7 Days in Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra and Porto
If this is your first time in Portugal and you only have a week, this is the route most people are glad they chose. Two cities with very different personalities, one fairytale day in the hills, and a scenic drive north with a stop or two on the way.
At a glance
- Length: 7 days
- Bases: Lisbon (4 nights), Porto (3 nights)
- Best time: March to June, September to October
- Pace: Easy
- Good for: First-time visitors, couples, families with older children
Day by day
Day 1
Once you settle into your hotel, stretch your legs with an easy downhill stroll through the historic grid of the Baixa neighborhood toward the water. Step out into the grand arcades of Praça do Comércio to watch the ferries cross the Tagus River in the golden afternoon light. Settle into a quiet terrace nearby for an early seafood dinner paired with crisp green wine. You will have plenty of time later in the evening to wander back at your own pace and rest up.
Day 2
Start your morning wandering the sleepy, winding alleys of Alfama before the crowds wake up, catching sweeping tile-framed views across the rooftops at Miradouro de Santa Luzia. From there, make your way gently downhill into Baixa and browse the vibrant bookshops and cafes of Chiado around midday. By mid afternoon, your schedule clears completely so you can sit with an espresso at a sidewalk table or explore at whim. The rest of your late afternoon and evening remains open for an unhurried dinner.
Day 3
Head west along the waterfront to admire the Manueline facade of the Jerónimos Monastery from the open gardens of Praça do Império. Pick up warm custard tarts dusted with cinnamon from the historic bakery nearby, then walk over to admire the Belém Tower standing guard in the river. An easy stroll along the riverside path brings you toward the undulating roof of the MAAT museum. By late afternoon, you are free to head back into town or linger by the water with a cold drink.
Getting around: Days like these are much easier with a private driver. Portugal Magik, the local partner we recommend, can handle luggage, timings and stops along the way, so you are not driving unfamiliar roads or chasing train connections.
Day 4
Head up into the misty pine forests of Sintra in the morning to see the vivid yellow and red towers of Pena Palace set high above the hills. Head down to the historic village center for a relaxed lunch before taking the scenic road to the wild ocean cliffs of Cabo da Roca. In the late afternoon, make an easy stop in Cascais to stroll along the sandy bay of the old fishing town. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy a breezy seaside drink before returning to Lisbon.
Day 5
Journey north from Lisbon and break up the drive with an easy stroll through the whitewashed lanes of walled Óbidos, or choose a calm coffee break near the ancient university in Coimbra. Both stops offer a simple, authentic slice of central Portugal without demanding too much energy. You will roll into Porto by late afternoon with plenty of daylight left to settle into your room. The rest of your evening is completely open for an unhurried first walk around town.
Day 6
Spend your morning in Porto gazing at the magnificent blue and white tile panels inside São Bento station before heading down the cobbled alleys toward the colorful Ribeira riverfront. Cross the lower deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge to explore one of the traditional port wine lodges resting on the hillside of Vila Nova de Gaia. By late afternoon, your schedule is entirely free to soak up the atmosphere by the Douro River. Take the evening at your own tempo with a simple dinner of grilled fish.
Day 7
If your flight allows, spend a tranquil morning in the coastal neighborhood of Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Take a gentle walk along the promenade past the old lighthouse and watch the waves break against the stone jetty. Settle into a beachside cafe for a final Portuguese pastry and a quiet coffee before you pack your bags. You will head toward the airport with late afternoon completely clear to travel home feeling relaxed.
Local tip
Fly into Lisbon and out of Porto. It saves you a full day of backtracking.
Making it your own
Treat this as a starting point. Every day can be swapped, shortened or stretched. Most travellers keep the bases and change the day trips. Keep driving legs under about two and a half hours and leave the late afternoon free, and the trip will feel easy.
Plan this trip with a trusted local partner
We recommend Portugal Magik, a Lisbon based private tour operator, for tailor-made versions of routes like this one. They provide private drivers and guides, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and day by day planning, and will adjust the route to your dates, pace and interests.
Tailor-made
Request a tailored itinerary
Share your dates and interests. Portugal Magik will shape this route around you, with a private driver and guide.
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