The Perfect One Week Itinerary for Lisbon and Porto

The Perfect One Week Itinerary for Lisbon and Porto

Portugal’s two most famous cities—Lisbon and Porto—are compact, beautiful, and richly different. Lisbon is sun-baked, hilly, and full of wide river views, tiled facades, and late-night fado. Porto has a smaller-city intimacy, a dramatic riverside, port wine cellars, and Old World charm. In one week you can see both cities’ highlights, enjoy food and culture, and still have time for relaxed wandering.

This itinerary assumes arrival into Lisbon (common) and departure from Porto (or vice versa). Swap days as needed based on flights.

** Special note: We are fortunate to call Portugal home, as we have lived in the Lisbon area for over 4 years now. We have explored every nook and cranny in Lisbon. Our travel guides will take you to popular spots, but are also sprinkled with some less-visited areas by tourists. Enjoy traveling to our adopted country!

Introduction to Lisbon and Porto

Portugal’s two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto, are the perfect places to start any Portugal itinerary. Divided by the Tagus River in the south and the Douro River in the north, both cities are full of charm, history, and culture. From Castelo de São Jorge perched high above the Alfama neighborhood to the port wine cellars along the side of the river in Porto, every corner reveals a piece of Portugal’s rich history. Whether you’re on a walking tour, a guided tour, or exploring by rental car, you’ll discover why these cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two of Europe’s best places to visit.

If this is your first time visiting Portugal, this one-week itinerary offers the perfect trip—a great way to see the historic centers, enjoy great views, and sample the best things each city has to offer. With direct flights to Lisbon Airport, easy high-speed train connections, and even the option of a road trip, you can plan your travel days without spending much time in transit. You’ll start your first day soaking up Lisbon’s energy, then end your next stop in Porto, where a sunset over the Douro River is the perfect place to reflect on your great time in Portugal.

Getting between Lisbon and Porto

Options:

• Train (recommended): Fast Alfa Pendular trains run frequently between Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia / Oriente stations and Porto’s Campanhã (and sometimes São Bento for central access). Journey time is approximately 2¾–3 hours, depending on the service. Trains are comfortable, scenic enough, and avoid airport hassles.
• Flight: ~1 hour flight time, but when factoring check-in and transfers, train is often faster door-to-door.
• Drive: ~3–3.5 hours by car (300+ km) via A1. Good if you want countryside stops (Coimbra, Nazare), but factor parking and narrow streets in city centers.

If you want to rent a vehicle, we always use Discover Cars. See the link below.

Tip: Book train tickets in advance for the best prices and seat selection during the high season.

One-Week Itinerary (4 nights Lisbon, 3 nights Porto)

1st Day – Arrive in Lisbon: Chiado + Bairro Alto

• Morning: Arrive, check in, sip coffee and vegan pastel de nata in Chiado.
• Afternoon: Walk Baixa (Rossio, Praça do Comércio), explore Alfama (Sé Cathedral, Miradouros)
• Evening: Dinner in Bairro Alto or Principe Real, catch a sunset viewpoint (Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara).

 

2nd Day – Belém & Riverfront

• Morning: Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Pastéis de Belém.
• Afternoon: MAAT or Berardo Collection, riverside promenade.
• Evening: Fado show in Alfama (book ahead).

3rd Day – Sintra day trip (or Cascais)

• Full day: Train to Sintra (or drive). Visit Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and stroll the town. If you prefer the coast, Cascais + Boca do Inferno.

 

4th Day – Lisbon neighborhoods + travel to Porto evening train

• Morning: Explore Avenida Liberdade to Parque Eduardo or Santos area, LX Factory for lunch.
• Afternoon: Last museum or shopping. Take an afternoon/evening Alfa Pendular to Porto (arrive ~3 hours later). Check into Porto hotel and take a relaxed riverside walk in Ribeira.

5th Day – Porto Old Town & Port cellars

• Morning: Explore Ribeira, Dom Luís I Bridge (walk the top level for views).
• Afternoon: São Bento Station, Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower. Visit port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia (tastings at afternoon slot are pleasant).
• Evening: Dinner near Rua das Flores or along the riverside.

 

6th Day – Art, museums, and coastal Foz

• Morning: Contemporary art at Serralves (museum + park) or Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis.
• Afternoon: Tram/metro to Foz do Douro for seaside walk and cafés.
• Evening: Sample vegan francesinha and enjoy a rooftop bar.

 

7th Day – Last minute shopping + Departure

• Morning: Last stroll in Bolhão Market or shopping in Cedofeita.
• Transfer to airport/train station for onward travel.

Where to stay in Lisbon and Porto

Lisbon (neighborhoods)

• Chiado / Baixa: Central, great cafes, shopping, classic first-timer base.
• Alfama: Oldest quarter, cobbled streets, fado and atmosphere — quieter at night but hillier.
• Bairro Alto / Principe Real: Nightlife, rooftop bars, trendy dining; Principe Real is more residential and calmer.
• Belém: Best if you want river views and museums—slightly removed from central nightlife.

Quick picks (types):

• Luxury: boutique historic hotels near Avenida da Liberdade or Alfama palaces.
• Midrange: central Chiado/Baixa apartments or small hotels.
• Budget: hostels around Bairro Alto and Santos with easy access to public transportation.

Porto (neighborhoods)

• Ribeira (Old Town): Waterside charm, prime location for sightseeing — can be touristy.
• Cedofeita / Boavista: Trendy cafes, quieter streets, good for families.
• Foz do Douro: Coastal, upscale, best for sea views and relaxed pace.
• Vila Nova de Gaia: Across the river — perfect for port wine cellars and views back over Porto.

Quick picks (types):

• Luxury: hotels near Avenida dos Aliados or converted palaces.
• Midrange: guesthouses in Cedofeita or central Baixa.
• Budget: small hostels and family-run pensions near São Bento.

Top 10 things to do in Lisbon

1. Explore Alfama and listen to fado.
2. Ride Tram 24 or 18 (NOT 28!) for a classic Lisbon route.
3. Visit Belém: Jerónimos Monastery + Belém Tower + Monument of the Discoveries.
4. Wander Chiado & Baixa (cafés, bookstores, Praça do Comércio).
5. Take a day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira).
6. Catch sunset from Miradouros (São Pedro de Alcântara, Santa Luzia).
7. Visit LX Factory for creative shops and lunch.
8. See contemporary art at MAAT or the Berardo Collection.
9. Stroll along the Tagus riverfront and MAAT promenade.
10. Experience Lisbon nightlife in Bairro Alto and rooftop bars.

Vegan note: Lisbon has many vegan and vegetarian restaurants — neighborhoods like Chiado, Principe Real, and Santos have excellent plant-based options.

 

Top 10 things to do in Porto

1. Walk the Ribeira and cross the Dom Luís I Bridge.
2. Tour Vila Nova de Gaia port wine cellars and tastings.
3. Visit São Bento Station for its azulejo tile panels.
4. Climb Clérigos Tower for city views.
5. Explore Livraria Lello (bookshop) — buy timed tickets or go early.
6. Spend a few hours at Serralves Museum & Park.
7. Wander Rua das Flores and the Baixa district.
8. Take a Douro riverboat cruise or short boat trip.
9. Relax in Foz do Douro by the Atlantic.
10. Visit Mercado do Bolhão for local food and atmosphere.

Vegan note: Porto’s vegan scene has grown quickly — Cedofeita and the city center have multiple vegan cafés and restaurants.

 

Practical tips & transport inside the cities

• Lisbon transport: Metro, trams, buses, tuk-tuks, and affordable taxis/ride-share. Buy a prepaid Viva Viagem card for metro/tram/bus. Expect steep hills; wear comfortable shoes.
• Porto transport: Metro and buses are compact and easy. Walking is the best way to soak in the city center. Use the Gaia funicular or walk across Dom Luís I bridge.
• Luggage: If transferring by train, most stations have left-luggage lockers at major hubs.

Food & vegan-friendly tips

• Both cities have thriving vegan scenes — look for plant-based bakeries, veggie-forward tasters, and vegan twists on Portuguese dishes (try vegan pastéis de nata and plant-based francesinha alternatives in Porto).
• Ask restaurants for the “menu do dia” (daily menu) — many places can adapt dishes for vegans. Or visit the many amazing vegan restaurants in Lisbon and Porto.

Top 5 Vegan Places to Eat in Lisbon

1. Ao 26 Vegan Food Project – One of Lisbon’s most beloved vegan restaurants, located near Chiado. Their seitan steak and pastel de nata are must-tries.
2. Kong – A cool vegan eatery in Cais do Sodré serving Asian-inspired comfort food like bao buns, ramen, and vegan sushi. Great place for a cozy dinner.
3. The Green Affair – Upscale yet relaxed, offering beautifully presented Mediterranean-inspired vegan dishes. Good option for dinner near Saldanha or Chiado.
4. O Gambuzino – A vibrant, fully vegan restaurant in Anjos known for creative world-fusion dishes and local craft beers. Perfect for a casual evening meal.
5. Organi Chiado – A peaceful spot right by Largo do Carmo, serving delicious plant-based meals with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The perfect lunch or early dinner choice.

Top 5 Vegan Places to Eat in Porto

1. daTerra – A local favorite buffet with multiple locations across the city, offering daily changing plant-based dishes. A good option for all appetites.
2. Remédio Santo – A creative vegan restaurant in the historic center known for fresh, locally sourced dishes and beautifully presented plates. Great for a relaxing dinner or a short walk from Ribeira.
3. Kind Kitchen – 100% vegan restaurant near Bolhão serving hearty burgers, wraps, and smoothie bowls. Great spot for families or casual dining.
4. Apuro Vegan Bar – Trendy vegan bar in Cedofeita with craft beers, comfort food, and occasional live music. A great place to unwind after a long day.
5. O Oriente no Porto – Vegan Asian-fusion restaurant known for flavorful curries and ramen. The menu changes seasonally and is always creative.

Packing checklist (one-week)

• Comfortable walking shoes for cobbles and hills.
• Light layers and a waterproof jacket (spring/fall).
• Travel adapter (Type F / Schuko works in Portugal).
• Reusable water bottle and small daypack.
• Copies of train tickets / reservation confirmations.

Variations & add-ons

• Swap a Lisbon day for Évora (Alentejo) if you want Roman history and cork-country scenes.
• Add a Douro Valley day trip or overnight from Porto for wine and river scenery.
• If you prefer a slower pace: 5 nights Lisbon + 2 nights Porto.

Best time to travel to Lisbon and Porto

• Best overall: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) — warm weather, fewer crowds, and pleasant sea breezes.
• High season: July–August — hottest and busiest; excellent for beaches but expect crowds and higher prices.
• Low season: November–March — cooler, more rain, but cheaper prices and far fewer tourists.

Plan around local festivals if you want celebration energy (June festivals in Lisbon and Porto) — but note higher prices and busier streets.

How many days do you need in Lisbon and Porto?

• Minimum sensible time: 2 full days in each city to cover the major sights and get a feel for the place.
• Recommended split for one week: 4 nights in Lisbon + 3 nights in Porto (or the reverse if you want more time in Porto). This gives you a full day for travel between cities, time for at least one day trip (optional), and relaxed pace for sightseeing and dining.

Why this split? Lisbon has more spread-out neighborhoods and day-trip possibilities (Sintra, Cascais, Évora), so 3–4 nights unlocks day trips. Porto’s compact center makes 2–3 nights excellent to see main attractions and do a wine cellar visit.

3 Best Day Trips from Lisbon

1. Sintra
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon — and for good reason. Just a 40-minute train ride from Rossio Station, this fairy-tale town is filled with colorful palaces, lush gardens, and forested hills. Don’t miss Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle for great views. For a vegan lunch, try Mela Canela near the train station.

2. Cascais & Estoril
If you’re craving sea air and beautiful beaches, head west by train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais (around 40 minutes). This charming coastal town is perfect for a short walk along the promenade or a swim in the Atlantic. Stroll through the historic center, visit Boca do Inferno, or rent a bike to Guincho Beach. For a plant-based meal, try House of Wonders for vegan Mediterranean dishes and rooftop views.

3. Évora
For those interested in Portugal’s rich history, Évora is a great day trip (about 90 minutes by bus or car). This medieval town is filled with Roman ruins, whitewashed streets, and the famous Chapel of Bones. Don’t miss the Roman Temple of Diana and Évora Cathedral for a taste of the region’s past.

2 Best Day Trips from Porto

1. Douro Valley
The Douro River Valley is one of Portugal’s most stunning landscapes — a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with terraced vineyards and scenic views. You can take a guided tour, a river cruise, or rent a car to explore at your own pace (about 1.5–2 hours from Porto). Vegan-friendly wineries are still rare, but you’ll find plant-based options in towns like Peso da Régua and Pinhão. This is a great place to relax and enjoy Portugal’s natural beauty.

2. Braga & Guimarães
Combine two historic cities in one trip! Both are under an hour from Porto by train. Braga is known for the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, while Guimarães — often called the “birthplace of Portugal” — boasts a medieval town center that’s UNESCO-listed. Wander cobbled streets, visit Guimarães Castle, and enjoy vegan eats at Semente or Soul (Braga) or DaTerra (Guimarães).

10 Fun Facts About Lisbon

1. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, predating Rome, Paris, and London by centuries.
2. The city was almost completely rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake, which was followed by a tsunami and fires.
3. The Tagus River is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, and its estuary in Lisbon is so wide locals call it the “Sea of Straw.”
4. The iconic Tram 28 passes through many of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods, but I recommend Tram 18 or 24 instead.
5. Lisbon has more sunshine hours per year than almost any other European capital — over 2,800 hours annually.
6. The Elevador de Santa Justa was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame).
7. The city’s famous azulejos (decorative tiles) date back to the 15th century and are still made using traditional methods.
8. Lisbon’s Castelo de São Jorge offers some of the best panoramic views over the city and the Tagus River.
9. The Alfama neighborhood survived the 1755 earthquake, making it the oldest district in the city today.
10. You can take a short walk from the city center to see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, celebrating Portugal’s Age of Exploration.

10 Fun Facts About Porto

1. Porto gave Portugal its name — the country’s name derives from “Portus Cale,” the ancient name for Porto.
2. The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval architecture and narrow streets.
3. Porto is world-famous for its port wine, which is stored and aged in cellars on the side of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
4. The Dom Luís I Bridge was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer behind Paris’s Eiffel Tower.
5. Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, inspired scenes in the Harry Potter series.
6. Porto’s Ribeira district is one of the most photographed areas in Portugal and a popular spot for live music.
7. The Clérigos Tower offers great views over the Douro River and the city’s terracotta rooftops.
8. The São Bento Station is decorated with over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portugal’s history.
9. Porto is known as the “Cidade Invicta” (Unvanquished City) because it withstood several historical sieges.
10. The city’s Francesinha sandwich was created as a Portuguese twist on the French croque-monsieur — and now there’s a vegan version too!

Final Thoughts on Lisbon and Porto

Lisbon and Porto make a perfect one-week pairing: Lisbon’s sun-drenched hills, fado nights, and nearby day trips balance Porto’s compact riverside charm, port wine cellars, and coastal breezes. For most travelers, a 4-night Lisbon + 3-night Porto split offers the right mix of sightseeing, eating, and breathing room, ust enough time to fall in love and leave wanting to return.

Lisbon and Porto combine everything that makes Portugal unforgettable: historical sites, colorful neighborhoods, live music, and that laid-back vibe that makes you slow down and simply enjoy life. Whether you stroll along the Tagus River, climb the castle walls of Castelo de São Jorge, or take a short walk to a popular spot overlooking the Douro River, you’ll find that every short trip becomes a story worth telling. If you have extra time, consider a private tour or small group tour to nearby gems like the town of Sintra or Bom Jesus in Braga as each adds a unique perspective to your Portugal itinerary.

For your next trip, you might want to spend a little bit longer in each city, exploring hidden alleys or taking day trips to beautiful beaches and medieval towns. Whether you travel during the summer months or the quieter peak season, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Book your time slot for major attractions to avoid a long line, and stay near a metro station or charming guest houses in the historic center. With this guide, your perfect trip through Portugal’s great cities awaits—a great spot to start your adventure or to inspire your return trip.

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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:

1. Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
3. North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
4. Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
5. Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!

OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:

1. DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
2. iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
3. NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
4. Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
5. For fun activities in each city, check out Viator and their recommendations.
6. Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
7. Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities

We have lived in the Lisbon area for 4+ years so I have written many blog posts about Lisbon. Check them out here: LISBON BLOG POSTS