10 Days in Portugal: The Perfect Itinerary for Any Traveler

Spend your first day exploring the Ribeira neighborhood. Live like a local and grab a light breakfast of buttered toast or a croissant from a local bakery. Check out one of the many miradouros (viewpoints) for an elevated view of the city, as well as the Douro river. Or, climb the Clérigos Church Tower for panoramic views of Porto. Visit Porto Cathedral and admire its stunning architecture. Around the corner is Largo de Pena Ventosa, a hidden, vibrant side-street, perfect for a quick photo-op! Make your way to the Luís I Bridge for stunning views of the Douro River. Take the Funicular dos Guindais down to the Riverside where you’ll find lots of café and restaurant options for lunch.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour on the Douro River to see Porto from a different perspective. Some boat tours can include wine tastings or even a light lunch, so be sure to plan your meals accordingly! Afterwards, make your way back up the hill to the Ribeira District, stopping by Palácio da Bolsa, a stunning 19th-century building with intricate interiors. Explore the narrow streets, adorned with azulejo tiles, stopping by traditional shops along the Rua das Flores. For some unique azulejo viewing, stop by the Church of Saint Ildefonso. Grab the local renowned pastry, pastel de nata, from a nearby bakery and take in your surroundings. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Ribeira area, trying francesinha, a local specialty. Head to a miradouro to watch a beautiful sunset over the river.

In the morning, visit Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (arrive early to beat the crowds). From there, explore the bustling Rua de Santa Catarina for shopping. For more unique azulejo viewing, stop by the Chapel of Souls to get that iconic Instagram shot! For lunch, try local delicacies at Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market in the city center.

In the afternoon, start heading toward Vila Nova de Gaia. Make sure to take in the stunning Douro River views as you cross the Luís I Bridge. Take a tour of a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia and sample some Port wine. Have dinner at a riverside restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia, enjoying views of Porto's skyline. Enjoy the sunset at Jardim do Morro or atop Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.

Depending on your interests, you could revisit any favorite spots or explore more of Porto's neighborhoods. There is plenty more to explore in the Miragaia neighborhood, including the National Museum Soares dos Reis, an art museum within an 18th-century palace. Or you can stroll through the Gardens of Palácio De Cristal.

If you are ready for a change of pace, I would recommend renting a car and stopping in Coimbra or Nazare on your drive to Lisbon.

Coimbra boasts one of Europe's oldest universities - the University of Coimbra. It was established in the 13th century, and is renowned for its picturesque campus, showcasing iconic sites like the Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. Its historic center charms with medieval architecture and winding streets, while its riverside location on the Mondego River offers stunning views.

If you’re ready to hit the waves, take an excursion to the picturesque coastal town of Nazaré. It is famed for its towering waves, drawing surfers from around the globe seeking adrenaline-pumping rides. Beyond its legendary surf, Nazaré offers quaint streets, traditional fishing culture and panoramic ocean views, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Both towns are doable as a day trip, while still allowing you to arrive in Lisbon before dark.

On your first full day in Lisbon, head to Belém early to explore some of the most extravagant Manueline architecture the city has to offer. Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are two must-see landmarks. For breakfast or a mid-morning snack, head to Pastéis de Belém to try the original pastel de nata. When you’re done exploring Belém, take the tram towards Bairro Alto and stop by the Time Out Market for lunch.

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods. Don’t miss out on sites like Carmo Convent for intriguing history and architecture, or São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint for stunning views of the city. If you like to collect unique souvenirs like I do, head to d’Orey Azulejos to shop for antique, hand-painted Portuguese azulejos! Enjoy dinner at a traditional tasca restaurant in Chiado or Bairro Alto.

Visit São Jorge Castle and explore its historic walls and viewpoints. You’ll find some of the best views of Lisbon up here! Then, wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood. Here you can explore various miradouros and sites like Lisbon Cathedral and the National Pantheon. Have lunch at a local tasca in Alfama, trying Portuguese petiscos (small plates).

This afternoon is your chance to enjoy the water. First, head to Praça do Comércio and enjoy views of the Tagus River. Admire the Arco da Rua Augusta and enjoy shopping along the pedestrian-only street. Head to the docks near Praça do Comércio and hop on an evening boat tour. You can enjoy a sunset cruise with drinks and snacks on a traditional boat. Some tours even offer live fado music on board! You could also head to a tasco in Alfama for dinner to enjoy a fado show there.

Depending on your interests, you could revisit any favorite sights or explore more of Lisbon's neighborhoods.

Cascais is a charming coastal town known for its sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Cascais Marina and stroll along the promenade. Enjoy seafood at a beachfront restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the historic center of Cascais, with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Visit the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation and natural wonder.

Cascais is the perfect place to put your feet up and enjoy the sun and sand, or, for the more adventurous, to get out on the water for some surfing!

This day trip is optional if you’d like to spend more time in Lisbon, however, I personally do not recommend skipping out on Sintra!

It’s best to get an early start in Sintra to avoid the crowds. You will likely only have time to visit about three palaces without rushing. My recommendations are the National Palace of Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira. These are also the most popular sites, so don’t be too surprised if they are quite busy. Some honorary mentions include the Sintra National Palace and the Park and Palace of Monserrate. Be sure to research ahead of time to decide which palaces interest you the most! You truly can’t go wrong with any of them.

No matter which palaces you choose, I would recommend visiting Pena Palace as early as possible to avoid crowds. Afterwards, you can visit whichever palaces you choose in the order that works best for you. The palaces typically have cafés or restaurants on site for you to enjoy meals with a view!

The palaces generally close between 5pm and 6:30pm. Head back to Lisbon for one final night in the city.

You’ll spend the next 2-3 days in a natural paradise. Algarve is perfect for all types of travelers, boasting dramatic coastlines, idyllic beaches and historical towns. Relax on the beach or take part in water sports like surfing, kayaking or paddle-boarding. Head to Benagil Cave, one of the most famous sea caves in the Algarve, either by boat tour or hiking along the cliffs. Explore nearby beaches like Praia da Marinha or Praia de Benagil for swimming and sunbathing. Take a boat tour along the coast to explore more sea caves and rock formations. Visit Ponta da Piedade in Lagos for stunning views and photo opportunities. Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant, indulging in grilled fish or seafood rice. Sample regional specialties, such as cataplana or grilled sardines.

Ultimately, the Algarve is the perfect place to relax after a full week of exploring in Portugal!