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Aveiro, Portugal is an absolutely beautiful little city just a 40 minute train ride from Porto. Because of this, it’s a popular day trip from Porto. But if you want to dedicate a little bit more time to the colorful city, then there are more than enough things to do in Aveiro, Portugal to occupy your time.
In an attempt to either convince you to spend the night in Aveiro or provide you with information if you already have, I decided to compile this mini guide on things to do in Aveiro in two days, with bonus sections on how to get to Aveiro, where to stay in Aveiro, the best restaurants in Aveiro, and what to pack for Aveiro.
I hope you enjoy!
How to Get to Aveiro
The best way to get to Aveiro is by flying into Porto International Airport. To get from Porto Airport to Aveiro via public transport take the E line train from the airport to Campanhã Station, where you can catch a train to Aveiro.
If you are starting in the Porto city center, you can get from Porto to Aveiro by catching a train at Porto-Campanã Station.
There are also trains from Lisbon to Aveiro if you’re working your way northwards.
Train tickets can be bought on Comboios de Portugal’s website.
From the train station, it’s about a twenty-minute walk to the center of town, where most hotels and hostels are.
Where to Stay in Aveiro
If you’re on a budget, then there really is no better place to stay than the Aveiro Rossio Hostel. I stayed here for two nights while I was visiting Aveiro and it is easily one of my favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed in. The decor is to die for, the staff friendly and helpful, and the breakfast delicious. My only complaint would be that in March I was the only person there—not exactly the kind of social hostel you hope for as a solo traveler. But it was low season in a place where people don’t often stay the night, so that much is to be expected.
Check prices for the Aveiro Rossio Hostel on: Hostelworld | Booking.com
If you’re looking for a bit more privacy, then there are loads of Airbnb options in Aveiro. My favorite is this AMAZING yellow and blue house right by one of the canals, which can be yours from only $100/night. You can find the listing here and sign up to receive $40 off your first booking using this link.
Things to Do In Aveiro, Portugal // Two Days in Aveiro Itinerary
There is a serious abundance of things to do in Aveiro, Portugal, and fitting them into even two days is a bit of a stretch. That being said, I think that two days in Aveiro is the perfect amount of time to get a taste for the city without feeling too rushed. But trust me, you’ll want to come back.
Here’s how to spend two days in Aveiro, Portugal:
Day One
Morning
Arrive & Drop Your Bags Off
Assuming you’re traveling in from elsewhere in Portugal, you’ll likely arrive sometime mid-morning. Make your way to your accommodation and drop off your stuff if you can. You won’t want to lug it around until check-in time if you can avoid it. Then head off for lunch (check out the best restaurants in Aveiro section for recommendations).
Afternoon
Take a Ride on A Traditional Moliceiro
The moliceiros are to Aveiro what the gondolas are to Venice—just a heck of a lot cheaper to experience! Taking one of the 30-minute moliceiro tours is one of the first things you’ll want to do in Aveiro. Not only is it fun, but it’s a great way to orient yourself!
There’s no need to book ahead of time. Just head down to the main canal and take whichever boat is leaving next. All of the companies charge the same (as of March 2018 this was €10), so there’s no need to compare prices.
Sample the Ovos Moles
Continuing on with the biggest draws of Aveiro: the ovos moles. Out of all the things to do in Aveiro, Portugal, sampling this local delicacy is the sweetest.
Ovos Moles were originally invented by a nun with a serious sweet tooth, but they can now be enjoyed by everyone with a euro or two to spare. They’re still prepared according to the original recipe and can be found in pretty much every cafe and souvenir shop around the city.
Explore the Parque Dom Pedro Infante
The Prague Dom Pedro Infante is probably one of the prettiest little city parks I’ve ever seen. It’s also just outside of the city center, so it’s off the beaten tourist path and you’ll have it all to yourself. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the paths or just reading and people watching by the lake.
Evening
Wander the Streets
Golden hour is the absolute perfect time to explore downtown Aveiro. With all the tourists gone and the best lighting for photos, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into another world—and you’ll have it all to yourself.
Day Two
Morning
Museum of Aveiro
Start your second day in Aveiro by visiting the Museum of Aveiro. This charming yet genuinely quality museum is located in the old convent where Princess Santa Joana (a local hero) lived. The exhibits are a beautiful combination of things about her life and religious artwork—not to mention that the building itself is basically on display!
The Museum of Aveiro is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm. Tickets are €4 or free for students and children under 12.
Afternoon
Art Nouveau Museum
Continue your day after lunch with another museum: the Art Nouveau Museum (you could even have lunch at the Casa de Chá in the same building, which is supposed to be very good)! This one is a lot smaller than the Museum of Aveiro and the descriptions are mostly only in Portuguese, but it’s still worth a visit (download the Google Translate app and use its live photo translation feature if you want to read the descriptions). You can also get a brochure for a 45-minute Art Nouveau Walk through Aveiro if that sparks your interest.
The Art Nouveau Museum in Aveiro is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2 pm – 6 pm. On the weekends they are open from 2-6 pm. Tickets are €2 or free for students and children under 12.
Ovos Moles Making Workshop
If you fell in love with the ovos moles you tried yesterday (or even if you didn’t), then one of the things to do in Aveiro, Portugal that you don’t want to miss is the ovos moles making workshop offered by the Oficina do Doce. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do this one, but it’s just a good excuse to go back!
There isn’t much information online about times of demonstrations, but you can book a visit online at which point I’m sure they will give you more information!
The Best Restaurants in Aveiro
Portugal is known for its delicious and reasonably priced food and Aveiro is no exception. Of all the best things to do in Aveiro, Portugal, eating is definitely one of them. Here are a few restaurants I tried during my time in Aveiro that I absolutely loved:
Tasquinha do Leitão – $
I walked into Tasquinha do Leitão on my first night in Aveiro excited to try their famous suckling pig sandwiches and was told they weren’t open yet… oops! Luckily though I had the patience to wait at a nearby cafe until they were and it was completely worth it. For €6.80 I got a HUGE suckling pig sandwich with a generous portion of chips and a bottle of water. And it was delicious.
Tasca Palhuça – $-$$
This charming side-street tasca is just what a charming local restaurant should be. The food is good and reasonably priced and the waiters don’t speak English. To order, I smiled, pointed, and used the two words of broken Portugese I know (queria for “I would like” and obrigada for “thank you”).
Restaurante o Telheiro – $$-$$$
This was my one “splurge” (read: splurge for me = more than €10 for a meal) in Aveiro and it was totally worth it. Restaurante o Telheiro is on the main square in Aveiro next to the fish market and has gorgeous open-wood-beam decor that is to die for. There’s an extensive menu, so you’re sure to find something that you like.
What to Pack for Aveiro
If you’re visiting in the Spring, like I did, you’ll want to bring a good number of layers. In the afternoon it can be beautifully warm, but the wind coming off of the sea can also make things a little chilly. Even in the summer, the average high is 72°F. Here are a few recommendations for what to pack for Aveiro:
Packable Down Jacket — my packable down jacket proved to be invaluable during my two days in Aveiro. I just chucked it in my backpack and was able to pull it out when I got a little chilly. Here’s a good one from Amazon.
Day Bag — you probably don’t want to lug your giant suitcase or backpack with you all around Aveiro, do you? Because you have a fair amount you want to bring with you during the day, though (like that packable down jacket), I suggest bringing along a cute but functional backpack. I love my Fjällräven Kånken for this.
Reusable Water Bottle — Europe is weird and likes to pretend that you can’t drink the tap water by always presenting you with bottled sparkling water at restaurants. People might look at you weird but bring a reusable water bottle along anyway. It’s important to keep hydrated on long days out exploring!
Good Walking Shoes — you don’t need to use public transportation in Aveiro as it’s so small and everything you’ll be seeing is within walking distance. That being said, definitely bring along a good pair of walking shoes! I love my Clark’s boots for this, but anything that is comfy and easy to walk in for you will work. 🙂
Camera — Aveiro is gorgeous and your phone camera isn’t going to do it justice. If you haven’t invested in a decent camera yet, now might just be the time to do so. I have the Sony Alpha A6300 and love it. You can also go for the cheaper A6000 if you’re on a budget.
Map of Things to Do in Aveiro
Curious about where all of these things to do in Aveiro, Portugal are? Here they are on a map, separated out with walking routes for each day of this itinerary!
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