There’s a lot of fun that goes into planning a trip, especially if you are heading abroad and visiting somewhere you haven’t been before. This is especially true with a country like Portugal, that has a lot to offer tourists and holidaymakers. Portugal is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do, but if you only have 24 hours to explore, you will need to plan your itinerary carefully. Otherwise, you run the risk of missing a key sight, or spending your time on the wrong things. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a tour of Portugal, showing you where to go and what to do during your brief stay.
What to Do With Your 24 Hours in Portugal
Morning: Visit Lisbon
Start your day in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. Lisbon is a charming city with plenty of sights to see, including the historic Alfama district, the Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Begin your day by taking a stroll through the narrow streets of Alfama, admiring the colorful buildings and the views of the Tagus River. Stop by a local café for a coffee and a pastel de nata, a famous Portuguese pastry.
Afternoon: Head to Sintra
After exploring Lisbon, head to Sintra, a town located just a short drive from the city. Sintra is known for its stunning palaces and gardens, including the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the Castelo dos Mouros, and the Quinta da Regaleira. Take a guided tour of one of these palaces and learn about the history of the town.
Evening: Enjoy Dinner in Cascais
For dinner, head to Cascais, a coastal town located just a short drive from Sintra. Cascais is known for its seafood restaurants and is a great place to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset over the ocean. After dinner, take a stroll along the beach promenade and admire the views of the Atlantic.
Night: Stay in a Boutique Hotel
For a unique and luxurious experience, stay in one of the many boutique hotels in the area. These hotels offer a personalized experience, with stylish decor, comfortable rooms, and top-notch amenities. Some of the best boutique hotels in the area include the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos and the Pousada de Cascais – Cidadela Historic Hotel & Art District.
Fancy Another Day in Portugal?
Morning: Explore Porto
After breakfast, head to Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. Porto is known for its historic architecture, including the Dom Luis I Bridge and the São Bento Train Station. Take a stroll along the Ribeira district, located along the Douro River, and admire the colorful buildings and views of the river.
Afternoon: Visit the Port Wine Cellars
No visit to Porto would be complete without a visit to the Port Wine Cellars. Take a tour of one of the many cellars located along the river and learn about the history of port wine. Sample some of the different varieties of port and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the river.
Evening: Enjoy Dinner in the Ribeira
For dinner, head back to the Ribeira and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants located along the riverfront. Try some of the local specialties, such as bacalhau, a famous Portuguese dish made with salt cod. After dinner, take a stroll along the river and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the area.
Night: Stay in a Historic Hotel
For a unique and memorable experience, stay in one of the many historic hotels in the area. These hotels offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the city, with beautiful architecture and top-notch amenities. Some of the best historic hotels in the area include the Infante Sagres Luxury Historic Hotel and the Pestana Vintage Porto – Hotel & World Heritage Site.
Morning: Explore Coimbra
After breakfast, head to Coimbra, a historic city located in central Portugal. Coimbra is known for its medieval architecture, including the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Take a guided tour of the university and learn about its history, and the place it holds today in the area.
There is a lot to see and do in Portugal, and 24 hours is by no means long enough to see everything, but it’s a good amount of time to see just how much the country has to offer. Wherever you head in Portugal – Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are some of the most popular areas – you will find enough to keep you busy, engaged and entertained during your time there. There are tourist hotspots to see, attractions to visit and hidden gems to find. There are beautiful cities to wander around and beaches to relax on, and you’ll even find countryside and mountains if you prefer a greener side of life.
Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed by your 24 hours in Portugal. If you can go for longer, it’s something that’s recommended, purely because an additional day or two will give you the chance to explore even more of the area. The longer you are there, the more food you can sample and drinks you can sip. You’ll be able to see more sights, meet more locals and visit more attractions. For us, the longer you can stay in Portugal, the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world.