Choose from 168 Fun Things to Do in Portugal
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 168 listings.
Cape Espichel (Cabo Espichel)
Known for its wild, untamed landscape, Cape Espichel is a southwestern headland in the Setúbal District. The cape meets the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean with dramatic, high-rising cliffs and a wind-blown, barren landscape. Atop the cliffs lies raw, isolated countryside, and many visitors describe the area as mysterious and spiritual.
Beyond the incredible scenery, the cape is home to ruins, fossils and other sights. At the water’s edge there’s a lighthouse, offering great views of the seascape. Also perched at the edge of a cliff is a small, simple white chapel, with the deep blue ocean as its backdrop.
There’s also the Santuário de Nossa Senhora, a baroque-style church, built in 1707. The main structure has been well maintained, with original tiles and stonework, and the surrounding area has ruins to explore. But the sights at Cape Espichel go even farther back then the 18th century—the area is also home to several sets of fossilized dinosaur footprints that are visible on the side of a cliff. The footprints are estimated to be 145 to 150 million years old.
Practical Info
The best way to visit Cape Espichel is by renting a car or taking a guided day trip. Cape Espichel is about 25 miles (40 km) from the city of Setúbal and 9 miles (14 km) from Sesimbra. Along the way, visitors will pass through small villages, rolling hills, grazing sheep, and other picturesque countryside scenes.
Address: Cabo Espichel, Portugal
From $ 28
Campo Pequeno
Campo Pequeno, Lisbon’s, neo-Moorish bullring, was built in the last years of the nineteenth century. Inspired by the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, Camp Pequeno features a red-brick façade with onion-shaped copulas crowning its towers.
Campo Pequeno reopened as a multi-event venue in 2006, and in addition to a retractable roof, the renovations included adding a shopping mall, cinema and restaurants beneath the stadium. The building also houses a small museum dedicated to the sport of bullfighting in Portugal and the history of the Camp Pequeno Bullring.
From Easter to mid-July, the 9,000-spectator stadium still hosts bullfights, though unlike in Spain, the bulls are not killed during the fight. Throughout the remainder of the year, the venue is used for live music events, shows and the occasional circus.
Practical Info
While bulls are no longer killed during bullfighting events, they are still speared in a manner that might be too graphic for some tastes.
Address: R. Chaby Pinheiro 11, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Varies
From $ 23
Carmo Convent (Igreja do Carmo)
To see evidence of the damage inflicted upon Lisbon by the destructive earthquake of 1755, the restored medieval Carmo Convent stands next to the ruins of its great barn of a Gothic church. It was founded in 1389 for the Carmelite order by the great military leader Álvares Pereira, who played a large part in securing Portugal’s independence from Spain before joining the convent himself in 1423.
Thanks to its obliteration in the earthquake, the convent’s library of thousands of rare books and manuscripts was lost; while that was rebuilt and became the HQ of Lisbon’s Municipal Guard (Guarda Republicana), the church has never been fully rebuilt. It was used as a wood storage facility before being turned into a small archaeological museum (the Museu Arqueologico do Carmo) in 1864. Today its nave still stands roofless and open to the elements, a romantic jumble of broken archways and pillars, while relics of a nearby Roman settlement, mummies from Peru and models of the original church are displayed among a scattering of tombs in the sacristy and apse, which remain intact. To get a bird’s-eye view of these photogenic ruins, head to Rossio Square in Biaxa (downtown Lisbon).
Practical Info
Open Oct–May Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; June–Sept Mon–Sat 10am–7pm. Admission €3.50. The Igreja do Carmo is accessible from the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa.
Address: Largo do Carmo, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Varies
Admission: €3.50
From $ 21
Braga
Originally founded by the Romans, 2,000-year-old Braga later became the first Christian settlement in Portugal. Today, it’s a lively university town with a thriving nightlife and a compact yet beautiful Baroque heart.
Most of ancient Braga’s main attractions are centered on the arcaded Praça da Republica, strewn with fairy tale churches and focused on the lovely Arcada fountain. The centerpiece of all this architectural majesty is Portugal’s oldest cathedral, built in the 11th century and now showing off a variety of styles from Romanesque to Baroque. Amid the gilded choir stalls and Baroque flourishes, the King’s Chapel houses the tomb of Henry of Burgundy, the father of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.
Along with the tranquil Garden of Santa Barbara, a cluster of historic buildings surround the cathedral, including the church of Santa Cruz and its Mannerist splendor; the serene late-Renaissance Museu dos Biscaínhos, with its fine displays of Asian decorative arts; and the 14th-century Archbishop’s Palace. A short walk from the Praça da Republica down the flowered promenade of Avenida da Liberdade leads to the 18th-century Rococo Casa do Raio, built by eccentric architect André Soares. Its façade is almost entirely encrusted with blue-and-white Portuguese azulejos tiles.
But Braga’s pièce de résistance and Portugal’s most celebrated Christian sight is the Neoclassical Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, located three miles outside the city in Tenões.
Practical Info
Braga is accessible from Porto in under an hour. Regular bus services run between the two, and electric trains leave Porto from the main railway station, with trips taking about an hour and 10 minutes.
Address: Braga, Portugal
From $ 52
Batalha
Located in the High Estremadura region of central Portugal, Batalha is an attractive town with plenty of excellent shops and restaurants surrounding one of Portugal’s most sacred sites. The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória was commissioned by Portugal’s King João I to commemorate the country’s independence from Spain after the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
Some 200 years in its evolution, the Dominican monastery is UNESCO World Heritage-listed as it represents the very pinnacle of Portuguese Gothic and Manueline architecture; its chapter house in particular is an elaborate interweaving of pinnacles, gargoyles and rounded spires over two levels. The fine, lacy façade is studded with intricate stonework that resembles Indian temple carvings, and leads on to a surprisingly unembellished interior, with high Gothic vaulted roof over the nave and stained-glass windows through which sunlight dances on summer days. Around the main body of the church lie several chapels, the stark Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and two tranquil cloisters accessed from a doorway in the north wall in front of the choir.
Batalha monastery became the burial church of the Aviz dynasty Portuguese kings. The Capelo do Fundador to the right of the main entrance is the final resting place of King João I, his wife Queen Philippa of Lancaster and their third son, Prince Henry the Navigator, who expanded Portuguese trade routes into north Africa and died in 1460. A massive equestrian statue of military leader Nuno Álvares Pereira stands guard on the paved piazza outside the monastery; it was he who led his 6,500 troops to victory at Aljubarrota and ended medieval Spanish domination of Portugal.
Some 200 years in its evolution, the Dominican monastery is UNESCO World Heritage-listed as it represents the very pinnacle of Portuguese Gothic and Manueline architecture; its chapter house in particular is an elaborate interweaving of pinnacles, gargoyles and rounded spires over two levels. The fine, lacy façade is studded with intricate stonework that resembles Indian temple carvings, and leads on to a surprisingly unembellished interior, with high Gothic vaulted roof over the nave and stained-glass windows through which sunlight dances on summer days. Around the main body of the church lie several chapels, the stark Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and two tranquil cloisters accessed from a doorway in the north wall in front of the choir.
Batalha monastery became the burial church of the Aviz dynasty Portuguese kings. The Capelo do Fundador to the right of the main entrance is the final resting place of King João I, his wife Queen Philippa of Lancaster and their third son, Prince Henry the Navigator, who expanded Portuguese trade routes into north Africa and died in 1460. A massive equestrian statue of military leader Nuno Álvares Pereira stands guard on the paved piazza outside the monastery; it was he who led his 6,500 troops to victory at Aljubarrota and ended medieval Spanish domination of Portugal.
Practical Info
Batalha is 80 minutes north of Lisbon up the A8 and A1 motorways and
there are free parking spaces within walking distance of the monastery.
The town is within easy distance of the medieval village of Óbidos and
the revered pilgrimage site at the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in
Fátima.
Address: Batalha, Portugal
From $ 40
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca, just north of Lisbon, is known for its dramatic views and scenic cliff-top walking path. The westernmost point in continental Europe and once believed by Europeans to be the edge of the world, today it is home to a defensive lighthouse that was built in the 16th century and serves as a haven for local birdlife.
The Basics
In the 16th-century glory days of worldwide maritime exploration, Portugal was one of the most important countries in the world, with interests in Brazil, India, China, and Africa. With riches arriving from far and wide, the country built a series of defensive outposts to guard Lisbon, the capital city, including at Cabo da Roca. Today you can walk around (but not inside) the current lighthouse, which was built in the 18th century; see the nearby church with its blue and white azuelo tiles; and stand on the windswept headland and imagine mariners heading out to the New World, more than 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) away.
Cabo da Roca is a popular stop on guided tours of the region, which also take in the nearby hilltop town of Sintra and typically provide round-trip transportation from Lisbon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s no entrance fee to access Cabo da Roca.
- Visit at sunset for great photo opportunities.
- You’ll find a small souvenir store and café on site.
- The area around the lighthouse and church is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Cabo da Roca is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Lisbon, between the towns of Cascais and Sintra. It’s accessible by car, guided tour, or public bus—403 runs from Cascais to Sintra and stops at Cabo da Roca.
When to Get There
Cabo da Roca is open year-round. It is usually windy at the cape and can be cooler than in the surrounding areas, even in mid-summer. Take extra care on the paths if you’re visiting in rainy or very windy conditions.
Visit the Palaces of Sintra
Twelve miles (20 kilometers) inland of Cabo da Roca is the enchanting town of Sintra, where colorful palaces and fairy-tale castles perch on tree-covered hills. Used by the Portuguese Royal Family as their summer residence, the red and yellow Pena Palace is straight out of a storybook. The other grand buildings, built by members of the aristocracy and other dignitaries, recall the days when the town was a magnet for Lisbon’s wealthiest residents.
Address: Estrada do Cabo da Roca, Colares 2705-001, Portugal
From $ 34
Castle of the Moors
Perched 1,351 feet (412 meters) above sea level, the Castle of the Moors commands views of the Sintra hills all the way to the Atlantic. The impressive fortification was built between the eighth and ninth centuries by North African Moors to protect the town of Sintra. Scandinavian crusaders captured the fort in 1147 and was further damaged by an earthquake in 1755. During the nineteenth century, Ferdinand II oversaw some restoration of the castle.
Today, visitors can walk the ruined ramparts and battlements, where the views are phenomenal. The castle is part of the UNESCO-designated Sintra Cultural Landscape.
Practical Info
From Sintra’s historic center, follow the signposted footpaths to the Castle of the Moors.
Address: Sintra, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Braga Cathedral
Located in city of Braga in northern Portugal, the Braga Cathedral is the oldest surviving church in Portugal and one of the most important monuments in the country. Built in a Burgundian Romanesque style between the 11th and 13th centuries, the cathedral provided architectural inspiration for many other churches and monasteries built in Portugal around the same time. Due to numerous modifications over the centuries, the cathedral today features a mix of styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Baroque.
The cathedral consists of several chapels built at different times. The parents of the first Portuguese were buried in the Chapel of the Kings in 1374 and the Chapel of the Glory was built in the mid-14th century as the final resting place of Archbishop Goncalo Pereira. Looks for the tomb guarded by siz life size stone lions and the painted Moorish geometrical designs. Also of note for visitors is the choir with sculptured gilt wood stalls built in the late 1730s and two gilt wood organs carved around the same time.
Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum, which includes elaborately carved 18th century choir stalls, the 10th century chalice of Saint Gerald, a 14th century statue of the Virgin Mary and an 11th century Arab ivory box.
Practical Info
Braga Cathedral is located in the center of Braga, just a 10-minute walk from the main train station, as well as a short walk from Braga Castle. Braga itself is less than an hour from Porto by train, making a visit a nice day trip. It is about three to four hours by train from Lisbon.
Address: Rua Dom Paio Mendes 10, Rossio da Sé, Braga, Portugal
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-6:30pm (in winter until 5:30)
From $ 21
Barcelos
Barcelos is a city in the Braga district of northern Portugal. The city is well known for the place where the unofficial symbol of Portugal, the cockerel, originated. Legend has it that a pilgrim was arrested for a crime he did not commit, and as he was about to be hanged, he claimed that a roasted cockerel would crow if he was innocent. Supposedly the cockerel stood up and crowed, and the man was released. Today visitors will find ceramic versions of the Galo de Barcelos throughout the city.
Aside from colorful ceramics and the Galo de Barcelos, this walled medieval city is known for its Thursday market in Campo da República. The market attracts locals from all over the region as well as tourists. Other local attractions include the Nossa Senhora do Terço church, the Centro do Artesanato de Barcelos (handicrafts center) and the ruins of the 15th-century Paço dos Duques de Bragança (Palace of the Dukes of Bragança). The ruins of the palace have been turned into an open-air archaeological museum, which also has a cross describing the story of Galo de Barcelos.
Practical Info
Barcelos is located 38 miles north of Porto and can be reached using route A28 or by train using the Linha de Braga line and R3111.
Address: Barcelos, Portugal
From $ 12
Berardo Collection Museum (Museu Colecao Berardo)
Considered the best modern and contemporary art museum in Portugal, the Berardo Collection is own by billionaire art collector José Berardo. Both the permanent collection and the rotating exhibits are housed in an all white, modern, minimalist building located in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon.
The carefully curated permanent collection uses chronological order to take visitors through the evolution of modern art from the early 20th century through the present day. The first exhibition focuses on art from 1900 – 1960 and includes works by famed cubism artists Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, as well as abstractionist painter Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and surrealist pioneer, Salvador Dali. The second part of the permanent collection focuses on art from 1960 – 1990, and
includes recognizable pieces like Andy Warhol’s silk screen prints of Judy Garland and Campbell’s Tomato Soup alongside unique, unexpected pieces from lesser-known modern artists.
The museum is quite large and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for a rainy day activity — not to mention that admission is free. Beyond the art, there’s a lovely café and restaurant that faces the expansive lawn and well-kept gardens as well as a museum shop with interesting trinkets and gifts.
Practical Info
The Berardo Collection Museum is located at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Praça Império in the Belém neighborhood. It is open every day from 10 a.m, to 7 p.m. and admission is free.
Address: Praça do Império, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m, to 7 p.m.
From $ 6
Carmo Square (Largo do Carmo)
A shaded square surrounded by classic architecture, Carmo Square is the perfect place to stop for a break while exploring Lisbon’s Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. Park benches line the area as well as small tables and a few kiosks serving up drinks, beers, sangria, and snacks. In the center of the square there’s a trickling fountain, with a tall gazebo over it. During the spring and summer, the square comes alive with purple blooming jacaranda trees and is always filled with tourists and locals alike—an excellent place for people watching.
The square is also home to the Carmo Convent, a gothic-style convent built in the late 14th and 15th centuries. Parts of the convent were destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, leaving ruins to explore. In the rehabilitated parts of the convent, there is an Archeological Museum that displays artifacts and art from throughout Portuguese history.
Practical Info
Carmo Square is in the Chiado neighborhood. Located atop one of Lisbon’s many hills, pedestrians can opt to take the Santa Justa Elevator, or brave the steep hill on foot.
Address: Carmo Square, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 16
Batalha Monastery
In 1385 King João I of Portugal declared that he would have a monastery built in honor of the Virgin Mary if his army was able to defeat the much larger army of the Castilians. He was successful, and Portugal gained its independence from Spain. The king had the Batalha Monastery built for the Dominicans, though it took almost two centuries to complete. Today visiting the monastery is a popular day trip from Lisbon.
The west facade has intricate stonework and Gothic windows. This side of the building overlooks a grand plaza. The western portal has many Gothic sculptures including Christ, angels, saints, and other biblical figures. Next to the doors of the church are free-standing statues of the 12 Apostles. Inside the nave has three aisles and many stained glass windows that are beautifully illuminated on sunny days. The tombs of King João I and his wife Philippa of Lancaster (England) can also be found here. At one end of the building are seven unfinished chapels which provide an interesting look at medieval construction.
Practical Info
The Batalha Monastery is located at Largo Infante Dom Henrique. The monastery is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon and can be reached by bus in about two hours. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm October to March, and 9am to 6:30pm April to September. Admission is 6 euros.
Address: Largo Infante Dom Henrique, Batalha, Centro 2440, Portugal
Hours: 9am to 6pm October to March, and 9am to 6:30pm April to September
Admission: 6 euros
From $ 61
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Set in a lush garden, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is regarded as one of Portugal’s finest private collections and contains artworks ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to modernist paintings. The museum also houses a large selection of European art, with pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Van Dyck, and Renoir.
The Basics
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum contains two distinct collections: the Founder’s Collection, with over 6,000 pieces gathered by Calouste Gulbenkian himself, and the Modern Collection, which contains more than 10,000 works of modern and contemporary Portuguese art. After you peruse the museum’s pristine modernist interior, make sure to step outside and explore the winding paths and manicured lawns of Gulbenkian Garden.
Book your ticket in advance to save time and avoid waiting in line. It’s also possible to visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum along with other Lisbon attractions such as Marquȇs do Pombal Square (Praça Marquês de Pombal) and Belém Tower (Torre de Belém).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a must-see for art lovers.
- Restaurants, a book store, and an ATM are located on-site.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum and surrounding garden.
- The museum and gardens are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is located on Avenida de Berna, roughly 15 minutes by road from Comércio Plaza (Praça do Comércio) and Lisbon’s waterfront area. Take the metro to either São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha station. Alternatively, you can arrive by bus, taxi, or on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
When to Get There
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and Gulbenkian Garden are open year-round, although the museum is closed on Tuesdays and some holidays. Opt for an early morning or late-afternoon visit to avoid crowds.
History of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Wealthy collector Calouste Gulbenkian amassed art for more than 40 years until his death in 1955, leaving his collection to the country of Portugal to be set up as a museum for the general public. His original collection contains paintings by European masters along with ancient relics such as a gold Egyptian mummy mask, a vast collection of Hellenic coins, rare Chinese porcelain items, Japanese prints, and Persian tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Address: Avenida de Berna, 45A, Lisbon 1067, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Cabo Girao
With its dramatic sea cliffs soaring more than 1,903 feet (580 meters) above Madeira’s south coast, Cabo Girão is the highest promontory in Europe. The clifftop is one of the island’s most-visited attractions, with a glass-floor skywalk lookout point affording spectacular panoramic views.
The Basics
Many Funchal tours include a visit to the Cabo Girão lookout point, but independent travelers can also take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour with stops in Funchal, the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, and Cabo Girão. You can also combine a Cabo Girão tour with a 4x4 off-road excursion along the coast or a tour of west Madeira that visits sights such as Ponta do Sol, Seixal, and São Vicente.
For a different perspective, opt for a catamaran cruise or dolphin- and whale-watching cruise along Madeira’s south coast; you’ll sail beneath the towering sea cliffs and have the chance to swim or snorkel in the Atlantic. Or, ride a cable car from Cabo Girão down to the Fajas de Cabo Girao, the terraced farmlands that lie in the otherwise inaccessible bay beneath the cliffs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s no entrance fee to visit the lookout point or skywalk.
- Facilities at the clifftop include a gift shop, café, restrooms, and free parking.
- Cabo Girão is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get to There
Cabo Girao is located about 9 miles (15 kilometers) west of Funchal; most visitors arrive by private transport or as part of a guided tour. Daily buses from Funchal or Câmara de Lobos, which are more frequent in summer, also run to and from the lookout.
When to Get There
The Cabo Girao skywalk is open 24/7 year round, but it can get busy; in peak season (July and August), it’s best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The most stunning views are at sunrise and sunset.
Outdoor Activities at Cabo Girão
In addition to conquering the highest cliff skywalk in Europe, hikers can also tackle the scenic Levada do Norte walk, a 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) hike that runs from Cabo Girão to Boa Morte in Ribeira Brava. More adventurous types will appreciate the windswept cliffs of Cabo Girão, which have become a hotspot for paragliding and BASE jumping.
Address: Cabo Girão, Madeira, Portugal
From $ 8
Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica)
One of the primary modes of public transportation in hilly Lisbon are funiculars, and the Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica) has been ferrying passengers up the hill along Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo between Rua de São Paulo and Calçada do Combro since 1892.
The Bica Funicular comprises two yellow and white cars traveling in opposite directions, both with sitting and standing space. For visitors in the lower parts of Lisbon, this funicular provides a wonderful way to save leg muscles on the way up to São Jorge Castle.
Those curious about the history of Lisbon’s funiculars (and other forms of public transportation) can learn more with a visit to the Carris Museum
Practical Info
If you plan on using public transportation often, it’s cheaper to buy a Lisbon card or Viva Viagem card from the metro instead of purchasing tickets individually.
Address: Rua de São Paulo, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 7am-9pm; Sun and holidays 9am-9pm
Admission: €3.60 RT
From $ 16
Bel em Palace (Palacio de Bel em)
Belem Palace was the official residence of Portugal's monarchs, and since 1910 it has been the home of the country's Presidents. It is located in the Belem neighborhood on a hill near the banks of the Tagus River. It consists of five buildings and was constructed in the late 16th century. There are manicured gardens and a statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, the Viceroy of India, standing on a 20 meter high pedestal in front of the palace. The changing of the guard takes place at 11am on the third Sunday of each month near the Patio dos Bichos entrance.
Today the palace also houses the Presidency Museum, which examines the history of the Portuguese Republic and its presidents. It has a permanent exhibit that explains the history of the country's symbols, such as the flag and the national anthem. Another section looks at the role of the presidents through a collection of photographs. There are portraits of each the country's presidents in one section and gifts the presidents received from other world leaders in another part of the museum.
Practical Info
Belem Palace is located at Praca Afonso de Albuquerque. To get there take tram 15. The palace can be visited on Saturdays from 10:30am to 4:30pm. The Presidency Museum is open from 10am to 6pm daily except Mondays. Admission is 5 euros.
Address: Praca Afonso de Albuquerque, Lisbon, Lisboa 1300, Portugal
Hours: Palace: Saturdays 10:30am to 4:30pm; Museum: Open daily except Mondays 10am to 6pm
Admission: 5 euros
From $ 23
Berlengas Archipelago
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a popular destination for hikers, snorkelers, and divers, the Berlengas archipelago is a collection of small islands and reefs off the coast of Peniche, Portugal. Only one of the islands is inhabited, and the unspoiled scenery and secret sandy coves draw visitors from far and wide.
The Basics
Some 6 miles (10 kilometers) off the Portuguese coast, none of the Berlengas islands has a permanent population. The biggest island, Berlenga Grande, is famous for its 17th-century fort—Fort St. John the Baptist (Forte de São João Baptista)—connected to the land via a precarious stone causeway. Before the fort was constructed a monastery existed on the same site, but it was abandoned after frequent raids from pirates.
The area around the islands is a protected zone for the preservation of local birds and sea life, and only fairly small numbers of tourists are permitted per year. Visitors take the ferry from the mainland or visit Berlenga Grande as part of an all-day guided tour from Lisbon. From the harbor area, you can hike to one of the beaches or see the fort before returning to the mainland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Access to Berlenga Grande is via boat only.
- The island has uneven terrain and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- Glass-bottom boat tours visit the caves around the island’s exterior.
- There is a café/restaurant on the island, but it is advisable to bring extra water with you.
- The fort also serves as an overnight hostel for visitors.
- The waters around the Berlengas are popular with divers and snorkelers.
How to Get There
The Berlengas archipelago is located off the coast of Portugal, approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the coastal town of Peniche. Visitors can take the seasonal ferry from Peniche to the harbor on Berlenga Grande or take part in a guided boat tour with round-trip transfers provided.
When to Get There
Boat tours and passenger ferries visit Berlenga Grande in the summer months only—the sea is too rough in the winter for small boats to operate. Ferries run from late May to mid-September.
Exploring the Town of Peniche
The jumping-off point for boat tours and ferry rides across to the Berlengas archipelago, Peniche town is worth a stop too. Visitors interested in history can tour the fortress that housed political prisoners of 20th-century Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar. Those looking to relax can take a seat on one of the sandy beaches that draw local surfers or head to a seafood restaurant serving up the catch of the day.
Address: Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 92
Bel em Tower (Torre de Bel em)
A mighty medieval fortress perched on the banks of the Tagus River, Belem Tower is one of Lisbon’s most visited landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), it’s a lasting symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, dating back to the early 16th century.
The Basics
Belem Tower is a popular inclusion on sightseeing tours of Lisbon and can be visited on a walking tour or as part of a full-day private tour of Lisbon, Sintra, or Arrabida. Visitors can view the tower from the waterfront steps or enter to take in the views from the bulwark terrace, peek into the Governor's Room and King’s Room, and climb to the top of the tower. Its stately face can also be viewed on a river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Combined tickets are available for the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the National Archeological Museum.
- The tower is closed on Mondays.
- The tower is only partially wheelchair accessible; those with limited mobility will only be able to explore the exterior and the lower battery.
How to Get There
Belem Tower is located in the Belem district of Lisbon, about four miles (six kilometers) west of the city center. The easiest way to get there is by tram—take the No. 15 from Praca da Figueira in central Lisbon toward Alges, and get off at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (one stop beyond Belem). From there, it’s a short walk through the monastery gardens to the riverfront park, where you will be able to see the tower.
When to Get There
Belem Tower is open all year round but it can get crowded during the peak summer months, so you may want to arrive early (and opt for a weekday visit if possible). For the most atmospheric photo opportunities, visit at sunset or sunrise to admire the dramatic facade.
A Walking Tour of Belem
One of Lisbon’s most picturesque districts, Belem teems with historic monuments. After marveling at the tower and visiting the Jeronimos Monastery, take a stroll through the riverside gardens, visit Belem Palace, or browse the exhibits at the Maritime Museum or the National Coach Museum. Be sure to sample local delicacy pasteis de Belem (sweet pastries) while you’re in the neighborhood.
Address: Avendia da India, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Oct - Apr: 10am - 5pm, May - Sept: 10am - 6:30pm. Closed Mondays, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25
Admission: Adults: € 6
From $ 10
Casa Fernando Pessoa
Casa Fernando Pessoa is in Lisbon’s slightly raffish neighborhood of Campo de Ourique and was the home of the revered Portuguese poet and literary critic Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935) for the last 15 years of his life. Opened in 1993 as part museum and part cultural center, there are displays of many of Pessoa’s possessions—such as his writing desk, his typewriter and spectacles—in rooms laid out as if he had just departed, providing an intimate portrait of the life and times of the city’s favorite 20th-century poet. Ironically Pessoa’s best-known work, The Book of Disquietude, was only widely acclaimed after his death.
Regular workshops, lectures, poetry recitals and temporary art exhibitions are held at the center, and Pessoa’s vast private library can also be accessed for research. The glass extension at the rear of the museum houses a delightful, poolside restaurant called Flagrante Delitro, with an reputation for producing excellent local Portuguese dishes; it’s the perfect pit stop after a guided tour of the museum.
The life and times of Fernando Pessoa can be further explored on walking tours of the areas of Lisbon associated with him; they are lead by a Pessoa expert from the University of Lisbon.
Practical Info
Casa Fernando Pessoa is open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm. Admission for adults is €3; seniors, students & teachers are €2; children younger than 6 go free; family tickets are €8. Entrance is also free with the Lisbon Card. To access via public transportation, take the Metro Yellow Line to Rato.
Address: Rua Coelho da Rocha 16, Lisbon, Beiras, Portugal
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm
Admission: €3; seniors, students & teachers €2; less than 6 go free; family ticket €8
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Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George's Castle)
The ocher-colored, imposing St George’s Castle is an iconic landmark standing high in Alfama with views over Lisbon and the Tagus waterfront from its turreted, fortified walls. With only a few Moorish wall fragments dating from the sixth century still remaining, the castle we see now was redeveloped over the centuries following King Afonso Henriques’ re-conquest of Lisbon in 1147.
There’s enough to see at the castle to keep everyone happy for several hours. Walks around the ramparts provide far-reaching views of the city below. As much of the medieval castle was given over to housing troops and resisting siege, the fortified ramparts were dotted with defense towers. Now only 11 of the original 18 are still standing and most interesting among these is the Torre de Ulísses (Tower of Ulysses) as it contains a gigantic periscope offering visitors a 360° view of Lisbon.
The castle complex also harbors the partly excavated site of the original Moorish hilltop settlement and the gently crumbling, photogenic remains of the Royal Palace of the Alcácova – it was here that the royal family sought refuge in time of war. Today the Alcácova contains a small museum of archaeological artifacts found during the excavations as well as family-friendly café and the Casa do Leão, one of Lisbon’s top restaurants. The forested gardens surrounding the castle are planted with pine, cork, olive and oak trees, providing a serene respite from the clamor of the city below.
Practical Info
Tram 28 passes close to the castle and bus No 737 from Praça Figueira stops at the gate. Open Nov 1-Feb 28 9am-6pm; Mar 1-Oct 31 9am-9pm. The Periscope and Tower of Ulysses are sometimes closed due to weather conditions. Admission €7.50, students and over 65 €4, family €16; free with the Lisbon Card.
Address: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Lisbon 1100-129, Portugal
Hours: Nov-Feb 9am-6pm; Mar-Oct 9am-9pm
Admission: Adult €7.50, Student/Senior €4, Family €16
From $ 12