14-Day Portugal Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Lisbon
    Distance from the airport: 7.5 km / Estimated time: 25 minutes (by metro and walking)

    Start your trip in Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital city. Begin your day with a walking tour around the city's historic centre, exploring the lovely plazas, narrow streets and historic buildings. Catch spectacular views of the city from Castle of São Jorge and end your day with a good steak sandwich at Cervejaria Ramiro.

  • Day 2: Sintra
    Distance from Lisbon Centre: 27 km / Estimated time: 40 minutes (by train)

    Take a day trip to Sintra where you can explore the iconic Pena Palace and stroll through their enchanting gardens. Visit nearby Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castelo dos Mouros. On your way back, indulge yourself in fresh seafood at Restaurante Azenhas do Mar with a breathtaking view of the ocean.

  • Day 3: Porto
    Distance from Lisbon Centre: 313 km / Estimated time: 3 hours and 30 minutes (by bus)

    Travel to the charming city of Porto, Portugal's second largest. Explore the historic centre of Ribeira, and stroll along the Douro River. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to the picturesque Vila Nova de Gaia for wine tasting at the port wine cellars. End your day with a delicious local dinner with a view of the Douro River.

  • Day 4: Braga
    Distance from Porto Centre: 52 km / Estimated time: 1 hour (by train)

    Take a day trip to Braga, Portugal's third-largest city, known for its rich history and Baroque-style architecture. Marvel at the Sé de Braga, one of Portugal's oldest and grandest cathedrals. Take a stroll through Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage site with magnificent views over Braga. Try traditional Portuguese dishes such as cozido à portuguesa at Restaurante Brac, rated as the best restaurant in Braga.

  • Day 5: Coimbra
    Distance from Porto Centre: 119 km / Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (by train)

    Travel to Coimbra to visit the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest universities with an impressive library. Then check out the famous Baroque-style staircase called Biblioteca Joanina. Explore the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, and catch a fado performance at Fado ao Centro, a centre dedicated to preserving the authentic sound of Coimbra fado.

  • Day 6: Aveiro
    Distance from Coimbra Centre: 65 km / Estimated time: 1 hour (by train)

    Take a train from Coimbra to Aveiro, famously dubbed as the Portuguese Venice. Wander around the picturesque canals of the Ria de Aveiro and take a ride on a moliceiro, a gondola-style boat. Feast on ovos moles, a traditional sweet pastry made with egg yolks before heading back to Coimbra to end the day.

  • Day 7: Lagos
    Distance from Coimbra Centre: 429 km / Estimated time: 4 hours and 30 minutes (by train and bus)

    Travel to the Algarve region to enjoy the shoreline and take a dip in the warm waters. Check out the gorgeous views from the Ponta da Piedade and at the same time, explore the unique rock formations in nearby caves. Grab a bite at A Barriga, a restaurant known for its fresh fish and affordable pricing.

  • Day 8: Faro
    Distance from Lagos Centre: 90 km / Estimated time: 1 hour (by bus)

    Travel to Faro, the capital of the Algarve region. Take a walk into the historic centre of Faro and check out the charming old town with cobbled streets and architectural heritage. Catch a glimpse of Ria Formosa Natural Park and explore its unique ecosystem. Try the Cataplana, a traditional Portuguese seafood stew, at O Vícios de Alfama, a restaurant with excellent authentic cuisine.

  • Day 9: Évora
    Distance from Faro Centre: 229 km / Estimated time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (by bus)

    Travel to Évora, a well-preserved historic town lined with narrow streets and ancient buildings wrapped around Roman ruins. Visit the Capela dos Ossos, a macabre chapel built from the bones of 5,000 monks. See the Praça do Giraldo, a historic and vibrant square with fountains and surrounded by restaurants. Satisfy your appetite with traditional dishes, particularly the açorda alentejana, at Taberna Tipica Quarta Feira.

  • Day 10: Tomar
    Distance from Évora Centre: 214 km / Estimated time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (by bus)

    Head to Tomar, a beautiful small town with stunning medieval architecture. Visit the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the ancient castle which inspired the depiction of the knights templars in Indiana Jones franchises. Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante António, a pleasant and affordable option.

  • Day 11: Douro Valley
    Distance from Tomar Centre: 228 km / Estimated time: 2 hours and 45 minutes (by train and bus)

    Travel to the beautiful Douro Valley, home to Portugal's famous port wine. Tour the vineyards and wineries, and then indulge in some port tasting. Admire the gorgeous countryside and picturesque villages through a cruise ride in Douro River. Enjoy the local and authentic dinner with picturesque Douro Valley views at Sabores do Douro Restaurante.

  • Day 12: Guimarães
    Distance from Douro Valley Centre: 105 km / Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (by train and bus)

    Travel to the historic town of Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. Visit its legendary castle, the majestic palace, and the snaking cobbled streets. Wander through the squares and take in the traditional architecture, charming gardens with fountains, and picturesque fountains. Experience the rich traditional cuisine with cozido de barroso at Resgate.

  • Day 13: Bragança
    Distance from Guimarães Centre: 140 km / Estimated time: 3 hours (by train)

    Take a day trip to Bragança, a medieval walled city with a fascinating history. Visit Bragança Castle, wander along the Rua Abílio Beça, located in the historic town centre, and gaze out the city view from the impressive Domus Municipalis. Savor flavors of the local food with arroz de fumeiro at Adega do Zé Miguel.

  • Day 14: Porto
    Distance from Bragança Centre: 171 km / Estimated time: 3 hours and 30 minutes (by bus and train)

    End your 14-day trip in Porto with a relaxing day. Return to Ribeira to see the Rabelo boats cruising on the river against the backdrop of historic city center buildings. Take a stroll in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and end your Portugal journey with a peaceful sunset at Miradouro da Vitoria, one of the best Porto lookout points.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Lisbon Walking Tour (2-4 hours, free)
  • Castle of São Jorge (1-2 hours, €10)
  • Restaurante Ramiro (1-2 hours, €10-€20)
  • Sintra (1 day, €15 transport, €10-€20 Pena Palace, €5-€10 Quinta da Regaleira, €5 Castelo dos Mouros, €10-€20 Restaurante Azenhas do Mar)
  • Porto (2 days, €20 transport, €10 wine cellars, €10 Restaurante O Forno, €10-€20 Restaurante O Escondidinho)
  • Braga (1 day, €10 transport, €10 Restaurante Brac)
  • Coimbra (1 day, €20 transport, €6-€8 University of Coimbra, €6 Biblioteca Joanina, €8 Fado ao Centro)
  • Aveiro (1 day, €10 transport, €12-€20 Moliceiro boat tour, €3-€5 Ovos moles)
  • Lagos (1 day, €20 transport, €5-€10 Ponta da Piedade, €10 A Barriga)
  • Faro (1 day, €5-€10 transport, free Ria Formosa, €10-€20 O Vícios de Alfama)
  • Évora (1 day, €20 transport, €5-€10 Capela dos Ossos, free Praça do Giraldo, €10 Taberna Tipica Quarta Feira)
  • Tomar (1 day, €20 transport, €10 Convento de Cristo, €10 Restaurante António)
  • Douro Valley (1 day, €20 transport, €10-€20 Port Wine Tour, €15-€20 Cruise ride, €5 Sabores do Douro Restaurante)
  • Guimarães (1 day, €20 transport, €5-€10 Guimarães Castle, free Rua Abílio Beça , free Domus Municipalis, €10 Resgate)
  • Bragança (1 day, €20 transport, €5-€10 Bragança Castle, free Rua Abílio Beça, €2-€3 Domus Municipalis, €10 Adega do Zé Miguel)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding flight): €350 per person

Transportation

Most places in Portugal are accessible by train, bus, and metro lines. The intercity trains often provided the quickest and the most comfortable way to travel. The Lisbon and Porto International airports are the two major airports in Portugal. Regional airports are also available in some major cities. Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) are available in urban areas. Daily public transport passes are available for various zones and provide good value.

Useful Tips

If you have extra days, consider exploring the charming towns of Cascais, Nazaré, and Aveiro that can be covered in day trips from Lisbon or Porto. Spend some time to relax in the beautiful beaches of Algarve or surfing in Peniche. For art enthusiasts, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and Casa da Música in Porto are must-visit attractions. If you are travelling in the summer months, expect long queues and crowds in major tourist attractions.

Airports

Lisbon Portela Airport(LIS) is the main airport in Portugal and served as a key European hub for many airlines. The airport is located 7km from Lisbon city centre. Oporto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport(OPO) connects many European and international destinations. The airport located 11km from the city centre of Porto.

0