A Portugal Family Trip: Porto, Douro Valley, Lisbon

In June 2025, my family went to Portugal for a beautiful and memorable family trip. My nuclear family has not travelled together on a vacation since 2017... since then, we've had a global pandemic, a college graduation, two weddings, and two grandchildren added to the mix - and life has gotten more complicated! Needless to say, the opportunity to get us all together for a special trip in Portugal's beautiful landscapes and cityscapes made this a week long trip to remember. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, read on to borrow from our memorable itinerary! And if you, like me, think traveling and shopping are synonymous activities, check out my Portugal souvenir haul!

Porto - Day 1: Diving into the culinary scene of Portugal

My husband and I arrived in Portugal through Porto’s airport (OPO). It was a quick and easy journey through passport control and baggage claim, and from there we ordered a cheap ($12) uber to our hotel (can New York please borrow a bit of these prices to the airport, please!?!).

For our Porto base, we stayed at the Casa da Companhia, and we had a fantastic stay there. The hotel itself is centrally located on Rue de Flores, perfectly positioned for exploring the city. We appreciated the beautiful terracotta interior, and the rooms felt very high-end with great products and amenities. A highlight was the outdoor pool with stunning views -- the complimentary cold drinks, clean towels, and warm lounge chairs were a lifesaver after a 7 hour flight where we didn’t get much shut eye, waiting for our rooms to be ready! 

While we waited for the rest of our family to arrive on their flights, we grabbed lunch at O Caseirinho and began our immersion into Portugal’s culinary scene with a Francesinha, Porto's signature sandwich (cheese, sauce, bread, meat… all the makings of a perfect sandwich). 

Once our family all settled in we got started on our first activity of the trip - a walking food and drinks tour of Porto! Porto offers a diverse culinary scene. Our first stop was Conservas Minerva in Matosinhos, known for its high-quality tinned seafood. This experience provided insight into Portugal’s tradition of seafood preservation, and we learned the significance of both Cod and sardines to Portugal’s history. Even though cod is not even local to the Portuguese coast, Portugal’s connection to cod, or bacalhau in Portuguese, dates back to Portugal’s history as a maritime power, and to the “the world’s oldest alliance” between Portugal and England. Today its significance is reflected in the Portuguese tradition to eat Cod for Christmas dinner. 

We also explored Mercado do Bolhão, a historic, two-story market featuring wine, fruits, coffee, and, you guessed it, cod. We ordered a glass each of “vinho verde" or green wine, which grows in the northwest of Portugal and is known for its acidity due to the granite-rich soils. The fun thing about this market is you can order a glass of wine from a stand and bring it with you as you meander around the market. Eventually, when you leave the glasses on any table, I suppose the glasses get back to where they’re supposed to be! We ended our food tour at a charcuterie, Comer e Chorar por Mais guide, where we enjoyed some high end cured meats and the same cheese aged over various lengths - delicious. 

After a brief rest at our hotel, we took a walk at golden hour along the Ribeira district and took in the lively atmosphere and happy energy along the river. Porto’s energy really thrives pre-sunset, an observation that built upon itself the next night (read on for more)! Our first dinner of the trip was at MISTU, with a trendy vibe (thanks in part to a giant photo of a topless Heidi Klum) and delicious shared plates.  My only complaint from our meal at MISTU is that my sister has a serious shellfish allergy. The restaurant was absolutely equipped to accommodate, but our waiter was acting like a lawyer had a gun to his head making him say seemingly unnecessary disclaimers, preventing him from sufficiently assuring my sister she would be safe eating there. It caused a lot of unnecessary stress for her, given they were clearly used to accommodating allergies (they even had special menus for most allergy types to tell you what was the safest things to order), and they ultimately safely served us all! So maybe keep that in mind for any other allergy prone diners.

Check out the day 1 recap on Tik Tok: 

Porto - Day 2: History & Culture

While it’s hard to beat starting a trip focused on eating and drinking the local cuisine, on our second day. it was time to learn a bit more about Porto and Portugal’s history and culture with another walking tour.  Porto is known to be an interesting blend of grungy and historically beautiful, and the São Bento railway station, juxtaposed with the surrounding scaffolding and construction related to Porto’s 5 year delayed expansion of its metro, demonstrated that perfectly. São Bento is notable for its over 20,000 azulejo tile panels, which depict historical events and scenes from Portuguese history. 

Our next stop was walking along Luís I Bridge, which afforded us an expansive view of Porto both east and west. The blue tile tour continued at Porto Cathedral (get tickets to skip the line). I loved the pervasive use of beautiful blue tiles throughout the museum, its open courtyard, and beautiful view of Porto from the top. 

Our last stop on the walking tour was Livraria Lello, a visually striking historic bookstore with its spiral red staircase, stained glass ceiling, and ornate wood carvings. While the connection to Harry Potter is just a popular myth due to its resemblance to Hogwarts and that J.K. Rowling spent time in Porto, it’s still quite pretty! I’d note that while a treat for the eyes, it was crazy crowded and overwhelming to be in there, so we didn’t stay long. 

We decided to enjoy the iconic Torre dos Clérigos from below (although you can climb to the top for another incredible view), and then grab some lunch at MUTI pizza and walking around to do some shopping, followed by lounging and cooling off at the hotel pool. MUTI pizza was the perfect midday lunch stop - everyone loved it!

Following afternoon rest time, we wanted to experience an iconic Porto sunset form the Jardim do Morro, just across the famous Dom Luís on the Gaia side of the river. Gaia. It’s one of those magical spots where everything feels alive at sunset. People gather and hang on the grass and the rocks with beer and wine, listening to live music and enjoying being in a communal crowd of good vibes. We walked there from our hotel, and passed a pina colada stand selling frozen drinks served in a Pineapple. For just 20 euros, Justin got suckered into buying one, which provided more value in entertainment than it did in drinks for the rest of the evening. While we couldn’t find a spot to sit, we found a spot to stand and watch one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. 

Following the sunset, we walked to our dinner reservation at Flow Restaurant & Bar -  food was delicious and service was fantastic. We all laughed in relief when our server said "I will take care of you like you are my own family" in response of learning of my sister's allergy. That's what we like to hear!

Day 3: Porto to Pinhão

The drive from Porto to Pinhão, specifically the stretch along the N222 road (from Regua onwards), is famous for a reason – it’s considered one of the world's most scenic drives! Winding along the Douro River, it offered stunning, uninterrupted views of the terraced vineyards and charming Quintas. We stopped at a pretty view point at Miradouro do Imaginário and took in our surroundings - I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage site. 

We stayed at The Vintage House Hotel in the Douro Valley, which was one of the first high-end hotels in the area when the region invested in its tourism. Each of the rooms faces the Douro river, and the views of the river and vineyard terraces from our room were stunning. The pool area and surrounding gardens and landscaping was dreamy, and provided much needed shelter from the sweltering heatwave that hit Douro Valley during our stay.  Our first dinner was at DOC - Chef Rui Paula, a picturesque riverside fine dining restaurant. The tasting menu was one of the more creative and sophisticated culinary experiences the majority of my family had experienced. Each course was a work of art! Picky eaters be warned that the a la cart menu was quite limited, particularly for those with a shellfish allergy or vegetarian, of which we had both in our party, and the tasting menu has to be the same courses for everyone, which made it challenging to choose a tasting menu that worked for everyone.

Day 4: Quintas, Villages, & Home Cooked Portuguese Meals

The Douro Valley is, of course, all about wine. We indulged in some incredible wine tastings, and for both full days in Douro booked ourselves drivers to take full advantage responsibly. Our first stop was D'Origem - Museu do Azeite for olive oil and wine tasting followed by a tour of an olive oil production museum. The view from the tasting was spectacular. 

We took a rabelo boat tour on the Douro River from Pinhão, which was a highlight to see the terraced vineyards from below. It was so relaxing, some of us even closed our eyes and napped (although that could have also been the morning wine…)! For lunch, we explored Provesende, a historic village with well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century architecture and more stunning panoramic views, and enjoyed authentic local cuisine at Casa Típica Papas Zaide. Sliced oranges, rice, roasted pork, salad, and of course, wine - it felt like a homecooked meal in a local’s living room. And, of course, no trip to the Douro is complete without a visit to a Quinta. We had an incredible experience at Quinta do Bomfim, owned by the Symington family. We learned about their rich history of producing high-quality Ports and Douro wines (especially under the Dow's label) in their beautiful (air conditioned) tasting room. Our tour guide provided the most fabulous end to our first tour in Douro, presenting us with a bottle of his family’s wine that they have been maintaining in a family vat/barrel of wine for 200 years! Over time they remove a bit of wine to enjoy, and every 30 years, they add a bit back to keep it constantly replenished. That means that the bottle he gifted us includes wine that’s over 200 years old! We were touched to receive such a special gift. 

Day 5: Among the vineyards

Our tour with Grapeland Adventures was an exhilarating experience, with our tour guides driving 4x4 Jeeps seemingly directly through the vineyards. It was incredibly fun, especially navigating the steep and bumpy terrain – and I was definitely glad not to be the one driving!

The jeeps dropped us off at the start of the Caminho do Divino Espírito Santo hike. It was hilly and hot, so we were pleased our guides were open to rescheduling the start of our tour earlier to avoid the peak heat. The views amidst the vineyards were beautiful, and it was a great way to get some much needed steps in. We even managed to pick some cherries, with our tour guide's permission. He seemed to know the owner of every vineyard we passed - he explained that Douro has a small town where everyone knows each other. A highlight was learning about wine production, cork harvesting, and so many other fascinating tidbits from our knowledgeable and intelligent tour guide who lived in Douro his whole life. 

After the hike, we visited Quanta Terra - Sociedade De Vinhos, Lda. This spot offered delicious tastings and stunning views, also functioning as a cultural hub and art gallery. 

They then drove us to a remote location boasting a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic Douro River. Here, a delicious lunch awaited us, featuring an array of homemade dishes including sausages, cheeses, cod salad, black-eyed bean salad, omelette, jams, fruit, and bread. We all agreed this was our favorite meal of the trip. 

Dinner at Veladouro was also a highlight, everyone's favorite among our Douro Valley dinners. The meals were homemade style, simple, fresh, and generously portioned. I went with the steak and potatoes, and my pescatarian mother was very pleased to order the salmon (a break from a lot of cod). 

Day 6: Coastal drive to Lisbon

Our journey began with a drive from Douro to Nazare, making a pit stop at the legendary Praia do Norte. While this beach is famous for its towering 100-foot waves, the waves were surprisingly gentle during our June visit. For the full spectacle, it's best to come in the fall when the waves are seasonally higher. Instead, we enjoyed a pleasant beach walk before heading to Nazare for a seafood lunch. 

On our way to Lisbon, we drove down the coast to the stunning Praia Azul. We took a refreshing (and chilly) dip in the cold Atlantic waters, relaxed on the vast sand between two large cliffs, before heading back to Lisbon. 

After returning our rental car in Lisbon (we used SIXT and were pleased to be able to pick up in Porto and drop off in Lisbon), we walked to our hotel, passing a bustling market on Avenue da Liberdade. There was hardly any shopping to do in Douro (besides for wine and olive oil), so I was psyched to buy a few trinkets and pieces of jewelry.

The final stretch to our hotel involved a VERY steep hill that Lisbon is famous for, and we couldn't help but notice the smiling passengers on the yellow trams being carried up the hill, grateful they weren't walking alongside us!

We checked into The Lumiares Hotel & Spa and immediately made our way to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara promenade across the street. It was alive with the Santos Populares festival, offering picnic tables and various food and drink booths. The views overlooking Lisbon were beautiful - at that time of evening, it was like Lisbon was glowing! 

My list of restaurants I would have loved to explore in Lisbon was long, but my family was up for wandering around and finding a spot near our hotel. After dinner, we then explored the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its vibrant party scene. We enjoyed a cocktail at Majong and continued our walk, soaking in the energetic atmosphere.

A Day in Lisbon: History, Views, and Cherry Liquor

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, offering picturesque views of terracotta rooftops stretching towards the Atlantic ocean. Afterwards, we set off on a walking tour, pausing at Castro for delicious pasteis de nata, a sweet start to our exploration.

We learned about The Carnation Revolution, which brought an end to Portugal's dictatorship at the ruins of Convento do Carmo, where folks gathered to celebrate on that fateful day 50+ short years ago. The Convent also stood as a poignant reminder of the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake - they never replaced its roof. We also passed the Igreja de São Domingos, a church with a tumultuous past, including a major fire in 1959 -- the pillars and walls are still scorched and covered in soot - a powerful testament to its resilience. Nearby, in the surrounding square, we learned of the 1506 massacre of Jews and New Christians, a history now acknowledged by a memorial. 

To lighten the mood and for a true taste of local flavor, we stopped at Ginjinha Sem Rival to try the cherry liquor and alcohol soaked cherry. Wouldn’t be my drink of choice, but fun for the bit! The shop was part of ‘Lojos Com História’, which is an initiative designed to keep the charm and history of Lisbon alive through its historic shops. Sapataria do Carmo was another protected spot, an authentic but pricey hole-in-the-wall shoe store with a few locations in Lisbon. 

Our tour guide brought us up to Zamzebar for the panoramic views of Lisbon before making our way down to the vast Praça do Comércio, buzzing with preparations for a huge Euro Pride celebration concert. It was a timely and unique experience, even if it meant sacrificing the opportunity to appreciate the architecture in its full grandeur.

Craving something healthy, we found a delicious and satisfying lunch at Honest Greens. The generous portions and presence of vegetables felt like a welcome treat after a day in the sun and indulging in vacation sized appetites. The intense heat prompted a mid-day shower and a quick recharge at the hotel before venturing out for some shopping.

I was thrilled to visit Ceramicas na Linha, where I finally purchased the tomato and cabbage-shaped ceramics I had been eyeing as a souvenir. I would have bought more if I could have guaranteed their safe return in my carry on! 

Later, Justin and I enjoyed a refreshing Aperol Spritz at a quiosque in Carmo Square. I absolutely love the quiosque culture – being able to relax in a beautiful square with a drink, soaking in the lively atmosphere. For dinner, we opted for La Fiorentina, a delicious Italian restaurant, a welcome change from Portuguese cuisine.

Our evening culminated in a lively concert at Miradouro de São Pedro. We watched a singer named Rosinha, and it was so much fun to witness everyone singing along to her songs, ending our day on a high note.

Final day: Exploring Sintra and Cascais

Sintra and Cascais are two of the most enchanting and accessible day trips from Lisbon, and I recommend both destinations for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Portugal beyond the capital. These picturesque towns offer a unique blend of history, stunning landscapes, and delightful culinary experiences that are sure to captivate any traveler.

For our final morning in Lisbon, we immersed ourselves in the natural beauty of the Sintra woods. We made our way to the charming local bakery, Casa Piriquita. This iconic establishment, established in 1862, is renowned for its pastries, and we were eager to indulge in some of the region's specialties. Among the delightful treats we sampled was the Travesseiro de Sintra, a pillow-like pastry that is both light and flaky, generously filled with a sweet almond cream. Heavenly!!!!

There are tons of ways to kick off your morning in Sintra, with plenty of cool palaces to check out. There's the stunning Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, both of which are perched on the hills and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our tour guide took us around the Sintra National Palace, showing us all the different rooms. A lot of them had bird-themed decor and wallpaper, like the Swan Room. One of the standout rooms was the “Sala dos Brasões.” It's a big room with a wooden ceiling showcasing the coats of arms from 72 Portuguese noble families, with the royal coat of arms right in the middle. 

Our tour guide, an adorable college student named Sofia, had been wearing an equally adorable white purse with a bright red lining that both my mom and I loved. She bought it in Sintra, so she took us shopping at the store. We both purchased matching cork handbags in different colors - I've been wearing mine regularly in NYC. Always the sign of a good souvenir shopping experience! .Our only regret was that we did not buy a few more to bring home for gifts

We then drove out to Praia das Azenhas do Mar for a beautiful seafood lunch. My allergic sister had gone home the night before, so, no offense to her, we were all excited to order some delicious seafood. 

Our next stop was Cascais. Cascais is known for its beautiful coastline, vibrant marina, and charming town center, making it a perfect complement to a day spent in Sintra. Together, these two destinations showcase the diverse beauty of Portugal, making them ideal choices for anyone looking to escape the urban hustle of Lisbon for a day of exploration and indulgence.

Our tour was running late, so we didn't have much time left in Cascais beyond a quick stroll. Since Cascais is so close to Lisbon, my husband and I decided to stick around and not head back to Lisbon with our parents in the van for some beach time in Cascais. We grabbed some cheap bathing suits from a souvenir shop and a towel, and just relaxed on the beach. Would it have been nice to remember to pack our own bathing suits? Definitely—but sometimes being spontaneous on vacation is more fun. We easily called an Uber back to Lisbon for under $50, and it was just a 35-minute ride.l

When we got back to Lisbon, we wrapped up our trip with a much-anticipated meal at Restaurant - Cervejaria Ramiro. We tried shrimp in all sorts of ways – big ones, small ones, buttery ones, and even some in the shell. It was an amazing food experience, and I’d totally recommend it to anyone visiting Lisbon!

The next day, we were bummed to head back to NYC, but the flight was a breeze and reminded us how easy it’ll be to return soon.