7-Day Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto & the Coast

Morning: Arrive in Lisbon and explore Alfama, the oldest district. Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views over the Tagus River and the red rooftops of the city.

Afternoon: Ride iconic Tram 28 through narrow streets. Stop at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia for classic Lisbon viewpoints.

Evening: Dinner in Alfama with traditional fado music. Try bacalhau (salt cod), grilled sardines, or caldo verde soup at a local tasca.

Morning: Head to Belém. Tour Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO) and climb Belém Tower. Queue early at Pastéis de Belém for the original pastel de nata custard tarts.

Afternoon: Visit MAAT museum or Padrão dos Descobrimentos along the waterfront. Explore LX Factory creative district in Alcântara for shops and street art.

Evening: Sunset drinks in Cais do Sodré or Bairro Alto. Sample ginjinha (cherry liqueur) and petiscos (Portuguese tapas) at a wine bar.

Morning: Take the train to Sintra (40 minutes). Visit Pena Palace, a colorful Romantic castle on the hilltop. Book timed-entry tickets online in advance.

Afternoon: Explore Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation wells and gardens, or Moorish Castle ruins. Continue to coastal Cascais for seafood lunch by the marina.

Evening: Return to Lisbon. Light dinner near your hotel or stroll along the Tagus at Praça do Comércio.

Morning: Rent a car or take a bus to Óbidos, a walled medieval town. Walk the ramparts, sample ginjinha served in chocolate cups, and browse local crafts.

Afternoon: Continue to Nazaré fishing village, famous for giant waves and its beach promenade. Visit the Sitio district and lighthouse viewpoint.

Evening: Drive or take a train toward Coimbra and check in. Dinner featuring chanfana (goat stew) or river fish in the university town.

Morning: Explore Coimbra University, one of Europe's oldest. Visit the Joanina Library and Sé Velha cathedral. Stroll along the Mondego River.

Afternoon: Take an Alfa Pendular or Intercity train to Porto (about 1 hour). Check in and walk the Ribeira district along the Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening: Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Tour a port wine cellar (Taylor's, Graham's, or Sandeman) with tastings and river views.

Morning: Visit Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores (timed tickets recommended). Climb Clérigos Tower for city panoramas.

Afternoon: Explore São Bento Station's azulejo tile panels. Tour Porto Cathedral and the Bolhão Market for local produce, cheese, and cured meats.

Evening: Enjoy francesinha — Porto's famous layered sandwich — or fresh seafood at a riverside restaurant. Try port wine or vinho verde with dinner.

Morning: Optional morning walk through Foz do Douro where the river meets the Atlantic. Visit Palácio da Bolsa or the Church of São Francisco if time allows.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping for canned sardines, azulejo tiles, and cork products on Rua de Santa Catarina. Transfer to Porto Airport (OPO) or return to Lisbon by train.

Evening: Farewell petiscos and wine before your flight. Consider extending with our 14-day Spain & Portugal itinerary if you have more time.