Begin your day by exploring the picturesque city center of Viseu. Take a stroll around the Rossio and Avenida Emidio Navarro, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the 16th-century cathedral and the Misericordia Church. Visit the Grao Vasco Museum, where you can admire the works of Vasco Fernandes, one of Portugal's greatest painters. The Museum of Sacred Art and the Bishop's Palace also offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's ecclesiastical history. End your day by enjoying a glass of traditional wine at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Rossio.
Head out to the stunning natural park of Serra da Estrela, where you can enjoy an array of outdoor activities. Take a scenic drive through the mountains, hike one of the many trails, or go horseback riding. You can also visit the Glacier Valley, the Covão d'Ametade, and the Torre summit. In the winter months, skiing and snowboarding are also popular activities in the park. End your day by returning to Viseu to treat yourself to some traditional Portuguese cuisine at Mesquita do Gato or Solar do Vinho do Dão.
Experience the best of the Dao wine region by embarking on a scenic drive through the valleys of the river Dao. Visit the charming towns of Santa Comba Dao and Nelas, where you can learn about the region's wine-growing history and enjoy a tasting of the local wines at one of the many vineyards. The well-known Casa da Insua mansion is also worth a visit, where you can explore the beautiful gardens and sample some traditional port. End your day by returning to Viseu, where you can catch a live music performance at the Teatro Viriato.
While Viseu is a walkable city, you may want to rent a car or take a taxi to explore the neighboring regions. Expect to pay €50-€100 per day for car rentals, with gas prices averaging around €1.50 per liter. Taxi rides within the city center cost around €5-€10. Public transportation is also available, with bus and train fares costing around €2-€5 per route.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the medieval city of Coimbra, which is just a 45-minute drive from Viseu. You can visit the Coimbra University, the oldest in Portugal, and the Biblioteca Joanina, a beautifully ornate baroque library. If you have less time, consider cutting down on any of the outdoor activities in Serra da Estrela or skipping the wine tasting in the Dao region.
The nearest airport to Viseu is the Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport in Porto (OPO), which is about a 90-minute drive from the city center. The airport is served by many international airlines, with flights arriving regularly from major European and international cities.