Aveiro, Portugal – a town bedecked in a vibrant rainbow of colors and unique attractions – is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
From the network of canals to the historic salt fields to the grandiose architecture, our list of things to do in Aveiro features the best sights and top activities.
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We visited Aveiro on a day trip from Porto, and now can follow in our footsteps!
Planning a Trip to Aveiro
Aveiro is a fantastic destination to include in your Portugal Itinerary – but it is just one of several excellent places to see.
Lisbon, Porto and the Portuguese Islands are other top spots and our articles can help you make the most of your visit!
- 3 Days in Lisbon (plus Sintra and Cascais)
- Top Porto Itinerary (and our Self Guided Walking Tour)
- What To Do on Madeira Island (and tasty Funchal Food)
- Things To See in Ponta Delgada, Azores (plus fun hikes and great viewpoints)
Additionally, travelers from overseas will find it helpful to read our Guide to Planning a Europe Vacation.
As you begin to make your plans for visiting Portugal, you will need to stay on top of the details. We recommend using our Travel Planner Printables to keep your trip organized!
30 Best Things To Do in Aveiro
Our Aveiro to-do list is ideal for anyone planning to spend time in the city, whether it be 1 week or 1 day.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Aveiro Travel Guide for your visit to Portugal!
#1 Snap a Photo of the Old Aveiro Train Station
The beautiful blue-and-white tiled train station is one of the top things to see in Aveiro.
The Old Train Station was built in 1864, but was renovated in the early 1900s as a typical Portuguese House. The azulejos tiles that decorate the building were made in a local ceramic factory.
Pro Tip: Go inside to learn a little about local products – including wine, salt and sweet confections.
#2 Seek Out Aveiro Street Art
Well-known for its gorgeous architecture and colorful tiles, artistic murals also tops our list of what to see in Aveiro, Portugal.
These works decorate the underside of bridges, cement retaining walls and the sides of buildings. As you tour Aveiro, be sure to keep an eye out for the interesting creations.
Top Tip: The Rosto Esculpido em Parede de Vhils pictured above is on the side of the CUF Lisboa building across from the new Aveiro train station.
#3 View the Old Ceramic Factory Building
Capping the end of the Canal da Fonte Nova is a big, red brick building, called Antiga Fabrica Jeranimo Pereira Campos.
The huge ceramic factory played a big part of the history of Aveiro – as tile-making was a notable trade in the early 20th century. The preserved structure helps to illustrate the city’s heritage as a thriving industrial municipality.
Travel Tip: The structure has been repurposed into the Congress Center, which hosts conventions and exhibitions.
#4 Appreciate Art along Aveiro Canals
Several modern public artworks decorate the Cais da Fonte Nova basin. The Maria da Fonte bronze sculpture dates to 1964, but has only graced this spot since the early 2000s. Tossing a coin here is said to bring good luck.
The newly installed ‘Reflexos’ is the product of local artist Fatinha Ramos. The artwork covers the wall along the west side of the lake and serves as a tribute to the nearby estuary.
Monuento dos Ovos Moles – the white and yellow sculpture on the north lawn – is a contemporary ode to the traditional Aveiro pastry, Ovos Moles.
We share more about the egg yolk treats – including the best place to eat them – further down on our list!
Pro Tip: The painted I Heart Aveiro staircase is also nearby – and is a fun spot for photo ops!
#5 Stroll through Aveiro City Park
In a town originally build for industry, Parque Infante Dom Pedro City Park provides an idyllic slice of nature.
The lush grounds feature a stream, ponds and soaring trees for ample shade during the hot summers in Portugal.
The park has also been enhanced with an iron gazebo bandstand, a yellow-painted pergola and several pretty fountains.
Top Tip: Looking for more tips of what to do in Aveiro in nature? The surrounding region boasts numerous natural wonders and we highlight a few further below.
#6 Visit the Aveiro Museum
The Museu de Aveiro hosts a trove of historic and religious artifacts. The highlight is the former Convento de Jesus Aveiro.
The Baroque chapel is adorned in gilded carvings and tiles – and houses the tomb of the beatified Princess Joana.
Budget Tip: A ticket is required, but we visit another sumptuously decorated church in Aveiro at #15 that’s free!
#7 See the Se de Aveiro Cathedral
The Se Cathedral in Aveiro has a long an interesting history. The early church on this site was founded in 1464 as part of a Dominican convent.
In the mid-1800s, the convent was utilized as military barracks and then burned to the ground. The church, however, remained and today it stands as a National Monument of Portugal.
#8 Peruse the Produce at Mercado Manuel Firmino
We love checking out local markets – as they provide insight into regional products, the people and their customs.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the city center Mercado Manuel Firmino makes our list as one of the best places to see in Aveiro.
Also called Mercado Coletivo, it houses an array of vendors selling everything from bright flowers to fresh fish.
Top Tip: Saturday is the busiest day, closed on Sundays
#9 Tie a Ribbon on Ponte dos Lacos de Amizade
Lacos de Amizade, which crosses the Cojo Canal, is one of many pedestrian bridges that span the channel.
What makes it unique is the thousands of colorful ribbons. Like the old Love Lock Bridge of Paris, these ribbons symbolize a lasting commitment.
Travel Tip: The tradition dates to 2014 and has now extended to nearby bridges, so be sure to put it on your Aveiro To Do list!
#10 Find the Secret Garden at the Forum
We don’t typically list shopping malls as tourist attractions. However, the Forum is worth a quick look – and it’s not because of the shops.
Instead, we recommend going to seek out the rooftop garden and enjoy the great view!
Pro Tip: The Forum is the premier place for shopping in Aveiro, Portugal. The open-air venue has more than 70 retailers, including many recognizable brands.
#11 Saunter around Aveiro Central Cemetery
Some might think it is unusual to include a graveyard on our list, but we feel the cemeteries in Portugal are astounding.
Filled with elaborate mausoleums and solemn statues, the Cemetario Central de Aveiro is oddly alluring.
Top Tip: The entrance can be accessed from the Forum rooftop. Just exit from the back of the garden and turn left.
#12 Eat Ovos Moles de Aveiro at Confeitaria Peixinho
The origin of this local confection is attributed to Catholic nuns, who began making the soft egg treats in the 16th century.
Today, bakers make the sweets and little has changed in the recipe, although the presentation has evolved into something spectacular.
Ovos Moles are made with egg yolk, sugar and water. The concoction is then wrapped in a thin wafer – usually resembling a fish, shell or boat.
Of all the places to buy Ovos Moles in Aveiro, we think Peixinho makes the best (and most visually pleasing) treats.
Foodie Tip: Ovos Moles have a peculiar taste. Before buying an entire box, we recommend sampling just one!
#13 Take in the Beauty of Praca da Republica
A small, but lovely square, Republic Square is home to the old Aveiro Town Hall, a historical monument and a sweeping view across the canal.
The highlight, however, is Igreja da Misericordia Church. The rising façade is decorated in classic Portuguese tiles and the interior is just as sumptuous.
Pro Tip: The church is only open on weekdays and closes between 1 and 2pm for lunch.
#14 Parade down Rua de Coimbra
This street is one of the prettiest in the city and is marked with colorfully tiled buildings and the ornate black-and-white mosaic Portuguese Pavement.
Rua de Coimbra ends at Praca do Marques de Pombal – a spacious square ringed by government buildings, cafes and palatial estates – like the classically tiled Casa de Santa Zita.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the charming M Bakery, a dessert shop dedicated to all things pink!
#15 Peek inside the Splendid Church of the Carmelites
There are dozens of churches in the city – but few are as incredible as the intricately designed Igreja Carmelita de Aveiro.
A gilded feast awaits behind the mundane exterior, where the small space is extravagantly decorated in tiles, artwork, carvings and painted ceiling panels. It’s free to enter and one of the best hidden gems in Aveiro!
#16 Cross over Praca General Humberto Delgado Bridge
This bridge is decorated by four statues – and offers the best view of the surrounding cityscape.
The landmark Old Capitania building – which was built as a mill, served as the port authority headquarters and is now the Parliament House – hovers over the water to the east.
To the west, Beira Mar – Jardim do Rossio park sits between the waterway and a pretty pastel palette of facades.
#17 Size Up the Obelisk of Liberty
One of the historic Aveiro things to see, this Art Nouveau Obelisk was erected in 1909 to recognize Jose Estevao as a defender of freedom and pays tribute to the 1828 Revolution.
From the obelisk, an elongated pedestrian square, Praca 14 de Julho, is lined with shops and cafes.
At the far north end, the brilliantly white 17th century Church of Nossa Senhora da Apresentacao (or Vera Cruz Church) features an outstanding interior and the oldest bell tower in Aveiro.
#18 Discover Art Nouveau on Rua Joao Mendonca
Art Nouveau became a popular style in Aveiro in the early 1900s and it has been declared a City-Museum of Art Nouveau.
Take a moment to gaze at the characteristic architecture along Rua Joao Mendonca, where some of the finest examples can be found.
The Aveiro City Museum features an elegant, stone façade of floral motifs that is clearly distinguishable.
Just a few doors down, the pink Ovos Moles House features curved lines and delicate wrought iron balconies. It’s another top-rated establishment for the sweet egg yolk treats.
The best example of Aveiro Art Nouveau is the magnificent Museu de Arte Nova. The impressive pale blue building is highlighted by curved windows and carved flowers.
Several more Art Nouveau structures dot the city center. Fans of the architecture might want to seek out Casa de Cha, the Cooperativea Agricola Building and the House of Silva Rocha.
#19 Walk the Waterfront Promenade in Jardim do Rossio
Most of the Canal de Aveiro is lined with a pedestrian footpath, but the promenade in the center of town along the Jardim do Rossio is the most picturesque.
Events are often held here, but during our visit it was undergoing a complete overhaul.
#20 Embark on a Barcos Moliceiros Canal Cruise
The Canals in Aveiro are iconic and were once a vital lifeline to the Venice of Portugal. The labyrinth of waterways was built in the early 1800s to provide access to the sea.
Today, you can hop aboard a traditional Moliceiros de Aveiro boat (which were once used to harvest seaweed) for a tour through the canals.
Moliceiro tours last about 45 minutes and an on-board guide shares details about Aveiro’s past. This highly rated Moliceiro Tour gets high marks for its fun and informative guides!
#21 Stroll through the Aveiro Salt Pans
The salt pans at the end of the canal on the edge of the Ria Lagoon are one of the top places to visit in Aveiro.
Sea salt was an integral part of the city’s thriving economy – and today the signature Flor de Sal is an exclusive Aveiro salt harvested in the region.
Visitors are free to roam into the salt flats, following the posted plaques explaining the history of the salt trade.
Top Tip: Salt is not just for seasoning your food, but also for pampering your skin! The Aveiro Salt Spa offers wellness sessions in the fields.
#22 Marvel at the Modern Ponte dos Botiroes
You will cross many bridges while sightseeing in Aveiro, but none are as impressive as Ponte dos Botiroes – at least in terms of engineering feats.
Also called the Ponte Pedonal Circular Bridge, the oval-shaped span crosses two canals and is suspended from cables and a metal mast (which resembles a fish).
#23 Relax at Praca do Peixe Aveiro
Marking the end of the Botiroes Canal is Praca do Peixe. The building formerly served as the Mercado do Peixe Fish Market but has been renovated into a fashionable food court.
The market hall opens onto Largo da Praca do Peixe Square, which is the heart of the Barrio da Beira Mar historic district.
The square that fronts the market is a good place to take a break, sip a coffee or nibble on something to eat.
#24 Try to Comprehend a Quirky Aveiro Tradition
We are intrigued by quirky customs and found the Aveiro Cavacas tradition thoroughly entertaining (even though we didn’t get to participate).
The practice is dedicated to Sao Goncalinho – the patron saint of Aveiro, who is known for his matchmaking skills and fertility magic.
Couples who pray to the saint and are blessed with marriage or children then show their appreciation by making cakes – called Cavacas.
For 5 days beginning January 10th, people take their cakes to the rooftop of the Capela de Sao Goncalinho and toss them to the crowds waiting below.
People who catch the cakes are said to be granted good fortune for the coming year. In fact, many show up with fishing nets or upside-down umbrellas to increase their odds!
#25 Roam Barrio da Beira Mar
This old fisherman’s village was originally called Vila Nova and it stood outside the fortified town walls.
Full of character and charm, the area is known for its narrow, twisting lanes and colorful houses decorated with ceramic tiles.
Rua Antonia Rodrigues and Rua de Manuel Luiz Nogueira are two of our favorite streets to walk along.
#26 Explore Canal de Sao Roque
Once lined with salt warehouses, the Sao Roque Canal was long ago an important route for both the salt and fishing trades.
Today, it is a main route for Moliceiros cruises. The path along the water is part of a longer trail – called the Grand Route of the Ria de Aveiro Blue Trek – that delves into the salt marsh.
#27 Cross Ponte dos Carcavelos
Carcavelos is one of the most beautiful bridges in the city. Historically, it was used by workers as a route from Beira Mar into the salt fields.
More recently, it has earned the nickname of Valentine’s Bridge or Lover’s Bridge because couples often meet here to watch the sunset together.
When cruising the canals on an Aveiro Moliceiros boat, it is custom to kiss your partner when you pass beneath the bridge.
#28 View the Façade of Capela de Nossa Senhora das Febres
Aveiro boasts an astounding number of buildings that are extensively decorated in azulejos tiles.
We feel Capela de Nossa Senhora das Febres is one of the best. The 16th century church in the late afternoon sun is simply stunning.
It is said that the interior is also festooned with tiles and gilded carvings, but it’s unfortunately seldom open for visitors.
#29 Sip Aveiro Craft Beer
While most of the bars in Aveiro serve standard Portuguese beers, the LoveCraft Tough Love Taproom is dedicated to independent brewers.
Situated in a hip space, they pour excellent pints of locally produced beers from more than 10 taps – and offer even more in cans and bottles.
Top Tip: LoveCraft is the sister shop of Cask Beer in Porto – one of our recommended Porto Craft Beer Bars.
#30 Indulge in a Portuguese Pork Sandwich
One of the best Portuguese meals is a stacked pork sandwich covered in melted sheep cheese. Ze do Pernil in Aveiro makes one of the best. After a long day, it certainly hit the spot for us!
Food Tip: We got our first taste of this famous sandwich at Casa Guedes in Porto – and it still ranks as one of our Favorite Porto Foods!
Map of Aveiro, Portugal
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Aveiro attractions map below.
Aveiro Travel Tips
We have covered the basics of what to do and see in Aveiro, but have some advice about preparing for your visit.
How To Get to Aveiro from Porto
In our opinion, taking the train to Aveiro is the best option. From Porto it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs less than 5 euros each way.
The Porto-Aveiro Train departs from the Sao Bento Train Station, but also makes a stop at Campanha before traveling south. On the return trip, some journeys will require a switch here.
Additionally, organized Aveiro tours include a stop at Costa Nova Beach – like on this highly rated Half Day Tour from Porto.
What You Need for Your Aveiro, Portugal Trip
Our final travel tips for Aveiro are all about what to bring with you on a day trip. So grab your FREE Checklist and let’s get to it!
Durable Shoes
Our list features sights that span the city from one end to the other. Therefore, you will need to wear (or pack) a good pair of travel shoes.
I wear lightweight trainers from New Balance and Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes.
Travel Camera
So bright and colorful, you will want to capture it with a real camera. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with 18-135mm lens, which still ranks as one of the best budget cameras available.
Day Pack
When touring Aveiro, it is best to carry a good day bag. We recommend using one with zippered pockets (like this small backpack).
Use our guide to the Best Day Bags for Travelers to help you choose the perfect one for you!
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Portugal Travel Advice
- 14 Day Portugal Itinerary (including the Azores)
- Lisbon Travel Tips
- Free Walking Tours of Alfama and Central Lisbon
- Free Things To Do in Lisbon
- Best Lisbon Viewpoints and Churches
- What To Do in Belem
- Taking a Day Trip to Braga from Porto
- Top Madeira Island Attractions
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