Amazing Things to Do in Portugal in Your Twenties

Are there things people in their twenties can do in Portugal? That’s a question that many ask when thinking of planning their trip. Why? Some families go for good food, relaxation, and safety, but this might not suit younger generations who want to experience the music, cheap food, and fun the country offers. This is why Portugal is the right place to go. It is getting famous for its festivals and is known by visiting students from the UK, Ireland and worldwide. So it’s a perfect spot to study and have fun at the same time. With plenty of things to do in Portugal, make it your next destination. 

Things to Do in Portugal: Study in Portugal

The academic year has begun, and Universities are opening. If you visit a University in Portugal or visit a friend, this is the article for you. You may not know, but Portugal’s Higher Education System is highly valued worldwide. With a high level of English, Portuguese students can study English in some of the universities, and many international students can do so, so it’s ideal. The Catholic University of Portugal is the best in the country according to World University Ranking 2021, with 17% international students, followed by NOVA University of Lisbon and the University of Porto.

One of the other cities with the most history in Higher education is Coimbra, where you will find a historic university and one of the oldest in the world. Founded in 1290 and lasting 730 years, the University of Coimbra is known for its history and the life it brought to the city, with more than 20.000 students all year.

Apart from where to study, if you are in your twenties, you might also want to know where to find the best music and nightlife in Portugal.

What Are the Biggest Music Festivals in Portugal?

Music is a state of mind. The biggest music festivals in Portugal are Rock in Rio in Lisbon, NOS Alive Festival in Oeiras, and Super Bock Super Rock, also in Lisbon. All these festivals take place in the summer months, making it a perfect choice for a summer getaway each year and attracting huge crowds and all-star lineups of performers. 

Rock in Rio Lisboa

If you like pop and rock music, you should start with a festival that started in Brazil and is making a huge success in Portugal. Artists like the Foo Fighters, The National and Liam Gallagher have stepped on the stage in previous years. Other artists included Black Eyed Peas Bra,zil Anitta, and the artist known as the “hurricane from Bahia” Ivete Sangalo. In addition to these world-known artists, you will also find some of the best talents Portugal has to offer, such as David Carreira, Bárbara Tinoco or Xutos e Pontapés.

NOS Alive

A festival that is gaining popularity and attention from around the world is NOS Alive, which has the top artists that visitors will travel a thousand miles . Some of these artists include Angel Olsen, The Strokes, Billie Eilish, Arctic Monkeys, Green Day, The Libertines, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, alt-J, Two Door Cinema Club and more, making this one of the best festivals in the world. It’s located in Passeio Marítimo de Algés, closer to Lisbon.

Other Festivals include Super Bock Super Rock. Starting 25 years ago, this festival received artists like The Cure, Morphine, Faith No More, Young Gods, Blind Zero, Muse, Pixies, Korn, Linkin Park in Meco, and Sesimbra. Vodafone Paredes de Coura will also receive big artists like Alex G or BadBadNotGood. This is without a doubt the biggest festival in the north of Portugal.

Things to Do in Portugal: Catch a Football Game

If you are a football fan, visiting Portugal is a must. It’s impossible to speak about Portugal without talking about football. So if you want to visit Portugal, go to the stadium where Cristiano Ronaldo learned to play in the Sporting Clube de Portugal team – José Alvalade Stadium. Of course, if you visit Madeira the Island, you can also see the CR7 museum. In Portugal, they live the “Football Culture”, with many sports newspapers and television programs. They live and breathe football, so if you are a fan, just go to Portugal and enjoy the game.

Things to Do in Portugal: Explore Special Places

Portugal has a lot of special corners where you can discover unique experiences. Hear Fado in Alfama, if you stay in June visit Santos Populares, an extraordinary moment when every neighbourhood in Lisbon or Porto have music and food like sardines or barbecue. People from all around the country go there to meet their friends and have an excellent time. Locals celebrate all month, but the 12th and 13th days have more people (Dia de Santo António) and the 23rd and 24th of June (Dia de São João) in Porto.

Road Trip Along the Douro Valley

For a more laid-back adventure, rent a car and take a road trip along the Douro Valley, one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions. The Douro Valley is famous for its terraced vineyards, where grapes have been grown for centuries to make Port wine. As you drive along the winding roads, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Douro River, rolling hills, and quaint villages.

Stop along the way to visit vineyards for wine tastings, enjoy a river cruise, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the landscape. A road trip through the Douro Valley is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation for young travellers looking to explore Portugal at their own pace.

Explore the Nightlife in Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is an exciting city brimming with culture and nightlife, making it perfect for twenty-somethings looking to immerse themselves in the energy of a European city. Start your evening in the traditional Fado houses of Alfama, where you can listen to soulful Fado music while enjoying Portuguese cuisine. Then, head to Bairro Alto, the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife, where the streets come alive with bars and clubs spilling onto the cobbled pavements.

If you prefer a more modern vibe, head to the waterfront district of Cais do Sodré, which has transformed from a seedy red-light district into one of Lisbon’s most exciting nightlife spots. Bars like Pensão Amor, a former brothel turned quirky cocktail bar, are filled with locals and tourists alike.

Lisbon’s nightlife is a diverse blend of traditional and contemporary, offering something for everyone, whether you’re into live music, dance clubs, or cosy bars with a view.

Hike in the Azores

The Azores, a collection of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. If you’re in your twenties and seeking adventure, hiking in the Azores should be at the top. The islands boast lush green landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and crater lakes, making them an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers.

The island of São Miguel offers the stunning Sete Cidades trail, which takes you around the rim of twin lakes—one blue and one green—within a volcanic crater. The beauty of the landscape is almost surreal, and the sense of tranquility is perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Beyond hiking, the Azores also offer whale watching, diving, and hot spring bathing opportunities. This off-the-beaten-path destination will appeal to your adventurous spirit and provide unforgettable memories.

Explore the Beaches and Castles of Cascais

Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais is a coastal town that offers the perfect mix of beach relaxation and historical exploration. Spend your days lounging on the sandy shores of Praia da Rainha or Guincho Beach, known for its windsurfing.

Beyond the beaches, Cascais is home to the stunning Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The views from the cliffs are breathtaking, and it’s an excellent spot for a day trip from Lisbon.

Cascais is also rich in history, with landmarks like the Cidadela de Cascais, a 16th-century fortress, and the Palácio da Pena, offering a blend of culture and coastal charm.

Surfing in the Algarve

Portugal is one of the top surfing destinations in Europe, and the Algarve, with its long coastline, golden beaches, and powerful Atlantic waves, is the perfect spot for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. Head to Praia da Arrifana or Praia do Amado, where surf schools offer lessons and board rentals. The Algarve’s pleasant weather makes it an ideal location for surfing almost year-round.

If you’re looking to combine your love for surfing with a laid-back beach vibe, towns like Lagos and Sagres are known for their cool, youthful atmospheres, making them popular destinations for young travellers. After a day on the waves, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Lagos, where bars and clubs are packed with like-minded adventurers.

Conclusion

Portugal is a fantastic destination for travellers in their twenties, offering diverse activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re looking for adventure in the Azores, sun and surf in the Algarve, vibrant nightlife in Lisbon or Porto, or a relaxing road trip through the Douro Valley, Portugal has it all. The country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and exciting activities make it a top spot for young travellers seeking unforgettable experiences. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in Portugal!