LiSbon
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 - Porto
11:00AM
Rossio Square to Elevador Santa Justa
Expect long lines, you can skip riding if too long a wait
12:00PM
Manteigaria Bakery
Highly rated for the custard filled Portuguese pastry called Pasteis de Nata
1:30PM
TukTuk Tour
Grab a tuk tuk outside the market and head to Belem for a 2 hour tour - personal rec for driver is Goncalo 00351917821232 - you can bargain for better price!
2:30PM
Jeronimos Monastery, Santa Maria Church, Belem Tower, Monument of the Discoveries
Some of the main historical attractions. Go if you're into history!
5:30PM
Secret Garden LX Bar
Go for drinks. This place is semi hidden behind doors that look like they’re locked
6:30PM
Scenic shopping
Some great streets to keep in mind as you walk are Praca do Comercio/Arco da Rua Augusta, Rua Augusta, Avenida Liberdade (high end shops) If shopping isn't your thing then take the TukTuk back to Sao Jorge Castle.
8:30PM
Monkey Mash
For pre dinner drinks (same building as Red Frog) Def try to go here if you can, super cool speakeasy but you must book EARLY
9:15AM
UBER to SINTRA TRAIN STATION
Uber is roughly 20EU and much easier/quicker than train and cost effective when splitting with friends.
10:00AM
Sintra Train Station
Grab a tour guide at train station (you can get a cool open air jeep if weather is nice)
11:45AM
Peña Palace
You can ask driver to drop you if tired or spend 3EU to take a bus up and down the hill
1:00PM
Sintra
Have lunch in the town and walk around (lots of recommendations in dining section)
3:00PM
Head to Cascais
Take a scenic drive here, can wait to have lunch here if you prefer (tons of options). Very cute area to walk around and shop for local finds.
7:30PM
Return to Lisbon
Freshen up at hotel
10:00PM
JNCQuoi Avenida
Go for dinner, expensive but worth it, sooo good!! Note there are more than one JNCQuoi. Go to Avenida!!!
9:00AM
Train To Porto
It is super easy to get to Porto by train from Lisbon. Only takes about 2.5 hours and is well worth it!
12:00PM
Gazela
Their version of a hot dog. Crispy bread with sausage. An absolute must try for lunch!
12:45PM
Walk Around
The town of Porto is a very cute water town with lots of street vendors and merchants.
2:30PM
Livaria Lello
Visit what is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world!
3:30PM
Mercado do Bolhao
Check out this incredible market. Get a snack before heading back to the train.
Brunch & Lunch
Dinner
Dessert & Snacks
Brunch & Lunch
Cafe Janis
Right next to TimeOut Market. Cute cafe with small lunch menu and delicious matchas!
$ - $$
Instagram
Fauna & Flora
V
VE
GF
DF
Really good brunch spot in Alfama- vibes were high. Get the scrambled eggs and the fruit bowl
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
$ - $$
Menu
Nicolau
V
VE
Lots of great options for brunch and lunch. Good menu. We loved the pancakes and avo toast!!! Some have said to stay away from the chicken.
$ - $$
Menu
31 D'armada
V
VE
GF
DF
Good lunch spot to sit outside. Located in an older area of town. Could also have a nice dinner here.
$$ - $$$
Instagram
Time Out Market
V
VE
GF
DF
An absolute must in Lisbon. The sushi stand (Confraria) is so good! Vegetable poke bowl and/or spicy tuna roll are amazing. We Loved the steak sandwich and nata too! Also the gelato stand is insane. Hamburgers/veggie burgers are great…communal seating. And you absolutely must try Crush Donuts!! Open till 12AM daily
$ - $$
Menu
Dinner
A Nossa Casa
V
GF
Great for authentic Portuguese food! They recommend making a reservation.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Cervejaria Ramiro
GF
"This was highly recommended by friends and guides. It’s huge and honestly kind of touristy - it’s all seafood. Very unique typical Portuguese vibe - if you love seafood you will love it. Make a reservation in advance. Steak sandwiches are their “dessert” and are a must!! Also loved the garlic shrimp and the clams."
$$ - $$$
Menu
Da Noi
V
Delicious and authentic! Get the ricotta flatbread, lobster roll appetizer and any pasta. Some declare it their favorite restaurant in Lisbon!
$$ - $$$
Instagram
Java Rooftop
V
GF
Amazing mediterranean restaurant with an great rooftop in the perfect location. They change the menu every six months but so delicious!
$$ - $$$
Instagram
Jncquoi Avenida
V
VE
GF
DF
HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Expensive but worth it. Get the dinosaur drool for dessert and checkout the bar downstairs.
$$$
Menu
Jncquoi Asia
Sister restaurant to Avenida. Great vibe and menu. We loved the spring rolls, avocado salad, miso eggplant and the cod. Also has sushi!
$$$
Menu
Leonetta
V
VE
GF
Amazing dinner in Lisbon. Highly recommend! Loved all the pasta dishes however it is not a huge menu so if you need more choices maybe not the best choice!
$ - $$
Instagram
La Malquerida
V
Great spot for yummy and cheap tacos!! If you go from 6-7pm, tacos are only €1!!
Bairro do Avillez
V
VE
GF
DF
Good, casual option from famous Portuguese chef José Avillez. They have a very big menu and a pizza restaurant on the terrace. There is also Patéo for modern Portuguese food. Also good for snacks!
$$ - $$$
Website
Rosamar
V
GF
Great food and great service. Seems to get a lot of locals which is always a good sign!
$$ - $$$
Instagram
Seen by Olivier
V
GF
Expensive but amazing Brazilian food and a gorgeous bar. Great vibes too. Need reservations.
$$$
Menu
Yakuza by Olivier
V
GF
Japanese fusion and sushi. On the expensive side but outstanding quality!
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
$$$
Menu
Dessert & Snacks
Pastel de Nata
V
So many places to try this sweet custard filled pastry - get it warm with cinnamon!
$
Location
Sintra Dining
Cascais Dining
Sintra Dining
Cantinho de Sao Pedro
V
Built into Sintra mountain and one of the oldest restaurants in Sintra.
$$
Menu
Casa Piriquita
"Try the pillows and their version of a Nata - it’s different and we thought so much better than the ones in Lisbon. Loved it."
$
Website
Cascais Dining
Bubbles & Bites
V
VE
GF
DF
Good variety, something for everyone including vegan and gluten free
Lambrettazzurra Pizzeria
V
VE
Good for eat in or take out pizza. Take it to the beach!
$ - $$
Instagram
Mar do Inferno
V
GF
One of the best seafood restaurants in Portugal, located near the cave (Boca do Inferno). A more high end lunch experience but so worth it. We loved the grilled dorado and scallops. Very cool to see the Atlantic ocean slamming into the side of the restaurant.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Refugio da Roca
V
GF
"It was delicious. Got seafood rice. Very close to the beautiful lookout at the western most point of Europe (also a must)." It is sort of half way between Sintra and Cascais.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Sights
Activities
Shopping
Sights
Avenida da Liberdade
One of Lisbon's main streets to walk on and see
Carmo Convent
Old archeological church downtown
Activities
Beach Club - Praia Irmao
Just 30 min outside Lisbon city center you can Uber (€25) and spend the day! It has a great vibe, beautiful views and amazing service.
Horeback Riding
Spend the day exploring Comporta and Setúbal and ride a horse across the dunes on Europe's largest beach. Trip lasts approx 6 hours.
Praia das Macãs
Get there by tram, it's 45 minutes and 3 euro. Great for a beach day when weather is nice.
Quinta do Piloto
Wine tasting right outside of Setubal and about 40-45 minutes from Lisbon. Beautiful winery, roughly 20 euros for 6 tastings and unlimited bread and cheese
Surfing in Carcavelos
Great for another beach day activity
TukTuk Tour
Really fun way to explore and see the city. Personal rec for driver is Goncalo 00351917821232. Mention GTG Abroad for discounted pricing!
Timeout Market
Bustling food market right by Pink Street. Tons of food options and plenty of room to grab a seat. Could be good for pastries for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Shopping
Rua Augusta
Lisbon's main shopping street
Rua do Carmo
Some really old and popular shops in Lisbon
Rua Garrett
Some very cool shops with unusual finds
Sintra Activities
Cascais Activities
Sintra Activities
Moorish Castle
The castle is a UNESCO world heritage site for its architecture and the surrounding landscape. The castle was built at the top of the Sintra hills, on extremely uneven terrain, by the Moors in the 8th or 9th century. Very cool!
Sintra Private Tour
Tour with Mane (+351 917 244 315) - he is awesome and tours referrals only. He charges €300 for the entire day. He plans everything perfectly. Saw the Pena place and Regaleira in Sintra. Sintra gets super crowded so we really recommend going with a guide. "ALSO it’s apparently a microclimate (cold and windy) in Sintra (we learned the hard way) so bring a long sleeve and ponytail!! It was like 15 degrees colder than Lisbon."
Cascais Activities
Beach Day!
All the beaches in Cascais are free to enter so bring a towel and some food from town and spend a great day on the beach!
24-48 Hours In Porto
Cable Car
Located on the Gaia side. Only five minutes and it brings you to a different area you can get off at so it’s cool. Cost €10
Food & Wine Tour
We LOVE this activity! Let someone else decide the best Port wines and traditional foods!
Food & Wine Tasting
Porto, known for Port wine, has lots of winery options but if you want a guided tour and an opportunity to taste some local Portuguese food, we suggest booking a tour.
Livaria Lello
Supposedly one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Inspired JK Rowling for Harry Potter. You need a ticket to enter that costs €8 but a portion goes towards a purchase. Might have to wait in line.
Mercado do Bolhao
Such an amazing market! Similar to Time Out (in Lisbon) but cleaner and so many options. You also don’t need to get a full meal because many vendors have small or single portions of dishes
Porto’s Botanical Garden
Great activity! Check out the beautiful gardens. Will take about 2 hours. Free entry!
TukTuk Tour
One of our favorite ways to see ANY city! Try to do it at sunset.
Ricami Veronica Embroidery
They have a few locations around Europe but we love this for a memento from Porto. So many options to have your name embroidered.
Walk Around!
Porto is a really cute town on the water. It is fun to just walk around and check out the vendors and markets.
Dining Porto
Brasao Coliseu
"Such an awesome vibe with great food and drinks. Have great traditional Portuguese dishes also. Great for anyone who loves meat!"
Gazela
A must try for lunch. It’s their version of a hot dog but it’s really crispy pressed bread with sausage. So good!! It is more of a snack bar.
Mistu
"This dinner was amazing! Highly recommend. Get the ceviche, it was awesome!"
Praia da luz
"If it’s warm out this place is amazing!! (There’s other spots by the water) but this was a great place to eat and tan. The food was good (nothing crazy special) but super fresh. Could sit there for hours listening to music."
Taberna dos Fernandes
"The fish was incredible and the octopus melted in my mouth. The house wine was also great and it was very cute and small vibes."
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
Taberna dos Mercadadores
"This place is impossible to get into! Without a reservation, we waited 2 hours. The apps were okay but the main course was phenomenal. It was the best sea bass I have ever had and got an octopus rice dish."
Rating: 8/10
Rating: 8/10
Douro Valley For The Day
An absolute must! "This was the highlight of my abroad so far and it was so beautiful. It was ~$120 pp and they pick you up, take you to the valley, get an hour boat ride with food/wine, visit 2 winery’s, and a farm to table lunch."
Rating: 12/10
Rating: 12/10
Hotel Rec
Vincci Ponte de Ferro
Great for the price! It’s technically on the Gaya side (across the bridge) but has amazing views and it’s so close to all the cute restaurants. Standard room approx $92 per night, per person
Selina Hostel
Great hostel! In a perfect location and pricing as low as $27 per person.
PortoBay Flores
"LOVED this hotel. On a busy and cute walking only street. Such a good vibe." Definitely a splurge but worth it!
Budget
Average
Splurge
Airbnb
Budget
Be Lisbon Hostel Intendente
Approximately $54 per person/per night. Located 1 mile from Commerce Square
Home Lisbon Hostel
As the name suggests, they make you feel right at home! Private doubles approx $65 per person, per night. They do offer dorm rooms
Lisbon Best Apartments
Various locations in Chiado. Approximately $100 per person/per night. Can fit more people and might benefit in lower rates
Luzeiros Suites
Good budget option near Avenida da República. Superior rooms for 2 approx $68 per night, per person
My Story Hotel Ouro
New addition! So cute and in such a great location. Doubles approx $91 per night/per person
The Lisbonaire Apartments
Approximately $75-$100 per person/per night. Located in Bairro Alto
We Love F Tourists Hostel
Well located in city center. Approximately $50-$60 per night
Average
Moxy Lisbon City
Approximately $125 per person/per night. located a little further from city center
Raw Culture Hotel Bairro Alto
Approximately $150 per person/per night. Located in Bairro Alto
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel
Approximately $120 per person/per night. Great location, center of city, affordable modern rooms
Tesauro Da Baixa
Alto neighborhood. Approximately $100 per person/per night. Well located in outskirts of Bairro
Splurge
The One Palácio da Anunciada
Great option for a splurge! Doubles approx $222 per night, per person.
Alma Lusa
Approximately 200+ per person/per night. Located in Baixa/Chiado
Barrio Alto Hotel
Pricey, approximately $250+ per person/per night. Very well located and def a splurge, very luxurious
Ivens Hotel
Approximately $225 per person/per night. Located in Bairro Alto, close to the coast
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
Great option on a great street with an awesome rooftop bar (visit it even if you aren't staying here!). Also has a pool. Doubles approx $225 per person, per night but vary seasonally.
The Vintage
Approximately $175 per person/per night. Cool boutique hotel located in Bairro Alto close to shopping at Avenida da Liberdade. Also close to Chiado
Airbnb
Great location!
This Airbnb got high marks for its location (right above Dear Breakfast - a GTG fave)! Otherwise somewhat underwhelming. It was showing 5 night minimums but inquire to ask if you are only there for the weekend.
Perfect Unit
Great location and comfortably fits 4 people. Books up fast! Approx $250 per night.
Bars & Clubs
Bars and Rooftops
Clubs
Bars & Clubs
Bars and Rooftops
Bairro Alto
Great nightlife. Lots of live music
Foxtrot
Polished & richly decorated Art Nouveau cellar bar with a garden & a late-night food menu. Also has a rooftop!
Monkey Mash
Really cool speakeasy, must book EARLY!!!
Pink Street
Lots of options on this street
Rossio Gastrobar
At the top of Altis Avenida Hotel, near Rossio Square. Can go for pre-dinner drinks and see the views. Live DJ on weekends
Toca Da Raposa
Cocktail lounge with great vibes! It's great for a date night and is open late. It is on the 50 best bars list too!
Clubs
Incógnito Club
Very cool club, upstairs there's a secret room with a different DJ
K Urban Beach Club
Amazing!! Super fun and a great vibe. It is right on the beach!
Lisboa Rio
Good club on Monday's and Tuesday's. Heard it from a local so we know its good!
Lux Fragil
3 floors, been around forever and pretty famous for Lisbon. Must go with someone Portugese.
Good To Know
Living Set Up
Beauty
Workouts
Faves
Good To Know
Living Set Up
Zara Home
Has a lot of options and they are everywhere!
Primark
There is a location in Colombo which is outside the city but might be worth it for a move-in shop bc you cannot beat the prices!
Beauty
Wax Lab Lisbon
Also an amazing find to maintain your waxing!
Workouts
Amplify
Amazing! They have barre, cycling, and bootcamp. Could go every day and try something new!
Faves
Distance From Lisbon
Sintra - 55 min train or 25 min by car
Cascais - 40 min train or 23 min by car
Porto - 2 hr, 42 min by train
Duoro Valley - 3 hr, 15 min by train
Plaia da Rainha, Costa de Caparica - beach day! Just under 30 min by car! Beach entry is free but chairs are btw €20-€50 depending on which chair you choose.
Cascais - 40 min train or 23 min by car
Porto - 2 hr, 42 min by train
Duoro Valley - 3 hr, 15 min by train
Plaia da Rainha, Costa de Caparica - beach day! Just under 30 min by car! Beach entry is free but chairs are btw €20-€50 depending on which chair you choose.
