Curator’s statement
Portugal was my first solo adventure after graduate school, and it undoubtedly reignited my spark for European travel. It checked off all of my travel boxes with cities rich in culture and history, delicious food, charming people and beautiful sites. With just a week off between jobs, this 5-day trip was a perfect way for me to explore a glimpse of Portugal and what it has to offer. If you’re planning to take a solo trip, then Portugal is a fantastic place to consider for your travel destination.
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Day 1: Landing in Porto
Walk across the Luís I Bridge to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar for a breathtaking view of Porto
After landing at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, take a cab or train to your accommodation in Porto, Portugal. Depending on what time you arrive, you’ll want to take advantage of the day by exploring Porto. I think the best way to get acclimated to your destination [and probably new time zone] is with a walking tour. A local guide can give you great insight to help make the most of your time in Porto. After your walking tour, cross the Douro River via the Luís I Bridge and catch a beautiful sunset from Gaia, the area south of the bridge. After a day of travel and sightseeing, grab dinner at a local restaurant like À Bolina or Cana Verde.
Day 2: Historical Sites of Porto
Admire the beautifully-tiled exterior of the Igreja do Carmo
After grabbing brunch at Floresta Cafe by Hungry Biker or Tomás Coffee Brunch, explore some of the historical and cultural sites of Porto. My favorite places to visit were Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Church, and Igreja do Carmo. You’ll notice that Porto is filled with azulejos, or Portuguese tiles, which have a rich history tied to Moorish influence. With a history dating back to the 13th century, Portuguese architecture and culture are strongly rooted in the art of tile making.
If you don’t have time to go on a winery tour of Douro Valley, then I highly recommend you join a tour of the port wine lodges. There are a number of tours that let you sip your way through the port wines in Vila Nova de Gaia. With tours like this, you’ll likely run into like-minded travelers to enhance your port wine tasting experience. My favorite stop along my port wine tour was Vasques De Carvalho, a small family-owned brand and business.
Day 3: Porto to Lisbon
Porto São Bento is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal
Grab some pasteis de nata from Manteigaria or Fábrica da Nata and make your way to Porto São Bento. Continue your solo adventure by making your way down to Lisbon, Portugal. I took the train from Porto São Bento to Campanha station in Porto and then boarded a train at Santa Apolónia station towards Lisbon. Not only is the train an efficient way of travel but also a great way to see more landscape. After a day of travel, you can settle in at your accommodation and go enjoy dinner at a Portuguese spot like Duque or opt for cozy Goan food at Jesus é Goês.
Tip: Allow yourself plenty of time to travel to Campanha station. The train is easy to navigate and is the preferred mode of transportation between Porto to Lisbon.
Day 4: Exploring Lisbon
The beautiful Jerónimos Monastery and it’s Gothic-style architecture
Start your day off early with a city walking tour. This is a great way to get your daily dose of history and culture, gain a better understanding of Lisbon's various neighborhoods and meet other travelers. My favorite neighborhood is Alfama, which is a maze with narrow cobblestone streets lined with craft-selling shops and quaint cafes.
After your walking tour, grab a bit to eat at Time Out Market Lisboa. This elevated food hall is a great way to get a glimpse of cuisine from local vendors across the city. Another great way to sample Portuguese cuisine is with a food tour where you can meet and eat with other like-minded travelers.
Take the tram over to the Belém district and buy your ticketed entry to the Jerónimos Monastery. This breathtaking Gothic-style monastery is filled with archaeology and museums that highlight Portugal’s golden age of exploration. I easily spent about 2 hours meandering around this beautiful monastery.
On your tram ride back to your accommodation, make a pitstop at LX Factory. Located beneath the Ponte de 25 Abril Bridge, this design-minded industrial complex is a hub for live concerts, film showings and art exhibits as well as trendy restaurants and artisan shops. My favorite spots were Ler Devagar, Cerâmica Factory, and Landeau Chocolate.
Day 5: Sintra Day-Trip
At the westernmost point in mainland Europe is the Cabo da Roca lighthouse
Take a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO Heritage Site. There are various small-group trips that visit Sintra and explore sites like Pena National Palace and the Moorish Castle. Everyone in my small group was traveling solo, so it was a great way to venture out for the day. With its whimsical palace on vast grounds, it felt like we were in a magical place taking us back in time. My favorite part of our day trip out to Sintra was visiting Capo da Roca. With a picturesque lighthouse on the edge of the cliffs, Capo da Roca is the westernmost point in continental Europe, I loved the natural beauty of this area and truly enjoyed a beautiful sunset here.
Need to know
Advice: Bring your best walking shoes with good traction. You’re going to get your step-count in, but also beware of the tile on the ground. While beautiful to look at, you’ll want to be cautious if it’s wet to avoid slipping and falling.
Tip: Skip the very popular route of Tram 28. The queue is long and you don’t have too much time to spare. Instead, consider taking Tram 12, which has a much shorter queue with similar sights of the Baixa and Alfama neighborhoods.
Tip: Skip taking the Santa Justa Lift. This is an elevator ride with long queues and an entrance fee. Instead, consider exploring Largo do Carmo, a charming square nearby, or even walk to the top deck of the lift by taking a short walk along the side of the Convento do Carmo.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portugal page.
Travel Advisor
Tracy Delossantos
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