Welcome to Portugal, where the sun is always shining, the food is mouthwateringly good, and every street has a story to tell. Get ready for seven days of charming cities, gorgeous landscapes, and memories you will cherish with our ultimate Portugal travel guide on hand.
From exploring historic castles to munching on pastel de nata, this 7-day itinerary is your ticket to enjoying the best of Portugal in a chill and fun way.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 1-2: Lisbon, the enchanting capital
Day 1: arrival and Alfama District
- Touch down in Lisbon and check into your hotel. Hint: Stay near the Alfama district — Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood with maze-like streets and historic charm — for easy access to all the cool spots.
- Spend your afternoon getting lost (in a good way) in Alfama.
- Swing by São Jorge Castle for jaw-dropping views of the city.
- End the day with a proper Portuguese feast — try bacalhau à Brás (salted cod) and don’t skip pastel de nata (custard tart).
Day 2: Belém and Bairro Alto
- Start your day in the Belém district. You can’t miss the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém — both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Treat yourself to a famous dessert from Pastéis de Belém bakery — it will be worth every calorie.
- In the afternoon, check out the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) for some funky modern vibes.
- As the sun sets, head to Bairro Alto for dinner and experience the electric nightlife. Find a cozy tavern and let the soulful sounds of fado music wrap up your day.
Best beaches near Lisbon
- Praia de Carcavelos (about 12 miles): Just a short train ride from the city center, this beach is popular for its golden sand and surf-friendly waves.
- Costa da Caparica ( about 11 miles): Located just across the river, this stretch of beaches is known for its long coastline and vibrant beach bars.
Train from Lisbon to Sintra
Hop on a short train ride from Lisbon to Sintra (about 40 minutes). Trains run frequently, so you can pick a time that suits you.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Carol Yepes. Image Location: Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Day 3: Sintra, the fairy-tale town
Day 3: palaces and gardens
- Arrive in Sintra and check into your hotel. Hint: Stay near the town center for easy access to all the main attractions.
- Spend your day exploring Sintra’s magical palaces and gardens. Kick things off at the colorful, whimsical Pena Palace, then visit the ancient Moorish Castle for a dose of history.
- In the afternoon, channel your inner explorer by wandering through the mystical Quinta da Regaleira — a gothic mansion with secret tunnels.
- For dinner, head to Sintra’s town center and try local goodies like queijadas (cheese pastries).
Can you get to the beach from Sintra?
Sure, there are several nice beaches nearby:
- Praia da Adraga (about 8 miles): known for its stunning rock formations and clear waters, this beach offers a more rugged and natural setting.
- Praia Grande (about 7 miles): one of the most accessible beaches from Sintra, great for surfing and sunbathing with plenty of facilities.
- Praia das Maçãs (about 8 miles): less than an hour tram ride from Sintra, this beach combines convenience with beautiful scenery and is great for families.
Train from Sintra to Porto
Catch a train from Sintra to Lisbon Oriente, which takes about 45 minutes. From there, hop on a train to Porto. The total journey will take between 3 to 4 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy the scenic ride north — lots of Instagram-worthy opportunities!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Porto, Portugal
Day 4-5: Porto, the inviting riverside city
Day 4: arrival and Ribeira district
- In Porto, stay near the Ribeira district for those killer riverside views.
- Spend your afternoon exploring Ribeira, strolling along the Douro River, and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
- Pop into the striking Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) for some architectural eye candy.
- For dinner, find a riverside restaurant and dive into a francesinha — a monster of a sandwich smothered in melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.
Day 5: wine and views
- Start your day at Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores (it might even remind you of Hogwarts).
- Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and tour the port wine cellars. Enjoy a guided tour and tasting session — cheers!
- In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Douro River for some postcard-worthy views of Porto’s skyline.
- End your day with dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. Try some grilled sardines and a glass of Vinho Verde — pure perfection.
Are there any good beaches near Porto?
Yes, there are some great beaches near Porto. Here are a few of the top options:
- Praia de Matosinhos (about 5 miles): located close to the city, this beach is perfect for surfing and enjoying fresh seafood at nearby restaurants.
- Praia do Carneiro (about 3 miles): a quieter option with scenic views, located near the mouth of the Douro River.
- Praia do Senhor da Pedra (about 7 miles): located in Miramar, south of Porto, and known for its picturesque chapel right on the beach, it offers a relaxing sandy shore.
Train from Porto to Coimbra
Take a train from Porto to Coimbra (about 1.5 hours). This historic city is your next stop.
Image Credit: Getty Images, LeoPatrizi. Image Location: University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Day 6: Coimbra, the historic university city
Day 6: University and Old Town
- Arrive in Coimbra and check into your hotel. Hint: Stay near the University of Coimbra for easy access to the main attractions.
- Start your day at the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest universities. Don’t miss the beautiful Joanina Library — it’s got such an incredible vibe!
- Explore Coimbra’s old town, including the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the lush Botanical Garden.
- In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Mondego River and relax in Parque Verde do Mondego.
- For dinner, dig into chanfana (goat stew) and finish with a heavenly rice pudding.
How far is Coimbra from the beach?
Unlike Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra doesn’t have any beaches nearby. It’s at least a 50-minute drive from the coast. The closest beaches are:
- Praia de Mira (about 30 miles), known for its unique wooden boardwalk and seaside atmosphere.
- Praia da Tocha (about 29 miles), famous for its long sandy stretch and traditional huts palheiros.
- Figueira da Foz (about 25 miles), offering a wide sandy beach and vibrant seaside town vibe.
Train from Coimbra to Lisbon
Catch an evening train back to Lisbon (about 2 hours) to wrap up your journey.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 7: Lisbon, The Final Day
Day 7: markets and miradouros
- Spend your final day in Lisbon uncovering some hidden gems. Start at the LX Factory, a trendy market and cultural space brimming with shops, cafés, and street art.
- Have lunch at the Time Out Market, sampling a smorgasbord of Portuguese dishes from various stalls.
- In the afternoon, visit some of Lisbon’s miradouros (viewpoints). Both the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Catarina offer stunning panoramic views of the city.
- For your last dinner, choose a rooftop restaurant to soak in the views one last time.
Departure
Spend your final morning jumping on one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams for a scenic ride through its charming streets. Snag some last-minute souvenirs, and don’t forget to grab a bottle of local wine. Make sure you pick up some tasty Portuguese treats like pastel de nata and port wine truffles to take home — because who doesn’t want a sweet reminder of their trip? Plus, your friends will think you’re fancy (and rightfully so!).
This 7-day itinerary gives you the best of Portugal’s coolest cities and mind-blowing natural beauty. By the end of this adventure, you might even find yourself planning your next trip with the Trainline app before this adventure wraps up! Check out how to explore Portugal and Spain’s coastline with Eurail for more travel inspiration.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: Lisbon, Portugal
