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Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Lisbon and Porto are Portugal’s two biggest cities and they are the perfect places to visit if you want to experience the vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning architecture of this beautiful country.

I’ve been to Portugal numerous times and as stunning as the beaches and countryside may be, the cities hold a special place in my heart. And you can still do a quick day trip to the beach from either city.

So if you only have 7 days to explore Portugal, here’s a Lisbon and Porto itinerary that will make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things those two cities have to offer.

Lisbon and Porto Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Lisbon

Start your journey in the charming city of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. Check into your accommodation and take some time to settle in before starting your adventure.

Expansive view of Lisbon's cityscape under a dramatic sky, showcasing colorful buildings, terracotta roofs, and the distant 25 de Abril Bridge over the Tagus River.
View of Lisbon from the castle walls

Make your way to the historic district of Alfama, known for its narrow streets, ancient buildings, and charming atmosphere. Explore the winding alleyways and don’t be afraid to get lost – that’s part of the fun!

In the Alfama neighborhood you can find numerous viewpoints, the São Jorge Castle, and the cathedral of Lisbon. Little tip: Skip the cathedral entrance fee, but check out the castle inside.

In the evening, head to Rua Augusta, a bustling street filled with outdoor restaurants and street performers. Have a delicious vegan dinner in Lisbon and enjoy the lively atmosphere before calling it a night.

🤩 A Tuk Tuk Tour is a great way to get a first impression of Lisbon!

Day 2: Explore Lisbon

Today is all about discovering the top sights of Lisbon. Start your day at Praça do Comércio, one of the largest squares in Europe. From there, make your way to the iconic Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

A small fortress just off the shoreline in Belem, you can see it if you spend 2 days in Lisbon; how many days in Lisbon?
Torre de Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside the city center of Lisbon

On your way back to the city center you can stop at the LX Factory, a trendy area filled with unique shops and cafes.

In the evening, head to the Bairro Alto neighborhood for some drinks and live music. This is also where you can find traditional Portuguese Fado shows, known for their heartfelt singing and soulful guitar playing.

Don’t forget to try some of Portugal’s famous pastel de nata (custard tarts) from one of the many bakeries in the area. You can get the best vegan pastel de nata at VeganNata.

🤩 This amazing Tuk Tuk Tour takes you to Belem to see all the main sights!

Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra and/or Cascais

This day is dedicated to exploring the beautiful towns of Sintra and Cascais, both easily accessible from Lisbon. Sintra is known for its stunning palaces and Cascais is a popular beach destination near Lisbon.

You can easily do a day trip to either Sintra or Cascais by train, if you want to see both places in one day I recommend doing a guided tour.

The outside of a gothic building, very detailed facade
The main building at Quinta da Regaleira

The most famous attraction in Sintra is the colorful Pena Palace, but my favorite part of my Sintra day trip was the Quinta da Regaleira estate with its enchanting gardens and secret tunnels.

A rocky coastline with the ocean crashing against it
Stunning coast line just outside Cascais

On a day trip to Cascais, you can spend the day at one of the many beaches or explore the charming town center. Don’t forget to walk to Boca do Inferno, seeing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the cliffs is one of the best things to see in Cascais.

🤩 See Sintra and Cascais in one full day with this incredible day tour!

Day 4: Travel from Lisbon to Porto

It’s time to say goodbye to Lisbon and head to Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal and one of the best cities in Northern Portugal. You can either take a direct train or bus, or you can rent a car, or take a one-way tour to see some stops along the way.

The distance between Lisbon and Porto is about 315km (196 miles) and the direct route takes about 3 to 3.5 hours by car and by train.

Some of the best stops Between Lisbon and Porto are Obidos, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Costa Nova. These charming towns are perfect for a quick stop to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore some smaller cities and towns in Portugal.

Two boats on a canal next to a palm tree in Aveiro Portugal
Aveiro is Portugal’s Venice

I highly recommend taking the time to see some of those stops on the way. The stunning Joanine Library makes Coimbra worth visiting, seriously it’s one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. And when you visit Aveiro, it feels like you’re in Venice!

🤩 This Lisbon to Porto one-way tour stops at 3 destinations on the way!

Day 5: Explore Porto

Start your day in Porto by wandering around the historic center of Porto and admiring the colorful buildings and narrow streets.

Make your way to the Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, for a panoramic view of the city.

Nearby you can find the most beautiful bookstore in all of Portugal, Livraria Lello. As a book lover, this was a must-visit for me! It’s also a great place to buy a unique souvenir from Portugal.

View of the old town of Porto and a steel bridge spanning a river, the best view of any 3 day Porto itinerary
View of Ribeira and the bridge Dom Luís I

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Ribeira neighborhood and take a boat tour on the Douro River. Afterward, cross the famous Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can visit one of the many port wine cellars and do a port wine tasting.

🤩 Take a scenic boat ride in Porto with an included welcome drink!

Day 6: Day Trip from Porto

Porto is a great base for day trips to the surrounding areas. Popular destinations in northern Portugal include Braga, Guimarães, and the Douro Valley. For most day trips from Porto, you can set off at the famous São Bento Railway Station, which is an attraction on its own.

On a day trip to Braga, you can visit the famous Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and explore the charming city center.

Castle of Guimaraes behind some bushes
The first king of Portugal was born in Guimaraes

Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal and offers an interesting history lesson with its medieval castle and historic center. It’s the perfect day trip from Porto for history lovers.

The Douro Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers, as it’s the birthplace of port wine. You can take a scenic train ride through the valley or book a tour to Douro Valley to visit different vineyards, learn about wine production, and do wine tastings.

🤩 I love this Douro River tour for the included river cruise and wine tasting!

Day 7: Last Day in Portugal

On your final day, take some time to relax and reflect on your amazing trip to Portugal. If you have a bit more time, you can catch the historic tram to the Foz do Douro beach for a few hours of relaxing beach time before it’s time to head to the airport.

Porto sign in front of city hall
Porto sign in front of city hall

How Many Days in Lisbon and Porto Do You Need?

I think 7 days is a great amount of time to see Lisbon and Porto as it not only gives you time to see the two cities themselves but also allows for some day trips to explore more of Portugal’s beauty.

However, if you have less time, I’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Lisbon and 2 days in Porto to fully experience and enjoy them. And if you have more time, why not extend your trip and visit even more of this amazing country?

If you find yourself lucky enough to have 10 days in Portugal, don’t miss the opportunity to add the Algarve region to your itinerary to soak up the sun and the stunning scenery of the southern coast.

Limestone cliffs in the ocean with a few trees growing on them
Don’t miss the Algarve if you have more time in Portugal

How to Get From Lisbon to Porto and Back

There are different ways to get from Lisbon to Porto and back. You can go by train, bus, car, or tour. It’s really up to you as the different public transportation options take about the same amount of time. The cheapest option is the bus.

If you want to make some stops along the way, renting a car or taking a one-way tour are the best options. This also gives you the opportunity to see more of Portugal‘s smaller towns and cities.

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by train: 3-3.5 hours, prices start at €27 for a direct train

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by bus: 3-4 hours, prices start at €8

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by car: usually between 3-4 hours, check rental car prices

Getting from Lisbon to Porto by tour: 7-14 hours with multiple stops along the way, check tour prices

🤩 A Lisbon-Porto one-way tour is a great way to see attractions on the way!

Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal is a great destination to visit year-round, with mild winters and hot summers. However, the best time to visit really depends on your preferences.

If you want to enjoy Portugal’s beaches, I recommend visiting during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming.

For lower prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-June or September-October. This is also a great time to explore the cities without being overwhelmed by tourists.

If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and rain, visiting during the winter months (November-March) can also be enjoyable and provide a unique perspective on Portuguese culture and traditions. Just make sure to pack some warm clothes!

Personally, I think September is the best time to visit Portugal. The weather is still warm, but the crowds have started to thin out.

Tina sitting on a wall looking over the Lisbon skyline
Miradouro de Santa Luiza: The best views of the city and Tagus River

Final Thoughts: 7-Day Portugal Itinerary

There’s no doubt that a trip to Portugal will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return again and again, believe me, that’s what happened to me.

From the lively streets of Lisbon to the charming city of Porto, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and welcoming country. In a week you can explore these two beautiful cities and even venture out to some nearby destinations.

Afterward, you’ll want to come back to see more of what Portugal has to offer, like the stunning beaches in the Algarve.

But for now, get ready to explore the country’s two largest cities and experience the best of Portugal in just 7 days!

Read more about Lisbon:

Read more on what to do in the North of Portugal:

Pin this Porto Lisbon Itinerary for later:
An eye-catching collage for a '1 Week Lisbon and Porto Itinerary' travel guide on VEGANDERLUST.COM. Top left: A traveler enjoying a panoramic view of Lisbon's terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River. Top right: The stained-glass ceiling and ornate wooden bookshelves of Livraria Lello in Porto. Bottom image: The picturesque cityscape of Porto with the Dom Luis I Bridge spanning the Douro River. Text overlay in bold yellow emphasizes the destinations and duration.
Amazing Porto and Lisbon Itinerary: One Week in Portugal

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Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She started this blog in 2022 to share her experiences in order to help other travellers have the best experience and find the best vegan food while travelling. So far Tina has been to 31 countries on 5 continents.

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