A 6-Night Girls Trip to Portugal: Lisbon & Porto

Exploring the Mercado do Bolhao in Porto

Right in the heart of Porto, we stumbled across this bustling indoor market that instantly reminded me of a farmers market back home—only with that unmistakable Portuguese charm. The moment we stepped inside, we were hit with the salty scent of fresh fish, bursts of color from flower stalls, and the warm, tempting aroma of bread and cheese that made my mouth water.

My friend and I hadn’t even planned to stop here, but it ended up being one of our favorite finds—perfect for grabbing a quick lunch, tasting all sorts of local flavors, and picking up a few unique souvenirs to remember our trip.

Fado concert in Porto

Whenever I’m in a new city, I love diving into the local culture—and Clube Real do Fado in Porto was one of those unforgettable moments. Fado is Portugal’s traditional music, and hearing it live feels like stepping into someone’s deepest emotions. The singers pour their heart and soul into every note, sharing stories of passion and struggle that really move you. The space is tiny—just 12 to 15 seats—in a cozy, vaulted room with amazing acoustics. Sitting there with a glass of wine, soaking it all in, felt so intimate and special. It’s a memory I’ll cherish from Porto.

Douro Valley with winery lunch, tastings & river cruise

Taking a tour of the Douro Valley is an absolute must when visiting Portugal, especially around Porto. Even though it was raining on the day we went, it turned out to be the perfect way to spend a cozy day on vacation—much better than wandering the city streets in the drizzle.

Our first stop was Quinta de Santa Julia, a stunning winery perched on a hillside surrounded by lush forests and charming gardens. While the rain kept us from exploring the grounds, I could easily imagine how lovely it would be to stroll around there with a glass of wine in hand on a sunny day. We started in their tasting room, sampling 3 to 4 of their exquisite wines alongside their delicious olive oil.

Lunch was an intimate affair in the family home on the estate—an open kitchen where you could watch the chef craft every dish. The food was incredible and made the experience feel so personal and special.

Next, we headed to Croft for a port tasting. While port isn’t usually my go-to, pairing it with a bit of chocolate completely changed the game—it was the perfect match. After our “desert” we hopped on a river boat cruise back to Porto.

Sintra/Cascais day trip from Lisbon

After a couple of days in Lisbon, it’s refreshing to get out of the city and explore the coast and nearby towns. My friend and I took a day trip from Lisbon that included stops in Sintra, the Pena Palace, and Cascais.

Sintra is a charming village nestled beneath the hilltop Pena Palace, surrounded by lush forest. We opted for a self-guided tour inside the palace, but honestly, I’d recommend either a guided tour to really dive into the history or skipping the interior altogether to simply enjoy the breathtaking views, stroll the beautiful grounds, and wander the quaint streets of Sintra. It’s a small town, and a few hours there felt just right.

After Sintra, we headed to Cascais, a lovely coastal town on the Estoril Coast. We had free time to explore its charming street shops, walk along the boardwalk, and soak in the fresh sea breeze. For lunch, we stopped at House of Wonders, an amazing vegetarian restaurant where you “order with your eyes.” The day’s menu is laid out buffet-style, letting you pick your meal based on what looks delicious. It’s one of the best vegetarian spots I’ve ever been to, and my non-vegetarian friend loved it just as much.

Tram ride Lisbon

One of the first things you’ll read about Lisbon is Tram 28—a public transit line turned tourist favorite, winding through neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa. My friend and I wanted to try it, but the line was long enough to test anyone’s patience. Instead, we hopped on Tram 24, which runs from Praça Luís de Camões in Chiado to Campolide in the north. It was a laid-back, less crowded ride that gave us a new view of the city. Midway through, we spotted a lively beer garden, jumped off, and joined the fun—a spontaneous stop that ended up being one of the day’s highlights.

Restaurante Vicente (drinks/lunch/dinner)

If you didn’t know to look for it, you might stroll right past Restaurante Vicente without realizing you’d missed one of Lisbon’s coziest spots. Just off Pink Street, it feels like it’s tucked inside an old cave—exposed brick walls, curved archways, soft golden lighting, and rich wood accents that wrap you in warmth the moment you step inside.

The day we discovered it, the rain had just started to fall—one of those gentle, steady showers that makes you want to slow down. We ducked inside, found a little table, and ordered drinks while we waited for the rain to pass. We didn’t eat that day, but the menu looked so tempting that I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Next time, I’m coming back hungry.

Bairro do Avillez Taberna, Lisbon (drinks/lunch/dinner)

Bairro do Avillez Taberna is one of those Lisbon spots you just can’t miss. The first time we went, we grabbed a table on the street-side patio, letting the city buzz around us as we lingered over drinks and a cheese board—exactly the kind of pause you need after hours of walking Lisbon’s hilly streets. We loved it so much that we came back for lunch another day.

Inside, the space is full of character, divided into different sections—you can sit near the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work, or wander to the back where leafy plants hang overhead. Part tapas bar, part seafood restaurant, part pizzeria, it’s the kind of place where everyone at the table finds something they love.

Cantinho do Avillez, Lisbon (dinner)

Because we loved Bairro do Avillez so much, we couldn’t resist trying another of Chef Avillez’s restaurants for our last night in Lisbon. Cantinho do Avillez, tucked in the heart of Chiado, feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen—blue porcelain plates covering the walls, colorful tiled floors, and that familiar warmth that makes you feel instantly at home.

The open kitchen adds to the charm, letting you watch the chefs in action as the delicious aromas fill the air. Chef Avillez has several restaurants around Lisbon, and after visiting two, I can say he seems to get it right every time. If you’re in the city, you have to try at least one of them.

Time Out Market, Porto (lunch/dinner)

Time Out Market Porto opened in 2024, just steps from São Bento Railway Station, and while visiting a Time Out Market might not sound unique, this one is absolutely worth a stop. With 12 restaurants and two bars, it’s the perfect place when you’re craving variety or just can’t decide what you’re in the mood for.

The vibe is casual and lively—long communal tables where you might end up sharing a meal with strangers who soon feel like friends. Beyond the food stalls, there’s also a wine bar and a restaurant on site, and if you head up to the top of the tower, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Porto.

Incontro Bistrot, Porto (dinner)

While wandering Porto’s streets one afternoon, we spotted Incontro Bistrot and were immediately drawn to its menu of Italian dishes. We made a mental note to come back that evening for dinner—and I’m so glad we did.

We didn’t have a reservation, but the staff welcomed us to a small wall-side table with two stools outside while we waited. To make the wait even sweeter, they brought out complimentary glasses of prosecco. The bistro itself is small and cozy, with limited seating, but every bit of the experience made it feel special. If you’re craving Italian in Porto, it’s absolutely worth the stop.

House of Wonders, Cascais (lunch)

House of Wonders is a completely unique, eclectic spot in Cascais, serving some of the best vegetarian dishes I’ve ever had. The concept is playful—you “order with your eyes,” choosing from a buffet-style display of the day’s menu. Everything is made fresh daily, and each dish tastes as vibrant as it looks.

They also serve a delicious homemade sangria, perfect for sipping as you take in the colorful, relaxed atmosphere. Every bite felt nourishing, and my non-vegetarian friend loved it just as much as I did. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, savor, and wish you could linger just a little longer.