With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Portugal packs a remarkable amount of adventure into just seven days, making it perfect for busy travelers. Follow this meticulously crafted itinerary to explore iconic cities, indulge in local cuisine, and soak up breathtaking coastal views without missing a beat.
Start your journey in Lisbon, Portugal's capital, known for its hilly terrain and impressive architecture. Arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and take the Aerobus (6€ or approx. $7) to the city center, alighting at Praça Marquês de Pombal. Consider staying at the Lisboa Marriott Hotel in the Areeiro neighborhood (rates from €150 or $160 per night), which offers convenient metro access.
After check-in, head to the historic Alfama district. Stroll through its narrow, winding streets, and visit the stunning Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), free to enter. Enjoy dinner at A Tasca do Chico, a traditional fado restaurant at Rua do Diário de Notícias 115, where you can savor dishes like bacalhau à brás (cod) for around €12 ($13). Cap off your night with a drink at Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a scenic viewpoint offering a great sunset view over the Tagus River.
Dedicate your second day to discovering Lisbon's iconic sites. Begin your morning at the Belém district, taking the tram 15E from Praça da Figueira (around €3 or $3.20). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jerónimos Monastery (entrance fee €10 or $11), and try the famous pastéis de nata (custard tart) at Pastéis de Belém (costing around €1.20 or $1.30 each).
Next, hop back on tram 15E to visit the stunning Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), which costs €6 ($6.50) to enter. Later, return to downtown Lisbon and explore the bustling Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods. For lunch, grab a bifana (pork sandwich) at O Trevo (around €3 or $3.20) before heading to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (tiles museum) for a glimpse of Portugal's rich ceramic history (entrance €5 or $5.50). In the evening, take the Santa Justa Lift (costing €5 or $5.50) for panoramic views of the city.
On Day 3, take a day trip to Sintra, a picturesque town located just 30 kilometers from Lisbon. Catch the Sintra train from Rossio Station (round-trip fare €5.40 or $6) to explore its fairy-tale palaces. Start with the colorful Pena Palace, which charges €14 ($15) for entry and offers stunning views from its hilltop location. Don't miss the Moorish Castle nearby, costing €8 ($8.50) to enter.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at Tascantiga, located at Rua Dr. Alfredo da Costa 19, where tapas range from €3 to €5 ($3.20 to $5.40) each. Spend your afternoon exploring the Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with gardens and mysterious initiatory wells. Entrance costs €10 ($11). Return to Lisbon in the evening and have a casual dinner at Time Out Market, where you can sample Lisbon's best street food in one location.
Prepare for a journey to Portugal's second city, Porto. Start your morning with a quick breakfast at Café A Brasileira before catching a train from Santa Apolónia Station to São Bento Station (tickets about €24 or $26 each way, 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into the Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel, with rates starting at €120 ($130).
Explore the historic Ribeira district, known for its colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and take a stroll along the Douro River. For lunch, enjoy a Francesinha at Café Santiago (around €9 or $10), Porto's famous sandwich. In the afternoon, tour the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (entrance fee €5 or $5.50, redeemable with a purchase), before sampling port wine at one of the local cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, such as Sandeman (tasting fee from €15 or $16). Spend your evening enjoying a riverside dinner at Restaurante Ode Porto Wine, where dishes typically range from €20 to €40 ($22 to $44).
Spend your second day in Porto exploring the city's rich history and culture. Begin at the Bolsa Palace (Palácio da Bolsa) for a guided tour (entrance fee €10 or $11). Next, visit the São Bento Train Station to see its stunning azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting historical scenes. For lunch, stop by Mercado do Bom Sucesso, a food market with diverse offerings, from fresh seafood to gourmet sandwiches, where meals average around €7-€15 ($7.50-$16).
After lunch, take the tram to the beach at Matosinhos, where you can relax or walk along the shore. Grab dinner at O Rápido, known for its fresh seafood, with main dishes starting at €10 ($11). Return to Porto in the evening and visit the Livraria Lello again if you didn’t get to fully explore it the previous day. End your day with a nightcap at one of the local bars, like Rua da Galeria de Paris, which offers a bustling nightlife atmosphere.
On Day 6, embark on a day trip to the stunning Douro Valley, known for its terraced vineyards. Book a wine tour in advance, like the one offered by Douro Valley Wine Tours (around €85 or $90 per person), which includes transportation, wine tastings, and lunch. Depart from Porto early in the morning, and enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes as you drive through the region.
During the tour, visit some renowned Quintas (wine estates), like Quinta do Seixo, where you can learn about the port wine-making process and sample various wines. After your tastings, enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch featuring regional delicacies. Return to Porto in the evening and unwind with a leisurely dinner at Taberna da Ribeira, where meals cost around €15-€25 ($16-27). Don’t forget to try the local dish bacalhau à brás.
On your last day, take some time for last-minute explorations in Porto. Visit the iconic Clérigos Tower (entrance fee €6 or $6.50) for panoramic views of the city. Then, stroll through the historic streets, stopping at the Bolhão Market to pick up some local products or souvenirs. For lunch, indulge in a light meal at Manteigaria for a delicious pastéis de nata (around €1.20 or $1.30) before heading to the airport.
Book an Uber to Porto Airport (costing approx. €20 or $22) for convenience. If time allows, enjoy a final coffee at Café Majestic, where the ambience is steeped in history. Your week in Portugal will have been a whirlwind of culture, cuisine, and captivating scenery, setting the stage for your next adventure.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobus from Lisbon Airport | €6 | Approx. $7 to the city center. |
| Entrance to Jerónimos Monastery | €10 | Approx. $11 |
| Francesinha at Café Santiago | €9 | Approx. $10; Porto's signature sandwich. |
| Sandeman Port Wine Tasting | €15 | Approx. $16; includes a guided tour. |
| Douro Valley Wine Tour | €85 | Approx. $90; includes tastings and lunch. |
| Clérigos Tower Entrance Fee | €6 | Approx. $6.50 for panoramic views. |
| Lisboa Card (24 hrs) | €20 | Approx. $22; unlimited transport and free entries. |
Use this rough planner to sanity-check the total trip cost before you lock flights, hotels or activities.
The best time to visit Portugal is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are smaller. Lisbon and Porto experience a range of activities and festivals during these months, making it ideal for exploration.
Both cities have efficient public transport systems. In Lisbon, use trams, buses, and the metro, while Porto has a reliable metro system and trams. Consider investing in a transport card (Lisboa Card in Lisbon, Andante card in Porto) to save on travel costs and enjoy unlimited access within set timeframes.
Traveler comments
Add a route note, correction, timing tip or question for this guide.