If you’re going to Portugal, congratulations—you’re about to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on the continent. Be it historic cities, golden beaches, wild coastlines or sweet little villages, Portugal offers a unique, varied experience. So here is the ultimate guide that will be your planning a trip to Portugal that details everything like Portugal places to visit, how many days to spend in Portugal, things to do in Portugal, and tips for a Portugal travel plan to make your trip smooth and seamless.
Why Visit Portugal?
Europe small and beautiful Country of Portugal is located in the Iberian Peninsula and shares a border with Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. In Portugal, there are beautiful, colorful, warm-hearted residents and lively cities with good food and stunning coastlines with an abundance of history. Portugal also provides an Old World charm with New World convenience observed in it.
Reasons to go to Portugal and what to do there:
- Cheaper travel than other EU countries
- Mild climate year-round
- Cultural wealth with Moorish, Roman & Christian influences
- Whether you like beaches, mountains, vineyards or islands
- A wholesome environment that is safe and friendly for tourists
How to Plan a Trip to Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choose the Best Time to Go
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–October) are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These shoulder seasons bring pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Summer (June–August) is perfect for sunbathers, but you’ll see increased tourist numbers, particularly in hotspots such as Lisbon and Porto.
- Winter (November–February) is mild yet wet. It’s ideal for a snug, cultural getaway with fewer tourists.
Determine How Many Days You Should Spend in Portugal
If you are asking while planning a trip to Portugal, how many days do you need in Portugal is on what you want to cover. Here’s a quick guide:
- 3–4 days: Ideal for exploring a single city, such as Lisbon or Porto.
- 7 days: Best for 7 7-day itinerary in Portugal, balanced 7 days—Lisbon, Porto, and a possible day trip to Sintra or Douro Valley.
- 10–14 days: Ideal for exploring regions like the Alentejo, Coimbra , and the Silver Coast.
- 2+ weeks: Enables further exploration like the Azores or Madeira Islands.
Plan Your Trip to Portugal
This is an example of a 7-day Portugal itinerary:
Day 1–3: Lisbon
Get to know the capital — wander around Alfama, take a ride on Tram 28, see the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and have pasteis de nata.
Day 4: Sintra (from Lisbon day trip)
Visit fairy-tale palaces such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
Day 5–6: Porto
Travel north to Porto. Explore the Ribeira district, visit Livraria Lello, cruise on the Douro River, and sample port wine.
Day 7: Douro Valley or Coimbra.
Opt for a leisurely wine tour in Douro Valley or explore the university town of Coimbra.
Where to Visit in Portugal
Portugal has so many beautiful cities, towns, and natural beauties. Here are the must-see places in Portugal:
- Lisbon
The colorful capital is a blend of tradition and modern pizzazz. Don’t forget nightlife in Bairro Alto and Fado music in Alfama.
- Porto
Riverside beauty, blue-tiled churches and fabled port wine cellars.
- Sintra
A dreamy town with palaces and castles in verdant hills — good for day trips.
- Douro Valley
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage region known for terraced vineyards and wine-tasting experiences.
- Coimbra
Built around one of Europe’s oldest universities and stunning historic architecture.
- Aveiro
Sometimes referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” with its colorful boats and Art Nouveau buildings.
- Nazaré
Great for watching massive waves and the native fishing culture.
- Alentejo
An under-the-radar region rich in medieval towns, golden fields, and fine wine.
- Madeira or Azores
For green scenery, hiking, and volcanic land-forming — ideal for those thinking Portugal holiday, not the Algarve.
Good Places to Stay in Portugal
Here are some top spots to stay during your visit:
In Lisbon:
- LX Boutique Hotel – Stylish hotel with stunning city views
- AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado — Central, Historic
- Lisbon Destination Hostel – Cheap and chic
In Porto:
- Infante Sagres — Luxury in the Center of Porto
- Gallery Hostel — Hip, artsy and highly rated
- PortoBay Flores – Lovely mix of modern and old world charm
In the Douro Valley:
- Six Senses Douro Valley — For luxury and spa treatments
- Quinta do Vallado – Stunning vineyard lodgings
Portugal Vacation Tips
Here are some insider tips to make your trip even more enjoyable:
Language: The language most spoken in Portugal is Portuguese, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas all over the world.
Currency: Euro (€)
Getting around: Portugal has a great network of trains and buses. In rural areas, renting a car is an option.
Tipping: Appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% at restaurants.
Food: Bacalhau (cod), pastel de nata, bifana (pork sandwich), and local cheeses.
Packing tip: Sturdy shoes for cobbled streets, layers for changing weather.
How to Go to Portugal
Portugal is well connected with international airports serving Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), and Faro (FAO). Almost all major airlines fly direct from North America, the UK, and all over Europe.
Within Portugal, you can take the train (on the CP Rail) or internal flights between cities. The rental car is great for countryside travel and coastal road trips.
Once in Portugal, you can move around by train (CP Rail) or by domestic flights between cities. Car rental is a top choice for countryside travel and coastal road trips.
How to Travel in Portugal
- By train: Quick and easy — perfect for Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and more.
- By bus: Budget-friendly and connects to smaller towns.
- By car: Ideal for reaching less-visited places.
- Public transport: Lisbon and Porto metro and trams are cheap and reliable.
Final Thoughts:
Book Your Trip to Portugal With Peace of Mind With the right advice, planning a trip to Portugal is more exciting, easier and less daunting. Simply put, Portugal offers something for every traveler, whether it’s sipping wine in the Douro Valley, taking in ancient castles in Sintra or lounging on the beaches of Nazaré. Let this Portugal travel guide help you decide where to go, what to do and how long to stay. And with so much more the Portugal than the touristy Algarve, Portugal travel is satisfying, enriching, memorable.
Let the adventure begin — Portugal is calling!
FAQs About planning a trip to Portugal
How many days in Portugal do you need?
A 7 to 10-day trip allows for an overview of both major cities and a couple of scenic areas.
When should I visit Portugal?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) provide nice weather with fewer tourists.
Is Portugal an expensive destination?
Portugal is one of Western Europe’s more affordable destinations. Food, transport and accommodation are inexpensive.
What to not do in Portugal?
Stay away from tourist-bait around big sights, and from over-booking your itinerary. Leave room for serendipity and for things to shift around.
What is the best way to travel around Portugal?
For traveling from city to city, trains and buses work best. If you plan on visiting smaller towns or areas in the countryside, renting a car is a good idea for flexibility.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Portugal?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink across the country.
Is visiting Portugal safe for tourists?
Portugal is among the safest places in Europe with the best low crime rate.
Should I tip in Portugal?
Tipping is welcomed (5% to 10% is typical, rounding up works also), but not required.
Should I get a visa to enter Portugal?
No visa is required for short stays (up to 90 days) for visitors from the EU, USA, UK, Canada as well as many other countries.
