Affordable 7-Day Lisbon and Porto Road Trip from Zurich on a 1000 Euro Budget

Day 1: Arrival Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on May 27, 2025

9:00am

Flight Zurich to Lisbon

Take an early morning budget flight from Zurich to Lisbon for cost efficiency and maximum time in Lisbon. Flights generally take about 2.5 hours.
EUR100 per person, 3h0m

12:30pm

Check-in Budget Accommodation

Stay at an affordable guesthouse or hostel near central Lisbon such as 'Goodmorning Hostel' for around EUR30 per night.
EUR30, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Enjoy diverse Portuguese dishes at the Time Out Market, a popular food hall with many affordable options.
EUR15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Alfama District

Walk through the historic Alfama district, admire the vibrant streets, and visit the Lisbon Cathedral. Free walking, no entry fee.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit São Jorge Castle

Explore São Jorge Castle for panoramic city views. Open until 6pm, ticket cost is economical.
EUR10 per person, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Savor famous seafood dishes at Ramiro, a highly recommended yet reasonably priced restaurant.
EUR20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lisbon Sightseeing

Lisbon, Portugal on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café A Brasileira

Start your day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast of coffee and pastries at this historic café.
EUR7 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

Visit iconic monuments in Belém including the Tower and the monastery, both UNESCO sites. Open from 10am to 5:30pm.
EUR12 combined ticket per person, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pasteis de Belém

Try the famous custard tarts 'Pastéis de Belém' and light snacks at the original bakery.
EUR8 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

LX Factory

Explore the creative arts and shopping space in LX Factory, perfect for unique souvenirs and local culture.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Fado Evening in Bairro Alto

Enjoy a traditional Fado music performance in a cozy bar in Bairro Alto. Typically starts around 8pm, consider arriving early.
EUR15 per person, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bairro Alto Garden

Dine al fresco with a great view and affordable menu options in Bairro Alto Garden.
EUR18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Drive to Porto

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick and affordable breakfast at your accommodation before checkout.
EUR5 per person, 0h45m

9:00am

Car Rental Pickup

Pick up a budget car rental for the drive to Porto to have flexibility and save on train costs.
EUR50 per day approx, 0h30m

9:30am

Drive from Lisbon to Porto

Drive approx 3 hours north to Porto following the A1 highway.
Fuel approx EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Check-in Affordable Porto Accommodation

Stay at an economical hotel or guesthouse like Gallery Hostel, close to city center.
EUR35, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Majestic

Experience Porto’s famous Art Nouveau café atmosphere with tasty and moderately priced meals.
EUR15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ribeira District

Walk along the Douro riverbank, admire the colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Dom Luís I Bridge

Walk across this iconic bridge for stunning views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Port Wine Cellars Tour

Visit a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia and enjoy a wine tasting of port wine. Most tours open until 7pm.
EUR12 per person, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Adega São Nicolau

Indulge in authentic Portuguese dishes with great river views at reasonable prices.
EUR20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Porto Highlights

Porto, Portugal on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mercado do Bolhão

Enjoy fresh local produce and pastries at this traditional market.
EUR7 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of Porto. Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR6 per person, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk Through Livraria Lello

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, modest entry fee required.
EUR5 per person, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa Guedes

Try the famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese at this local favorite spot.
EUR10 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at the Crystal Palace Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon stroll with spectacular views over the Douro river.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat Tour on the Douro River

Take a 50-minute scenic boat tour under the six bridges of Porto to appreciate the city from the water.
EUR15 per person, 1h0m

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Café Progresso

Enjoy a relaxing coffee in one of Porto’s best specialty coffee shops.
EUR5 per person, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Relish traditional Portuguese cuisine in this small, authentic tavern.
EUR20 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Lisbon

Porto to Lisbon, Portugal on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have a relaxed breakfast before starting your journey back.
EUR5 per person, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive from Porto to Lisbon

Drive back to Lisbon with fuel costs estimated to be similar to inbound journey.
Fuel approx EUR30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Check-in Lisbon Accommodation

Return to your prior lodging or similar affordable accommodation in Lisbon.
EUR30, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro

Revisit Ramiro for one last seafood feast in Lisbon before the journey home.
EUR20 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the National Tile Museum

Explore the heritage of Portuguese azulejo tile art. Open 10am–6pm. Entry fee is very affordable.
EUR5 per person, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax in Eduardo VII Park

Spend time relaxing outdoors and enjoying views of the city skyline.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jardim das Cerejas

Enjoy vegetarian-friendly, budget-friendly buffet-style dining near the city center.
EUR15 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Sintra Day Trip

Lisbon, Portugal on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Grab a quick breakfast before heading out to Sintra.
EUR5 per person, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Sintra

Drive about 30 minutes from Lisbon to Sintra, famous for its palaces and parks.
Fuel included in rental, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Tour the colorful Romanticist Pena Palace and its gardens, open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR14 per person, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Wander this enigmatic estate with tunnels, wells and gardens. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10 per person, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy local Portuguese tapas servings in Sintra’s town center.
EUR15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Moorish Castle

Explore the ruins of the Moorish Castle with sweeping views over the Sintra region. Open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR8 per person, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Lisbon

Drive back to Lisbon and rest before your final evening.
Fuel included in rental, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at A Licorista O Bacalhoeiro

Celebrate your last night with traditional codfish dishes in a cozy Lisbon restaurant.
EUR20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure

Lisbon, Portugal to Zurich, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Accommodation

Have a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.
EUR5 per person, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Lisbon Airport and Return Car Rental

Return your rental car at the airport in time for your flight.
Included in rental cost, 0h30m

10:00am

Flight Lisbon to Zurich

Take a budget flight back to Zurich. Flight time about 2.5 hours.
EUR100 per person, 3h0m
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