7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Portugal

Day 1: Explore Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Manteigaria Silva

Start your adventure with a traditional Portuguese breakfast of creamy custard tarts and a strong coffee at Manteigaria Silva.
Take the Metro to Baixa/Chiado station.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Alfama District Tour

Wander through the charming, narrow streets of the Alfama district, soaking in the history and culture of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood.
Walk from breakfast towards Alfama.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Head to Time Out Market for a variety of affordable and delicious food options, showcasing Lisbon's culinary talents.
Take Tram 28 from Alfama to Time Out Market.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Discover Belém

Visit the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn more about Portugal's Age of Discovery.
Take Tram 15 from Cais do Sodré to Belém.
EUR5 (entrance fees), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Casa do Alentejo

Enjoy an affordable traditional Portuguese meal at Casa do Alentejo, set in a beautiful Moorish-style building.
Return by Tram 15 and walk to the restaurant.
EUR15, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Lisbon, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Grab a hearty breakfast with Portuguese pastries and freshly brewed coffee at Fabrica Coffee Roasters.
Walk to the coffee shop.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium

Explore one of the largest aquariums in Europe to discover marine life from around the world.
Take Metro to Oriente station.
EUR19, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado da Ribeira

Savour local dishes at the affordable food stalls in Mercado da Ribeira, a great place for budget-friendly dining.
Take Tram 15 back to Cais do Sodré.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Bairro Alto

Visit the vibrant Bairro Alto district, famous for its street art, shops, and lively atmosphere.
Walk to Bairro Alto.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Watch Fado Performances

Enjoy free Fado performances at local bars, an authentic experience of Portuguese music.
Stay in Bairro Alto for the best spots.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at O Prego da Peixaria

Try delicious seafood 'preço' (sandwiches) at O Prego da Peixaria, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Walk 10 minutes to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra, Portugal

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Indulge in the famous egg tarts at Pastéis de Belém before heading to Sintra.
Walk to the tram station and take Tram 15 to Belém.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Sintra

Catch a train from Rossio station to Sintra, where beautiful palaces await.
Use the local train operated by Comboios de Portugal.
EUR5, 40 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the Pena Palace

Explore the stunning Pena Palace, a fairy-tale castle surrounded by lush gardens.
Take a bus from Sintra train station.
EUR14 (entrance fee), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tascinha do Vigário

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal with local flavours at Tascinha do Vigário in Sintra.
Walk to the restaurant nearby.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Discover the mystical gardens and architecture of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a bus or walk to the site.
EUR10 (entrance fee), 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Lisbon

Take the train back, reflecting on your lovely day in Sintra.
Walk to Sintra station.
EUR5, 40 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Enjoy affordable tapas at Bairro do Avillez, a popular venue for eight different kitchens.
Take Tram 28 back to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Excursion

Cascais, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Galeria House of Wonders

Enjoy a healthy breakfast including smoothie bowls and pastries at Café Galeria before heading out to Cascais.
Walk to Cais do Sodré station.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Cascais

Catch a scenic train to Cascais, a charming coastal town known for its beaches.
Use the local train from Cais do Sodré.
EUR2.50, 40 minutes

10:15AM

Explore Praia da Rainha Beach

Relax on the sandy shore and soak up the sun at the picturesque Praia da Rainha.
Walk to the beach from the train station.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mar do Inferno

Relish fresh seafood dishes at affordable prices at Mar do Inferno overlooking the ocean.
Stroll along the coast to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Boca do Inferno

Check out the stunning cliffs and ocean views at Boca do Inferno, a beautiful natural spot.
Walk or take a short bus ride.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Gelato at Santini

Treat yourself to some of the best gelato in Portugal at Santini before heading back.
Walk to the gelato shop.
EUR3, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Return to Lisbon

Take the train back to Lisbon to unwind after a fun day.
Take the local train from Cascais.
EUR2.50, 40 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at O Prego da Peixaria

Finish your day with a delicious seafood sandwich at O Prego da Peixaria.
Return to O Prego da Peixaria.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Porto

Porto, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at A Padaria Portuguesa

Enjoy freshly baked bread and traditional pastries at A Padaria Portuguesa before your journey to Porto.
Walk to the station.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Porto

Travel by train from Lisbon to Porto, experiencing the beautiful countryside along the way.
Use the local train from Santa Apolónia station.
EUR25, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hostel

Check into your hostel and freshen up before exploring the city.
Walk to your accommodation.
EUR12 (per night), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercado do Bom Sucesso

Try local delicacies at Mercado do Bom Sucesso, which offers a large selection of food stalls at reasonable prices.
Take the Metro to Casa da Música.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Livraria Lello

Explore Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, famously known for its stunning architecture.
Walk to the bookstore.
EUR5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk along Ribeira

Stroll through the lively Ribeira district, filled with colourful buildings, bars, and the Douro River views.
Walk to the riverfront.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa de Pasto da Palmeira

End the day with a hearty local meal at Casa de Pasto da Palmeira, appreciated for its simplicity and great food.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Discover Porto

Porto, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Start your day at the historic Café Majestic with a coffee and pastel de nata.
Walk to Café Majestic.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Clerigos Tower

Climb the 240 steps of the Clerigos Tower for panoramic views of Porto.
Walk to Clerigos Tower.
EUR5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the São Bento Train Station

Visit São Bento Train Station to admire its stunning azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history.
Walk to the station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Try local dishes from various stalls at Mercado do Bolhão, a traditional market setting.
Walk to the market.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boat Cruise on the Douro River

Take a budget-friendly boat cruise along the Douro River, enjoying views of the iconic bridges and riverside.
Walk to the tour operator.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit a Port Wine Cellar

Learn about Port wine production and sample local varieties at one of the many cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge.
EUR10 (tasting fee), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Onda Verde

Enjoy a cozy meal at Onda Verde, a restaurant known for its warm vibes and traditional dishes.
Walk back across the bridge and to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hostel

Start your day with a simple breakfast at the hostel before your journey back to Lisbon.
Enjoy a meal provided by the hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Lisbon

Take the comfortable train back to Lisbon, taking fifteen for a smooth return.
Catch the train from São Bento station.
EUR25, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Ancient Art

Explore Portuguese art and artefacts at the National Museum of Ancient Art, learning about the nation's rich history.
Take Tram 28 to the museum.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado da Ribeira

Return to Mercado da Ribeira for your last lunch in Portugal, sampling various dishes from local vendors.
Walk to the market.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll in Jardim da Estrela

Relax in Jardim da Estrela, a peaceful garden perfect for reflection on your travels.
Take Tram 28 back to Jardim da Estrela.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Final Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Enjoy a final meal of fresh seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro, highly rated and affordable.
Take Metro to Intendente station.
EUR20, 2 hours
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