Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve, Portugal

Written By Verena Mankarios

Portugal is one of those places that just gets it right. The food, the wine, the views, the beaches, and the people are all so good, and it's so easy to get around. We spent a week bouncing between Porto, Lagos, and Lisbon, and every stop felt completely different from the last. Porto is moody and romantic, the Algarve is all golden cliffs and turquoise water, and Lisbon ties it all together with its hills, miradouros, and some of the best nights out in Europe.

Quick History Lesson - Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with borders that have barely changed since the 1200s. In the 15th and 16th centuries it led the Age of Discovery, with explorers like Vasco da Gama sailing out of Lisbon and building an empire that stretched to Brazil, Africa, and Asia. In 1755 a massive earthquake (followed by a tsunami and fires) destroyed most of Lisbon, which is why so much of downtown was rebuilt in that clean grid style you see in Baixa today.

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What You'll Find:

My Itinerary

We had eight days and wanted to see all three regions without feeling rushed. Here's how we did it:

  • Day 1 - Overnight flight from JFK, landed in Lisbon in the morning, and hopped on a train straight to Porto (about 3 hours). Checked into our Airbnb, cocktails at The Royal Cocktail Club, and sunset at Jardim do Morro.

  • Day 2 (Porto) - Pastéis de nata at Castro, the cathedral, Livraria Lello, São Bento station, Time Out Market, then over the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Dinner at Pé no Mar.

  • Day 3 (Lagos) - Morning flight from Porto to Faro, then a drive to Lagos. Brunch at Black & White, boat day to the Benagil caves, and dinner at Boneca Bar.

  • Day 4 (Lagos) - Beach day at Praia do Camilo and dinner at Zazu Beach Club.

  • Day 5 (Lisbon) - Short flight back to Lisbon, brunch, sunset at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and a late dinner.

  • Day 6 (Lisbon) - Morning in Sintra at Pena Palace, then an afternoon at the beach, the rainbow umbrellas on Pink Street, dinner at Rocco, and cocktails at Red Frog.

  • Day 7 - Flight home.

If you have more time, I would add an extra day in Lisbon to explore Belém and an extra day in the Algarve. It went by fast!

Before You Go

  • Currency - Portugal uses the Euro. Cards and Apple Pay are accepted almost everywhere, but it's good to have a little cash on hand for small cafés and beach bars.

  • Language - Portuguese, but English is widely spoken, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Learning "obrigado" goes a long way.

  • Entry - US travelers don't need a visa for stays under 90 days. The EU's new ETIAS travel authorization has been delayed, so double check the latest requirements before you go.

  • Reservations - Book dinner reservations in advance, especially in summer. The popular spots in Lisbon and the Algarve fill up fast, and boat tours to the Benagil caves sell out.

  • Dinner is Late - Most people eat dinner around 8:30 or 9pm, and places don't really get going until later. We leaned into it with 9:15 and 9:30 reservations.

  • Hills and Cobblestones - Both Lisbon and Porto are extremely hilly, and the traditional stone sidewalks (calçada) get slippery. Your legs will be sore!

  • Weather - We went in mid July. Lisbon and the Algarve were hot and sunny, and Porto was a bit cooler, especially at night. The Atlantic is cold, so be ready for a refreshing swim.

  • Port Wine - You have to try it while you're here, wasn’t my favorite but definitely something to check off.

What to Pack

  • Comfortable Shoes - Sneakers and sandals with good grip. I would skip heels for most of the trip, the cobblestones and hills make them really tough.

  • Light Layers - A light sweater or jacket for Porto evenings and breezy sunsets at the miradouros.

  • Beach Essentials - Swimsuits, cover-ups, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof phone pouch is great for the boat day.

  • Water Shoes - Helpful for some of the rockier coves in the Algarve.

  • A Nicer Outfit or Two - For dinners like Rocco and the beach clubs.

  • Crossbody Bag - Pickpocketing happens in crowded touristy areas (especially on Tram 28 in Lisbon), so keep your things close.

  • Converter - Portugal uses type C and F plugs. This converter works in any country you visit.

Getting Around

  • Uber and Bolt - Both work great in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, and they're really affordable. The Lisbon airport is only about 20-25 minutes from the city center.

  • Train (Lisbon to Porto) - The Alfa Pendular train takes about 3 hours and is super comfortable. You can book on the CP (Comboios de Portugal) website. We took it straight from the airport after landing, which saved us a travel day.

  • Porto to the Algarve - Lagos doesn't have its own airport, so we flew from Porto to Faro (about an hour) and then drove to Lagos (about an hour). You can also do it by train or bus, but it takes most of the day.

  • Algarve to Lisbon - We flew from Faro back to Lisbon, which is a quick 45-50 minute flight. You can also drive (about 3 hours from Lagos) or take the train.

  • Car Rental - If you want to explore more of the Algarve coast, a car makes it so much easier. Otherwise Ubers and taxis worked fine for us in and around Lagos.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and the heart of the trip. It's built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, and every neighborhood has its own personality. It's lively and colorful, and there are viewpoints (miradouros) everywhere you turn.

Neighborhoods

  • Baixa & Chiado - The downtown area, with grand squares like Praça do Comércio, shopping, cafés, and some of the city's best restaurants. Super central and walkable.

  • Alfama - The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, with narrow winding streets, laundry hanging from the windows, and fado music at night. This is where you'll find Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the castle.

  • Bairro Alto - Quiet during the day, and at night the streets fill with people bar hopping and drinking outside.

  • Príncipe Real - Trendy and upscale, with concept stores, gardens, and great restaurants.

  • Avenida da Liberdade - Lisbon's version of Fifth Avenue, lined with luxury stores and hotels.

  • Cais do Sodré - By the water, home to Pink Street, the Time Out Market, and the train to Cascais.

  • Belém - A little outside the center along the river, with some of the most famous monuments (and pastries) in the city.

Where to Stay

We stayed in an Airbnb, which was easy and a great value. If you prefer a hotel, here are some popular picks:

Things To Do

  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia - A beautiful terrace in Alfama with blue and white tiles, bougainvillea, and views over the rooftops to the river. We went for sunset and it was the perfect way to start the night.

  • Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) - The famous pink street in Cais do Sodré, with rainbow umbrellas hanging overhead. It's a fun photo stop during the day and turns into a bar street at night.

  • Castelo de São Jorge - A Moorish castle at the top of Alfama with some of the best views of the city.

  • Tram 28 - The iconic yellow tram that winds through Alfama, Baixa, and Graça. It gets packed, so go early in the morning.

  • Belém - Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries, and don't leave without trying the original pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

  • Praça do Comércio - Lisbon's grand riverside square, and the perfect spot to walk along the water.

  • LX Factory - An old industrial complex turned into shops, restaurants, and street art, with a massive bookstore (Ler Devagar) inside.

  • More Miradouros - Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara are both worth the climb.

Beach Day

One of the best parts about Lisbon is that you can be on a beach in under an hour.

  • Cascais - A charming seaside town about 40 minutes from Lisbon by train from Cais do Sodré. There are small beaches right in town, cute shops, and great seafood restaurants.

Where to Eat

  • Rocco - One of the best restaurants we went to on the whole trip. Located in The Ivens hotel in Chiado, Rocco is a gorgeous Italian restaurant with a marble bar, a crudo bar, and a garden terrace. Think lobster linguine and crab ravioli, and a massive wine list. Dress up for this one and make a reservation!

  • Zenith - A cute, colorful brunch spot that serves brunch all day. Perfect for when you land or need a slow morning (thank you Angela for the rec!).

  • Trinca - A cozy neighborhood restaurant in Anjos, away from the tourist crowds.

  • Tapas n' Friends - A great spot for sharing plates, with a few locations around the city including Sé, Chiado, and Trindade.

  • Cervejaria Ramiro - The famous seafood spot. Order the garlic shrimp and the clams, and finish with a steak sandwich (prego) for dessert like the locals do.

  • Castro - In my opinion, some of the best pastéis de nata in the city. Get them warm with cinnamon on top.

  • Time Out Market Lisboa - A giant food hall in Cais do Sodré with stalls from some of the city's best chefs. Great if your group can't agree on what to eat.

Nightlife & Bars

  • Red Frog - A hidden speakeasy just off Avenida da Liberdade and one of the World's 50 Best Bars. Find the discreet buzzer by the door, ring it, and you're in. The cocktails are creative and beautifully done. Make a reservation early!

  • Pink Street - Bars, clubs, and people spilling into the street until late.

  • Bairro Alto - Grab a drink and wander from bar to bar. Super casual and super fun.

  • Park Bar - A rooftop bar on top of a parking garage (yes, really) with amazing sunset views.

  • Monkey Mash - A fun cocktail bar from the same team as Red Frog, right next door.

Porto

Porto is Portugal's second city, and it completely won me over. It sits right on the Douro River, with colorful houses stacked up the hillside, beautiful tiled buildings, and port wine cellars lining the riverbank across the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. It's smaller than Lisbon and very walkable, and a day and a half gave us a great feel for it.

Where to Stay

We stayed in an Airbnb right in the historic center, which put us within walking distance of almost everything. Other popular options:

Things To Do

  • Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) - One of the oldest monuments in the city, sitting on a hilltop with great views over the rooftops.

  • Livraria Lello - One of the most famous (and beautiful) bookstores in the world, with a red spiral staircase and stained glass ceiling. You need a ticket to enter, and the price can be put toward a book. Book online and go early, the line gets long.

  • São Bento Train Station - Even if you're not catching a train, go inside to see the entrance hall covered in over 20,000 blue and white azulejo tiles showing scenes from Portuguese history.

  • Time Out Market Porto - Opened in 2024 in the south wing of São Bento station, with food counters from some of Porto's best restaurants and a courtyard to hang out in. It's open daily, and it's an easy stop right after seeing the station.

  • Ribeira - The riverfront neighborhood, full of colorful buildings and restaurants right on the water.

  • Dom Luís I Bridge - Walk across the top level of the iron bridge for insane views, and take the lower level back down by the river.

  • Vila Nova de Gaia - Right across the river, this is where all the port wine cellars are. Do a tasting at Taylor's, Graham's, Cálem, or Sandeman, and then walk along the waterfront. The WOW (World of Wine) cultural district is also here, with museums, shops, and restaurants.

  • Jardim do Morro - THE sunset spot in Porto. It's a hilly little park on the Gaia side of the bridge with a view of the whole city. Grab a drink and a spot on the grass, and get there a little early because it fills up.

  • Clérigos Tower - Climb to the top for a 360 view of the city.

  • Rua das Flores - A pretty pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Where to Eat

  • Castro - A pastel de nata atelier and the perfect quick breakfast. You can see them being made, and they come out warm and flaky.

  • Pé no Mar - A terrace and beach club right on the ocean in Perafita, just north of Matosinhos, about 20-25 minutes from the center of Porto. Go for dinner and watch the sun set over the Atlantic.

  • Gruta - A Michelin Bib Gourmand spot on Rua de Santa Catarina. It's a little hidden and easy to walk past, so keep an eye out for it. The menu is short and focused on fish and seafood from northern Portugal, with modern Portuguese and Brazilian touches (think raw corvina with tucupi vinaigrette and fish moqueca). It's small, intimate, and a great value, so book ahead.

  • Francesinha - Porto's famous (and very heavy) sandwich, layered with meats, covered in melted cheese and a beer based sauce. Café Santiago is one of the most well known spots to try one.

  • Matosinhos - If you love seafood, this beach town just outside Porto is known for its grilled fish restaurants.

Nightlife & Bars

  • The Royal Cocktail Club - An intimate cocktail bar in Baixa with a marble bar and an upstairs lounge. The drinks are really thoughtful, and the menu is a board game! Perfect for a first drink in the city.

  • Galerias de Paris - The street near Clérigos is packed with bars and turns into one big party at night.

  • Port Tasting - End your night with a glass of port on a terrace in Gaia.

Day Trips from Porto

  • Douro Valley - Portugal's famous wine region, about 1.5-2 hours away. Terraced vineyards, quintas with tastings, and river cruises. If I had one more day in Porto, this is what I would do.

  • Aveiro - Known as the "Venice of Portugal," with colorful moliceiro boats on the canals. Nearby Costa Nova has the famous striped houses.

  • Braga & Guimarães - Two historic cities north of Porto. Braga is known for the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, and Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal.

The Algarve (Lagos)

The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast, and it is stunning. Golden cliffs, hidden coves, sea caves, and bright turquoise water. We based ourselves in Lagos, a lively beach town on the western side of the Algarve with a charming old town, lots of restaurants and bars, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Where to Stay

We stayed at a hotel in Lagos. If you arrive before check in, most hotels will hold your bags so you can head straight to brunch or the beach. A few options:

Things To Do

  • Benagil Caves Boat Day - The Benagil Cave is the most famous sea cave in the Algarve, with a huge natural skylight in the roof that lets the light pour onto the beach inside. Boats leave from Lagos (as well as Portimão and Benagil), and it's best to book ahead since they sell out in summer. Just a heads up, you're no longer allowed to swim into the cave or land on the beach inside, so it's viewed from the boat. The coastline along the way is worth it on its own.

  • Praia do Camilo - One of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve, and a great swimming beach. It's tucked into the cliffs and you get down to it by a long wooden staircase (about 200 steps). The water is so clear, and it's small, so go early to get a good spot.

  • Ponta da Piedade - Right next to Praia do Camilo, with dramatic rock formations, arches, and grottos. You can walk the boardwalks along the cliffs, or take a small boat or kayak through the caves.

  • Praia Dona Ana - Another gorgeous beach close to town, surrounded by rock formations.

  • Meia Praia - A long sandy beach on the other side of town, great if you want more space.

  • Lagos Old Town - Walk the cobblestone streets, check out the old fort, and grab a drink by the marina.

Where to Eat

  • Black & White - A cute café in Lagos with great coffee and brunch. Perfect after an early travel day.

  • Boneca Bar - A restaurant and bar in Carvoeiro, built right into the rocks at Algar Seco, with a little cave window looking out onto the ocean. It's about 40-45 minutes from Lagos, so plan your ride. Go around sunset, the setting is unreal.

  • Zazu Beach Club - A beach club and restaurant on Praia da Luz, just 15 minutes from Lagos. Great food, great drinks, and a really fun spot for dinner right on the sand.

  • A Forja - A local favorite for traditional Portuguese food and fresh grilled fish at great prices.

  • Casinha do Petisco - Tiny and super popular for seafood and cataplana. Get there early, it fills up.

Day Trips from Lagos

  • Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente - The southwestern tip of Europe, about 30-40 minutes away. Rugged cliffs, surf beaches, and a lighthouse with an epic sunset.

  • Seven Hanging Valleys Trail - A clifftop hike between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes with some of the best views of the coast, passing right above Benagil.

  • Carvoeiro & Ferragudo - Two charming fishing villages. Pair Carvoeiro with dinner at Boneca Bar.

Day Trips from Lisbon

If you're using Lisbon as your home base, there's so much within an easy drive or train ride:

  • Sintra - We did Sintra in the morning and still made it to the beach in the afternoon, since it's only about 40 minutes by train. It's a fairytale town in the hills with colorful palaces and gardens. We went to Pena Palace, the colorful castle at the top of the hill, and it's a must. Quinta da Regaleira (with its famous initiation well) is also worth a visit if you have time. Book palace tickets ahead and go early.

  • Cascais - Beaches, seafood, and a laid back seaside vibe. Easy to pair with Sintra or do as its own beach day.

  • Comporta - About 1.5 hours south, known for its rice fields, wild beaches, and boho chic beach restaurants.

  • Arrábida & Setúbal - Beautiful turquoise beaches tucked under green mountains, plus some of the best grilled fish (try the choco frito in Setúbal).

  • Óbidos - A medieval walled town about an hour north. Try ginjinha (cherry liqueur) served in a chocolate cup.

  • Fátima - About an hour and 15 minutes north by car, or an hour and a half by bus from the Sete Rios station. Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, where three shepherd children reported seeing the Virgin Mary in 1917. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (where the three children are buried), and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. From May through October there's a candlelight procession every night around 9:30pm. Cover your shoulders and knees inside the basilicas. It's also easy to pair with Óbidos, Nazaré, or the monastery in Batalha.

Portugal was the perfect mix of city, culture, and beach, and I can't wait to go back. If you're planning a trip and have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Verena Mankarios
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