Top 5 Must-Visit Cities in Portugal

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Despite its relatively small size, it is a very interesting and beautiful country. Fascinating history of Portugal and beautiful ancient buildings attract a huge number of tourists every year. Portugal is famous for magnificent natural landscapes, excellent resorts, mild climate, a relaxed atmosphere and hospitality of the local residents.

To explore the country you need to travel around it. Here is the list of 5 must-visit cities in Portugal.

Porto

Porto is one of the largest cities in Portugal. The highest tower in Portugal, Klerigush (Igreja dos Clérigos), 76 meters high, is situated here. Porto is the birthplace of a legendary port wine. The most popular sights are the Museum of trams, Castle of Guimaraes, Botanical Garden, Church of San Francisco, Crystal Palace Park and others. Lovers of reading books will be interested in visiting the Lello store.

Sintra

Sintra is a gorgeous city with magnificent sceneries, which will not leave you indifferent. There is everything for recreation: golden sand beaches, pure Atlantic water, and great opportunities for surfing and fishing. Your trip must necessarily include a visit to the National Palace, the dilapidated Castle of the Moors, and the Pena Palace.

Braga

You should also include Braga in your trip. It is an amazing place with numerous impressive monuments in the Baroque style. One of the most famous sights of the city is the church of Christ on Calvary. The most important cathedral is the Romanesque Cathedral in the central part of the Old Town. It is located in the central park, which is successfully decorated with the Garden of St. Barbara. The botanical garden and the old quarters of Ribeira, as well as the famous port warehouses beyond the river in Vila Nova da Gaia are the places of interest for tourists in Braga.

Lisbon

Lisbon is really one of the interesting places in the world and your trip must obviously start with going to this city. The best way to travel around the streets of Lisbon and admire the landscapes of its surroundings is to rent a car in Portugal. You can meet ancient monuments and buildings, which will remind you about the past times of the city, at every step. Nevertheless, the main thing for what it's worth to come here are long walks on the streets of Lisbon. The Maritime Museum is loved by both kids and adults, who are fond of everything connected with the marine life, and the Casa Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves is fraught with genuine treasures of art. Do not forget to attend the Discoveries Monument, Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the Mafra Courts, the Jeronimos Monastery, Belém Tower, etc. The best way to get acquainted with the nightlife of Lisbon is to go to the quarter of Bayrou-Altu.

Cascais

Cascais is a city and seaport located near Lisbon, which has turned into a real youth center with a lot of discos and nightclubs. The beaches of Cascais are fantastic and stretching to Estoril. One of the most remarkable places in Cascais is the spectacular Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a famous museum library in a palace, and the Grutas do Poço Velho, a museum directly in the center of the city and belonging to the Neolithic age. The local Maritime Museum attracts visitors with an exposition devoted to fishing and the history of the city and a rich collection of ocean animals.

If you are looking for something beautiful and unusual, tasting perfect port wine or just excited about medieval castles, undoubtedly, you should come to Portugal.