Things to do & places to visit in Central Portugal, Portugal

Central Portugal #1 destination in Portugal 2023. The average rating score is 4.41 based on 460.3k traveler reviews, of 190 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Lisbon, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 11:35.

Top things to do (36)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Quinta da Regaleira (13.7k reviews)
- AN ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Castles • Gardens

This fairytale-like country estate and UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Sintra’s historic center is known for its beautiful architecture, landscaped gardens, and the eerie Initiation Wells. Take a guided tour of the property to learn more about its enthralling history, and explore other mysteries like the underground tunnels, grottoes, chapel, and more. The estate gets busy so visit once it opens for a quieter experience; tickets often sell out too so book early to secure your slot. Explore Quinta da Regaleira on a tour of Sintra, which often includes stops at other iconic sights like Pena Palace and Roca Cape. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Take Lisboa (11.7k reviews)
- Best way to spend a couple of hours!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Our guide, Icelandic Telma was full of enthusiasm and recanted the history and stories of Lisbon as we got to see some key points in the city. Her humour and energy carried us through on this rainy day but the experience was so informative and at a good pace , and we hardly noticed the rain! The 2h tour was a great way to get an overview for the remaining time we had to explore Lisbon. and to hear of the ´insiders’ knowledge of short cuts in the city. I’d recommend starting your Lisbon visit with Telma! See more..
5.0 Convento de Cristo (3.263 reviews)
- Steeped with history, worth stopping and spending time
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Although there is still a great deal of maintenance underway, of course with a facility this old it is a constant struggle, the feeling of reverence and a life of solitude the monks would have had on a daily basis is humbling to contemplate. A maximum capacity of 325 + / - residents is understandable with the size of the structure. I can only imagine the grandness once completed hundreds and hundreds of years ago it still evokes an emotional response today. See more..
5.0 Escape Hunt Lisbon (1.994 reviews)
- Great experience in the middle of the city :)
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Escape Hunt Lisbon is exciting, addictive, challenging, surrealistic, intense and unpredictable. Travel back in time, feel like a true detective and solve our mysteries set in Lisbon. If you never played an espero room, then imagine you and your friends inside a movie-like room filled with puzzle and modern magical technology where the ultimate goal is to escape. We offer 4 game rooms using the latest technology in escape rooms, enabling us to host up to 24 detectives simultaneously. Can you escape?! See more..
5.0 Game Over Escape Rooms LISBOA (1.774 reviews)
- Great Escape Game, Awesome Game Master - Our room was scary fun!
Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Our rooms are fully themed to enhance your experience, we aim to create a movie set like feel. Our puzzles and electronics are beyond comparison. With jaw dropping wow factors in each game Escape Game over has taken escape rooms to a whole new level. See more..
5.0 EcoMassage Lisbon (1.058 reviews)
- Great, professional massage. Ask for Rute!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

Welcome to EcoMassage! We are a team of therapists dedicated to health and well being providing different types of therapies and oriental massages. Located in the iconic center of Lisbon you can enjoy a quick chair massage of 20 min. or give yourself a special treatment of 1h. See more..
4.5 Oceanário de Lisboa (40.3k reviews)
- Awesome!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums

Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the largest aquariums in Europe featuring over 15,000 marine creatures from 450 species. It is centered around one main central tank and several smaller habitats spread over two floors, and showcases both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. You can even spend a night here and sleep with sharks. The building 'floats' in a bay off Parque de Nacoes in eastern Lisbon—you can walk to the oceanarium via a walkway across the water. This attraction is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours in Lisbon which includes audio guides in several languages. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (31.3k reviews)
- worth the wait
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

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. See more..
4.5 Time Out Market Lisboa (23.0k reviews)
- Fabulous place to eat and drink
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cooking Classes

Time Out Market, created from scratch by Time Out Portugal, has all the very best under one roof in Lisbon. The market is home to top-notch restaurants, bars, a cooking school and a high-end music venue. Here, you can find some of the freshest fish, meat and fruit in town, try the tastiest local wine and dine at over 40 restaurants specializing in both Portuguese cuisine and food from around the world. Sit inside to enjoy the ambience of the century-old market or outside to bask in the Lisbon sun. You can easily reach the market with the Lisbon Metro. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Alfama (21.2k reviews)
- Unique experience walking in Alfama
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

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. See more..
4.5 Park and National Palace of Pena (19.1k reviews) from $12.85
- Great day out if you plan ahead
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Castles

To beat the crowds, I prebooked the Pena Park and Moorish Castle tickets. We got a train from Rossio stn at 8.11 and sat at the front of the train so we were one of the first out. Turn immediately right to get the 434 bus. Everyone was sold a 11 euro hop on/off ticket (which seemed a rip off). We passed Moorish castle and got off at Pena at quarter to ten when it wasn’t v busy. This allowed us to take pictures at the Palace without too many people waiting also. The cafe was poor and the queues were enormous - I recommend bringing sandwiches. We didn’t bother going inside the palace which would require a timed ticket. The views from all the terraces were enough for us and were beautiful. We walked downhill to Moorish castle after lunch and it was fairly quiet. You could easily grab a sandwich and coffee here and sit in peace. The walls were beautiful and had some nice views back to Pena. We got the bus from Moorish castle ahead of the Pena crowds at the next stop and stayed on the bus to the station. There are some nice cafes near where we got the 434 bus. We got the train back at about twenty to 6. Pena is worth the visit but is about 2 hours in total unless you want to go around the enormous park as well. Moorish castle is also worth a visit. It seemed difficult to fit in much more than we did for the day so plan your time carefully and pack a picnic if you can. See more..
4.5 Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco) (17.0k reviews)
- Largest Square in Lisbon
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll. See more..
4.5 Bairro Alto (13.0k reviews)
- Fado music, oh Fado music...
Neighborhoods

Home to art galleries and a historic monastery (Convento do Carmo), Bairro Alto is one of the busiest districts of Lisbon after dark. Locals and travelers pack its narrow streets to hang out outside the area’s countless bars. Try ginjinha, a local liqueur, as you listen to live fado music. During the day, you can stroll through the neighborhood's narrow streets and check out the quaint boutiques and cafes. To get to Bairro Alto, take the eye-catching Glória Funicular at Liberdade Avenue. It’ll drop you off at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, where you'll get commanding views of the city. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (8.540 reviews)
- Really beautiful museum & garden
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

With works ranging from Antiquity to the early 20th century, the Founder’s Collection comprises more than six thousand pieces gathered throughout Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian’s life, including Egyptian Art, Greco-Roman Art, Islamic Arts, Painting, Sculpture and European Decorative Arts. Works by great masters such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Degas and René Lalique’s largest set of jewels are just a few examples of what can be found in one of the best private collections in the world. Besides the Founder’s Collection, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is also comprised by the Modern Collection, which features the largest and most complete collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese Art. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is surrounded by one of the most emblematic modern gardens in Portugal, open all year. The Museum offers a wide range of facilities to improve the visitor’s experience: three cafeterias overlooking the Garden, a museum shop, free cloackroom service and free Wi-Fi. See more..
4.5 Chiado (7.991 reviews)
- An elegant and bohemian neighborhood
Neighborhoods

This is the fashionable shopping district in Lisbon. See more..
4.5 Centro Historico de Cascais (6.787 reviews)
- Our favorite city in Portugal
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

We have visited Cascais, Portugal many times and this past May/June we rented a lovely apartment for a month. The weather was great, the variety of restaurants in town and along the promenade are sensational. We found the people to be friendly, warm, and helpful. There is train from Cascais to Lisbon that is very economical and we traveled by train or bus our entire stay. The bus system is also very user friendly. We took trips, by train, to Porto and Lagos for short stays. We used the local train to travel to Lisbon for lunch or sightseeing or meeting friends. Cascais also has a wonderful supermarket that has absolutely everything you could possibly need or want. We are already booked for our 2020 stay. The Lisbon airport also is a gateway to other European cities so we may expand our excursions this year. See more..
4.5 Castelo dos Mouros (6.628 reviews) from $16.06
- Stunning
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

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. See more..
4.5 Cabo da Roca (6.116 reviews)
- Nice view, worth the trip!
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas

The view from Cabo da Roca is well worth the visit. The 403 bus takes you to Cabo da Roca from Sintra (just by the train station) for 4-5 euros. Visit Sintra first and head on to Cabo da Roca after finishing up ik Sintra. From Cabo da Rica I recommend taking the bus to Cascais and grab dinner by the beach. Lovely place! See more..
4.5 Arco do Triunfo (5.874 reviews) from $3.21
- Beautiful Stonework
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

This is an imposing monument. The stonework is impressive and well preserved. It connects Rua Augusta to the Praça do Comercio and it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city of Lisbon. For a small fee one can go to the top and the views of the city are most rewarding. See more..
4.5 Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima (5.138 reviews)
- Very nice and relaxing
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This national shrine is the site where three young peasant shepherds spied a "lady brighter than the sun," which was, many believe, the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this region of Portugal. See more..
4.5 Biblioteca Joanina (5.084 reviews)
- Beautiful and Historic Library
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Libraries

The Biblioteca Joanina, sometimes known in English as the Joanine Library, is a Baroque library in Coimbra, Portugal, located at the heart of the University of Coimbra. It is regularly considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Biblioteca Joanina is named after its founder, King John V of Portugal, who began construction on the library in 1717, during the onset of the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. It is home to more than 70,000 volumes, including many priceless, historical documents and first editions. It is registered as a National Monument. Entry is down a set of stairs outside and then back up a couple of sets of stairs inside (however, there is an easier option for people with mobility issues). Our guide told us that photos were not allowed, although I did not see any signs to that effect. Tours are scheduled in advance and time inside is strictly limited. See more..
4.5 Obidos Village (4.985 reviews)
- Pretty, but overrun and theme-parky
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I took a guided tour of Obidos with a friend. The village is in great condition and was definitely worth the visit. As you enter through the main visitor entrance, you pass through a structure which was clearly designed as a defensive position in case the main gate failed. There is a great display of decorative tiles in here as well. We quickly pass into the very touristy street filled with opportunities to spend money. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to get off the main path to the cool older structures including numerous small churches. If you know what to look for, you can see how the Moorish architectural features were removed or remodeled. On the side streets you can see how people have used their fingers on the paints at the bottom of the buildings to write graffiti. It was so prevalent I asked the guide if this was encouraged or at least tolerated. We were told neither but the village lacks the personnel to monitor. We stayed off the main drag for the rest of our visit and were rewarded with some great views away from the crowds. See more..
4.5 Parque das Nacoes (4.539 reviews)
- Lovely place
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A lovely little strip of land along the Tagus river. It is wonderful to walk around the Parque das Nacoes at any time of the year. It also looked like a great spot to go on a lunch break. If you are looking for a nice spot for a stroll, This is that place. See more..
4.5 Museu Nacional do Azulejo (4.336 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

A must-see for people interested in the history and design of ceramic tiles, this specialty museum houses a splendid collection of decorative tiles dating from the 15th century to the present. See more..
4.5 Jardim Zoologico (3.816 reviews)
- Impressed by Peacocks
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

LISBON ZOO – GO AROUND THE WORLD IN JUST ONE DAY At Lisbon Zoo, we invite you to travel around the world without leaving Lisbon. Find the Sumatran Tigers in the dense vegetation of the Rainforest, observe Lions, Giraffes and Elephants behaviour at the dry African Savannah and dazzle with the majestic flight of the colourful birds of South America. Our mission is to develop and promote a zoological and botanical park, as a centre of conservation, reproduction and reintroduction of endangered species, through scientific investigation and environmental enrichment programs. Along with education is a strong entertainment component that will ensure a great family time, always with the conviction that when visiting Lisbon Zoo you’re contributing to this great project of conservations of endangered species and their habitats. See more..
4.5 University of Coimbra (3.532 reviews)
- Coimbra's best attraction
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Universities & Schools • Science Museums • History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (3.523 reviews)
- A great view of Lisbon!
Lookouts

This is without doubt one of the best viewpoints to get a wide view of the city. We took a taxi from our hotel to the top but walked back downhill and it was an enjoyable walk. Don't visit Lisbon without going to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint. See more..
4.5 Batalha Monastery (3.081 reviews)
- One of the most beautiful cloisters in the world and much else to see
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Located in the Gothic masterpiece of Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery, a special visit should be made to this chapel with its magnificent stained-glass windows, cloisters, Unfinished Chapel and the tombs of several Portuguese notables. See more..
4.5 25 de Abril Bridge (2.856 reviews)
- Great Experience Crossing by Train
Spent < 1 hour Bridges

This suspension bridge across the Tagus River has the longest central span in Europe, at 1.5 miles. It also looks quite a bit like San Francisco's famed "Golden Gate Bridge," though this one was named after the revolution. See more..
4.5 LX Factory (2.619 reviews)
- A FUN Market Day Not to be missed
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 4:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Once an old industrial textile complex, LX Factory is now home to Lisbon’s trendiest restaurants, bars, and shops. Located beneath the Ponte de 25 Abril Bridge, the revitalized hotspot resembles a village where you can walk down cobbled streets and admire the street art adorning the walls of old warehouses. Here, you can dine in a former industrial canteen, shop at a multi-story bookstore, watch artists at work in their ateliers and studios, catch a live performance or exhibition, and more. On the weekend, stop by the open-air flea market which sells everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing. – Tripadvisor See more..