Portugal is such an amazing country with such diversity from beautiful beaches in the Algarve to beautiful architecture in Lisbon this country really has something for every traveller.
Portugal had been on my travel bucket list for a long time and I finally got to visit in the summer of 2023. I travelled from the south in Lagos Portugal to the north in Porto Portugal and of course, finished my trip in Lisbon Portugal.
I want to share with everyone the top activities you NEED to add to your travel bucket list to do during your trip to Portugal as it will make your trip one you will always remember.
This post is all about the ultimate Portugal bucket list.
1. Ride the 28 Tram in Lisbon Portugal
I am sure everyone has seen photos of the famous Tram 28 in Lisbon Portugal. This tram is the most popular as it goes by some very popular spots in Lisbon including Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and more. Tickets for the trams in Lisbon cost 3 euros but if you get the Lisboa card tram tickets are included. So go ride the streets of Lisbon in style on the yellow trams.
2. Watch a Fado Show
Fado is a music genre that originated in Lisbon Portugal. Fado performances include a combination of beautiful singing and guitar playing. These performers are incredibly talented and it is a great way to spend a night in Portugal. Looking to get tickets for a Fado show check out GetYourGuide they have tickets for shows in Lisbon, Porto, and more.
3. Visit Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon
Jeronimos Monastery is a popular spot for travellers visiting Lisbon to go and see. This monastery is beautiful with detailed architecture. If you are hoping to see the inside of Jeronimos Monastery you can purchase entrance tickets on GetYourGuide.
4. Visit Pena Palace in Sintra
Sintra is a municipality in Portugal around an hour away from Lisbon. It is a perfect day trip to visit Sintra from Lisbon. Sintra has a ton of famous places to visit like Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira, and Sintra National Palace. But one place you NEED to see when you visit Sintra is the National Palace of Pena. This palace is beautiful with its yellow, red, and purple walls as well as gardens surrounding the palace. You could easily spend a few hours exploring the grounds of Pena Palace.
If you want to visit check out GetYourGuide for entrance tickets to Pena Palace or tours around Pena Palace.
5. Go Kayaking in the Algarve
The Algarve is the southern region of Portugal full of beautiful beaches and coastlines. Water activities are very popular in this area of Portugal. I highly recommend adding kayaking to your Portugal bucket list. I went kayaking in Lagos Portugal along the beautiful rocky coastline and into caves it was definitely a highlight of my trip.
If you are visiting Lagos and interested in the kayaking tour I went on, it was amazing! You can get tickets on GetYourGuide and the tour was called “Lagos Guided Kayak Tour“.
6. Visit Ponta da Piedade in Lagos
Ponta da Piedade is a famous lookout in Lagos Portugal. Lagos has a beautiful boardwalk along the coastline from Lagos Old Town to Ponta da Piedade. You can see some of the beautiful beaches and amazing rock formations along the walk. Ponta da Piedade is a great place for a picnic or to watch the sunset. But if you are in Lagos you should definitely add Ponta da Piedade to your Lagos itinerary.
7. Try Pastel de Nata
Patel de nata is a famous pastry in Portugal. It is an egg custard tart pastry and it is very delicious. You can find this pastry in almost any cafe, bakery, or grocery store in Portugal. When in Portugal you need to try Patel de nata at least once.
8. Walk or Cruise the Douro River in Porto
Douro River is the river that runs through Porto. The Douro River in Porto has lots of markets and stands to shop for souvenirs. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes along the river if you want to have a meal with a view. It is a very nice walk along the Douro River but many visitors to Porto decide to take a cruise down the river to see the city.
If you want to book a Douro River Cruise check out GetYourGuide for tons of tour options.
9. Visit the Livraria Lello Bookstore in Porto
Livraria Lello is a famous bookstore in Porto especially for Harry Potter fans as J.K. Rowling the author of the Harry Potter series visited this bookstore often while living in Porto. Some say the library in Hogwarts was inspired by Livraria Lello. This bookstore from the outside may not look like anything crazy but once you get inside it is beautiful. There are bookshelf lining the walls, a spiralling staircase to the second floor, and stain-glass windows, all making this bookstore like nothing you have ever seen before.
If you are planning on visiting Livraria Lello bookstore visit their website, click here, to book an entrance ticket and time.
10. Explore the Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral is another destination you need to add to your Porto itinerary. Porto Cathedral is amazing from its beautiful tiled walls to view other looking the city of Porto and so much more, this spot needs to be added to your Portugal bucket list.
If you are wanting the see the inside of the Porto Cathedral you will need to purchase an entrance ticket. You can get one at the door or online. If you want to get a ticket in advance check out Tiqets.
That brings us to the end of the Portugal bucket list. I hope this list of the 10 activities in Portugal was helpful for anyone planning a trip. Portugal really is an amazing country with so much variety from beaches, small towns, big cities, amazing architecture, delicious food, and so much more. Hope you have an amazing trip to Portugal and you get to check some activities off of this Portugal bucket list.
