Portugal by Night: 5 Places you Need to Visit at Night

Visiting Portugal is an amazing experience. The country is beautiful, and it has a lot of different landscapes, from paradisiac beaches to historical palaces. Most people who visit Portugal enjoy the picturesque streets and places by day. But the truth is, Portugal is even more magical by night.

So, if you are asking yourself by now if you should book some tours by night in Portugal the answer is: yes, you honestly should!

To help you, we will share 5 places you need to explore in Portugal by night. All these incredible spots remain beautiful – all day long – but with the city lights and the stars in the sky, they get even more magical at night.

Serra do Pilar, Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. The city is absolutely trendy and it has now many attractions to please both locals and tourists. And here you will find one of the most fairy tale places in Portugal by night: Serra do Pilar.

Cross the famous D. Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and, from the top of the hill, you will get a breathtaking view over the city walls, the Ribeira riverbank and the Douro River. From here the city glows and the monastery located there, a circular white church, truly emphasis this environment

Praça do Comércio, Lisbon

If you are going to visit Portugal, probably Lisbon is in your travel plans. The Portuguese capital is amazing and it has several different places to go and visit. However, there is one site you shouldn’t miss: Praça do Comércio (Comercio Square). And at night, it appears with a special and gorgeous charming.

This square is surrounded by nice houses with arcades, framed by the Tagus River on one side, and the triumphal arch of Augusta Street on the other side. Imposing and magnificent. And at night the orange lights give a medieval atmosphere to this scenario. Here you can also have a delicious dinner in one of the many typical Portuguese restaurants.

And when the crowds dissolve, and the streets, buildings and monuments are illuminated, Lisbon appear totally differently. Try a Tour by Night through the capital and you will love the experience.

Miradouro Portas do Sol, Lisbon

Continuing our journey through Lisbon, you also need to try a visit to an incredible viewpoint. Keep some energy for when the night floods the streets of the Portuguese capital and go to its heart. The viewpoint of “Portas do Sol” (which translates to “the gateway of the sun”) is a beautiful balcony over the city and it offers an incredible scenario of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

Placed in one of the most picturesque districts of Lisbon, this viewpoint is a must-photograph spot for any tourist, particularly if you are witnessing the impressive sunset.  The breathtaking view will delight you, as well as the mystical environment that you will feel here.

University of Coimbra

Coimbra is known as the “City of the Students”, mainly because the city has one of the oldest universities in Europe. This University moved to its current location in 1537 and there it proudly stands, at the highest point of this old town. It has a remarkable material and intangible heritage and that’s why it became famous all over the world.

Touring the vast hilltop campus reveals a range of beautiful and historic architecture, with its most notable and imposing 18th century Tower. But we will also have to stroll through this place at night, to admire such a medieval environment, with copper lights, the black of the student’s costume and their songs dedicated to bohemian life and their lovers.

Almourol Castle, Santarém

It is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in Portugal.  The Almourol Castle is placed at the top of a very a small but fairy tale island, in the middle of the Tagus River. Being an important spot during the Christian Reconquest and part of the Portuguese defensive line, it remains enigmatic and with a romantic spirit.

A visit to this castle is mandatory, and at night, it simply glows. The sunsets here are amazing so try to catch the astonishing colors that touch the walls, the clouds above, the pure water of the river that shines on the horizon and the medieval scenery in front your eyes. 

Now that you know stunning places that you need to discover in Portugal by night, what are you waiting for?