7 Days in Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, and Cascais

---

Check out the video

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

• Duoro Valley Wine Tour

• Livraria Lello

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:

• Fado Show

• Food Tour

• Boat Cruise

• Tile Museum

• 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:

• Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum

• 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

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!

This blog contains affiliate links. I may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something through my affiliate link or promo code.