Things to do in Portugal: 20 must-see attractions in 2026

São Jorge Castle is a defining landmark of Lisbon. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, it provides sweeping views of the Tagus River and local rooftops. Built in the 11th century, it served as a military fortress for centuries. Today, visitors walk its cobblestone paths to explore towers, ramparts, and gardens.

Commissioned in 1514 by King Manuel I to guard the harbor entrance of Lisbon, the elegant Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a defining symbol of the capital of Portugal. The delicate Manueline architectural style, which blends Renaissance, Orientalist, and Venetian influences, paired with the striking white stone, remains a highlight for visitors.

Designed by Francisco de Arruda, this citadel resembles the prow of a ship and once functioned as the residence for the harbor master. Originally built on an islet in the middle of the Tagus river, seismic activity and subsequent land reclamation projects have left it sitting near the shoreline. Before climbing the structure, look for its two distinct sections: the hexagonal bastion and the four-story tower above it.

The lower level features a casemate, representing a significant feat of military strategy for the early 16th century. This vaulted chamber could house two levels of artillery and up to 17 cannons. Notice the corners, which feature échauguettes (small square or cylindrical watchtowers) decorated with intricate carvings. Look closely to spot the first European stone carving of a rhinoceros, likely a nod to the animal gifted by Manuel I to the Pope.

The second section, standing 35 meters tall, includes three floors and a terrace with views over the Tagus and the nearby Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). Decorated with stone-carved twisted ropes, the tower is guarded by statues of Saint Vincent and Saint Michael the Archangel. Travelers with limited mobility should note that the access to the terrace is via a steep spiral staircase. While the first floor served as the harbor master's quarters, the fourth floor houses a chapel adorned with the cross of the Order of Christ and an armillary sphere. If you have time on your way back, join the line nearby to try one of the best pastels de nata (custard tarts) in the city.

A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, the Jerónimos Monastery has honored Portugal's maritime history since 1501. Its two-story cloister and church, home to the tombs of Vasco de Gama and the poet Camões, make it the most visited site in Lisbon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, it pairs perfectly with the nearby Torre de Belém (Belém Tower).

The Dom Luís I Bridge is a striking steel structure spanning the Douro River in Porto. Built in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, this 385-meter bridge features two pedestrian levels. The upper deck carries the metro, while cars use the lower level. It offers panoramic views of the city.

Located in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon on the banks of the Tagus River, right across from the famous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jeronimos Monastery), the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or Monument to the Discoveries, is a striking, elegant modern sculpture made of ochre stone in the shape of a caravel. You can climb the stairs to reach the platform 50 meters above the ground or take the elevator. At sunset, the panoramic view over the Tagus and the 25 de Abril Bridge is excellent.

Built in 1940 by José Ângelo Cottinelli Telmo before being destroyed by a storm a year later, it was finally reconstructed in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, an iconic figure of the colonial era. By extension, it pays tribute to all the great Portuguese navigators, whose statues you will see reproduced in detail. Among them are Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Bartolomeu Dias, Fernão Mendes Pinto, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Pero da Covilhã, and Luís de Camões, all in a procession behind Henry the Navigator, who stands at the prow holding a small sailing vessel in his hands.

The term padrão refers to a stone pillar topped with a Portuguese coat of arms or a cross. These were used in unknown territories to mark new discoveries. The first padrão used was that of Diogo Cão in 1482 at the mouth of the Zaire River.

As you head back down, take a close look at the mosaic spread out at the base of the building. On this world map, you can learn about the key dates of Portuguese exploration. To the north, a large compass rose completes the scene, detailing the routes taken during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Suspended over the Tagus River in Lisbon, the striking red steel 25 de Abril Bridge is the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world and the longest outside the United States. Commissioned by dictator António de Oliveira Salazar in 1960, the bridge opened six years later, ahead of the original construction schedule. Following the Carnation Revolution, it was renamed to honor the events of April 25, 1974.

The visual similarity to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is no coincidence. It was built in collaboration with American engineering firms using designs similar to the Bay Bridge and the Oakland bridge in California. As a primary city landmark, it is a fixture on postcards and local souvenirs.

The structure is double-decked, featuring a road level on top and a railway line below. While pedestrians cannot walk across, you can drive or take a bus, or see it from below by taking a cruise on the Tagus River. If you drive, prepare for heavy traffic, as the bridge is a major commuter artery. This architectural feat was designed to withstand seismic activity and features massive dimensions, spanning over 2 km with towers reaching nearly 200 meters in height. It connects Lisbon to the town of Almada, known for the Cristo Rei, a statue of Christ with open arms that serves as a replica of the Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

For the best views of the 25 de Abril Bridge, head to the Belém Tower or the Monument to the Discoveries. Other solid vantage points include the Castelo São Jorge and the Miradouro Da Graça. The most dramatic view remains the one from the base of Cristo Rei.

In the heart of Porto, the Lello Bookstore is famous for its neo-Gothic architecture, featuring a signature red staircase and intricate woodwork. Regarded as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, it holds a vast collection of literature. Fans often link it to Harry Potter, citing the time J.K. Rowling lived in Porto.

Standing 148 feet tall and connecting the Baixa and Bairro Alto districts, the Santa Justa Lift is a Lisbon landmark you cannot miss. The structure and its rooftop observation deck provide views that will impress travelers of all ages and leave you with lasting memories.

Visiting Lisbon without riding the Santa Justa Lift is like going to San Francisco and skipping the Golden Gate Bridge. Don't miss out.

This location, often called Commerce Square by English speakers, serves as the heart of Lisbon. Situated in the historic Baixa district, this site is a fundamental stop in the Portuguese capital.

Originally, the site housed the royal palace and the residence of the country's monarchs. The palace was built in 1511 and was then known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Yard).

In 1755, the palace was destroyed by an earthquake that devastated much of the city. Architects Eugenio dos Santos and Carlos Mardel then designed a rectangular space of 3,500 square meters framed by grand arches. Commerce Square thus took the form we recognize today. During the Age of Discovery, the square served as a hub where spices, gold, and goods arriving from the Americas were unloaded, traded, and sold. This history is the origin of its name.

In 1910, the square was painted pink to mark the fall of the monarchy and the birth of the republic. Today, yellow has replaced the pink, but the republic remains.

Currently, Commerce Square houses offices for various government ministries, and many restaurants have opened under the arcades. It is a culturally and historically significant area for a stroll. The location benefits from an excellent position, opening directly onto the mouth of the Tagus river. From here, you can see the 25 de Abril Bridge, a red structure that resembles a miniature version of the Golden Gate Bridge. Opposite the Tagus sits a triumphal arch featuring iconic figures from Portuguese history such as Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal. In the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of Joseph I, created by sculptor Joachim Machado de Castro, whose works are found throughout the city.

In short, Commerce Square is a location where I highly recommend cooling off in the shade of the arcades after a long walk through the old city.

Rising from the mist of the Serra de Sintra, Pena Palace is the first Romantic castle in Europe. Its yellow and red facades, mix of neo-Gothic and Manueline styles, and 200-hectare park make it one of the most photographed sites in Portugal. Note: reservations are mandatory with a specific time slot to enter.

The National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon celebrates the craft behind azulejos, the iconic ceramic tiles of Portugal. Housed in a former convent, the collection features 7,000 pieces tracing tile artistry since the 16th century. Explore works within the church cloisters, which are filled with gilded wall ornaments and intricate tile friezes.

Located just north of the Rossio neighborhood at the end of Avenida da Liberdade, the promenade Lisbon writer Fernando Pessoa considered the city's finest, Restauradores Square commemorates the 1640 popular uprising against Spain. This revolt allowed Portugal to regain its independence after 60 years of Hispanic rule. In the heart of the historic center, you will also find the Calçada da Glória (Glória funicular), which whisks you directly up to the Bairro Alto, a legendary nightlife district in the Portuguese capital.

This immense rectangular esplanade is surrounded by striking 19th and early 20th century buildings. At its center stands an obelisk erected by António Tomás da Fonseca in 1866, funded by public contributions from Portugal and Brazil. Flanked by bronze statues representing Victory and Liberty, the work of Alberto Nunes and Simões de Almeida, the obelisk rises prominently above the square. Take a moment to look closely at the monument. The key events of the Restoration War are engraved into its base. You can see dates like the signing of the peace treaty on February 13, 1668, the Battle of Montes Claros on June 17, 1665, the Battle of Castelo Rodrigo on July 7, 1664, and the start of the uprising on December 1, 1640.

The square is home to the imposing Palacio Foz, which houses a tourist office, the Eden Theatre, now converted into a luxury hotel, and a Hard Rock Cafe located in the former Condes cinema from the 1950s. If you have time, check the schedule for the Palacio Foz. Managed by the Ministério da Cultura (Portuguese Ministry of Culture), it is not open year round, but it frequently hosts free exhibitions and small concerts. Often called a miniature Versailles due to its ornate hall of mirrors, attending an event here is a unique experience.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, born from a private collection, is one of the most significant museums in Lisbon, Portugal. Slightly off the beaten path, it is worth the trek. Its holdings span 5,000 years of history, from ancient Egypt and the Orient to 20th-century European masterpieces, including Art Deco furniture, jewelry, and René Lalique glassware. Set in a lush park, this is a rewarding visit.

The Mira de Aire Caves are the largest cave network in Portugal, containing 7.1 miles of tunnels formed during the Jurassic period. The 1,968-foot tour descends 683 stairs through limestone chambers before an elevator return. For more adventure, the beginner caving option (Visita 5 Sentidos) explores wild galleries for 2 hours.

Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square sits in the modern Boavista district of Porto. Beyond its leafy gardens, the square hosts rotating local events. At its center stands the Monumento aos Heróis da Guerra Peninsular (Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War), commemorating a 19th-century conflict. Nearby, you will find the Casa da Música, designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the Centro Comercial Brasília, the first shopping mall in Portugal, dating to 1976.