10 Best Things to Do and See in Lagos
Exploring Lagos on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Lagos, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Lagos. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade, near Lagos in the Algarve, is one of the most spectacular coastal sites in southern Portugal. Here you can discover golden cliffs sculpted by erosion, natural arches, sea caves, and coves with turquoise waters. The panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean are especially striking, particularly from the designated viewpoints. The area also attracts visitors for its seaside walks and boat or kayak trips, which let you get close to the rock formations and cavities carved into the coast.
2. São Roque Beach
São Roque Beach is a public beach in Lagos, in the Algarve, appreciated for its simple seaside setting and easy access from the town. It offers a sandy shoreline bordered by the Atlantic, ideal for swimming, relaxing, and walking along the water’s edge. The atmosphere is generally calmer than on the major tourist beaches, while still offering beautiful views of the Lagos coastline. It is a pleasant place to enjoy the sun and the sea in an environment that is both urban and natural.
3. Church of Saint Anthony
Saint Anthony’s Church, in Lagos, is a popular place to visit for its peaceful atmosphere and heritage interest. Inside, you discover a simple, contemplative interior, where traditional religious architecture highlights the prayer space and sense of reflection. Located in the historic center of the city, it blends harmoniously with the charm of Lagos’s old streets. It is an interesting stop for travelers who want to see an iconic landmark of local life and enjoy a quiet moment in the heart of the city.
4. Porto de Mós Beach
Praia do Porto de Mós is a large public beach in Lagos, in the Algarve, appreciated for its natural setting and easy access from the town. Framed by ochre cliffs and dunes, it offers a wide stretch of sand ideal for swimming, walking, and relaxing in front of the Atlantic Ocean. Its atmosphere is generally calmer than that of the very central beaches, while still being well equipped depending on the season. It is also a great place to enjoy the typical coastal scenery of Lagos.
5. Lagos Castle
Lagos Castle is an iconic landmark in the historic center of Lagos, in southern Portugal, drawing visitors for its heritage atmosphere and ancient remains. As you walk around the site, you can discover traces of an old fortification integrated into the urban fabric, with ramparts and defensive features that recall the city’s military past. The area also offers a pleasant setting for a walking visit, with narrow streets, views over the old town, and a typically Algarve atmosphere, ideal for completing a visit to Lagos.
6. Slave Market – Rota da Escravatura Museum Center
In Lagos, the Mercado de Escravos – Núcleo Museológico Rota da Escravatura is a museum dedicated to the history of the slave trade and slavery, housed in a heritage site rich in meaning. The visit helps visitors better understand this painful chapter of the past through historical information, explanatory panels, and context about the routes of slavery and their impact. Simple and educational, the space invites reflection while offering an essential look at the memory of Lagos and its role in Portuguese maritime history.
7. Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre
The Lagos Ciência Viva Centre is a science discovery space designed to spark the curiosity of visitors of all ages. It explores topics related to natural sciences, the sea and the environment through interactive exhibits and fun activities. Located in Lagos, it offers an accessible educational approach, ideal for understanding the world around us by handling, observing and experimenting. It is an interesting stop for families, schools and anyone who wants to combine a cultural visit with learning.
8. Praia da Batata
Praia da Batata offers a simple, immediate view of the Lagos coastline: a bay of pale sand, rocks framing the water, and the city always close by. The spot stands out for its intimate, almost urban feel, as well as for the quality of its coastal scenery. Here, sea, geology and the cityscape come together seamlessly. It is one of the most characteristic beaches for understanding the atmosphere of Lagos, between the historic center and the seafront.
9. Praia da Boneca
Praia da Boneca is a small beach in Lagos, best known for its striking rocky setting. It sits between pale cliffs and the Atlantic, in a landscape shaped by erosion into steep, detailed forms. The spot offers a very direct view of the Algarve coastline, with a modest stretch of sand, the sea often in sight, and a mineral backdrop that draws attention. It is appreciated for its intimate feel, coastal atmosphere and powerful scenery.
10. Municipal Museum Dr José Formosinho
The Municipal Museum Dr José Formosinho opens a window onto the history of Lagos through varied collections and a strong heritage setting. Housed in a former religious complex, it brings together archaeological objects, sacred art, and ethnographic evidence that illuminate the life of the region over time. Visitors discover a museum closely tied to local identity, where the architecture, the collections, and the memory of the city complement one another. The result is a nuanced and detailed reading of Lagos's past, shaped by religious culture, material traces, and urban heritage.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
