Portugal is a country that perfectly balances rich history, lively cities, and stunning coastal views. This one week itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Portugal’s highlights, from Lisbon’s iconic neighbourhoods to Porto’s riverside beauty.
Days 1-4: Lisbon
Start your adventure in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon! Known for its warm atmosphere, historic architecture, and buzzing cultural scene, Lisbon is the perfect place to begin exploring.
Day 1: Rua Augusta & Dinner at Time Out Market
Start your trip with a walk along Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s main pedestrian street lined with cafes and shops. Make your way towards the Arco da Rua Augusta, a beautiful archway that leads you straight into Praça do Comércio, a large square with stunning views of the Tagus River.
Treat yourself to a pastel de nata from Manteigaria—their custard tarts are a local favourite. Trust me, you’re going to want one of these every day! In the evening, head to the Time Out Market for dinner, where you can sample dishes from Lisbon’s top chefs and try a variety of local and international flavours all in one place.
Day 2: Alfama & LX Factory
Start your day with breakfast at Casa São Miguel, a cozy gem in Alfama known for its fresh pastries. After, dive into the charm of the historic neighbourhood. Wander the narrow streets, take in the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and admire the colourful tiles that make this area so iconic.
In the afternoon, head to LX Factory, a creative space built in a former industrial area, full of galleries, boutiques, and cafes. It’s a great spot for experiencing Lisbon’s more modern side. As evening approaches, make your way back to the centre and ride the Santa Justa Lift to its top terrace for one of Lisbon’s most beautiful sunsets. End the day with a visit to By The Wine, a chic wine bar with a great selection of Portuguese wines—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Day 3: Day Trip to Cascais and Belém
Before heading out of the city, grab a refreshing Oakberry acai bowl to fuel up for the day! Then hop on the train to Cascais, a small coastal town just outside of Lisbon. Enjoy a relaxing day by the beach or explore the town’s charming streets, and try the famous codfish cakes from Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau.
In the afternoon, visit Belém to see UNESCO world heritage sites like the Belém Tower and the Monastery of Jerónimos. Make sure to stop by Pastéis de Belém, home to the original pastel de nata recipe that dates back to the 1800s.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra
Take a short train ride from Lisbon to Sintra, a magical town known for its fairytale-like palaces and lush landscapes. Begin at the colourful Pena Palace, perched high above the town with incredible views of the Moorish Castle and surrounding mountains. Wander through its vibrant rooms and scenic terraces.
Next, explore Quinta da Regaleira, a hidden gem with enchanting gardens and a mysterious well. If you have time, visit Monserrate Palace, a lesser-known but stunning spot with lush gardens and unique architecture.
Days 5-7: Porto
Say goodbye to Lisbon and take a scenic train ride to Porto. This charming city along the Douro River is known for its port wine, historic bridges, and beautiful hillside views.
Day 5: Ribeira District
Check into your Porto accommodation and start exploring in the Ribeira district. Take a walk along the Douro River, admire the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, and soak in Porto’s laid-back vibe. Street performers fill the area with music, adding to the lively atmosphere of this historic area.
As the day winds down, make your way to Jardim do Morro, a popular hilltop park just across the bridge. Join locals and tourists and they gather on the grass to watch the sunset glow over Porto’s rooftops and the glimmering Douro River.
To end the day, visit Mercearia das Flores, a quaint cafe and shop where you can find locally sourced snacks and have a glass of Portuguese wine.
Day 6: Zenith Brunch, Livraria Lello, and Dinner at Brasão Aliados
Start your day with a delicious brunch at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails, known for its cozy atmosphere and a variety of mouthwatering options inspired by local delicacies.
Next, head to Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, rumoured to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. After soaking in the literary vibes, take a short walk to the Crystal Palace Gardens, a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and breathtaking views over the Douro River.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Brasão Aliados, a local favourite known for its delicious Portuguese comfort food, including francesinha sandwich, a Porto specialty.
Day 7: Immersivus Gallery, Port Wine Tasting, and a Final Meal
On your last full day, dive into something unique with a visit to the Immersivus Gallery Porto, an immersive art experience showcasing different exhibitions that bring famous artists masterpieces to life with projections and music. Later in the day, savour a port wine tasting at Calém or Burmester, where you can sample some of the region’s best varieties while enjoying views over the Douro River.
For dinner, head to Scarlett Wine Bar & Lounge, known for its chic ambiance and excellent selection of wine and tapas. End your trip with a final stop at Manteigaria for one last pastel de nata—because you can never have too many!
With this 1 week itinerary, you’ll experience the best of both Lisbon and Porto—two cities full of charm, history, and unforgettable moments that will leave you wanting to return to Portugal again and again.
