5 must-visit cities in Portugal

Though it’s only the size of Indiana, Portugal’s cultural riches run deep. While nearly every city is worth seeing, we’ve chosen five of our favorites that travelers on short trips should read about and consider visiting. Boa viagem!

Best time to visit: In general, the period between June and September offers the best weather across Portugal, but it also sees the most visitors. Steer clear of the second half of August when, as in much of Europe, many businesses in the country shut down for vacation. Instead, book a trip for shoulder season for fewer crowds and equally lovely weather in May or October.

Lisbon has a little bit of everything. Start your visit in the historic Belém district of Europe’s sunniest capital city, where you can grab a coffee and sample the famous pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts) at the place said to have invented it: Pasteis de Belém. Check out the Torre de Belém while you’re there, an architecturally magnificent 16th-century tower at the mouth of the Tagus River. When it comes to more recent art, Lisbon is famous for graffiti, with artists such as Vhils achieving international acclaim. To see the best the city has to offer, join one of Lisbon Street Art Tours walking tours. From there, dive into the country’s music at the Fado Museum, located in the popular Alfama district, or stop by iconic fado restaurants like Café Luso, set in a 17th-century home, or the more low-key Povo. After the sun sets, the dining, clubs, and live music in the Bairro Alto will keep you going until the morning. During your night out, stop at Pink Street for a fun photo op.

Not necessarily circled on most tourist maps, this town nonetheless has plenty to offer thanks to its university and excellent nightlife options. If you’re after traditional Fado music, try the intimate but casual Bar Diligência or head to A Capella, set in a former church that was built in 1364. Bar Quebra Costas is the spot for jazz—but not the quiet kind. The place gets packed, with patrons filling the streets and surrounding the musicians, who play in the center of the action. For rock lovers it’s Noites Longas, a club that hosts some wild nights, while the quieter crowd should head to Fangas Veg, a tiny artsy bar, or to the much larger Galeria Santa Clara, a chilled spot after sundown (it’s a tea house during the day). The also-chill Feito Conceito showcases DJs, Praxis is the spot for beer lovers, and Pinga Amor, well, it’s for everyone. If all else fails, simply stop a student in the street and ask where the party’s happening. With so many bars and clubs on offer, it’s hard to go wrong.

Straddling the Douro River, Portugal’s second largest city (and the home of port, a fortified wine) has roughly 900 years of history and is rich with medieval and Romanesque architecture. It’s also home to the Serralves Museum, the country’s best place to see contemporary art. More art can be found within the city’s avante-garde scene, which includes the Fernando Santos Gallery, the Portuguese Photography Centre (housed in a former prison), and the Nuno Centeno Gallery, a key showcase for emerging artists. Real Companhia Velha is the authority on local wine (it’s the oldest wine company in the country, founded in 1756) and offers tastings and tours. Gourmands should travel to nearby Mastosinhos to enjoy Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant from Chef Rui Paula that’s perched among the rocks, with window-filled walls that open to the sea. Those in search of sand can hit Praia dos Ingleses, a top beach for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching, with plenty of cafés and shops as well.

Portugal is known for great waves, and there is perhaps no better place to access them than in Ericeira. Just 30-odd miles from Lisbon, it’s an easy beach escape and a town completely committed to the sea—which is widely visible from the charming town center. It’s also a World Surfing Reserve, meaning many of the surf breaks are officially protected. Beginners should head to Foz do Lizandro, with its sandy ocean floor and mild conditions. Praia do Sul is another option, which is also good for intermediates, though there’s a reef break here that’s better suited to advanced surfers (talk to a lifeguard before heading out). For experts, Coxos is often called the best wave in the area, reaching up to 10 feet and throwing huge barrels thanks to a powerful right-hand reef break. The months between April and October see milder conditions across all breaks, while the big stuff happens in winter. Conditions in spring aren’t ideal, but smaller, inconsistent surf might be worth the gamble, as early April brings the Sea Urchin Festival, during which top restaurants showcase their takes on the spiny delicacy. It's a tasty tradeoff.

Wherever you go in the Algarve region will have golden beaches, watersports, golf, and great nightlife—the region is hands-down Portugal’s go-to resort area. But the beaches in Lagos seem to rise above the rest, in more ways than one. Cliffs and rock formations protect the beaches from the wind, making them some of the most tranquil and photogenic beaches in the country. Try Praia do Camilo, Ponta da Piedade, or Meia Praia, then hit O Camilo, a family-owned seafood restaurant. Call ahead and secure a table by the windows or on the terrace. For casual (but excellent) tapas, head to Jukebox, while Avenida at the Hotel Avenida offers a more upscale experience after cocktails at the hotel’s rooftop bar. For a deep dive on the area, the Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho tells an unbelievably comprehensive story, located adjacent to the Igreja de Santo António, a stunning church and Portuguese National Monument. Show up on June 13 for the only service held here each year, which celebrates the church’s patron saint.