visit portugal viseu

Visit Viseu: A Historic and Beautiful Getaway in Portugal

Discover the old charming city of Viseu, a lively and historic hub nestled in the highlands of central Portugal.

Maybe you have never heard of it, but we are sure you know about nearby Serra de Estrela .

Let us tell you why you should visit Viseu the next time you are in Portugal.

A visitor’s guide to Viseu

Viseu is a gem of a city hidden away in central Portugal mostly unknown to many tourists. It is an alluring and well-preserved hilltop city in the Beira Alta region which dates back to the Iron Age.

Viseu is known for its beautiful religious art and renaissance architecture. It is also famed as the best city to live in Portugal (twice!) and is also known to be the home of the legendary Viriathus ; the most important Lusitanian leader who fought against the Roman conquest in the Iberian Peninsula.

Top 5 things to see and do in Viseu

Here is our pick of the best five things to see and do in Viseu if you are there for a couple of days.

You can see most of the city sights in a day or two. It makes for a nice weekend getaway or a mini trip on your visit to Lisbon , Porto or Coimbra.

1. Cathedral of Viseu (“Sé Catedral de Viseu”)

The Cathedral of Viseu is the major landmark in the city of Viseu. It is set on the highest point of the city and dates as far back as the 10th century. The exterior of the cathedral looks very ordinary and may put you off checking it out.

Do not be put off by this less flashy exterior! Go inside and you will be treated to an extraordinarily designed interior. It’s definitely worth it.

2. Grão Vasco National Museum (“Museu Grão Vasco”)

This museum is named after the great Portuguese painter, Vasco Fernandes, who lived in Viseu in the 15th century. In the Grão Vasco Museum , you will be able to admire his artworks as well as other works from other popular painters and sculptors such as Silva Porto, Alfredo Keil, Antonio Ramalho, Bordalo Pinheiro and many others.

Also, do not miss Vasco’s most outstanding work – a series of paintings depicting the life of Christ.

It’s beautiful.

3. Our Lady of Mercy Church (“Igreja da Misericórdia”).

Opposite the Viseu Cathedral is Igreja da Misericórdia which was built in 1775 and designed with a rococo and baroque architectural style.

The interior, however, is anticlimactic but it houses a very historic piece; the image of Our Lady of Mercy which dates back to the 18th century.

4. Fontelo Park (“Parque do Fontelo”)

Viseu has many gardens, one of which is the Fontelo Park, once designed to cater for leisure activities of the bishops of the city. It is now a large leisure space accessible to everyone.

Parque do Fontelo is in the middle of the city and has some great recreational facilities which include tennis courts, a swimming pool, a sports stadium and a skate park. It is a perfect place to relax, play and be in contact with nature.

There are also jogging trails if you want to indulge in a little fitness on your visit to Viseu.

5. Almeida Moreira Museum

Almeida Moreira Museum is a house museum which was once the home of Francisco António de Almeida Moreira. The museum gives an insight into his life and a big part of the culture of Viseu.

In the museum, there is also an extensive collection of artworks, painting and antique furniture.

He was also the one who established the Grão Vasco Museum.

Viseu is known for its great wines

Finally, after a long day of sightseeing, we recommend enjoying some Dão red wine, the regional wine of Viseu.

Red wine at its finest!

Where to dine in Viseu

Viseu is a city that offers great Portuguese gastronomy. Be sure to try out the local specialties on your visit to Viseu.

Serra da Estrela cheese is also something to try. It goes very well with the local wine.

Some of the best restaurants in Viseu are:

Muralha de Sé Restaurant

Close to the Viseu Cathedral you will find Muralha de Sé  (website is in Portuguese), a very nice restaurant known to serve one of the best regional traditional Portuguese cuisines. It is a little pricey though.

The restaurant also has a wide variety of wines from the region .

Dining here makes for a wonderful Viseu gastronomic experience.

Maria Xica is an opulent restaurant located in the historical centre of Viseu. It is very cosy and has a great ambience. The food is excellent and always presented with a touch of creativity.

There is also a bar in the restaurant which is equally cosy.

Also located in the Viseu centre is Colmeia , a recently revamped restaurant that offers amazing traditional Portuguese dishes. The food is delicious, nicely portioned and fairly priced.

Totally worth visiting to enjoy a meal.

Where to stay in Viseu

We have picked out some of the best hotels you can stay in when you visit Viseu.

Pousada De Viseu

Pousada De Viseu is an exquisite hotel in the centre of Viseu with great facilities. It features an indoor and outdoor pool, comfortable spacious rooms and suites, a spa and a gorgeous garden. It is also centrally located and a walking distance from many sites in the city.

Casa da Sé is a boutique hotel located in the centre of old town very close to the Viseu Cathedral. The hotel is surrounded by plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Casa da Se’s location makes it a perfect base to explore Viseu from. However, the downside of staying here if you were looking for peace and quiet is that the surroundings can be noisy especially on weekends because of people who are out partying.

Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel

Montebelo is a luxurious hotel in the city of Viseu with excellent and modern facilities. It also has a full-service Spa and sauna. Montebelo is only a 15-minute walk from the city centre, so if you want to stay away from the crowds and noise of the city centre, this would be an ideal choice. There is also free parking available.

Hotel Jose Alberto

For a nice and comfortable hotel close to the city centre we chose Hotel Jose Alberto. It is decently priced and offers easy access to the town’s popular attractions.

Hotel Palacio Dos Melos

Palacio dos Melos is an excellent and modern hotel that sits on one of the seven walls of the city. From the hotel, you can get panoramic views of the city and also take amazing pictures. Hotel Palacio Dos Melos is located around the city centre and so makes it an ideal place to stay and go on to explore the city.

Best time to visit Viseu

The best time to go to Viseu is usually from March until October, the weather is warm, and the chances of rain are very low especially in June, July and August.

How to get to Viseu?

By bus is the easiest.

To get to Viseu you can take the Rede Expressos from Oriente Bus terminal in Lisbon. The journey takes three and a half hours and cost €19 for a one-way trip.

If you are already in Porto, you can also visit Viseu easily as it takes about one hour and 45 minutes to get to Viseu from Porto.

Also, Viseu can easily be visited from Coimbra, a popular touristic city which is only one hour and 20 minutes from Viseu.

All bus tickets to Viseu can be purchased on Rede Espressos .

Travelling by car

Visiting Viseu by car also makes for an interesting drive to the centre of Portugal. It is well linked to other major cities in Portugal.

There is also free parking in the city where you can park and then see the city sights by foot.

By train part of the way

Getting to Viseu by train is somewhat difficult as there is no train station in Viseu. The closest stations are Nelas or Mangualde which are both about a 30 minutes drive to Viseu.

After your visit to Viseu, you may also decide to see Serra da Estrela , an incredible natural beauty in Portugal.

Have you been to Viseu and would like to add some tips? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 15 Best Things to Do in Viseu (Portugal)

15 Best Things to Do in Viseu (Portugal)

In Central Portugal, Viseu is an old city of distinguished granite monuments on streets winding up to the magnificent cathedral square.

Known as the Adro da Sé this plaza has a group of monuments from the Gothic to the Rococo periods, and each one deserves a visit for an hour or two.

Down the hill there are all kinds of things to catch your imagination, like historical houses full of elegant furnishings, archaeology museums, a tile panel designed by a famous painter and vestiges of Viseu’s old fortifications.

Lets explore the best things to do in Viseu :

1. Viseu Cathedral

This wonderful building was started in the 12th century, during the reign of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.

Seen from the square in front there’s a 17th-century Baroque facade flanked by two towers; the south is medieval, while the north, like the facade, needed to be rebuilt in the 1600s after a storm.

That fusion of styles and periods is clear inside, where there’s a 14th-century statue of Mary up in a Baroque gilded wood altarpiece dating to the 18th century.

Above it the choir’s barrel vault is lined with gorgeous filigree painted tiles.

2. Centro Historico

Inside the circle of 15th-century ramparts is Viseu’s historic quarter, cresting at the cathedral square.

These twisting alleys are laid with rounded granite flagstones and have proud whitewashed houses, some in better condition than others . A few streets to include in a bewildering jaunt through this labyrinth are Rua Escura, Rua Direita and Rua Augusto Hilário.

The latter, despite being only a couple of metres wide, has some striking houses in various states of repair and with overhanging iron balconies.

This will lead up to Praça Dom Duarte, with a statue of King Edward, who was born in Viseu in 1391.

3. Adro da Sé

A monumental square in the highest part of the city (literally built on granite boulders), the Adro da Sé is up there with the most impressive ensembles in the country.

Wherever you stand there’s a photo-worthy view, whether it’s the cathedral, seminary (containing the Grão Vasco Museum) or the Igreja da Misericórdia.

One of the structures that you’ll want to see more of is the Passeio dos Cónegos (canons’ walk), which is a marvellous elevated cloister with a colonnade connecting to the cathedral.

This was designed by the 16th-century architect Francesco de Cremona.

4. Grão Vasco National Museum

Named for one of the most important painters of the Portuguese Renaissance (Grão Vasco), this absorbing museum has painting, sculpture and applied arts from the 1200s to the 1900s.

The venue is also exciting, in that seminary by the cathedral.

The obligatory works here are the 16th-century painting composed in the 16th century by the Viseu Grão Vasco and his great rival Gaspar Vaz.

They were both influenced by Flemish artists like Francisco Henriques who had travelled to Portugal to establish workshops.

There’s a lot more to discover, including 19th and 20th-century Portuguese painting, sculpture from the 1200s to the 1500s and tapestries and paintings that once decorated the cathedral.

5. Praça da República

In the Rossio area, the this handsome central square is worthwhile for the tile panel at the foot of the slope on the northern edge.

You’ll need to cross the road to go in to see the details better.

These azulejos (traditional glazed tiles) were painted by the vaunted Portuguese artist Joaquim Lopes in the early 1930s.

On a panel capped with a balustrade and iron gaslights there are images from pastoral scenes in Viseu and Beiras, like the old livestock fair.

6. Igreja da Misericórdia

The other striking landmark on the Adro da Sé is this church opposite the cathedral and constructed in the 18th century.

It combines Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical design, and if it weren’t for the cross you could almost mistake this building for a palace; the facade grabs you with its pilasters, pediments, shell motifs and ostentatious balustrades.

In the interior you won’t be able to ignore the three Neoclassical altarpieces painted in white and gold, and centring on a statue of Our Lady of Mercy.

7. Porta do Soar

One of the remaining traces of Viseu’s defensive walls is this gate to the west of the cathedral.

It guides you into the old town and was built in 1472 when King Afonso V renovated the fortifications, as the inscription on the gate will tell you.

Something this fragment of wall shares with all late medieval defences in Portugal is the niche with an image of St Francis.

The house beside the gate, the Casa do Soar, is from the 1600s and has a curious inscription on a corner window.

This shows man as a soap bubble (Homo Bulla) to emphasise the fragility of life.

8. Parque do Fontelo

The largest green space in the city is a soothing oak and chestnut forest where the people of Viseu go to recharge their batteries and get active.

The park has an interesting history as it was part of a huge estate belonging to the bishops of the city.

They built a palace here in the 14th century, which is used by the regional wine commission.

Also see the Portal do Fontelo, a stone arch built by one of the bishops in 1565 and the ruins of the chapel of St Jerónimo.

As well as trails for jogging in the woodland the park also contains the municipal stadium, swimming pool, tennis courts and skate park.

9. Museu Almeida Moreira

You can pop into this museum to get to know one of Viseu’s most intriguing 20th-century characters.

Almeida Moreira was the founder and first director of the Grão Vasco Museum, and started collecting art and artefacts as a teenager.

It’s no surprise his house is crammed with faience, porcelain, sculptures, furniture and 19th and 20th-century Portuguese painting.

If you’re interested in Portuguese culture you might also be inspired to know that Almeida Moreira entertained leading lights like Raul Lino, Luciano Freire and Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro in these rooms.

• 10.  Palácio do Gelo

If you’re stuck for somewhere to go on a rainy day this leisure and shopping centre is just south of the centre of the city.

It goes back to 1996, but got an expensive overhaul ten years ago.

There are more than 160 shops in a clean, airy building.

But if you’re here with family the main appeal will be the leisure facilities; there’s a bowling alley and amusement arcade, but the marquee attractions is the 600 square-metre skating rink (the centre is called Ice Palace after all!). Parents can treat themselves to a spa trip, blowing off steam in the Turkish baths, jacuzzi suite or selecting from a menu of treatments.

11. Casa do Miradouro

This palace on Largo António José Pereira is the only piece of Renaissance civil architecture surviving in Viseu.

And it was built by the Francesco de Cremona, the same man responsible for the awesome colonnade at the Passeio dos Cónegos next to the cathedral.

Go through the grand portal decorated with a coat of arms and pilasters and you’ll be rewarded with one of the city’s most interesting archaeological collections.

This was curated by the 20th-century historian Dr José Coelho who assembled Iron Age votive stones and Roman funerary monuments from the region’s ancient “Castro” settlements.

12. Museu do Quartzo

North of the city close to a quartz quarry on Monte Santa Luzia is the world’s only quartz museum.

It was conceived by the preeminent Portuguese geologist Galopim de Carvalho and opened in 2012, on the site of a former tram factory.

The beauty of the location needs mentioning, and there’s a sweeping view of Viseu in front of you.

And mineral hunters or anyone with a passing interest in natural science can marvel at the geodes and peculiar crystal formations on show, while finding out about the many commercial applications for quartz.

13. Cava de Viriato

The powerful earthworks to the north of the city have been puzzling historians for centuries.

This octagonal mass, 38 hectares in size, was intended for a colossal fortress, but there’s a lot of disagreement about who constructed it.

Some claim it was the Romans and others say it was the Moors or the Christians during the Reconquista in the 12th century.

The site has been a Portuguese national monument since 1910 and in 2001 the slopes were buttressed with walls to prevent erosion.

On the south side there’s a walkway to help you envisage the ambition of this ancient project.

14. Casa da Ribeira

There’s a hint of how life used to be in Viseu, to be found in the northern suburbs.

The Casa da Ribeira is a big compound on the River Pavia which provided room for a iron forge, warehouses, a tavern and even student housing.

The house has been kept as an ethnological museum and a souvenir for old handicrafts like weaving, lacemaking, basketry and pottery.

The various instruments for each trade are presented, and on special days demonstrations are given by the few people that retain these traditional skills.

15. Food and Drink

That former palace next to the Parque do Fontelo can be your stepping stone for trips into the Dão DOC wine region, which is one of the oldest in Portugal.

You can come to this beautiful old building to sample the region’s wines and see which meet your fancy.

Reds from these parts are normally very robust and are traditionally high in tannins, so they pair well with the rich and satisfying cuisine in this upland area.

Roasted veal with rice, roast lamb and a kind of stew with a pork preparation (Rojões)and blood pudding are all old-school classics here.

Typical sweets are castanhas de ovos, made with sugar, egg yolks and flour, and first made in the city’s convents.

15 Best Things to Do in Viseu (Portugal):

• Viseu Cathedral
• Centro Historico
• Grão Vasco National Museum
• Praça da República
• Igreja da Misericórdia
• Porta do Soar
• Parque do Fontelo
• Museu Almeida Moreira
• Casa do Miradouro
• Museu do Quartzo
• Cava de Viriato
• Casa da Ribeira
• Food and Drink

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One of the best towns to visit in Portugal, Viseu is known for its hilltop old town, an ancient cathedral towering over it, the scenic cobbled alleyways, and its vast plazas. It is not just home to many architectural treasures but is also frequented for the highly delectable Dao wine from the neighboring Dao region and its mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you are an architecture buff, wine lover, or foodie, Viseu has plenty to offer you.

Things to do in Viseu

Go to the cathedral of viseu.

Looming over the town center the beautiful cathedral was started in the 12th century and is a prime example of Manueline, Renaissance, and Mannerist architectural influences. It has two beautiful bell towers and a stunning main building. Inside, it is one of the most opulent tributes to Catholicism, with its vaulted nave ceiling, the golden altar, and one-of-its-kind atmosphere of a holy place.  Head here to unveil the majesty of Viseu’s past and its unique romantic ambiance.

Uncover the Renaissance art gems in the Grao Vasco Museum

Named after the famous Renaissance painter Vasco Fernandes, it houses some prime Renaissance treasures like unique altarpieces from Viseu Cathedral, partly executed by young Vasco Fernandez, but also armory, sculpture, and metalwork. Head here to uncover how much the town brought to Portuguese art. Don’t miss out on Jesus in the house of Marta by Vaso Fernandez, one of the best pieces of Portuguese Renaissance art.

Travel to Viseu’s downtown

Make it to Viseu’s downtown to uncover the beauty of its parks, plazas, cobbled narrow lanes, and scenic facades. There, you can take a ride on a funicular, pay a visit to Almeida Moreira Museum, the former home of professor & art critic Francisco António Almeida Moreira, and read a book in one of its leafy parks. Walking in Viseu’s downtown is one of the most romantic things you can do in Portugal, so start looking for happiness or grab your significant other and head there.

Keep in mind that the best food & drink options are located here, making it one of the best places in Viseu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Pay a visit to Fontelo Park

Have a pleasant stroll in the lush Fontelo Park, one of Viseu’s best places to commune with nature. Here you will find a campsite, swimming pools, tennis courts, football pitches, a gym, and a jogging circuit. But it is not just modern sports infrastructure, it is also the park’s past that lures. It dates back to 1149 when the Bishop of Viseu bought Fontelo Estate. If in the past it was the preserve of the Viseu elite, now the green space is open to everyone, so make it here to uncover its natural beauty.

Book Tours & Experiences in Viseu

What makes viseu special.

Have you dreamed of a scenic locale with plenty of architecture, art, and natural beauty? Then Viseu is a place for you. Steeped in history it is home to great museums that attest to its glorious past. The area around it is the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henrique, and saw a number of important historical personae such as Viriathus a Lusitanian leader who rebelled against the Romans.

It is also famous for its delectable food and is a great place to drink one of the most prized varieties of Portuguese wine, Dao, from the nearby region of Dao.

What to eat in Viseu

Have you been thinking about what to eat in Viseu? The answer is Viseu has something for everyone. For breakfast, you can have yummy Portuguese desserts and steaming hot morning coffee at Viseu bakeries and cafeterias. For lunch, you can have a sip of delectable Dao with Portuguese soups such as chourico, whereas in the evening you can have sumptuous dinner in its restaurants with the roasted meat and good Dao wine.

Note that Viseu is renowned for its delectable meat produce and great wine.

When to visit Viseu

Traveling to Viseu is most pleasant from May to October when there is plenty of sunshine and the temperature is warm. Nevertheless, it is also nice to visit Viseu at Christmas when its town center is garlanded with the Christmas spirit. Don’t miss out on its magic Christmas market.

Viseu is one of the best places in Portugal to combine pristine nature, splendid architecture, ambrosial food and punchy Dao wine. It is also one of the best places to discover the Beiras (Beira Alta and Beira Baicha) and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization to enjoy its laid-back vibe.

⬇️ What are your favorite activities in Viseu? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️

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Best Things To Do In Viseu, An Underrated Charmer In Central Portugal

Viseu is an elegant medieval town in central Portugal packed with art and history. Viseu is far removed from the hot spots of Porto and Lisbon. It’s a cosmopolitan but still intimate city without many tourists.

Viseu is considered one of the most livable cities in Portugal. And you can see why.

Viseu is incredibly charming. It has a well preserved old town, a Gothic-Manueline cathedral, lovely Baroque churches, and some excellent museums.

It’s also known as the “Garden City” and is in the center of the Dao wine-growing region.

In this guide, you’ll find all the top attractions and best things to do in Viseu Portugal and get must know tips for visiting

A Short History Of Viseu

Viseu is one of the oldest cities in Portugal. In fact, an Iron Age house was discovered right in the historic center.

It was the territory of a series of successive cultures, including the Suebi, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.

The Romans arrived in the 2nd century B.C. They settled in and named the town Viso , which translated from Latin means “good view.”

Viseu is the city of the legendary rebel leader Viriato, a hero of the people.

He united the tribes and clashed with the Romans who wanted to expand and dominate the Iberian Peninsula. He had several victories against the Romans before being murdered in his sleep.

After the fall of Rome in the 6th century, the Goths arrived and took everything by storm for a few centuries.

After the Visigoths came the Moors. But wasn’t long before the  Reconquista vanquished them.

In 1139, Afonso Henriques declared himself king of Portugal and chose Guimaraes, his birthplace, as his capital. Some historians, however, believe that Viseu is also a candidate for his birthplace.

Afonso expanded his territory and shaped what is Portugal today.

Best Things To Do in Viseu

Here are my picks for what to do and see in Viseu.

1. Wander The Old Town, Centro Historico

Viseu has a compact and well preserved medieval quarter that will appeal to all.

Virtually every street has something of architectural interest. You can spot Manueline windows, medieval arched doors, and a touch of Art Nouveau, Renaissance, and Neo-Classicism on the city’s beautiful facades.

Be sure to look down as you stroll. There are drawings carved on the granite sidewalks that allude to Viseu’s history. 

Viseu’s main sites cluster around the cathedral square, Adro da Se. It’s one of Portugal’s most beautiful squares with an impressive ensemble of architecture.

The tourist office is this square. You can pick up a map there.

Rue Direita is a long meandering pedestrianized street you’ll want to stroll down. You’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer number of shops.

As you approach Rua Dom Duarte, you can spot a beautiful Manueline window that’s listed as a National Monument.

Largo Pintor Gata is an extremely picturesque square.

Rua Formosa is another of Viseu’s most pretty streets. This part of Viseu was given a facelift by Porto architect Alvaro Siza Vieira.

You’ll find the renovated old market. The weekly market is held on Tuesday. This area of Viseu is also chock full of chic boutiques and shops.

2. Viseu Cathedral

The top attraction in Viseu is the town’s magnificent cathedral, Viseu Se. The cathedral was built between 1289-1313.

The cathedral blends mostly Romanesque and Gothic influences. Though subsequent restorations left it with a Mannerist facade from the 17th century and two forbidding granite towers.

There are six niches with stone sculptures not he facade. At the top is the Santa Maria da Assunção, the cathedral’s patroness.

Inside, there’s a magnificent triple nave that’s flooded with light. The main altar is a classic of Baroque gilded artistry. In front of that are wooden Baroque choir stalls.

To the side of the main entrance is the beautiful two story cloister. It’s a fine example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture. 17th century azulejos wrap around the walls.

The lateral doorway is a feat of Gothic stone carving with a bas relief mother and child. At the back of the cloister is a vaulted chapel with 18th century azulejos.

If you walk around to the back of the cathedral, you’ll see the huge granite boulders the cathedral was built on.

The colonnaded corridor on the right is the Passeio dos Cónegos. It connects the upper cloister of the cathedral to the old Torre de Menagem. This is where the cathedral treasures are displayed in the Museum of Sacred Art.

3. Museu Grão Vasco

The Grão Vasco Museum is also on cathedral square. The town art museum is housed in a 16th century bishop’s palace. It’s one of the best things to do in Viseu for art lovers.

Viseu’s main claim to artistic fame is a 16th century school of painting developed by Vasco Fernandes and Gaspar Vaz. Fernandes was better known as Grão Vasco, the name attached to the museum.

The Viseu school was heavily influenced by Flemish Renaissance painters. The museum displays a large collection of Vasco’s works alongside other European painters from his era.

His masterpiece is Adoration of the Magi . Instead of the usual black king, Vasco substituted a native Brazilian. This symbolized Portugal’s “discovery” (i.e., colonization) of Brazil.

4. Igreja da Misericodia

Across cathedral square, you’ll the Misericordia Church, the Church of Mercy. It’s a striking 18th century Rococo building that stands alone on one side of the square.

It has a simple white and stone exterior, with matching towers. Though understated, it still looks extremely elegant set high in the city. If it weren’t for the cross, you might mistake it for a palace.

The interior isn’t quite a striking as the cathedral. But it does have a beautiful organ in a small chapel and three Neo-Classical altarpieces in white and gold.

There’s a small museum onsite with religious artifacts and paintings.

5. Praca da Republica

The pretty Praça da República is Viseu’s main square and the nerve center of the city. It has a fountain, carousel, and is filled with flowers.

It’s a bit removed from the historic center. But it’s definitely a local hangout spot.

It’s home to some grand buildings like the City Hall and the Banco de Portugal.

The square has a lively cafe culture, perfect for sampling one of the local gastronomic specialties like roasted veal or or sipping Portuguese wine while people watching. Viseu’s local tipple is Dao or Jeropiga .

Large statues decorate the tree-lined cobbled streets. Granite buildings with balconies overlook the busy plaza.

You’ll also find a sweeping mural of white, yellow, and blue azulejo tiles. It’s a lovely backdrop to the square. A life size bronze statue of a local writer also sits in the square.

6. Dom Duarte Suare

Praça Dom Duarte is the main square of medieval Viseu. It remained the main square of Viseu until the 19th century.

It’s lined with beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings. There are also plenty of cafes.

This is a great place to grab lunch. There’s also a large concentration of restaurants and snack bars in the surrounding lanes.

In the center stands a statue of King Edward, which honors the Portuguese king born in Viseu in 1391.

7. Town Hall

The elegant Town Hall in the main square, Praca da Republica. It’s a two story rectangular building. It’s worth wandering inside to admire the grand azulejo-clad stairway.

8. Church of the Third Order of St. Francis

This lovely 19th century church is perched on a hill off the main square on the edge of Aquilino Ribeira Park. You access it through a steep flight of stairs.

It’s a small church with big art. The interior is full of Baroque decoration and azulejo tiles. The latter depict scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi .

9. Church of the Third Order of the Carm o

This imposing church was built in the 18th century. It has an impressive Baroque facade with two bell towers. 

Inside are five gilded altarpieces in the Joanine Baroque style and a frescoed ceiling by Italian artist Pascoal Jose.

As per usual, the walls are lined with blue and white Rococo-style azulejos.

10. Viseu’s Parks

One of the best things to do in Viseu is visit some of its vaunted parks. After a visit to the St. Francis Church, head to one of Viseu’s lovely green spaces, Parque Aquilino Ribeiro.

Tree lined paths invite you to take a carefree walk. You can admire the simple Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Vitória.

Another gorgeous park is Parque do Fontelo. It’s the largest green space in the city with a forest of chestnut and oak trees and an idyllic garden.

The Jardim das Maes is a lovely urban garden. It’s very well maintained with colorful flowers. There’s also a beautiful sculpture of a mother and child. 

11. Palacio do Gelo

Need to do some shopping, escape from a rainy day, or just crave some air conditioning? Head to the Portuguese shopping mall, Palacio do Gelo, the Ice Palace.

It’s housed in a sleek and airy modern building. There are over 160 shops. But the highlight is the mall’s ice skating rink.

You can stop for a drink at Bar do Gelo, where everything is made of ice — the floor, the ceiling, and the glasses.

12. Almeida Moreira Museum

This is the house museum of one of Viseu’s native sons. It was the home of professor and art critic Francisco António Almeida Moreira, who founded the Grão Vasco Museum.

Moreira used to hold art and literature salons here with other renowned figures of the 20 th  century.

The building is now a museum holding part of Moreira’s personal collection. You’ll see paintings, porcelain, stoneware, sculptures, and period furniture. There’s also an impressive library.

13. Quinta da Cruz | Center for Contemporary Art

Opened in 2014, Quinta da Cruz is a modern art museum housed in a beautiful natural setting just outside Viseu. It’s in a former manor house where art meets nature.

The museum aims to bring the local community closer to art. It presents temporary exhibitions, creative workshops, and programs designed for families.

The property covers 10 acres, which showcases both exotic botanical species and indigenous plants. There’a hiking trail and sculptures on the grounds.

14. Casa do Miradouro

This palace is the only example Renaissance civic architecture in Viseu. The architect was Francesco dos Congo, who also built the colonnade next to the cathedral.

Today, it’s a small archaeological museum curated by José Coelho. There are Roman artifacts and funery monuments that prove that Viseu was a nerve center for Roman roads that once linked Mérida, Braga and Chaves.

15. Sip Dão Region Wine

One of the best things to do in Viseu is sip some Dão wine.

The Dão is one of the oldest wine regions in Portugal, located just south of the more famous Douro Valley. Dão wines are fruity, robust, and high in tannins.

If you want to pick up some wine in Viseu, head to Cava Lusa Premium , a modern and bold wine cellar.

If you hop in the car, you can discover the secrets of Dão wine production with a visit to a farm and wine tasting. You can check out this list of wineries near Viseu to make a reservation.

16. Visit Nearby Lamego

If you have a car, you could combine Viseu with a visit to nearby Lamego. The town is 45 minutes away from Viseu.

It’s a charming town in the Douro Valley. It’s most famous site is the Nossa Senohora dis Remedios. It’s a smaller version of Braga’s more famous Bom Jesus of Monte.

You visit via a steep Baroque staircase studded with ornamentation Ana azulejos. You can climb up the steps or drive up for views.

Lamego also has a beautiful cathedral. It dates from the 12th century and was substantially remodeled in the 18th century. The cathedral has a lovely cloister with a rose garden.

Tips For Visiting Viseu

1. how to get to viseu.

You have to drive or take the bus to Viseu. There’s no train station.

Viseu is well connected by motorway and expressways. You can park in an underground lot called Saba Station Cristina on the Largo Santa Cristina.

Viseu is 1:30 from Porto by car and 1:10 from Coimbra. It’s over 3 hours for Lisbon, so you really can’t visit from Lisbon on a day trip.

If you’re coming by bus, there are daily departures from the main cities. Check timetables and fares on Rede Expressos buses .

2. How To Get Around Viseu

There’s no doubt that the best way to explore the city is on foot.

It’s also a bike friendly city. In fact, a fun thing to do in Viseu is take a bike ride around the Dão River.

There’s a 33 mile bike trail, Ecopista do Dao, that follows the Dão River. You can rent bikes from Abelenda Bicycle Rental .

3. Where To Stay In Viseu

If you want to stay overnight in Viseu, you should check out the Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel or the Pousada de Viseu .

Just a half hour east of Viseu is a great luxury option, the Parade Casa da Insua . It’s housed in an 18th century mansion. It has old world rooms, two outdoor pools, a wine cellar, and ornate gardens.

4. Where To Eat In Viseu

Viseu is known for its gastronomy and there are some good restaurants. Traditional local dishes often feature sausage and veal.

Some good casual spots for lunch or dinner are Mesa da Sé , Maria Xica , and O Hilário . For something a bit fancier, check out O Cortico , Restaurante Santa Luzia , or Tasquinha da Se .

If you want to really splurge, head to the Michelin-starred restaurant Mesa de Lemos . The chef aims to marry traditional flavors with haute cuisine innovation.

If you want to sample the city’s sweets, head to Confeitaria Amaral. Try the V-shaped pastry called Viriato after Portugal’s first hero. It’s a tasty concoction made of eggs, coconut, and sugar.

If you want some ice cream, head to Mignon Varieties du Monde .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do and see in Viseu Portugal. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 days in Porto itinerary
• 1 day in Coimbra itinerary
• Guide to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood
• Guide to Pena Palace
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Tips for Visiting Sintra

If you’d like to explore the best things to do in Viseu, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “Best Things To Do In Viseu, An Underrated Charmer In Central Portugal”

Thanks for the honest and illustrated review of Aveiro. Lonely Planet makes it sound fascinating; a fault that LP too often has. Saved me a few hours. I may do Viseu instead, or add time to Coimbra.

Thanks Brad. Coimbra is definitely worth 1-2 days. I also liked Viseu way better than Aveiro.

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Things To Do in Viseu

Nestled in the heart of portugal, viseu beckons with its rich cultural tapestry and captivating landscapes. this enchanting city, dating back to roman times, seamlessly blends history with contemporary allure. here are the best things to do in viseu on a day trip., stroll around the park aquilino ribeiro, visit the many churches in viseu, sé catedral of viseu, church of misericórdia de viseu, museum of nacional grão vasco, explore the street of viseu, porta dos cavaleiros, grab a coffee in praça da república.

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Must-see attractions in Viseu

Museu Grão Vasco

Adjoining the cathedral, the granite Paço de Três Escalões (Palace of Three Steps) was originally built as the bishop’s palace. It's now a splendid museum…

Catedral de Viseu

Viseu’s cathedral is a striking hybrid of architectural styles. Originally built in the 13th century, it now has a 17th-century Mannerist facade and a…

Overlooked by a trio of impressive buildings – the Catedral, Paço de Três Escalões (home of the Museu Grão Vasco) and the Igreja da Misericórdia – the…

Parque do Fontelo

This 10-hectare haven of woodland and verdant space sprawls beyond the Portal do Fontelo. Here you'll find the 16th-century Antigo Paço Episcopal (former…

Casa da Ribeira

Housed in a smart stone house on the river Pavia, this small cultural centre focuses on the area's traditional way of life and artisanal skills. There's a…

Museu Almeida Moreira

The 19th-century, azulejo-adorned Museu Almeida Moreira is housed in the former home of art critic and collector Francisco António Almeida Moreira,…

The north side of Praça da República is adorned with a series of striking azulejo (hand-painted tile) panels depicting scenes from regional life. The blue…

Igreja da Misericórdia

Facing the cathedral is the 1775 Igreja da Misericórdia, whose white rococo exterior contrasts markedly with its rather dull neoclassical interior. A…

Praça de Dom Duarte

An attractive sloping square looking up to the Passeio dos Cônegos, this was the city's principal square until the 19th century. Standing in the centre is…

Igreja Dos Terceiros

At the southern end of Praça da República is the late-18th-century Igreja dos Terceiros, all heavy, gilded baroque but apart from the luminous azulejos …

Casa da Rua Dom Duarte

Traversing the historic centre, Rua Dom Duarte was originally the most direct path to the hilltop citadel. The narrow lane is flanked by many beautiful,…

Porta do Soar

The grandest route into the old town is through the Porta do Soar, a 15th-century gate set into a section of Afonso V’s town walls. Look for the shield…

Porta dos Cavaleiros

One of Viseu's seven medieval gates, this has a niche containing the image of São João Baptista and an 18th-century sculpture of São Francisco.

North of the cathedral along Rua Silva Gaio is the longest remaining stretch of Viseu's medieval town walls.

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 2.1 By plane
• 3 Get around

Viseu , is a charming hilltop city and district capital (around 53,000 inhabitants) in central Portugal . It is situated in the Beira Alta between the mountain ranges of the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Caramulo, about halfway between Aveiro and Guarda off the new A25 Motorway right in the middle of the famous Dão wine region.

Understand [ edit ]

Viseu (/vi.ˈzew/, vee-ZIHOO ), a regional centre for agriculture and education, has many schools, a modern polytechnic and two universities (the Catholic University and the Piaget Institute). There is no heavy industry.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• 40.6586 -7.9131 1 Loja de Turismo de Viseu ( Visit Viseu ), Rua Soar de Cima, Largo Almeida Moreira , ☏ +351 232 427 427 , [email protected] . Daily 10:00–18:00 . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Get in [ edit ]

Viseu has excellent motorway links with other major cities, the coast and Spain via the junction of the A25 (east/west) and A24/IP3 (north/south) motorways. There is an outer ringroad consisting of part A25 and IP5.

There are frequent long distance coach services operated by Rede/Expressos to other major cities.

There is no train service. The closest railway stations are in Nelas or Mangualde, both on the Linha da Beira Alta. This makes Viseu the largest city on the Iberian peninsula without a railway station.

By plane [ edit ]

Porto airport ( OPO  IATA ) is the nearest international airport, about 1 3/4 hours away by car.

• 40.7278 -7.8892 1 Aeródromo de Viseu ( Aeródromo Gonçalves Lobato, Viseu Airport, VSE  IATA ). Viseu has its own municipal airport for light private aircraft. Air service to Viseu is provided by Sevenair from Bragança ( BGC  IATA ), Cascais ( CAT  IATA ), Portimão ( PRM  IATA ), and Vila Real ( VRL  IATA ). ( updated May 2021 )

Get around [ edit ]

By car: signposting for the city centre is good. There is an inner ring road with 12 roundabouts giving access to the inner city at frequent intervals.

The old town can easily be explored on foot. There is also a funicular connecting the lower city (The Forum) with the upper city (Adro da Sé).

See [ edit ]

The well-kept, clean and prosperous city has a fine historic quarter (Centro Historico) with cobbled streets, hidden alleys, flights of steps and intriguing corners. There are numerous Renaissance and Baroque mansions and palaces as well as some remaining city gates like the 15th C. Porta do Soar de Cima. The crowning glory is the Romanesque and Gothic Sé (Cathedral), one of the finest in Portugal and partly built directly on granite boulders which is particularly evident at the back. It is located on the Adro da Sé, an impressive square, which is also the location of the striking Misericordia Church with its broad white Rococo facade. Since it is the highest point in town, the square provides extensive views to the surrounding countryside.

However, striking modern architecture is evident too. The Forum shopping, food and cinema centre (2005), bordering the river Pavia, is a good example as is the enormous Palacio do Gelo shopping & restaurant mall (2008) with its indoor ice rink and other sports facilities, easily accessible on the ring road. Also of note is the converted Old Market on the Rua Formosa with cafés and boutiques, and now a venue for exhibitions and open air concerts. The city has ample municipal facilities for visitors such as free internet locations, a modern public library, a new large district hospital, a youth hostel (Pousada de Juventude), a swimming pool complex and other modern sports facilities.

• Old Quarter (Centro Historico) with Rua Direita, Rua Augusta Hilario, Rua D. Duarte, Praca D. Duarte, Rua Escura, Rua das Quintas.
• Museum Casa Almeida Moreira
• Porta do Soar de Cima
• Porta dos Cavaleiros
• Fontelo Park with Solar do Vinho do Dao (Dao wine institute)
• Nerys Convent (seminary with suspended staircase) and Igreja do Carmo on Largo Santa Cristina
• Cava de Viriato. Remains of a very large Lusitanian-Roman camp surrounded by an pentagonal earthen wall.
• Old Market on Rua Formosa
• Statue of Viriathus
• 40.6574 -7.9138 2 Praça da República ( Rossio ). It has fountains, azulejos, the 19th-century Town Hall, and Igreja dos Terceiros de São Francisco. ( updated May 2021 )

Do [ edit ]

• Walk the streets and soak up the atmosphere in this unspoilt Portuguese city. Eat and drink in one of the many cafés,restaurants or cervejarias.
• Visit the Municipal Theatre, Teatro do Viriato, where there is usually an exhibition during the daytime.
• Visit the Cathedral, churches and chapels, all free during opening hours.
• See works by the famous painter Vasco Fernandes in the Grao Vasco Museum. Free on Sunday mornings!
• Walk the newly constructed riverside walkway along the Rio Pavia which runs straight through the lower city.
• Visit the modern sports facilities in Fontelo Park
• Shop in the Rua Direita, Rua Formosa, The Forum and Palacio do Gelo
• See the Cava de Viriato with Viriato's statue in front.

Buy [ edit ]

• Dao Wine, Serra da Estrela cheese, handicrafts.

Eat [ edit ]

The numerous restaurants, cafés, pastelarias, bars and cervejarias provide excellent freshly prepared food for all budgets.

Try the traditional pastry of the region, the Viriato, for sale in good pastelarias.

• 40.6774 -7.9237 1 O Cantinho do Tito , Rua Mario Pais da Costa 10 , ☏ +351 232 187 231 , [email protected] . M–Sa 11:00–23:00, closed Su . Mid-range . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 40.6566 -7.913 2 Mesa d'Alegria , Rua Vitória 21 , ☏ +351 232 400 765 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00–15:00 & 19:00–23:00 . €7-16 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 40.5776 -7.9826 3 Mesa de Lemos , Quinta de Lemos, Passos de Silgueiros, Silgueiros , ☏ +351 961 158 503 , [email protected] . W Th 20:00–00:00, F Sa 12:00–15:00 & 20:00–00:00, Su 12:00–15:00, closed M Tu . Perhaps Portugal's most out-of-the-way Michelin-starred restaurant, Mesa de Lemos is in a modern building in the midst of a mountain vineyard. Chef Diogo Rocha combines ingredients from the estate's vegetable garden, from elsewhere in Viseu, and even from Iceland (the cod) to create simple, tasty Portuguese dishes. €75-115 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• 40.6595 -7.9115 4 Porta 64 , Praça Dom Duarte 17 , ☏ +351 963 754 021 , [email protected] . Tu–Su 10:00–23:00, closed M . Mid-range . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Drink [ edit ]

The excellent local Dao wines from the co-operatives like UDACA (Union of the Dao Co-operatives) and private wineries such as: Casa de Santar, Quinta da Fata, Quinta de Cabriz, Casa da Insua, Duque de Viseu, Grao Vasco and many more.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many hotels in Viseu ranging from 1 to 5 stars.

• 40.657 -7.915 1 Avenida Boutique Hotel ( Hotel Avenida ), Avenida Alberto Sampaio 1 , ☏ +351 232 423 432 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00–23:30 , check-out: 07:00–12:00 . Two-star, 29-room hotel. €61-72 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6561 -7.9135 2 Hotel Grão Vasco , Rua Gaspar Barreiros , ☏ +351 232 423 511 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Four-star, 108-room hotel. €62-84 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6563 -7.9171 3 Hotel Moinho de Vento , Rua Paulo Emílio 13 , ☏ + 351 232 424 116 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Three-star, 30-room hotel. €46-59 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6439 -7.8644 4 Hotel Onix , Via Caçador 16 , ☏ +351 232 479 243 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Three-star, 86-room hotel. €42-56 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6555 -7.9259 5 Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel , Urbanização Quinta do Bosque , ☏ +351 232 420 000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00–00:00 , check-out: 07:00–12:00 . Five-star, 172-room hotel. €75-116 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6593 -7.9127 6 Montebelo Palácio dos Melos , Rua Chão Mestre 4 , ☏ +351 232 439 290 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00–00:00 , check-out: 07:00–12:00 . Four-star, 27-room hotel. €55-83 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6579 -7.9187 7 Hotel José Alberto ( Albergaria José Alberto ), Rua Cândido dos Reis 43 , ☏ +351 232 440 440 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00–22:00 , check-out: 06:00–12:00 . Three-star, 32-room inn. €51-64 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6315 -7.908 8 Montebelo Príncipe Perfeito , Rua Príncipe Perfeito, Urbanização da Misericórdia, Ranhados , ☏ +351 232 469 200 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Four-star, 43-room hotel. €56-75 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6579 -7.9133 9 Pensão Rossio Parque , Rua Solar de Cima 55 , ☏ +351 232 422 085 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6922 -7.9157 10 Viseu Garden Hotel , Vermum, Campo , ☏ +351 232 430 050 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Three-star inn. €40-45 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6604 -7.9046 11 Pousada de Juventude de Viseu ( HI Viseu ), Rua Cônsul Aristides Sousa Mendes , ☏ +351 232 413 342 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00–00:00 , check-out: 08:00–12:00 . 19-room youth hostel. €30-33 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6546 -7.9125 12 Pousada de Viseu , Rua do Hospital , ☏ +351 210 407 610 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Four-star, 84-room hotel. €71-183 . ( updated May 2021 )
• 40.6592 -7.9119 13 Casa da Sé , Rua Augusta Cruz 12 , ☏ +351 232 468 032 , [email protected] . Four-star, 12-room inn. €59-85 . ( updated May 2021 )

Go next [ edit ]

• Alcafache (spa), Almeida, Caramulo, Celorico, Guarda, Penedono, Pinhel, Sabugal, Santa Comba Dao (rivers Mondego, Criz and Dao), Santar, Sao Pedro do Sul (spa), Seia, Sernancelhe, Serra da Estrela (highest Portuguese mountain range), Vouzela.
• The road from Viseu to Nelas is very picturesque offering views of many vineyards.

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Viseu, encontrei o meu amor

Meteorologia.

min. 11 ºc - max. 22 ºc

min. 11 ºc max. 22 ºc

A acontecer em Viseu

Museu do quartzo acolhe nova exposição de pintura, no dia mundial do teatro, viseu celebra o emblemático ruy de carvalho, com exposição fotográfica na casa da ribeira, “viseu doce” realiza-se na pousada de viseu, dias 16 e 17 de março, viver viseu.

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Cidade Europeia do Desporto

Em 2024, Viseu abre portas à Europa. Somos Cidade Europeia do Desporto. Uma distinção que acolhemos com orgulho e uma missão que encaramos com responsabilidade. Vive o Desporto 24 horas por dia!

Cidade de Viriato

O herói mítico de Viseu faz parte da identidade da cidade. Viseu é terra de mitos e heróis, segredos e património excecional.

Cidade Vinhateira

Viseu é a Cidade Vinhateira do Dão. Quintas com história, néctares magníficos e Gastronomia traduzem este ADN.

CIDADE-JARDIM

Desde os anos 30 que este é um selo de Viseu! Espaços verdes, recantos ajardinados com carinho e dedicação, e parques para descobrir.

CONSULTE AQUI A PROGRAMAÇÃO TRIMESTRAL DO MUNICÍPIO DE VISEU | JANEIRO, FEVEREIRO E MARÇO 2024

Descubra o charme de Viseu através da nossa agenda cultural trimestral, que reúne uma seleção dos principais eventos da cidade, nas mais variadas áreas. Desde as exposições nos nossos Museus Municipais, à atmosfera da Biblioteca Municipal, até concertos e espetáculos, Viseu promete encantar os visitantes com a sua diversidade cultural e artística. Mergulhe na programação do primeiro trimestre de 2024, que abrange os meses de janeiro, fevereiro e março, e planeie a sua visita para experienciar o melhor que a nossa cidade tem para lhe oferecer. Seja bem-vinda/o a Viseu, onde a cultura e a história se encontram em cada esquina. Ficamos à sua espera! AGENDA CULTURAL TRIMESTRAL | JANEIRO, FEVEREIRO E MARÇO 2024

Descubra Viseu através do Caminho Português Interior de Santiago

Se procura uma jornada de peregrinação única e enriquecedora, sugerimos que percorra o Caminho Português Interior de Santiago. No concelho de Viseu, o Caminho Português Interior de Santiago atravessa cerca de 40 quilómetros do território, maioritariamente em zonas rurais, mas também com passagens pelo núcleo urbano. Boa Aldeia, Farminhão e Torredeita, São Cipriano e Vil de Souto, Repeses e São Salvador, Viseu, Abraveses, Campo, Lordosa e Calde são as Freguesias abrangidas. Ao longo deste itinerário concelhio, destaca-se a riqueza das paisagens florestais e agrícolas, das zonas ribeirinhas, assim como de um conjunto emblemático de exemplares do património histórico, arqueológico e cultural, dos quais são exemplos Alminhas, Capelas, Igrejas, Estradas e Vias Romanas, entre outros. É também aqui de referir a diversidade do património que constitui o Centro Histórico de Viseu. O Caminho Português Interior de Santiago - que atravessa os Municípios de Viseu, Castro Daire, Lamego, Peso da Régua, Santa Marta de Penaguião, Vila Real, Vila Pouca de Aguiar e Chaves - é o segundo a receber certificação de itinerário do Caminho de Santiago, através de uma portaria assinada pelo Governo, nas áreas do Turismo e do Património Cultural. Se está a planear ou se já começou a sua jornada pelo Caminho Português Interior de Santiago, faça uma paragem em Viseu e deixe-se envolver pela magia da cidade. Para mais informações, aceda ao site oficial da Federação Portuguesa do Caminho de Santiago: www.fpcsantiago.pt.

Sabia que Viseu tem uma Área de Serviço de Autocaravanas?

A Área de Serviço de Autocaravanas de Viseu situa-se junto à Rotunda da Fonte Cibernética, na Avenida da Europa, a cerca de 15 minutos a pé do Centro Histórico de Viseu. É um parque gratuito e que permite pernoitar. O local também tem água potável e permite o despejo de águas sujas. A menos de 600 metros de distância da área, existe um posto de combustível, cafés, restaurantes, supermercados, transportes públicos e uma farmácia aberta 24 horas. A área possui uma capacidade máxima de 8 autocaravanas. Serviços e acessibilidades do espaço: Parque gratuito Pernoitar Água potável Despejo de águas sujas Acesso a cadeira de rodas Serviços disponíveis num raio de 600 metros de distância: Posto de combustível Cafés Restaurantes Supermercados Transportes públicos Farmácia 24 horas   Nome do local: Área de Serviço de Autocaravanas de Viseu Morada: Rotunda da Fonte Cibernética, Avenida da Europa – Viseu Coordenada GPS: 40.664706, -7.916482 E-mail: [email protected] Contacto: +351 232 427 427

Faça-se à Estrada Nacional 2 e passe por Viseu

A Estrada Nacional 2 (N2) é a mais extensa estrada portuguesa, somando 739,26 quilómetros, e a única na Europa que atravessa um país em toda a sua longitude (há apenas mais duas no mundo: Route 66, nos EUA, e Ruta 40, na Argentina). Estende-se de Norte a Sul, ligando a cidade de Chaves, em Trás-os-Montes, à cidade de Faro, no Algarve, passando, claro, por Viseu, no quilómetro 172. Se pretende fazer esta rota, reserve algum tempo para conhecer a Cidade-Jardim, que tanto tem para lhe oferecer. Percorra os nossos Roteiros de 1, 2 ou 3 dias e encante-se com os nossos espaços verdes, ruas históricas e praças belíssimas. Boa viagem e bem-haja pela visita. Esperamos por si!   Saiba tudo sobre a N2 em www.rotan2.pt

A MELHOR CIDADE PARA VIVER E VISITAR

No coração da Beira Alta, a cidade de Viseu cultiva a arte de bem receber. Cidade-Jardim há mais de 80 anos, é detentora de um património único, de histórias e mistérios cativantes, de saberes milenares, de sabores reconfortantes e de uma identidade vibrante.

Não encontrou o que procurava?

Contacte a loja de turismo de viseu.

WhatsApp:  +351 963 766 214 E-mail:  [email protected] Morada: Rua Formosa, N.º 17, 3500-135 Viseu Horário: De segunda-feira a sábado, entre as 9H30 e as 17H30

HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR PERFECT TRIP TO PORTUGAL

10 things to see and do in and around viseu.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure policy  for further information.

Why should you visit Viseu in central Portugal? Well, perhaps because it’s such a lovely place that it’s been voted ‘Best city in Portugal to live in’. Twice. I won’t be moving up there any time soon but I am pleased to have got to know it a little better.

Here are my top things to do in Viseu whether visiting on a day trip or using it as a base for exploring the area. 

Pousada De Viseu in a historical building with spa

Casa da Sé , a small boutique hotel full of charm

Palacio dos Melos , a renovated palace inthe historical centre

1. Admire the architectural styles of Viseu Cathedral

On my first visit to Viseu, I only just had time to nip into the cathedral on Sunday morning after mass. If you’re interested in architecture, stone sculpture and azulejos (hand-painted tiles), it’s definitely worth going inside.

Building started on Viseu Cathedral in the 12th century and various bits and pieces were added over the years resulting in a combination of styles including Romanesque, Manueline, Renaissance and Gothic. The cloisters are small but contain treats such as the Romanesque-Gothic doorway and cheeky paintings of the life of St Theotonius which make me wonder what he got up to.

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2. See the paintings of a Portuguese master at the Grão Vasco Museum

Next to Viseu Cathedral, you’ll find the famous altarpieces and other works of Vasco Fernandes, Portugal’s finest Renaissance painter, a.k.a. Grão Vasco.

The museum in his name also houses a fine collection of carved, painted Baroque figurines and other religious objects. While religious art is not normally my cup of tea, there weresome surprisingly interesting pieces and a temporary exhibition of modern art. Sadly, photos were not allowed.

3. Go shopping in Viseu

Towards the top end of Rua Dr Luíz Ferreira you’ll find a gourmet shop where you can sample some excellent Dão wines and gourmet preserves, teas and salts as well as top quality cheese and sausages. 

I’m more of a window shopper and I found some fascinatingly old-fashioned shops on Rua Direita where you can buy hair restorer and cassettes, if you really want to!

4. Visit the small museum at Igreja da Misericórdia

I was given free tickets to the museum that’s next to the Igreja da Misericória (Church of Mercy). Without them, I probably would have contented myself with a peek inside the church to see its wedding cake altarpiece.

I’m glad I went, especially for the view of the church from the upper corridor that connects the museum rooms.

The rooms either side of the church contain rich oil paintings and religious artefacts. Some depict religious scenes or personalities, others are portraits of the church’s many benefactors. The museum focuses on the various charitable works carried out by the church over the centuries, both physical acts and spiritual support. It’s only a euro without the free ticket.

5. Hang out in one of Viseu’s parks or squares

At the heart of Viseu’s historical centre, the bronze statue of King Duarte presides over a square lined with cafés and restuarants and backed by the cathedral walls. It’s a great place for people watching and admiring the beautiful old buildings that surround the square.

Praça da República is leafy and flower-filled, with a fountain and merry-go-round. It’s also bordered on one side by an azulejo mural. During festivals and events, there are usually activities in this square but even without extra thrills, the café in the centre is a popular spot with locals. 

One of the reasons why Viseu ranks so highly as a place to live is its abundance of green spaces and pretty public squares. Parque Aquilino Ribeiro is a great place for a picnic with plenty of shade, grassy areas, trees and a pond. 

It also hosts cultural events such as the book fair and outdoor theatre.

6. Check out the cultural events in Viseu

For such a small city, Viseu has plenty of cultural activities going on, including free street theatre, wine festivals, music and public art installations. Check Visit Viseu’s events page to find out what’s going on in the area.

And keep your eyes peeled for street art when wandering around the city centre.

One of the city’s major annual events is the Feira de São Mateus, which runs through August and the first part of September. If you like funfairs, this is the place to come but there is also a programme of open air concerts that might draw you in.

Things to do near Viseu

7. explore the historical gardens at santar vila jardim.

The small, traditional village of Santar is home to some surprising gardens. Thanks to the interventions of the Vasconcellos e Sousa family, it is now possible to see not only their family’s stately home and gardens but also the gardens of surrounding properties. 

These walled gardens have been transformed under the care and designs of renowned landscape architect, Fernando Caruncho, to produce a year-round bend of sensory attractions, based on geometry, light and water.

Guided tours take place most days but need to be booked in advance. They range from 1.5 hour visits to longer experiences with wine and gourmet local produce. More details on the Santar Vila Garden website .

8. See contemporary art or take a walk around Quinta da Cruz

This former manor house is just a couple of kilometres outside of Viseu (there’s a bus stop opposite if you don’t have your own transport). We were welcomed into the main reception building , given a brief overview of what exhibitions we would find in the various other buildings then left to wander at will.

I doubt, unfortunately, that the wonderful temporary exhibition we enjoyed, exploring food from different countries, will still be on but if that’s the standard, it would be worth the visit. 

Even if the art doesn’t appeal, there are sculptures in the grounds and a hiking trail that we didn’t have time to follow.

Open Tuesdays from 2 pm to 6 pm | Wed-Sun 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm.

9. Taste wine from the Dão region of Portugal

Dão wines, or at least the reds, tend to be full bodied and delicious, rivalling the more famous Douro and Alentejo wines in quality. There are many wine estates near Viseu that you can visit and a Dão wine centre on the outskirts of Viseu, although it was closed when Mike and I tried to visit – more info on this website . 

One Dão winery I have visited is Paço dos Cunhas de Santar, which has been transformed from neglected 17th century manor house to a modern wine tasting facility with a lovely restaurant. You can arrange various wine tasting sessions and workshops as well as tours of the vineyards. If you’d rather pair your wine with gourmet food, stay for lunch or dinner. It’s best to call or email in advance to make arrangements and check times.

Although it wasn’t one of the wines I tasted, I couldn’t resist snapping the Pedro and Inês wine, named after Portugal’s star-crossed lovers .

10. Visit a stately home near Viseu

There are plenty of manor houses around Viseu, some of them still occupied, some in ruins, others converted for wine tourism. One of them, Casa da Ínsua in Penalva do Castelo , offers something for everyone.

As well as being a 5-star hotel, it also offers guided tours of the historical mansion with its unique furnishings and decorative features. The gardens are rather spectacular, too, especially when in full bloom.

I had a go at making Serra da Estrela cheese at Casa da Insua but you can try other activities like jam-making or visit the museum. It was closed when I visited (Monday) so I contented myself with the intriguing collection of traditional toys on display.

That should keep you busy for a while but there are plenty of other things to do in the region, including thermal spas, golf , bird watching and bio parks. 

How to get to Viseu

If you come by car, park in the big free car park near Cava de Viriato and take the free elevator up to the historical centre. Trains don’t run to Viseu but the intercity coach company Rede Expressos connects it with other major destinations, as does Citi Express.

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Love your blog. My grandmother was supposedly from Viseu, I will definitely visit if I ever get back to Portugal. Have you ever been to my hometown – Foz do Arelho, the seaside village near Caldas da Rainha and Obidos? Worth a visit if you like the ocean. (I realize you prefer river beaches though)

Hi Dolores! Thanks for the tip about Foz do Arelho. I have been there, actually, and really liked it. I found myself a lovely spot on the estuary beach and liked it so much I went back the following day for more. I just haven’t got around to writing about it yet…

My wife and I are visiting Viseu in november !! We are thinking of staying at Pousada de Viseu, an old hotel which has been renovated, seems to be getting rave reviews. Thanks for an interesting read on your blog, we are really looking forward to our stay.

Hi Martin, I haven’t been to the pousada in Viseu but it looks and sounds fabulous so you should have an excellent base for exploring the area. I hope you enjoy it.

Looks like another one for the list! Love your little mini galleries. It’s nice to ring the changes isn’t it?

I like them when they work properly as they save on scrolling. I’m still unsure about them as the images sometimes come up really small and separated. Still trial and error going on here 😉

I lived not too far from Viseu where I used to go on a weekly basis. It’s a beautiful city, still cozy enough for my taste. You have captured and described it very well Julie.

Hi Sami, Thanks for your compliments! I’m glad you like Viseu, too. I’ve only been 3 times but each time I go, I like it a little more. It’s not packed with sights but from what I’ve seen, it’s attractive and relaxed with a strong cultural undercurrent.

We wrote a travelogue of our visit to Viseu in 1999, which is posted on our web site: http://www.thetravelzine.com/portugalamego.htm#viseu

Over to you. Please share your thoughts in a comment. Cancel reply

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Explore Viseu

Plan Your Trip to Viseu: Best of Viseu Tourism

Essential viseu.

Viseu Is Great For

The great outdoors

Eat & drink

• Pousada de Viseu Charming Spa
• Grao Vasco Hotel
• Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel
• Montebelo Palácio dos Melos Viseu Historic Hotel
• Bemyguest - Loft Guest House Jardim das Mães Charming
• Old Tavern Viseu
• Nomiya Sushi Bar
• 7Senses Restaurante
• Mesa de Lemos
• Cantinho do Alex
• Palacio do Gelo
• Ecopista do Dao
• Sé Catedral de Viseu
• Museu Grão Vasco
• Parque do Fontelo
• Valença do Douro Walking Tour
• Off-road trip Penacova
• Transfer Viseu - Porto
• Get off the "Ecopista do Dão" by bike 47km + Transfer Santa Comba Dão - Viseu
• Three Rivers Tour

Visit Viseu and discover the “best city to live” in Portugal!

Viseu is a city unknown to many tourists (especially foreigners), however it has much to offer, unlike other cities in Portugal! It’s not by chance that this city has been elected for several times as the best city to live in Portugal.

Located in Central Portugal , Viseu and its wonderful surroundings have so much to see, and you won’t need to stay in more than one hotel to visit all these places.

After you visit the wonderful places in Viseu (see below), you’ll have the opportunity to go to other amazing locations in 100 km radius such as Douro Valley, the beautiful Serra da Estrela , the  12 historic villages of Portugal , Aveiro , Paiva Walkways and the National Forest of Buçaco.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning i get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Next, get to know a little more about the city’s history.

Viseu is a city that dates back to the Iron Age. This city was conquered by the Romans, despite strong opposition by the Lusitanians (the Portuguese ancestors).

After a long period of Visigoth rule, Viseu was conquered by the Moors in 716.

The city returned to Christian control in 1058 with king Ferdinand I of León victory over the Moors; in 1123 Viseu became part of the County of Portugal  ( Condado Portucalense ).

Since then, the city has endured several raids by the Castilian (Spanish) troops. To protect Viseu, king D. João I has ordered the construction of ramparts surrounding the city, from which we can still see two of the original seven gates (Porta do Soar e Porta dos Cavaleiros).

As you can see, Viseu has a glorious past but the city doesn’t settle by living in the past. Instead, Viseu has modernised itself and offers to those visiting or living there exceptional conditions and quality of life. It’s not by chance that its population grew from 33 000 people in 1801 to 99 000 in 2021 (last census).

• What can you visit in Viseu?

Conteúdos do Artigo - Sommaire - Contents

What to visit close to Viseu

What will also interest you:.

Below, I’ll show you the itinerary (you can see the map later) that I suggest you to do to discover the wonders of Viseu; in addition, I’ll show you where you can spend the night.

Begin by leaving your car in the big parking lot (free of charge), located at the end of Avenida da Bélgica, 7, Viseu and Avenida Emídio Navarro.

At the upper right corner of the park, you’ll find Cava de Viriato , an octagonal fortification with around 38 hectares and a 2-km perimeter. Its origins are unknown, however some historians date this construction to the Roman period and others to the Moor period.

On this site you can admire a statue honouring Viriato, the Lusitanian leader seen as a hero because of his efforts (and his troops’) in repelling the Roman raids.

On the other side of the parking lot there is a funicular that can take you to the historic centre of the city. Take the funicular – it is free of charge and it’s a 400-metre walk you won’t have to do.

Information: the funicular is operational during Easter, in July, August, September and during the last two weeks of December.

Information:  if you go to Viseu from the beginning of August and until mid-September, you can visit São Mateus Fair  (located in the huge parking lot I’ve told you about – you can’t park your car here by this time of the year).

With over 624 years, this is one of the oldest fairs in Portugal. Here, you’ll find local handicrafts, folk music, a funfair, several food stalls and Portuguese and international artists concerts. Over these more or less 30 days of amusement, more than one million visitors go to this fair.

Let’s go back to our itinerary!

After taking the funicular, visit  Viseu’s Cathedral , the beautiful cathedral built in the 12th century. This monument has endured several changes over the years, until the 17th century, and you’ll find here different styles such as the Roman, the Gothic and the Baroque.

On the left side of the cathedral you’ll find Grão Vasco National Museum  ( Museu Nacional Grão Vasco ), founded in 1916. This museum offers to its visitors amazing artworks from the Portuguese painter Vasco Fernandes, also known as Grão Vasco – a painter that lived in Viseu in the 16th century.

You can also admire paintings from other painters, such as Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, José Malhoa, Alfredo Keil, Soares dos Reis, Silva Porto, António Ramalho, ou Sousa Lopes.

Facing the cathedral you’ll find the Misericórdia  church . Built in the 16th century, this church presents a Baroque style due to its refurbishment in the 18th century.

After having visited the places mentioned above, head towards the square Praça da República – Rossio, passing through Porta do Soar , one of the seven gates / entrances of the ancient ramparts protecting the medieval city in the 15th century.

Once you arrive to the square  Praça da República , don’t hesitate and take some minutes to admire the surroundings and, why not, have a cup of coffee.

Facing the square, you’ll find St. Francis church ( igreja de São Francisco ) and the city park Aquilino Ribeiro , the lung of the city.

Back to our itinerary, head towards the street  Rua Formosa , a 100 % pedestrian and commercial street.

After that, turn right on the second street, Rua dos Andrades , where you can admire the amazing façade of Solar dos Condes de Prime ; afterwards, visit the magnificent chapel built in honour of St. Anthony  ( Santo António ) in 1751.

Return to Rua Formosa and right before you get to the end of the street surely you’ll notice at your feet a small part of an old Roman  wall  built around the year of 360 (it’s protected by a glass floor).

When you get to the roundabout, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church  – here, you’ll find a Baroque-style interior with the most beautiful glazed-tile panels.

Your itinerary should continue on the Rua Direita (go back to Rua Formosa and then turn on your first right), the main commercial street in Viseu since the Roman period.

Along this street you’ll find many shops, restaurants and magnificent houses with Manueline-style windows.

Once you’ve walked 500 metres, you’ll get to the square  Largo Mouzinho de Albuquerque  where you’ll find  St. Anthony C hurch  ( igreja de Santo António ) in its Baroque style.

Go down some metres in the avenue Avenida Emídio Navarro and admire the Porta dos Cavaleiros  (one of the old medieval city gates) and St. Francis’ Fountain  ( Fonte de São Francisco ).

Next, stroll through the street Rua Loureiros, turn left on Rua Senhora do Postigo and then turn right in Calçada Vigia. Once you get to the square Largo São Teotónio , continue your walk passing by the back of the cathedral and to Rua Augusto Hilário  – here you’ll have the chance to admire some street art works.

Information:  since 2015, the city has a street art festival  in which you’ll find some of the best works of Portuguese and international artists.

Throughout the itinerary I’ve made for you, raise your head to admire many works of art. You’ll find some in Rua Formosa, Rua Augusto Hilário, Rua Loureiros, Rua Silva Gaio, Largo São Teotónio and Rua Grão Vasco.

Finish your tour to the historic centre of Viseu  in the square  P raça Dom Duarte  where you’l find the statue of the king D. Duarte, born in this beautiful city in 1391.

After taking the funicular back to your car, drive towards Palácio do Gelo shopping centre , located on the other side of the city, 4 km away.

You must be thinking: “Tiago, are you suggesting that we visit a shopping centre?”

Read what comes next!

Apart from the shops and the usual restaurants on the top floor (like in many other shopping centres), you’ll also find a 600 m2  ice rink  opened throughout the year and the only ice bar in Portugal.

This ice bar was built solely with 35 tons of Canadian glacial water (things like walls, chairs, statues and glasses) and offers its visitors unique and unforgettable moments.

Before you enter this bar, you’ll be given a jacket and gloves so that you can endure the sub-zero temperatures, that go to -12 ºC, during the time you’re there (you can only stay in the bar for 30 minutes).

To warm up, don’t be shy and go to the dance floor and / or ask for one of the eight vodka-based cocktails (you can also drink non-alcoholic beverages) in ice glasses.

• Site:  https://bardegeloviseu.com
• Location:  shopping centre “ Palácio do Gelo Shopping”, floor -1,  Rua do Palácio de Gelo, Viseu

When you visit this city, you should also take the opportunity to explore its surroundings and discover places that are known only to a few people – one of those places is the magnificent Condes de Anadia Palace , in Mangualde.

Located 18 km away from Viseu, this palace is one of the best examples of 17th-century Baroque architecture in Portugal . Here, you can start by exploring the exterior of the property and admire the beautiful facades of the palace, the adjacent park with its beautiful garden and woods planted in the 18th century.

Inside the palace, know that you can contemplate amazing glazed-tile panels , a beautiful stairway and several characteristics of the dominant architectural style, Baroque. What also stands out is the luxury and beauty of furniture and paintings that you’ll find in most of the rooms.

As you can see, there are several reasons why you should go to this wonderful place, a hidden treasure in Central Portugal that is worth visiting!

• Site:  https://palacioanadiamangualde.com

Apart from all these places, Viseu  offers its visitors the possibility to cycle through the biggest bicycle path in Portugal ( Ecopista ).

Located on the old Dão railway line (deactivated in 1988), this is the perfect place to discover amazing landscapes, old train stations, tunnels, bridges, Dão river, Paiva river and even a steam locomotive from 1885 – all this in 49 km extension or 98 km round trip.

The bicycle path begins in Rua Adelino Azevedo Pinto in Viseu  and ends at the train station in Santa Comba Dão.

Here is the route of the bicycle path on Google Maps (source: ciclovia.pt )

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3 

If you do not wish to do the round trip, then I suggest you begin cycling in Santa Comba Dão, more precisely at Quinta da Abelenda ,   a place where you can rent bicycles and that has a transportation service as well.

For 30 € per person, they’ll take you to Viseu so that you can cycle your way back to Santa Comba Dão. Know that, after going cycling, you can also spend the night in Quinta da Abelenda, in one of the available cottages.

Where to sleep when visiting Viseu and the surrounding area?

When I visited Viseu and the surrounding area I spent the night in one of the apartments of Casas d’Aldeia , located in a small village, 25 km from Viseu.

Recently refurbished, this beautiful stone house offers two apartments and can accommodate up to eight people.

What I loved the most about this place was its proximity to Viseu (18 km), to Serra da Estrela , to some historic villages and especially the warm welcome Filipa gave us – it made us feel at home.

Are you going to visit Viseu? Then don’t hesitate to book your hotel room, your car or the best activities by clicking the links below . This way you are helping me in the development of my blog and I’ll be able to offer you free tips and travel guides so that you can better prepare your visit to Portugal . Thank you !

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About The Author

Occupied since the Castro era, the History of Viseu is closely connected with the History of Portugal. If the mythical figure of Viriathus , the warrior who led Lusitanian tribes against the Romans, gave the old city vital importance during Roman times, King Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese King, established a close connection between the first years of the foundation of the country and this noble Beira Alta city. A place of high strategic and commercial importance since remote times, there are many traces which archaeology and, sometimes, chance have revealed here.

Best Things to do in Viseu, Portugal

It’s not possible to separate Viseu from the History of the country, but the arts also owe much to the birthplace of Vasco Fernandes whose works are a symbol of the scholarship and excellence of Portuguese Renaissance. This famous 16th century painter is the figure who left the greatest artistic heritage in Viseu and the Grão Vasco Museum gathers a considerable collection of works from this artist, keeping his memory alive in the city.

The city also had a golden age for religious art and architecture as proven by the great number of churches decorating the old town, the Religious Art Museum and the Cathedral itself which is one of the most symbolic buildings in Viseu and shows the importance of this Beirã city as the seat of the diocese.

Viseu Cathedral is actually a great starting point for a visit to the city. In the cathedral churchyard, one of the most interesting places in the old town, you will find, apart from the Cathedral and the museums, Misericórdia Church , the pelourinho and Passeio dos Cónegos . Here you will often find dark granite, typical in the region, surrounded by contrasting white and seemingly immaculate façades. Then, continue your visit until you reach Rossio , where you will be able to relax and enjoy green areas, or you can follow the traces of the defensive wall built by King John I which was only finished during the reign of King Afonso V and can still be seen beyond the Cavaleiros and Soar Doors.

After you experience the art and culture of Beira Alta from a close perspective, you must give your body its well-deserved prize. Leave the city boundaries and discover, right in the middle of the Viseu municipality, the best Nature can give you at Caramulo Mountain . Fill your lungs with the freshest while your eyes get lost in the majestic landscape or enjoy the therapeutic benefits of São Pedro do Sul baths ; this is the ideal place for your body and spirit to rest with tranquillity and delight.

Things to see & do in Viseu

Where to stay in Viseu

Articles about Viseu

Beethoven's revolutionary Symphony no. 6, Pastoral Symphony, pays homage to the future. And to the unstoppable power of creation. 

When it comes to eating well, Viseu is the ideal destination for the most demanding tastes. There are endless possibilities for foodies: Michelin star, fine dining, regional and traditional cuisine, placed at beautiful locations, at the heart of Dão wine producing region. Bon appétit!

Discovering Viseu through its countless gardens and parks is a fascinating journey across Portugal's garden city. A truly well-deserved label that the city proudly exhibits since 1935 !

Although the city started as a hill fort, it was during Roman times that Viseu confirmed its importance. The city’s growth can be explained thanks to its central position where many Roman roads in the region met. From the 1st century onwards, according to some Historians, the Romans “built a walled perimeter”.

Viseu has a deeply rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as fascinating monuments and unique churches. Discovering the cultural richness of the city through its museums is a golden opportunity to travel across its historical grandeur! An opportunity that you can not miss.

Visit to Viseu, Portugal

by Words by Sarah Wilson - Photos by Jonathan Look Jr. | Nov 6, 2018 | Europe , Portugal , Portugal Day Trips , Travel | 65 comments

Last Updated on: 18th January 2023, 02:52 am

On our way home from our trip on the Canal du Midi , we decided to stop for lunch in the charming old city of Viseu, Portugal. We had heard Viseu was a pretty cool place to visit and after driving for a while, it was nice to have a break from the monotony of motorway driving and to stretch our legs.

Where Is Viseu?

The city of Viseu is located in Central Portugal. It’s an attractive hilltop city in the Beira Alta region, situated between the mountain ranges of Serra do Caramulo and Serra da Estrela. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the famous Dao wine valley -bonus!

The Historical Centre

After lunch in a crowded local restaurant, we took a stroll through the historical centre which leads up to the Cathedral Square. It was lovely strolling and losing ourselves in the labyrinth of cobbled stone streets through the 15th-century ramparts. There were some beautiful old buildings, some very ramshackle and many tiny cafes and bars!

Adro Da Se – Cathedral Square

Located at the highest point in the city lies the Adro de Se (Cathedral Square). Here you will find Viseu Cathedral, the Igreja da Misericordia, the longest remaining part of the Old City Wall and the Porta dos Cavaleiros, one of the city’s old gates. It also has excellent views over the surrounding countryside.

The Tourist Information Centre was located just off the square. Very helpful, apparently there are loads of hiking and biking trails and stately homes nearby. It’s even part of the Camino! Oh, and lots of wine and cheese tours on offer too!

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• Terceira Island, The Azores

Viseu Cathedral

The 13th-century cathedral dominates the skyline. From the outside, the granite Renaissance church looks rather austere, but go inside, and it’s really rather impressive.

Igreja da Misericordia

Facing Viseu’s Cathedral is the Igreja da Misericordia. This church with its Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical design could easily be mistaken for a palace if it wasn’t for the cross. In contrast to its exterior, the inside is rather dull.

Igreja Dos Terceiros

By Aquilino Ribeiro Park and the southern end of the Praca da Republica, there’s a staircase that leads to the Baroque style Igreja dos Terceiros. This church was built in the late 18th century. Inside it has some interesting azulejos depicting the life of St Francis.

Parque do Fontelo Viseu

I do like cities that have parks – seems so rare these days! The Parque do Fontelo was once part of a large estate that belonged to the city’s bishops. The former palace of the Bishops is now the part of the Dao Regional Vintners Commission.

Inside the woodland park, you will see the Portal do Fontelo, a stone archway built in 1565 and the ruins of Saint Jeronimo’s chapel. There are also jogging trails, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a sports stadium, and a skate park.

And Finally …

The Grão Vasco National Museum next to Viseu’s Cathedral is supposed to be worth a visit, but it was time to head home. If you have been to this museum, please let us know in the comments what you think about it.

We will definitely be coming back to Viseu for a longer visit. It would be a great long weekend break. A few hours is not enough!

How To Get To Viseu, Portugal

We visited Viseu, Portugal as part of a road trip. There’s a large free car park near the Cava de Virato where you can take a free elevator to the Cathedral Square. Didn’t know about that until after arriving at the square!

But for those without their own transport, it’s possible to get there by bus. Rede Expressos has a regular service to Viseu from Lisbon Oriente Bus Station. Journey time takes 3 1/2 hours and costs €20 each way. From Porto , it’s only 1 3/4 hours and costs €13 or from Coimbra, 1 hour 20 minutes and costs €8,90.

Nearest train stations are Nelas or Mangualde which are roughly half an hour away by taxi. Apparently, Viseu is the largest city in the Iberian Peninsula without a train station!

Where To Stay In Viseu, Portugal

We didn’t stay overnight this time as we were keen to get home and I was missing our dog. But the re is accommodation here to suit all budgets. Disclaimer:   Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links”, meaning that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost. This helps me to keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for using the links on my website .

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65 Comments

Viseu looks so pretty and charming! Thank you so much for recommending a hidden gem like this. We’ll definitely keep it in mind for our next trip to Portugal!

It’s certainly a hidden gem, but also makes a great base for exploring Central Portugal too!

Our boys would LOVE Portugal- they love architecture and there is some amazing architecture here! Saving this for a future trip!

Portugal has some stunning architecture, be sure to visit!

It looks like it was a good idea to stop by Viseu, so that you can supply this amazing guide here. Thank you for your share. It will be in my mind to travel there at some point!

Thank you, you’re welcome !!

The weather looks great in Portugal. Does it get much rain there? I imagine Portugal to be laid back and sunny every day.

I wish it was sunny every day. Lots of rain in spring and autumn but lots of sunshine too 🙂

Love all things Portugal and loved your post and beautiful photos! will visit Viseu next trip!

Thank you ?

I’ve been to Spain, and seeing your pictures, I think they have some similarities in cities. But I’ve been wanting to visit Portugal too, will definitely check Viseu.

Well, they are neighbours, so yes similar! But Portugal is much nicer 🙂

Portugal is such beautiful country but not visited yet though wish to soon. Love your all stunning pics.

Thank you. You must come and visit!

Viseu looks like such a great little spot, yet I’d never actually heard of it! Adding it to my future Portugal itinerary now

It was new to us too, and yes it’s a lovely spot!

I could continuously return to Portugal for the food alone. I have not heard of this town, Viseu. It looks absolutely quant and charming and I’m sure the food is good as well.

Yes, it has some interesting local dishes to try too and the area is famous for its cheese and wine too!

That looks so beautiful! The church and the marvelous tiles are my favorite. I had never read about Viseu and I think it is a place worth visiting.

For some reason, Viseu isn’t on the normal tourist path but it’s a lovely place to visit.

I’ve definitely never heard of this place before! But looks very interesting, especially since you’ve mentioned wine and cheese tours 😛 Beautiful photos!

Cheese and wine is very good from here too lol

I haven’t yet made my way to Portugal, but it’s on my list. Will definitely need to check out the lovely town of Viseu while I’m there. Great post!

You must, it’s lovely!

Love Portugal!! Although I’ve never been to Viseu. Need to go back to this beautiful country!!! Great photos and very well explained.

Thank you, yes, you must come back, so much to see here!

Having been to Portugal a couple of times, I have never heard about this magnificent little town. Can’t wait to go back to Portugal and explore off the beaten path places as this one!

You should, We love discovering these off the beaten path towns!

I have never heard of Viseu before but it looks like a truly charming destination to be discovered. Thanks for the inspiring photos and for the precious information. I’ll add it in my next trip to Portugal.

Thank you. It really is a lovely town!

what a charming wee city! great post, i’ll certainly be checking this out next time i’m in Portugal.

Great, it’s definitely worth a visit!

After reading this post, Portugal is now on my travel bucket list.

And so it should be 🙂

Viseu looks like a quaint town with so much character. Bonus is the wines for sure!

Wine is always a pleasant bonus!! And cheese, don’t forget the cheese lol

You are explaining pretty well why I should visit Viseu 😉 I was in Portugal this Summer but travelled only down the coast from Porto to Lisbon since I had only one week. But I’ve heard that the inland is at least as beautiful as the coastal region, so….next time!

Inland is stunning, you’ll have to come back!

Portugal is one of my top places an you just reminded me how beautiful it is! Sounds like an amazing time!

It’s a beautiful country!

Viseu isn’t a city that was on my radar, but it is now! Somehow I haven’t been to Portugal yet, despite having travelled extensively in Europe. My wife has though, and we’re hoping to go together soon. May have to work this into our itinerary! I LOVE the picture of the Church of the Misericordia with the moody clouds in the background.

You must come to Portugal, it’s a beautiful country!

Until now, i haven’t heard of this place in Portugal. This looks like worth a visit especially if you’re looking for some quiet time away from the usual tourist crowd.

Viseu was new to us too, but it’s a lovely place. We will be back to visit for sure!

Looks like a great little pit stop on a Portugal itinerary. I love the tile work on the wall in the cathedral, looks so impressive. Have to add this one to the list when we go to Portugal early next year.

Oh, they love their tile work in Portugal lol

I’ve been in Portugal but not yet here. I’ll keep this city in mind for my next travel 🙂

It’s well worth a visit if you get the chance!

Viseu looks so charming! Thank you for sharing this hidden gem with us. I love visiting places like this.

It really was a very charming place to visit.

Looks like you have found a destination I never knew about. Somehow, I know tourism in Portual as Porto and Lisbon… good to know something new.

There’s a lot more to Portugal than just Porto and Lisbon 🙂

Viseu looks very beautiful and cute. I’ve never been in Portugal but will add it to my list! Visiting a hidden gem is always great.

You must come to Portugal, lots of hidden gems here.

I am totally convinced about including Viseu in our Portugal itinerary. The cathedral is sk beautiful

Do, it’s a really lovely place.

I never heard of Viseu and this really looks a perfect place for relaxing holidays. As I love small hilltop places, then for me Viseu in Portugal is perfect. Strolling in the community park in the center must be a great thing to do here.

It’s a really lovely place to visit, perfect place to relax.

We haven’t been to Portugal but it is on our list. Viseu looks like a beautiful city to visit and all the churches look stunning.

I love a city with amazing architecture except I am shocked that not so many people talk about Viseu yet it seems like a really beautiful according to what I’ve read in your post. I guess it’s one of those hidden gems not many tourists know about!!

I love Portugal so much! Their little towns are so charming and still feel a bit off the beaten track! Adding Viseu to my list!

Stunning photos! I had no idea there was so much to see in Portugal. Will definitely try to visit sometime.

Checking out your photo of the Azulejos Tiles Inside the Cathedral of Viseu in Portugal makes me want to know its history and origin. It looks amazing! I mean, look at how impressive the 13th-century old Renaissance cathedral of Viseu, and the Igreja da Misericordia facing each other.

Thanks for sharing!

Best regard, Clement II

It is great to discover such small perfect places to travel. I have been to Portugal many times but never to Viseu. Your pictures paint such a beautiful scene for a get away.

Although I’ve used a number of cameras over the years and have become lazy about using them in recent times, I thought the Olympus workshop on Photography: Get Off Auto would be a nice refresher course. However I think Aaron Harivel from Olympus has instead cemented the fact that my cameras are seriously outdated. I still have (and use) my Canon 350D, which is 13 years old! There are so many new features in today’s models. Maybe it’s time to upgrade the gear.

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