7 Days Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon & Porto
This 7-day itinerary explores the highlights of Portugal, focusing on Lisbon and Porto. It balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly trip.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
43
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Portugal (3d), Porto (4d)
Pace
Fast
Portugal offers a rich tapestry of history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, all at an affordable price. From exploring historic cities to indulging in delicious cuisine, Portugal provides a diverse and memorable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 15 of 15 must-have experiences
A Cathedral
Day 1: Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
A Monastery
Day 2: Jerónimos Monastery
A Castle/Palace
Day 2: Belém Tower
A Bridge
Day 4: Dom Luís I Bridge
A Food Market
Day 3: Lunch at Time Out Market
Wine Tasting
Day 4: Port Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting
Fado Music
Day 1: Dinner at a Traditional Fado Restaurant
Azulejo Tiles
Day 5: São Bento Train Station
A Tram Ride
Day 2: Tram 15 to Belém
A Viewpoint
Day 1: Miradouro de Santa Luzia
A River Cruise
Day 4: Port Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting
Pastel de Nata
Day 2: Pastéis de Belém
A Unique Bookstore
Day 5: Livraria Lello
Francesinha
Day 5: Lunch at a Francesinha Restaurant
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 2: Jerónimos Monastery
Portuguese cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, hearty meats, and simple, high-quality ingredients. From savory stews to delectable pastries, Portugal offers a diverse culinary experience that caters to various tastes. Be prepared for generous portions and a love of olive oil!
Must-Try Dishes
A signature sandwich from Porto, consisting of various meats (steak, sausage, ham) covered in melted cheese and a rich tomato and beer sauce. It's a substantial meal, often served with fries.
📍 Porto, specifically cafes and restaurants specializing in Francesinhas
A creamy custard tart with a flaky pastry crust, often sprinkled with cinnamon. It's a quintessential Portuguese treat, perfect with coffee.
📍 Pastelarias (pastry shops) throughout Portugal, particularly Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon
Shredded salt cod scrambled with thinly fried potatoes, onions, and eggs, garnished with black olives and parsley. It's a classic comfort food dish.
📍 Traditional Portuguese restaurants across the country
A flavorful seafood rice dish, similar to paella, packed with various shellfish like shrimp, mussels, and clams, cooked in a tomato-based broth. It's a celebration of the sea.
📍 Seafood restaurants, especially near the coast
Food Neighborhoods
Traditional Portuguese cuisine and Fado houses
Diverse range of restaurants and nightlife
Seafood and riverside dining
Fresh seafood and cataplana dishes
Vegetarian options are becoming more common, especially in larger cities, but it's helpful to know the word 'vegetariano'. Vegan options are less prevalent, but salads and vegetable soups are usually available. For halal options, look for restaurants catering to the Muslim community, particularly in Lisbon and the Algarve. Gluten-free options are also becoming more common; ask for 'sem glúten'. Always inform your server about any allergies.
Wait to be seated at restaurants. It's customary to say 'Bom apetite' before starting your meal. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% is common for good service. Bread and olives are often placed on the table and charged, even if you didn't order them; you can politely decline if you don't want them. Meals are often enjoyed at a leisurely pace, especially lunch.
Santo Antonio Festival
Festas de LisboaMonth-long celebration with sardines, street parties, and traditional music in Lisbon.
Note: Book early for mid-June
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take a taxi or metro to your hotel in Alfama.$5-10 (transport)
2:00 PM - Arrive in Lisbon & Check-in
Arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS), take the metro or Aerobus to your accommodation in the city center. Check in and leave your luggage.
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- 🚶Explore Alfama on foot, as it's a walkable neighborhood.FREE
3:30 PM - Alfama Exploration
Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district. Get lost in the charming alleys and soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Alfama to Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa).$6
5:00 PM - Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Visit Lisbon Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece. Admire its architecture and learn about its history. Arrive early to avoid lines.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Lisbon Cathedral to Miradouro de Santa Luzia.FREE
6:30 PM - Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Enjoy panoramic views of Alfama and the Tagus River from this beautiful viewpoint. It's a perfect spot for taking photos.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Miradouro de Santa Luzia to Tasca do Chico for dinner.$20-30
8:00 PM - Dinner at a Traditional Fado Restaurant
Experience the soulful sounds of Fado music while enjoying a traditional Portuguese dinner. 'Tasca do Chico' is a good budget-friendly option.
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Alfama
Historic district with Fado houses and close to many attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The weather is generally mild and sunny, with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Rainfall is less frequent than in winter, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
April-May and September-October are shoulder seasons, offering a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
Check for public holidays as shops and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed.
Getting Around
Lisbon has metro, trams, and ferries; CP trains connect cities
Viva Viagem / Lisboa Card
Get a Viva Viagem card for Lisbon transit. Tram 28 is scenic but often crowded.
Travel
$150-250 (Intercity train/bus, local transport)Accommodation
$280-420 (7 nights at $40-60/night)Food
$210-350 (7 days at $30-50/day)Activities
$60-180 (Entrance fees, tours)Eat at 'Prato do Dia' (dish of the day) or 'Menu do Dia' for lunch. These are often hearty, delicious, and significantly cheaper than dinner.
Utilize public transport extensively in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Consider a multi-day pass (e.g., Viva Viagem card in Lisbon) for cost-effective travel.
Indulge in a Fado show with dinner in Lisbon or Porto. While touristy, it's a unique cultural experience worth the cost if you choose a reputable venue.
Take a full-day wine tour in the Douro Valley. It's a picturesque region and an immersive experience for wine lovers, often including tastings and lunch.
Grab your morning coffee and pastry ('bica' and 'pastel de nata') standing at the counter of a 'pastelaria' or 'café' for a quick, authentic, and much cheaper experience than sitting down.
Look for restaurants in less touristy neighborhoods or slightly off the main thoroughfares. You'll often find more authentic food at better prices.
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases.
- Utilize public transportation for cost-effective travel.
- Purchase a Lisboa Card or Porto Card for discounts on attractions and transportation.
- Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Try the local specialties, such as Pastéis de Belém and Francesinha.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for good service.
- Embrace the laid-back Portuguese lifestyle and enjoy the moment.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Light jacket or sweater (even in summer)
- 3Rain gear (especially during shoulder seasons)
- 4Sunscreen and hat
- 5Reusable water bottle
- 6Travel adapter
- 7Camera or smartphone for photos
- 8Phrasebook or translation app
- 9Small backpack for day trips
- 10Copies of important documents
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak season (June-August) or popular events, to secure better prices and availability.
Train Tickets (long-distance)
For routes like Lisbon-Porto or Faro, book via CP.pt 1-2 months ahead for cheaper promotional fares (e.g., Alfa Pendular).
Rental Car
If planning to explore rural areas or the Algarve, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for summer, to ensure availability and better rates.
Popular Attractions & Tours
Book timed entry tickets for sites like Pena Palace (Sintra), Jerónimos Monastery (Lisbon), and popular Fado shows or Douro Valley wine tours 2-4 weeks ahead to avoid queues and ensure availability.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your trip to cover unforeseen circumstances like cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
eSIM or International SIM Card
Purchase and activate an eSIM or research local SIM card options before departure to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Vodafone stores at the airport or in city centers
📍 MEO stores at the airport or in city centers
📍 My Webspot website (pre-order and delivery to your hotel)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Many public spaces, such as parks and squares, also offer free WiFi, though the connection speed may vary.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM for reliable and affordable data access. Check if your hotel offers free WiFi and its quality. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Be mindful of data usage if relying solely on WiFi.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
5–10% or round up
Round up to nearest euro
€1 per bag
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave change on the table.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Portugal is generally a safe country with a low crime rate. Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
112
112
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash useful at smaller restaurants and markets
Widely accepted; MB Way popular locally
Common
Cards work at most places. Carry small cash for markets and tascas.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
April-May and September-October offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. The summer months (June-August) are hot and crowded, while the winter months (November-March) can be rainy and cooler.
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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