TravPa

Portugal

Lisbon's hills, trams and viewpoints, Porto's riverside and port wine cellars, and the palaces of Sintra, all a short train ride apart.

Best timeApr to Jun, Sep to OctMoneyEuro (EUR)PlugsType C and F, 230 VMain airportLisbon (LIS)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips pair Lisbon and Porto, about three hours apart by train, with a day in Sintra. Add the beaches of the Algarve or the Douro Valley vineyards with more time. Check whether ETIAS travel authorization is required for your dates.

Spring and autumn are warm and calmer. Summer is hot inland and busy on the coast, and winter is mild but rainy.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janRainyfebRainymarMildaprBestmayBestjunBestjulHotaugHotsepBestoctBestnovRainydecRainy

Lisbon's Santo António festivities fill the old neighborhoods with street parties and grilled sardines in June, and Porto celebrates São João on the night of June 23.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Porto]
Porto in 2 daysSão Bento, Livraria Lello, Clérigos, Bolhão Market, Ribeira, Foz, Matosinhos, Gaia port cellars, Serra do PilarBalanced pace
[Photo: Lisbon]
Lisbon in 3 daysSão Jorge Castle, Alfama, Time Out Market, Chiado, Belém, LX Factory, Bairro Alto, SintraBalanced pace

Where to stay

LisbonBaixa and Chiado for first-timers, central and flat; Alfama for old-town charm and fado; Príncipe Real for a calm, upscale base; Bairro Alto only if you want nightlife outside your window.Best areas to stay in LisbonHotels in Lisbon
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PortoRibeira for the riverfront, Baixa for a central base near the sights, Vila Nova de Gaia for river views and the port cellars.Best areas to stay in PortoHotels in Porto
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Getting around

  • Trains: Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains link Lisbon and Porto in about 3 hours.
  • To Sintra: Trains from Lisbon's Rossio station reach Sintra in about 40 minutes.
  • In Lisbon: Trams, the metro, funiculars and elevators climb the hills; wear shoes with grip for the stone sidewalks.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are widely used in Lisbon and Porto.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare cover for your dates.
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Phone dataAn eSIM gives you data for maps, train tickets and translation from the moment you land.How a travel eSIM works
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