After checking in and taking a little time to settle, start at Praça do Comércio, the grand riverside square in Baixa. It’s free to wander and a good place to get your bearings; allow about 45 minutes to admire the arcades and look out over the Tagus. From here, walk uphill towards Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)—around 15 minutes, with steep cobbled stretches. Set aside roughly 45 minutes to see the church and its historic interior. Entry to the cathedral is typically a few euros, with separate charges possible for areas such as the cloister; check the day’s hours and ticket details before you go.
Continue uphill through Alfama’s lanes to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. Take a half-hour pause for the tiled terrace, rooftops and river views; the light is lovely toward sunset, which is around 7 p.m. in early October. The viewpoint is free, but the narrow, uneven streets are easier in comfortable shoes. For dinner, walk or take a short bus or taxi ride to O Trevo in Chiado, at Praça Luís de Camões. This casual, well-known spot is a good place to try a Lisbon bifana—a pork sandwich—for about €5–€12 per person. It can be busy at dinner, so expect a simple, lively meal rather than a lingering restaurant service.
Take the tram or bus to Belém early; from central Lisbon, allow around 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Start at Jerónimos Monastery when it opens—hours vary by season, so check the official schedule before you go. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the cloisters and church; admission is typically around €18, while the church is generally free. Book ahead if possible, and bring a student ID to check for concessions.
Walk a few minutes to Pastéis de Belém for the warm custard tarts that made this bakery famous. Allow about 45 minutes, including a possible queue; €5–€12 per person is a sensible estimate depending on what you order. The sit-down rooms can feel calmer than the takeaway line, and a coffee makes a good break before the riverside walk.
Continue along the waterfront to MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology—about a 15-minute walk. Give yourself roughly 1.5 hours for the exhibitions and the striking building; check current opening days, exhibition details and admission prices before setting out, as these can change. Then walk around 20 minutes beside the river to Belém Tower. Plan about 45 minutes to admire the fort from outside and enjoy the public paths; access inside may be restricted, so check ahead. Bring water and comfortable shoes, and consider returning by bus or tram if you’re ready for a rest.
Take a morning CP Alfa Pendular or Intercidades service from Lisbon to Coimbra-B; the journey usually takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, and advance fares are roughly €20–€30. Check the timetable and book seats through CP, then allow around 15–25 minutes to reach the historic centre by taxi or local bus. Head to the University of Coimbra in Alta for about two hours among its historic buildings and courtyards. If you’d like to visit the Joanina Library, check its timed-entry tickets and current prices in advance; slots can sell out, and the visit adds time to your stop.
Walk downhill to the Coimbra Botanical Garden, just beside the university, for an unhurried hour among its plant collections and shady paths. Admission is generally free, but check for any temporary access restrictions before setting out. From there, continue down into Baixa on foot—expect a steep walk—or take a local bus if you’d rather save your legs. Aim for an early dinner at Restaurante Zé Manel dos Ossos, a tiny, characterful spot known for traditional Portuguese cooking; budget about €15–€25 per person. It’s popular, so check its Saturday opening hours and book or arrive early if possible. A refillable water bottle and walking between these central stops keep the day simple and low-impact.
After arriving at Porto-Campanhã, continue by metro or local train to the centre, then head uphill to Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto). Allow about an hour to see the cathedral and enjoy the views from its hilltop setting; opening times and any admission charge for the cloister can vary, so check before you go. Take your time on the walk downhill toward Baixa—Porto’s steep, cobbled streets are part of the fun, but comfortable shoes help.
At São Bento Station, pause for around 30 minutes to admire the huge blue-and-white azulejo panels in the entrance hall. It’s a working station, so entry to the hall is generally free; be considerate of passengers moving through. Grab a simple lunch nearby before continuing downhill on foot toward the river.
Spend about an hour wandering around Ribeira Square, taking in the colourful riverside lanes and views across the Douro. From there, walk back uphill toward Casa Guedes for dinner; allow roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on your route and pace. The casual local favourite is known for its pork sandwich, with a meal typically around €10–€20 per person. Reserve a little energy for the uphill walk, or use public transport for part of the return.
Start early at Clérigos Church and Tower; the climb is steep, but the views over the rooftops are worth the effort. Allow 1–1.5 hours, and check the current opening hours and combined church-and-tower ticket price before setting out. From there, it’s only a short walk to Livraria Lello. Book a timed entry in advance—the famous bookshop can be busy, and ticket arrangements may change. Set aside about an hour to browse.
Walk downhill to Mercado do Bolhão for a relaxed, casual lunch. Browse the produce stalls and choose something from the food counters; budget around €10–€20 per person. Since this is 5 October, a Portuguese public holiday, check the market’s holiday opening hours and whether individual stalls are trading before you go. The walk from Livraria Lello takes roughly 10–15 minutes.
Take a gentle stroll through Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a pleasant finish after the morning’s sightseeing. From Mercado do Bolhão, allow about 25–35 minutes on foot, mostly uphill; a taxi or city bus is an easier option if you’d rather save your legs. The gardens are free to enter, and you can spend around 1.5 hours wandering the paths and stopping at the viewpoints over the Douro. Check for any holiday access changes, then leave the rest of the afternoon unhurried.
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