The Best Places to Visit in Portugal 2024

Portugal Travel Tips & Must See Places From Hi Love

Take a journey through the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of Portugal with our Hi Love teammates, Lindsey & Stacie! They took separate trips in the fall of 2023 and are sharing all the insider info here! Read on!

This guide shares the best places to visit in Portugal, ensuring you make the most of your travel experience. From the historic streets of Lisbon to the vast vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal has an array of stunning destinations. Explore the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Portugal a must-visit destination for any traveler. Read on for a tour filled with valuable insights and recommendations that will take your Portuguese adventure to new heights!

Lisbon

Nestled along the scenic western coast of Portugal, Lisbon has a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. As the capital city, Lisbon marries traditional charm with modern sophistication, which offers a diverse array of attractions for every traveler.

Best Hotel:
Four Seasons - A beautiful hotel to stay or to stop & see the gorgeous lobby or have a drink at the Vintage Bar.

Must Eat:
Time Out Market - Delicious food stalls!
Dear Breakfast - Multiple locations within LIsbon, and is a brunch person's heaven!
Bairro do Avillez -Highly recommend for a nice dinner out.

Must See:
Elevador de Santa Justa - Take the elevator up for incredible views of the city that are worth the lines.
Campo de Ourique - A romantic residential neighborhood worth the visit. Take Tram 28 to explore this area as well as downtown and other hotspots.

Must Do:
Tuk Tuk City Tour - A fun and efficient way to see the city and they will also take you to some great lookout points for photos
Lisbon Chillout Free Tour - Free walking tour led by knowledgable local volunteers.
River Cruise - A great way to see Lisbon from the water.

Shopping:
Feira da Ladra - A well-known local flea market that runs on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Avenida Liberdad - High-end shopping street that is beautiful to wander through.
LX Factory - Once an old industrial textile complex, it is now home to Lisbon's trendiest restaurants, bars and shops.

Porto

Porto is located along the Douro River. It has an irresistible charm that captures the hearts of anyone who visits. It’s known for its historic architecture. Porto combines the old-world charm with dynamic, modern energy. As the birthplace of port wine, this coastal city offers an exciting food & wine experience in its traditional taverns and world-class wine cellars dotting the picturesque hillsides.

Best Hotel:
Yeatman Hotel - A stunning hotel with the best view of Porto.

Must Eat:
Negra Cafe - Great spot for brunch.
Padaria Ribeiro - A lovely bakery recommended by a local and where you can try a "Pasteis de Nata" a famous Portuguese custard tart.
Cafe Santiago - Considered the 'it' spot to try the famous Portuguese sandwich, the "Francesinha."
Taylor's Port - Highly recommend a wine tasting and dinner at their winery.

Must See:
Praca dos Leoes fountain - A fountain filled with bubbles.

Must Do:
Bridges - Take a walk along the many bridges in the city. 
Calem - Port Wine Tour.

Shopping:
Mercado do Balhao - Porto's historic market where you can find fresh fruits and veggies, meat/seafood, flowers, sweets, gifts and there's even an area to dine and a beautiful fountain. A definite must-see!

Nazare

Praia do Norte is a popular beach in Nazare to watch the historically large waves. It attracts world-class surfers from all over the world. The Guinness World Record for the world's largest wave (86 feet) was accomplished here in Oct 2020.

Douro Valley

Douro, Portugal, is a captivating region known for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class vineyards. It sits along the winding Douro River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its terraced vineyards that produce Port wine. The hillsides with rows of grapevines, create a stunning backdrop for charming quintas and historic estates. Whether you indulge in wine tastings, explore the cultural heritage, or simply soak in the beauty, Douro is a special experience in the heart of Portugal's wine country.

Best Hotel:
Vintage House - A luxury five star hotel located at Pinhão.

Must Do:
Take a wine tour
Quinta De Ventozelo - A beautiful vineyard that is worth a visit.

Algarve Region

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is a sunny paradise, with golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns. It has a Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. The Algarve has stunning limestone caves and grottoes to explore. There are quaint fishing villages like Lagos and historic architecture like in Faro. The Algarve is a memorable getaway in the southern region of Portugal.

Faro:
Talk a walk in the Old Town
Jardim Manuel Bívar - This vast garden, between the dock, the Arco da Vila and the beginning of Rua de Santo Antonio, is one of the most striking spaces in the city and a meeting point for the people of Faro.

Lagos:
Ponta da Piedade - A gorgeous series of walking paths lining the rocky waterfront. A great chance to walk and get exercise while feasting your eyes on the beautiful rock formations along the coast.
The Green Room - A yummy place to eat.
Gloosi by Artisani - Get amazing gelato here.
Coffee & Waves - Owned and run by local surfers, they have amazing acai bowls, smoothie and avocado toast.

Other Cities to Note

Bag Favorites for Traveling Portugal & Beyond

Lindsey's Favorites

Black Crossbody Puffer Backpack with Gold Heart: I Used this a ton during our sightseeing around Lisbon to fit a water bottle, snacks, hand sanitizer & more.

Shimmer Black & Beige Chain Purse: I used this to pack my jewelry for the trip and then added the chain when we were there to wear at our fancier work dinners.

Shimmer Army Green Puffer Crossbody:  I used this when we were traveling from Lisbon up through Nazare’ to Douro Valley.The perfect shade for a fall day traveling around Douro Valley vineyards.

Stacie's Favorites:

Shimmer Navy Love Me Knot: I carried an extra pair of sandals in the Algarve along with my essentials when I wanted to prepare for the beach and also used it in the Porto when we went out to a nice dinner.

Black wristlet with Silver LOVE I took this everywhere and kept essentials in it like chapstick and hand sanitizer, which my daughter was always asking for.

Shimmer Black Carry All with White Stripes: I used this bag nearly everywhere I went and would often put other Hi Love bags in it when I didn’t want several things to carry at a time; great overall bag and especially came in handy when I was shopping in Lisbon.

Portugal's diverse landscapes and rich culture offer an incredible travel experience. You can visit the enchanting cities of Lisbon and Porto or bask in the sunshine beauty of the Algarve region for an unforgettable trip. If you're a history buff, a foodie, or a sun seeker, Portugal is somewhere you will love. Thank you for reading about our journey - give us a follow on Instagram @hilovetravel for more travel tips, guides, and inspiration. And keep sharing the LOVE wherever you go!