A method for providing touch screen-based user interface and a portable terminal adapted to the method are provided. The method includes setting types and display order of icons to be displayed on a touch screen, sensing a touch input to the touch screen, measuring a time that the touch input is retained on the touch screen, and displaying at least one icon, in an order, according to the measured touch input retaining time and the set types and display order of icons. The touch screen-based user interface providing method can allow a user to easily search for and operate a corresponding function, via a relatively small number of touch inputting actions, thereby enhancing the user's experience while the user is using the portable terminal.