Best cities and towns in Portugal to visit 2023

Planning a trip to Portugal? This westernmost European country is just 350 miles long and has a width of 130 miles, so there’s an opportunity to explore more than one of its popular highlights while on holiday.

With a reasonably mild climate throughout all four seasons, it has year-round travel appeal and offers a diverse mixture of cultural sights, rugged mountains, dramatic coastline and compact, attractive cities.

The capital of Lisbon is a well-known travel favourite, thanks to its cobbled streets, intricate tilework and colourful buildings, while slightly smaller second city Porto has gained global fans in recent years too with its handsome architecture and port cellars. Meanwhile, the Algarve glitters with golden sands and peacock-blue waters for those hankering after a beach break.

Plus there is plenty of terrain for cyclists to explore on two wheels, ranging from gentle to seriously sweat-inducing.

From picture-postcard settings and historic landmarks to places with a vibrant nightlife, we’ve rounded up the best cities and towns to visit in Portugal.

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The capital of Portugal is a vibrant city with an eclectic mix of colourful and whitewashed buildings. There are hilly, cobbled streets to explore, and cultural landmarks include Lisbon Cathedral and Sao Jorge Castle. Meanwhile, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is among its more modern highlights, and you can explore the city by tram. Seafood is a big part of the local cuisine, which you can sample at the Time Out Market, among other places. This city in west Portugal boasts a buzzing nightlife too, with plenty of rooftop bars for sipping a white port and tonic while enjoying the view.

Where to stay

Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel is a four-star hotel with a swimming pool, view of the Tagus River and rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the city.