One week in Portugal: The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary
Portugal has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The promise of exciting cities, a beautiful coastline filled with beaches, good food and wine, and reasonable prices is hard for any traveller to resist. But what if you are short on time? Is it worth it to do just one week in Portugal? As someone who has done it, absolutely! Here is my suggestion for a 1 week Portugal Itinerary.
Getting Around Portugal
There are two main options for getting around Portugal. The first is to rent a car which provides a lot of freedom and can actually save on travel time. Most people prefer this, especially if you want to visit smaller towns and get out of the main cities.
That being said, some people may be intimidated by driving in a foreign country, which is totally ok! If this is the case, Portugal has a pretty good train system that connect the major cities. Tickets can be purchased in advance online here. The farther in advance you book, the cheaper the price. The train stations are all in pretty central locations as well; within walking distance of the city centre or close to a metro or tram station. It’s an easy, and affordable, way to get around.
As with any travel guide, I want to make sure to mention the importance of travel insurance. Travel insurance is an essential for any trip and while it may be annoying to spend the extra money on something you probably (hopefully) don’t need, it’s not something you want to be caught without. Especially somewhere so far away from home. So, as someone who has needed to use her own travel insurance multiple times throughout the years for a variety of different reasons including hospital visits and evacuation, please make sure that you do not leave home without it. If you are looking for a recommendation, for this trip I used SafetyWing. I’ve had fantastic experiences with them in the past, they have short term travel (essential insurance) & long term for nomads (complete insurance) options, and their pricing is very affordable. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions of what is included and covered based on your travel itinerary, especially in terms of adventure sports and activities.
One Week in Portugal Itinerary
Portugal is a small country, but even then one week is a quick trip. That being said, you can still see and do a lot in this short amount of time. For 1 week in Portugal I suggest the following itinerary, which I did myself for my first visit.
Day 1: Porto
Day 2: Porto
Day 3: Douro Valley Day Trip
Day 4: Lisbon
Day 5: Lisbon- Day trip to Sintra
Day 6: Lisbon- visit Belem
Day 7: Algarve
How to Spend 1 Week in Portugal
2 Days in Porto
Porto is a must when visiting Portugal. I know most people tend to highlight Lisbon, but Porto was my favourite stop thanks to the beautiful tiled-buildings, the colourful cais da Ribeira, and of course the port cellars. Porto has a ton of charm that make it impossible not to fall in love with and while you could spend longer, 2 days in Porto is perfect for those who only have one week in Portugal.
Porto is best known for its port wine. Which is kind of funny since most of the area’s port cellars are not actually in Porto, but rather across the Douro river on the Gaia side. It’s an easy walk (or drive) across the bridge. It’s worth exploring as well, not just for the Port cellars but also because it offers beautiful views over to Porto. Don’t worry, 2 Days in Porto will give you plenty of time to experience both sides of the river.
Porto isn’t too big, and while it does have a public transit system, the best way to get around is by foot. It can be pretty hilly, so wear good walking shoes that offer some support and traction.
My top suggestions for 2 days in Porto include:
Dom Luís Bridge
Porto has several bridges, but this one is the most iconic. At one time it was the longest bridge of its kind in the world. Today however, it’s great for photos and offers an easy way for both pedestrians and drivers to cross back and forth between Porto and Gaia. During the warmer months, you may even spot some local boys jumping off the bridge, similar to the bridge jumpers in Mostar.
Clérigos Church and the Torre dos Clérgios
A beautiful baroque church with a tall bell tower. Visitors can climb the tower for 5 euros, and will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views across the city.
São Bento Train Station
A train station may be an odd recommendation, but when you walk inside and see the walls and ceiling covered in beautiful azulejos, the famous Portuguese tiles, you will be amazing. There are over 20,000 tiles in the train station which tell the story of Portugal’s history. It took 11 years for the tiles to be placed. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello has become one of the most famous bookstores in the world thanks to Harry Potter. Nicknamed the Harry Potter Bookstore, this beautiful book shop is ornately decorated with the focal point being a winding wooden staircase. JK Rowling is said to have visited this bookshop many times when she lived in the city, and it definitely resembles the staircase of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.
Visitors do have to get tickets to enter. However, if you buy something the ticket money will be reimbursed towards your purchase.
Porto Walkers Tour
Free walking tours (the ones where you tip at the end) have become a popular way to explore many cities around the world, and Porto is no exception. However more than just a walking tour (although it’s a good one) the Porto Walkers Tour offers a unique perk that the others do not: a local dessert from a secret spot. The woman, who bakes desserts for top restaurants in the city, has an agreement with Porto Walkers and will sell those on the tour a slice of her delicious desserts out her window for a fraction of the price. It’s not somewhere you can go (or find) on your own. Learn more about Porto Walkers tours here.
Cais da Riberia
The waterfront area of Porto is busy and filled with restaurants, shops, and crowds. But, it’s also a must-see. There’s a walkway by the water’s edge and it makes for a perfect spot to take photos.
Igrega do Carmo
Another of Porto’s beautiful churches. This one is quite younger than the other two on this list, however the highlight here is the blue and white azulejos that decorate one of the sides. The tiles tell the story of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel in Israel.
Eat a Francesinha
A Francesinha is Porto’s famous dish. It’s essentially a sandwich made with bread, ham, sausage, and steak then covered in melted cheese and served with an egg on top and french fries. I didn’t try one myself, but was told that it can easily be shared between two people. Check this article for the best spots to get one in Porto.
Porto Cathedral
This Roman Catholic Church is one of the city’s oldest buildings. It’s a tall and imposing structure located in the oldest part of the city.
Port Cellars
Most of the port cellars are located along the waterfront of the Gaia side of the Douro River. There are dozens to choose from but some popular choices include Cálem, Sandeman, and Grahams. You can also try a port wine tour such as this one.
A River Cruise
While there are a few nice viewing points around the city, a boat trip down the Douro River offers beautiful scenery and some great photo opportunities. Rides are about an hour long and are a great way to rest your feet while still experiencing the city. You can book a Porto river cruise here.
Palácio de Cristal
This glass and metal structure is a popular spot for locals and visitors to come and wander the gardens, though I loved it at sunset. While it’s not a typical sunset spot (the sun sets behind you where you can’t actually see). The view looking over Porto, Gaia, and the Douro River is beautiful. Especially as the light fades, the sky changes colour, and all the lights turn on and twinkle.
Where to Stay in Porto
When it comes to deciding where to stay in Porto my biggest suggestion is to choose a spot near some of the main attractions as listed above. That way you know you are in a central location.
When it comes to types of accommodation, Porto has everything from hostels to luxury hotels. I travelled solo through Portugal so chose to stay in hostels. Portugal has some amazing ones that are clean, central, and offer family-style dinners to make it easier to meet others. If that’s not your style, or you prefer something more private, there are a number of hotels varying in price as well. Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Portugal.
Hotels: Porto Spot Hostel, ,Pilot Design Hostel and Bar
Mid-range hotels: HF Ipanema Porto, Porto Antas Hotel, Mercure Porto Centro
Luxury hotels: Pestana Palacia do Freixo, Palacio Das Cardosas, Crowne Plaza Porto
1 Day in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is easily accessible as a day trip from Porto, so keep your base there for the night but plan on spending the whole day exploring one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
The Douro Valley is easily accessible as a day trip from Porto, so keep your base there for the night but plan on spending the whole day exploring one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
There are a few options for seeing the Douro Valley. Most people will recommend that you rent a car and do it by yourself. It’s definitely a more freeing option, but not always ideal for those who don’t want to rent a car and drive. It’s also possible to take a train to one of the smaller towns and explore on your own. This will allow you to see the scenery and enjoy a river cruise, but you won’t be able to get into the hills to visit the different quintas (port or wine makers). The third option is to do a guided day trip to Douro Valley. This is what I did and I loved it. The tour included roundtrip transportation, a visit to two different quintas, lunch in a village, and a scenic boat trip offering views of the stunning landscape.
I have to say, I think that the Douro Valley was the highlight of my one week in Portugal. So I highly recommend a visit. If you are looking for a day trip, try this tour that I did and loved: Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise, and Lunch
3 Days in Lisbon With Day Trips to Sintra and Belem
The capital city of Portugal is teeming with beautiful sights, delicious restaurants, and tons of things to see and do which is why I suggest spending the most time in this part of the country for your one week in Portugal.
Lisbon is much bigger and Porto, so you will probably want to make use of the metro or city trams occasionally but, of course, walking is the best way to explore. Again, bring proper walking shoes; it’s just as hilly and the roads and walkways can be incredibly slippery, especially when wet.
You could easily spend one week in Portugal here, but 3 days in Lisbon is a good amount of time to experience the city and see the nearby highlights. In my opinion, if its your first visit to Portugal, you shouldn’t miss the following while in Lisbon.
Visit St. George’s Castle
If you look from any of the miradouros (viewpoints) around Lisbon, the commanding Moorish building known as St. George’s Castle is impossible to miss. The imposing hilltop castle dates back to the second century and is fun to explore. Plus the views from the walls overlooking the city are pretty impressive.
Visit Sintra
The fairytale town of Sintra, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site, is an absolute must when in Lisbon. You can go on your own or join a tour. It’s impossible to see it all in a day but if you pick a couple of spots you can make a good full or half day trip out of it. Consider these day trip options:
Explore Alfama District
Alfama is one of the best places to get lost in Lisbon. Winding alleys, staircases, and steep cobblestone streets surrounded by old houses and buildings. It’s one of the oldest parts of Portugal and it’s incredibly charming.
Alfama is also home to Portugal’s best-know flea market which is called the Thieves Fair. Despite the name, vendors claim nothing has been stollen, but you will find all kinds of good for sale. The Thieves Fair runs twice weekly, on Tuesdays to Saturdays, and opens at 6am. Go early for the best buys.
There are lots of great restaurants in the Alfama neighbourhood as well, so I suggest planning on spending a morning or afternoon exploring with the intention of stopping for lunch or dinner.
Visit Belém
Belem is only a short tram ride away from Lisbon, and has quite a few attractions to see. The reason most people go to Belem is for Pasteis de Belém which is believed to serve up the most delicious pasteis de nata (egg tarts) in the area. Along with the pastries, you should also visit the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument of Discoveries.
Listen to Fado in Bairro Alto
You can’t go to Lisbon and not listen to Fado at least once. It’s an important part of the city’s culture and if you are lucky enough to come across a good Fado singer, you will be amazed. Try Café Luso or Adega Machdo, both of which are in Bairro Alto.
Grab some food at the Time Out Market
This food hall is basically heaven for foodies. From wines to pastries to meals, you can find pretty much everything here. There’s a bunch of tables in the middle where you can eat, or you can take your food to go. It’s a great lunch or dinner stop, and most vendors have very affordable prices. This place is especially great for solo travellers who my feel awkward eating at proper restaurants alone.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Lisbon has a pretty good sunset from the water. You can go down to the waterfront and watch with the crowds or escape them and watch the sunset from a boat. A tour hour cruise offers a different view from the city and goes up to Belem and back. You can book a sunset cruise here.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
As I mentioned above, Lisbon is a lot bigger than Porto, so there are more neighbourhoods and areas to choose from. The city centre is a good choice since everything is then easily accessible. I like the historic areas of Chiado and Baixa. Though keep in mind that Chiado is right beside Bairro Alto- the nightlife district, so it can get loud at night.
Lisbon offers all kinds of accommodation choices. Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Lisbon, depending on your budget and what you are looking for.
Hostels: Yes! Lisbon Hostel,Sunset Destination Hostel
Midrange hotels: Doubletree by Hilton Lisbon, Novotel Lisboa, HF Fenix Garden
Luxury Hotels: Pousada de Lisboa, Sofitel Lisbon, Iberostar Lisboa
1 Day in the Algarve
Portugal’s Algarve is one of the most well-known areas of the country. Beautiful clifftop views, beaches, and hiking trails make it a popular destination in the warmer months. However, unless you are renting a car it can be really tricky to get around, which is why I’m recommending that if you only have one week in Portugal, you only visit this region for a day.
Faro has a large airport which is perfect for flying out of (or even catching a cheap flight back to Lisbon airport to catch a flight), however Faro is really small. I made the mistake of spending my full day here and was disappointed. You can base yourself in Faro for the night, but do yourself a favour and hop on a bus to Lagos or Albufeira to explore to really see the Algarve. It’s about 1.5-2 hours away by public transit, so it will make for a long day, but trust me when I say it will be more fun than Faro.
If you aren’t up for a long bus ride, you can explore town for half a day (again, it’s tiny) and then take a boat cruise to see part of the Algarve from the water. You can also go dolphin watching (get tickets here) or take a boat tour through Ria Formosa, which is one of the 7 natural wonders of Portual (get tickets here)
The Algarve is about 4-5 hours by train from Lisbon, so your best bet is to catch an evening train on your final day in Lisbon so you arrive at night, then have the full next day to explore. If this seems like too much effort for one day, consider spending an extra day in Lisbon. It’s a big enough city that you can easily add on another day of sight-seeing, or visit some of its nearby beaches.
Final Word on 1 Week in Portugal
One week in Portugal may not seem like a lot of time, but you can do and see a lot in seven days. Portugal is a beautiful country and I had the best time exploring it. If you use this one week Portugal itinerary as your guide, I bet you will love it too!
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Don’t forget travel insurance!
Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance here. If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend SafetyWing. For Canadian readers, take a look at SoNomad.
Book your accommodation
I love and recommend booking.com for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save.
Book your tours
My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers.
Get connected
If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I have used esims around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA- they are super easy and you don’t risk losing your home sim! There are two brands I have used and recommend so I suggest comparing both.
Airalo: download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase.
Truely: This one is easier in that it’s a one-time download instead of downloading an esim for each country. It also allows you to hotspot and tether- which not all esims do. Check out options here.
Not sure what to pack?
I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my travel essentials and camera gear if you are looking for some ideas.
Looking for a travel buddy?
Check out my group trips!
Thank you for the insight into your one week in Portugal. It appears you’ve just been there; we see the recent rains and storms and even tornados have damaged some of the Algarve in February and early March; was it bad weather when you were there? It appears you were in sandals and sleeveless but it would have been quite damp and blustery, what time of year were you there?
I was there in October actually. There was a heat wave and it was like 30C every day. I think the Algarve is more of a warm weather destination so if you are planning on visiting during winter months I might suggest adding another day in Lisbon instead.
I would say more than a day in the Algarve!!! I actually really liked Faro but it wasn’t the Algarve that everyone pictures. But lots of people holiday around the Algarve and don’t leave the beach, so I think Faro provides a bit of culture away from that. Love Lisbon though, I really want to go back!
With more time I’d suggest longer in the Algarve, but I with 1 week I think a full day gives you at least a taste. It’s trickier to get around too than Lisbon or Porto so when time is a constraint, that’s why I suggested longer in other spots to see more.
Thanks for this article! This is an itinerary I would be interested in traveling in Portugal, perhaps this winter.
Go for it! It’s a gorgeous country to explore.
I remember.. more than a few years back I did a 2 week road trip around Portugal. It is till this day one of my best travel memories. It was before my blogging days and in a way I’m bummed about that, because there were amazing memories to share. But I get excited when I read posts like yours and I can say.. hey I’ve been there, I miss that place.
Time for a re-do maybe? 😉
I’m very tempted! I absolutely LOVED Portugal!
In love with your photos! that train station is gorgeous such a treat to see! I’ve never been to Portugal before but my grandparents are there often and love it!
You should go with them some time 😉
[…] out the real must-dos; especially when some of the best bits aren’t super obvious. With one week in Portugal, I only spent three days in Lisbon. And while I crammed those three days as full as I could, I […]
[…] spent an amazing (though fast) seven days in Portugal and quickly fell in love. The beautiful cities, affordable prices, and friendly locals made it a […]
I am thinking about traveling to Portugal next year and this itinerary seems really great for such a short time.
I managed to see and do a lot without feeling too rushed!
Hello Hannah, great trip tips and just in time as my husband, 17 yo son and I will be traveling March 8th to Lisbon. We will return the 16th, so your recommendations are wonderful with such tide schedule. Our trip was a great Expedia find. Our package w hotel, air & even breakfast was inclusive but I feel this arrangement restrains our plans. Reading your article I sense we must spend one night in Porto (I was planning to do so in Lagos instead and view the rugged terrain & beaches), but leaving w/o experiencing Douro Valley sounds like a true shame! Please feel free to share your thoughts…thanks!
I think it depends on what you want. I didn’t go to Lagos so I can’t really judge but to me, that area is more beaches and since it wasn’t beach season when I went (October) I skipped it. I have to say that Porto and Douro Valley was my favourite part of my trip to Portugal though
Hannah I’m so impressed with your itineraries! I’m a meticulous planner and you’ve really found the highlights, combined them with the practicalities and then made sure to mention other points of interest. Thank you! With pleasure I’ll click thru to make some bookings. You surely deserve the commission.
Aw thanks Laura! I always try to share my favourite bits of what I’ve seen and found. Figure if I enjoy them others will too 🙂
Hi Hannah-
I’m in the midst (a little late) of planning a week in Portugal with my 2 adult kids (21 and 25) in early August. So many interesting things to do but, I’m nervous about the crowds and heat.
I’m wondering if you think it’s too much to cover Porto to Algarve in 8 days or is it better just to focus on north of Lisbon?
I’m all over the place!! Ha!
Flying into Lisbon at 6am sat august 10
Planned to stay 3 days in Lisbon, go to Porto
(My son is interested in wine)
Is it too much to go to Algarve or is there a cool town to stay on north coast?
Thank you so much or any help.
We are not into waiting in huge lines to get into restaurants, museums or sitting in the crazy heat.
Be happy for any help or cool ideas!
Thanks
Sharon
If you are starting in Lisbon, I don’t think it makes sense to go up to Porto then backtrack down to the Algarve in that amount of time. Portugal isn’t huge, but I think you’d find it more relaxing to focus on Lisbon and Porto rather than travelling back and forth. Cascais isn’t too far from Lisbon and is a cute seaside resort town thats beach-y. There are also some beaches near to Porto, though I didn’t go to any to speak from experience. The Douro Valley though is a must if you son liked wine!! The tour I mention in the itinerary is awesome if you don’t want to rent a car. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for this helpful itinerary! It’s great 🙂
You are welcome!
Hi,
Would you say Portugal trip together with Greece is doable this coming September 2019? Considering the distance of each from each other?
Planning on a 2 weeks stay in Europe and love go to both, hitting 2 birds in one stone?
It is doable for sure. However, I have to say, I just came back from a month in Greece (haven’t written about it yet) and you could easily spend 2 weeks there alone, especially if you are island hopping. That being said, if you want to combine both then why not!
Great post on Portugal! It’s one of my favorite countries and I can’t wait to go back.
We will be flying to Porto from San Sebastián, Spain and then will have a week in Portugal.
Will you please help me decide the number of days in each town, telling me how many days to sleep in the towns. I want to start in Porto where we can see the Douro Valley by boat; then see Sintra and Cascais; then visit Lisbon and the Algarve. I’m trying to avoid carrying our luggage to too many cities and having to pack and unpack. Thank you so much.
This itinerary allows for that 🙂 You can do day trips from Porto to the Douro Valley (the Port day tour I mention does a boat tour). Then from Lisbon you can do day trips to Cascais and Sintra. You’ll probably want to combine them both in 1 day if you only have a week though and still want to get to the Algarve. Then end in the Algarve. That way only 3 stops (Porto, Lisbon, Algarve) where you need to bring your luggage.
Hi There. I loved reading about your trip. My husband and I are landing in Faro on Saturday June 13. We are flying home from Faro one week later. I have an airbnb booked in Lagos for the week. Initially we were planning on staying in the Algarve for the week and just exploring the area in our rental car. The more I research Portugal, the more I wish we were travelling to Lisbon (or Porto) during our week. I just cant get my head around the logistics. I suppose we could take a train from Lagos to Lisbon on Wednesday then from Lisbon to Faro on Friday night to catch our flight home on Saturday. I just don’t want to eat up a lot of time. Any suggestions?
I took the train between Faro and Lisbon and it wasn’t too bad! A few hours but since you have a week I think it might be worth it because Lisbon is a really cool city! Renting a car would probably cut down on time but not sure if that’s something you are interested in or not.
Love reading the advice on this site.
We are flying into Lisbon early on March 12 and leaving Lisbon morning of March 22. Never been to Portugal before so having difficulty deciding where to go, and at this time of year. Know it’s not beach time.
Don’t want to move too often but would love to see it all! Thought we’d save Porto for another time but having second thoughts.
Was going to do Lisbon, 4 nights, with side trips, then rent car and go to Nazare for 2 nights, with side trips, then Evora for 1 night, then The Algarve for 2 nights, then back to Lisbon.
Now I’m thinking we should skip the Algarve….any suggestions? Want culture, food, wine, views, relaxation…
Hard for me to say because I only did Faro in the Algarve which I didn’t love. That being said you are right, it’s not beach weather, so I might skip it and do more North in the cooler months and save south and the Algarve for a Beachier visit.
If you don’t want to move around a lot, then Lisbon does make a good base for a few days for sure.
Porto was my favourite part of the country as I loved the city and the day trip to Douro Valley. Plus if you want wine… Porto has all the awesome port places.
Great reviews and suggestions. I am in Portugal now with my husband and dog for two months. We started in the Algarve, first Quarteira (we did side trips to Loule, Amancil, Tavira) next we go to Lagos. We have several side trips planned there too.
We are skipping Lisbon because of Covid, but will try fir a day in Alfama.
We will be two weeks in Porto. I have a bad knee. Walking is difficult. Any suggestions on easy side trips from Porto?
I did the Douro Valley from Portugal which is amazing. If you join a tour or rent a car it might be a little easier with your bad knee. You can tour many of the Quintas but you can also just do tastings in the main buildings. There are also nice scenic boat rides in the area which you may enjoy as well!
Hi, thx for all the great info in this article. Doing a 1 week mother/daughter trip with my 15 yr old in late June. Want to see Fatima, Sintra & Porto. Was planning on staying in Lisbon and just doing day trips. Is that doable?
Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon but Porto is far enough out the I suggest spending at least a couple of nights there.
I know you wrote this great article several years ago, but it’s still valuable info, so thank you! I’m interested in the suggested free walking tours in Porto. Question- what is the suggested tip amount? I have no idea. Thanks in advance!
In my experience, most people do 10-20 euros per person depending on the guide, but it is totally up to you!
Hello,
I am taking my wife to Portugal for her Birthday (its a secret so don’t tell her…lol) in September for 9 days not including travel days from Florida. My plan at the moment is 3 days in Porto, 3 days in Lisbon and 3 days for flexibility. Maybe see the Algarve area if there is time. We will have a rental car if we decide but may do the trains if they are relaxing. Do you know if they have cabins or just open seating on the trains? And if they have restaurant / bar cars?
Also, do you have any suggestions of something we may want to see or do as we some extra time that may not be on this itinerary you made?
Thank you very much for your article as it was very helpful and one of the main reasons I chose Portugal for this trip with my wife.
I think the trains are pretty basic since they aren’t big long distances. I don’t remember cabin or bar carts on my trains. There is still most to see if you decide to stay central. Cascais can be a good day trip. I’ve also heard good things about Obidos. You can also easily spend longer in Lisbon if you don’t want to feel rushed.
Is it crazy to go to Portugal first week of January?
I haven’t been so can’t really comment. Lisbon and central might be ok. I’ve heard that the north gets very rainy during the winter