Hello!
My brother, Sister-in-law and I are planning on going to Lisbon for 4.5 days this March (8-13) and need itinerary advice. We want to spend time exploring Lisbon and surrounding cities but were wondering which day trips/if Porto is worth it (also taking into account the weather in March)? We know we want to fly into Lisbon on the 8th but have no other travel restrictions. Would love any advice/recommendations!
Porto is over 2-1/2 hours from Lisbon by train (and first you have to get to the train station). That's one way. Driving would take much longer. It think you'll find plenty keep you busy much closer to Lisbon than that. Sintra alone will occupy at least a full day.
Four and a half days is barely enough to do Lisbon justice. Take the train from Rossini Sq to Sintra one day. Make sure to visit Belem, a section of Lisbon with the beautiful Monasterio Jetonimos and The Monument to the Discoveries. Central Lisbon has much to see. Save Porto for another trip.
Hello katz2394,
I'm from Porto and unfortunately I have to agree with the other comments - 4.5 days is not enough to visit much more than Lisbon. You must spend at least one day in Sintra (one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, even though too crowded); Belém is definitely a place to visit in Lisbon because of its monuments; the historic quarters are worth a stroll as well ;)
If you feel like it, you can go to the other side of river Tagus and visit the National Sanctuary of Cristo Rei with one of the best viewpoints over Lisbon.
Visit Porto some other time ;)
Enjoy your trip.
