as you walk through the city. One thing to note is that the portions are generous, so definitely come hungry!

4. Learn about Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower 

If you’re interested in Portugal’s history, be sure to visit Belém while you’re in Lisbon. This riverside district is where a lot of the country’s famous Age of Discovery story began, and you’ll find some of its most important landmarks all within walking distance of each other.

We think the best way to experience it is on a guided tour like this one. It takes all the guesswork out of visiting the area, and more importantly, it helps everything actually make sense. Without a guide, it’s easy to admire the buildings without really understanding their significance!

The highlight is Jerónimos Monastery, which is one of the most impressive buildings in Lisbon. The architecture is incredibly detailed, and with skip-the-line tickets included, you won’t waste time queueing outside. Inside, your guide will explain how it connects to Portugal’s maritime history, which really brings the place to life.

You’ll also stop by the Monument to the Discoveries and finish at Belém Tower, both of which play a big role in the story of Portuguese exploration. There’s even a stop for a pastel de nata along the way, which is the perfect way to complete the trip – after all, Belém is the birthplace of this famous sweet treat! 

5. Relax on a sunset sail in Lisbon

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to see Lisbon, this sunset sailing tour is well worth adding to your itinerary. The city looks completely different from the water, and it’s a nice break from walking around all day – trust me, your step count will be through the roof in Lisbon! 

This small-group tour departs from Belém and takes you along the Tagus River, passing some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks along the way. You’ll see spots like Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge from a different perspective, which makes them feel even more impressive. And of course seeing it all at sunset is super special, because the sunsets over the river in Lisbon are crazy beautiful! 

We also love the fact that this is a small group tour, which means it never feels crowded. A lot of popular sunset spots in Lisbon do get very busy, but on this boat, you won’t need to jostle for space. Of course, there’s also Portuguese wine on board, which definitely helps set the tone for the evening!

The crew also shares a bit of background about what you’re seeing along the way. We like this because it adds some context without it feeling like a full-on guided tour. All in all, it’s the ideal way to spend an evening in Lisbon.

6. Discover the world of Fado music 

If you want to experience something truly traditional in Lisbon, you have to see a Fado show! It’s such an important part of Portuguese culture, but it’s not always easy to fully understand what you’re watching without a bit of background first.

That’s why we think this tour is such a great choice! We booked it to get the most out of our Fado experience, and that proved to be a smart decision. We started out by enjoying a guided walk through Alfama and Mouraria, the neighborhoods where Fado was born. As we wandered through the narrow streets, our guide explained the history behind the music and how it became such a big part of Portuguese identity, which really helped us to connect with the show later on.

The evening then continued at a traditional Fado house, where we sat down for a full Portuguese dinner while watching the performance. We even got some juicy chourico – my favorite! The setting was very intimate, and once the music started, everyone fell quiet to listen to the intense and emotional music. This was totally different from anything else we experienced in Lisbon, and a really fun way to spend an evening. 

7. Explore Lisbon’s historic hills by tuk tuk 

Lisbon is such a fun city to explore, but we’re not going to lie, those hills are no joke! Between the steep streets and endless viewpoints, it can get tiring pretty quickly, especially if you’re trying to see a lot in a short amount of time. That’s exactly why we think this private tuk-tuk tour is such a smart way to get around.

Instead of walking everywhere or relying on public transport, you get to zip around the city in a small electric tuk-tuk, which can reach all the narrow streets and hilltop viewpoints that bigger vehicles can’t. It means you cover way more ground without wearing yourself out, and you still get that open-air, immersive feel as you go!

What we love most about this tour is how much you actually see. It takes you through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama, Graça, and Bairro Alto, with stops at some of the best viewpoints in the city, including Senhora do Monte. You’ll also head out to Belém to see landmarks like Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, so it really gives you a full overview of the city. 

Because it’s a private tour, it feels much more personal too. Your guide can tailor things to your interests, share local tips, and stop whenever you want for photos. If it’s your first time in Lisbon, this is such a fun and efficient way to get your bearings!

8. Learn how to cook dinner and dessert – Portuguese style

If you love Portuguese food, taking a cooking class is such a fun way to experience it on a deeper level. Eating your way around the country is great, but learning how the dishes actually come together gives you a whole new appreciation for the flavors and traditions behind them.

From hearty savory meals to iconic desserts like pastel de nata, these classes are hands-on and easy to follow, even if you’re not super confident in the kitchen. Plus, you get to sit down and enjoy everything you’ve made at the end, which is always the best part!

Lisbon 4-course dinner

If you want to go beyond just eating Portuguese food, this cooking class in Lisbon is the perfect way to dive a little deeper. Instead of ordering dishes off a menu, you’ll learn how to make them yourself in a relaxed but hands-on class.

When we did this class, we were guided step-by-step through a full 4-course menu. I especially loved the marinated pork cubes we made to start, and of course, nothing beats pasteis de nata for dessert. We had already pretty much eaten our respective body weights in them by this point in our Lisbon trip, so we loved having the opportunity to learn how to make them ourselves!

The menu changes seasonally to ensure that you use the freshest ingredients, so your meal might not look exactly like ours. However, there will definitely be plenty of local wine along the way, and lots of background context on the food you’re making. It’s a really fun and social evening, with a very welcoming atmosphere. We came away feeling very full, and with big smiles on our faces!

Porto Pastel de Nata

If you’re as obsessed with pastel de nata as we are, this workshop in Porto is such a fun experience to add to your trip! Sure, you’ll try plenty of these iconic custard tarts while you’re in Portugal, but this class gives you a proper deep dive into what actually makes them so dang addictive!

This is a small-group, hands-on class where you’ll be guided through the process step by step, from preparing the custard filling to baking the tarts to perfection. The pastry is pre-prepared, so you can focus on the fun part without getting stuck on the more technical side. Along the way, you’ll also learn a bit about the history behind pastel de nata, which just adds to the whole experience.

We also love that this class doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s plenty of Port wine involved, and the instructors will make sure that your glass doesn’t run empty! It’s a light-hearted and social experience, and you get to enjoy four freshly baked tarts at the end. Plus, you get the recipe to take home, which is the perfect way to take a little piece of Portugal with you!

9. Drink Port in Porto

You can’t go to Porto without drinking Port (obviously), and if you really want to get to know this unique and iconic wine, then this tasting tour is the way to go! It takes you across the river from the main town to Vila Nova de Gaia, which is where all the famous Port wine lodges are located. 

Instead of just popping into one place, we visited multiple houses, which gives you a much better understanding of how different Port styles compare. We tasted seven in total, from ruby to tawny and white, which helped each of us get a better sense of the styles we enjoy. The tawny was my personal favorite, whereas Dan preferred the ruby!

What really made it for us, though, was our guide, Alex, who was just brilliant. He was so knowledgeable and engaging about all of the wine, and he did a great job of bringing the whole group together. He gave us the perfect introduction to Port, as we learned all about how it’s made and how to taste it properly, without ever getting too technical or complex.

We also got to explore cellars and interactive exhibits along the way, which helped everything click into place. If you want to actually understand Port and not just drink it, then we highly recommend this tour! It’s the perfect place to start when it comes to discovering Porto’s unique and historic wine culture.

10. Kayak through the Ponta da Piedade rock formations 

If you’re heading to the Algarve, kayaking around Ponta da Piedade is an absolute must. This stretch of coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs and hidden caves, so getting out on that bright blue water in a kayak is hands down the best way to explore it.

We booked this tour from Lagos, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our time in the Algarve! Instead of launching from the beach, we hopped on a catamaran first, which took us straight out to the best spots. It made a big difference because we didn’t waste energy paddling unnecessarily long distances in the hot sun, and we were able to just focus on the fun part. 

Once we were in our kayak, we followed our guide through narrow rock arches into sea caves, and along the base of the cliffs. It allowed us to get much closer than a boat cruise would have, so we’re glad we chose to explore this way. Our guide was great too, making sure everyone felt comfortable while sharing bits of history along the way. We even spotted dolphins in the distance, which was the best possible bonus! 

Now, this tour is not completely effortless, so do be prepared for a bit of a workout! It’s nothing too intense, but our arms did ache a bit the next day. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an active way to explore the Algarve’s best scenery, and we’re not the only ones who think so – you can read hundreds of 5-star reviews here.

11. Explore the Algarve’s Ria Formosa Natural Park 

If you’re staying in Faro and want to see a different side of the Algarve, exploring Ria Formosa is an absolute must. This protected natural park is made up of lagoons, sandy islands, and wildlife, so it feels a world away from the busier beach towns.

We booked this island-hopping tour, and it made exploring the park so easy. Instead of trying to figure out ferries or routes ourselves, we hopped on a small catamaran and spent a very relaxing half-day exploring and enjoying the scenery. 

The tour took us to several different islands, including Deserta, Farol, and Culatra, and each one felt a little different. We loved having time to wander and check out the beaches, and we never felt rushed! Culatra was a highlight for us, especially seeing the small fishing village and getting a glimpse of local life. If you’re on the morning tour, definitely grab lunch here!

The boat ride itself was also a big part of the experience. We really enjoyed cruising through calm channels and spotting birds like herons and storks along the way. Island hopping tours can sometimes feel a little rushed, but we loved this one because it was slower-paced and gave us time to really take in Ria Formosa’s unique natural beauty.

Related Read: Making Faro your base? Check out our detailed guide on where to stay in Faro here for our favorite areas and hotel recommendations.

12. Experience Furnas’ geothermal wonders in Sao Miguel

Did you know that Portugal is home to a volcanic valley? To be honest, we didn’t either for a long time! So if you want to see a side of Portugal that most people don’t even realize exists, heading to Furnas Valley in São Miguel is an absolute must. 

The Azores are a group of islands that feel completely different from mainland Portugal, and this part, in particular, made us feel like we were stepping into another world. We booked this full-day tour from Ponta Delgada, and it ended up being one of the most unique experiences of our entire Portugal trip. 

The landscapes here are wild and untouched, and the east side of the island is packed with lush greenery and dramatic viewpoints. It feels a million miles away from the usual tourist trail! 

And Furnas itself is the real highlight. It’s a town set inside a volcanic crater, and it’s as unbelievable as it sounds. You actually get to see how steaming vents and bubbling mud pools are right in the middle of everyday life here. It’s definitely one of the most unique towns we’ve ever explored! 

This is a full-day tour, and lunch is even included. And not just any lunch, either! We got to try cozido, a traditional stew that’s slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat – how cool is that?

We had a blast on this tour, and we’re clearly not the only ones –read over a thousand 5-star reviews here! If you’re looking to go beyond the typical Portugal itinerary, this is such a good way to do it.

13. Take a boat trip to Benagil Cave

If you’ve seen photos of the Algarve, chances are you’ve already come across Benagil Cave! It’s one of the most famous spots in Portugal, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why. The only thing is, getting there isn’t as straightforward as it looks, which is why we recommend visiting on a boat tour like this one.

We booked this trip from Lagos and headed out on a small speedboat, which was definitely a bit more exciting than your standard cruise! In fact, the ride itself was very much part of the experience, and we loved zipping past the dramatic cliffs and pretty beaches.

When we arrived, the boat actually took us inside some of the caves, including the famous Benagil Cave itself. Seeing that huge open dome from the water was unreal, especially with the light coming through the hole in the roof! We weren’t sure whether or not it would live up to the hype, but I’m pleased to report that it absolutely did.

Our guides were great too, sharing bits of info about the rock formations and keeping the whole trip fun and relaxed. This is such a fun and easy way to see the Algarve’s coastline, and the speedboat allowed us to explore in much more depth than a big boat could have.

14. Explore Aveiro and Costa Nova’s colorful waterways

If you’re looking for an easy half-day trip from Porto, visiting Aveiro and Costa Nova is such a fun option. Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal,” and once you see the canals and colorful boats, it’s easy to see why.

We booked this tour, and it was a super easy way to explore without having to figure out transport ourselves. After a short drive from Porto, we arrived in Aveiro, where the highlight was a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat. These long, painted boats were originally used for harvesting seaweed, but now they’re a really scenic way to glide through the canals and see the city from a different perspective. And I won’t lie, they also make pretty good Instagram opportunities! 

We also had a bit of time to wander around Aveiro itself, which is full of pretty buildings and local bakeries. Trying ovos moles, a traditional sweet made with egg yolk and sugar, is basically a must while you’re here, so of course, we nabbed ourselves some of those. 

From there, the tour continued to Costa Nova, which is famous for its striped houses. They’re painted in bright colors with white stripes, and it really felt like walking through a postcard. We even had time for a quick stroll by the beach before we headed back to Porto. 

15. Go whale and dolphin watching 

One of our favorite experiences in Madeira was definitely whale and dolphin watching on this tour! The waters around the island are home to a huge variety of marine life, so we couldn’t pass up the chance to go and spot some for ourselves. 

We loved the tour that we chose because it took us out on a catamaran, with plenty of space on board. We loved being able to sit on the nets at the front and watch the water below. It was even more fun when we started spotting dolphins!

Speaking of which, the tour is carefully designed to maximize your chances of seeing dolphins and whales. They have spotters on land who help locate the animals, so you’re not just sailing around hoping for the best. Then, once you do find them, the boat switches to a quieter mode to avoid affecting the wildlife, which is great to see. Big loud boats can cause the dolphins a lot of distress, so it’s important to choose an eco-conscious tour that’s about observing, not disturbing.

We were lucky enough to see dolphins and even a few whales, one of which came very close to our boat! Then on the way back to shore, we cruised along Madeira’s coastline and passed places like Cabo Girão, so we got a different view of the island to boot. All in all, it was the perfect way to experience Madeira’s wild side, and definitely one of the highlights of our time there.

16. Explore Peneda-Geres National Park

If you’re spending a few days in Porto and want to mix things up, this day trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park is the ideal way to do it. It showcases a completely different side of Portugal – in fact, it almost made us feel like we’d left and gone to another country altogether!

Porto is all about historic streets and wine bars, but when you head to Peneda-Gerês, you’ll suddenly find yourself surrounded by mountains and waterfalls instead. Best of all, the park is only about a 1.5-hour drive from Porto, so it’s not a crazy long travel day, either.

We chose this tour because there’s no direct public transport route from Porto to Peneda-Gerês, and hiring a car for just one day didn’t seem worth it! Plus, having a guide meant that we got to experience all of the hidden lagoons and waterfalls, which we definitely would have struggled to find on our own! There were a few short hikes involved, but nothing too intense, and we even had the chance to swim since the weather was on our side.

One of our favorite parts was visiting a traditional village. It gave us a glimpse into a much slower and more rural way of life than we had seen so far in Portugal. Plus, lunch was included, which meant that we got to eat some proper local food and wash it down with vinho verde – perfect! 

If you’re keen to get out and see some nature while you’re in Porto, this tour is absolutely perfect. It made our time in the city feel so much more varied! 

17. Get off the beaten path and see the historic villages of Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos

If you’ve got a bit of extra time in Lisbon and want to see a different side of Portugal, this day trip is the perfect way to fill it! It takes you beyond the capital and into smaller towns that feel completely different, without you having to worry about driving or planning anything. 

The first stop is Fátima, one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites. Even if you’re not religious, there’s something quite powerful about being there, and having a guide explain the history makes a big difference.

From there, you’ll visit Batalha Monastery, which is seriously impressive. The architecture alone is worth the stop, and it adds another layer of history to the day. 

Then in Nazaré, you’ll swap religious sites for a laid-back coastal town. Having said that, Nazaré is a bit of a pilgrimage site itself, as every winter, pro surfers flock here to tackle the huge, record-breaking waves! 

The final stop is Óbidos, which might actually be our favorite. It’s a small medieval village surrounded by old walls, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. We loved seeing all of the cute little shops tucked into every corner, and we even got to try ginja, a local cherry liqueur that’s served in a chocolate cup – yum!

All in all, this is a really well-rounded day out. It’s one of our favorite day tours from Lisbon, and we love how it showcases so much history and culture in just one day! 

18. Wander Guimarães’ medieval historic center

If you’re interested in Portugal’s history, you should definitely consider taking a day trip to Guimarães when you’re in Porto. This is often called the birthplace of Portugal, and once you’re wandering around, it really does feel like you’ve stepped back to the very beginning of the country!

We did this tour from Porto, and it was a great way to explore the Minho region without having to plan anything ourselves. It also included a stop in Braga, which added a nice mix to the day, but for us, Guimarães was definitely the standout.

The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns we’ve ever visited. That’s really saying something at this point because we’ve ticked off quite a few on our travels! We loved the narrow cobbled streets and traditional buildings, and during our ample free time here, we made sure to try torta de Guimarães, which is a flaky pastry stuffed with a sweet squash jam. Trust me, it’s better than it sounds!

We also visited Guimarães Castle, which is tied to the story of Portugal’s first king. Unlike Sintra’s colorful Pena Palace, this castle is an imposing grey military fortification, but we found its history super interesting. 

All in all, we think that this tour makes a nice change of pace from Porto, especially for history lovers. While Porto has plenty of history of its own, Guimarães gives you a much clearer glimpse of Portugal’s origins.

Related Read: Wondering what to pack? Our Portugal Packing List has 19 items you won’t want to leave at home!

Thanks for reading!

Portugal has a way of surprising you at every turn. From castle-topped hills in Sintra to vineyard-covered valleys in the Douro and the wild coastline of the Algarve, no two days here ever feel the same. Add in the incredible food and relaxed pace of life, and it’s the kind of place that’s just as fun to explore as it is to slow down and enjoy. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your must-do experiences and made planning your trip feel a whole lot easier.

If you’re still mapping out your itinerary, be sure to check out our other Europe travel guides here for more ideas on where to go, what to do, and where to stay. Or browse through some of our top picks below to keep the travel inspiration going!

18 Best Things to do in Spain 

Where to Stay in The Algarve: 8 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend SEVEN to TEN Days in Sicily: The Best 7-10 Day Itinerary