Lisbon and Porto received top honours at the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards 2024, held in Madeira, reaffirming Portugal as a tourist destination of excellence and innovation.

Lisbon was one of the big winners at this edition of the World Travel Awards, winning three important prizes. The Portuguese capital was voted Best World Heritage City, a title that highlights its rich cultural and historical heritage, with monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Sintra Cultural Landscape, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Fado, the musical soul of the city, is also a World Intangible Heritage Site, which further reinforces Lisbon’s authenticity.

In addition, Lisbon was once again voted Best City Break Destination in the World, an award that emphasises its popularity among tourists looking for short breaks.

This year the city was also voted Europe’s Best Culinary Destination. Its gastronomy mixes tradition and innovation, with the 1001 codfish dishes, the grilled sardines, and the delicious pastéis de nata, which continue to attract fans of all nationalities. Lisbon’s growing recognition as a gastronomic centre is also reflected in the Michelin-starred restaurants but also in the small local restaurants, which offer a huge variety of options for all tastes and budgets.

Porto also performed brilliantly at the World Travel Awards 2024, being named Best Tourist Destination in the World, beating other cities such as Dubai, Cape Town and Shanghai. This award highlights the unique beauty of Porto, with its stunning coastline and the meeting point between the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is an important cultural and historical centre, with a diverse tourist offer including the Port wine cellars and emblematic monuments.

These victories further consolidate the country’s two main cities as tourist destinations of excellence that offer their visitors an authentic, innovative and unforgettable experience.