How to Spend One Week in Portugal
Portugal is a dream destination that you will not regret visiting. The charming country has beautiful landscapes. Portugal is known for its historic castles, stunning beaches, and energetic cities. You have to try the delicious seafood cuisine and wine while you are there. Below is how to spend one week in Portugal.
Book a Flight to and from Lisbon:
Tips for Visiting:
- Money to Use: Euro
- Local Language: Portuguese
- Best Food to Try: Seafood
- Popular Drinks: Porto Wine, Ginja, and Licor Beirão
- Transportation: Boat, Train, Tram 28, or Bus
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon + Sunset Boat Cruise-
Unpack and settle into your hotel in Lisbon! We recommend staying in the heart of Lisbon! We list many things to do in Lisbon on your first full day in Portugal; however, you might not have time to get to it all!
Find a Hotel in Lisbon from Night 1-3:
About Lisbon:
The architecture, art, and scenic views are charming. In Lisbon, you will be able to see new and old areas, with the benefits of the city being the least expensive capital in Europe. If you look at pictures of narrow streets and architecture in Lisbon, the photos will make you want to go.
Stop 1: Enjoy Coffee-
Start your morning with a delicious cup of coffee! The coffee culture in Portugal brings people together! Be sure to visit Fabrica Coffee Roasters for an incredible cup that will spark your senses. After enjoying a tasty cup of coffee, go to Praca do Comercio. Praca do Comercio is a beautiful plaza to add to your Lisbon bucket list.
Stop 2: Visit the National Tile Museum, Ajuda National Palace, or Lisbon Cathedral-
Option 1: National Tile Museum
Portugal is known for its ceramic tiles or colorful Azulejos and Pombaline architecture. The architecture became prominent in the downtown area when the country was designed and rebuilt in Lisbon following the earthquake in 1755. Speaking of the incredible ceramic tiles, you must go to the National Tile Museum while you are in Lisbon! Other museums to see are the Navy Museum and the National Coach Museum.
Option 2: Ajuda National Palace
Ajuda National Palace was the last residence of the Portuguese Royal Family in the 18th and 19th centuries. The former Royal Palace is now a national monument and museum.
Option 3: Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has a Romanesque style.
Stop 3: Lisbon Winery or Sunset Boat Cruise-
Option 1: Lisbon Winery
The best place to try tapas and taste different types of wine is at the Lisbon Winery!
Option 2: Sail at Sunset
Finish your evening to see Lisbon’s monuments from the water during a 2-hour boat cruise!
Day 2: Sintra Day Trip-
Learn about Sintra’s architecture and history with a professional tour guide. The tour guide will take a small group to see TWO palaces at Pena National Park, a sea arch, and a seaside town. The Sintra day trip from Lisbon will be the time of your life!
- Palaces in Pena National Park Palaces: Palacio and Quinta da Regaleira
- Sea Arch in Marina in Cascais: Boca do Inferno
- Seaside Town: Praia das Azenhas do Mar
Day 3: Lisbon Walking Tour-
Sometimes it is better to learn about a new place by a guided tour! Take a guided walking tour of central Lisbon to see the main attractions. You will stroll through the Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado and discover the revolutionary history of Lisbon in Restauradores Square.
You will ride Tram 28 throughout the day. Tram 28 is one of the best ways to get around Lisbon. It is a historic form of transportation that can take you to these popular neighborhoods!
Day 4: Lisbon to Lagos + Beach Day-
Buy Train Tickets from Lisbon to Lagos!
Find a Hotel in Lagos for Nights 4 and 5:
Lagos is the most visited city in Algarve. Spend your first day in Lagos at the beach. The beaches come in all shapes, sizes, and colors because some are crystal-clear blue colors while others are emerald green. Some beaches are calm, and others have greater intensity. You will fall in love with the beaches of Portugal. The best beach to see is Ponte de Piedade in Lagos. Other great beaches are Praia Do Camilo and the Caves of Benagil Beach.
Day 5: Boat Day
Option 1: Caves of Benagil Boat Day
There are so many geological formations along the beaches in Lagos and what better way to see the rock formations than go on a boat tour to get to the caves of Benagil? These caves are INSANELY beautiful!
Option 2: Caves of Ponta da Piedade Boat Day
Ponta da Piedade is the BEST BEST BEACH in all of Lagos. It is rated #1 on TripAdvisor!! You can take a boat trip to get to this beach!!!
Day 6: Lagos to Lisbon
Buy Train Tickets from Lagos to Lisbon!
Find a Hotel Near the Lisbon Airport for Nights 6:
Go out to dinner in Lisbon!
Day 7: Fly Home
Unpack and fly home!
We shared how to spend a week in Portugal! Have you ever been to Portugal? Please comment about your experience.
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