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12 TOP THINGS to do in Ponta Delgada

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    Portugal is a beautiful country, with a range of attractive sites. Once you arrive in Ponta Delgada, you will undoubtedly be enchanted by the city’s beauty and mystique.

    Amble along with me as my Ponta Delgada blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Ponta Delgada.

    Going on a 3 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Ponta Delgada. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Let me share with you the best things to do in Ponta Delgada and tips to make the most out of your trip.

    1. Portas da Cidade – City Gates

    Portas da Cidade – City Gates is the only one of the few gates that formerly controlled access to the city that still remains.

    Today, it still stands as one of the entrances to the old town of Portas da Cidade – City Gates.

    The Portas da Cidade – City Gates has a beautifully carved exterior facade, with lot of detailing. You’ll still be able to view the original masonry when you pass through the old gate.

    Quick Facts:

    • The old town gate was built somewhere around 18th-century.

    Address: Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    2. Coal Caves

    With so much to offer, no wonder Coal Caves is one of the top things to do in Ponta Delgada.

    Address: Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    3. Museu Carlos Machado

    Museu Carlos Machado

    A museum located in Ponta Delgada displaying various cultural artifacts.

    The museum was established to serve the purpose of collecting and presenting the historical and cultural heritage of Ponta Delgada. I specially liked the colorful traditional costumes worn by men and women.

    Quick Facts:

    • Some of the things Museu Carlos Machado features include interesting taxidermy works.

    Address: Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    4. José do Canto Garden

    José do Canto Garden

    José do Canto Garden is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Ponta Delgada.

    This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.

    A riot of colour erupts in the spring and early summer. Stroll along the pathways and rest on the grassy areas, find your own spot of relaxation.

    An incredible sight, José do Canto Garden scores high in the list of the best things to do in Ponta Delgada.

    Address: R. Jose Do Canto, 9500-076 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    5. Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada

    Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada

    If you like to be active and explore things on your own, then make some time for Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada.

    Look over the edges to the sprawling cityscape in front of you, certainly a view worthy of a click. Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada makes for a great sunny day activity.

    Quick Facts:

    • Some of the things Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada features include military museum.
    • The fort traces its origin back to 1552.
    • The fort houses a museum of military history.

    Address: Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    6. Church of São Sebastião

    Church of São Sebastião

    Located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, Church of São Sebastião, is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces.

    The Oratory has a plethora of sculptures as well as a variety of exquisite frescoes. A donation at the entrance is optional but encouraged, since it will go towards the preservation of this piece of history.

    Quick Facts:

    • Some of the things Church of São Sebastião features include intricate wooden carvings in the inside.
    • The church was built somewhere around 16th-century.

    Address: Largo da Matriz 62, 9500-094 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    7. Portas do Mar

    Add it to your Ponta Delgada trip if you have time.

    Address: Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    8. São Pedro

    Quick Facts:

    • The belongs to the Parish faith, but is visited by others too.

    Address: Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-454 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    9. Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança

    If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Ponta Delgada trip.

    Address: Av.ª Roberto Ivens, 9500-238 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    10. Church of São José

    Church of São José

    This classical church is a must see no matter what your purpose for visiting Ponta Delgada.

    All in all this small church makes for a quick stop. Making a small donation is always appreciated.

    Quick Facts:

    • Built in Baroque style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.

    Address: Campo de São Francisco 11A, 9500-153 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    11. Conceição Palace

    Conceição Palace

    Conceição Palace is a majestic palace situated in the city of Ponta Delgada.
    Quick Facts:

    • Easy to get to Conceição Palace is located in central Ponta Delgada.
    • The palace was built somewhere around 19th-century.
    • Conceição Palace was also designated as national monument.

    If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Ponta Delgada trip.

    Address: Largo 2 de Março 26, 9500-244 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    12. Sahar Hassamain Synagogue

    Quick Facts:

    • The small synagogue is located at 16 Rua de Brum.
    • The small synagogue was opened on 1836.

    Address: R. do Brum, 9500-085 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Ponta Delgada. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Ponta Delgada for everyone.

    And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Ponta Delgada. So what are Ponta Delgada sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.

    ✓ You on Insta? 👍@triplyzer
    ✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
    ✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook

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