A First-Timer's Guide to Portugal: 4 Cities You Can’t Miss
Discover Portugal’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture as you journey through Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, and Porto.
By Patricia Harrison
From Lisbon’s pastel-lined streets to Sintra’s storybook palaces, Portugal is full of breathtaking places to explore. The country, which is aptly nicknamed “garden planted at the edge of the sea,” has experienced a record surge in both international and domestic tourism over the past few years. That’s evidence of visitors’ affection for Portugal’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and diverse landscapes, all reasons you should plan a trip there soon, too. While there are dozens of destinations worth adding to the itinerary, we’ve rounded up four cities—Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, and Porto—first-time travelers should cross off their lists.
Lisbon
Portugal’s hilly capital radiates with old-world charm and modern energy. Meander through neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, the city’s oldest. There, narrow cobblestone streets wind past colorful façades and tile-roofed buildings. Soak up the city’s rich maritime history in the riverside Belém district, home to the limestone-carved Jerónimos Monastery, the iconic 16th-century Belém Tower, and lots of stop-worthy seafood restaurants.
Devour creamy pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts) at the famed Pastéis de Belém bakery, ride the vintage Tram 28, and catch golden hour from one of the many scenic miradouros (viewpoints) scattered across the city’s hills. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Catarina boast some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon’s red rooftops and the Tagus River. As evening falls, step into a cozy tavern in Alfama to hear the hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado, a genre of Portuguese music characterized by soulful melodies that capture the heart of Lisbon.
Where to Stay
The Browns Avenue Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel known for its trendy amenities and vintage flair. Rooms have retro-inspired Marshall speakers and Smeg mini fridges and the rooftop pool and library are equipped with “honesty bars,” where guests help themselves to drinks and pay based on an honor system.
Palace of Pena in Sintra
Sintra
Situated just a scenic 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is nestled in the misty foothills of the Sintra Mountains, where cooler air and dense forests create an enchanting escape from the bustle of the capital. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, Sintra is now a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with enchanting sights of palaces, villas, and gardens.
Wander the terraces of the hilltop Pena Palace, which features a whimsical blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles. The structure is one of the first examples of European Romantic architecture, which aimed to evoke emotion by blending styles of the past and incorporating elements from the natural landscape. Step back in time at the ivory-hued National Palace of Sintra, Portugal’s oldest royal residence and a landmark known for its signature twin chimneys and walls bedecked with azulejos (elaborate glazed tiles). Then climb the ramparts of the 10th-century Moorish Castle for panoramic views stretching to the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to Stay
The Ritz-Carlton’s Penha Longa Resort, the only hotel in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, has an impressive roster of luxe amenities. Dine at seven on-site restaurants, including two Michelin-starred options; tee off at the 27-hole championship golf course; and unwind at the wellness center’s heavenly outdoor pool.
Jardim Botânico de la Universidad de Coimbra
Coimbra
Perched along the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, Coimbra is a university town where history, tradition, and youthful energy blend harmoniously. At its heart lies the centuries-old University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. There, students still wear traditional black capes and study inside the Joanina Library, a beauty built in the mid-1700s with gold-leaf baroque details and shelves stacked with more than 60,000 books.
Cobblestone thoroughfares snake through the medieval city center, guiding visitors past lively cafés, hidden courtyards, and timeworn staircases leading to sweeping river views. Spend the afternoon in the manicured gardens of Jardim Botânico de la Universidad de Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest botanical garden, or stroll through the Mosteiro Santa Clara-a-Velha, a meticulously restored Gothic ruin across the river. After dark, venture to a cultural center in town to experience Fado de Coimbra, a variation of Portugal’s iconic music style sung exclusively by male university students.
Where to Stay
The design of NH Coimbra Dona Inês pays tribute to the tragic 14th-century love story of Prince Pedro, the heir to the Portuguese throne, and Inês de Castro, a lady-in-waiting of his wife. Reflect on the country’s storied history as you admire the property’s inscription- and art-adorned walls, natural-light-filled spaces and views of the Mondego River.
Porto
In Portugal’s second-most populated city, centuries-old architecture meets a thriving creative scene along the Douro River. Wander the historic Ribeira to encounter picturesque laundry-draped balconies and lively riverside cafés. Porto is also the birthplace of port wine, so a visit isn’t complete without crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia (the hub of the port wine industry). Plan to visit a few of the area’s cellars to sample a few glasses.
Book lovers can’t miss Livraria Lello, a neo-Gothic bookshop said to have inspired elements of Harry Potter, complete with a red-carpet staircase and stained glass skylight. Also be sure to browse the artisan shops in the trendy Cedofeita neighborhood and listen to the hum of street musicians in leafy Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (a botanical garden designed in the 19th century).
Where to Stay
Inspired by Porto’s soap-making history, Torel Saboaria is a peaceful oasis with 28 scent-themed rooms and a lovely garden with a pool and hot tub. Be sure to dine at the on-site Luffa, a cozy, granite-walled restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Azenhas do Mar Seaside Town in Sintra, Portugal
