One Week in Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto Itinerary
Seven days is the sweet spot to see Portugal’s big three: Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto. This friendly, practical itinerary gives you a day-by-day plan, exact train connections, neighborhood stays, budget ranges, and map pins so you can focus on tiled facades, ocean air, and memorable meals instead of logistics.
Why this 7-day route works + trip logistics
This itinerary flows south to north, minimizing backtracking and taking advantage of Portugal’s fast rail network. It also keeps city driving to a minimum for RV travelers.
- Best time: March–June and September–October for mild weather and lighter crowds.
- Fly into: Lisbon (LIS). Fly out of: Porto (OPO).
- Getting around: Walk, metro, and trains. Use a Viva Viagem card in Lisbon and Andante in Porto. Long-distance trains are run by CP (Comboios de Portugal).
- RV note: Avoid historic cores with a motorhome. Base at established campgrounds and use transit or rideshares into the centers. Portugal restricts wild camping; choose official areas only.
7-day Portugal itinerary: Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto
Day 1: Lisboa essentials — Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama
Ease into Lisbon’s hills and viewpoints (miradouros). Start in Baixa and Chiado for wide squares and classic cafes, then climb into Alfama’s lanes.
- Praça do Comércio riverfront square: map pin
- Elevador de Santa Justa for skyline views: pin
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (hidden-feel at sunset): pin
- Miradouro da Graça (aka Sophia): pin
- Alfama stroll to the Sé Cathedral: pin
Eat: Pastéis de nata at Manteigaria in Chiado (pin). Try a bifana at O Trevo (pin).
Day 2: Belém, riverfront vibes, and LX Factory
Head west to maritime landmarks, then enjoy Lisbon’s creative side at LX Factory.
- Jerónimos Monastery: pin
- Pastéis de Belém (original custard tarts): pin
- Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries: tower pin | monument pin
- LX Factory for indie shops and street art: pin
Hidden miradouros: Jardim do Torel (pin) and Miradouro do Monte Agudo (pin).
Day 3: Sintra day trip — palaces and forests
Catch the suburban train to Sintra for fairytale palaces and cool mountain air. Go early to beat the tour buses.
From Sintra station, the 434 tourist bus loops the hill sites, but hikers can walk woodland trails between Regaleira, the Moorish Castle, and Pena.
Snack: Travesseiros at Casa Piriquita (pin).
Day 4: Lisbon to Porto — riverside welcome and port wine lodges
Take a morning train to Porto. After check-in, wander Ribeira and cross the Dom Luís I bridge to taste fortified wine in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Dinner ideas: Francesinha at Café Santiago (pin) or sandes de pernil with Serra cheese at Casa Guedes (pin).
Day 5: Porto’s tiled heart — São Bento, Clérigos, Vitória
Explore the core: azulejos, baroque towers, and hidden viewpoints.
- São Bento Station tiles: pin
- Clérigos Tower climb: pin
- Livraria Lello (reserve timed entry): pin
- Miradouro da Vitória (free viewpoint): pin
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal for river panoramas: pin
Coffee stop: Combi Coffee Roasters (pin).
Day 6: Day trip — Douro Valley by train or Matosinhos beach
Choose the Douro’s vines or Atlantic sands.
- Douro by rail: From Porto São Bento/Campanhã to Pinhão (Linha do Douro). The river-hugging stretch from Régua to Pinhão is spectacular. Pinhão station tiles: pin. Book a short boat cruise on arrival.
- Matosinhos beach: Metro line A to Matosinhos Sul. Swim, then feast on charcoal-grilled fish on Rua Heróis de França (pin).
RV note: Coastal campgrounds south of Porto make beach days easy; see recommendations below.
Day 7: Markets, creative corners, and departure
Browse Mercado do Bolhão (pin), then wander Cedofeita’s boutiques and galleries before heading to OPO. If you have extra time, ride the teleférico in Gaia for final Douro views (pin).
Where to stay: neighborhoods and RV-friendly bases
Lisbon neighborhoods
- Baixa/Chiado: Central, walkable, near metro. Good for first-timers.
- Alfama: Atmospheric lanes and fado; expect stairs and fewer transit links.
- Príncipe Real: Stylish, leafy, great dining; easy to reach sights.
Porto neighborhoods
- Ribeira/Miragaia: River views, postcard scenery, lively evenings.
- Cedofeita: Creative vibe, galleries, coffee; central without heavy crowds.
- Bonfim: Up-and-coming, value stays, cool eateries.
RV campgrounds and parking
- Lisboa Camping & Bungalows (Monsanto): Full-service base with transit access. map pin
- Orbitur Guincho (Cascais): Good for Sintra + coastal days. map pin
- Orbitur Canidelo (Vila Nova de Gaia): Beachfront base for Porto. map pin
- Parque de Campismo de Madalena (Gaia): Quiet, near the shore. map pin
Parking tip: For Lisbon day trips from a campground, park near Parque das Nações by Parque do Tejo (pin) and take the metro. Always verify current overnight rules.
Eating and drinking highlights
- Lisbon: Mercado da Ribeira/Time Out Market for variety (pin); seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro (pin); ginjinha near Rossio (pin).
- Sintra: Cozy petiscos at Tascantiga (pin); travesseiros at Piriquita.
- Porto: Bolhão’s produce stalls; canned-fish tasting at Loja das Conservas (pin); sunset drinks on Gaia’s riverwalk.
Don’t miss: Pastéis de nata, bacalhau à brás, caldo verde, alheira, francesinha, and tawny vs. ruby port tastings.
Getting around and exact train connections
- Airport to city: LIS–Baixa by metro (Red line to Alameda, change to Green). OPO–Trindade by metro (Purple line), ~30 minutes.
- Lisbon transit: Buy a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) and load zapping credit or a 24-hour pass. Tram 28 is iconic but crowded—ride early or late.
- Lisbon ↔ Sintra: Suburban train from Rossio to Sintra on the Linha de Sintra. Frequency every ~20 minutes; journey ~40 minutes. One-way fare ~€2.30–€2.50. First trains around 6:00; last around 23:00. Validate your Viva Viagem.
- Lisbon → Porto: CP Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC) from Santa Apolónia or Oriente to Porto Campanhã. AP ~2h50–3h; IC ~3h–3h15. Typical fares: AP €25–45; IC €20–35 depending on promo. Seat reservations included. Buy on cp.pt or the CP app. From Campanhã, take the urban train 1 stop (4 minutes) to São Bento.
- Porto ↔ Douro (optional Day 6): Linha do Douro from São Bento/Campanhã to Pinhão, ~2h20. Sit on the right when heading east for river views. Expect ~€11–€15 one way.
- RV driving & tolls: The A1 motorway (Lisbon–Porto) is tolled. Consider a Via Verde transponder from your rental, or pay at post-pay points. Avoid entering old-town zones with a motorhome; use campgrounds and transit.
Budget ranges: what you’ll spend
- Accommodation (double): Budget €60–100; midrange €120–180; splurge €220+ per night. RV campgrounds €15–35 per night with hookups.
- Food: Pastel + espresso €2–4; lunch menu €8–15; dinner €15–30; craft beer €4–6; port tasting €14–25.
- Transport: Lisbon metro 24-hour pass from ~€6.80; Rossio–Sintra return ~€5; Lisbon–Porto AP often €25–45 if booked ahead.
- Sites: Pena Palace €14–20; Jerónimos €10–15; Clérigos Tower €8–10.
Money-savers: Book long-distance trains 2–8 weeks ahead for promo fares; bundle Sintra sites; eat at tascas with prato do dia lunch specials.
Key Takeaways
- Base in Lisbon (2.5 days), day trip to Sintra, then ride CP north to Porto (3.5 days).
- Use Rossio–Sintra suburban trains and AP/IC Lisbon–Porto; buy CP promo fares early.
- Prioritize hidden miradouros to dodge crowds and score top city views.
- RV travelers: camp outside centers and rely on metro/trains; avoid old-town driving.
Final thoughts
In one week you’ll catch Lisbon’s golden light from hilltop miradouros, roam Sintra’s forests and palaces, and toast Porto with a sunset port by the Douro. With rail-first logistics, neighborhood stays, budget clarity, and RV-friendly options, this itinerary keeps your Portugal journey smooth—and unforgettable.
