Guarda, a charming city in Portugal, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations like Lisbon or Porto. However, this hidden gem has a lot to offer for those who are willing to explore off the beaten path. From stunning historical sites to breathtaking natural landscapes, Guarda has something for everyone. In this article, we will take a look at the 30 best things to do in Guarda.
Contents
- Best Things to Do in Guarda (Portugal)
- 1. Explore the Historic City Center
- 2. Visit the Guarda Museum
- 3. Take a Walk in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park
- 4. Admire the Views from the Tower of Guarda
- 5. Visit the Castle of Guarda
- 6. Explore the Romanesque Cathedral of Guarda
- 7. Take a Day Trip to Belmonte
- 8. Discover the Historical Village of Sortelha
- 9. Visit the Museu da Guarda
- 10. Explore the Parque Urbano do Rio Diz
- 11. Try the Local Cuisine
- 12. Visit the Igreja da Misericórdia
- 13. Explore the Museu da Miniatura Automóvel
- 14. Take a Scenic Drive through the Serra da Estrela
- 15. Visit the Igreja de São Vicente
- 16. Explore the Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
- 17. Take a Boat Trip on the River Mondego
- 18. Visit the Museu do Pão
- 19. Explore the Jardim José de Lemos
- 20. Visit the Museu da Electricidade
- 21. Take a Guided Tour of the Historic Center
- 22. Explore the Museu da Cidade
- 23. Visit the Sé Velha de Coimbra
- 24. Explore the Museu da Guarda-Freio
- 25. Take a Walk along the Ribeira de Santarém
- 26. Visit the Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
- 27. Explore the Museu da Miniatura Automóvel
- 28. Take a Scenic Drive through the Serra da Estrela
- 29. Visit the Igreja de São Vicente
- 30. Explore the Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
Best Things to Do in Guarda (Portugal)
1. Explore the Historic City Center
Start your journey by strolling through the historic city center of Guarda. Admire the well-preserved medieval architecture and soak in the rich history of the city. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Guarda, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
2. Visit the Guarda Museum
Learn more about the history and culture of Guarda at the Guarda Museum. The museum houses a wide collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city’s past.
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3. Take a Walk in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park
Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting in this beautiful natural reserve.
4. Admire the Views from the Tower of Guarda
Climb to the top of the Tower of Guarda for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The view is especially breathtaking at sunset.
5. Visit the Castle of Guarda
Step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Castle of Guarda. Wander through the ancient walls and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
6. Explore the Romanesque Cathedral of Guarda
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Romanesque Cathedral of Guarda. Admire the intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows.
7. Take a Day Trip to Belmonte
Just a short drive from Guarda, Belmonte is a charming town known for its Jewish heritage. Visit the Jewish Museum and explore the medieval castle.
8. Discover the Historical Village of Sortelha
Travel back in time as you explore the well-preserved medieval village of Sortelha. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the ancient stone houses.
9. Visit the Museu da Guarda
Learn more about the history of Guarda at the Museu da Guarda. The museum showcases a wide range of artifacts and exhibits.
10. Explore the Parque Urbano do Rio Diz
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the Parque Urbano do Rio Diz. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
11. Try the Local Cuisine
No visit to Guarda is complete without trying the local cuisine. Sample traditional dishes like the famous Queijo da Serra, a delicious cheese made from sheep’s milk.
12. Visit the Igreja da Misericórdia
Admire the beautiful architecture of the Igreja da Misericórdia. The church is known for its intricate woodwork and stunning altarpiece.
13. Explore the Museu da Miniatura Automóvel
Car enthusiasts will love the Museu da Miniatura Automóvel. The museum houses a collection of miniature cars from different eras.
14. Take a Scenic Drive through the Serra da Estrela
Embark on a scenic drive through the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Enjoy breathtaking views and stop at picturesque villages along the way.
15. Visit the Igreja de São Vicente
Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Igreja de São Vicente. The church is known for its stunning azulejo tiles.
16. Explore the Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
Learn more about the history of the Guarda Nacional Republicana at this fascinating museum. Discover the role of this police force in the country’s past.
17. Take a Boat Trip on the River Mondego
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the River Mondego. Admire the beautiful scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife.
18. Visit the Museu do Pão
Learn about the history of bread-making at the Museu do Pão. The museum showcases the traditional methods and tools used in the process.
19. Explore the Jardim José de Lemos
Take a leisurely stroll through the Jardim José de Lemos. Admire the beautiful flowers and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.
20. Visit the Museu da Electricidade
Learn about the history of electricity at the Museu da Electricidade. Discover how this essential resource has shaped the world.
21. Take a Guided Tour of the Historic Center
Get a deeper insight into the history and culture of Guarda by taking a guided tour of the historic center. Learn fascinating stories and discover hidden gems.
22. Explore the Museu da Cidade
Discover the history of Guarda at the Museu da Cidade. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city.
23. Visit the Sé Velha de Coimbra
Take a day trip to Coimbra and visit the Sé Velha de Coimbra, a stunning cathedral with a rich history. Admire the beautiful architecture and enjoy the views from the top.
24. Explore the Museu da Guarda-Freio
Learn about the history of transportation at the Museu da Guarda-Freio. The museum showcases a collection of vintage cars, bicycles, and other vehicles.
25. Take a Walk along the Ribeira de Santarém
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Ribeira de Santarém. Admire the beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
26. Visit the Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
Learn more about the history of the Guarda Nacional Republicana at this fascinating museum. Discover the role of this police force in the country’s past.
27. Explore the Museu da Miniatura Automóvel
Car enthusiasts will love the Museu da Miniatura Automóvel. The museum houses a collection of miniature cars from different eras.
28. Take a Scenic Drive through the Serra da Estrela
Embark on a scenic drive through the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Enjoy breathtaking views and stop at picturesque villages along the way.
29. Visit the Igreja de São Vicente
Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Igreja de São Vicente. The church is known for its stunning azulejo tiles.
Read More : Best Things to Do in Faro (Portugal)
30. Explore the Museu da Guarda Nacional Republicana
Learn more about the history of the Guarda Nacional Republicana at this fascinating museum. Discover the role of this police force in the country’s past.
Guarda may not be on the top of everyone’s travel list, but it is certainly a destination worth exploring. From its rich history to its stunning natural landscapes, Guarda has something for everyone. So, the next time you plan a trip to Portugal, make sure to include Guarda in your itinerary and experience the best that this hidden gem has to offer.
