Portugal, a country with a rich history, stunning beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere, offers an ideal setting for unforgettable family vacations.
Portugal has something for everyone, from vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto to picturesque coastal towns and lush countryside.
Many of its areas, including city centers and cultural landscapes, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, adding to the allure of exploring its historical and natural treasures.
So if you have Portugal on your bucket list of places to visit, be sure to check out our list of the best cities in Portugal!
Top Ten Best Places in Portugal to Visit
We’ve broken down the best cities you should visit when planning your trip to Portugal.
1. Lisbon
Lisbon is a top vacation destination in Portugal. It is known for being affordable.
The Belém Tower is a must-see icon in Lisbon. Built between 1516 and 1519 by architect Francisco de Arruda and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, this former fortress served as a defense point, a port for explorers, and a tax collection site.
Nearby, the Jerónimos Monastery, also a UNESCO site, was built to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s return from India. It houses da Gama’s tomb and an impressive corridor.
Other Lisbon highlights include the Lisbon Oceanarium, where kids can see marine life up close, or the Lisbon Zoo for other animals and wildlife.
2. Porto
Porto, a beautiful city in northwest Portugal, sits on the banks of the Douro River and the Atlantic coast.
It is the country’s second-largest city after Lisbon and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its rich history, architecture, and wine tradition.
You and your family can enjoy exploring the Ribera del Duero Wine Route through diverse activities suitable for all ages, from interactive museums like the Museum of Scents to historical sites such as Peñaranda de Duero Castle.
You also want to take advantage of a scenic boat trip along the Douro River or visit the famed Port wine cellars.
A highlight for families is the Six Bridges Cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat, a 50-minute journey along Porto’s iconic bridges.
To optimize your first day in Portugal, consider utilizing a convenient luggage transfer service from Porto Airport or Lisbon Airport to your hotel. Companies like LuggAgent pick up your bags upon arrival and deliver them to your hotel by 9 PM the same day.
This allows you to travel light and head directly to the docks for the cruise, which sets sail as early as 10:00 a.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. during peak season.
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3. Sintra
Just 30 km from Lisbon, Sintra is full of historical and cultural wonders. Known for its enchanting beauty and romantic appeal, Sintra is the perfect destination for a day trip from Lisbon.
A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon promises a journey through fairytale-like landscapes, perfect for a family vacation.
Start your day with a visit to Pena Park and its vibrant Pena Palace, where you’ll be captivated by the vivid colors and fairy tale architecture.
Next, explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, a wonderland of labyrinthine tunnels, secret passages, and the famous Initiation Well.
Don’t miss the ancient Castle of the Moors. From its lofty perch, the entire family can enjoy panoramic views and imagine the historical battles that once took place there.
Want more activities? Wander through the lush gardens of Monserrate Palace or take a leisurely hike in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
4. Faro
Faro is the capital of southern Portugal, situated in the heart of the Algarve region. Although often viewed merely as a gateway via Faro International Airport, this city offers much more.
Explore its historic Cidade Velha, showcasing a blend of Roman, Moorish, and Baroque architecture.
If you are a nature enthusiast, you can venture to the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park, a sanctuary for birds and marine life, or embark on Algarve highlights like the Benagil Cave or Algar Seco tours, which are easily accessible from Faro.
5. Coimbra
Coimbra, Portugal’s historic university city, was founded in 1290 and relocated in 1544. It hosts one of the world’s oldest universities.
Beyond academia, Coimbra’s charming old town, Baixa, is fit for leisure walks amid ancient streets, remnants of city walls, churches, the Sé Velha cathedral, palaces, museums, and lively squares.
6. Lagos
Lagos, along with Faro, is one of the key cities in the Algarve. It is a historic city with narrow streets, picturesque nearby beaches, and the stunning Ponta da Piedade.
Lagos is one of Portugal’s best beach towns, with many beaches in proximity.
Some notable beaches include Praia Dona Ana, known for its natural rock formations; Praia do Camilo, which has stairs leading down to the shore; and Meia Praia, which offers a long stretch of sandy coastline perfect for relaxation and water sports.
To make the most of your stay in Lagos, hop on cruises, enjoy sunset viewing, go kayak tours, and venture into whale watching.
Visit the Slide & Splash Water Park in Lagos for a fun day with the kids.
7. Guimarães
Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, is a city rich in history and culture. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 20 more years.
The Castle of Guimarães is a must-see landmark where you can immerse yourself in the country’s medieval past.
This well-preserved fortress offers panoramic views of the city and a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Portugal.
For a more modern experience, GuimarãesShopping is an excellent place for a family outing. It offers a variety of shops, dining options, and entertainment.
8. Braga
Braga, located just a short journey from Porto, is known for its historical significance and religious heritage.
A key highlight is the Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, offering a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Another noteworthy site is the Bom Jesus do Monte, famous for its stunning baroque staircase.
When traveling from Porto to Braga, you can easily access these sites and enjoy a day full of cultural and spiritual exploration.
9. The Azores
The Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, are renowned for their natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Sao Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores, offers diverse landscapes, including volcanic craters, lush green fields, and stunning coastlines.
Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Terceira Island, boasts historic buildings and charming streets.
The Azores are perfect for hiking, whale watching, and enjoying geothermal hot springs, making them an ideal family destination.
10. Madeira
Madeira, known for its beautiful landscapes and bountiful culture, is a paradise for nature lovers. Wine tasting is a popular activity, with many local vineyards offering tours and tastings of the famous Madeira wine.
The best months to visit are from April to October because the weather is warm and pleasant.
In these months, you can explore the island’s stunning levadas (irrigation channels) and botanical gardens and participate in various outdoor activities like hiking and canyoning.
Where to Stay in Portugal
We recommend staying in Porto or Lisbon, as both cities are excellent bases for exploring Portugal’s top destinations. Your choice between Porto and Lisbon will depend mainly on your preference for atmosphere and activities.
Porto offers an intimate, historical experience with easy access to scenic areas, while Lisbon combines history, culture, and urban vibrancy with convenient day trips to coastal towns and historic sites.
From Porto, day trips can take you to Braga, Guimarães, and the Douro Valley. We recommend the 4-star Vila Gale Porto, located centrally and just 300 meters from Campo 24 Agosto metro station, as our hotel of choice, which offers family-friendly accommodations including double rooms with extra beds and spacious family suites, along with a wellness center featuring an indoor pool.
>>>TIP: Check out this list for the 15 best Porto hotels with pools!
Lisbon offers excursions to Sintra and Cascais, perfect for overnight stays to delve into their historical richness and coastal allure.
For Lisbon, we recommend the Corpo Santo Lisbon Hotel, which features family-friendly Junior and Superior suites with four single beds and a museum with 14th-century artifacts just steps from Bairro Alto, Chiado, and key city attractions.
Both cities require overnight stays for visits to the Azores and Madeira due to the necessity of air travel to these island destinations.
Porto and Lisbon are serviced by LuggAgent, enabling you to conveniently transfer your luggage to and from the airport and begin exploring Portugal with your family immediately.
They are also available in Europe’s major cities, such as Paris, London, Milan, Rome, etc., and they have extensive coverage in many cities around Asia. Use our discount code wanderlusttravel for 10% off your luggage delivery booking.
Final Thoughts: The Best Cities in Portugal to Visit
To sum up, there are so many places to visit in Portugal with kids and armed with our list of the best cities to visit in Portugal, you are sure to find a spot or two for your next family vacation.
From the many UNESCO World Heritage sites to sandy beaches or visiting sea life in the aquarium, you are bound to have a fun-filled holiday in our best cities in Portugal.
