One week in Portugal-Lisbon or Porto?

Posted by Julie C (Las Vegas) on 04/09/17 11:26 PM

First off, forgive me if this has been covered over and over, I couldn't find it exactly when looking through the forum threads.

Planning a trip for either spring or fall of 2018. One week in Rome, one week in Portugal. Looking to stay in one place and take day trips to see surrounding areas. I see a lot of recommendations for Porto. What would area would be better as a base, with options for seeing different things in the surrounding areas? We like to take photos, so scenic areas as well as historic/cultural item suggestions are appreciated.

If you prefer Porto over Lisbon, why? The same for Lisbon over Porto?

Thanks!

Posted by Carl

Rhode Island, USA

04/10/17 02:26 AM

484 posts

I am sure you will get many differing opinions, so here goes mine. Lisbon has everything and then some for a one week stay, including excellent day trip adventures. Photo opportunities are possible just about everywhere you turn. All the specifics as what Lisbon and the surrounding area offer are in the guidebook, of course.

Porto was great for a couple of days, and I know from family and friends that Braga and Guimarães, which are close by, are worth a day each. Overall, if you have never visited Portugal before, then soak up Lisbon for all its' worth. Have fun planning this great trip!

Posted by vftravels

S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States

04/10/17 03:49 AM

1878 posts

My wife and traveled to Portugal for two weeks in 2008. Two full days (three nights) in Porto was about right. Five nights (four full days) in Lisbon felt like not enough. I always advocate spending a couple of nights in Sintra, too, not just visiting as a day trip. All of this said, I think you could do fine with two or three nights in Porto and four or five in Lisbon, Sintra and perhaps Cascais as day trips. Lisbon, Budapest, Madrid I have often gone on record saying are the three most underrated cities in Europe (that I have visited, which after 16 trips not counting business is quite a few). Porto can be somewhat gritty, not that Portugal in general is not without unfinished edges. It may have changed a lot since 2008, others might offer more up to date information. We did not visit the Duoro valley, but Google images of it look awesome.

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

04/10/17 07:15 AM

1824 posts

I also give my vote for Lisbon. I've lived outside of Lisbon for 18 months and still have many things I haven't seen. There are many day trips and beaches if you want. The other posters have mentioned some of the good day trips from Lisbon.

That said - if you are really into wine, Porto and the Douro are pretty amazing.
It really depends on your interests. I would encourage you to read all you can on both areas, then make your decision. Either area has enough to fill a week and then some!

Posted by geovagriffith

04/10/17 04:08 PM

8322 posts

We love both Lisbon and Porto.

Lisbon takes a minimum of 2-3 days to see thoroughly. You can see Porto is one full day.

Both cities have lots to see on trips from the city. You can even take a day tour from Porto to Santiago de Compestela in Spain.
The Douro Vally is wonderful. We took a 7 day river cruise that also included a day trip to Salamanca, Spain. It was great.

I would start with Lisbon and then on your next trip book a Douro River cruise from Porto.

Posted by Northwest adventurer

WA, USA

04/12/17 12:20 PM

330 posts

Hello,
I agree with the other post - Lisbon has more to see and do. Plus day trips to Sintra or Cascais.
On one visit to Portugal, had gone to Lisbon and spent 5 nights and then took a train to Porto. I believe it was 3 hours. Spent two nights there. Next morning, took a flight from Porto, thrn to a city I just can't remember at this moment, and then finally back to USA.
Have a great adventure!