Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
Top 10 Free Things to do in Northern Portugal, Portugal
Brimming with both history and natural wonder, Northern Portugal is home to Porto, the city that gave the country its name, as well as the important ancient town of Braga. Also here is Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, a gorgeous wilderness area of mountains, gorges, water features and wildlife. Many picturesque villages and manor houses dot the countryside. Two areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley.
Restaurants in Northern Portugal
1. Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By dexxyAberystwyth
Not easy to reach but well worth the effort. Continue down the road from Galafura to Covelhinas and on to Regua for a real treat.
2. The Douro Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By judythr
We stayed at the Quinta Monte Bravo, a bit off the beaten track but lovely and Teresa's dinners were far better than at any restaurant we visited in Portugal except maybe one. The sheer beauty of the terraced vineyards and olive groves plus the beautiful and historic river Douro are just amazing! And, yes, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which speaks for itself!
3. Ponte de Dom Luis I
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,398 reviews
Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
Reviewed By 364anac - Porto, Portugal
This Eiffel style bridge is the perfect spot to see the Rebelo boats where the Oporto wine barrels were carried down the river from the Douro valley, the historic Porto town center and a perfect background for the trip picture from the Gaia cable car (teleférico de Gaia)
4. Centro Historico de Guimaraes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,021 reviews
Reviewed By maude52
It’s a beautiful city. The real Portugal. Lots to see. Very walkable. Great restaurants. They light the city at night. It’s like Christmas
5. Cais da Ribeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,851 reviews
Reviewed By rhmclapham - Swansea, United Kingdom
The beating heart of an incredible city, just sitting in one of the myriad cafes and restaurants and watching the world bustle past....one of life's must do moments that will linger for a lifetime. Ships ploughing their way up the river, ferries making their way between banks, couples laughing, glorious food, wine and vistas to die for... Did I mention it was a nice place to visit?
6. Espinho Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By northumberlandnic - Northumberland, United Kingdom
Very busy market containing everything! From plants to animals to clothes and shoes. Watch your back pack though, ours was partially unzipped!
7. Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,024 reviews
Reviewed By Cres - Lisbon, Portugal
the Sanctuary is a place of unique characteristics. worth a visit as well the city of Lamego. easy access by car.
8. Fortaleza de Valenca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,049 reviews
Reviewed By KaiamCarecho
it's worth taking the time to get to know this place! nice and historic place, Fortaleza de Valença.
9. Santuario de Santa Luzia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,338 reviews
Reviewed By Soggy63 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A few years ago my wife and I walked through Viana do Castelo, whilst walking the Camino Portuguese and I saw Santuario de Santa Luzia on the hill but didn’t have time to visit. Last week we were back in Viana do Castelo and decided to visit and were not disappointed. Due to it being such a hot day we decided to make the journey up and down via the funicular railway, which itself is impressive. Santuario de Santa Luzia is a fantastic dome roofed church with beautiful paintings on the ceiling. The building is both impressive inside and out. From the steps the views over Viana do Castelo and the Atlantic Ocean as amazingly. Santuario de Santa Luzia is definitely worth a visit.
