Perfect Porto and Lisbon Itinerary 2024

Recently, Portugal has been racking up awards and seems to be on everyone’s travel list. This is how to plan a Porto and Lisbon Itinerary.

It includes where to stay, what to do, and some recommendations for where to eat!

This itinerary is 7 days including travel.

So, it’s 5 days in Lisbon and Porto. The itinerary could easily be knocked down to 4 days. I’ll show you how.

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Lisbon and Porto Itinerary Overview

This itinerary starts in Porto and ends in Lisbon. It is easily reversed but, no matter what, it requires an open-jaw flight. To fly into and out of the same airport look at doing a day trip from Lisbon to Porto instead of traveling there.

Day 1- Arrive in Porto and explore some to combat the jet lag

Day 2- Explore Porto

Day 3- Transit to Lisbon. Stop in Aveiro and/or Coimbra

Day 4- Explore Lisbon: Belém

Day 5- Explore Lisbon: Alfama

Day 6- Day trip from Lisbon to Sintra

Day 7-Fly Home From Lisbon

Why Visit Portugal

When I started planning my trip to Portugal, I wasn’t sure what I would find to do. What a surprise when there was more to do than we had time for! Portugal has so much to do.

This itinerary won’t get you down to the beaches of the Algarve. You can’t see Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve in a week. I guess you could, but it would be a hectic trip. The weather was chilly in April, so I opted for Porto instead of Faro. Before making your final travel plans, look at all your options.

Portugal is very affordable. Do you want to see Europe but you’re worried about the cost? Portugal is the answer.

It’s closer to the US, so the flights are often cheaper, and you won’t go broke when you’re there. Train tickets were so cheap that I had to ask for clarification a few times!

Lisbon was a vibrant capital with lots to see and do. Porto was a laid-back city with Port wine and exceptional azulejo tilework.

Day 1- Arrive in Porto

Your flight will likely arrive in the morning. So, you’ll kick off this Porto and Lisbon itinerary fighting jet lag in Porto.

The subway system makes it easy to get to your hotel from the airport. Drop your luggage and freshen up if you can get in the room. Then, grab lunch.

This leaves a few hours to explore in the afternoon. Don’t plan too long of a day on arrival. You’ll probably get tired early.

Spend this day at the top of the hill or in the Ribeira district. It’s not a good idea to plan for both. Maybe you’ll have time, but probably not.

My itinerary will start with the attractions at the top of the hill.

Sé de Porto

Sé is the Portuguese word for cathedral. So, this is Porto’s cathedral.

The cathedral is a representation of the Gothic elements typical of many cathedrals. But, this one has something I’ve never seen anywhere else: azulejos. The blue and white tiles make this cathedral stand out.

The azulejo designs are elaborate and take an already beautiful cathedral to the next level. The church is still in use today, so be aware of mass, especially on Sundays.

It’s a lot of work to make these over-the-top works of art. The tile artist has to design and paint the scene on paper before transferring the design to the individual tiles. Finally, the tiles are put together like a puzzle on the wall.

Clergios Church and Tower

The tower of this church dominates Porto’s skyline. The church is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Entrance to the church is free.

Going up in the tower is one of the biggest attractions in the city. The 75-meter-high tower does provide an excellent view of the city. You just have to be willing to climb 200 steps, past 49 bells, to the lookout platform at the top of the tower.

Climbing the bell tower is €5.

Go on an Azulejos Search

There are three places I think you should look but you can find the tilework throughout the city.

São Bento Station

São Bento Station is the primary train station in Porto’s city center. It is covered in intricate azulejo tiles.

The station is magnificent to walk in when you’re entering or leaving Porto on a day trip. But you should visit the train station and look at the azulejos when you don’t have your luggage with you. It’s worth it.

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

This azulejo church is a 5-minute walk from São Bento Station. The church’s front steps are very photogenic because Azulejos decorate the main facade of the church at the top of them.

Igreja do Carmo

The Igreja do Carmo is one of the most beautiful facades in the city. One facade of this building is a giant azulejo masterpiece. Buses, trams, and cars drive by as you take in artistry along the site of the building.

But, I’d recommend you save this stop until day 2 of the itinerary. It’s just down the street from the Livraria Lello and Gryffindor fountain.

Day 2- Explore Porto

Even though you’ve already seen some of the sites, it’s not a bad idea to consider a walking tour.

To see as much of Porto as possible, look into this tour.  Make sure your tour starts at the top of the hill near the cathedral and goes down to the Ribeira district so you aren’t walking uphill.

The tour starts at the cathedral and then goes down to the Ribeira district. As a bonus, you’ll be walking downhill instead of uphill. For Harry Potter fans, check out a Harry Potter walking tour.

Livraria Lello

If you don’t see it on your walking tour be sure to check ot Livraria Lello on your own.

Surprisingly, this bookstore is one of the most popular things to do in Porto. Some of the bookstore’s magic is lost in the crowds but it is still worth seeing. Livraria Lello is one of the most interesting bookstores in the world. The central staircase, with its iconic red color, is stunning.

The story is that JK Rowling was a visitor when writing Harry Potter. But, on Twitter, Rowling denies she’s ever visited. Either way, it does give off an air of magic when you step inside.

You have to buy a ticket to enter the bookstore and you should pre-purchase them before you go. The ticket is only €5. If you purchase a book, you get €‎5 off of it!

The line will be long, but as you get closer, an employee will come to check the line for those who have electronic tickets. Show your ticket to move up in the line. I recommend a visit early in the morning.

Gryffindor Fountain

The Fonte dos Leões (Fountain of the Lions) is just up the hill from the bookstore. The winged lions surround the edge of a large fountain. It’s said these lions inspired the mascot in Harry Potter.
Surprisingly, the square wasn’t very crowded.

Remember the Igreja do Carmo I mentioned in the azulejos section? You can pretty much see it from the fountain. So, now is a great time to go look at that!

Ribeira

Make your way to the Ribeira district. This is the most well-known part of Porto. It sits along the Douro River. The beautifully tiled buildings line the water and hillside.

For lunch with a view, head to one of the restaurants along the water. Then, you should spend time walking around the water and looking into the stores in the area.

Wandering around the Ribeira district is one of the highlights of being in Porto. Spend as much time as you’d like taking in the view or walking through the streets.

Be on the lookout for the classic pastel de nata pastry for sale along the roads here.

Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge

After finishing in the Ribeira district, walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge. This bridge was built by a student of Gustavo Eiffel. It is a lovely piece of architecture. And, it conveniently gets you to the other side of the river with a view!

Vila Nova de Gaia 

After crossing the bridge you’ll be in Villa Nova de Gaia. This little town sits across the river from Porto. It offers excellent views of Riberia along with shops and port wine cellars!

This is the place to try port wine! There are bars and wine cellars throughout the city. You’ll find options for tours of the cellars or you can see by the water and sip on your wine.

No matter what, look for the flat-topped boats on the water. They were used to transport the wine to Porto from wineries upriver. Now, they are well-positioned for tourists to see them.

Day 3- Transit to Lisbon

Continue this Porto and Lisbon itinerary with a stop over as you make your way to Lisbon.

The easiest way is by train. The Alfa Pendular train takes 3 hours and is €32. From the center, you’ll take a train from São Bento station to Campanha. Then, you can pick up the AP train at Campanha.

Try to do some research to see which of the train stations in Lisbon makes the most sense. There are several stations and it can be confusing. Plan this before you go. I arrived in Santa Apolonia. If you get it wrong it won’t be a big deal; It just means more transit in Lisbon.

Trains run every few hours with about 9 total during the day. If you want more time in Porto, take a later train. If not, take an earlier train to get more time in Lisbon or make a stopover!

Aveiro

Aveiro doesn’t warrant a full-day trip but it is a nice quick stopover on your trip from Porto to Lisbon. You can store your luggage at the visitor center and the town is very walkable. It’s also bikable with a rented bike if you’re into that.

You can buy your tickets early and lock in your times or purchase as you travel so you aren’t held to a schedule.

Coimbra

Coimbra is another option for a stopover. This town is home to a beautiful university from the 14th century.

You could see both Coimbra and Aveiro on your trip to Lisbon but I wouldn’t recommend it. I tried and the day was crazy.

After you arrive at your hotel in Lisbon, eat dinner and get ready to see Lisbon the following day!

Day 4- Lisbon- Belém

Lisbon is a vibrant city. The capital of Portugal has so many things you can see and do. Plus, it’s well-positioned to take day trips to the surrounding towns.

My Porto and Lisbon itinerary gives you 2 days to explore Lisbon and one day to visit nearby Sintra. If you can spend more time in Lisbon there is plenty to keep you busy for 3 days or longer.

Belém is an area of Lisbon with some of the most important sites to see. It’s about 30 minutes outside of the historic center. Take the 15E tram for €3 way.

Remember, this is a good day to consider the 24-hour pass.

Belém Tower

Belém Tower opens at 10:00 a.m. and should be your first stop. It’s worth getting there early if you want some great photos before the crowds show up! Even at 9:30 a.m., the crowd was small enough to get a good picture.

A nearby kiosk sells the tickets. The entrance to the tower is €6. I recommend the combo ticket for the tower and the monastery at €10. You’ll want to see the monastery anyway and this is cheaper. You don’t have to go into the tower if you don’t want to but the outside is worth seeing.

Constructed in the 1500s, Belém Tower was the city’s entry point. All travelers and goods arriving by sea went through Belém Tower. It became a prison when it was taken by the Spanish.

Head to the Discoveries Monument

Next, head down the waterfront toward the Discoveries monument. Along the way, you’ll find food carts and restaurant stalls if you need to grab a snack.

The monument looks a bit like a boat. It depicts different Portuguese explorers on either side. Henry the Navigator is at the head of the boat depicted on the monument. He was the son of a Portuguese king and champion of Portuguese exploration. He is also credited with starting the slave trade so…

You can go up to the top of the monument but it isn’t a must-do.

Visit Jerónimos Monastery and the Church of Santa Maria

A tunnel goes under the busy street to take you from the monument to the monastery and church.

The monastery was built in the 1500s. It is incredibly elaborate. The monastery cloister is the most beautiful part of the tour.

There are two entrance lines. The line on the right enters the Church of Santa Maria. Touring the church is free. The building isn’t laid out like every other church you’ve seen. It’s designed to make it feel like it goes on forever.

This church is home to the tomb of Vasco de Gama. The first person to reach India by sea from Europe.

Next, join the left line to see the monastery cloister. If you didn’t buy the combo ticket earlier in the day buy your ticket for the monastery online while you wait in the queue.

The cloister is beautiful and you get a good view of the church from a balcony.

Eat lunch and try some Pastéis

Pastéis De Belém claims to be the home of the original Pastel de Nata. It is just down the road from the monastery.

Supposedly, the monks at the monastery used egg whites to starch their robes. So, they had an excess of egg yolks. There was also a sugar cane factory nearby. So, the monks combined the two and created a delicious pastry. Eventually, the original recipe was sold to this bakery that still makes the original pastel de nata.

Take a walking tour

Finish exploring what you’d like to do in Belém. After you’re done, head to the Praça do Comercio to start a walking tour of the city center.

I enjoyed the Rick Steves Europe walking tour of Lisbon. I like to pause a tour along the way and explore. If you find yourself tired after seeing Belém you can pause the tour and come back to it the next day. This tour takes you through Baixa and the Bairro Alto. It also gets a tram ride for you if that’s on your Lisbon bucket list!

To take the tour, download the app and the tour audio the night before at your hotel. Bring your headphones along.

It took me about 2.5 hours to take the tour. I stopped a lot and added some extra detours. But, I was exhausted at the end of the day! I should have paused the guide and taken a break.

But, if you’d like an in-person guide a walking tour is always an option.

Day 5- Lisbon- Alfama

Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon. The small streets have tight corners that make it impossible for new trams to get around. So, you’ll see old-style trams screeching their way along the tracks in Alfama.

Since public transit is more of a challenge in Alfama I prefer to start the day at the top of the hill and walk down as the day goes on.

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle looms over Lisbon. The 11th-century castle is perched on the top of the hill begging you to come to visit.

It opens at 9:00 a.m. daily. Tickets are €10, but there is no need to buy them early. The castle has an incredible view of the city.

Alfama

The castle is in the Alfama district so, as you leave, you’ll immediately begin walking through the most beautiful part of the city. I love to walk through neighborhoods like this.

It felt like Trastevere in Rome except on a hill.

Take your time walking through the cobblestone streets and alleys. Souvenir shops line the streets as well as local groceries or fruit markets.

When you feel like you’ve seen enough, head toward the Sé of Lisbon to visit the cathedral.

A Note on the Alfama Trams

Tram 28 is probably on every single itinerary you’ve seen for Lisbon. This iconic tram snakes its way through Alfama. The tram is straight out of the 1930s: bright yellow with wooden seats on the inside. Newer trams can’t make the journey up Alfama’s steep, narrow, windy hills, so the old tram is the only option.

You can take the E28 tram through some of the best parts of Lisbon to get to the castle. But, The trams are very crowded, and pickpockets target them. Get up early and ride the tram first thing. Go the whole route without getting off; otherwise, you’ll have to wait in long lines to get back on.

Alternatives include the E12 or E24 routes. The Elevador da Glória was enough for me.

Traveler’s Choice

After eating lunch, spend some time in the shopping district in Baixa or spend more time in Alfama. You may want to spend more time in areas you didn’t see as much on the tour… or finish your walking tour.

Tomorrow will be spent in Sintra. So, you won’t have time to see more of Lisbon tomorrow!

Day 6- Sintra

There is so much to see in Sintra that it would take more than a section of a post to fit it all in. I’ll do my best, though!

In addition to the town of Sintra, there are 4 main sites: Pena National Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, and Sintra National Palace.

If you’re willing to get up early, plan well, and walk a lot, you can see the sites in one day. If you want a slower day, you’ll need to pick 2. I think you should choose Pena National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

Visiting Sintra can be complicated. If you don’t want to self-plan your trip to Sintra, you can also take a guided tour.

Take screenshots of any tickets you pre-purchase. Cell service is spotty.

Pena National Palace

Start your day at Pena National Palace.

This is the only site you’ll visit that requires a timed entry ticket! Try to get the earliest slot of the day, if you can swing it. Make sure you get there on time. They’re sticklers.

A rideshare out to Pena National Palace to arrive around 9:00 a.m. is the least stressful way to start your day. The gardens are open at 9:00 and you have excellent views of the castle without the crowds. The castle opens at 9:30 a.m. Getting in early means you don’t get stuck behind a crowd of people.

For the public transit options, catch the train at Estação do Oriente in Lisbon. After the 45-minute ride, you arrive in the city of Sintra. Take a car or a tuk-tuk up to Pena Palace. There is also an option to take a bus.

Moorish Castle

After visiting Pena Palace you need to decide what else you want to see. To visit 3 sites head to the Moorish castle next. It’s a short walk from Pena Palace and keeps you on the downhill-only plan for the day.

The Moorish castle is open 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. The tickets aren’t timed so you can easily buy them online the day before. There are also kiosks near the site. Even at its busiest, this castle isn’t too crowded.

The Moors were in Portugal from the 8th century to the 12th century. So, this castle is old and is mostly ruins now. You can still walk on the walls, and climb in some of the towers.

The walls and towers provide an excellent view of Sintra. If the day will be rainy or foggy, skip this site. You won’t get to enjoy it.

We packed a lunch and ate in the Moorish castle. You can easily eat in old Sintra since you’ll walk right through it on your way down to Quinta Regaleira but not having to wait at a restaurant helped us.

Quinta da Regaleira

This estate was built in the 1800s. The estate house is unique and the gardens are incredible.

Again, you can buy tickets to Quinta da Regaleira before you visit. I don’t know that having the tickets saved much time but it made the day less stressful.

Start your visit going up to the Poço Iniciático (Initiation Well). Walk down the 6-story spiral well and then you’ll exit near some of the grottos and pools in the gardens. It’s a nice downhill walk through the gardens. Take your time. It’s a long day and these gardens are the best place to relax.

Only one floor of the estate house is open, so it was a quick visit, but it was worth walking in.

Sintra

After visiting Quinta da Regaleira, head down the road to the town of Sintra. You’ll see Sintra National Palace with its two white smokestacks. You can visit if you like. I wasn’t impressed. It was less ornate than the other places we’d seen. There was some fun tilework and ceiling decor. If we hadn’t just visited two outstanding locations it may have been better.

The town of Sintra is worth walking around. There are several souvenir shops and restaurants.

Try the Travesseiro pastry from Piriquita. Portuguese friends called them “little pillows of heaven.”

After finishing up in Sintra, head back to Lisbon for dinner.

Day 7 -Lisbon/Travel

Your flight will likely be early in the day. If not, visit something around your hotel before heading to the airport.

This is another time to look into the rideshare option. It wasn’t much more expensive to take a ride instead of the train. Plus, with the ride, it was faster and we didn’t have to lug our suitcases around.

Either way works though!

Getting Around Portugal

Like most of Europe, Portugal has an extensive train system. You can reach every destination I visited using the train and public transit systems. The trains are cheap in Portugal so, it’s an economical option as well.

You can rent a car and take a road trip through central Portugal. This was an option I considered. I appreciated that having a car would increase the flexibility of the trip. I think I would’ve seen more this way. However, it also increases the stress level. Driving from city to city is fine. Navigating and parking in small, old towns is very stressful. Also, tolls in Portugal are expensive; travel by train is much cheaper.

Getting Around Porto

Porto is easy to navigate. Subways and trams keep the city well connected. A funicular takes you up and down the hill in Ribeira. A funicular is a cable car that can go up very steep hills.

The subway system connects the airport to the city center. So, after you land making your way to your hotel to store your luggage won’t be difficult.

Even with the hills, Porto is still walkable. But, between the hills and being short on time, you should consider a transit pass.

Porto is divided into zones for public transit. Zone 2 covers central Porto. Your sightseeing will be in Zone 2.

Tickets are €1.20 per ride or €4.15 for a 24-hour “Andante” pass.

The Andante pass means you don’t have to think about transit but it isn’t a must-have for Porto.

The Porto City Card is also an option. Get admission to some sites and museums in addition to the pass for public transit. For a short stay in Porto, it’s not worth it.

Getting Around Lisbon

Much like Porto, Lisbon is a city of hills. The city has so much character and you should still see much of it by walking. But, be more selective in Lisbon; some of the hills are giants! You’ll want to be aware of your public transit options.

Wear comfortable shoes with sticky soles. I made the mistake of wearing a pair of loafers with slick bottoms to dinner one night and thought I would slide down the hill like I was ice skating!

Public Transit

The transit system in Lisbon is extensive and affordable. Trams, metros, buses, and even elevators and funiculars get you up the steepest of hills.

As of April 2022, the rides were €1.50, and a day pass was €6.40.

Get a Viva pass at a yellow stand near a metro station for €0.50, and refill it as you go. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay with exact change when you board. It’s not impossible but it is kind of a pain.

The daily transit pass is worth it on the days you go to Belém and Sintra.

You can also get the Lisbon City Pass which gives you admission to attractions (like those in Belém) and the public transit system.

Taxi and Rideshare

Rideshare apps (like Uber) are affordable in Portugal; it was often cheaper than transit for my group of 4. The Portuguese are reserved but friendly and easy to talk to. Getting to know the drivers who took us to Sintra and Mafra was entertaining because we were with them for so long.

If you take one of the official taxis, they are equally affordable. Don’t take an unofficial one, or you’ll likely get scammed and pay more than you should.

Where to stay In Porto

I find that staying near the railway stations is helpful if I don’t have much time in a city. Fortunately, São Bento station is in an excellent location. It’s also an attraction all on its own.

I stayed at the Intercontinental Porto using Hilton credits. The hotel is very nice and near São Bento Station. But, if I didn’t have credits I probably wouldn’t have splurged.

Since I’m celiac, I love apartment-style lodging, like the São Bento Residences. So, that’s where I’d land next time.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has so many options! There are three main areas to consider:

• Bairro Alto on the northwest side of Lisbon. This is the most medieval part of the city. It is also the part of the city with the most vibrant nightlife if that’s what you’re into. I think the serviced apartment hotels are a great option for a hotel.
  
• Alfama is on the east side of the city. It’s the oldest and, arguably most charming, part of the city. Old-style trams are the only public transit available in this area. It also gets popular with cruise ship tourists during the day. But, it is stunning if you can deal with those things. Apartments are available in Alfama but there are plenty of hotel options here too.
  
• Baixa is in the middle of the city center. It’s in between the hills of Bairro Alto and Alfama. This is the most centrally located spot and would be my pick if I returned to Lisbon. Again, serviced apartments are a great option here.

When to Visit Portugal

As with most cities, the shoulder season is the best time to visit. Portugal will be warm in summer. Trekking up the hills in the summer heat with the summer travel crowds doesn’t sound fun. Unless it’s your only option try to avoid a visit during the summer.

Fall and spring would be ideal seasons to visit. We visited in April and it was perfect. The crowds were thin, and the weather was amazing.

Enjoy your 7 days in Lisbon and Porto!

Portugal is a vibrant place to visit. I didn’t expect to love it! I hope you aren’t disappointed, I don’t know how you could be!

If you have more time

Spending an extra day in Porto or Lisbon is no problem! There are loads of fun day trip options.

From Porto, the medieval town of Guimarães with its imposing castle is the top pick.

From Lisbon, there are tons of options. Here are a few to get you started:

The Chapel of Bones in Évora

The Convento de Cristo of the Knights Templar in Tomar

The Golden Palace of Mafra