Portugal Itinerary: 7 Days in Lisbon and Porto

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It seems that Portugal is the “hot spot” country to visit, and lucky me, I live here now!

Having spent months all up and down the coastline, here’s my best Portugal itinerary around Lisbon and Porto for 7 days – local restaurants and tips to really make this itinerary a complete guide!

I took the same route with my friends, so you can bet I’ve optimized the heck out of this itinerary so you can learn from our mistakes and go to all my favorite spots. 🤗

I’ll be honest, this is a bit of a bucket list itinerary that covers a lot of the highlights, so be prepared for a bit of a full schedule – full of sights, good food, lookout points, and tons of walking (because both cities are notoriously hilly).

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Portugal Itinerary: 7 Days in Lisbon and Porto

Along the way, I’ll share how to slow it down if you’re a more easy-going traveler, my favorite restaurants (curated from my local friends and tested by yours truly), tell you where to see the best Fado show, and a few little cultural tidbits I learned traveling through Portugal about the food and the people.

Day 1: Lisbon Highlights & Night Out

While there are a ton of things to do and see in Lisbon, we started our morning on the outskirts and worked our way into the old town by the evening for a night out in the streets of Alfama (old town neighborhood).

After breakfast, we took an über to Torre de Belem, and walked around the coast until the Monument of Discoveries – you can’t miss it, it’s a huge (almost too masculine) sculpture in honor of the many lands and peoples the Portuguese empire conquered in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Revisionist History: Is it just me, or does history remember Portugal as a bunch of really savvy pirates that expertly navigated the sea but couldn’t be bothered to transform their winnings into a lasting empire?

From the Monument, we crossed the street towards Jeronimo Monastery, one of the prettier churches in Lisbon. There are usually long lines to go inside, but I much rather prefer walking across the street to get those famous Belem Pasteis de Nata! I love those delicious little custards!

PRO TIP: Wait in the “to-go line” because it moves fast. Get a few pasteis, and then go across the street in the park to enjoy – it’s way more peaceful this way.

We then took another Uber to LX Factory for lunch and an afternoon of lazy shopping. LX Factory is an old converted textile factory that is now filled with restaurants, live music, tiny shops, and boutique stores.

At this point, after beers. lunch and shopping, it was time for a shower and a nap – we did this trip in the heat of summer. After naps and a refreshed mood, we made our way toward Alfama to get a picture with the famous little yellow tram – I love this spot because the background is of the river!

PRO TIP: Dinner at Faz Frio is a MUST – so freakin good and locals hang out there, no reservation is needed, but you might have a bit of a wait.

At night, we stumbled upon street festivals for San Joao and ended up bar hopping and walking the streets of Lisbon till around 2 am (comfy shoes recommended – remember the hills)!

Day 2: Food, Viewpoints, and Fado

On our second day, we headed over to the other side of the river to an amazing little restaurant for lunch called Ponto Final. While you can also go for dinner and sunset, it was booked out weeks in advance so we took our shot on first come first serve, and were there right as the restaurant opened for lunch service at 12:30 pm.

PRO TIP: To get to Ponto Final in the town of Almada across the river, you will have to go to the Port of Lisbon and ask where to buy the ferry ticket to Cais do Sodre. From there, it’s a 20-minute ferry ride. When you get off the ferry, just take a right and walk along the river for 10 minutes until you reach the restaurant.

After lunch, I recommend walking around Chiado during the day, visiting Arco da Rua Augusta, the famous Pink Street, and then happy hour snacks at Time Out Market.

After an afternoon shower and nap (as one does), we made our way to Santa Luiza viewpoint for sunset and a few cocktails before our Fado show.

A Fado show is a traditional Portuguese melody of longing that women would use to sing as their men set off to sea. My favorite show was at Clube do Fado – you will have to call them and book the dinner and show ahead of time. The great part about Fado shows is that it’s a full-on cultural experience, and so the dinner service, which is included in the prices, will be traditional Portuguese food.

Day 3: Sintra Castles & Gardens

Today is a day trip to the little town of Sintra, known for those romantic-looking colorful castles and gardens that you always see on Instagram. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site – so beauty and culture all in one!

You can catch the train to Sintra from Rossio Train Station (or Oriente) all the way to the end of the line, the Sintra stop. Trains depart every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. You can book tickets for the day for about €3 each way at the little kiosk in the station – no need to book anything ahead of time.

PRO TIP: Take a UBER from Lisbon to Sintra. It’s only going to be about $25 one way, and it’s so worth the hassle of not messing with public transportation just yet! All the things in Sintra open around 9:30 am.

So the best way to do this is to start at the top of the hill with the most famous spots first before the tourist encroach on your pictures. You will effectively work your way down the hill to the village for lunch, ginjinhas (Portuguese cherry liquor), and fire-roasted sausages before heading back to Lisbon.

Here’s how to structure your day, in this order:

• Pena Palace (book tickets online or get tickets there): One of Portugal’s most iconic palaces, known for its colorful and eclectic architecture.
• Quinta da Regaleira (book tickets online for a specific hour): A mysterious and enchanting estate with beautiful gardens, underground tunnels, and symbolic architecture.
• Sintra Old Town: Super cute little streets and town to grab lunch – try Bacalhau na Vila for some traditional Portuguese dishes.
• Castelo dos Mouros: A historic castle with impressive walls and towers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This was a meh for me, since I think the best views are from Pena Palace.

PRO TIP: You’ll want to book tickets ONLINE in advance to these spots if you’re going during peak season. Most entry fees should be about €15-20.

Day 4: A Beach Day In Cascais

Today is a relaxed day on the beach in the cute (albeit wealthy) town of Cascais. Did you know that this is where Portuguese royals from Lisbon would come to vacation?!

The most convenient and popular option to get from Lisbon to Cascais is by train. You can catch the train from the Cais do Sodré train station in Lisbon – the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.

Our trip to Cascais was super chill – we packed towels, water, a cute dress, and comfy shoes and were off!

Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha are two of Cascais’ most popular beaches. Spend however long you want taking a swim, or simply relaxing on the shore. Praia da Rainha is especially picturesque, known for its small cove and stunning views.

Fun Fact: There’s always a game of ‘foot volleyball’ on the beach, which is sort of quirky to watch!

For lunch, I recommend the grilled sardines at Tasca da Vila. You will notice a lot of locals and old people eating here, so you know it’s good!

Day 5: Travel to Porto via Coimbra

Today is a travel day from Lisbon to Porto. We actually ended up renting a car because it was cheaper for 2 people than the train back and forth. We also wanted the flexibility to stop in Coimbra and do a little day trip from Porto that last day.

PRO TIP: I still think it’s easier to take the train from Lisbon to Porto, especially for such a short time.

The drive up to Porto takes about 4-5 hours, but because we stopped along the way, it took almost the whole day! No regrets though, as it was a fun road trip, the roads were great, and the music we jammed was on point.

Some of Coimbra’s notable landmarks include the Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha), a Romanesque cathedral with commanding views of the city, the Monastery of Santa Cruz, which houses the tombs of the first two Portuguese kings, and the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery, a former monastery complex dating back to the 14th century.

When we finally got to Porto, we had dinner out at the most amazing pizza spot, MUTI. It’s next to a cute little plaza, so we just spent the night unwinding and having some beers.

Day 6: Porto Highlights

Porto is such a different vibe from Lisbon. It’s smaller, more eclectic, moodier, and more hipster.

If Lisbon is San Francisco, Porto might be Oakland. Don’t quote me on that, but the cities are different enough to where you’ll likely have a favorite.

Start your day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast – grab a pastry or a simple “tosta mista” (toasted ham and cheese sandwich) and a cup of coffee or fresh orange juice (the oranges are insanely delicious in Portugal).

Coffee in hand, head over to Livraria Lello, a super cute little bookstore with pretty architecture, intricate wooden details, and a grand staircase. This is maybe a 30-minute little visit.

Then wander down to the historic Ribeira district, located along the Douro River. This area is known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and busy atmosphere. You can take a stroll along the riverfront, enjoy the views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, or take a boat tour on the Douro River (we didn’t, but it’s an option).

Stop by São Bento Railway Station, known for its magnificent (in all senses of the word) tilework depicting scenes from Portuguese history. It’s a great spot for some architectural appreciation and picture-taking.

Then, to give you an appetite, climb the Clerigos Tower for panoramic views of the city. Adjacent to the tower is the Clerigos Church, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.

Lunch anywhere in the city. Try some “francesinha,” a hearty sandwich made with layers of cured meats, sausage, and cheese, smothered in a rich gravy (I cannot believe they use sliced American bread for this, but apparently it’s the best for soaking up the gravy flavor).

Of course, by now, it’s late afternoon, and a nap or a long walk to digest the food will be necessary.

After naps and refreshing ourselves, we headed back out across the river to Vila Nova da Gaia to catch the sunset at Jardim do Moro, followed by dinner in that same area at Bacalhoeiro, where of course, we sampled port and a whole lot of meat dishes.

In the evening, Ribeira comes alive. We ended the day with a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade and bar-hopped our way up the hill to our hotel.

Day 7: Gems Around Porto

For the last day, there are a few options for day trips around Porto.

Option 1: Douro Valley Wineries

🍷 I recommend this Small Group Tour With Lunch + Boat Tour 🍷

Option 2: Costa Nova & Aveiro

We actually did a little day trip to Aveiro (the Venice of Portugal) and Costa Nova, made famous by the cute little striped houses along the small fishing village. It’s a 45-minute car ride from Porto and we spent the day walking around, relaxing on the beach, taking pictures, eating and drinking.

• Cortegaca Church – Super pretty blue tilework, in the middle of nowhere on the way to Aveiro
• Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria – Colorful tilework church
• Aveiro – Walk around the old town, grab a coffee and lunch, and take pictures around the pier where all the young couples go to makeout at night 🙂
• Costa Nova – Park your car and then walk along the row of colorful houses! Recommend a bit of a beach afternoon, then O Cais for some dinner right next to the little houses.

Option 3: Explore more of Porto

You can also head back to Lisbon to end your trip.

If You Have More Or Less Time?

If you have more time, I would add 3-4 days to explore the Algarve region of Portugal in the south. I spend a few months on the beaches and in Lagos, and there’s nothing like sunsets, beach days, and small-town Portuguese life to calm the spirits.

Another option if you have more time is to book a quick, 1-hour flight to the island of Madeira from Lisbon and spend a long weekend hiking, eating, and exploring a whole different side of the Portuguese lifestyle. Madeira is so easy to get to from Lisbon and so beautiful, it reminded me of Kauai in Hawaii.

If you have less time, I would combine Sintra and Cascais into a one-day trip, as they are close together. This will save you a day on your itinerary, effectively giving you 3 days in Lisbon and 3 days in Porto.

Where To Stay In Lisbon & Porto

Lisbon and Port are both hilly cities. I like to stay in neighborhoods that are near the old town center, but not smack down in the middle, just because it can get loud and crowded in the tourist centers..

Plus, the prices can be exorbitant, and nearby neighborhoods are a 5-10 minute walk from everything anyway.

Best Neighborhoods In Lisbon

I would stay in Bairro Alto or Chiado, and if you really want to be in the thick of it and carry your luggage up and down hundreds of stairs, check out the old town of Alfama.

📍Lisboa Carmo Hotel – a great neighborhood in Chiado, but still quiet.
📍Cute Little Apartment – love the light in this spot, plus it has an elevator (which is nice for Lisbon stairs)

Best Neighborhoods In Porto

Porto is quite small, and my recommendation is to stay anywhere near the Jardim da Cordoaria for good parking, walking distance to everything, but not quite on the noisy riverfront.

📍 One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12 – Perfect spot for a few nights, walking distance to all the attractions in the itinerary.
📍 Cocorico Luxury House – Porto – for a more glitzy feel and a bit lower down the hill, this is a fantastic boutique hotel.

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How To Get Around Portugal

To get around Portugal, you have several transportation options depending on your preferences and budget. For this itinerary, I recommend doing it via public transport and train, simply because it’s a short itinerary and both cities are super walkable.

PRO TIP: If you’re traveling in a group of 2 or more people, it might be cheaper to rent a car from Lisbon to Porto than to take the train. Double-check the price comparisons for both. While this will give you the flexibility to visit the north at your own pace, just be mindful of parking in Porto. It’s not impossible, but it is an extra hassle.

Public Transportation

🚂 Trains

Portugal has an extensive and efficient train network operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal). Trains are a great option for traveling between Lisbon and Porto. I don’t recommend it if you’re heading south to the Algarve – a rental car is better in this case.

🚌 Buses

Buses are another reliable mode of transportation, especially useful in the little villages and towns, like Sintra, Cascais, and even Lisbon and Porto.

🚡 Metro and Trams

Lisbon and Porto have well-developed metro systems that are useful for getting around within these cities. Trams also operate in Lisbon, and yes, they are as cute and yellow as you are imagining.

Rental Cars

Renting a car provides the freedom to explore less accessible areas at your own pace. However, driving in city centers like Lisbon and Porto is a nightmare and parking is damn near impossible.

When I rent a car, which is nice to have for the Porto areas and the Algarve, I try to park it a bit on the outskirts of town or in a garage near my accommodation and just use it when I’m going on day trips.

➡️ I use Discover Cars to check the best prices! ⬅️

Taxis and Uber

Taxis are available in most cities and towns. Ride-sharing services like Uber may also be an option in larger urban areas.

Domestic Flights

If you’re looking to cover long distances quickly, domestic flights can be an option. However, Portugal is a relatively small country, so flights are more commonly used for connecting the mainland to the islands (Azores and Madeira).

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Are 7 Days Enough for Lisbon and Porto?

I think 7 days is enough to hit the major points and highlights of both cities. This will give you enough of an idea of the vibe and character of each city so that when you come back, you can focus more deeply on the one that speaks to you.

Tips for making the most of your trip:

• Prioritize the attractions that interest you the most and create a flexible itinerary.
• Take advantage of walking tours to gain insights into the history and culture of each city.
• Use public transportation like trams, buses, and metro systems to move around.
• Leave some time for relaxation and spontaneous exploration to truly immerse yourself in the local atmosphere – embrace the liaise faire nature of the Portuguese!
• Be prepared for a ton of walking, as both cities have hilly terrain and historic areas that are best explored on foot.

While 7 days is a good starting point, remember that both Lisbon and Porto are big cities. You could live a year in each and still be discovering new gems.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Porto?

It depends on you! I prefer a more vibrant and happening city like Lisbon to Porto, but in a different time of my life, I might have answered differently.

Both cities offer unique vibes and experiences, so consider the following factors when making your decision:

✅ Cultural Diversity and Size

Lisbon is larger and more diverse due to its role as the capital city. It offers a wide range of cultural attractions, museums, historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife. If you prefer a larger city with more diverse activities and nightlife, you might want to spend more time in Lisbon.

✅ Historical Charm

Porto has a distinctive historic charm, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and strong connection to the history of port wine production. If you’re interested in exploring a city with a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, more “artsy”, you might want to dedicate more time to Porto.

✅ Food and Drink

Both cities have excellent food scenes, but the culinary specialties can vary. Lisbon is known for its seafood, pastries, and international dining options. Porto, on the other hand, is famous for hearty, meat-heavy Portuguese cuisine and its association with port wine.

✅ Wine

If you’re a wine enthusiast, Porto’s connection to the production of port wine might be a significant factor in your decision. Porto’s wine cellars and day trips into the Douro Valley for tastings provide a unique experience for wine lovers.

✅ Beaches

While neither city is directly on the ocean, Lisbon is closer to several beautiful beaches along the coast – Cascais being one of them. If beach time is important to you, Lisbon might be a better choice.

✅ Day Trips

Both cities offer opportunities for day trips to nearby attractions. Lisbon’s proximity to places like Sintra and Cascais, known for their stunning palaces and coastal beauty, might influence your decision. Porto is close to the Douro Valley, where you can explore vineyards and experience the scenic river landscape.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. This 7-day itinerary of both Porto and Lisbon should give you a sample of both cities so that you can make a more informed decision next time – because Portugal is worth a ‘next time’!

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Portugal?

Honestly, Portugal is a year-round amazing destination to visit.

In the summertime, the coast is the perfect place to be because it gets super hot – I would head down to the Algarve for a week. June especially brings the vibrant Sao Joao festivals across the country, with Porto being the liveliest spot.

In autumn, I think the Duoro Valley in the north and the cities are nice. Since it’s cooling down, might as well enjoy a Portuguese winery happy hour and some culture.

For a unique little winter spot in Portugal, Madeira (one of the pretty Portuguese islands) boasts some of Europe’s warmest mid-winters.

Spring is beautiful in the Alentejo and central regions, with wildflowers in bloom and cute little Portuguese villages to take it easy in.

Conclusion: Best Part of Lisbon & Porto in 7 Days

The best part about this Lisbon and Porto itinerary for 7 days is that it’s a sampling of all the highlights without killing yourself too much on the logistics.

After this week, you’ll know if you’re more of a Lisbon fan or a Porto fan. Next, you have to head down to the Algarve and add the famous Portuguese beaches to the mix!