9 Days in Lisbon and Porto: A Journey through History and Culture

Jose Augusto Ribeiro

4 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto. Immerse yourself in the rich history, marvel at stunning architecture, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable exploration of Portugal's captivating charm.

Trip to Lisbon

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1Unveiling Lisbon's Hidden Gems

$20

$ 5

This popular observation deck with a pergola offers dramatic views of Lisbon & the Tagus River.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Waterside public plaza with a notable arch & statue, lined with outdoor cafes & shopping venues.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

8 - 12 min

Directions

Cast-iron elevator with filigree details, built in 1902 to connect lower streets with Carmo Square.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

This historical industrial complex houses an array of arty retailers & unique restaurants.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Castles, Markets, and Breathtaking Views

$24

$ 9

11th-century, hilltop Moorish castle & royal residence with palace ruins & archaeological museum.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$24

12 - 15 min

Directions

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Sloped, scenic park featuring tree-lined walking paths, manicured lawns & distant water views.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Indulging in Lisbon's Sweet Delights

$50

Large, airy bakery cafe offering Portuguese baked goods including tarts & breads.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Late Gothic Manueline-style monastery housing archaeology & maritime museums in its wings.

9:15 AM - 11:15 AM

•

$20

12 - 17 min

Directions

Statue built in 1940 and made permanent in 1960 to mark 500 years since Henry the Navigator's death.

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

$10

12 - 17 min

Directions

Landmark medieval fortified tower on tiny river island with rooftop terrace offering estuary views.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

•

$20

Day 4Dive into Lisbon's Aquatic Wonderland

$54

Modern, waterside aquarium with ocean habitats for sharks, rays, penguins & tropical fish.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$54

Budget breakdown: $364 In total

Activities & Food:$328

Transport:$36

Trip to Porto

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1Unveiling Lisbon's Hidden Gems

$56

$ 4

Iconic 12-floor concert hall & top floor restaurant designed by Rem Koolhaas & completed in 2005.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$25

13 - 16 min

Directions

Lavishly designed historic book store with an art nouveau exterior & a winding wooden staircase.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$18

4 - 5 min

Directions

Baroque church with a marble altarpiece & a 75-m bell tower that is a symbol of Porto.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$13

12 - 18 min

Directions

Chapel famous for its exterior of blue & white tiles painted with scenes from the lives of saints.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Castles, Markets, and Breathtaking Views

$62

$ 4

High-tech soccer museum with multimedia displays, FC Porto memorabilia & stadium tours.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$24

14 - 17 min

Directions

Former monastery dating to the 1500s, set on a hilltop & notable for its round church & cloister.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

A cable car leads to this hilltop green space with benches & a grove of palm trees at the summit.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Arched bridge carrying low-level road & a high-level metro line between Porto & Vila Nove de Gaia.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

18 - 27 min

Directions

Small, historic urban park with a serene vibe featuring a variety of trees, plants & sculptures.

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Museum with an eatery, a theme ride & exhibits exploring the history of early Portuguese navigators.

2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

•

$38

Day 3Indulging in Lisbon's Sweet Delights

$13

$ 4

Cluster of museums, restaurants & bars in cellars, telling the story of Porto's port wine industry.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

24 - 35 min

Directions

Hilltop Romanesque cathedral, with a fortress-like interior, a rose window & Gothic cloisters.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

Jardim Botânico do Porto | Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da U.Porto

Botanical & formal gardens with an elegant, 19th-century mansion, pond & paths through an arboretum.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

Day 4Dive into Lisbon's Aquatic Wonderland

$50

$ 4

Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves

Major modern art collection in minimalist white galleries, plus performances of music & dance.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$20

13 - 16 min

Directions

City park with sports fields, sand volleyball courts, dining options & cycling & walking paths.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages).

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$30

Day 5Porto's Musical and Literary Treasures

$ 10

Turreted 17th-century fort with cannons, sitting on a prominent rock overlooking the beach.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

18-hectare park, part of the Serralves Foundation, with formal gardens, wooded areas & sculptures.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Landmark arch bridge over the Douro River, with guided climbs to the top offered by a local company.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Landscaped gardens designed in the 19th century offering fountains, paths & Douro River views.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $364 In total

Activities & Food:$328

Transport:$36