<\/p>\n Although it might go by somewhat unnoticed, Northern Portugal is a fantastic destination, where everything that makes the country worth visiting comes by the bucketload. We LOVED it the first time we visited, and now we are at home in Porto<\/strong>. And what better way to explore this region than with this enviable 7-day Northern Portugal itinerary?<\/p>\n Sure, Southern Portugal does deserve the attention it gets, but venturing to the country\u2019s north unlocks a world of adventure. It is one of the gorgeous rolling hills, deep valleys, and world-class vineyards, with a unique vibe expressed through a rich cultural spirit.<\/p>\n Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n We\u2019ve put together this Northern Portugal 7-day itinerary to seek a spot on your bucket list<\/a>. It\u2019s jam-packed with things to do, places to go, and juicy travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.<\/p>\n Northern Portugal itinerary | At a glance<\/strong><\/p>\n So, before jumping right into the good stuff, here\u2019s a quick snapshot of your Northern Portugal itinerary:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still unsure about how long to spend and you\u2019ve got more time on your hands, here are some extended itinerary samples:<\/p>\n Northern Portugal in 8 days<\/strong><\/p>\n Explore North Portugal in 9 days<\/strong><\/p>\n See it all with a 10-day itinerary<\/strong><\/p>\n Sidenote: <\/em><\/strong>If you want to expand your trip to more than just northern Portugal, make your planning easy with this <\/em>10-day itinerary<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n We have a detailed trip planning guide after we share our itinerary recommendation. However, note that you can fly to Northern Portugal directly by opting to fly to S\u00e1 Carneiro Airport in Porto.\u00a0<\/p>\n We flew from Calgary, Canada, to Porto a few times, and on other occasions have taken trains and buses (Flixbus) from Lisbon (Airport) to Porto. So both are good options, depending on your flight availability and connections. Public transportation will take at least 3 hours, from Lisbon to Porto.\u00a0<\/p>\n To explore the other parts of northern Portugal, you can also rely on public transport (trains and buses) or book day tours. Renting a car is not necessary, but if you want to, it\u2019s pretty easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Welcome to the north of Portugal. What better introduction than Porto, the country\u2019s second-largest city?\u00a0<\/p>\n Day 1 in Porto<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the best places to dive into what makes the north special, here you\u2019ll get a glimpse into one of the most beautiful cities in the country<\/a>.<\/p>\n Breakfast at A Brasileira Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n Porto has no shortage of delectable spots for a morning bite, but A Brasileira caf\u00e9 in Rue S\u00e1 da Bandeira is a local and tourist favorite.\u00a0<\/p>\n Insider\u2019s tip: <\/em><\/strong>Foodies should take the chance to head for the Bolh\u00e3o Market. Here, you can sample classic Port wine, local cheese, and ham, and buy <\/em>authentic Porto souvenirs<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Visit to S\u00e3o Bento Train Station<\/strong><\/p>\n After breakfast, head for the S\u00e3o Bento Train Station, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city that is entirely free to visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n Constructed during the early 20th century, the station continues to be an eye-catching display of Art Nouveau architecture. Attracting thousands each year, the station\u2019s iconic azulejo tilework, portraying Portugal\u2019s history, is gorgeous and educational.<\/p>\n Marvel at the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso<\/strong><\/p>\n Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is another stunning example of azulejo tilework, with more than 11,000 tiles adorning the church facade. Although construction finished in 1739, the azulejo facade was added in 1932 to elevate the pre-Baroque design.<\/p>\n Wander through Livraria Lello<\/strong><\/p>\n There are bookstores, and then there\u2019s Livraria Lello. To many, it is the most beautiful thing in the world, and it\u2019s not hard to see why. Designed in a neo-Gothic style, its architectural flair is a sight.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rumor has it that the store also inspired Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, making tours of it even more magical. So, is Livraria Lello worth it<\/a>? Most definitely.<\/p>\n Dinner at Lado B<\/strong><\/p>\n Even though you can grab some delicious food all over Porto if you\u2019re after a compelling dining experience, head for Lado B. Sitting along one of the city\u2019s busiest avenues, their claim of serving the \u201cbest francesinha in the world\u201d is well-earned.<\/p>\n Day 2 in Porto<\/strong><\/p>\n Having settled into Porto, your second day in the city will kick things up. With a treasure trove of historic buildings, monuments, and legendary landmarks, these are the main highlights of day two.<\/p>\n To settle any breakfast debates, before exploring the cathedral, head for Confeitaria do Bolh\u00e3o to satisfy your hunger and sweet tooth. <\/p>\n Morning visit to the Cathedral of Porto<\/strong><\/p>\n Constructed during the 12th century, the imposing Cathedral of Porto sits atop one of the many hills in the city and is your first stop for the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s one of the city\u2019s most revered religious sites, representing a perfect blend of Gothic and Baroque design influences. There is an entry fee to visit the cloisters, museum exhibits, and the Episcopal Palace (it is 3 euros per person).<\/p>\n Explore the Pal\u00e1cio da Bolsa<\/strong><\/p>\n Another standout attraction in Porto is the Pal\u00e1cio da Bolsa<\/a>. Currently home to Porto\u2019s Chamber of Commerce, you can take a guided tour of the building to see highlights such as The Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra in Spain.\u00a0<\/p>\n See the Torre dos Clerigos<\/strong><\/p>\n A famed highlight of the Porto skyline, the Clerigos Tower, or Torre dos Clerigos<\/em>, is an architectural masterpiece.\u00a0<\/p>\n Alongside the tower, the building also consists of a church and a museum. It\u2019s best to get a skip-the-line ticket<\/strong><\/a>, which allows you to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.<\/p>\n Late afternoon in Ribeira & Vila Nova de Gaia<\/strong><\/p>\n Although Ribeira is one of the city\u2019s more touristy areas, it\u2019s also a great place to spend the afternoon. The neighborhood wows with dozens of rows of bright houses with views of the Douro River and stunning viewpoints<\/a> of the Dom Luis I Bridge.<\/p>\n Stroll through the boutique stores and indulge in the best local food at the district\u2019s eateries. The famous Douro River 6-bridge cruise<\/a> departs from here and is worth the ticket.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia. Yes, the area is home to various landmarks, but it\u2019s also known for the many wine cellars that dot the neighborhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can either book a guided wine-tasting tour or head out and independently explore legendary cellars, including the Calem<\/strong><\/a>, Pocas, and Burmester cellars<\/strong><\/a>, or the famous Graham\u2019s Port Lodge.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n See a Fado show<\/strong><\/p>\n Back in the Ribeira neighborhood, be sure to book a ticket for a Fado show<\/strong><\/a>. These intimate performances, accompanied by Port wine, are a traditional part of Portuguese culture and a great way to end the day.<\/p>\n Read next: <\/em><\/strong>Find out how to <\/em>spend three days in Porto<\/em><\/a> if you have more time on your hands.<\/em><\/p>\n Where to stay in Porto<\/strong><\/p>\n Miragaia Riverside Suites<\/strong> \u2013 Having stayed here, I can\u2019t rave enough about this stunning riverfront apartment hotel. An excellent accommodation option close to various attractions. Check availability here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n After getting to know a bit about the north during your two days in Porto, the next leg of your journey takes you to Braga. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, its roots can be traced back to the year 16 BC, and it\u2019s often referred to as the \u201cRome of Portugal\u201d.<\/p>\n Porto to Braga is 45 minutes by car and bus.\u00a0<\/p>\n Day 3 in Braga<\/strong><\/p>\n Arrive in Braga early in the morning and prepare for a day brimming with ancient churches, vibrant shopping streets, imposing Baroque mansions, and a booming nightlife.<\/p>\n Tour the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you only have one day in Braga<\/a> or a week, the Santuario do Bom Jesus do Monte<\/a> should be your first must-do tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 600 years to complete and has been a pilgrimage destination since the 14th century.<\/p>\n As you make your way up the 577 steps to the sanctuary, you\u2019ll be treated to great views of the surrounding areas. The stairs are also quite beautiful, with an ornate zigzag design and statues, fountains, and chapels lining the route to the church.\u00a0<\/p>\n Wander through Jardim de Santa Barbara<\/strong><\/p>\n Next up, make your way into the heart of Braga to visit one of the most breathtaking gardens in the region \u2013 Jardim de Santa Barbara. This lush urban oasis includes perfectly manicured landscapes, cedar topiaries, and flower beds.\u00a0<\/p>\n Make your way to the center of the garden to see and grab some snapshots of the statue of Saint Barbara.<\/p>\n Dive into local Braga cuisine<\/strong><\/p>\n By now, you\u2019ve probably worked up quite the hunger, and luckily, the local restaurants in the city know a thing or two about delicious food. <\/p>\n Although there are countless eateries to choose from, these are some standouts:<\/p>\n Marvel at the S\u00e9 de Braga Cathedral<\/strong><\/p>\n With a heritage earning it the title of the oldest cathedral in all of Portugal, the Se de Braga Cathedral and its history go back to the year 1089. Although its tower has undergone many modifications, its original design elements and Baroque influences, added in 1723, blend beautifully.<\/p>\n Sidenote: <\/em><\/strong>There is a small entrance fee, but it\u2019s best to grab a combination ticket at the admission desk to enter the adjoining chapels, the sacristy, and the Treasury Museum.<\/em><\/p>\n Shop down Rua do Souto<\/strong><\/p>\n As you reach the end of the day, your final stop is the main thoroughfare of Old Town Braga, Rua do Souto. This pedestrianized street connects two other worthwhile attractions, the Arco da Porta Nova and Avenida Central, dating back to 1466.<\/p>\n As you meander along the strings of shops that line the street, head for the northern Largo do Paco. This large square is the ideal place to close the afternoon and is also home to the former Bishop\u2019s Palace and the gorgeous Chafariz do Castelo statue.<\/p>\n Where to stay in Braga<\/strong><\/p>\n Hotel Vila Gal\u00e9 Collection Braga \u2013 <\/strong>This 4-star luxury hotel, 5 minutes from Braga Cathedral, is an excellent place to spend the night, boasting an indoor and outdoor pool. Book your room here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Departing from the narrow streets, historic towns, and captivating museums, after your time in Braga, it\u2019s time for a day trip to Peneda-Ger\u00eas National Park<\/a>. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it covers a whopping 172,974 acres and is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway.<\/p>\n Braga to Peneda Geres National Park is 1 hour by car, and 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus.\u00a0<\/p>\n Keep in mind that you won\u2019t be able to cover it all in a day, so you can plan for 1-2 hikes and sightseeing in one of the quaint villages surrounding it.<\/p>\n You can also book day tours to check off a few highlights. But if you\u2019re exploring on your own, start your time with one of the many enticing trails.<\/p>\n Hop on the S\u00e3o Bento trail<\/strong> | Hike to the Tahitian Waterfalls<\/strong><\/p>\n The S\u00e3o Bento trail is an excellent morning option that should take you about 4 hours to complete. Stretching along the Caldo River and leading to sites like the Basilica of St. Benedict, it\u2019s a grand outdoor tour.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.tosomeplacenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Porto-Photo-Spots-Porto-Cathedral-Backdrop-north-facade.jpg\"\/)
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPerfect 7-day Northern Portugal itinerary + tips\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Explore Northern Portugal in 8 to 10 days<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Day 1 & 2 of 7 days in Northern Portugal: Porto<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nDay 3 of 7 days in Northern Portugal: Braga<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Day 4 of 7 days in Northern Portugal: Day trip to Peneda-Ger\u00eas National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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