Top 10 Best Cities to Visit in Portugal 2024

Start an amazing journey through Portugal's beautiful landscape. Each city has its own charm, waiting for you to explore its history and culture. From the lively Lisbon to the beautiful Tavira by the sea, the top 10 cities in Portugal in 2024 will give you memories to last a lifetime¹. Wondering where to go next? Get ready to be amazed by the hidden spots and must-see places that make Portugal a top travel spot.

Key Takeaways

• Discover Portugal's diverse landscapes, cultures, and peoples¹
• Explore the top 10 cities, including Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, and more¹
• Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture of these captivating destinations
• Indulge in delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and a relaxed ambiance throughout your Portugal vacation
• Plan the ultimate Portugal trip with our curated guide to the best cities to visit in 2024

10. Viana do Castelo

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of northern Portugal, Viana do Castelo is a hidden gem. It calls to travelers looking for an authentic Portuguese experience². This charming city offers a break from the usual tourist crowds with its vibrant history, stunning scenery, and friendly locals³.

Historical Highlights

Viana do Castelo's rich heritage is evident everywhere. The iconic Santuário de Santa Luzia church offers stunning views. The Costume Museum and the Decorative Arts Museum showcase the area's traditions⁴. The Gil Eannes Hospital Ship museum lets visitors dive into the city's maritime past⁴.

The city's natural beauty is also a highlight, with pristine beaches like Praia do Norte and Praia Cabedelo. These beaches are reached by ferry or the impressive Eiffel bridge⁴. The Celtic settlement of Santa Luzia offers views of the River Lima, showing the area's ancient history⁴.

Viana do Castelo is perfect for those wanting to try local cuisine and wine². The city's Praça da República is lively, with the Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy) and a historic fountain. It's a great place for food lovers⁴. Nearby, the Minho region and the Douro Valley are known for their Vinho Verde wines and other local specialties³.

Looking for a peaceful escape, a historical journey, or a food adventure? Viana do Castelo is a top spot in northern Portugal. It offers a genuine and fulfilling experience²⁴³.

9. Nazaré

Nazaré sits on Portugal's stunning Silver Coast, drawing visitors with its history, culture, and nature⁵. The town's fort, built in 1577, guards against pirates⁵. Nazaré is a key spot for maritime heritage and fishing.

It's known for huge winter waves, reaching up to 30 meters, drawing surfers worldwide⁵. From October to March, thousands watch big wave surfers in action⁵. The town's fishing culture and traditional fish drying racks add to its charm.

Visitors can explore nearby sites like Alcobaça's Gothic monastery, Batalha town, and Peniche⁵. The Miradouro da Pederneira offers views of the coast and forests, showing the area's beauty⁵.

The town's culture is rich, with sites like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré and the Memory Chapel in Sítio⁵. The 1889 funicular, designed by Gustave Eiffel's disciple, makes exploring easy⁶.

Nazaré offers thrilling surf, tasty seafood, and a peek into Portugal's history⁶. Don't miss its stunning views, vibrant culture, and hospitality on the Silver Coast⁵.

Attraction	Details
Fort of São Miguel	Built in 1577 to defend Nazaré from pirates5
Big Wave Surfing	Thousands of visitors come to see surfers ride the world's biggest waves from October to March5
Fish Drying Racks	Traditional practice for preserving fish in Nazaré5
Miradouro da Pederneira	Offers a panoramic view of the coast, including Peniche and the Leiria Pine Forest5
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré	Historic pilgrimage site with a major annual event on September 8th5
Nazaré Funicular	Designed in 1889 by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, offering rides for 1.50€6
Memory Chapel in Sítio	Significant 800-year-old history and a 1.00€ donation to view the Black Madonna6

Don't forget to try the local seafood stew and other fresh dishes in Nazaré⁶. Restaurants like Rosa dos Ventos and Pangeia Restaurante offer great food and culture⁵.

"Nazaré is a true gem along the Silver Coast of Portugal, seamlessly blending its maritime history, daring surf culture, and authentic Portuguese traditions. It's a destination that captures the essence of this remarkable country."

Nazaré is perfect for adventure, history, or just soaking up the Portuguese coastal vibe⁷.

8. Guimarães

Guimarães is a city that holds a special place in the hearts of Portuguese people. It is known as the historic birthplace of Portugal⁸. This city is filled with medieval architecture⁹ that takes you back in time. It's just 43km to the northeast of Porto¹⁰, making it a perfect day trip from Porto¹⁰.

Historical Highlights

The historic center of Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage site⁹. It's famous for its architecture from the Middle Ages and the 19th century⁹. You can explore landmarks like the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza⁹, the Guimarães Castle⁸, and the Church of São Miguel do Castelo⁸. A visit here usually takes about three hours, or five hours if you want to see everything¹⁰.

Close to Guimarães is the beautiful Penha hill. It offers great hiking trails⁸ and amazing views. The cable car ride up Penha hill takes about 90 minutes for a round trip¹⁰. The town also has a statue of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, which was put in the square in 2001⁸.

To get to Guimarães from Porto, the train journey is about 70 minutes each way. The return ticket costs €6.90¹⁰. As the birthplace of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site⁹, Guimarães is a key spot for anyone wanting to see Portugal's medieval history⁸ and beautiful architecture⁹.

"Guimarães is regarded as the historic birthplace of Portugal, where the country's first king, Afonso I, was born and the fledgling nation was established in 1128."

Attraction	Entrance Fee
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza	€69
Cable car up Penha Hill	€7.50 for a return trip9
Alberto Sampaio Museum	€39

¹⁰⁹⁸

7. Sintra