7-Day Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon, Sintra & Porto - Pro Tips & Classic Eats

Wind through Alfama’s maze of steep lanes and tiled alleys with a local guide, pausing at miradouros for postcard views over the Tagus. Learn how Lisbon rebuilt after the 1755 quake, hear stories of fado, and pick up tips on where to come back later for sunset drinks or dinner.

Glide up Lisbon’s neo‑Gothic Santa Justa Lift and step onto the iron viewing platform for sweeping skyline views over Baixa, the castle and the Tagus. Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge queues and bring a camera—sunset light here is gorgeous.

Walk under the grand yellow arcades of Praça do Comércio and out to the Cais das Colunas for open views of the Tagus. It’s a perfect spot to rest your feet, watch the ferries and take wide‑angle photos of Lisbon’s riverfront façades.

Stand beneath the Monument to the Discoveries and trace the carved figures of Portugal’s great navigators facing the Tagus. Climb to the rooftop terrace for a bird’s‑eye view of Belém’s riverfront, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the compass rose at your feet.

Climb into Bairro Alto’s web of cobbled streets, street art and tiny bars. Come late afternoon for relaxed wandering and viewpoints, then stay as the neighborhood flips into one of Lisbon’s liveliest nightlife areas.

Join the line at Pastéis de Belém and order your custard tarts warm with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. Eat one at the counter, then take a box to go for later in the day—mid‑morning usually means shorter waits than the afternoon rush.

Walk the riverside path to Belém Tower and explore its stone ramparts, watchtowers and river views. Aim for early morning or late day to avoid the busiest tour‑bus window and bring a light jacket—winds off the Tagus can be strong.

Step into Jerónimos Monastery’s ornate cloisters and spot the stone carvings packed with maritime motifs. Buy tickets in advance if possible and save time by going earlier in the day before cruise and coach groups arrive.

Pause at Baixa‑Chiado, Álvaro Siza Vieira’s sleek underground hub linking downtown to Chiado’s cafés. Use this stop to switch lines efficiently and pop up right in the middle of Lisbon’s most walkable shopping streets.

Climb up to Castelo de São Jorge for some of the widest views over Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus. Walk the ramparts, watch for peacocks in the gardens and, if you can, time your visit for golden hour when the city glows.

Spend the evening at O Faia, a classic casa de fado in Bairro Alto, over a slow, multi‑course Portuguese dinner and live music. Arrive on time for your booking, keep conversation low during performances, and let the staff pace the meal around each set.

Step inside Sintra National Palace to see its mix of Gothic, Manueline and Moorish details, plus the twin white chimneys that dominate the town skyline. Go earlier in the day to enjoy the tiled interiors and painted ceilings with fewer crowds.

Explore Quinta da Regaleira’s fairytale gardens, towers and mossy tunnels at an unhurried pace. Leave time for the Initiation Well and upper terraces, and wear comfortable shoes—the paths can be damp and uneven.

Ride or hike up to Pena Palace to wander its colorful terraces and tiled courtyards high above Sintra. Pre‑book tickets and aim for early entry to enjoy the views and forest paths before the site gets crowded.

Walk across the upper or lower deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge for classic views of Porto’s Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia. Go up top at sunset for photos and take the lower level later to feel the river and the tramlines up close.

Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia for a guided tour of a historic port wine cellar, ending with a tasting in cool, barrel‑lined warehouses. Wear a light layer—the lodges stay refreshingly chilly even on hot days—and ask staff for tips on food pairings to try later.

Step into Livraria Lello’s ornate interior to admire the sweeping staircase, stained glass and book‑lined balconies. Buy your ticket in advance to skip the longest lines and go early in the day if you want photos without big crowds.

Join a guided visit of Palácio da Bolsa to see its stately neoclassical rooms and the glittering Arab Room. Check tour times in advance—visits are only by guided group—and arrive a bit early to secure your language slot.

Visit Clérigos Church, then climb the narrow staircase of its baroque tower for panoramic views over Porto’s rooftops and the river. Wear comfortable shoes and time your ascent outside major mass times for a smoother flow.

Step into São Bento Station’s main hall and look up at the blue‑and‑white azulejo panels telling stories from Portuguese history. It’s a quick stop, but going mid‑morning or late afternoon helps you enjoy the tiles without heavy commuter crowds.

Climb up to Porto Cathedral on Pena Ventosa hill for fortress‑like architecture, cloister azulejos and wide views over Ribeira. It’s a great first stop in the city—use the terrace to get your bearings before heading downhill.

Drift along the Douro River on a short cruise, passing under Porto’s six bridges and catching different angles of Ribeira and Gaia. Bring a light jacket for the breeze and sit on the open deck for the best photos.

Leave Porto for the terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, visiting traditional quintas for tastings and slow views over the river. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and don’t plan a big night out afterwards—tastings here are generous.

Split your time at Serralves between the contemporary art museum and the surrounding park, with its tree‑lined paths and art‑deco villa. Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself a few hours—it’s more than just a quick gallery stop.