Portugal stands out as one of the underrated European destinations. We can talk about London, Paris, or Venice all day long. Yet, a place that sits on the western edge of the continent is just waiting to be explored. With centuries-old history, abundant sunshine, and a lot of must-do things (even for first timers), Portugal could be the place where your next European adventure takes place.
What are some of the things that we highly recommend you do? If you're planning to go to Portugal for the first time, make sure these things are on your itinerary before you set out.
Explore The Charm Of Lisbon
You arrive in the capital city of Lisbon, which is home to a handful of luxury hotels in Portugal. This place has a mix of old-world charm with modern energy. It also has plenty of neighborhoods to explore, such as Alfama, where you'll find steep stairways, tiled houses, and the sounds of Fado music filling the airwaves for that perfect ambiance that is unmatched.
While in Lisbon, you'll want to explore the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the yellow Tram 28. This city alone is worth spending a couple of days in (assuming you're spending at least a week in Portugal). As more travelers rely on Google Search to plan trips to destinations like Lisbon, hotels and travel brands often partner with agencies like Uprankd.
Enjoy Pasteis de Belem
Custard tarts or pasteis de belem are a must-try dessert. They've been around since the 19th century and still remain a local favorite to this day. It's warm, flaky, and caramelized. Are you getting a little hungry right now?
This pastry just might be what you're looking for when you want to sample Portugal's culinary scene for the first time. If you enjoy pasteis de belem, who knows what you might enjoy as well.
Head North to Porto
After you've spent a couple of days in Lisbon, you'll want to head north to the second largest city in Portugal, known as Porto. This place has its own charm, and the medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and unbeatable riverside views prove just that. If you love taking a lot of pictures, you're in one of the best places for photographers (and there are a lot of photo opportunities that are closer than you think).
While you're here, you may want to check out the Dom Luis I Bridge. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you could find some of the things that inspired the whole story, such as Livaria Lello. For wine lovers, the Vila Nova de Gaia is a can't-miss place for a glass of wine. Porto is awesome to check out for your first time visiting Portugal.
Visit The Magical Town of Sintra
You can take a short train ride from Lisbon to a place where you'll feel like you're in a fairy tale novel the moment you set foot in Sinta. You'll see palaces, storybook villas, and dense forests. This is a place where the Portuguese royalties would live during the summer months centuries ago. Sinta is home to the Quinta de Egaleira, which has the Initiation Well and plenty of hidden tunnels to get you from one place to another.
The Moorish Castle is a place where you can get breathtaking views of the region, and the colorful Pena Palace is worth checking out, too. You'll feel like you're in this magical dreamland. The only difference is you're wide awake, and it might hurt to pinch yourself just to make sure if it's a dream or not (spoiler: it's reality).
Spend The Day At The Beaches of the Algarve
Finally, we cannot wrap this up without mentioning the Algarve region. That's where you'll find some of the best beaches in Europe, if not the entire world. There are golden, picturesque cliffs, turquoise waters, and secret coves that you can access via boat only. Located in the southern part of Portugal, you can check out the Benagil Sea Cave, Praia da Marinha, and even some of the coastal towns such as Tavira and Lagos.
If relaxation and indulgence are two things you're looking for, the Algarve is guaranteed to deliver. What better way to continue your Portugal getaway (or wrap it up) with some time well spent on the beach?
Final Thoughts
Imagine going to what could be the best travel destination of your life so far. Portugal has the potential to be on your list of all-time favorites, and these five must-do things are the reasons why. Starting in Lisbon is a highly recommended starting point. From there, it's up to you to decide where to go next.
The question is: what's stopping you from planning a trip to Portugal? Book that flight, find a hotel deal you can't say no to, and count the days until you finally set out for what could be the best adventure ever.