City: Portugal
Top Things to do in Portugal
The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Portugal, Portugal
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the European Union (green)
Restaurants in Portugal
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. Quinta dos Conegos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Extraordinary eighteenth century house in the purest Baroque style and strong influence of Nasoni school.Recently acquired by the city of Maia, will soon be a social and cultural enjoyment space, taking advantage of the main building, several outbuildings and beautiful gardens with several notes that reinforce its baroque spirit. How to get Metro do Porto - Maia Park and stops Forum Maia
3. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30,695 reviews
No expense was spared when they built this masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture in 1502, which was inspired by Vasco da Gama who is buried here with other great navigators of the past.
Reviewed By dewdee - Bangkok, Thailand
This 500 year old monastery is absolutely beautiful on the inside out. If you're a history buff, I recommend buying the combo 12 euro ticket which gives you access to the archaeological museum adjoining the monastery as well. Every step is worth a photo and the architecture is really stunning inside. There is also a special exhibit right now on the upper level explaining the historical timeline of the place compared alongside important milestones in Portugal's history. Very informative and educational. This is a worthwhile visit because the surrounding Belem areas are all tourist attractions and is accessible by direct bus or tram from the city center.
4. Park and National Palace of Pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,360 reviews
Reviewed By bluecarrot - Los Angeles, United States
While not as old as so many other sights in Portugal, this palace and its surrounding grounds are truly awe-inspiring! If youre able, plan to go on a day with good weather and spend the day hiking around the stunning grounds and through the hundreds of paths and trails that wind all through the wooded area at the base of the palace! Seeing the palace itself is also quite interesting, but, for me, the outside of it is more amazing than the inside. The remaining furniture inside comes from a number of different styles and periods and the detail and craftsmanship are some of the finest Ive ever seen but try to go through the inside of the palace before it gets crowded if you want to see anything at all! Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon and this palace and its grounds are the gem of that trip, its absolutely worth the time!!
5. Panteao Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,147 reviews
The construction of the church of Saint Engracia – currently the National Pantheon of Portugal - began towards the end of the 16th century and was only completed in the 20th century. This 400-year delay originated the proverb “Obras de Santa Engracia” meaning any work that never ends. A unique testimony to Portuguese Baroque art the National Pantheon stands on a hill overlooking the river Tagus being an icon of Lisbon’s cityscape. From its terrace you can have a majestic view of the city and its river. On the inside the Pantheon houses the remains of some of the most distinguished personalities of the country.
Reviewed By eddg2019
Another of the Alfama’s hidden in plain sight gems, the National Pantheon is located in what was formerly the Church of Santa Engrácia, which had a long and turbulent history. The church was converted into the National pantheon in 1916 and contains the tombs of important Portugeuse rulers and historical figures as well as a number of cenotaphs. It is worth it to climb the six flights of stairs to the interior of the dome, which has a walkway that affords magnificent views of the intricate floor patterns below. This is not for anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights. The dome level has an exit leading out onto a broad terrace that provides panoramic views over the Alfama neighborhood and beyond.
6. Palacio de Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,089 reviews
Not very far from the historic centre of Sintra is one of the most beautiful architectural and landscape Romantic creations in Portugal: the Park and Palace of Monserrate, unique representatives of 19th century eclecticism.
Reviewed By polenasia - Jeonju, South Korea
Very small palace, with only few rooms. Interesting story behind it, worth reading as you walk through it. Make sure you thoroughly explore surrounding park, some amazing trees and plants. Altogether good place for spending morning or afternoon there.
7. Palacio da Bolsa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,347 reviews
National Monument, located in the historical centre of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palacio da Bolsa, built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent, has become by excellence the Porto city’s drawing room, welcoming the most illustrious visitors, amongst which are monarchs, presidents and ministers from almost every country, transforming this building into the most visited monument in northern Portugal.
Reviewed By JimRiesterer - Edina, United States
Formerly the HQ for the rich merchants of Porto and today the center of the chamber of commerce, you will want to take one of the short guided tours of this place next to the famous golden church. Tickets cost €10 and you will be guided through some historic and breathtaking rooms in the Stock exchange palace. Tours are offered in different languages throughout the day and you just need to pop into the ticket office to find out the day's schedule as it varies (apparently). We arrived 9:40 and we able to book the 10:15 English tour. Each group has around 50 people which can be a bit tedious. The tours follow a consistent plan beginning in the lofty hall of nations and ending in the amazing Arabic room. You also see the business court room and several others of note. We were done in a little under an hour.
8. Paco Ducal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 728 reviews
Reviewed By alittletoolate - Doncaster, United Kingdom
although my portuguese isn't great to say the least,i arrived at the very commanding palace on a bit of a wing and a prayer just before mid day.the lady at reception was very friendly and booked me in for the mid day tour in portuguese as i'd already missed the 11 a.m tour in english but as i was the only one doing this tour the guide was good enough to do it in english for me and what a privilege it was and one soon learnt the more questions i asked the more he opened up to me and made this one hour guided tour all the more special.
9. Lidador Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
The Torre Lidador is an iconic building of this county representing the opening of a new cycle of progress and development. Having as its primary objective the installation of municipal services, this is a key landmark to a process of sustainable development. The Torre Lidador is a reference in the city, with 92 meters high, being the 5th tallest building in the country and the highest outside the city of Lisbon Being visible from any of the ten parishes of the county is a reference, not only geographical but also illustrative of development, work capacity and entrepreneurial spirit. It represents the transparency and openness of Local Government, the accessibility of the Municipal Council of Maia to citizens. This is an open and transparent workspace. It was inaugurated on July 9, 2001 and its author Architect Antonio Machado
10. Paco dos Duques de Braganca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,845 reviews
Reviewed By iolandaa21 - Lisbon, Portugal
Built in the first quarter of the 15th century its inner space is divided in several rooms, whose artifacts are just stunning - such as those in the Banquet Hall or the Hall of the lost steps, to mention just a few. The roof designed as the interior wooden keel of a boat is worth being admired. I was fortunate enough to have equally watched a temporary exhibit on Medieval torture instruments in one of the upper floor rooms.
