Best Places

Belém is Lisbon's historic riverside district, known for its UNESCO-listed monuments, including Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and attractions such as the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts), museums, and gardens. Combining Portugal's maritime heritage with art, culture, and scenic Tagus River waterfront views, Belém is best explored over half a day to a full day.

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are two of Lisbon’s most iconic Manueline monuments, commissioned during the reign of King Manuel I and inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Located on the banks of the Tagus in Belém, they were built as part of the same story during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries: the Jerónimos Monastery was established beside the shore at Restelo, while Belém Tower was constructed in the river to defend the entrance to Lisbon and protect the monastery. 

The Monastery of Batalha, officially the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, is one of Central Portugal’s greatest architectural landmarks and a monument closely linked to the country’s history. Built following King João I’s victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, it became a symbol of the victory and of the new Avis dynasty. Constructed over several generations, the monastery showcases remarkable Gothic architecture, from its soaring church and Founder's Chapel to the richly decorated Manueline Royal Cloister and the striking Unfinished Chapels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Batalha beautifully reflects the close connection between Portuguese history, architecture and royal ambition. 

The Monastery of Alcobaça, in Central Portugal, is one of the country’s most important medieval monuments. Founded in the 12th century and closely linked to the early Portuguese monarchy, it became a major Cistercian centre. Its vast church, medieval cloister and well-preserved monastic spaces reflect the order’s ideals of prayer, work, discipline and simplicity. 

Aveiro is a lagoon city in central Portugal, known for its colourful moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau architecture, and canals connected to the Ria de Aveiro. Close to Ílhavo and Costa Nova, the city’s identity and landscape are deeply shaped by its relationship with the water and the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most historic cities, combining centuries of academic tradition, medieval heritage and Portuguese culture along the Mondego River. Once the capital of the emerging Portuguese kingdom, the city played an important role in the country’s history and remains known for its ancient churches, narrow streets, traditional Fado and lively student atmosphere. At its heart is the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest universities, which continues to shape the city’s cultural and academic identity. 

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 by King Dinis, is Portugal’s oldest university and one of Europe’s oldest. For centuries, its students, professors, traditions, and historic buildings have shaped Coimbra’s identity, making it a major historic university centre. Today, it remains an important cultural landmark, with its historic buildings forming part of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. 

The Francesinha is one of Porto’s most iconic dishes, celebrated for its rich combination of meats, melted cheese, and signature beer-based sauce. While it is beloved across the city, opinions differ widely on where to find the best version, as each restaurant offers its own take on the recipe, varying in flavor, spice, and preparation methods. This guide highlights some of Porto’s most highly regarded places to enjoy a Francesinha, from traditional establishments and local favorites to venues offering vegetarian options. 

Explore Portugal region by region with this master travel guide, covering 10 destinations from historic cities and wine landscapes to coastal regions and Atlantic islands. Find what to see, where to eat, itinerary ideas, day trips, and practical travel tips for planning a well-balanced and meaningful journey across Portugal.

The Douro Valley is a UNESCO-listed wine region in Portugal, famed for its dramatic terraced vineyards, historic estates, and centuries-old winemaking traditions as the birthplace of Port wine, offering a rich blend of scenic river landscapes, charming villages like Pinhão and Peso da Régua, and immersive experiences through wine, culture, and history.