Five Days in Portugal

Arrive in Lisbon and check into your hotel! Once you are adjusted to the time zone, head to Belém, one of the most charming districts of Lisbon. This is where the famous Belém Tower once defended the city against attacks. Some of the best views of the 16th-century fortification are from the outside.

Spend some time walking around the area. It is filled with grand parks and green spaces.

Then head to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood. It’s good to wander around and go on a tram ride.

Head back, rest up, and get dinner at Rocco. You need to book this place well in advance, and if you can sit at the bar or the crudo bar, do it!

If you’re up for it, after dinner, head to the Bairro Alto district and surrounding area for nightlife in Lisbon. You’ll find more than 100 bars and restaurants in a small neighborhood, like Pavilhão Chinês, one of the oldest bars. Wherever you go, get a glass of green wine! Trust me.

If you’re up for exploring, head to Comercio Square, Lisbon’s central waterfront point. This sits on the same site as the former royal palace that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. From here, continue exploring and make sure to check out Pink Street for a photo moment.

If you’re not in the mood to walk around and explore, head to a nearby beach! I suggest Casa Reia Beach Club and recommend you book daybeds well in advance. You should also book a lunch time.

After exploring or relaxing, have sunset drinks at Park bar. It’s also great for a late night out!

For dinner, get dressed up for a Michelin-starred meal at Eneko Lisboa. The inventive presentation and unparalleled hospitality are something to experience.

Other places to dine if you want something less fancy include Raízes (Portuguese), Geographia (Portuguese fusion), 31 D’armada (European and Portuguese), and Batata Doce (Portuguese). I have many other suggestions if I am helping you plan.

Start with the castles in Sintra. You need tickets in advance, and I would suggest that you Uber. Keep in mind that, when dropped off, it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the entrance to the park to the palace, so wear comfy shoes.

After exploring, head to Cascais for lunch at the beach. You can walk around and find something local, or have a fancier lunch at Fortaleza do Guincho.

Head back to Lisbon and check out one of the other restaurants in my list above.

You’re off to Porto! If I had to suggest one hotel here, go to The Yeatman. It’s truly incredible—it has the best view of the city and has a two-Michelin-starred restaurant on the property, which was possibly the best meal of my life. Plus, when you book with me through Fora, you get a complimentary wine tasting at the hotel: “Discover Porto & Douro’s wine region in four wines.” It’s a great way to kick off the trip!

If you are at The Yeatman, take the tram into town or walk over the famous Dom Luis I Bridge.

Once you are over the river, head to Ribeira, with its rows of colorful houses and riverfront views. It is full of cafés, bars, and shops to explore along the Douro River.

While exploring, go to some of the best spots to experience azulejos, colorful tiles with intricate patterns or mural scenes executed in mostly blue and white. You will find some of the most impressive tiles inside the São Bento train station and on the sides of Capela das Almas on Porto’s main commercial strip. Other spots to see include the walls of Rua de Santa Catarina and Igreja do Carmo, a church that drips with gold on the inside.

Make sure to stop at Confeitaria do Bolhão, the beautiful 120-year-old patisserie serving up Porto’s best Portuguese tarts, arrufadas (sweetbread), croissants, and other tempting flakey sweet treats.

For dinner, check out Restaurante Elemento in town. After, head to Avenida dos Aliados for Porto’s night life. You’ll find some of the city’s most atmospheric bars, like the Casa do Livro, a former bookshop turned into a bar, or Bonaparte Downtown for its rustic charm.

Wine tasting in the Douro Valley! Book a car from your hotel and head to Quinta da Pacheca in the Douro Valley.

After a day exploring the vineyard, lunch, and a tasting, head back to the hotel.

For dinner, trust me and book a table at The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant. It is on the pricier side, but it’s an incredible experience complete with four courses in the middle of the kitchen! You end the night with a port and a panoramic view of Porto.