7 Day Itinerary for City Experiences in Portugal

  • Day 1: Explore the colorful streets of Lisbon's historic Alfama district. Grab lunch at Tasca do Chico and listen to traditional Fado music. Visit the Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views of the city.
  • Day 2: Take a day trip to the charming town of Sintra. Visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, known for its underground tunnels and hidden grottos. Have lunch at the cozy A Piriquita and try their famous travesseiros pastry.
  • Day 3: Head to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. Walk along the colorful Ribeira district and take a river cruise on the Douro. Visit the ornate São Bento train station, covered in blue and white tilework. Have dinner at the trendy Cantina 32 for modern Portuguese cuisine.
  • Day 4: Explore Porto's vibrant artsy neighborhood, the Miguel Bombarda quarter, and visit its contemporary art galleries. Enjoy lunch at Casa Guedes for one of the best pork sandwiches in the city. In the afternoon, take a tour and tasting at one of the many port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
  • Day 5: Take a morning train to Coimbra, home to Portugal's oldest university. Visit the magnificent University of Coimbra and its Baroque library. Have lunch at the traditional student hangout, A Brasileira. In the afternoon, walk around the medieval streets of Coimbra's historic center and visit the Sé Velha cathedral.
  • Day 6: Drive to Óbidos, a picturesque walled town with charming cobblestone streets. Walk around the castle walls and visit the quaint shops selling traditional crafts. Have lunch at Petrina, a family-run restaurant serving homemade Portuguese dishes. In the afternoon, head to the coastal town of Nazaré and watch the giant waves from the Praia do Norte beach.
  • Day 7: End the trip with a visit to the cosmopolitan city of Cascais. Walk around its marina and have lunch at Mar do Inferno, a seafood restaurant overlooking the rugged coastline. Visit the stunning Boca do Inferno sea cliffs and Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point. Return to Lisbon for a farewell dinner at the elegant Cervejaria Ramiro.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Lunch and Fado at Tasca do Chico: 2 hours, €20
  • Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra: 5 hours, €20
  • Dinner at Cantina 32: 2 hours, €30
  • Lunch at Casa Guedes: 1 hour, €5
  • Port wine cellars tour and tasting: 2 hours, €15
  • Lunch at A Brasileira in Coimbra: 1 hour, €10
  • Lunch at Petrina in Óbidos: 1 hour, €15
  • Lunch at Mar do Inferno in Cascais: 2 hours, €25
  • Farewell dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro: 2 hours, €40
  • Total Estimated Cost: €160
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Transportation

Trains are the best way to travel between cities in Portugal. For example, the Lisbon to Porto train takes around 3 hours and costs €25-40 depending on the time of day and class. Renting a car is recommended for day trips to smaller towns and villages. Gas costs around €1.50 per liter and tolls can be expensive, so plan accordingly.

Links to Key Attractions and Restaurants

Tips:

If you have extra time, consider spending a night in Sintra or Óbidos. If you have less time, consider skipping Coimbra and spending more time in Porto or Lisbon instead.

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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed