8-Day Ultimate Portugal Itinerary: From Lisbon to Porto and Beyond

Day 1: Lisbon City Discovery

Lisbon, Portugal on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Start your day tasting the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém, open from 8am, a must-visit for authentic Portuguese pastries.
EUR3, 1h

10:00am

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery Visit

Explore these iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites to appreciate Manueline architecture and Portugal's Age of Discovery history. Open 10am–5pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Enjoy a variety of Portuguese flavours from top chefs in this bustling market setting, open until 11pm.
EUR15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Alfama District and São Jorge Castle

Wander the narrow streets of Alfama and visit the castle for panoramic views over Lisbon. Castle open 9am–9pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Dine on exceptional seafood at this iconic restaurant, open until midnight.
EUR30-45, 1.5h

Day 2: Sintra Day Trip

Sintra, Portugal on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Saudade

Enjoy a light breakfast in Sintra before touring, café opens at 7:30am.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Discover the colourful Romanticist palace with spectacular views. Opens 9:30am–7pm.
EUR14, 2h

11:30am

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Explore enchanting gardens, tunnels and architecture in this mystical estate. Open 9:30am–6pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Sample delicious local tapas and petiscos, open for lunch until 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Moorish Castle

Climb the ancient castle walls for impressive views over Sintra. Open 9:30am–7pm.
EUR8, 1h

6:30pm

Return to Lisbon for Dinner at Cervejaria Trindade

Relish traditional Portuguese cuisine in a beautifully tiled former monastery, open until 11pm.
EUR25-35, 1.5h

Day 3: Lisbon Highlights and Fado Night

Lisbon, Portugal on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Enjoy speciality coffee and pastries, café opens at 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit LX Factory

Explore the creative hub with shops, galleries and street art. Opens 10am, but relax in the outdoor cafés earlier.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at A Cevicheria

Try innovative ceviche dishes in a trendy atmosphere. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Museum Visit – MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)

Experience contemporary exhibitions in a stunning riverside building, open 11am–7pm.
EUR9, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner and Fado Show at Clube de Fado

Enjoy traditional Portuguese music over dinner in Alfama. Book ahead, open 7:30pm–11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 4: Coimbra Historic Exploration

Coimbra, Portugal on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel or local café

Prepare for the train trip with a quick breakfast before departure.
EUR6, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Coimbra by train

Train journey from Lisbon to Coimbra takes approximately 2 hours.
EUR15, 2h

11:00am

Visit University of Coimbra and Biblioteca Joanina

Tour one of the oldest universities in Europe and its stunning baroque library. University opens 9am–7pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Loggia restaurant

Overlooking the city, enjoy contemporary Portuguese cuisine. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens

Explore romantic gardens tied to a famous Portuguese legend. Open 9am–6pm.
EUR6, 1h

5:00pm

Evening walk along the Mondego River

Relax with a scenic stroll by the riverside.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Solar do Bacalhau

Taste traditional codfish dishes that Portugal is famous for. Open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 5: Porto Arrival and Exploration

Porto, Portugal on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Ribeiro

Enjoy fresh bread pastries and coffee, bakery opens at 7am.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Train travel from Coimbra to Porto

Scenic train ride north lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
EUR15, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-in and short rest

Relax briefly at your accommodation before heading out.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Enjoy authentic northern Portuguese cuisine by the Douro river. Open 12pm–3pm.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Clérigos Tower and Church Visit

Climb the tower for panoramic views across Porto, open 9am–7pm.
EUR6, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Ribeira District

Stroll the colourful riverfront area with its lively atmosphere and shops.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cantinho do Avillez

Dine on creative Portuguese dishes by renowned chef José Avillez. Open until 11pm.
EUR35-50, 1.5h

Day 6: Douro Valley Wine Tour

Douro Valley, Portugal on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early for a filling breakfast before the tour.
Included in accommodation, 0.5h

9:00am

Full-day Douro Valley Wine Tour

Enjoy scenic wine estate visits, tastings, and vineyard views with a guided tour (book in advance). Typically runs 9am–6pm.
EUR80-120, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner back in Porto at Taberna dos Mercadores

Relax with fresh seafood and local dishes in an intimate setting, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 7: Porto Museums and Leisure

Porto, Portugal on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails

Fuel up with a hearty brunch-style breakfast, open from 9am.
EUR12-18, 1h

10:00am

Serralves Museum and Gardens

Visit Portugal’s premier contemporary art museum and extensive gardens, open 10am–6pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Casa d’Oro

Enjoy Italian food with views of the river Douro, open 12pm–3pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Cable Car Ride and Port Wine Cellars Tour

Ride the cable car for stellar views and tour famous Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Cellars open 10am–6pm.
EUR15-20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasão Cervejaria Aliados

Try traditional Francesinha sandwich and local craft beers. Open until midnight.
EUR20, 1.5h

Day 8: Return to Lisbon and Departure

Lisbon, Portugal on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Prepare for your journey back to Lisbon with a quick breakfast.
EUR6, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel from Porto to Lisbon by train or flight

Train journey about 2.5h or a short flight, depending on your departure plans.
EUR30-50, 2.5h

12:00pm

Light Lunch near Lisbon Airport

Stop for a light meal before your departure; try the airport cafes or nearby eateries.
EUR10-15, 1h

2:00pm

Airport check-in and departure preparation

Allow enough time for security and boarding procedures.
Free, 2h