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The first time we visited Aveiro, we didn’t expect to fall for it so quickly. But from the moment we stepped off the train and caught sight of the old train station, covered in gorgeous azulejos, we knew this small city on Portugal’s central coast was something special.
Often called the Venice of Portugal—and for good reason—Aveiro is full of colorful boats, winding canals, and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It’s the perfect place for a great day trip, a relaxed weekend, or even a longer stay if you’ve got plenty of time to explore.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, coming in for a day trip from Porto, or coming back for a closer look, here are the top things to see and do in Aveiro—and why it should be on your list if you’re exploring northern Portugal.
Aveiro Train Station
We first arrived by train, and even before stepping into the city proper, we knew we were in for something special. Just outside the station, look to your right and you’ll see the old Aveiro train station—its walls covered in traditional azulejos (Portuguese tiles). That quiet, sunlit moment—just us, the tiles, and the scent of the sea—was the beginning of our Aveiro story.
Old Town
One of the first things we recommend is heading straight for the city centre—Aveiro’s vibrant core that’s easy to navigate on foot. This charming city is flat and compact, which makes a walking tour not only doable but a joy. You’ll pass beautiful architecture, souvenir shops, riverside cafés, and the famous pedestrian bridge known as Ponte Laços de Amizade, where visitors tie ribbons with prayers and hopes. It’s a sweet, symbolic twist on the “love locks” seen in other European cities.
As you walk the main canal (often considered the heart of Aveiro), keep an eye out for the eclectic Art Nouveau architecture that makes this city such a visual treat. We especially loved visiting the Museu de Arte Nova, an open-air museum of sorts when you count all the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings lining the streets.
If you want to see the Google Maps list, click here.
Vera Cruz of Aveiro
On the north side of the canal is the charming neighborhood of Vera Cruz, filled with restaurants, shops, and side streets begging to be explored. This is where you’ll find the fish market, the city museum, and our personal favorite—Oficina do Doce, where the famous ovos moles are made. These traditional sweets, made from egg yolks and sugar inside a wafer shell, are one of those “you have to try it at least once” things. I’m not sure we’re fans, but we always buy a few when we visit.
This part of town is also where you’ll find Aveiro’s Art Nouveau Museum (Museu de Arte Nova). Don’t miss it—it gives a great sense of how this architectural style shaped Aveiro. Even just wandering through the streets, you’ll see the city’s eclectic mix of Art Deco, Nouveau, and classic Portuguese tilework.
Moliceiro Boats: Colorful Canals and Seaweed Roots
One of the best things to do in Aveiro—no contest—is hop on a traditional Moliceiro boat. These long, narrow, colourful boats once carried seaweed (moliço) harvested from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, which was used as fertilizer in the local fields. Today, these traditional boats carry passengers instead of plants, but they still glide gracefully through the canals.
We’ve taken several moliceiro tours, and they’re all a little different. Some are quiet and relaxing, while others include a guided boat tour with local stories, upbeat music, and even a joke or two. No matter which you choose, it’s a great way to experience the city from the water and get a new perspective on Aveiro’s history and layout. Most tours take around 45 minutes and cost about €15—making it one of the best ways to experience one of the city’s main attractions.
Neighbourhood of Glória, Aveiro
Once you cross the main canal, you’re in the Glória neighborhood, which has more of a lived-in feel. It’s where we usually grab a coffee or a bite. One place we love is M Bakery (a little French, a little local, always good). The shops here are more geared toward locals, but that’s part of the charm. You might find handmade ceramics, a good bottle of wine, or even a pastel de bacalhau to nibble on.
If you’re into history, make a short walk to the Museu de Aveiro (also called the Mosteiro de Jesus). Housed in a former Dominican convent, it’s full of religious art and is the resting place of Princess Saint Joana, daughter of King Afonso V. Right next door is the Aveiro Cathedral—small, but lovely.
Shop and Stroll at Forum Aveiro
Not far from the museum is Forum Aveiro, an open-air shopping mall that mixes international brands with local boutiques. It’s a good place to take a break, grab a snack, or cool down. From there, you’ll pass over the Ponte dos Laços de Amizade again—another chance to admire the Moliceiro boats floating along the canal below.
A short drive from Aveiro
Salt Flats
On our third trip, we finally explored the surrounding area outside the center and discovered Aveiro’s connection to the salt industry. Just a short walk or drive from downtown, you’ll find the Passadiços da Ria de Aveiro—wooden walkways through the scenic salt flats where salt has been harvested for centuries. There are signs explaining the traditional techniques still used today. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and surprisingly fascinating.
Nearby Beaches: Barra and Costa Nova
If you’re visiting in summer or just need a dose of the Atlantic, head west across the lagoon to Praia da Barra. It’s the ideal spot for sunbathing, water sports, or climbing the tallest lighthouse in Portugal. The views from the top are worth every step.
A bit further south is Praia da Costa Nova, known for its colorful buildings with vertical stripes—once homes for fishermen and now an Instagram darling. It’s busy in the summer, but a stroll along the boardwalk or a seafood lunch makes it totally worth it.
Bonus: A great day trip to Águeda
If you have enough time, consider a great day trip to Águeda, just 30 minutes from Aveiro. This town becomes an art lover’s playground in summer, thanks to the Umbrella Sky Project—those floating umbrellas you’ve probably seen on Instagram. It’s also home to the AgitÁgueda Festival, which brings street performers, art installations, and live music to town. Totally walkable and full of energy, Águeda is a good reason to linger a bit longer in central Portugal.
Don’t Miss: Vista Alegre Museum and Casa de Chá
If you’re into design or ceramics, the Vista Alegre Museum is just outside Aveiro and totally worth a visit. This iconic porcelain brand has been crafting fine ceramics for generations. You can take a guided tour, see artisans at work, and finish with tea at the elegant Casa de Chá (Tea House).
Getting to Aveiro & Best Time to Visit
Public transportation makes getting to Aveiro easy. It’s about an hour by train from Porto (São Bento station) or just under an hour from Coimbra. If you’re not driving, there are also day tours available from both cities.
The best time to visit? Spring and early autumn. You’ll avoid the summer crowds and still have warm weather for beach trips, Moliceiro tours, and long, lazy walks along the canals.
More information
If you are interested in Moliceiro Traditional boat tours, you can find them as low as $15. Book in advance if you can.
If you are not driving or taking the train in, you can get private day trip tours from Porto and Coimbra.
Aveiro is a great place to do a walking tour or a TukTuk tour.
Get a guided tour of Barra Beach, the lighthouse, and Costa Nova by clicking here.
We stayed at the Hotel Jardim. It was quite lovely and within walking distance to almost everything. Hotel Aveiro Palace may be a little pricier, but in the BEST location.
There are lots of great places to eat, but our favorite so far is Espeto do Sul. They have sushi and Brazilian BBQ, which to us is heaven!
Final Thoughts
Aveiro might not be as famous as Lisbon or Porto, but that’s part of what makes it special. It’s relaxed, full of charm, and packed with unique attractions—from traditional boats and tile-covered train stations to striped houses and local delicacies. Whether you’re making a quick visit or spending plenty of time exploring the surrounding area, this charming city should absolutely be on your list of things to see in Portugal.
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Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).