One Week in Portugal Itinerary: Top Cities & Sights to See (2025)

Day 1: Arrival In Lisbon

Exploring The City Highlights

Begin at the historic Alfama district, known for narrow streets and traditional Fado music. Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of Lisbon. Walk to Praça do Comércio, a waterfront plaza offering fantastic photo opportunities. Head to Belém to see UNESCO sites like Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Don’t miss trying a pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém. For sunset, visit Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Where To Stay In Lisbon

For easy access to major attractions, stay in the Baixa or Chiado neighborhoods. Options include boutique hotels like Bairro Alto Hotel or standard hotels like Hotel Mundial. Airbnb rentals in central locations also provide excellent value. Stay close to public transportation for convenience.

Day 2: Discovering Sintra And Cascais

Must-Visit Sites In Sintra

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts vibrant palaces and lush landscapes. Start the day at Palácio Nacional da Pena, an iconic 19th-century Romanticist palace with colorful facades and sweeping views. Next, explore the Moorish Castle, a hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Quinta da Regaleira, known for its intricate gardens and mysterious Initiation Well, is perfect for afternoon exploration. End the Sintra visit at the National Palace, located in the historic town center. Its distinctive twin chimneys and Portuguese azulejo tiles highlight the country’s artistic heritage.

Coastal Charm Of Cascais

Head to Cascais, situated about 30 minutes from Sintra by car or train. Stroll along the picturesque marina and the charming town center filled with cobblestone streets and local shops. Relax at Praia da Ribeira or wander to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliffside rock formation.

Art lovers should visit the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego art museum, which features works by the renowned Portuguese artist. For dinner, try fresh seafood at one of Cascais’ many waterfront restaurants. From grilled sardines to cataplana, the culinary offerings showcase authentic Portuguese flavors.

Day 3: Journey To Porto

Best Stops On The Way

Departing from Lisbon, Coimbra is an ideal mid-way stop. Known for its prestigious University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city features the magnificent Joanina Library and the Sé Velha cathedral. I recommend spending 2-3 hours here to explore the university grounds and nearby attractions.

Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” is another worthwhile stop. Located about 45 minutes south of Porto, this coastal town boasts colorful moliceiro boats and the striking Art Nouveau architecture lining its canals. Enjoy a stroll or sample the local ovos moles, a sweet traditional delicacy, before continuing to Porto.

Evening In Porto

Arriving in Porto, the vibrant Ribeira district by the Douro River is the perfect place to start. Its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and riverside atmosphere captivate visitors immediately. For dinner, the traditional Francesinha sandwich paired with a local beer offers an authentic culinary experience.

Afterward, join a short evening walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views of Porto’s illuminated skyline. For a relaxing end to the day, sip on a glass of port wine at one of the rooftop bars overlooking the city.

Day 4: Exploring Porto

Top Attractions In Porto

Exploring Porto starts with the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow streets, colorful facades, and riverside cafes create a picturesque setting by the Douro River. The Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, offers panoramic views when crossed on foot.

The Livraria Lello bookstore attracts literature and architecture lovers. Its neo-Gothic design, intricate wooden staircase, and stained-glass skylight make it one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Visitors often recognize its interior as a Harry Potter inspiration.

The Clerigos Tower provides an unmatched city view after climbing its 225 steps. Nearby, the São Bento Railway Station impresses with over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portugal’s history and culture. Travelers can admire the artistry while navigating this active station.

For a relaxed experience, the Palácio da Bolsa showcases 19th-century neoclassical architecture. Its Arab Room stuns with intricate details, often surprising first-time visitors. Across the street, the Igreja de São Francisco offers unique baroque interiors with lavish, gilded wood carvings.

Famous Local Dishes To Try

Porto delights food enthusiasts with its iconic dishes. The Francesinha sandwich, layered with meats, melted cheese, and a rich beer-based sauce, stands out as a local favorite. Maria Odete or Café Santiago are renowned spots for this hearty dish.

Seafood lovers cherish Bacalhau à Brás, prepared with salted cod, eggs, and fried potatoes. For a change, try Polvo à Lagareiro, featuring oven-baked octopus seasoned with olive oil and garlic. These dishes frequently appear in restaurants like Taberna dos Mercadores.

Dessert highlights include pastel de nata and Tarte de Amêndoa (almond tart). Pair these sweet treats with a glass of ruby or tawny port, easily found at cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river.

Day 5: Douro Valley Wine Tasting

Scenic Drives and Wineries

The drive through the Douro Valley showcases terraced vineyards, rolling hills, and views of the Douro River. We recommend starting in Peso da Régua, the region’s wine capital, as it offers easy access to some of the most notable wineries. Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta das Carvalhas are top choices, featuring guided tours, tastings, and insights into port wine production. For self-driving experiences, the N222 route from Régua to Pinhão is widely considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

To maximize the day, I suggest booking winery tours in advance. Look for estates offering wine flights paired with regional delicacies like olive oil and locally-baked bread. Many vineyards, such as Quinta Nova or Quinta de la Rosa, combine wine tastings with stunning river views from their terraces.

Unique Experiences in Douro Valley

Beyond wine tasting, the Douro Valley offers experiences that deepen your connection to this remarkable region. A river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat lets us enjoy vineyard-lined scenery from the water. These boats often depart from Pinhão and offer half- or full-day options.

Another activity worth exploring is visiting a traditional wine-producing quinta during harvest season (typically late September). Travelers can join grape-stomping sessions and learn about traditional winemaking methods. For nature enthusiasts, short trails through the valley’s terraced landscapes or a visit to the Douro Museum in Régua highlight the cultural importance of wine in the region.

Day 6: Enchanting Coimbra

Coimbra, nestled between Porto and Lisbon, is a city steeped in history and culture. On Day 6, we immerse ourselves in its historic landmarks and vibrant traditions.

Historical Landmarks To Visit

Start with the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290. Don’t miss the Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece housing over 250,000 antique books. Ascend the University Tower for panoramic views of the city below.

Explore the Monastery of Santa Cruz, the final resting place of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Its ornate Manueline architecture and azulejo tiles showcase Portugal’s artistic heritage. Nearby, visit Sé Velha, Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, a medieval Romanesque gem dating back to the 12th century.

For a step back in time, stroll through Quinta das Lágrimas, a historic estate linked to the tragic love story of King Pedro and Inês de Castro. The gardens and legends surrounding this site add a touch of romance to the day.

Coimbra’s Unique Culture

Coimbra’s culture resonates through its fado music, a genre exclusive to the city. Attend a live performance of “Fado de Coimbra,” often sung by university students and alumni, to experience its haunting beauty. Fado performances can be enjoyed at venues like Fado ao Centro in the historical center.

Taste traditional dishes such as Leitão à Bairrada, a Portuguese-style roasted suckling pig, or Chanfana, a slow-cooked goat stew. For sweet treats, indulge in pastéis de Tentúgal or arrufadas, baked specialties from this region.

Wander through Rua Ferreira Borges, a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes, to discover local crafts and souvenirs. Look for artisanal ceramics, cork products, and traditional Portuguese embroidery.

Day 7: Return To Lisbon

Final Stops And Hidden Gems

I recommend starting with the Feira da Ladra flea market in the Alfama district if it’s a Tuesday or Saturday. It offers unique souvenirs, antiques, and handcrafted goods. Those seeking a quieter experience can visit the National Tile Museum, which showcases Portugal’s azulejo art history in a beautifully preserved convent setting. For stunning final views of the city, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte provides one of Lisbon’s best panoramic spots.

Preparing For Departure

Ensuring smooth travel, I highly recommend using Welcome Pickups, my preferred option that I’ve used in over 10 countries. They offer reliable airport transfers, and you can schedule your ride in advance for a stress-free experience. Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport is just a short 20-30 minute drive from most central districts. For last-minute shopping, the airport has stores with Portuguese specialties, including port wine, cork products, and local snacks like pastéis de nata.

One Week in Portugal Itinerary

Portugal offers an incredible blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the serene vineyards of the Douro Valley and the sun-kissed Algarve coastline, every moment feels like a new discovery.