From an underrated gem to one of Europe’s most-visited cities, Lisbon is overflowing with tourists in 2024, from the once-quiet hilly streets of Alfama down to the harbor-facing Praça do Comércio, now a bustling central square as busy as Venice’s Piazza San Marco.
Though it’s a world-class cultural destination, Portugal’s capital has officially become one of the top 10 destinations most ‘overwhelmed’ by tourism in Europe, with 11 tourists per inhabitant, as reported by vacation rental platform Holidu.
If you’re wary of crowds but still dream of laying eyes upon tiled Baroque churches and ancient Moorish fortresses, here are 3 alternatives that are just as incredible (and far cheaper to visit):
Guimarães
The French-inspired Dukes of Bragança Palace is one of the most interesting to visit due to its display of centuries-old furniture and historic weapons, as is the Santos Passos Church, a Portuguese Baroque effort facing a lush garden with fountains.
For the best view in town, head over to the tallest tower at the center of the medieval Guimarães Castle, built at the peak of the Middle Ages to defend a neighboring monastery from being attacked by invading Moors and Norsemen (you won’t be disappointed).
Last but not least, you shouldn’t miss this top-rated Sights & Highlights Walking Tour of the Old Town, visiting postcard-perfect Pombaline buildings, charming public squares, and lesser-known oratories for only $6.46.
Coimbra
Located in central Portugal, halfway between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is often bypassed by tourists commuting between the country’s two largest cities, but with its well-preserved historic center, impressive bell tower and storied institutions, it’s certainly worth a stopover.
In a way, it’s Portugal’s equivalent to Oxford, home to the oldest university in the entire country, built as a Hogwarts-like palace with a Baroque library, and a high concentration of medieval monuments that have stood the test of time, most notably the 12th-century cathedral.
A former capital of Portugal––before Lisbon claimed the title some centuries down the line––Coimbra is a cultural getaway of the first order, without the usual prohibitive prices: think lunchtime menu deals for $13, fado spectacles with wine sampling from $16.40, and overnight stays for under $50.
A double room at Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro, within walking distance of all major points of interest, including the University (18 minutes by foot), costs a surprisingly-affordable $48 per night this fall––for comparison purposes, the average hotel rate in Lisbon is $127, as seen on Budget Your Trip.
Évora
Portugal’s History is an ancient one of over 2,000 years, and one of the best places for soaking up all that immaterial heritage and traveling back in time is Évora, an often-overlooked cultural getaway 1h39 southeast from Lisbon on the train:
Home to around 53,000 inhabitants, Évora is much more compact––and less hilly––than the capital, making it far easier to explore on foot: the UNESCO-listed historic center is entirely pedestrian-friendly, and all points of interest are 3-15 minutes apart.
For instance, from the Temple of Diana, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Portugal, to the medieval cathedral, it’s a short 3 minutes; meanwhile, walking from the University, second oldest in the country established as early as 1559, to the Royal Palace takes around 13.
Besides its walkability and landmark-packed Old Town, we also love Évora for its big selection of traditional restaurants: for the tastiest bacalhau––Portuguese-style codfish––you’ll ever try, make sure you book a table at Restaurante Dom Joaquim.
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