Portugal in 7 Days

Complete Itinerary: Lisbon, Sintra and Porto

📸 Best Photography Spots in Lisbon

Belém, Alfama, Viewpoints + crowd-free hours

Day 1-3: Lisbon (3 days)

Day 1: Alfama (old quarter), São Jorge Castle (€10), Santa Luzia Viewpoint (panoramic view FREE). Afternoon: Baixa/Chiado (downtown), Santa Justa Elevator (€5.30).

Day 2: Belém: Tower (€6), Jerónimos Monastery (€10), Discoveries Monument (€6). Try original Pastéis de Belém (€1.30 each) - long line but moves fast.

Day 3: Sintra day trip (train 40min €2.35). Pena Palace (€14), Quinta da Regaleira (€10), Cabo da Roca (westernmost point of Europe, FREE). FULL DAY required.

Day 4: Cascais or Óbidos

Option 1: Cascais (chic beach town, 40min train €2.35). Small town, walk the waterfront, lunch on fresh fish.

Option 2: Óbidos (medieval walled village, 1h bus €9). Walk atop the walls, try Ginjinha (cherry liquor) served in chocolate cups.

Day 5-7: Porto (3 days)

Train Lisbon-Porto (€25-35, 3h). Porto: Ribeira (colorful riverside), Dom Luís Bridge (FREE, walk upper level), Lello Bookstore (€5 entrance, credit toward book purchase - inspired Harry Potter).

Day 6: Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia (€10-15 tour + tasting). Douro River Cruise (€15-25, 1h) or 6 Bridges tour (€20, 2h).

Day 7: Foz do Douro (where river meets ocean), Bolhão Market, Clérigos Tower (€6). Last night: dinner with bacalhau + vinho verde.

💰 How Much Does Portugal Cost? Cheaper Than You Think!

Most affordable Western Europe destination - see real budget

See Costs →

Transportation

Lisbon: Metro €1.65/ride, 24h pass €6.80
Porto: Metro €1.35-2.50 by zones, 24h pass €7
Tram 28 Lisbon: Touristy but crowded, use early (7am)
Train Lisbon-Porto: Book in advance at CP.pt

Food

Daily special (Prato do dia): €8-12 (lunch starter+main+drink+coffee)
Pastel de nata: €1-1.50 (try EVERY day!)
Bacalhau (codfish): €12-20 per dish (national specialty)
Super Bock beer: €2-3 at bars
Wine: €3-8 bottle at supermarket, €15-30 at restaurants

Language and Culture

Language: Portuguese (similar to Brazilian but different accent). English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Tipping: Not mandatory but 5-10% appreciated for good service.

Safety: Very safe country! Watch for pickpockets on tram 28 and tourist zones.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Mar-May): Perfect weather, flowers, reasonable prices
Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot, crowded, expensive - but great beaches
Fall (Sep-Oct): Excellent weather, fewer tourists
Winter (Nov-Feb): Cold, rainy, BUT very cheap and empty