Choose from 168 Fun Things to Do in Portugal
Cape Espichel (Cabo Espichel)
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Furnas Lake (Lagoa das Furnas)
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Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal (Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal)
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Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a must-see for art lovers.
- Restaurants, a book store, and an ATM are located on-site.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum and surrounding garden.
- The museum and gardens are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Badoca Safari Park
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Estádio da Luz
- The Stadium of Light is a must visit for soccer fans and sports lovers.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on the ground floor.
- The stadium is also home to a slew of bars and two panoramic restaurants.
Aveiro
In Roman times, Aveiro was known as Aviarium, which in Latin means “gathering of birds” due to the large number of birds inhabiting the city’s lagoon area. Today, Aveiro is known for being one of the largest metropolitan areas in Portugal (when associated with nearby Ílhavo). It’s also known as the “Venice of Portugal,” as its city is crossed with canals on which boats called barcos moliceiros ferry passengers to and fro.
Aveira’s fortunes have always been tied to the Ria (estuary) and the sea. In contemporary times, the Ria is linked to Aveiro via three canals: the Canal das Pirâmides (marked at its entrance by two stone pyramids), which flows into the Canal de São Roque, and the Canal do Paraíso. Travelers may want to book a tour or plan one of their own that familiarizes them with canals, as they are major avenues of transit and can be overwhelming to first-time visitors.
In terms of attractions, Aveiro’s canals are certainly a must-see. The city’s old-world charm and colorful buildings are underscored by the brightly colored barcos moliceiros pushing across the channels, and the Ria is a fascinating landscape, crisscrossed by intersecting waterways and finger-like peninsulas. Likewise, the city’s beaches are among the best in the country, and surfing is a popular pastime. As the city came into its own in the middle ages, visitors can expect to find centuries-old buildings, including the Aveiro Cathedral and the Igreja de la Misericordia, designed by 18th-century Italian Architect Nicolau Nasoni.
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In the days of sail, one of Aveiro's chief exports was blue ceramic tile known as azulejos. Aveiro's contemporary buildings favor an Art Noveau style, and azulejos figure prominently in the designs.
Of course, Aveiro is also known for its not-so-contempoary buildings. Among these, you will want to visit the Convento de Jesus. This 15th century convent was once illicitly sought after by the daughter of King Afonso V, and now it houses the Museu de Aveiro, which houses a large collection of Portuguese Baroque art, as well as sculptures and archeological finds.
Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica)
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Campo Pequeno
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Guimaraes
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Berardo Collection Museum (Museu Colecao Berardo)
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Bel em Tower (Torre de Bel em)
- Combined tickets are available for the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the National Archeological Museum.
- The tower is closed on Mondays.
- The tower is only partially wheelchair accessible; those with limited mobility will only be able to explore the exterior and the lower battery.
Avenida da Liberdade
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Estrela Basilica
- The Estrela Basilica is a must-visit for architecture lovers and religious patrons.
- Visitors generally spend about 30 minutes exploring the basilica.
- Admission to the basilica is free but there are small fees to see the Nativity scene and to access the dome.
- There is no accessible entrance, however the ground floor of the basilica does not have any hindrances for wheelchairs.
Bel em Palace (Palacio de Bel em)
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Estoril
Located just 9 miles from Lisbon, Estoril is a popular resort town on the water where you can enjoy a very sophisticated variation of foods, modern amenities, and of course, the beach. During the day you could be in or on the water, fishing, windsurfing, diving, or water-skiing--or if you fancy--shooting 18-holes at one of the Estoril Coast’s 7 courses, including sought after Atlantico. By night, you may decide to roll the dice at Esotril’s famous Casino Estoril.
If you’re looking for something a little more tame, there are also a load of cultural sites to visit, including the exotic yet beautiful Pena Palace and Park, or go check out the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary, where you can observe or even adopt one of these majestic creatures.
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Chiado
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Chiado Museum
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Berlengas Archipelago
- Access to Berlenga Grande is via boat only.
- The island has uneven terrain and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- Glass-bottom boat tours visit the caves around the island’s exterior.
- There is a café/restaurant on the island, but it is advisable to bring extra water with you.
- The fort also serves as an overnight hostel for visitors.
- The waters around the Berlengas are popular with divers and snorkelers.