TAP is offering excellent stop-over packages where you can stay in either Porto or Lisbon for several nights on your way to your final destination. If staying 4 night, which would you choose? Is Lisbon a difficult walking city in terms of hills , etc.
thanks
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3161 posts
Porto has some steep hills as well. Using trams, funiculars and elevadors makes trekking easier. Get to the top of the hill and walk down. If you’ve never been to Portugal before, I’d recommend Lisbon for 4 nights because there is more to see and explore than in Porto. Rick’s guide has three great walking tours (again, start at the top) and there are wonderful churches and museums. Take a day trip to Sintra, visit Belem and enjoy Fado.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
Diane, I was in both Lisbon and Porto in 2017. I agree with Philip, while both cities are very enjoyable, there are more sites and visitor experiences in Lisbon. Now if you really like Port ....
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
We agree with others that with 4 nights, Lisbon is a great choice. Plenty to see in that time frame. A day trip to Sintra and surrounding area is a plus. We took a wonderful tour. We saw Porto as a "little Lisbon." We loved Porto, but thought 2 nights was ample.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I liked Lisbon better, and as a larger city, there's more to see and do. However, both cities are quite hilly; Porto is even hillier than Lisbon. As is said of San Francisco, if you get tired of walking around Lisbon, you can always lean against it - and Porto is worse. If hills are a problem, you may not be happy in either place, or you should plan on lots of taxis (not ruinous). Some parts of both are flatter, so it would depend on exactly where you're going.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Diane,
While I enjoyed my stay in both cities, I think I preferred Porto a bit more. As previously mentioned, both cities have some hills to deal with, but I didn't find them difficult.
I found that staying near Praça da Figueira in Lisbon was very convenient, as there are lots of restaurants nearby as well as being close to transportation. In Porto I stayed at a hotel just above the Stock Exchange Palace, which was about half way up one of the hills. It was a fairly easy walk down to the river or up to restaurants or sights.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1671 posts
I think you would enjoy either city, as both are lovely. As mentioned both have lots of hills. One good thing about Lisbon is the free elevators and escalators that help with navigating the hills. In Porto I only know of one funicular (not free).
I would encourage you to do a little research (other than RS) before you make a decision. That way, you can see which city appeals to you more. I’m thinking you will be happy with either city.