We haven't been to Portugal so I'm just starting to plan a 3 week trip in May 2026. We typically look for art, history, and cultural events. Which cities are must sees in this time period? Thanks!
Posted by
TX
2895 posts
Lucky you.
Not well traveled as others on this site but I spent four nights in Lisbon and truly loved it.
Do include Sintra and Belem in your plans.
And do not be like me but learn about these places before going.
I was on a. cruise and we ported in Porto but I chose. a shore excursion to Braga. Incredible place.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
649 posts
Look at Evora and the megalithic ruins nearby, Obidos, Tomar and Coimbra with nearby Conimbriga Roman ruins. We also made a quick stopover in Lourinha to see the dinosaur museum on our way from Evora to Obidos. Check local Facebook groups for events on the days you will be there. We were there during the last days of Lent and Carnival. There were parades in many of the towns but not all on the same day.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4672 posts
Do you plan on renting a car? It was very easy driving in Portugal. We booked the hotel in Tomar with parking.
We spent 2 weeks in Portugal this past October. We started in Porto (4 nights), then picked up a car and drove to Tomar (4 nights) with day trips to Obidos, Fatima, Alcobaca, - all very small towns and not much time is needed to visit. We then drove to Lisbon (6 nights) dropping off the car.
With more time we would have stopped in Coimbra for a few nights.
You may want to go further south, to the beaches for instance.