Zeitrip

Portugal for Couples: A Romantic Week in Lisbon & Porto

Apr 6 - 12, 2026

A romantic 7-day journey through Portugal's two vibrant capitals. Experience golden sunsets from Lisbon's miradouros, sip world-class Port wine in Gaia's cellars, and wander the medieval streets of Porto. This relaxed itinerary balances major sights like Pena Palace with leisure time for coffee and pastries, all connected by scenic train rides.

Lisbon · Lisbon Boutique Hotel (4 nights, double room)

Apr 5 → Apr 94 nights
Sunday, Apr 5(Day 1)
Airport → City by Metro (Red Line) + Check-in
11:50 - 13:00
Simple arrival plan: Metro from Aeroporto station (Red Line) toward Saldanha. It's safe, cheap, and easy. Uber is also very affordable if you're tired.
Baixa Stroll: Praça do Comércio → Rua Augusta → Chiado
15:00 - 17:30
Start at Praça do Comércio by the water. Walk under the Arch and up Rua Augusta. It's touristy but a must-do for orientation.
Sunset Viewpoint: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
18:15 - 19:15
The best 'golden hour' spot in the city. Grab a drink from the kiosk and watch the castle glow across the valley.
Dinner in Bairro Alto / Chiado
19:45 - 21:30
Pick something cozy + reserve if it’s Fri/Sat.
Monday, Apr 6(Day 2)
Ride Tram 28E (old town highlights)
10:15 - 11:00
The legendary yellow tram! Board at Martim Moniz (start of line) to get a seat, provided you go early. Watch your pockets—it gets crowded.
Castelo de São Jorge + viewpoints
11:15 - 13:00
Buy tickets online to skip the line. The views over the Tagus river are unbeatable. Wear grip shoes—the cobbles are slippery.
Alfama wandering + long lunch
13:00 - 15:15
Lose the map. Alfama is a labyrinth meant for getting lost. Find a tiny restaurant ('tasca') with tiled walls for fresh fish.
Fado Dinner Show (book ahead)
20:00 - 22:15
Avoid 'Fado in Chiado' (it's essentialized). Instead, book a table at 'Mesa de Frades' or 'Parreirinha de Alfama' for the real soulful deal.
Tuesday, Apr 7(Day 3)
Tram 15E to Belém (riverfront ride)
09:30 - 10:15
Take the 15E tram or a train from Cais do Sodré to Belém. It's a scenic route along the Tagus river.
Jerónimos Monastery + Pastéis break
10:30 - 13:00
Don't settle for generic pastries. Go to 'Pastéis de Belém'. If the sit-down line is long, the take-away line moves fast. Eat them warm with cinnamon in the nearby park.
Belém river walk: Tower / waterfront / gardens
13:30 - 16:00
Relaxed couple energy: long walk, photos, wind, sun.
MAAT / Docas sunset + dinner back downtown
16:15 - 21:15
Walk on the roof of the MAAT museum for incredible architecture and river views (it's free). Then catch a ride back to Time Out Market for a casual dinner.
Wednesday, Apr 8(Day 4)
Train to Sintra (morning departure)
08:45 - 09:30
Start early. Train from Rossio is the simplest option. In Sintra, consider the 434 loop bus to reach major sights.
Pena Palace (arrive early for best experience)
10:15 - 12:00
It looks like a Lego castle! The interior can be skipped if the line is huge; the park and exterior terraces are the real highlight.
Quinta da Regaleira + gardens
13:30 - 15:15
Don't miss the Initiation Well. It's a spiral staircase deep into the earth. The gardens here are more magical than Pena's.
Return to Lisbon + slow evening in Chiado
18:30 - 22:00
After a big day, keep dinner simple and classy. Optional: dessert + walk.
Thursday, Apr 9(Day 5)
Arrive Porto + metro to center + check-in
12:00 - 13:30
From Campanhã, metro is the quickest way into town. Drop bags, then head to the river.

Porto · Porto Riverside Hotel (2 nights, double room)

Apr 9 → Apr 112 nights
Thursday, Apr 9(Day 5)
Ribeira waterfront + Dom Luís I Bridge (golden hour)
16:00 - 18:45
Walk across the TOP deck of Dom Luís I bridge. Watch out for the metro! The views are breathtaking, especially at golden hour.
Dinner in Vila Nova de Gaia (wine cellars area)
19:30 - 21:30
After dinner: short riverside stroll back toward the bridge lights.
Friday, Apr 10(Day 6)
Bolhão market area breakfast + café
09:00 - 10:00
Explore the newly renovated Mercado do Bolhão. It's clean and beautiful. Buy some canned sardines (conservas) as chic souvenirs.
São Bento Station azulejos + city walk
10:15 - 12:15
Quick photo stop at São Bento, then wander uphill (views get better).
Port wine cellar tour + tasting (Gaia)
15:30 - 17:00
Graham's, Taylor's, or Sandeman are classics. Try a 'Tawny' port—it's aged in wood and has a nuttier flavor than 'Ruby'.
Sunset: Jardim do Morro viewpoint
18:00 - 19:00
Jardim do Morro is THE sunset spot. Grab a Super Bock beer from a kiosk, sit on the grass, and join the applause when the sun dips below the horizon.
Romantic dinner (book a nice spot)
20:00 - 22:00
This is your ‘treat yourselves’ night.
Saturday, Apr 11(Day 7)
Braga old town + Sé Cathedral area
10:00 - 11:45
Walkable and calm—nice contrast to Porto/Lisbon energy.
Bom Jesus do Monte (stairs + views)
12:00 - 14:15
Take the funicular up to conserve energy, then zigzag walk down the famous baroque stairs for photos.
Back in Porto: bags → Metro to OPO Airport (Line E)
18:45 - 19:45
Aim to be at the airport ~2 hours before departure. Metro Line E runs frequently; taxi is a backup if you’re tight on time.
Airport dinner/snack + decompress
19:45 - 21:00
End the trip calmly: snack + photos recap + plan next one.

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