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Need advice about Lisbon + Porto trip

Hi, we're still trying to figure out our trip (thanks Carl and everyone else for advice in previous topic). We've debating between these two choices, which we know is hard to give advice on but any are still welcome: 1) Lisbon for 8 days and Porto for 5 days only (we'd go with this option to have a slower paced mellow trip without jumping from apartment to apartment) or 2) Lisbon for 6 days, Porto for 3 days, and Seville for 3 days plus Cordoba day trip from Seville for one day (this option if we think it's worth this busy schedule). For those who have been to Lisbon, Porto and Seville, which option do you think makes sense? We like to check out the main attractions but also like to wander the neighborhoods in non-touristy areas - cafes, bookstores, photograph interesting architecture, do some shopping in local boutiques, etc.

Second question, if we choose the first option to not go to Seville, should we start in Porto first and then end in Lisbon or should we stay in Lisbon for a few days, Porto for a few days, then end the trip in Lisbon for a few days?

Third question, what would be the best way to travel between Lisbon and Porto that's easy and not too long? A train ride? Rent a car? Or just fly?

Fourth question, we found a Lisbon airbnb that looks promising because of the good reviews and price point and it's in the Chiado neighborhood. Is this a good area to stay? I know it's central, but I'm concerned if it's too touristic (like a Times Squares in New York - which we don't like to do). We'd like to stay in an area that's central where we can walk to everything by foot but that also has good options for food and cafes that are also not so touristic. The reason we didn't want to stay in Alfama was because one of us has an injury and we'd think it would be difficult with our luggage in that neighborhood. People advised us that in Chiado the taxi will drop you off right in front of your apartment. Another apartment we're considering is in the Mouraria neighborhood - is anyone familiar with this area? Any other suggestions for a good central area where taxi pick up and drop off won't be a problem but filled with charming food spots and cafes? Also, we are light sleepers so need an area that we can sleep well at night (we had an issue with this staying in the El Born neighborhood in Barcelona).

Thank you in advance for your time and apologies for so many questions.

Posted by
566 posts

Hi, I'll try to answer your 4th question. We stayed in the Castelo/Alfama region, just below the Sao Jorge Castle. We had no trouble getting a taxi to take us right to our door. The streets are very narrow, and there would be some streets that might require a bit of walking to get into, but I would think the owner of the apartments could tell you this before hand. We found this area to be a nice blend of tourists and residential, with a fair number of close restaurants for dinner, and quiet at night.

We met another couple who stayed in Chiado and did say it was quite noisy at night, but again, I would check with reviews for that.

The Mouraria area is again under the Sao Jorge castle, kind of " around " the hill from Alfama. It is the older windy streets that you find in the Alfama and Castelo regions, so again might be hard to get a taxi in. We walked through, it was very pretty, very few tourists seemed to have made their way in. I noticed a couple of cafes. Frankly everywhere almost in Lisbon had charming food spots and cafes! Try to make it to the Miradouro in Graca ( close to Alfama) for a drink before sunset with a great lookout if you are looking for charm.

Posted by
481 posts

Question 1...Go with Option #2 Porto is unique, but not for 5 days. Seville is definitely worth the effort if you have the time. And if adding Cordoba (which I have not visited), even better! Lisbon is great for 6 days.
Question 2...Depends where you fly into and depart from. If flying in/out of Lisbon, I would head straight to Porto then finish in Lisbon, which is what we did. Lisbon offers so much to see and experience, it is a "Porto on steroids"! Just easier this way and especially for a departing flight... you have no need to add stress to get back to Lisbon to catch a plane. You never know....
Question 3...We always rent cars, but that is us. We drove the Douro Valley with our van, and had 6 people. If just 2 of you, I would take the train, and do a day tour of the Douro Valley with a local guide or rent a car for the day while in Porto. If you can fly, then that is the easiest since you are already at the airport. If you can get a connecting flight at a good price, then go for it.
Question 4...Go with what Lisa said, and she said it very well! Lisbon is really charming and interesting just about everywhere.
No apologies needed about your questions...if anyone can offer constructive advice, Rick Steves' readers can...this I can say from learning so much from his books and reading others advice all over this website...a real treasure trove for rewarding travel!!!

Posted by
23 posts

Hi Carl, thank you for your suggestions. I think we will make the effort to go to Seville and I suppose if we fall in love with Portugal, we'll have to return there (and with Azores in that future itinerary thanks to your advice to many honeymooners). Really love how detailed your responses are for everyone - perhaps you should have your own travel guides/blog.

Posted by
330 posts

Hello,
I have been to Lisbon twice now and plan on going back this September (and also Porto). Porto I have been to once, but I wished we had stayed for two full days instead of one. If you love Port Wine and are visiting the Port Lodges, I might even stay one more day.
The city of Lisbon can be seen in 2 to 3 days depending on what sites are important to you.
I also suggest day trips to Sintra and Cascais & Estroil (two lovely beach towns about 30-40 minutes train ride from Lisbon).

Last time, I took a train to Porto. I believe it was between 2.5 and 3 hours long. I don't remember what the cost was but it was cheaper than flying. We then took the bus to Salamanca.

You can also take a flight out of Porto. Fly back to Lisbon, Seville or another destination.

On a previous adventure, we did drive to Seville. Worth 2 days minimum, unless you are there during a festival I'd stay a day or two longer. We went to Cordoba for a day trip and that was fine.

My daughter traveled from Seville to Cordoba via train and said it was cheap and quick. She took a bus from Salamanca - Madrid - Seville and said it to around 5-6 hours total.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation.