Set along the Ria de Aveiro Lagoon on the west coast of Portugal, Aveiro is a beautiful city distinguished by its fascinating canals and old-town architecture. It is also rich in majestic natural wonders and vibrant culture. While in Aveiro, there are so many touristy things that you can do like enjoying the sandy beach of Costa Nova. You can also hike at the Reserva Natural de las Dunas de San Jacinto while watching birds in their natural habitat. Don’t miss out the Monastery of Jesus and marvel at the beauty of this 15th-century convent. For a more detailed guide, here is a list of the best things to do in Aveiro, Portugal.
1. Explore the Monastery of Jesus
The Monastery of Jesus is not just any ordinary church. It also houses collections of great art value from paintings to sculptures, portraits, historical artifacts and more from different periods of time. The ceiling of the church is another masterpiece in itself. It showcases a stunning image of holy angels that will leave you breathless. Plus, the Monastery of Jesus also houses the tomb of Princess Joan. So, if you have free time while in Portugal, be sure to visit this fascinating church & museum.
Monastery of Jesus
Address: Av. Santa Joana s / n, 3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Monastery of Jesus
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 12:30pm, 1:30pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
2. Plan a relaxing picnic at Dom Pedro Infante Park
Dom Pedro Infante Park is not just any regular park. It features a majestic pond like the ones you see in fairytale movies. It also features an art nouveau bandstand and picnic tables where you can rest comfortably with your family and friends as you enjoy the snacks you brought. It is filled with lush greeneries and lovely flora that will suck you in its tranquility and peace. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit Dom Pedro Infante Park as it is a picture-perfect place.
Dom Pedro Infante Park
Address: Rua Luís Cipriano 21, 3810-169 Aveiro, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Cycle along the sparkling Aveiro Lagoon
Portugal has lots of fascinating sites and gorgeous attractions. If you like city tours, why don’t you treat yourself to a day of cycling along the sparkling Aveiro Lagoon? This place has interesting and artistic houses that are colored in bright paints. The boats on stand by the river add appeal to the place. To top it all off, it is also filled with restaurants and charming cafes that you should try for when you need a quick break from touring and taking pictures of the place.
Aveiro Lagoon
Address: Atlantic coast, south Espinho, Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Aveiro Lagoon
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Witness salt production at Troncalhada Marine Ecomuseum
One of the major industries that help Aveiro thrive is its salt industry. It showcases the production of salt in an open-air setting. If you are interested in the culture of the city or the production of salt itself, why don’t you book an amazing tour package to the Troncalhada Marine Ecomuseum and enjoy a day marveling at the intricate process? Plus, it is a fun activity to enjoy with your family or group of friends. Not only does it show the modern-day salt production process, but it also lets people see the old methods.
Troncalhada Marine Ecomuseum
Address: Canal das Pirâmides, 3810-200 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Troncalhada Marine Ecomuseum
Opening hours: Mon: 9:30am - 12:30pm; Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 12:30am, 2pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 6pm;
Price: 4.50 USD onwards
5. Cruise along the canals in a moliceiro (from USD 227.56)
If you are thinking of treating yourself to a city tour of the beautiful Aveiro but have no idea where to start, this exciting tour package might pique your interest. Get to explore the city’s charm by cruising along the canals in a moliceiro as you marvel at the beauty of its architecture and vibrantly colored establishments. The tour lasts for half a day. Get to see why Aveiro has been acknowledged as the Venice of Portugal. Plus, you will get to see the stunning and artistic fishermen houses by the Costa Nova Beaches.
Aveiro Half-Day Tour with Moliceiro Cruise
Duration: 4.0 hour
6. Stroll across the Aveiro University campus
Whether you are a scholar or simply a regular Tom who likes culture and educational stuff, be sure to visit the Aveiro University. It is one of the most prestigious schools in Portugal and a lot of people dream of being a part of that school. If you are interested in studying in Aveiro University, know that they have lots of programs that you can choose from such as accounting, nursing work, specialized translation courses, adult respiratory physiotherapy, master courses, doctorate degrees, and a lot more. However, for tourists, the landscaped campus is a pleasant surprise.
Aveiro University
Address: Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Aveiro University
7. Rejuvenate at Marinha da Noeirinha
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are a big lover of the seas as much as almost everyone, be sure to check out the beautiful Marinha da Noeirinha and enjoy a delightful time swimming in freshwaters, walking through the shores, or basking in the warmth of the golden sun. This place is a melting pot for tourists and locals alike. There are available lodges and excellent restaurants that you can try if you wish to stay nearby. Plus, Marinha da Noeirinha has delightful and relaxing facilities like the saline spa.
Marinha da Noeirinha
Address: R. do Dr. Bernardino Machado, 3800-350 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Marinha da Noeirinha
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
8. Shop your heart out at the Forum Mall
If you are thinking of where to spend your day in Portugal that is not too touristy, why don’t you visit the Forum Mall and enjoy a day of shopping, gorging on delicious food, or chilling at relaxing benches scattered throughout the mall with a garden setting? It houses your favorite global retail brands as well as local shops that you should check out. It also has exceptional restaurants, cafes, and casual eateries. Not only that, but it also has salons, spas, recreational areas, game centers, and a lot more.
Forum Mall
Address: R. do Batalhão de Caçadores 10, 3810-064 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Forum Mall
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
9. Admire the brilliant Old Train Station
One of the most fantastic and interesting in Aveiro is the Old Train Station. It is situated near the new and functional one but we can not deny the beauty of its architecture and the art that it emulates. It features an exterior that is covered with majestic blue Portuguese tiles creating an image of royalty and old town luxury. It aims to make people see it as a reflection of how the lifestyle was in Portugal during ancient times. Bring your camera and don’t forget to take amazing pictures of it and with it.
Old Train Station
Address: R. do Dr. João de Moura 2, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal
10. Get hold of the best Ovos Moles de Aveiro
You can not leave the beautiful city of Aveiro without getting your hands on those delicious and famous Oves Moles. Ovos Moles translates to soft eggs in English. It is an authentic Portuguese delicacy that is primarily made from egg yolks and sugar. These delicious sweets are often sold in a spiral and shell form. If you want to try the best Ovos Moles in the city, go check out M1882.
M1882
Address: R. Dom Jorge de Lencastre 37, 3800-142 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: M1882
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 8pm; Sun: 9:30am - 1pm
11. Interact with the locals at Capela de São Gonçalinho
People say that the best way to get to know a foreign city is to interact with the locals, share stories, and get helpful tips about the city itself. One place to do this is at the Capela de São Gonçalinho where a lot of locals flock to visit the chapel and mingle. This chapel showcases a simple yet lovely vintage architecture design with a hexagonal shape. It was built in the 18th century and has been maintained ever since.
Capela de São Gonçalinho
Address: Largo de São Gonçalinho 6, 3800-073 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Capela de São Gonçalinho
12. Spend a relaxing evening at the Rossio Garden
Whether you are in the mood for a night out with friends or a casual dinner alone, Rossio Garden offers an elevated dining experience that is ideal for any occasion. It features a charming and elegant restaurant with lots of natural light and air and authentic European vibes with outdoor seating. Plus, it is located in the heart of Lisbon where most of the city’s well-visited establishments and attractions also nest. Enjoy delicious food, wonderful service, relaxing ambiance, and the view of all the city’s famous squares and viewpoints.
Rossio Garden
Address: R. do Jardim do Regedor 24, 1150-193 Lisboa, Portugal
Website: Rossio Garden
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Tour the city on a Tuka-Tuka train
There are so many ways you can explore the fascinating city of Aveiro if you like city tours and scenic rides. Some are through boating on the famous canals or renting a bike to roam around the city or you can also relax while riding the unique Tuka-Tuka train. Aveiro is considered the Venice of Portugal. That being said, there are so many fascinating attractions in the city. If you travel by the Tuka-Tuka train, you will get to see and explore all the sights that the city has to offer.
Tuka-Tuka train
Address: Rua João Mendonça 20, 3800-200 Aveiro, Portugal
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 5.63 USD onwards
14. Sample local seafood at Restaurante Mercado Peixe Aveiro
If you are done with the sights and the sounds of the city and can’t get enough of its eats, one place where you can satisfy your Portuguese food cravings is the Restaurante Mercado Peixe Aveiro located above the fish market, The restaurant showcases a beautiful coastal interior design with a relaxed and homey vibe. The food is mouthwatering and will leave you wanting more. Plus, the staff is warm, hospitable, and always pleased to be of help.
Restaurante Mercado Peixe Aveiro
Address: Largo da Praça do Peixe 1, 3800-243 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Restaurante Mercado Peixe Aveiro
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12:15pm - 3pm, 7:30pm - 11pm; Sat: 7:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)
15. Enjoy the nightlife at Luxor Lounge - Tea Room Bar Gallery
Looking for a fantastic place to chill and relax? If so, you might like the food, the drinks, and the ambiance at the Luxor Lounge - Tea Room Bar and Gallery. Featuring a hip and chic Egyptian-inspired interiors and perfectly curated decors, you might not notice how time flies in this charming bar especially when you are having the best time. To top it all off, its barista is professional and can whip up your favorite drink. Come with your friends and enjoy premium drinks together.
Luxor Lounge - Tea Room Bar Gallery
Address: R. de São Martinho 13, 3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Luxor Lounge - Tea Room Bar Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 9:30pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
16. Explore the Bridge of Carcavelos
Aveiro is a charming city with a rich heritage, vibrant culture, and lots of fascinating history to tell. One landmark that signifies the colorful history of the city is the iconic Bridge of Carcavelos. The bridge of Carcavelos in Praceta Ria de Aveiro, on the canal of San Roque. It is also called the Bridge Valentine. This bridge was a replacement to the original one that collapsed in the year 1953.
Bridge of Carcavelos
Address: Praceta Ria de Aveiro, 3800-257 Aveiro, Portugal
17. Shop fresh at the Market Manuel Firmino
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are thinking of a sumptuous lunch or dinner at home with your family, and you plan to prepare them some of your masterpiece dishes, head over the Market Manuel Firmino and get your hands on those organic and fresh products. They have all your cooking essentials starting from pork, meat, and chicken, to vegetables and fruits. Not only that, but they also have stalls of local products and souvenir stores. Stroll around the place and mingle with other customers and get to share cooking tips.
Market Manuel Firmino
Address: Praça do Mercado 82, 3800-223 Aveiro, Portugal
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
18. Satisfy your foodie soul at Restaurante O Bairro
Aveiro has lots of excellent restaurants, one of them is Restaurante O Bairro in Largo da Praça do Peixe. It features a charming interior design with a relaxing and homey vibe. The food is superb, made from fresh ingredients, and served in generous amounts. If you are a vegetarian, this place can be a wonderful dining spot for you as well as they have both vegetarian and vegan recipes. While in Restaurante O Bairro, be sure to try some of their specialties such as The Tiger, The Market Is Now Another, Land and Sea, and a lot more.
Restaurante O Bairro
Address: Portugal, Largo da Praça do Peixe 24, Aveiro, Portugal
Website: Restaurante O Bairro
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 12:30pm - 3pm, 7:30pm - 11pm (closed on Wed)
19. Visit the Statues of the Bridge
Statues of the Bridge is a historic structure in Praca Humberto Delgado. It features two statues that symbolize the main industries of the city and its trading aspect. You will get to see them when you take a city tour through the Aveiro Canals by moliceiro. In history, these statues try to tell a story of how the Portuguese pay honor to the Salineira who carried salt under trying circumstances.
Statues of the Bridge
Address: Praca Humberto Delgado, Aveiro 3810-117, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. See the marvelous exhibits at the Museum of Aveiro (from USD 497.0)
If you are interested in the sights of the beautiful Aveiro, you might be interested in this fantastic tour package that lets you marvel at the beauty of the city’s famous canals, artistic moliceiro boats, and gorgeous and vintage architectures. This tour proceeds on a personalized itinerary guided by a professional staff. Guests will also get to visit the fascinating Carmelite Convent, Aveiro Museum, the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, and a lot more. You can also upgrade your package to include an excellent lunch at the lagoon.
Private Tour Aveiro Little Venice and River Tour Moliceiro
Duration: 9 hours
Beautiful Aveiro
Aveiro is a fascinating city in Portugal with a vibrant culture and rich heritage. It is also a wonderful tourist destination with lots of majestic sights and delectable eats. If you are thinking of a vacation to the city, use this list of things to do in Aveiro as your guide in organizing your itinerary. May you have a fantastic vacation ahead.
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