Close to the Atlantic Ocean, Aveiro has one of the finest seaports and beaches in Portugal. It is situated in the eastern side of the enticing Ria de Aveiro, a lagoon that runs 47 kilometers in length and expands 7 kilometers in width. Visitors to Aveiro can enjoy a boat ride in the lagoon that will treat them to a lovely time of angling and bird-watching. A stroll around the Mercado do Peixe or Aveiro’s popular fish market will acquaint tourist with local life. The market is busy at all hours as deep-sea fishermen sell their catch from the break of dawn, while at night, tourists, locals, and university students flock the nearby restaurant and bars.

Aveiro has three major canals which remind people of Venice. A boat trip to one of these canals will reveal an idyllic view of Art Nouveau or pastel-colored houses and building with facades embellished with attractive azulejos or ceramic tiles glazed with tin. Cods lining drying racks and moliceiros or boats used for seaweed gathering also greet the eyes, while the boat ambles along the canal.

Another lovely way to tour the old fishing town is by bicycle. Tourists can borrow them for free at the Bicicleta de Utilização Gratuita de Aveiro or BUGA. After every boat and bike ride, visitors can relax and enjoy a glass of Port and Aveiro’s traditional custard pastries, the trouxas de ovos and ovos-moles.

Aveiro’s famous tourist attraction is the museum built in 1911 inside Convento de Jesus. It contains the rose marble tomb of St. Joana, Aveiro's patron saint. She was the daughter of King Alfonso V, who renounced her royal life of wealth and privilege in 1472 to enter the convent. The museum also exhibits the portrait painted by Nuno Goncalves of the patron saint during the 15th century. Baroque Portuguese Art, sculptures and paintings are also featured in the museum.

Built in 1973, it has attracted thousands of students in Aveiro and has changed town life and culture. The town has changed from being a simple rustic fishing village to a more cosmopolitan town, but still retaining old medieval features, while incorporating the modern, industrial life.

It is both a cultural center that holds film festivals and a shopping mall that markets international and local products. It is located on the 2nd floor of a large 19th century building on the Canal Central. Live bands play on weekends and its recreational rooms, cafes, and fashionable boutiques make it an ideal place for all ages of people to chill and relax.

Aveiro offers an idyllic blend of the idyllic and cosmopolitan life and is a worthy holiday destination and place of residence.