Portugal is one of Europe’s most captivating countries. With its warm hospitality, charming cities, golden beaches, and rich cultural heritage, it offers everything a traveler could dream of — often at a fraction of the cost of other Western European destinations. In this 7-day itinerary, you’ll experience the soul of Portugal through two of its most iconic cities: Lisbon and Porto.
From riding yellow trams through Lisbon’s hills to sipping port wine by the Douro River in Porto, this travel plan is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, history, and flavor.
Why Visit Lisbon and Porto?
Portugal’s compact size and excellent transportation system make it easy to explore two major cities in just one week. Lisbon, the coastal capital, is known for its pastel buildings, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant nightlife. Porto, to the north, is smaller but rich in medieval charm and famous for its wine and riverside beauty.
Combining these two cities provides a well-rounded view of Portugal’s culture, cuisine, and character.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon – Welcome to Portugal
Arrival: Fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Use the metro or taxi to reach the city center — neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, or Alfama are great bases.
Morning:
- Settle into your accommodation
- Grab a coffee and pastel de nata at a local café
Afternoon:
- Walk through the Baixa district to admire Praça do Comércio
- Visit Rua Augusta Arch and enjoy the river views
Evening:
- Dinner in Cais do Sodré or Time Out Market
- Try dishes like bacalhau à brás, grilled sardines, or caldo verde
Overnight in Lisbon
Day 2: Explore the Heart of Lisbon
Morning:
- Ride the iconic Tram 28 through Alfama and Graça
- Visit Sé Cathedral and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for views
Afternoon:
- Head to Belém by tram or taxi
- Explore Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries
Snack Stop: Try the original Pastéis de Belém – warm, sweet, and unforgettable
Evening:
- Dinner in Alfama
- Enjoy live fado music at a traditional restaurant like Clube de Fado
Overnight in Lisbon
Day 3: Day Trip from Lisbon – Sintra or Cascais
Option A – Sintra (40 min by train):
- Visit Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
- Walk through fairytale-like gardens and mysterious grottos
- Stroll the old town and enjoy travesseiros pastries
Option B – Cascais (45 min by train):
- Relax on sandy beaches
- Bike to Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth cliff formation)
- Enjoy seafood with ocean views
Return to Lisbon in the evening
Overnight in Lisbon
Day 4: Lisbon to Porto – Travel Day + Intro to the North
Morning:
- Take a train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente Station to Porto Campanhã (approx. 3 hours)
Arrival in Porto:
- Check in near Ribeira, Cedofeita, or Aliados Avenue
- Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão or a riverside café
Afternoon:
- Walk down to the Ribeira district, explore narrow alleys and waterfront views
- Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a first glimpse of the city from above
Evening:
- Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores or Cantinho do Avillez
- Optional: Take a night river cruise or just relax with a port wine in Gaia
Overnight in Porto
Day 5: Porto Old Town and Wine Cellars
Morning:
- Start at São Bento Train Station to see its famous tiled murals
- Visit Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
- Explore Palácio da Bolsa and Igreja de São Francisco
Afternoon:
- Head back to Vila Nova de Gaia
- Tour port wine cellars like Sandeman, Taylor’s, or Graham’s
- Learn the history of port wine and enjoy a guided tasting
Evening:
- Dine on francesinha, Porto’s unique (and indulgent!) sandwich
- Take in the sunset from Jardim do Morro or Serra do Pilar Monastery
Overnight in Porto
Day 6: Day Trip to the Douro Valley
Morning:
- Take a day tour or rent a car for a trip to the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions
- Visit vineyards in Peso da Régua, Pinhão, or Lamego
Highlights:
- Boat ride on the Douro River
- Wine tasting and local lunch at a quinta (estate)
- Stunning terraced landscapes and photo ops
Evening:
- Return to Porto
- Light dinner and dessert at a riverside café
Overnight in Porto
Day 7: Final Explorations and Departure
Morning:
- Grab breakfast at Majestic Café or Fabrica Coffee Roasters
- Shop for local products: cork goods, ceramics, canned sardines, port
Afternoon Options (if time allows):
- Visit Serralves Museum & Park
- Relax at Foz do Douro, Porto’s coastal area
Departure:
- Fly from Porto Airport (OPO) or return by train to Lisbon
Budget Tips for One Week in Portugal
- Accommodation:
- Budget: €25–€60/night
- Mid-range: €70–€150/night
- Luxury: €180+
- Meals:
- Budget: €8–€15
- Mid-range: €20–€40
- Wine is often under €5/glass!
- Transport:
- Trains (Lisbon–Porto): €20–€30
- Metro and trams: under €2 per ride
- Taxis and Ubers: affordable and widespread
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
- Fall (September–October): Warm days, grape harvest season in Douro
- Summer (June–August): Festivals, beach weather, but more crowds
- Winter (November–February): Cooler, great for low-cost travel and cozy vibes
Essential Travel Tips
- Language: Portuguese (but English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Safety: Very safe for solo travelers and families
- Power Plug: Type F (European standard)
- Connectivity: SIM cards with data are cheap and easy to find
Must-Try Foods and Drinks
- Lisbon:
- Pastel de nata (egg custard tart)
- Bacalhau (codfish) in all its forms
- Ginjinha (cherry liqueur)
- Porto:
- Francesinha sandwich
- Tripas à moda do Porto (tripe stew)
- Port wine (white, ruby, tawny)
- Throughout Portugal:
- Piri-piri chicken
- Grilled octopus
- Fresh seafood and vinho verde wine
Final Thoughts: Discover the Soul of Portugal in One Week
A week in Portugal is just enough time to fall in love. You’ll wander ancient alleys in Lisbon, marvel at tile-covered buildings in Porto, cruise through vineyard valleys, and taste some of Europe’s best food and wine.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, this Lisbon-to-Porto route offers a full sensory journey — rich in history, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to stay with you long after you return home.
From the echo of fado music to the clink of a port wine glass by the river, Portugal knows how to make memories. Ready to plan your trip?