City: Central Portugal
Top Things to do in Central Portugal
Top Hotels in Central Portugal
10 Things to do in Central Portugal That You Shouldn't Miss
1. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,313 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By richardb552016 - London, United Kingdom
This palace is a must for anyone visiting Lisbon. Within easy reach by train and bus, the gardens are a delight with many follies, chapels, delightful views and what is called an Initiation Well which is an absolute must including stepping stones and looking through a waterfall amongst other attractions. The cafe affords a lovely outdoor seating area with views of the palace and gardens. The architecture of all of the buildings are magical in appearance. Allow at least 2 hours. The walk to the top of the garden area is fairly steep but worthwhile. Then it is all downhill from there!
2. Oceanario de Lisboa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,694 reviews
Opened in 1998, the Oceanário was the centerpiece of the XXth Century's last World Fair, themed "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future", and eternally binds Lisbon to the Oceans.MissionThe Oceanário’s mission is to promote knowledge of the oceans and bring up the public about the duty of protecting natural heritage, through changing their daily habits.While walking through impressive and unforgettable exhibits, visitors are encouraged to learn fascinating things about the oceans and, more importantly, how to make decisions in their daily lives that actively promote the conservation of nature.
Reviewed By southerntraveller49 - Andalucia, Spain
Although tickets are a bit pricey compared to other attractions, the Oceanário justly deserves a visit. Besides its striking contemporary architecture, the contents are also outstanding. The day I went, there was an original and amazing temporary exhibition on undersea forests by a Japanese artist, accompanied by beautiful music from the talented Portuguese composer Rodrigo Leão. Beautiful for your eyes and ears. The permanent exhibition is also impressive and complete. It attracts with its twilight atmosphere every kind of visitor and leaves you with the impression of having had a glimpse of a misterious and riveting world, utterly apart from our daily lives. The Oceanário has a very varied public, but it seems to be focused on families. That implies children, especially if you go there on weekends, but most of them were well behaved, not bothering your visit at all. There are a bunch of other activities run by the organisation, but even if you opt for a single free visit, you´ll notice that this place has the positive trait that you can feel free here to visit the place at your pace. You can go around some sections rapidly if you want, or linger for a while in others and then come back again. It allows a very free vision of the place, it doesn´t give the impression as if there were a prefixed itinerary that you´d have to follow always.
3. Alfama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,774 reviews
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
Reviewed By H5964BQjeang - Kent, United Kingdom
We were so impressed Alfama that we went back! The castle is lovely and has wonderful views of the city and flea market on Saturday is great fun, tram E28 is a good way to travel there and a visit to a bar or cafe is a must; with friendly people and inexpensive attractions it's well worth a visit.
4. Castelo dos Mouros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,492 reviews
The Moorish Castle is a military fortification that bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region, and was probably constructed between the eighth and ninth centuries and later expanded after the Reconquista. Overlooking the town of Sintra, it served as a watchtower, guaranteeing the protection of Lisbon and its surroundings.
Reviewed By howardform
Everyone comes to Sintra for Pena Palace and frankly I liked the Moorish Castle alot more, its really cool. Be aware there is alot of walking up stairs and hill climbing , so you have to be in shape The views are amazing, you can get the best photos of the castle from the castle and you can also get great photos of Pena Palace from here as well It is less crowded than Pena Palace
5. Guincho Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,046 reviews
Lying at the foot of the Sintra hills and facing the Atlantic, this superb beach is not only ideal for wind surfing but also board surfing due to the large breakers.
Reviewed By eurydice2017 - London, United Kingdom
Guincho beach is truly beautiful and unspoiled, pretty much deserted out of season and a must for die hard windsurfers. The water is super cold and tricky, lots of powerful currents and big waves at times. During the season there are life guards in some of the beaches but out of season no, so if you feel adventurous and go for a swim proceed with great care. Or just sit and look and the sea, it is SO amazingly beautiful. Unforgettable sunsets guaranteed too! Big sand dunes and great walks nearby, namely one which starts roughly opposite Fortaleza do Guincho (big yellow building, old fortress) with wood paths to walk on and beautiful meandering paths providing stunning views. Not to miss!
6. University of Coimbra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,454 reviews
The Tourism Circuit of the University of Coimbra unfolds in different centers: - The Palace of Schools where you can visit the Royal Palace that includes the Grand Hall of Acts, the Private Exam Room and the Armillary Room; The Royal Chapel of Saint Michael and the Joanine Library where you can visit the Noble Floor, the Middle Floor and the Academic Prison (with limited access for the preservation of the building). - The Science Museum where you can visit the 18 th and 19 th Century Physics Cabinets, the Natural History Galleries and the Chemistry Laboratory. - The Botanic Garden where you can travel around the world through botanic.
Reviewed By Wortleberry
I think we paid 12.5 Euros to visit a fascinating science museum in the old science faculty, the amazing gilded library, historic lecture theatres and other stunning university buildings. This is the cultural highlight of Coimbra.
7. Centro Historico de Cascais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,711 reviews
Reviewed By LucWolfarth - Spanish Fort, United States
Cascais has for thousands of years be the place were first Romans settle perhaps running away from Lisbon. It was granted the state is a village centuries ago and it kept like that. Don’t miss the opportunity of walking on its narrow streets feeling the breeze of the sea at the Bay and it’s fantastic views. It’s definitely a romantic cozy place to be.
8. Baleal Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
Reviewed By Ricardomster
Came with the family and we had a great day. The beach is quite big with plenty of space for everyone to be well over 2m apart due to covid19. Parking wasn't an issue, we arrived around 11 and there was lots of space, at least during weekdays on vacation. Lots of surfers here as it's a hotspot for surfing. Water is a bit cold, not that bad really, but once you get in you're good. Highly recommended, will come again!
9. Praia da Nazare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,393 reviews
Reviewed By S9237IZchristineb - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Amazing picturesque quaint town with beautiful beach and was told that surfers love it here with 150 ft waves when the condition is right.
10. Biblioteca Joanina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,972 reviews
Reviewed By ivocarneiro - Macau, China
This magnificent University Library was built in the first decades of the 18th century when the early arrivals of gold from Brazil turned John the V in one of the richest kings in the world. It is, therefore, gold baroque that dominates the Library large bookshelves, ceilings, and arches with the royal symbols. The tour is relatively fast since visitors can only have a panoramic glance of the bibliographic richness of the Library. We see olf books, some with beautiful covers, but then we don't know much about these books even when you ask about it to the tour guide. The visit would be more impressive and educative if the Library becomes displaying to the visitors a set of its main bibliographic treasures.
