Top 5 cities to visit in Portugal
Destinations / Portugal
updated January 2023
Portugal has always been in history with many reasons and it is one of the beautiful country of Europe. The country is on the Atlantic ocean and made a significant mark in navigating and sailing throughout. With all these treasures, there are some wonderful cities here and lets find top 5 cities to visit in Portugal.
5. Braga
Braga is a city in the north of Portugal and has a population of about 180,000. With its location is inner side of the country but its only about 30 mins away from Atlantic Ocean beaches. It is a religious city with Bom Jesus do Monte is a popular attraction, is a neoclassical church on the hill.
Some places to see : Bom Jesus do Monte, Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, Arco da Porta Nova, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Jardim de Santa Barbara
How to Reach: Train and drive from Porto takes about 1 hour. Train and drive from Lisbon takes about 4 hour.
4. Coimbra
In central Portugal, Coimbra was the capital of the country from 1143 to 1255. It is a historical city and has plenty of things and places to see here. Coimbra is home of 13th century university, oldest in the country. It is a medieval city on the river Mondego, some 50 mins drive will take you to the Atlantic Ocean.
Some places to see : Universidade de Coimbra, Joanine Library, Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, Sé Velha, Igreja de Santa Cruz, Convent of Christ
How to Reach: 90 mins drive or train from Porto and about little more than 2 hours drive or train from Lisbon
3. Aveiro
Aveiro is a costal city in Portugal, It is in the west coast of the country, 75 km south of Porto. A beautiful city with colorful boats and canals. City is popular tourist destination, with a flavors of Nouveau architecture and saltwater Aveiro Lagoon.
Some places to see : Praia da Costa Nova Beach, Aveiro Museum, Farol de Aveiro, São Jacinto Beach, Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo e Aquário dos Bacalhaus.
How to Reach: about one hour drive or train south of Porto and about 2.5 hour drive or train north of Lisbon.
2. Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. Its a coastal city with hilly terrain, and beautiful suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril across Tagus. Lisbon is home to many museums and unique buildings, also some of the amazing beaches along the coast area.
Some places to see : Castelo de S. Jorge, Belém Tower, Oceanário de Lisboa, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Jerónimos Monastery,
How to Reach: flight from all major cities in Europe and other countries, and about 3 hours from Porto.
1. Porto
Porto is a lovely city in the northern coast of Portugal. It is the second largest city in the country and popular for Port Wine. Porto has many historical highlights. for some reason it gives the vibe of the comfortable and colorful Portuguese city.
Some places to see : Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, Douro River, Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Church and Tower, Casa da Música,
How to Reach: about 3 hours drive or train ride from Lisbon, Porto is connected to major European cities.
