Please sign in to post.

9-day itinerary in Portugal

My wife and I are planning about 9 days in Portugal in mid-late September. We'll be flying into Lisbon from Barcelona, then out of Porto back to Barcelona. This is our first time in Portugal.

Curious for some feedback on the below, possible itinerary. We are conscious that we could easily spend the whole time in Lisbon, but would like to see a little more of the country. I've looked at a lot of other posts on this subject, and it seems we have what might be a reasonable plan – but open to ideas, particularly from folks who have been there recently.

While we love art and museums, our primary interest in this trip is really just exploring the cities, eating/drinking. We love walking around cities, and discovering little bars, restaurants and shops. We are NOT really focused on hitting the top/popular tourist sites.

So with that, here is what we're thinking:

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon on Friday afternoon (flight from Barcelona)
Day 2: Explore Lisbon
Day 3: More Lisbon
Day 4: Day Trip by train to Évora
Day 5: Early train to Porto
Day 6: Explore Porto
Day 7: Day trip Douro Valley (Maybe. Is it worth it? Not sure of the best transport option)
Day 8: More Porto
Day 9: Late morning flight out of Porto to Barcelona

Posted by
4572 posts

I would shift one day from Porto to Lisbon. Much more to see and flatter for walking. There is a lot to see in Lisbon, including Belem and/or Sintra. If you only have time for one I would choose Belem.

Posted by
413 posts

Looks good to me. I always like to have just one or two bases and do trips out, rather than travelling the whole time.
You could have a look at boat trips up the Douro. Some do boat one way and bus back.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you both – shaving a day off Porto, and adding the extra day in Lisbon seems to be a popular suggestion. And I was just looking at a possible short boat ride on the Douro. Appreciate the feedback and recommendations!

Posted by
8978 posts

For going into the Douro River valley consider taking the train to Regua and or Pinhao.
The train runs along the north side of the river.

Posted by
114 posts

We loved the organized bus tour we took to the Duoro Valley, it was one of the highlights of our trip. I went back and forth for a while if we wanted to take the train and DIY, but the bus had the advantage of getting your to viewpoints. I would also cut a day from Porto; you could add it to Lisbon and consider a day trip to Sintra.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks everyone! We cut a day off Porto, and added a day to Lisbon, booked what look to be great apartment hotels in both cities, and booked our accommodations for Barcelona. Appreciate all the advice and recommendations.