Tiqets’ Remarkable Venue Awards returns for 2022 to highlight some of the most impressive museums, attractions, and tourist hotspots in top destinations around the world. Tiqets has uncovered the greatest attractions and best museums in Portugal, so you can hit all these spots on your 2023 getaway.
The winners of this annual tourism awards series are selected from the highest-rated 1.1M+ customer reviews on Tiqets.com from the past 12 months. The Best Hidden Gem and Most Innovative Venue categories are chosen by an expert panel of judges from the tourism industry, including regional DMOs.
If you want to discover Portugal’s most exciting and delightful travel spots, then continue reading to add these venues to your 2023 vacation bucket list.
Best Hidden Gem: 516 Arouca – Ponte Suspensa
“Impressive construction in dramatic scenery. When visiting the North of Portugal, it’s definitely worth a detour. The adjacent walkways also make for a nice hike.” –Peter, Portugal
516 Arouca – Ponte Suspensa is the winner of Portugal’s Hidden Gem in 2022, chosen by a panel of expert judges from the tourism industry. This award is offered to the lesser-known, niche attractions that are just as special as the country’s most popular tourist spots.
This outstanding attraction is located in Arouca, Portugal, and is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. It’s 516 metres long and 175 metres high, so it is not for the faint of heart. The walkway boasts some of the most incredible natural views of Cascata das Aguieiras and one of the wildest rivers in Europe, the Paiva River. The bridge is serene and peaceful, complete with impressive views of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Most Innovative Venue: Livraria Lello
“This place is INCREDIBLE! It reminds me of some enchanted library. If you like books and reading, this place is heaven!” –Melissa, United States
Livraria Lello is the winner of Portugal’s Most Innovative Venue. This award is given to a unique venue, museum, or attraction that also creatively appeals to customers.
This iconic bookstore is located in Porto and is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. If you’re a book lover, you may spend hours wandering through this dreamy bookstore. Designed in a neo-gothic style, Lonely Planet rates Livraria Lello as the third most beautiful library in the world. It is rumored that J.K. Rowling frequented this library in the early ’90s when she was an English Teacher, and its magic inspired her to write Harry Potter.
Most Remarkable Venue: Oceanário de Lisboa
“Mesmerizing. Everything was poetry in motion. We were there for hours, and it was so relaxing and rewarding.” – Zania, United Kingdom
The Most Remarkable Venue award goes to the top-rated venue most popular with visitors. One of the biggest European aquariums, Oceanário de Lisboa is the 2022 winner of Portugal’s Most Remarkable Venue, as voted by Tiqet’s customer reviews.
Home to over 8,000 sea creatures, Oceanário de Lisboa is most well known for its five-million-litre tank, which proudly features rare marine life. If you’re passionate about conservation and environmentalism, you will thoroughly enjoy the aquarium’s educational efforts. Learn about how you can do your part to save the planet while enjoying a full day of aquatic discovery! From its compelling architecture to its aquatic offerings, it’s no wonder that Oceanário de Lisboa has been named Portugal’s Most Remarkable Venue. Pssst – if you’re planning on visiting Lisbon with kids or teenagers then we have the ultimate guide for you! Take a read.
Best Museum: Immersivus Gallery Porto
“It was magic! The music and projected videos are in perfect harmony and it just made me feel fully connected with the exhibition! I truly recommend it.” –Caroline, Portugal
The Best Museum Award goes to a museum or art gallery recognized as the best museum in the country, according to customer reviews on Tiqets.com.
Located in the center of Porto’s historic district, Immersivus Gallery Porto is one of the best museums in Portugal. The gallery is Portugal’s first space dedicated to immersive art experiences. This 200-year building is home to temporary and permanent immersive exhibitions featuring national and international artists. Using state-of-the-art technology, this immersive art experience is equipped with a 360 projection system featuring stunning visual effects and holograms. Renovated by award-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura in 1993, multimedia content fills the space and is truly awe-inspiring for art enthusiasts.
Best Attraction: Museu do FC Porto – Estádio do Dragão
“An incredible experience to know the most beautiful stadium in the world. Will repeat and highly recommend.” –Tania, Portugal
Museu do FC Porto – Estádio do Dragão is the winner of Portugal’s Best Attraction in 2022. The Best Attraction award goes to the venue that stands out amongst other attractions/theme parks while still appealing to a wide range of visitors.
FC Porto is a significant symbol of the Porto community and a Premier League giant. One of the best museums in Portugal, this attraction provides an interactive experience for football lovers eager to see the trophy room and learn about the Dragon’s champion’s history. Visitors will enjoy going behind the scenes of the football stadium by sitting and hanging out on the coach’s bench and taking pictures on the team’s sidelines.
Best Landmark: Castelo dos Mouros
“Beautiful medieval castle. Really fun for someone who loves to get a great exercise in with SPECTACULAR views! It was a lot of walking and climbing steps.” –Gail, United States
Customer reviews chose Castelo Dos Murous as Portugal’s Best Landmark of 2022 due to its stunning views and historical significance. This award is given to outstanding historic and iconic landmarks, places of worship, castles, palaces, or observation decks.
Castelo dos Mouros, or the Castle of the Moors, is one of Portugal’s most iconic and historic sites, located at the top of the Sintra hills, overlooking the city of Sintra. Castelo dos Mouros was built in the 10th century and is home to artifacts from the Bronze and Iron ages. One of the best places to visit in Portugal, visitors can learn about the castle’s history, including the story of the Moors’ conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Overlooking the Sintra Hills, this beautiful landmark captures both the area’s history and gorgeous Sintra greenery.
Best Onsite Experience: Ideal Clube de Fado
“This was in every way an immersive experience. If you leave and you’re not enchanted by Fado, whether as cultural heritage, emotional contact or the spirit of the artist’s approach, then you didn’t pay attention.” – Soren, Denmark
Portugal’s Best Onsite Experience is awarded to the attraction offering a singular customer onsite experience, including entertainment and high-quality staff interaction. Ideal Club de Fado offers its visitors a unique and well-rounded Portuguese experience.
The Ideal Clube de Fado features the best of Portugal’s traditional Fado music in an intimate concert in one of Porto’s most beautiful vintage cafés, Galleria Paris. Visitors can watch a renowned performance by some of the most talented Fado musicians of this day and age. The atmosphere is particularly welcoming and encourages the audience to speak with musicians before the show to become better acquainted with traditional Fado music.
