Woman at Senhora do Monte look out.

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Portugal

Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food and idyllic scenery are just the beginning.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Unfinished Chapels - Capelas Imperfeitas of the Batalha Monastery. Portugal. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória

    Estremadura & Ribatejo

    The extraordinary monastery of Batalha was built to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota (fought just south of here). Most of the monument was…

  • Aerial view of Alcobaca Monastery in Alcobaca, Portugal

    Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça

    Estremadura & Ribatejo

    One of Iberia's great monasteries utterly dominates the town of Alcobaça. Hiding behind the imposing baroque facade lies a high, austere, monkish church …

  • Gardens and exterior of the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo), UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tomar, Ribatejo, Portugal, Europe

    Convento de Cristo

    Tomar

    Wrapped in splendour and mystery, the Knights Templar held enormous power in Portugal from the 12th to 16th centuries, and largely bankrolled the Age of…

  • The Jeronimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is located in Lisbon, PortugalThe Jeronimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery is located in Lisbon, Portugal 470603956 European Culture, Travel, Tourism, Portuguese Culture, Belem, Convent, Christianity, Religion, Gothic Style, Medieval, History, Spirituality, Ancient, Old, Cultures, Famous Place, Architecture, Travel Destinations, Lisbon - Portugal, Portugal, Europe, Monastery, Church, City, Jeronimos, manueline, hieronymites, UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

    Belém

    Belém’s undisputed heart-stealer is this Unesco-listed monastery. The mosteiro is the stuff of pure fantasy: a fusion of Diogo de Boitaca’s creative…

  • Palace of Sintra (Palacio Nacional de Sintra) in Sintra in a beautiful summer day, Portugal; Shutterstock ID 570271885; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Travel 2018

    Palácio Nacional de Sintra

    Sintra

    The star of Sintra-Vila is this palace, with its iconic twin conical chimneys and lavish, whimsical interior, which is a mix of Moorish and Manueline…

  • Lisbon, Portugal, The Castelo de Sao Jorge 99657044 architecture, attraction, brick, capital, castle, citadel, city, facade, flag, fort, fortress, guard tower, historically, history, lisbon, medieval, mediterranean, metropolis, monument, moors, old, old building, old city, portugal, portuguese, protection, sao jorge, sentry, sky, stone, structure, sun, tourism, tower, view, viewpoint, wall, yellow

    Castelo de São Jorge

    Alfama, Castelo & Graça

    Towering dramatically above Lisbon, these mid-11th-century hilltop fortifications sneak into almost every snapshot. Roam its snaking ramparts and pine…

  • August 22, 2017: People stepping to the sidewalk in order to let the street car pass in the streets of Lisbon. 755689225 urban, tourist attraction, city center, pedestrian street, street tramway, front view, classic, horizontal, lisboa, old, old fashioned, people, portugal, portuguese, rail, rail transport vehicle, summer, tourism, transport, travel, yellow, alfama, busy, cable car, campo ourique, capital, center, city, cobblestone street, day, electric, famous, journey, known, line, martin moniz, moving aside, moving away, pavement, prazeres, sidewalk, sightseeing, stepping away, street, streetcar, sunny, tourists, tram, trolley car, unique

    Alfama

    Alfama, Castelo & Graça

    Wander downhill (to save your legs) through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon before…

  • Lisbon, Portugal - December 4, 2022: National Museum of Ancient Art, Portuguese national art museum. 1473948696 antiga, arte, mnaa, building, capital, culture, de, europa, european, exterior, famous, heritage, historic, historical, landmark, lisboa, museu, nacional, national, portuguese, traditional, unesco, view

    Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

    Lisbon

    Set in a lemon-fronted, 17th-century palace, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is Lapa’s biggest draw. It presents a star-studded collection of European…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From wine tasting to stargazing, experience the best of Portugal with this guide to the top things to do.

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Things to Know

From what to wear to restaurants to the best way to get around, our Porto resident gives you the lowdown on things to know before you go to Portugal.

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Transportation

From coastal train rides to DIY exploration with a hire car, here's how to get around Portugal.

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Visa Requirements

All the info you need about getting a visa for Portugal, how long you can stay and the new visa-waiver program coming in 2024.

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Money and Costs

From free museums to wonderful medieval architecture, it's possible to get by on as little as €50 a day in Portugal. Here's how.

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Traveling with Kids

Children are welcomed everywhere you go in Portugal. Check out our top tips and the coolest experiences for your next family trip in Europe.

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Best Road Trips

Throw together an Iberian soundtrack and you're ready to hit the open road in Portugal. Here are our top Portuguese road trips, from the hills to the coast.

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Portugal

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The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is located in the city of Braga, Portugal. It is one of the iconic location of Portugal, with a long and beautiful stairways leading to the doors of the cathedral. 889624024 Good Jesus of Mount Sanctuary - stock photo The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is located in the city of Braga, Portugal. It is one of the iconic location of Portugal, with a long and beautiful stairways leading to the doors of the cathedral.

Tips & Advice

The 11 best places to visit in Portugal

Oct 22, 2024 • 7 min read

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