Portugal Itinerary 7 Days
Planning a trip to Portugal and have limited time? In my opinion 7 days in Portugal is the minimum to experience the country at its fullest. Portugal is a vibrant and diverse country full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the sandy beaches of the Algarve, there's something to suit every taste and interest. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an exciting city break, Portugal has it all. Explore the cobblestone streets of old towns, sample delicious local dishes, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. If you have less than a week there are alternative itineraries that focus on a specific region and experience.
7 Day Portugal Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon
Day 2: Lisbon
Day 3: Lisbon - Day trip to Sintra
Day 4: Drive/Train to Algarve Region
Day 5: Algarve
Day 6: Algarve
Day 7: Return to Lisbon
Portugal is an absolutely beautiful country, and depending on the type of experience you are looking for you can do alternative 7 Day Portugal Itineraries to just focus on the cities and history or do an all beach vacation. If you have even more time, I recommend doing a 10 Day Portugal Itinerary or 14 Day Portugal Itinerary to visit Porto and the Alentejo coast.
Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon
Depending on where you are coming from and what time your flight arrives, you can still start exploring the city on your first day. Depending on how you like to travel, this itinerary is a guideline with suggested time to spend and the costs, here is my full list of What to See in Lisbon, that includes other top sites you can add and remove to suite your preferences.
Visit Time Out Market
Time Out Market Lisbon is a popular food hall located in the Cais do Sodré district of Lisbon, It is housed in a historic market building and features a curated selection of some of the city's best food vendors, restaurants, and bars. You can choose from a wide variety of cuisines, including traditional Portuguese dishes, sushi, burgers, pizza, and more. The food vendors and restaurants are carefully selected by Time Out magazine, which has been covering the best food and drink in Lisbon for decades. This is a great place if you arrive in the afternoon to grab a lunch or a drink while taking in the lively atmosphere of the market.
This is a great place to start your trip to Lisbon as you can sit with your luggage and wait for your hotel/Airbnb to be ready to drop off your stuff before you continue exploring.
Time to Spend: 1 hour
Cost: Varies depending on what you buy, but wide range of prices for all budgets/tastes
Drop off Luggage
Usually after a long day of travel (I am coming from the United States and any trip to Europe usually means 10-12 hours minimum of travel between cab ride, waiting at the airport, flight, customs, etc.) and if I am going to make it to a dinner reservations (Europeans eat much later than I am used to), I will take a short nap. The key is to keep the nap short (under 1 hour) to ensure you can fall asleep at a normal time. The best way to get rid of jet lag is to force yourself to stay up until the normal time on the first night. It makes the rest of the trip so much easier
Walk Around and Stop for Dinner at a Great Lisbon Restaurant
Depending on how much time you have before dinner and where you are staying, start exploring one of the neighborhoods. When I stay in Lisbon, I prefer to stay in the Cais do Sodré or Barrio Alto neighborhoods as they are close to almost everything and make it very easy to use public transportation to get around. If you are staying in either of those neighborhoods, I recommend walking along the water front and stopping for a drink (don’t recommend the food) to enjoy the sunset at Quiosque Ribeira das Naus, a fun waterfront café with lounge seating and a beautiful view. For dinner try out a restaurant owned José Avillez, a renowned Portuguese chef. My favorite was Cantinho do Avillez, which is centrally located and offers some amazing dishes. If you are looking for a cheaper option and want to try out multiple Portuguese dishes, I recommend Bairrices, this is a great small restaurant that offers a fixed price bite size tasting menu (was €20 when I visited in 2022) that includes 20 dishes and 6 desserts. You can also add a drink package for an additional €6, making this a great place to start your trip in Portugal.
Day 2 - Explore Lisbon
With only one full day in the City, the itinerary below is a little tight and for those who want to have more time to explore at a leisurely pace, remove stops as needed to allow more time to wander.
Stop by Pastéis de Belém for Pastries to Go
Start your day off by heading to the Belem district. This district is father apart from the other popular neighborhoods (Alfma, Cais do Sodré, etc). I found Uber to be the quickest and most economical way to get around the city, but there is also a bus that can take you from the Cais do Sodré district to Belem. When visiting Lisbon, it is hard to miss the custard tarts that are a common desert and available in almost every cafe, but when visiting the Belem District, grabbing a tart from Pastéis de Belém is a must. They date back to the 1830’s and come warm right out of the oven. The hype is worth the short wait in my opinion. There are two lines when you arrive, one for the restaurant and one for the to-go pastries. We grabbed a Starbucks coffee from next door and took our pastries to the park across the street (Praça do Império Garden).
Walk Along the Waterfront Exploring the Padrão dos Descobrimentos and Belem Tower
Head down to the waterfront to see Torre de Belém (Belem Tower). The historic tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the early 16th century during the Age of Discovery, when Portugal was a major maritime power and explored much of the world's oceans. It was built as a fortress to defend the entrance to the port of Lisbon and as a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth. Visitors can enjoy a small museum and climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy stunning views of the Tagus River and the surrounding area.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is a prominent monument located on the bank of the Tagus River nearby. It is designed in the shape of a ship's bow, with 33 statues of famous Portuguese explorers, scientists, and other historical figures standing on its sides. You can climb to the top of the monument for a panoramic view of the city and the Tagus River. There is also a museum inside the monument that features exhibits about the Age of Discovery and the Portuguese explorers.
Time to Visit: 2-3 hours for both
Cost: €16 for both
Visit Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is a magnificent monastery located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. It was built in the 16th century to commemorate the voyages of discovery undertaken by the Portuguese during the Age of Exploration. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the finest examples of Portuguese late Gothic Manueline architecture.
The monastery is known for its impressive façade, which features intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from the Bible and Portugal's maritime history. The interior of the monastery is equally stunning, with vaulted ceilings, elaborate altarpieces, and ornate cloisters.
Time to Visit: 1-2 hours
Cost: €20
Visit Praca de Comercio and Arco do Triunfo and Grab a Light Lunch
Head to the Alfama district (Uber recommended) and get dropped off near the Praca do Comercio, also known as the Commerce Square. It is a large and historic square, one of the largest in Europe, originally built in the 18th century to serve as the main entrance to the city. The square is surrounded by grand buildings, including the Ribeira Palace, which was destroyed in the 18th century by an earthquake, and the Triumphal Arch, which was built to commemorate the rebuilding of the city after the earthquake.
At the center of the square is a statue of King José I on horseback, which was erected in the 19th century. Visitors can walk around the square and enjoy the grandeur of the architecture and the lively atmosphere of the area, which is filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Explore the square at leisure and if you are a wine lover, be sure to stop into the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, it is located in the square and has a great selection of wines on tap at various price points for visitors to try. They also have both indoor and outdoor seating so if the weather allows you can enjoy the view.
Time to Visit: 1 hour (more if you really enjoy the wine!)
Cost: Free expect for restaurants or wine tasting
Explore the Alfama District
Wander around the Alfama District and explore the neighborhood and shops. Make sure to stop by the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the best viewpoint in Alfama and a stop you should not miss as you explore the neighborhood. You can enjoy beautiful views of rooftops of the Alfama district, water, bridges. This viewpoing is a busy pictureque area filled with cafés where you can enjoy a snack and watch the colorful city trams go by. Next to Santa Luzia there is a another viewpoint, Miradouro das Portas do Sol. The view is very similar but worth checking out as it is right next door.
Time to Visit: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Head to Sao Jorge Castle
As you explore the Alfama District, make your way up hill to Sao Jorge Castle. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and the Tagus River and offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon and the surrounding area.
The castle dates back to the 11th century when it was built by the Moors as a defensive fortification. It was later expanded and renovated by the Portuguese during the Middle Ages, and served as a royal residence until the 16th century. The castle must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture. you explore the castle walls, towers, and ramparts, and walk through the castle's courtyards and gardens. One of the highlights of the castle is the terrace, which offers stunning views of the city, the river, and the surrounding hills. If you can time your arrival to the terrace at sunset, the views are spectacular.
Time to Visit: 1.5 to 3 hours
Cost: €20
Head to Accommodations & Dinner
After a long day of exploring the city, head back to your hotel to change and head out to dinner. Some of my favorite restaurants are Grau Duoro Tapas and Wine Bar (no reservations but worth the wait), Sanksar Nepal is a great place to stop by if you like Indian food, and if you want to try another restaurant by José Avillez, Bairro do Avillez is a great option as there are four restaurants all in one location.
Day 3 - Take a Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is a town located about 16 miles (25 km) outside of Lisbon. The town is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic architecture, and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see while in Lisbon. Sintra is home to numerous palaces, castles, and other historic buildings, including the colorful Pena Palace, the romantic Quinta da Regaleira, and the Gothic-style National Palace of Sintra. These landmarks are surrounded by lush gardens and forests, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Unfortunately with only a day you won’t have enough time to visit everything. To really enjoy the sites and have time to explore, realistically you will only have time for three. The full list of sites to visit in Sintra is here, but if it is your first time my top picks are Pena Palace, Quinta de Regaleria and Castelo dos Mouros.
Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon by train or bus, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway for visitors to the Portuguese capital. There are also multiple tour options that include hotel pickup and drop off if you are looking for a more guided option. This Full Day Sintra Tour includes both Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, which are my top two sites to visit.
If traveling to Sintra on your own and staying in the city center, you will grab the train from Rossio Station. Trains usually leave every half hour and the trip takes about 40 minutes. Crowds build throughout the day in Sintra, and I recommend getting there when the sites first open and starting with Pena Palace, as it gets the most crowded and the line to get in can be long. Pena Park opens at 9am but the palace opens at 9:30. You should plan to leave Lisbon around 7:50. As train times are subject to change, check the current train schedule when you plan your trip. I recommend taking either a cab or rickshaw to the Palace. There is a bus that takes you around Sintra, but the first bus does not leave in time and we were late to the Palace and almost lost our slot.
Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is the must-visit attraction in Sintra for a reason. The palace is a stunning example of Romanticist architecture, with its bright colors, turrets, and domes. It is a unique blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance styles that create a fairy-tale-like appearance. The palace was built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. It was also used as a refuge for the royal family during World War II. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens that cover over 200 hectares. The gardens feature a variety of plant species from all over the world and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Book your ticket to Pena Palace in advance as the line to buy tickets is quite long even in the morning. The only negative is that you do need to select a time slot and be there on time. If hoping to limit your time in line, I recommend selecting the 9:30 am slot. This means you need to be up at the Palace itself by 9:30 not just the entrance to the grounds. Once you enter the main gates of the grounds, you can either take a free shuttle or walk to the palace (about a 15-20 minute walk). You can walk through the palace at your own pace and the beautiful interior is worth it. Due to the palace’s location, the windows and terraces provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic Ocean from the palace.
Time to Visit: 2-3+ hours, depends on how much of the grounds you want to explore
Cost: €20 - book here
Castle of the Moors
The Castle is just down the road from Pena Palace. I recommend walking there (less than a 10 minute walk), when you exit the gates by the ticket office, it is just down the road (Estrada de Pena) to the left. You can also pre-book these tickets, but when we went we were able to buy them at the entrance easily.
The castle is located The castle is located on a hilltop, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Sintra Mountains, the Pena Palace, and the Atlantic Ocean.. It was built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors as a defensive fortress. It was an important strategic stronghold during the Reconquista, a period in which the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula reclaimed territories from the Muslim rulers.
The castle's stone walls, towers, and battlements are still standing and underwent extensive renovations in the 19th century, which helped preserve its historical and architectural significance. The best part of the castle is that you can climb the walls all the way to the top of the hill. I recommend either packing a lunch from Lisbon or buying lunch at the entrance and bringing it to the top There is an area to sit and enjoy lunch with an amazing view!
Time to Visit: 2 hours
Cost: €8
Quinta de Regaleria
The Quinta de Regaleria is farther from Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. You can either walk if you are interested in a hike (about 45 minutes) or grab a cab or rickshaw. You may need to head back up to the palace to grab a ride. Due to the one way roads, the drive is about 25 minutes to Quinta de Regaleria.
Quinta da Regaleira is a historic estate built between 1904 and 1910 by the Brazilian coffee tycoon António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, in collaboration with Italian architect Luigi Manini. The estate is known for its unique blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanticism. Although the exterior of the palace is very intricate, the inside is less so. It is relatively underwhelming after visiting Pena Palace and as you only have access to the first floor, you can save this to the end and spend 10-15 minutes.
What you are really here to see are the gardens, which are full of beautiful landscaping, grottoes, and underground tunnels, as well as a number of decorative structures, including a chapel, a palace, and a tower. One of the most iconic features of the estate is the Initiation Well, a spiral staircase that descends over 27 meters (88 feet) underground.
Time to Visit 2-3 hours
Cost: €11 - buy here
Hours: Closes at 6:30pm, last entrance at 5:30
Return to Lisbon and Dinner
Grab a ride back to the train station and head back to Lisbon. Similar to outbound trains run frequently (usually every half hour). Once you get back to your hotel, take a nap if needed and head out for your last dinner in Lisbon. My recommendation if you are looking for a splurge restaurant is Palácio Chiado, not only is the food great it is an old restored palace built in 1781 that has retained much of its original architecture and design to provide a beautiful dining experience. The food was also amazing, and for desert be sure to try their crispy vanilla, which was one of the best desserts I have had.
Day 4 - Head to the Algrave
Wake up at your leisure and say goodbye to Lisbon. There are two main ways to get to the Algarve, rent a car and drive or take the train. I recommend renting a car if you can as it will be easier once you are in the Algarve to explore the different towns and beaches. Driving to the Algarve takes around 3 hours with no stops, the train takes 3 to 3.5 hours. If planning the trip by train, check the current timetables and pre-book your ticket here (they depart from the Lisboa - Oriente station). There are 2 express trains each day and 3 regular trains. The train stops in Albufeira, Loule, and Faro within the Algarve. Both Albufeira and Faro are popular towns to stay in the region.
If you are driving to the Algarve you can either drive direct or explore the Alentejo coast on your way. The east coast of Portugal is beautiful, with cliffside beaches and local towns but slightly more rugged than the Algarve. There are beautiful beaches and stops along the way. My favorite place to stay for a reasonable budget (falls in the Splurge category) is the Tivoli Carvoeiro. The hotel is located on the cliffside overlooking the ocean, with a beautiful pool deck and still close enough to town that you can walk to and from the hotel. When deciding where to stay the first step is determining which town is best for your tip. There are a number of amazing towns but my top 5 towns to stay are Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Portimao, and Carvoeiro.
Day 5 & 6 - Algarve
The Algarve region of Portugal is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, warm weather, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, golf, hiking, and exploring historic towns and villages. You can stay busy visiting various site and towns, or just relax at some of the top beaches. My favorite things to do in the Algarve are:
Explore Benagil Cave. This is my top pick to do while in the Algarve region. If you have seen pictures of Portugal more than likely the Benagil caves were included. The cave is only accessible by the water and there are a number of ways to get there.
Go on a boat tour, make sure to pick a tour option with smaller boats. A lot of the big boats can’t actually get into the caves
Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard at the nearby Benagil Beach. Be sure to get there first thing in the morning when they open, as both parking and renting a kayak can be difficult later in the day due to the crowds. If the water is choppy it can be difficult to maneuver a kayak, if you think you will need help you can also book a kayak tour, which provides a guide that can help you if you run into any difficulties.
Discover the beautiful Algarve beaches. The pure quantity of beaches in the Algarve is amazing and would take you weeks if not months to explore them all. Do some research on the different beaches and make sure to stop by at least one or two. There are beaches for everyone, more isolated harder to get to beaches and beaches right in town that allow you to layout during the day and grab lunch nearby.
Charter a boat for the day or join a sailing excursion. This option may be expensive, but if you are visiting the Algarve one of the best things to do is get out on the water to view the magnificent cliffs and caves. There are a number of affordable half day trips, but if you
Take a quick boat ride in Lagos, head to the Miradouro da Ponta da Piedade, which is a beautiful scenic viewpoint that gives you sweeping views of the coast. If you are comfortable with stairs, follow the path and climb down to the Lagos Grotto. There you can get into a small private boat and spend a half hour cruising around the cliffs and caves. This is a great affordable way to see the cliffs from the water, and as they run all day you can add this to your day at anytime.
CAUTION: Bring cash/Euros. They only accept cash and it is a long way back to town to find an ATM.
Carvoeiro Boardwalk: If you are staying or visiting Carvoeiro make sure to take a walk along the boardwalk. It is at the edge of the cliff and relatively short (less than .5 miles) but half way through the boardwalk there are stairs leading down to tunnels, arches, more cliffs and beautiful views of the ocean.
Cliff walk at Praia da Marinha
Additionally, the Algarve is known for its lively nightlife, with many bars and clubs offering entertainment until the early hours of the morning. Make sure to review the top towns in the Algarve to see which is right for your trip as some are quieter than others.
Day 7 - Return to Lisbon & Fly Home
If you are taking the train back to Lisbon and have some time to spare, the Lisbon Oriente stop is where the train will end. If you have some time to spare before your flight you are right next to a large mall (Centro Vasco da Gama) and some great restaurants right on the water. I recommend Honest Greens Parque das Nações, which offers beautiful outdoor seating and some tasting healthy options.