7 days · Lisbon–Porto
Portugal in 7 days
Portugal in 7 days: Lisbon, Sintra and Porto. Trains, viewpoints and the ideal first-trip pace.
The Portugal that fits in 7 days
Lisbon + Sintra + Porto is the winning search. Compact, easy trains and enough city–viewpoint–wine contrast.
When
May–Jun / Sep
Best light and temperature window.
Jul–Aug
Busier Alfama and Ribeira; book viewpoints.
Winter
Mild vs northern Europe; rain possible.
Budget / day
€50–90
Hotel
€25–45
Food
€8–20
Local
€85–150
Total
Route
Days 1–3Lisbon
Alfama, Belém, viewpoints and one modern area (LX or Parque).
- Tram 28 is atmosphere, not efficient transport.
Day 4Sintra
One palace (Pena or Quinta) + old town. Don’t attempt three.
- Leave early; sleep back in Lisbon.
Days 5–7Porto
Ribeira, Gaia cellars and one free azulejo day.
- Alfa Pendular train ~3h from Lisbon.
Practical
Lisbon–Porto
Buy the train early in summer. Pack light (hills).
Hills
Lisbon and Porto punish knees. Good shoes > looks.
Food
Pastel de nata in Belém with a queue — or in a neighbourhood without.
Areas
Lisbon: Baixa/Chiado/Príncipe Real · Porto: Cedofeita/Ribeira.
Tips
Algarve + this plan
In 7 days the Algarve eats the whole trip.
One Sintra palace
Pena OR Quinta. Three = queues and stress.
Sunset in Gaia
Cross the bridge and watch Porto from the other side.
Only tuk-tuk tours
Walk one neighbourhood; the map makes more sense.
Checklist
Portugal on TripMatches
Create Lisbon–Porto, save the guide and find companions for viewpoints and port wine.
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