Weekend in Viana do Castelo

18th-century palace housing a collection of Portuguese and European decorative arts: furniture, ceramics, silverware and textiles. The garden and courtyard are also worth a look.

Tip: Free entry on Sunday mornings for residents, but any day before 10am or after 4pm tends to be quiet. The garden café is cheap and pleasant.

Long, shaded garden avenue with mature plane trees, fountains, sculptures and a bandstand. Popular for a quiet stroll or reading on a bench.

Tip: Bring a picnic—the benches near the central fountain are less busy after 2pm. Free public toilets at the far end near the museum.

Small, shaded public garden near the old city wall, with benches, a central pond and mature trees. Quiet spot for a picnic or reading away from the main tourist flow.

Tip: Go early morning to see the local tai chi group. There’s a decent public toilet in the corner and a playground for kids.

Compact medieval core with Manueline and Renaissance buildings, narrow cobbled streets and a lively central square (Praça da República) flanked by the old town hall and Misericórdia church.

Tip: Wander the side streets off Rua de Gerações for azulejo-covered houses and tiny artisan shops. Saturday morning market in the square sells regional produce and crafts.

Central square lined with 18th-century buildings, a Manueline fountain and outdoor cafes. The surrounding narrow streets have traditional tile-work and shops.

Tip: Wander off the main square into Rua de Santo António for the best azulejo facades. Pop into Mercado Municipal for cheap pastéis de nata at €1.20.

15th-century fortress by the Lima river mouth, with thick granite walls and a small park inside. Used as a cultural centre with occasional exhibits.

Tip: Walk around the outer walls for free—the interior courtyard is open when there's an exhibit. Best light for photos is late afternoon. No café, so bring water.

Hilltop neo-Byzantine basilica with panoramic views of the city, river and Atlantic. The interior is marble-rich and striking. You can also walk the grounds and cloisters for free.

Tip: Skip the funicular (€3) and hike the 600 steps from the city centre for a free workout and gradual reveal of the view. Best at sunset.

Hilltop neo-Byzantine basilica with panoramic views of the city, river and Atlantic. The interior has intricate stained glass and rose windows.

Tip: Skip the funicular—walk up the stone path from the old town for free in 20 minutes. Go early morning for clear views before the haze sets in.

Wide, sandy beach on the Lima River estuary, backed by dunes. Popular for swimming, surfing and walking. Good views across the river to the fortress of Santiago da Barra.

Tip: Take the small ferry across the river from the city harbour (€1.50 one way) instead of walking the longer route. At low tide, walk north along the sand to the rocky outcrops for solitude.

Collection of 4,000+ tools and objects from traditional trades—cooperage, blacksmithing, weaving—housed in a restored 17th-century convent. Fascinating for craft and history buffs.

Tip: Entry is €2.50 (€1.50 for students) and free on Sunday mornings before 1pm. Allow 45 minutes; the audio guide is worth 50 cents extra.