Portugal 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

  • Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)
  • Take a taxi or metro (red line) from the airport to your accommodation
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit Belem Tower (optional, €6.50 ticket price), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic symbol of Portugal
  • Explore the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical landmark

Things to know:

  • Visa requirements: EU citizens don’t need a visa, while non-EU citizens can check the Portuguese government’s website for requirements
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas
  • Currency: Euro (€)

Day 2: Lisbon Exploration

  • Visit Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle and one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Alfama, known for its narrow streets, Fado music, and picturesque alleys
  • Take a ride on Tram 28 (€2.50 ticket price), a historic tram that passes through some of Lisbon’s most scenic areas

Things to know:

  • Tram schedule: Check the official website or ask locals for schedules and routes
  • Restaurant recommendations: Try traditional Portuguese cuisine at Casa do Leão or Solar dos Amigos
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially on public transportation

Day 3: Sintra and Cascais

  • Take a day trip to Sintra, a picturesque town known for its palaces and castles (€15 ticket price for the Pena Palace)
  • Visit Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks
  • Explore the charming coastal towns of Cascais and Guincho

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Take a train from Lisbon’s Rossio station (€5 ticket price) or hire a car for more flexibility
  • Restaurant recommendations: Try seafood at Restaurante Casa do Cabo in Cascais
  • Weather: Sintra and Cascais can be windy, so dress accordingly

Day 4: Porto

  • Travel to Porto, a city known for its rich history, architecture, and port wine production (€10 ticket price for the metro from Lisbon’s Oriente station)
  • Visit Ribeira, a historic neighborhood and one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks
  • Take a stroll along the Douro River and visit the nearby São Francisco Church

Things to know:

  • Restaurant recommendations: Try traditional Porto cuisine at Casa Guedes
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially on public transportation
  • Visa requirements: Same as for Lisbon

Day 5: Douro Valley and Aveiro

  • Take a day trip to the Douro Valley, one of Portugal’s most famous wine regions (€30 ticket price for a guided tour)
  • Visit Peso da Régua, a charming town known for its wine production
  • Explore the nearby city of Aveiro, known for its colorful buildings and canals

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Take a train from Porto’s São Bento station (€5 ticket price) or hire a car for more flexibility
  • Restaurant recommendations: Try seafood at Restaurante O Paparico
  • Weather: The Douro Valley can be hot, so dress accordingly

Day 6: Return to Lisbon

  • Travel back to Lisbon and spend the day exploring any last-minute sights or doing some shopping
  • Visit Parque das Nações, a modern neighborhood with stunning views of the city
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Lisbon’s many restaurants