7 Days in Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, and Cascais
If Portugal has been on your travel list for a while, let me save you the research spiral: it absolutely lives up to the hype.
I spent seven days bouncing between Porto, Lisbon, and the coastal town of Cascais with my cousin Erin, and I came home with a long list of things I want to go back and do. That's the thing about Portugal, a week is just enough time to fall completely in love and realize you've barely scratched the surface.
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Want more Portugal? Follow along in this two part vlog series of our week long adventure in Porto, Lisbon, and Cascais.
Backstory
I originally asked my cousin, Erin, if she wanted to go to Portugal with me in 2019. After a series of unfortunate events delays (pandemic and Erin moving), we finally made the trip in May 2024. And let me tell you, it was well worth the wait!
Lisbon, Portugal
Departure Details
Nashville > JFK > Lisbon
I flew from Nashville to New York for a layover. Since Erin lives in New York, you might think that we flew out of New York together…hahaha, no. I flew with Delta Airlines out of JFK, and she flew with United Airlines out of Newark. We departed roughly an hour apart and landed in Lisbon, Portugal within 30 minutes of each other. Sometimes you have to stay loyal to your favorite airline even if it means not flying with your travel partner. :)
Douro Valley
Porto, Portugal
Upon landing in Lisbon, we took a quick (6 minute) Uber ride to the Lisbon Oriente train station, then hopped on the train for a 3 hour ride to Porto. The ‘Man in Seat 61’ is my go-to website for information on how to take the train in any new destination I visit. Check it out for the ins and outs of Portugal train travel.
We stayed in an amazing Airbnb that was within walking distance to everything that we wanted to see. One of the highlights was our wine tour to the Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is absolutely breathe taking and worth a day trip. Our tour guide was so amazing at providing interesting facts as well as entertaining us with his humor. It felt like we were picked up by our favorite uncle and taken to all of his favorite spots for wine!
That evening after the tour, we hurried (because we spent too much time chit chatting and lost track of time) from our Airbnb to catch the sunset by the river. In our rush, I rolled my ankle on the cobblestone sidewalk (I swear the wine wasn’t a factor in my fall). I know so many people warn against the hills and cobblestones of Portugal, but heed my warning. They are no joke even for a seasoned traveler!
We crossed the Duoro River using the Ponte Luis I Bridge to catch the sunset, and the hillside was packed. So definitely plan to get a spot early if you want enjoy the beautiful views. We only planned a few days in Porto, which was not enough. I would have loved to spend a few more days just walking around and visiting more restaurants.
Porto Activities
Getting Around Portugal: Transportation Tips
Portugal's train system is genuinely excellent for getting between major cities, and it's how I'd recommend navigating the Porto–Lisbon leg of any trip.
Train Travel: My go-to resource for train travel anywhere in the world is The Man in Seat 61, and it's exactly where I planned our Porto-to-Lisbon route. The Alfa Pendular (high-speed train) between Porto and Lisbon takes about 3 hours, is comfortable, and has beautiful views of the countryside. Buy tickets in advance on the CP (Comboios de Portugal) website. Day trips from Lisbon to Cascais and Sintra are also easy by train and don't require a reservation, just hop on.
Getting Around Within Cities: Both Lisbon and Porto are very walkable in their historic centers, though the hills will absolutely work your legs. In Lisbon, the trams (especially Tram 28 through Alfama) are iconic but extremely crowded with tourists and pickpockets. Consider walking or taking Bolt instead. Porto is similarly walkable but the riverfront (Ribeira) and hilltop neighborhoods require some effort.
Flying Into Portugal: Portugal has three main international airports: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), and Faro (FAO) in the Algarve. If you're visiting multiple destinations, consider flying into one city and out of another to avoid backtracking. We flew into Lisbon and headed straight to Porto by train, then worked our way back down, very smooth.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
The next morning, Erin went to Livraria Lello: the most beautiful bookstore in the world! Rumor has it that it is the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. While she explored the enchanted bookstore, I took the morning slow and stretched out my ankle to help my mobility. We still had the second half of our trip remaining, and I didn’t want to miss it because I couldn’t walk. I will say that all my stretching and movement paid off and I was able to fully enjoy the trip. However, this is not medical advice, it is just what worked for me.
After Erin returned, we hopped on the train for the 3 hour ride back down to Lisbon. Since my ankle was still a little swollen, we did get an Uber from the train station to our Airbnb so I could rest a bit. They don’t call Lisbon the City of Seven Hills for nothing!
I absolutely enjoyed Lisbon from the Fado show to the Tile Museum. There were so many fun things to do. However, all the uphill walking was intense.
It is important to note that we did not find out about some of the outdoor escalators in Lisbon until the end of our trip when we did a food tour. Another reason to have your food tours scheduled at the beginning of your trip instead of the end. You never know what helpful information they will give that you wished you would have had sooner!
Lisbon Activities/Sightseeing
Belem Tower
Santa Justa Lift
Cascais, Portugal
Cascais, Portugal
While staying in Lisbon, we took a day trip to Cascais. The 30 minute train ride made for an easy escape to the beach. The town is very walkable and has a lot of options for beaches. If you forget a towel, no worries, there are numerous vendors selling them for around 10-15 euros. However, I do like to pack my own quick-drying microfiber towel on trips such as these. It has come in so handy on so many different trips.
Cascais Activities/Sight-Seeing
Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum (located inside Marechal Carmona Park)
Parque Marechal Carmona (Park)
Boca do Inferno (walk from the lighthouse)
Cascais to Estoril promenade (can catch the train back in Estoril)
Visit some beaches: Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceicao
Cascais, Portugal
What to Eat in Portugal (Don't Miss These!)
One of the most common questions I get about Portugal is about the food, and for good reason. Portuguese cuisine completely blew me away. It's one of the things I wish I had researched more before the trip. Here are the must-try dishes and drinks you should put on your food bucket list.
Pastel de Nata — You've probably seen these iconic little custard tarts all over Instagram, and I'm happy to report they taste even better in person. The flaky pastry and creamy egg custard filling are perfection, especially eaten warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you're in Lisbon, make the trip to Pastéis de Belém, the original bakery near Belém Tower that's been using the same recipe since the 1800s. The line is worth it.
Bacalhau (Salted Cod) — Portugal has reportedly over 365 recipes for bacalhau (one for every day of the year!), so you will see it everywhere. My recommendation is to try Bacalhau à Brás: shredded cod scrambled with eggs, thin crispy potatoes, and black olives. It sounds simple but the flavor is rich and deeply satisfying.
Francesinha — This Porto-specific sandwich is not for the faint of heart. Layers of cured ham, sausage, and steak are stacked between thick slices of bread, smothered in melted cheese, and then drenched in a rich, slightly spicy beer sauce. It's indulgent, messy, and absolutely delicious. Do not leave Porto without trying one!
Ginjinha — A sweet sour cherry liqueur served in tiny bars all over Lisbon. You can get it served in a little chocolate shot cup. Swing by A Ginjinha, a historic bar near Rossio Square that's been serving the drink since 1840. It's a rite of passage. I may have had one too many of these on our food tour… :)
Bifana — Portugal's iconic street food sandwich: thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and spices tucked into a crusty roll. It's cheap, fast, and addictive. Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch between sightseeing.
Polvo à Lagareiro — If you love seafood, this octopus dish is a must. Tender octopus is grilled and served over roasted baby potatoes, then bathed in hot garlic olive oil. My cousin, Erin tried it in Lisbon and said it was amazing.
Vinho Verde — Portugal's "green wine" is light, slightly fizzy, and refreshingly affordable. A bottle at a restaurant might set you back 8–12 euros and taste like something that costs three times that at home. It's the perfect pairing for seafood and warm weather.
Practical Tips (Stuff I Wish I Knew Before Going)
The Cobblestones Are No Joke
I learned this the hard way with my rolled ankle (yes, still sore about it). The beautiful stone sidewalks throughout Lisbon and Porto are gorgeous to look at but are genuinely treacherous, especially on hills and when wet. Wear sneakers or shoes with serious grip. Save the cute sandals for flat terrain. If it rains, slow down dramatically.
Lisbon Has Secret Escalators
I found out about Lisbon's outdoor escalators on my last day and that was deeply upsetting! The city built a series of free escalators to help pedestrians navigate the steepest hills. If you find yourself facing a brutal uphill climb in the Bica or Mouraria areas, look around for elevator towers and escalators before you suffer unnecessarily. Book your a food tour at the beginning of your trip so you can get more insider tips like these!
Cash Is Still King in Many Places
Cards are increasingly accepted, but some smaller restaurants, markets, and vendors (including funiculars!) are cash only. Hit an ATM when you arrive rather than trying to exchange money — you'll get a much better rate. The Bolt app (Portugal's version of Uber) is great for getting around Lisbon and is very affordable.
Dinner Starts Late
The Portuguese eat dinner on the later side so most locals don't sit down until 8:30 or 9pm. Restaurants often don't even open until 7pm. The places packed at 5:30pm are almost always tourist-heavy spots. If you want a more local experience, embrace the late dinner culture.
Book Popular Attractions in Advance
If you're heading to Sintra (a very popular day trip from Lisbon), book your tickets for Pena Palace and other palaces well ahead of time, especially in summer. They do sell out, and showing up without a ticket is a heartbreak. The same goes for Jerónimos Monastery in Belém.
Don't Speak Spanish
This one is important. Portuguese and Spanish may look similar on paper, but locals are sensitive about the distinction. If you start speaking Spanish to a Portuguese person, it can come across as dismissive of their language and culture. English is widely spoken, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
The Bolt App Over Taxis
Download the Bolt app before you arrive. It's the dominant ride-share app in Portugal and much cheaper than traditional taxis. Many rides in Lisbon were just 4–6 euros, and an 8-seater ride to the airport was around 18 euros.
A week in Portugal taught me that this country deserves more than a quick European tour stop. It demands time to wander its hills, savor its wines, and get properly lost in its neighborhoods. While I'm nursing my pride (and ankle) from those treacherous cobblestones, I'm already researching return flights. I have left Portugal feeling like l have barely scratched the surface, even after a wonderful week. Whether you're planning your first Portuguese adventure or you're a seasoned traveler with insider tips, I desperately need for round two, drop a comment below. After all, the best travel advice always comes from fellow wanderers who've walked these beautiful, ankle-threatening streets before us.
Ciao for now!
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