On the road since 1993

5 Best Things to Do in Portugal

When it comes to finding the best things to do in Portugal, we have the experience to lead the way. Whether you see yourself escaping the energy of the cities for the rugged coastlines, or want to get amongst it all in the hunt for local delicacies that are a must-try, Portugal has it all. And your search for the best things to do while in Portugal is over. Having visited on numerous occasions, we’d like to think we have insight into local hotspots, ones we want to share with you to make your trip that much more exciting. Let’s begin…         

Coming up in this article:

  • What Are 5 Best Things to Do in Portugal?

  • Top Three FAQs Before Visiting Portugal

What Are 5 Best Things to Do in Portugal?

  • Sample The Country’s Famous Tipple in Porto

  • Drift Along The Douro Valley

  • Soak Up the Sun In The Algarve Town of Tavira

  • Visit Coimbra, The Former Portuguese Capital

  • Marvel At Óbidos’s Moorish Architecture

Located in Europe, touring Portugal should be a destination on everybody's list. Having something for everyone, whether you prefer beach holidays, city trips, or history and culture, this country can support it all. But where do you start with looking for the best things to do? Luckily for you, we have created our top five list of best things Portugal has to offer its guests. 

Sample The Country’s Famous Tipple in Porto

Location: Porto, Portugal
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Porto, Aveiro & Passionate Portugal 3-Day Tour

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city, Porto’s charms captivate its visitors upon first arrival. But that’s not where the magic stops. It’s the home and birthplace of the sweet, fortified red wine port. Guests to the region are able to soak in the historic city and sample a tipple or two of the local beverage. We’d recommend, while you’re in the area and want to learn more about the production or history, to visit a port wine cellar. While our small-group tours don’t have cellar tours included, you have free time in the region to explore at our own leisurely pace.

Drift Along The Douro Valley  

Location: Douro Valley, Portugal
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: The Charms of Portugal & North West Spain 6-Day Tour

Staying in the Porto region, one of the best things to do while in Portugal is take a boat cruise along the Douro River. The Douro Valley region is where wine lovers will feel most at home, as this is the hub for all the major vineyards in Portugal. So whether you’re visiting as a group, or travelling solo, float along the scenic waters to gain a new perspective of the region.

Soak Up the Sun In The Algarve Town of Tavira  

Location: Algarve, Portugal
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: The South of Spain & the Treasures of Andalucía 6-Day Tour     

When you tour Europe, you’ll have your selection of the best beaches to visit, but there are none quite like those in Portugal. The Algarve is notorious for its sunny beaches and wealthy harbour, so if it’s the sand and sea you crave, this is the place for you to dock. If you’re basing your holiday in the Algarve, but want a day trip for some culture, venture to Tavira. Nestled amongst cobbled streets and tiled houses, this labyrinth town is one of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Visit Coimbra, The Former Portuguese Capital

Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Spain & Portugal Encompassed (Starts Lisbon) 13-Day tour

If Lisbon is your first stop in Portugal, head north to Coimbra. What once was the former Portuguese capital now holds one of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to 1290. For history lovers on a tour from Lisbon, this Portuguese city is one of the best places to visit. Walk through its halls and relish in time gone by. And just a stone's throw away from the university is the city's botanical gardens. Once you arrive at Coimbra, you may find it hard to leave as it's the city that keeps on giving, it’s that exact reason we think it's one of the best places to visit in Portugal. 

Marvel At Óbidos’s Moorish Architecture

Location: Óbidos, Portugal
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Portugal, Galicia & the Heart of Spain 13-Day tour

Travelling a short distance north from the country’s capital (around 1 hour by car), you’ll reach Òbidos. As one of Europe’s best preserved mediaeval villages, it's easy to see why it's one of the best things to do in Portugal. Draped in Moorish architecture, you’ll find carriage rides lined up waiting to take you on a tour, and its romantic atmosphere fills the streets. Òbidos is often referred to as “The wedding present town” because in 1282, King Dinis and Queen Isabel spent their honeymoon here, then later the king gave the town to Queen Isabel as a late wedding gift. 

What’s more, you can combine a tour of Spain with Portugal and experience the best these two countries have to offer.       

Top Three FAQs Before Visiting Portugal

When is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?

While the summer is popular for many European destinations, we believe the shoulder seasons (March - May or September - October) are the best time to visit Portugal. Touring in spring or taking your trip in autumn may mean less tourists due to being out of peak season, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy all this country has to offer.  
 

How Many Days in Portugal is Enough?   

You can visit Portugal in as little as three days or as long as several weeks, it really depends on your holiday style. If you want to meet somewhere in the middle, a six-day trip can be just right. Portugal is considered a small country, and with a fairly reliable network of transportation, you can see the beauty this destination holds without feeling like you’ve missed out.     

Is Portugal a Safe European Country to Visit?

Portugal is considered a safe European country to visit, and has been listed within the top 5 safest for 2024 in the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) report. Having harmonious relationships with neighbouring countries, their own military force and very low crime rates, Portugal is a safe destination to travel to.*

*Based on the Global Peace Index 2023/24 report conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace. While we share our opinions and personal experiences for Portugal, we advise you to perform your own research before making the decision that the country is safe for you to visit. All information provided was correct at the time of writing.   

Become a Local in Portugal With Rabbie’s

Led by knowledgeable drivers and guides in comfort, roam Portugal’s landscapes with ease. You’ll leave feeling like a local after taking the trails less trodden, devouring Portuguese delicacies and washing it down with their famous tipple or two. Ready to climb on-board one of our European small-group tours? Be sure to stay up to date with all our latest tour dates and itineraries when you sign up to our newsletter.