In summer the good weather calls for outings, but when it’s too hot to be out in the sun it's not always easy, is it? Because we're also fans of staying cool during the summer, we've decided to round up for you some of the best places to stay cool in the city.
Between Lisbon and Porto, leaving aside cafés and beaches, discover the best places to cool off in the city. And sometimes even with a little foot in the water.
Where to cool off in the heart of Lisbon
We know it can seem challenging to think of cool places in the middle of the city. But because we want to make sure you don't have a bad time with the heatwaves we've been experiencing, we'll show you how you can better withstand the temperatures away from the beach.
Water Garden
Among trees, in the central axis of Parque das Nações, you will find the Water Garden. Ideal for family visits, it is close to the Oceanarium and the Pavilion of Knowledge. With its waterfall, lakes, water volcanoes and shady garden, you won't want to leave.
Oceanarium
It is the only inside space we have included in this guide but there's a good reason: penguins! As well as a fun tour of the seas, we guarantee you'll love the Oceanarium's penguin area. It is by far one of the coolest places in Lisbon in the middle of a 40ºC summer.
Linha D'Água - Waterline
This is the place to enjoy a summer afternoon in good company, on a terrace with your favourite drink. The bonus is that in addition to enjoying a beautiful view, you can also take the opportunity to put your feet in the water.
Cais das Colunas / Ribeira das Naus
In the heart of the capital's historic centre, and next to the Tagus River, Cais das Colunas is the ideal place to get your feet wet. We hear that there is now even a small beach for those who need to feel the sand on their feet. And here's a tip: if you walk a little further along the river line, you'll reach Ribeira das Naus where there are steps down to the water and terraces for a cool drink;
Gulbenkian Foundation Gardens
If you enjoy culture, then these gardens are for you. Filled with trees and nooks and crannies, here we make sure you can enjoy the shadows at your own pace. And the best part? It's right in the city centre but inside, the magical atmosphere makes it seem like nothing exists outside.
What to do in Porto in hot weather
If you live further north, around Porto, you'll know that there are also several ways to escape the heat. Between shady gardens and plenty of water, all that's left is to choose your favourite spots and start thinking about how you'll cool off on the hottest days.
City Park
The most popular park in the city of Porto, it extends over 83 hectares, ready to welcome everyone who wants to visit. With lakes and plenty of natural shade, it's the perfect place to enjoy a bit of calm in the middle of the city.
Serralves Garden
For those who like to be close to culture, the Serralves Museum Garden is the place to visit. With tall trees and recreational spaces, you can keep cool here on summer days.
Jardim das Virtudes - Garden of Virtues
In the city centre, behind the Palácio da Justiça, the Jardim das Virtudes is a pearl of Porto. Calm, it has a fountain, benches to enjoy the stunning view over the Douro and is also home to the largest Ginkgo Biloba in Portugal.
Douro Estuary Nature Reserve
In Gaia, near the mouth of the Douro, the Estuary Nature Reserve is the ideal place to enjoy the end of the day. It is great for sunsets with a magnificent view over the sea, river and city. The air is always fresher near the water.
Piscina das Marés tidal pool
On Leça beach, Piscina das Marés is a series of seawater pools cooled by the breeze. They have recently been restored. An ideal place for those who enjoy a swim and to take the little ones.
Best holiday destinations for winter sun in Portugal: mild days and coastal trips
Getting some winter sun in Portugal comes down to picking the right pocket of coast and timing your day around the light. The Atlantic can whip through, yet you still get calm afternoons for coffee on a terrace, sheltered coves out of the wind, and heated pools for a dip when the sea’s a bit nippy. Off-season perks are real: better value, fewer queues, citrus on the trees and clear hiking paths.
Arrábida recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Portugal's Serra da Arrábida, with its stunning landscape between the sea and the mountains, has officially been recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. This distinction, announced in September 2025 during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, places Arrábida among 785 territories worldwide with this prestigious status.
Areas to avoid in Lisbon: tips for staying safe
Lisbon is friendly and largely low‑risk, thanks to it being the capital of one of the safest countries in the world. However, it still pays to understand where and when petty crime tends to happen in the city, so that your experience of Lisboa is stress and drama-free.
Portugal in the world’s top 10 for clean electricity
Portugal has climbed into the world’s top ten for clean electricity. Recognition from international energy bodies reflects what’s visible on the ground: turbines along the Atlantic, solar parks across the Alentejo, and hydro smoothing the peaks and dips.
Most beautiful villages in Portugal to visit this winter
A quieter season suits Portugal’s smaller places: medieval walls without tour groups, fog lifting over terraced vineyards, and cosy taverns serving bowls of caldo verde. Expect shorter days, some early-week closures and cooler interiors in stone houses, with prices that don’t sting so much.
Portugal's best forests to explore in autumn
Autumn is one of the most magical times to discover Portugal’s natural beauty. As the warmth of summer fades and the air becomes crisp, Portugal’s forests transform into stunning landscapes of red, gold, and orange. With fewer tourists and more affordable travel options, autumn is perfect for exploring the country’s woodlands and national parks.
Step into Portugal’s most isolated ghost village
Nestled in the heart of the Serra da Freita, in the municipality of Arouca, the village of Drave is a true ghost town. Abandoned for nearly two decades, it has no accessible roads, electricity, or basic services—reaching it requires a walk along rugged mountain trails.