Portugal is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Europe, yet boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. From the seven hills of Lisbon to the port wine aromas of Porto, from the sun-drenched beaches of Faro to the subtropical landscapes of Madeira, Portugal caters to every travel style. When planning your itinerary, we recommend using Lisbon or Porto as your base and then branching out to nearby cities to fully experience the glory and romance of this former maritime empire.
How to Choose Accommodation for Your Portugal Trip?
Here’s a breakdown of accommodation highlights and ideal travelers for six major cities to help you quickly find the perfect place to stay:
| City | Accommodation Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 🕌 Lisbon | Tram 28 weaves through the old town; Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are UNESCO World Heritage sites; birthplace of fado music | 👉 See article |
| 🍷 Porto | Luís I Bridge connects wine cellars on both banks; renowned port wine lodges; stunning tile architecture | 👉 See article |
| 🏖️ Faro | Year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and cliff scenery; largest city in southern Portugal | 👉 See article |
| 🏰 Sintra | Pena Palace’s colorful fairytale castle, Quinta da Regaleira’s mystical gardens; royal estates listed as World Heritage | 👉 See article |
| 🌊 Funchal | Mild year-round climate, dramatic cliffs and gardens; cable car with panoramic views; Passarinho trail | 👉 See article |
| 🎓 Coimbra | Home to Portugal’s oldest university; grand Paço das Escolas palace; UNESCO-certified fado music | 👉 See article |
🕌 Lisbon — City of Seven Hills, Legacy of the Age of Discovery
Lisbon is the city that best lives up to the title ‘City of Seven Hills.’ Trams and cable cars navigate the steep streets, creating the city’s most iconic scenery. Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery are legacies of the Age of Discovery, telling the story of Portugal’s former maritime supremacy. In the narrow alleys of the Alfama district, fado music pours out of taverns — sorrowful and beautiful, the perfect reflection of Lisbon’s soul.
Lisbon International Airport has a direct metro connection to the city center. Santa Apolónia train station is the departure point for Porto. The metro and tram network covers major attractions — we recommend staying in the Baixa/Chiado or Alfama areas. Average double room rates: TWD 2,500–6,000, making it one of the most affordable capital cities in Western Europe. Ideal for budget-conscious backpackers and deep cultural travelers.
👉 Lisbon Accommodation Guide: City of Seven Hills, Legacy of the Age of Discovery
🍷 Porto — Home of Port Wine, on the Banks of the Douro
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and the birthplace of Port Wine. Wine cellars line both banks of the Douro River, and the Luís I Bridge connects Vila Nova de Gaia with the old town. The view from the bridge overlooking the entire city is Porto’s most beautiful scene. São Bento Station is famous for its 20,000-tile azulejo murals, and Livraria Lello is often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world — said to have inspired the creation of Harry Potter.
From Lisbon, you can take the Alfa Pendular high-speed train (about 2 hours 45 minutes). We recommend staying in the Ribeira district (great river views) or the Baixa district (convenient transport). Average double room rates: TWD 2,000–5,000. Ideal for wine lovers and architecture and aesthetics enthusiasts.
👉 Porto Accommodation Guide: Home of Port Wine, on the Banks of the Douro
🏖️ Faro — The Sunny Algarve Coast
Faro is the capital of the Algarve region and the largest city in southern Portugal. Far from the bustle of Lisbon, it boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, gorgeous beaches, and an Old Town that retains traces of Moorish architecture. From Faro, you can follow the coastline to reach beach destinations like Lagos and Sagres — a paradise for surfers and sunbathers alike.
Faro Airport is the gateway to the Algarve, with flights connecting major European cities. We recommend staying in the Old Town or near the beach. Average double room rates: TWD 2,500–6,000, with seaside hotel prices rising during summer. Ideal for beach lovers and sunshine seekers.
👉 Faro Accommodation Guide: The Sunny Algarve Coast
🏰 Sintra — A Fairytale Town Near Lisbon
Sintra is a fairytale town on the outskirts of Lisbon, serving as the Portuguese royal family’s summer residence in the 19th century. The Pena Palace’s colorful castle looks like it stepped straight out of a storybook, creating a striking contrast against the blue sky and green trees. The Quinta da Regaleira estate features mystical gardens filled with underground tunnels and eccentric architecture, while the Moorish Castle offers panoramic views of all of Sintra. The Portuguese poet Lord Byron called it ‘a paradise on earth.’
From Lisbon’s Rossio train station, the train takes about 40 minutes to reach Sintra. Attractions are spread out — we recommend purchasing a Sintra Card for unlimited bus rides. Accommodation options are limited and pricier, with double rooms around TWD 3,000–7,000. Most visitors choose to do a day trip from Lisbon.
👉 Sintra Accommodation Guide: A Fairytale Town Near Lisbon
🌊 Funchal — Madeira’s Subtropical Garden
Funchal is the capital of the Madeira archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,000 km from mainland Portugal. It enjoys a ‘perpetual spring’ climate, with temperatures between 15–25°C year-round, making it a favorite winter escape for Europeans. The city’s hillsides are covered in lush vegetation, a cable car ascends slowly offering panoramic views of the harbor and city, and the famous Passarinho trail is one of the most spectacular walking paths in the world.
Madeira International Airport has flights connecting Lisbon and major European cities. We recommend staying in Funchal’s city center or Ponta do Sol. Average double room rates: TWD 3,000–7,000. Ideal for eco-tourism enthusiasts and winter sun-seekers.
👉 Funchal Accommodation Guide: Madeira’s Subtropical Garden
🎓 Coimbra — University Town & Fado Music
Coimbra is Portugal’s oldest university town. The university palace (Paço das Escolas) was one of the inspirations for Hogwarts in Harry Potter. The Baroque interior of the university library is dazzlingly ornate and a must-visit attraction. Coimbra is also a major hub for fado music — UNESCO has designated it as intangible cultural heritage, and live performances frequently fill the city’s taverns at night.
From Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia train station, the train takes about 2 hours. We recommend staying near the university or along the riverside. Average double room rates: TWD 2,000–4,500 — one of the most affordable cities in Portugal. Ideal for student travelers and cultural deep-divers.
👉 Coimbra Accommodation Guide: University Town & Fado Music
Note: This article is for reference only. Please check booking platforms for real-time pricing and availability. Some links are affiliate links — booking through them won’t cost you extra, but we earn a small commission to support our site.
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