Lisbon and Porto are the two cities most often chosen for a first trip to Portugal. Each has its own character, unique cuisine, architecture, and cultural scene, so the choice between them depends on your priorities. Learn more about the key differences between the capital and the country's second city to plan the perfect trip

Portugal is consistently ranked among the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe, and its two main cities, Lisbon and Porto, compete for travelers' attention every year. Recently, Lonely Planet wrote about the centuries-old history and vibrant gastronomic culture, as well as the character and atmosphere of the cities, which are noticeably different.

What to choose for your first (or next) trip to Portugal — we'll tell you more in this article.

About 5 secret places for a peaceful and authentic vacation in Portugal — we talked about it here.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

The Green Card from the Visit World portal is international car insurance that will provide protection on the roads of any country.

Architecture and historical heritage of Lisbon and Porto

Lisbon suffered a devastating earthquake in 1755, after which it was rebuilt according to the strict plan of Marquis de Pombal — this is how the wide squares, geometric grid of streets, and buildings of the same height in the Baixa district appeared. Thanks to this, the capital has a neat, “renewed” look. At the same time, traces of ancient history have been preserved here: in Alfama, you can still see the remains of a Roman wall and fragments of medieval fortifications from the 13th century, and under the bank's headquarters in Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros, there is a real archaeological treasure with free access.

Lisbon. Photo: Adobe Stock

Porto has preserved much more of its historic buildings and gives the impression of “old Europe.” Here, 14th-century buildings stand alongside the neo-Gothic Livraria Lello bookstore, elegant Art Nouveau residences in the Bonfim district, and the modern Casa da Música. It is this diversity of eras and styles that gives Porto a sense of sophistication that many visitors note.

Porto. Photo: iStock

Art and cultural life in both cities

Lisbon stands out for the way it integrates art into the urban space: graffiti murals on the Elevador da Glória route curated by the GAU gallery, exhibitions in a converted underground cloakroom (the WC project), events in the gardens of the former Jardins do Bombarda psychiatric hospital. Even the metro has been transformed into an underground gallery — the Olaias station is considered one of the most striking in Europe.

Porto, despite its much smaller size, confidently competes with the capital. The Serralves Foundation is one of the best museums of contemporary art on the continent. The Soares dos Reis National Museum houses one of the largest collections of Portuguese art. And the Centro Português de Fotografia, located in a former prison, offers free admission to temporary photo exhibitions.

About new immigration rules to Portugal for highly qualified professionals — read more at the link.

---

Visit World services for tourists, migrants, and expats: Insurance | Guides | Legal advice

---

Gastronomy: what to eat in Lisbon and Porto?

Porto has gained a special reputation for its meat sandwiches. The most famous is the francesinha: a multi-layered construction of thin steak, two types of sausage, ham, cheese, fried egg, and hot sauce (worth trying at Francesinha Café). The local version of bife — pork stewed in wine with bay leaves and garlic, drizzled with chili oil — is served at O Astro and Conga. Another specialty is cachorrinho: a long roll with spicy sausage and melted cheese at Gazela.

Lisbon offers a different kind of gastronomic experience. The capital's old food markets have been transformed into modern restaurant spaces — among the most famous are Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Arroios. The city is actively rethinking its culinary scene, combining tradition with new formats.

We discussed the pros and cons of moving to Portugal in our previous article.

Viewpoints and landscapes

Lisbon is known as the “city on seven hills,” and its numerous miradouros are a must-see for every tourist. The hills form a relief that opens up new perspectives literally at every turn. Useful tips for traveling to Lisbon are collected here.

Porto can surprise even those who have already seen the panoramas of Lisbon. The 18th-century Torre dos Clérigos offers a view of the old city center from above. The pedestrian crossing over the Douro River via the Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is an unforgettable experience. The cable car in Gaia allows you to see the port houses from above, and at Guindalense Football Club you can combine a panoramic view with a glass of fino — as the locals call a small portion of beer.

Fado, bookstores, and unique places in Lisbon

Lisbon is the birthplace of fado music, which originated in the taverns of the Muraria district. An interesting alternative to the traditional Casa de Fado are the hourly Real Fado concerts in unconventional locations: the Pavilhão Chinês bar, the EmbaiXada concept store, and the underground Reservatório da Patriarcal reservoir.

Lisbon. Photo: iStock

Another treasure of the capital is the Livraria Bertrand bookstore in Chiado, which has been operating since 1732 and is the oldest operating bookstore in the world. Unlike Lello in Porto, you don't need a ticket to visit. Nearby, look for establishments marked Lojas Com História — a city program that highlights shops and cafes with well-preserved architectural features, such as the Art Deco café A Brasileira.

Instructions on how to rent property in Portugal as a foreigner — find them here.

Porto as a gateway to northern Portugal

One of Porto's most significant advantages is its strategic location as a starting point for exploring the natural landscapes of the north. 100 km to the northwest is Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, the country's only national park with wolves, ancient villages, and hiking trails. Further east lies Trás-os-Montes, with landscapes more reminiscent of the mountainous regions of Asia than Western Europe.

Porto. Photo: iStock

A train ride from Porto along the Douro Valley reveals panoramas that impress even experienced travelers. Lisbon also has interesting surroundings, but it is Porto that provides easy access to the most dramatic and uncrowded corners of the country.

About visas to Portugal for job seekers — find out more at the link.

Remember! Planning a trip to Lisbon or Porto should start with preparing your documents. The Green Card from the Visit World portal is a convenient way to secure your trip and get insurance coverage for your car abroad.

Get your Green Card on the Visit World portal and set off to discover Portugal right now!

Reminder! Are you considering Portugal as a permanent place of residence? This country offers excellent employment opportunities for foreigners. Read about the most in-demand jobs in Portugal in 2025-2026 at the link.

Photo: Freepik

---

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.