A 7-Day Itinerary for First Timers to Portugal

Ronda McKnight
Jun 21
4 min read

If Portugal has made it onto your travel radar (and it should), you’re in for a treat. This coastal gem is full of historic cities, stunning coastlines, mouthwatering food, and some of the friendliest people in Europe. If you’ve got a week to explore and want to hit the highlights, I’ve put together a 7-day itinerary that blends culture, wine, beaches, and charm—perfect for first-time visitors.

Morning wake-up call over Lisbon from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Photo Credit: Ronda McKnight

Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon

Start your adventure in Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly and sun-drenched capital. Once you settle in, take it easy—go for a walk through Alfama, the city’s oldest district, and get lost in its maze-like alleyways. If you're visiting on Tuesday or Saturday, check out the Feira da Ladra to see what vintage items or unique souvenirs you can find. Grab dinner at a local Portuguese tavern and, if you’re up for it, enjoy a Fado performance for your first taste of the country’s soul.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss trying pastéis de nata (custard tarts) from Pastéis de Belém. They're worth the hype!

Day 2: Explore Lisbon's Must-Sees

Today is all about hitting Lisbon’s big sights. Hop on the iconic Tram 28 and ride past colorful buildings and major landmarks. Make time for:

Belém Tower
Jerónimos Monastery
Monument of the Discoveries
LX Factory – a trendy spot for food, shops, and street art
Time Out Market – perfect for a casual (yet gourmet) bite

In the evening, head up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for sweeping views of the city at sunset. (This is also a great location to watch the city wake up as the sun rises.)

Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra and Cascais

Rent a car or hop on a tour for this day trip. First stop: Sintra, a fairy-tale town in the mountains, just 40 minutes from Lisbon. Tour the colorful Pena Palace, stroll through the Quinta da Regaleira gardens, and admire the views from the Moorish Castle. It's definitely worth having a guide at the palace to learn about the history of the palace and its grounds.

After Sintra, head to the seaside town of Cascais for a late lunch and a walk along the beach. The serenity of Cascais is calming and makes you want to stay longer 😉

Day 4: Travel to Porto

Hop on a train from Lisbon to Porto—it takes about 3 hours and is a scenic ride through Portugal’s countryside. Once in Porto, get settled and take an easy evening stroll along the Ribeira District along the banks of the Douro River. The cobbled streets and colorful buildings will catch your attention. The views are especially beautiful at dusk when the lights start reflecting off the water.

Ribeira District in Porto from Dom Luis I Bridge. Photo Credit: Kimberly Gessner

Day 5: Discover Porto

Porto is like Lisbon’s cool little sibling—laid-back, full of personality, and known for its port wine. Spend the day exploring:

Livraria Lello – one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores
Clérigos Tower
São Bento Railway Station – don’t miss the tile work inside
Porto Cathedral
A walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for killer views

End your day with a wine tasting tour in Vila Nova de Gaia, where most of the port wine cellars are located.

Day 6: Day Trip to the Douro Valley

Take a day trip out to the Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region. This is where the country’s world-renowned port wine is born—and the views are just as intoxicating as the wine! Whether you join a river cruise, take a private tour, or hire a driver, you’ll get to sip wine at scenic vineyards and enjoy a relaxing day in the hills.

Pro Tip: Book your visit to a couple of wineries in advance, especially during high season.

Aveiro Canals. Photo Credit: Ronda McKnight

Day 7: Aveiro – The “Venice of Portugal”

On your final day, consider a quick detour to Aveiro, a charming town an hour south of Porto. With its colorful boats, picturesque canals, and Art Nouveau buildings, Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal.” Stroll along the canals, pop into bakeries for a taste of the local sweet ovos moles, and enjoy a slower pace before heading home.

Final Thoughts

Portugal is one of those places that somehow flies under the radar, even though it has everything you’d want in a European getaway—history, beaches, wine, incredible food, and charm for days. Whether you're wandering through Lisbon’s hills, soaking in the vibes of Porto, or sipping wine in the Douro Valley, this 7-day itinerary gives you a taste of the best the country has to offer.

Have more time? You could easily extend your trip to include the Algarve or even hop over to Madeira or the Azores. But if this is your first visit, Lisbon and Porto are the perfect places to start falling in love with Portugal.