Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Portugal

 Portugal Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Go to Portugal and you'll discover an incredibly diverse destination. Inextricably connected with the sea of baby-blue color, the country has over 800 kilometers of gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline.

As the capital city, Lisbon enjoys a striking site close to the River Tagus's mouth. From this very point, pioneering mariners embarked on monumental voyages of discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries, and since then Portugal has fostered a prideful seafaring tradition.

Portugal's interior fuses breath-taking northern mountain ranges perfectly with the great rolling flatlands of the nation's sun-bathed central regions. Some of Europe's top beaches, in the south, flank beautiful coves as well as warm, shallow waters. Scattered throughout are almost fairytale-looking towns, stone-built villages, plus cosmopolitan cities brimming over with monasteries, historic castles and palaces, and museums, all awaiting to be explored.

And going to Portugal could also mean visiting the subtropical, lush island of Madeira, or known as the "Garden Isle," but calm Azores archipelago.

Use my Portugal travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Portugal in order to enhance your overall vacationing experience.

 

1) Mosteiro dos Jero'nimos.  Synonymous with the country's golden Age of Discovery, from Bele'm's shores brave and daring navigators initiated long and dangerous sea journeys to chart largely unknown waters and search for new territories.

One particular mariner jumps out from the history books, Vasco da Gama, who discovered the actual sea rout leading to India in the year 1498, and to honor this feat, King Manuel 1 commissioned the construction of a monument which became an enduring symbol of Portugal's amazing period of both expansion and conquest. Mosteiro dos Jero'nimos today happens to be the nation's most revered and cherished structures and is a major attraction on anyone's tourist agenda.

Both the church and monastery epitomize the spirit of the time and feature the greatest models of Manueline architecture located anywhere in Portugal; the strikingly embellished adornment now situated on the South Portal you'll find breath-taking.

Inside, the lovely cloister is just as exuberant. Suitably, the church contains the remains of Vasco da Gama in a tomb, plus other national personalities such as Luis de Camoes, who is Portugal's greatest poet and even chronicler narrating all worthy discoveries.

2) Oceana'rio de Lisboa.  As perhaps Portugal's most family-friendly and popular tourist attraction, Lisbon's oceanarium was expertly designed to highlight the most diverse ocean habitats in the world. And as one of the best and biggest oceanariums in Europe, it contains an enormous array of marine animals and fish.

It took 4 different sea- and landscapes to recreate the complex ecosystems of the Antarctic, Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. A massive major tank, observable from varying levels, brims with ray, shark, and several other finned novelties and inhabitants of the deep. Thetransparent plexiglass overall design is such that gives the wonderful impression that the smaller tropical species residing in separate aquaria but set around the central tank seem to be just nearby and swimming along with their bigger cousins.

Complementing this stunning spectacle nicely are the harmonious open-air landscapes, from where sea otters, penguins, and other fine birds and even mammals co-exist in easy-going serenity.

3) Pala'cio Nacional de Sintra.  Snuggling in a wooded mountain range, Sintra's lovely site is enough to motivate a tour of this pretty, verdant town. In fact, UNESCO has confirmed the place to be a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, for such is its charm and the importance of the selection of historical sites grouped in and around Sintra Velha.

As a popular summer retreat for Portugal's queens and kings and an irresistible destination for many poets and writers that include William Beckford and even Lord Byron, Sintra exudes romance. The old town appears to be a maze, full of cobbled streets lined with attractive town homes painted in pastel tones of lilac, pink, and mustard. The narrow lanes surround a handsome main square that the beautiful Pala'cio Nacional de Sintra dominates.

Rapidly recognized because of its large conical chimneys, the national palace goes back to the late 14th century and is Portugal's oldest surviving palace. Royally furnished, the structure consists of multiple floors, a lot conveying a special theme and adorned accordingly. You'll want to see the awe-inspiring Sala dos Brasoes, which is a dazzling domed hall decorated with the coats of arms belonging to noble Portuguese families.

4) Kayaking the Lisbon Coast.  Embarking on a kayak for experiencing Lisbon coast will make a real rewarding maritime excursion. In addition to providing another dimension to your sightseeing adventure, traveling through the coastline by paddle offers a superb excuse to get some exercise in a pristine, salt-laden environment.

Without doubt, Lisbon's nearness to the ocean permits a broad range of fun water sports, and exploring the bays, beaches, and coves lying along the area between Cascais and the Portuguese capital is an exciting-crammed way to delight in a day out.

Be sure to stop by Serra da Arra'bida Natural Park, which encompasses Sesimbra and Setubal and comprises a landscape of stunning, ancient sea cliffs which teem with birdlife.

The majority of the coastline about here sits in a protected marine reserve, in fact, a sanctuary which includes the remarkable Ribeira do Cavalo beach.

5) Torre de Bele'm.  As Portugal's very loved historic monument as well as a Lisbon icon, Torre de Bele'm symbolizes the Age of Discovery, plus all those notable voyages of exploration occurring between 15th and 16th centuries.

Built and being completed as a fortress in 1521 to defend against the invasions to the River Tagus, now the tower is considered as a masterful achievement of military architecture. Designed by Francisco de Arruda in the Manueline style, the facade is no less than a confection of wonderfully carved stone, exemplified by maritime motifs like the armillary sphere and twisted rope.

An extraordinary Renaissance loggia accentuates the decoration to new heights. 

  

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Netherlands

Netherlands Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions 

Known famously for canals, windmills, enchanting vegetation, visitors surely will find these and much more attractions in The Netherlands.

But together with the country's several marvelous villages and picturesque gardens, those venturing out here will not be disappointed as they run into lively cities such as Amsterdam packed with varying museums displaying a wealth of brilliant artists, including the Old Masters. Other sites to tour include many cityscapes and medieval castles, the mega national park and even the ingenious tide control system that received the designation as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Considering The Netherlands' rather small size, all of such attractions and exciting activities to engage in are within a rather compact area, plus the landscape is rather flat.

As a result, it's exceedingly easy to conduct some of your tours in the Dutch Way, by cycling. Several of the best traveling destinations, including The Netherlands' major cities, highly recommend cycling and provide free bicycles for exploring the hottest sites. Whichever course you decide to use to experience The Netherlands, you are guaranteed a sensational time in one of Europe's most liberal and friendliest cultures.

Be certain to plan your itinerary using our Netherlands travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in The Netherlands.

1) Amsterdam's Canals in Jordaan.   Know that the canals are as vital a component of Amsterdam's cityscape as they are unmistakably to the city of Venice, and a few of the foremost lasting memories for any tourist are the time invested wisely in exploring Amsterdam's amazing waterways.

Though you can easily access many of the top attractions in Amsterdam by water taxi or boat tour, nothing is better than walking along the quieter, smaller streets which line the waterways.

In particular, Jordaan is charming, a neighborhood constructed in the 1600s to provide homes for immigrants and workers drawn here because of the city's religious toleration. Together with its little canal-side homes, search for Jordaan's many hofjes, which are quaint-looking inner courtyards concealed behind the buildings.

Another beautiful neighborhood is Grachtengordel that has several little bridges and old 17th-century houses. You'll be generously rewarded while you explore the 400-year-old streets, seeing excellent examples of lovely architecture, gardens, small boutique shops, and cafes. Do not forget to search for the several houseboats mooring along the canals.

Only a ten-minute walk away sits Dam Square, a top tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Besides its many shops, cafes, and restaurants, this enormous public square offers a lot of the city's most-visited attractions. These include the magnificent Royal Palace; the enchanting New Church; and The Netherlands' most prized war memorial: the National Memorial Statue.

2) Keukenhof.  Chances are that when you think of The Netherlands, you'll eventually think of tulips, which is the country's favorite flower. Plus, it's one of the foremost prettiest places to tour in the country, displaying them and other beauties in stunning abundance. Given its practical place relative to Amsterdam, under one hour through public transit, or only a 45-minute drive away, it makes an easy, fun day trip from the biggest city.

Regarded as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is situated on the edges of the town of Lisse, and broadly considered The Netherlands' "bulb belt." As the world's largest public garden, boasting over 70 acres that used to be the kitchen garden of a big country property, Keukenhof now showcases over 700 types of tulips which reach their peak between April and May.

However, because of its enormous commercial hot houses, the showcase continues nearly year-round. Here, you'll spot ceaseless rows of blooming tulips, together with thousands of daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.

3) Rijksmuseum.  The magnificent Rijksmuseum, the National Museum, located in Amsterdam's Musemplein, Museum Square, has been amassing rare antiquities and art since 1809. So, it's no shocking surprise that its voluminous collection now amounts to almost seven million pieces of art, which include 5,000 paintings arranged in display in over 250 rooms, and a huge library containing 35,000 books.

Besides its special collection of the Old Masters, the museum provides a thoroughly detailed account of the growth of culture and art in The Netherlands, plus is particularly rich in conventional Dutch handicrafts, even medieval sculpture, and of course, modern art. Prepare yourself to exhaust a whole day or two in exploring this museum's countless gems.

If you still have time to get additional Rembrandt squeezed into your itinerary of Amsterdam, here's a nice treat: the Rembrandt House Museum, which stands in the city's old Jewish Quarter. The great artist painted several of his better-known works during the twenty-year period that he spent here, along with yet recognizable scenes originating from the neighborhood.

The home remains largely the same as it did during the artist's life. Guided tours are now available. You could brighten your overall experience by choosing to stay nearby at Luxury Suites Amsterdam, situated only a few steps from the museum.

4) The Hague.  Considered worldwide as the place of the International Court of Justice, The Hague in addition is The Netherlands' political center. The nation's government conducts their official work here, and where the Dutch Royal Family calls home in Noordeinde Palace.

The Hague also offers tourists a superb travel destination and for visitors wanting a sample of the small country's rich history. Whatever is your "staying status" in these parts, begin your exploration in the historical Binnenhof district. Its name translating as the "Inner Court," Binnenhof goes as far back as 1250 CE. It's in fact the city's oldest part and fun to explore by foot.

Located around a major courtyard, the charming older structures here, once housing no other than the ruling classes, have been wonderfully well-preserved. The Knights' Hall which is the crown jewel here, constructed in the 13th-century, the imposing castle-looking building that has twin towers, still operates for government functions such as the parliament opening each September. Attractions worth seeing include the Gothic hall that shows off its wood-beamed ceiling and stained-glass windows.

5) Anne Frank House.  This is another must-see attraction in Amsterdam. Anne's family hid most of WWll in this home, located on Prinsengracht, as Jewish refugees, and is where she ended up writing her famed diary. Despite dying only two months prior to the war terminating, her legacy continues through her words, having been now translated into at least 51 languages.

The rear of the completely restored home where the family hid has been preserved as close as to the original condition as possible, a meaningful monument to a dark piece of world history, and a courageous young lady who still continues to inspire readers around the globe.

Warning: tickets for this attraction often sell out. So be certain to book your online well in advance. Also, make time to tour the surrounding area such as the striking old canals by foot.

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