7 Days In Portugal On a Budget

Home to stunning cities, cozy seaside villages, a dramatic coastline, and so much to so, Portugal is easily one of the best places to visit in the world. Portugal also happens to be one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Us cheapskates like to make cheap even more cheap. Portugal is a great destination for solo travelers and budget travelers. Here is how to do 7 days in Portugal on a budget.

About Portugal

What is Portugal known for? Portugal is known for its dramatic coastline, azulejo tiles, and adorable fishing villages along the coast.

Population - Portugal is home to 10 million people.

Currency - Euros

Safety - Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Just take normal precautions (beware of pickpockets, avoid walking alone at night, ect.)

Climate - It depends where you are in the country. The weather in the north is warm overall but it can get chilly in the winter. In the south it is pretty much warm year round.

History - Did you know that Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is older than Rome! Portugal was founded as a coutury in 1143. Portugal is known for waging wars against Spain, creating the longest standing alliance in history with England, and playing a huge role in the discovery of the new world.

Day One

Morning

Fly To Porto

Start your trip off in the once capital of Portugal, Porto. Porto sits on the gorgeous Douro River and is known for its amazing port wine. To get to Porto you can fly into the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. You can find flights from all over Europe along with direct flights from the US to Porto. I use google flights to find the cheapest options.

🐟Read Next - A Complete Guide To Porto, Portugal

Check Into to the Architect's House

The Architect's House is a lovely hotel situated in the center of Porto. At the Architect's House you will find stylish decor, breakfast served daily, a garden, a coffee bar, and more. The Architect's House is an adult only hotel.

If you are travelling with kids Hotel das Virtudes is a lovely option. At Hotel das Virtudes you will find a restaurant, spacious rooms, a bar, and more!

🛎️Book Here - Architect's House

🛎️Book Here - Hotel das Virtudes

Breakfast At Nola Cafe

I am never usually a fan of eating breakfast out while traveling because it just makes the trip more expensive. Although while in Porto you have to checkout Nola. Nola has amazing coffee and delicious food that cannot be missed.

Explore Casa da Ribeira

Casa Da Ribeira is situated along the stunning Douro River. While exploring Casa De Ribeira make sure to pop in a few shops and take in the gorgeous scenery. Casa de Ribeira is completely free to walk along. If you want to do a river tour of the Douro River. I really enjoyed it but you won't miss out if you don't do the river tour. It's really just a different view of Porto.

🛶River Tour of the Douro River

Climb To The Top Of Luis I Bridge

Luis I Bridge is located at right next to Casa Da Ribeira. Once you reach the end of the street you will find a staircase that leads up to the top of Luis I Bridge. Make sure you bring your sneakers because you will get a tough workout climbing to the top of the stairs. It is totally worth the hike because the view is amazing from the top.

Afternoon

Sao Bento Station

Sao Bento Station attracts thousands of travelers each year and brings them to Porto. This amazing train station is covered in azulejo tiles. These famous tiles tell a story about the history of Portugal. Sao Bento Station is free to explore and it is located in the center of Porto so it's easy to get to.

Walk Around Largo da Pena Ventosa

Another free activity is Largo De Pene Ventosa. Largo Da Pena Ventosa is a UNESCO world heritage site that is quite hard to find. I was walking for an hour before I found it. To find Largo de Pena Ventosa put the Porto Cathedral into your gps and its right next to the cathedral. Largo da Pena Ventosa is a collection of adorable alleyways that are seriously stunning. There are many local shops and cafes in these alleyways so it is the perfect opportunity to buy yourself an authentic souvenir.

Dinner At Casa da Ribeira

Casa da Ribeira is an amazing environment for dinner or drinks. The sunset at Douro River is amazing. There are tons of amazing restaurants to choose from on the river, you can't go wrong.

Day Two

Morning

porto cathedral

The Porto Cathedral is not your typical Cathedral. It is coated in azulejo tiles and is an indoor and outdoor cathedral. You can also take the stairs to the top of the cathedral a see an amazing view of Porto.

Bishops Palace

Right next to the Porto Cathedral is the Bishop's Palace. The Bishops Palace was once home to the Bishops of Porto. This amazing palace has gold ceilings and and ancient artifacts once used by the Bishops of Porto.

Afternoon

Porto To Aveiro

Hop on a train to Aveiro. Aveiro is only one hour from Porto and it is an amazing stop. Trains are an officiant and cheap way to travel throughout Europe. I love using omio to book train tickets.

🎣Read Next - A Quick Guide To Aveiro, Portugal

Check Into Hotel das Salinas

Hotel Das Salinas is a lovely hotel that is perfect for budget travelers who still enjoy a bit of comfort. At Hotel Das Salinas you will find spacious rooms, breakfast served daily, twenty four hour front desk, and more all in the center of Aveiro.

🛎️Book Here - Hotel Das Salinas

the Aveiro Canals

Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal because it has canals that line the streets. Be sure to take a tour in a gondola. These tours are not too expensive! When I visited Aveiro it was only 20 euros for an hour on the gondola.

Day Three

Morning

costa nova

Costa Nova is the beach closest to Aveiro. Have you seen the striped houses on instagram? That is in Costa Nova. Make sure that you snap a picture in front of the colorful strips and at the beach. Costa Nova is seriously magical, you could wonder around the streets for hours. You can also find cafes and bars in Costa Nova.

Afternoon

Aveiro to NAZARE

I took a Flix Bus to Nazare from Aveiro for around 5 euros. You can take a train, but you will have to change and it will take around two hours instead of one and a half to get to Nazare. Find the cheapest bus and train options on Omio. The drive take around an hour and a half.

🏄Read Next - A Quick Guide To Nazare, Portugal

Check Into Hotel Mar Bravo

Hotel Mar Bravo is easily one of the best hotels in Nazare. At Hotel Mar Bravo you will find a restaurant, views of the water, a bar, room service, and breakfast served daily. Nazare does not have that many hotels so if you are visiting the the summer months (tourist season) be sure to book ahead.

🛎️Book Here - Hotel Mar Bravo

Explore downtown Nazare

When you get to the adorable fishing village explore the downtown. In the downtown area you will find cobblestone streets, incredible views of the water, and cozy seafood restaurants. It is so easy to get lost in Nazare, each street is stunning, so if you are a fellow photographer you will love this place.

Day Four

Morning

Hike to the red lighthouse

Wake up and grab a coffee at a local cafe and make sure you are wearing sneakers because you are hiking. Hike up to the famous red Nazare lighthouse. The Nazare lighthouse is seen all over the internet with massive waves in the distance.

While on your hike stop at the swing and take a photo!

Checkout the surf museum

The surf museum is right next to the Nazare lighthouse. In the surf museum you will learn about why the waves are so massive at Nazare and you will learn about the famous surfers who have conquered them. The surf museum 3 euros to enter.

Afternoon

Nazare to Lisbon

Hop on a bus or a train a make your way to the lovely capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Lisbon is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe. No trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to Lisbon.

🇵🇹Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Lisbon, Portugal

Check Into Tempo FLH Hotel

The Temp FLH Hotel is an affordable hotel that offers quality accommodations in the heart of Lisbon. At Tempo FLH Hotel you will find spacious rooms, stylish decor, breakfast served daily, housekeeping, and more.

🛎️Book Here - Tempo FLH Hotel

Dinner at Velha Gaiteira

Try traditional Portuguese cuisine for an affordable price at Velha Gaiteira in the heart of Lisbon. Reservations are encouraged at Velha Gaiteira.

Day Five

Morning

Tower of Belem

The Tower of Belem is one of the most notable sights to see in Lisbon. Located just west of the city center, The Tower of Belem is a historical monument that signifies the age of exploration. The Tower of Belem was used during the age of exploration as a point of disembarkation and embarkation for Portuguese explorers. Not only does the Tower of Belem serve as a incredible historical monument, it is also stunning to see.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

While in the area make sure you visit Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located right next to the Tower of Belem. The statue in the plaza signifies everything that Portugal did during the age of exploration.

Afternoon

Lx Factory

The Lx Factory is a collection of shops and restaurants. All of the shops in Lx Factory are very unique. You will find the shop owners in there stores creating new products with there two bear hands. You can find some amazing restaurants and cafes in the LX Factory as well. Make sure to try the chocolate cake from Landeau Chocolate.

Dinner at Lisboa Tu e Eu 2

Grab some dinner at either the Lx Factory or at Lisboa Tu e Eu 2. Lisboa Tu e Eu 2 is an affordable portuguese restaurant in the Alfama district.

Day Six

Day Trip To Sintra

No trip to Lisbon is complete without visiting the glorious Sintra. Sintra is about 20 minutes away from the Lisbon city centre. In Sintra you will find amazing castles and trails to explore. You will find several castles in Sintra, but the best ones include Pena Palace, The Moorish Castle, and The Royal Palace.

I took and uber and bought tickets to the castle's when I got there. I would not recommend doing this. Although the uber was quite inexpensive, we were not able to see all of the castles because they were booked out by tours. Sintra will take up your whole day. Sintra is totally worth the visit. This tour is affordable and got great reviews.

⭐Book Here - Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon

Read Next - Sintra, Portugal Travel Guide

Day Seven

Morning

Lisbon Riverwalk

Make sure you walk along the Lisbon riverwalk before leaving Lisbon. Lisbon's riverwalk is situated on the Tejo river. Boat companies will offer tours on the river. The riverwalk is quite lively with street performers and stands serving drinks along it. If you want to avoid the crowds go in the morning.

🛶Book Here - Lisbon Boat Tour

Arco da Rua Augusta

Within walking distance of Lisbon's riverwalk is Arco da Rua Augusta. Arco da Rua Augusta is probably the most notable monument in Lisbon. The monument in the heart of Lisbon was built to commemorate Lisbon's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. Arco da Rua Augusta is a gorgeous monument made completely out of stone. Be sure to stop here and snap a picture.

Afternoon

visit the Alfama district

The Alfama is a lovely district to explore in Lisbon because of the beautiful architecture and arabic influence. Getting lost in the narrow cobblestone streets of the Alfama District is an amazing experience. Exploring this amazing district is also free so it is a perfect add to your Portugal itinerary.

depart portugal

Well that is 7 days in Portugal! Fly out of Lisbon (Humberto Delgado Airport). You can find direct flights to pretty much anywhere on many different airlines at the Lisbon airport.