3-Week Portugal Itinerary: Exploring Azulejos, Culinary Delights & Rich History

Day 1: Lisbon Arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Start your day with the famous custard tarts at this iconic Lisbon bakery, open from 8am, a true taste of Portuguese tradition.
EUR3 per tart, 1h

10:00am

Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Manueline architecture and stunning azulejo tile panels, open from 10am to 5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Enjoy a variety of Portuguese dishes from different vendors in this lively market open daily from 10am to 12am.
Approx EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

Discover the history and beauty of Portuguese tiles from the 15th century onwards, open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays.
EUR5, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Alfama District

Wander the oldest district of Lisbon, admiring tiled facades and narrow streets steeped in history.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Clube de Fado

Dine on traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by live Fado music, open from 7pm.
Approx EUR35, 2h
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Day 2: Lisbon to Sintra

Lisbon and Sintra, Portugal on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Enjoy freshly roasted coffee and pastries near Rossio Square, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Sintra

Take a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Sintra to explore palaces and tile art.
EUR5 round trip, 0.75h

10:30am

Visit Pena Palace

Discover this colourful 19th-century Romanticist palace with exquisite tiles and panoramic views, open 9:30am to 7pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Savour traditional Portuguese tapas in the heart of Sintra village, open daily from noon.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Quinta da Regaleira

Explore the mystical gardens and decor laden with symbolic tiles and historic architectural features, open 9:30am to 7pm.
EUR12, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Take the train back to Lisbon to prepare for dinner.
Included in earlier cost, 0.75h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes at one of Lisbon’s most popular eateries, open until 11pm.
Approx EUR30-40, 2h
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Day 3: Lisbon to Porto

Lisbon and Porto, Portugal on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Grab a quick pastry and coffee before taking the train, open from 7am.
EUR5, 0.5h

8:00am

Train to Porto

High-speed train (Alfa Pendular) to Porto takes around 2.5 hours.
EUR30-40, 2.5h

11:00am

Check-in and quick refresh

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for Porto exploration.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado Bom Sucesso

Try diverse Portuguese regional specialties and sample local products, open 10am-12am.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

São Bento Station

Admire the stunning azulejo tile panels depicting historical scenes inside this working train station.
Free, 0.5h

3:00pm

Clérigos Tower

Climb this baroque tower for panoramic views of Porto, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR5, 1h

4:30pm

Livraria Lello

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores known for its ornate interior, open 10am to 7pm.
EUR5 (redeemable on purchase), 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy authentic northern Portuguese cuisine in an intimate setting, reservation recommended, open from 7pm.
Approx EUR30, 2h
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Day 4: Porto Exploration

Porto, Portugal on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Eat in a grand Belle Époque café, open from 8am, enjoy traditional pastries and coffee.
EUR10-15, 1h

10:00am

Palácio da Bolsa

Tour the historic stock exchange palace infused with intricate tile work, open 9am to 6:30pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

12:00pm

Ribeira District walk

Stroll alongside the Douro River, admire colourful buildings and azulejo details on facades.
Free, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Relish traditional Porto dishes, especially francesinha, open daily from noon.
EUR15-20, 1h

3:00pm

Port Wine Cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia

Visit a winery for tasting and learn about port wine production, most open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12-20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cantinho do Avillez

Dine on creative Portuguese cuisine by renowned chef José Avillez, open 7pm to 11pm.
Approx EUR35-45, 2h
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Day 5: Porto to Guimarães & Braga

Porto, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Energy boost before a day exploring historic northern Portuguese towns.
EUR5-10, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Guimarães

Drive or take a train for approx 1 hour to the birthplace of Portugal.
EUR5-10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Guimarães Castle & Palace of the Dukes

Explore medieval fortress and palace adorned with historical azulejos, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR8 combined ticket, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Historico by Correio Velho

Traditional northern Portuguese cuisine in a charming historic setting, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Braga

A short 30-minute journey to the religious centre of Braga.
EUR5, 0.5h

2:30pm

Visit Bom Jesus do Monte

Climb the baroque stairway and view beautiful tile work at this sacred sanctuary, open 8am to 8pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Porto

Travel back to Porto to relax and prepare for dinner.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Guedes

Known for pork sandwich with Serra cheese, a local favourite, open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR10-15, 1.5h
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Day 6: Porto to Coimbra

Porto and Coimbra, Portugal on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Light healthy breakfast options, open from 8am.
EUR7-10, 1h

9:00am

Train to Coimbra

Approximately 1.5-hour train journey to a city famed for its university and history.
EUR15, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit University of Coimbra & Biblioteca Joanina

Tour one of Portugal's oldest universities and its stunning baroque library, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Loggia restaurant

Enjoy refined Portuguese cuisine with views over the city, open daily noon to 3pm.
EUR20-25, 1h

3:00pm

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

Visit Gothic ruins with informative exhibition, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR4, 1h

4:30pm

Walk the Old Town

Admire tiled buildings, historic streets and lively café culture.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zé Manel dos Ossos

Affordable traditional cuisine noted for authenticity, open from 7pm.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 7: Coimbra to Aveiro and back to Lisbon

Coimbra, Aveiro and Lisbon, Portugal on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Santa Cruz

Historic café known for pastel de nata and light bites, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Aveiro

40-minute train to ‘Venice of Portugal’, famous for canals, colourful moliceiro boats, and tiles.
EUR5-7, 0.75h

10:00am

Canal Boat Tour

Enjoy a scenic 50-minute ride through city canals exploring Art Nouveau buildings and tile panels, tours operate 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Visit Museu de Aveiro

Former convent with notable Portuguese tile exhibits, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at O Bairro

Popular spot for fresh seafood and local dishes, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Lisbon

Train back to Lisbon takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
EUR25-30, 3h

6:30pm

Check-in and rest

Relax at your accommodation before dinner.
Varies, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sea Me - Peixaria Moderna

Trendy seafood fusion restaurant blending traditional and contemporary flavours, open 7:30pm to 11pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Lisbon Cultural Day

Lisbon, Portugal on July 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Copenhagen Coffee Lab

Premium coffee and pastries in the charming Chiado district, open 8am to 6pm.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Visit Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Explore a superb art collection including exquisite tiles, open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at A Cevicheria

Sample innovative ceviche dishes in Lisbon’s Principe Real neighbourhood, open 12:30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Museu de Lisboa – Palácio Pimenta

History museum enriched with azulejo art, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

4:30pm

Walk the Baixa & Chiado districts

Explore architecturally stunning streets, many buildings decorated with azulejos.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Trendy restaurant offering Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist, open from 7pm.
EUR35-45, 2h
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