Portugal-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Portugal

Day 1: Lisbon Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)
  • Take the metro (red line) to Baixa-Chiado station
  • Start your day at Praça do Comércio, a historic square with beautiful architecture
  • Visit the nearby Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

Afternoon

  • Explore the narrow streets of Alfama neighborhood and visit the Castle of São Jorge
  • Take Tram 28 to Bairro Alto, a trendy neighborhood known for its nightlife
  • Enjoy traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant

Evening

  • Watch the sunset from Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Miradouro das Portas do Sol
  • Enjoy Fado music and dinner at a local restaurant in Alfama

Things to Know

  • Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, so visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Check here for more information.
  • The official language is Portuguese, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Day 2: Sintra and Cascais

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Sintra (30 minutes by train from Lisbon)
  • Visit the Pena Palace, a colorful and whimsical palace
  • Explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a beautiful estate with gardens and underground tunnels

Afternoon

  • Head to Cascais (40 minutes by train from Sintra), a charming coastal town
  • Visit the Cascais Citadel and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants

Evening

  • Return to Lisbon and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Chiado or Bairro Alto

Transportation

  • Metro: an efficient way to get around Lisbon, with tickets starting from €1.50
  • Trains: connect Lisbon to nearby towns like Sintra and Cascais, with tickets starting from €2.25
  • Taxis: readily available, but be sure to check the meter before you start your journey

Day 3: Porto Adventure

Morning

  • Take an early train to Porto (approximately 3 hours)
  • Check-in to your accommodation and explore the Ribeira neighborhood
  • Visit the famous Luis I Bridge (Ponte Luís I)

Afternoon

  • Explore the Porto Wine Cellars along the Douro River
  • Take a stroll along the riverfront and visit the São Francisco Church

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Portuguese dinner and watch a Fado show at a local restaurant
  • Explore the lively nightlife of the Galerias de Paris neighborhood

Day 4: Porto and Douro Valley

Morning

  • Visit the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) and the adjacent São João Baptista Fortress
  • Take a scenic train ride along the Douro River to Peso da Régua (approximately 2 hours)

Afternoon

  • Visit a local winery in the Douro Valley, such as Quinta do Panascal or Quinta do Crasto
  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant with stunning views of the valley

Evening

  • Return to Porto and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the Virtudes neighborhood

Day 5: Back to Lisbon

Morning

  • Take an early train back to Lisbon (approximately 3 hours)
  • Visit the National Pantheon, a beautiful Baroque church
  • Explore the trendy shops and cafes of the Santos neighborhood

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna) or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Parque das Nações neighborhood

Evening

  • Spend your last evening in Portugal exploring the nightlife of Bairro Alto or Chiado
  • Depart from Lisbon Portela Airport for your return journey

Other Things to Know

  • Portugal uses the Euro (€) as its official currency
  • The country has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers
  • Be sure to try traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau à brás, frango grelhado, and pastéis de nata