1 week Portugal travel itinerary

This Portugal itinerary will take you through its two most iconic cities: Lisbon and Porto, from exploring pastel-coloured streets and tasting world-famous custard tarts to sipping port wine by the Douro River.

🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & Exploring Alfama

Landing in Lisbon, the first thing that hits is the warm, salty air from the Tagus River. The airport is well-connected, and after a quick metro ride (or a cheap Uber or taxi for around £10), the first stop is Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most charming neighbourhood - check out some hotel options here!

In particular, we'd highly recommend Memmo Alfama. Perched on a hillside with an infinity pool overlooking the rooftops and river, this boutique hotel felt like a serene escape from the city’s hustle. However, be aware of the walk uphill to get there! It's certainly worth it once you get to the top and have a beautiful view over the city.

After checking in, feel free to start getting lost in Alfama’s winding alleyways. This neighbourhood feels frozen in time, with colourful laundry hanging from balconies and the distant sound of Fado music floating from hidden taverns. Strolling through, I stopped for a shot of ginjinha (cherry liqueur) from a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar, where an old man proudly poured homemade batches into tiny plastic cups. You'll find authentic spots all around Lisbon like this - it's a city that has kept a great deal of its heritage, despite becoming a more popular tourist destination.

Feel free to check out Walks, who offer a guided walking tour service around Lisbon if this is up your street (no pun intended!)

As you're heading towards sunset, there are a couple historic landmarks with stunning views, both of which we'd recommend, or feel free to choose one depending on your budget! You can book your tickets here!

• São Jorge Castle (€10, 1.5 hours) – The walk up is steep but rewarding, leading to incredible views over the city and river. Exploring the ancient stone walls, I was greeted by strutting peacocks, adding a quirky charm to the medieval fortress.

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Free, 20 mins) – This postcard-perfect viewpoint is framed by blue azulejo tiles and cascading bougainvillea, making it the ideal place to soak in Lisbon’s golden sunset.

As evening approaches, it’s time for Fado music in a dimly lit tavern - a real unique aspect to visiting and staying in Lisbon. We'd recommend taking a stroll round the cobbled streets to find somewhere not too busy, but with some unique and local music - when we visited, we ate at one spot where the elderly woman's melancholic voice silenced the entire room. The passion in her singing gave me goosebumps, making this one of the most powerful cultural experiences in Portugal. You'll dine on authentic Portuguese food and sip away on the drink of your choice as you unwind during the evening.

🌅 Day 2: Belem, Tram 28 & Sunset Drinks

Belem is Lisbon’s gateway to history, where Portugal’s greatest explorers set sail. Arriving early to beat the crowds, I went straight to Pastéis de Belém, a bakery that has been making Portugal’s iconic custard tarts since 1837. Taking that first bite of a warm, flaky pastel de nata, dusted with cinnamon, was pure magic—so good that I immediately ordered a second. I'd highly recommend, along with a coffee to start off your day the best possible way.

Belen has a few must-see sights, each of which is unique and captivating in its own way - check out this great sight-seeing tour to make sure you don't miss out on any top sights!

• Jerónimos Monastery (€10, 1 hour) – A UNESCO-listed monastery, filled with intricate stone carvings of sea monsters and exotic creatures, reflecting Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

• Belem Tower (€6, 40 mins) – Standing by the river, this 16th-century fortress is like a fairytale castle on the water, offering some of the best views in the city.

• Returning to Lisbon’s centre, hopping on Tram 28 (€3) is a must-do experience. The ride through Lisbon’s steep, narrow streets is thrilling—especially when the tram squeezes just inches past buildings.

Ending the day with a rooftop cocktail at Park Bar, a hidden gem on top of a parking garage, was the perfect way to watch the sky turn shades of pink over the city’s red rooftops. Don't forget to dip into a local restaurant to fill your appetite after a big day of exploring!

🚆 Day 3: Sintra Day Trip

While there is plenty more to explore in Lisbon if you'd prefer to stay there for your third day, I chose to take the early morning train (€2.30, 40 minutes) to Sintra, a misty fairytale town filled with castles, which was one of the trip’s highlights.

Arriving, I followed the forest-lined path up to Pena Palace, where its vivid yellow and red towers rise dramatically above the clouds. Walking through its whimsical courtyards, it felt like stepping into a Disney movie. Afterwards, I spent a couple hours at Quinta da Regaleira (€10), exploring its underground tunnels and hidden passageways which felt like being in an adventure film. Finding the famous Initiation Well, I stood in awe at its spiral staircase leading deep into the earth.

Returning to Lisbon in the evening, I grabbed one last pastel de nata, savouring the city’s sweetest souvenir before packing for the next day's journey to Porto.

🚌 Day 4: Travel to Porto & Sight-Seeing Tour

Taking the FlixBus (€15, 3.5 hours) to Porto was comfortable and scenic, passing rolling vineyards and medieval towns. The Lisbon bus station takes a bit of navigating, but just follow your bus reservation number to the correct bay, or alternatively ask one of the friendly attendants at the staton. Given it's a large bus station, make sure to arrive in good time to find your bus.

Arriving in Porto, the first sight of the Douro River and the city’s terracotta rooftops was breathtaking. We'd recommend staying in the Ribeira District, which means waking up to riverside views and the sound of seagulls - check out some great accommodation options here.

Spend your first afternoon exploring Porto’s Old Town, which felt like stepping back in time. We took a climb of Clérigos Tower (€6) for sweeping city views which was worth the effort (although make a judgment call if you're feeling tired), and visiting Livraria Lello (€5)—the stunning bookstore that inspired Harry Potter’s Hogwarts library—was a dream for book lovers (we picked up a couple editions for memories!). We'd recommend this great private sight-seeing tour if you're a bit tight for time!

Once you've finished sight-seeing, take in the sunset views as you find a cosy spot for dinner and some port wine (more to come!)

🌉 Day 5: Porto Wine Tasting & Riverside Charm

After a relaxing morning and breakfast in a local bakery with a coffee or tea, we went to explore and learn more about Porto's wine and port, which makes up such a big part of the city's culture and pull of travellers.

Crossing Dom Luís I Bridge, the panoramic views over Porto felt straight out of a postcard. Wandering into Graham’s Port Lodge (€25, 1.5 hours) for a wine tasting, I learned about the art of Port wine ageing. Sipping a 30-year-old Tawny Port while overlooking the Douro River was one of the most relaxing moments of the trip. We'd definitely recommend booking this popular tasting (or a similar one) in advance to your visit as it was certainly a highlight!

🍷 Day 6: Douro Valley

Wine Tour or Beach

Escape

On your final day in Porto, you can either take in some of the local sights in the city

(of which there are plenty) or, if you've got a bit extra budget or are feeling

more adventures, we'd recommend either of the following:

• Douro Valley Day Trip (€90) – Taking a scenic boat ride through rolling

  vineyards, stopping at quaint wineries for tastings, and enjoying a

  leisurely lunch surrounded by grapevines made this day feel like pure bliss.

  Book your own tour here!

• Matosinhos Beach (30 mins from Porto) – For a more laid-back day,

  grabbing grilled sardines at a beachside café while watching surfers

  ride the waves is a perfect alternative.