Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities, in the Minho region of Northern Portugal. The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia and the amazing views of the Lima River make this city unforgettable. The city is famous for the monuments in and around the city, and the surrounding natural beauty.

Viana do Castelo (vee-UH-nuh doo kuhsh-TEH-loo, /vi.ˈɐ.nɐ du kɐʃ.ˈte.ɫu/) is the capital of a municipality with 314.36 km² (121.38 sq mi) and has some 36,750 inhabitants. The municipality borders the municipality of Caminha in the north, the municipality of Ponte de Lima in the east, the municipalities of Barcelos and Esposende in the south and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The city's origins date back to before the Christian era, as it can be seen in the hill fort near the Basilica of Santa Luzia. It received its first foral from King Afonso III of Portugal in 1258, as well as the name Viana da Foz do Lima, because of its geographic location; in 1848 it became a city by a decree of Maria II of Portugal, and received the name of Viana do Castelo.

• Basilica of Santa Luzia, Mt. St. Luzia. Constructed in 1903, it was inspired by the Sacré Coeur de Montmartre in Paris. From the basilica's location on top of Mount St. Luzia, there are spectacular views of the city and the beach. The best view of the city can be seen from the pinnacle of the church, accessible from the church through an elevator or through the stairs. You can reach the basilica either by car via the Santa Luzia highway, or by taking the Santa Luzia Elevator. (updated Jul 2021)
• Gil Eanes Naval Museum (on the Dock). A floating naval hospital constructed in 1952 and which operated until 1973. It is now open to the public as a kind of museum, housing the original equipment. The ship has operation rooms, communication equipments, refrigerating chambers and a reinforced hull. It was restored by a group of locals. It was then adapted to become a youth hostel and is one of the city's biggest attractions. (updated Jul 2021)
• Former City Hall, Praça da República. Built in the 16th century, it is located in the Praça da República. In the facade you can see the coat of arms of the city: a boat and an armillary sphere. (updated Jul 2021)
• Sá Family House, Praça da República. An ancient building, also in the Praça da República, with a beautiful facade. It was projected by João Lopes, the same architect that projected the fountain in the middle of the square. Each battlement of the facade has a human renaissance figure. (updated Jul 2021)
• Fountain at Praça da República, Praça da República. This granite fountain, richly adorned with carved figures, was built by João Lopes in the 16th century. (updated Jul 2021)
• Monument to Caramuru and Paraguaçu, Praça da República. built by José Rodrigues in 2009. (updated Jul 2021)
• Consistory of Misericórdia, Praça da República. Situated at the Praça da República, the complex is constituted by the Misericórdia Hospital, with one of the most beautiful renaissance facades in the city, built by João Lopes, and by the Misericórdia Church, remodeled in the 18th century, with beautiful tiles inside. (updated Jul 2021)
• Cathedral, Largo da Matriz. The cathedral is Gothic in style, with Galician influence, and has two large towers. It has a very beautiful interior. (updated Jul 2021)
• Fort of Santiago da Barra, Campo do Castelo. Consisting of a quadrangular outer wall with the Roqueta tower in the center, this fort was constructed during the reign of Dom Manuel I. The tower displays the coat of arms of the city, flanked by an armillary sphere and by the Order of Christ Cross. (updated Jul 2021)
• Church of St. Domingos, Largo de São Domingos. The church of the old Santa Cruz convents, founded by Frei Bartolomeu dos Mártires. (updated Jul 2021)
• Viana Municipal Museum, Largo de São Domingos. (updated Jul 2021)
• Museu do Traje, This is a museum dedicated to traditional Portuguese clothing, with a particular focus on the costumes from the Viana do Castelo region. You can learn about the history and significance of the costumes, as well as see some beautiful examples.

• Beach - most beaches along the coast line have Blue Flag classification and start not more than a 10 minute drive from the city center, so make sure you take your time to enjoy one of the best things the region has to offer. One of the most popular beaches is Praia do Cabedelo, known for its great surfing conditions, on the south bank of the Lima River. It has a long stretch of golden sand, clear waters, and excellent facilities. Another popular beach is Praia do Norte, on the north bank of the Lima River. It is a long, wide beach with soft sand, calm waters, and good facilities, including showers, toilets, and a beach bar.
• Hiking - the foothills of Viana Do Castelo have some hiking paths. You can get maps from the tourist information office.
• Museums - Viana do Castelo is the capital of gold of Portugal. You may visit a privately—owned gold museum with some characteristic exhibits of the Minho area. The most characteristic technique of working the gold in Viana do Castelo is filigree and you have excellent examples in exhibition there.

• Viana crockery. The most traditional craft of the city is sold in many local shops, as well as in the factory in Meadela. The Viana Municipal Museum, in the Palacete Barbosa Maciel, hosts a vast collection of it as well. 
• Filagree pendants

Local specialties include bacalhau à margarida da praça (a cod dish), pescada Vianense (local fish), and caldo verde (green soup).

• 41.6915-8.8281 Margarida da Praça, Largo 5 de Outubro 58, ☏ +351 258 809 630, reservas@margaridadapraca.com. 
• 41.724689-8.7677932 Quinta do Bento Novo - Casa de Campo - Turismo Rural, Caminho da Cabine, 187,Perre, 4925-581 Viana do Castelo, Portugal (Perre), ☏ +351 962 823 186, sede@quintabentonovo.pt. Check-in: 15:30, check-out: 12:30. (updated Feb 2016)
• 41.7349-8.6805123 Paço de Lanheses, Lanheses, ☏ +351 258731134, reservas@pacodelanheses.com.