Portugal: Things to Do and See in Portugal
Get inspired with this list of 10 things to do in Portugal
May 14, 2026
6 minute read
Portugal offers an enormous range of things to see and do — which can make it hard to decide where to go and how to make the most of your time. Collette Tour Designer Sandra C. spends her days making those decisions, designing guided tours of Portugal that include all the best things to do — food, music, must-see attractions, and hidden gems — without feeling rushed.
Using her insight, this list highlights experiences that Sandra includes in many of the Portugal tours Collette offers.
TL;DR: Use this list of things to do in Portugal for inspiration — or hit the easy button and choose one of the tours Sandra designed. View Portugal tours.
Top 10 Things to Do in Portugal
The best things to do in Portugal include historic cities, food and music traditions, and getting to know each region’s distinct personality — Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve countryside, and the islands.
1. Ride Lisbon’s Yellow Tram Through the City’s Hills and Neighborhoods
Lisbon is a city where neighborhoods climb hillsides, streets tilt towards the river, and elevated viewpoints let you see how the city fits together. Riding the yellow tram is a fun way to take a break from walking whilst still taking in the city’s tiled façades, cafés, and rhythm of daily life.
Insider tip: These trams are part of everyday public transit. Waiting your turn is part of the charm of experiencing Lisbon like a local.
2. Spend Time in Belém and See Lisbon’s Connection to the Sea
Belém is a historic neighbourhood on Lisbon’s waterfront with wide river views and landmarks tied to navigation and trade. Visiting this riverside neighbourhood gives you context for Portugal’s history before exploring the rest of the city.
Insider tip: Try the pasteis de belem.
3. Experience Fado Over Dinner in Lisbon
Fado, Portugal’s traditional music, is expressive and closely tied to life in Lisbon. Hearing it during dinner lets the music set the tone for the evening — the pace slows and conversation fades as the voices and guitar take centre stage.
Tour highlight: On Collette’s Portugal tours, a fado dinner is included — something many guided tours skip. This is one of the many ways Sandra weaves authentic local experiences into Collette's tours.
4. Walk Sintra at an Unhurried Pace
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its storybook palaces and estates. Set in the hills, the region’s cooler air, shaded paths, and winding streets invite you to take your time and notice architectural details, gardens, and changing views as you move through town.
Insider tip: Vehicle access is limited in historic areas, so you’ll want to wear comfortable sneakers or similarly sturdy footwear.
5. Wander Óbidos and Try Ginjinha in a Chocolate Cup
Óbidos is a small town with medieval architecture, whitewashed buildings, and narrow lanes to explore. End your visit with a glass of ginjinha — a sour‑cherry liqueur — traditionally served in a small chocolate cup you can eat afterward.
Insider tip: Cobblestones can be uneven and slick after rain.
6. Visit a Cork Factory in Alentejo
Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork. In Alentejo, cork production remains closely tied to family‑run operations and long‑standing traditions. Visiting a family‑run cork factory in offers insight into how this industry shapes everyday life.
Tour highlight: On our Sunny Portugal tour, the cork factory visit stands out because travellers meet the people behind the work, not just the finished product.
7. Attend the Candlelight Procession in Fátima
Fátima takes on a different atmosphere after dark. The candlelight procession creates a shared stillness that many visitors find moving, regardless of religious background.
Insider tip: Peak pilgrimage months, especially from May through October, bring very large crowds. Visiting outside those dates offers a calmer experience. Learn more about the benefits of off-season travel.
8. Picnic in the Monchique Mountains in the Algarve
The Algarve isn’t defined only by its coastline. Head inland for a picnic in the Monchique mountains where you can take in the scenery and experience a side of the region shaped more by nature than resort life.
Tour highlight: Including a picnic with authentic local food gives travellers a chance to spend time outside busier coastal towns on our Sunny Portugal tour.
9. Walk Porto’s Historic Centre and Follow the Port Wine Story
Port wine can only be produced in Portugal. Walking through Porto's steep streets, stairways, and river views is the best way to immerse yourself in the city and its history. As you move through the historic centre, Porto’s past as a wine‑trading hub reveals itself through the layout and architecture.
10. Explore the Azores’ Volcanic Landscapes
The Azores feel like a different Portugal. Volcanic terrain, crater lakes, and thermal activity shape a landscape‑driven rhythm that sets the islands apart from the mainland.
Tour highlight: On The Azores: Jewels of Portugal, we bring travellers to visit the blue and green lagoons of Sete Cidades and taste cozido, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat.
What to Know Before You Go to Portugal
A few quick tips to keep in mind when deciding what to do in Portugal:
Portugal is considered very safe and welcoming.
Historic centres are best explored on foot.
Meals are social and unhurried.
Choose footwear for comfort more than fashion.
For more ideas or to find the perfect guided tour for you, browse our tours of Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Portugal
Is Portugal walkable?
Yes. Expect hills, cobblestones, and limited vehicle access in historic areas.
What food experiences should I prioritise?
Shared small plates, regional wines, and at least one fado dinner is a must. Check out our list of 9 must-try foods and drinks in Portugal.
Is Porto harder to explore than Lisbon?
Porto is steeper than Lisbon, but many travellers find the city especially rewarding. Collette lists activity levels on our tours so you know what to expect before you book.
Are the Azores very different from mainland Portugal?
Yes. The focus is more on landscapes and nature than cities and monuments.
Is Fátima only for religious travellers?
No. Many visitors are drawn by the atmosphere, especially during evening processions.
How Do You Decide What to Do in Portugal?
What you want to do in Portugal comes down to personal preference and how long you will be visiting the country. No one wants their trip to feel like an endless to-do list, but that can happen if you try to pack too much into one trip.
This is where guided tours give you an advantage. Sandra is an expert in both the region and travel, which helps her combine things to do with free time, so the pacing feels fun, not frantic. Then we test our tours because it’s hard to tell how a trip will feel until you’re on the ground. This is what we mean when we say Collette tours are built by travellers, for travellers.
