Despite its relatively small size, Portugal is a country rich in attractions, naturalistic, cultural and architectural gems that few people know about.
The country welcomes more and more tourists, attracted by the charm of its most famous destinations-Porto and Lisbon, the capital. Why not follow an unusual itinerary and discover the most authentic Portugal in a sustainable way? In this guide we will look at how to organize a train trip from Porto to Lisbon, and what attractions to include in your travel plan.
Porto: unusual places to visit before departure
Visiting Porto‘s historic center, ancient churches, museums and parks takes at least a week. The neighborhood of Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the city, and is one of the most popular attractions along with the Mercado do Bolhão and the city’s most famous historic buildings, including the Lello and Irmao bookstore, the Porto Cathedral, and the Palacio da Bolsa di Porto.
Those who wish to focus on the more unusual attractions can take a tour of the scenic Bairro Tapada neighborhood, stroll along the riverfront or visit the Mercado de Bom Sucesso, where you can sample local dishes.
By train from Porto to Lisbon: how to organize your trip
The train journey from Porto to Lisbon begins at Porto Campanhã Station, which can also be reached by metro. Trains from Porto to Lisbon are fairly frequent, operated by CP – Comboios de Portugal and take 3 to 4 hours to arrive at the destination. The fastest train (2 hours 58 minutes) makes five stops-Vila Nova de Gaia, Aveiro, Coimbra, Lisbon Oriente Station, and Santa Apollonia Station in Lisbon‘s historic center, the terminus.
Those who wish to take it easy can get off the train, stop at one of the mentioned stops, and then resume their journey. Why not visit the colorful city of Aveiro, also called the “Venice of Portugal”? Or Coimbra, famous for its ancient university, founded in 1290, and fascinating medieval old town? The train ride takes three hours on comfortable and equipped carriages.
Arrival in Lisbon: the itinerary you don’t expect
The train from Porto stops at Santa Apollonia Station, near the historic districts of Alfama, Baixa de Lisboa, Belem, Chiado, and Mouraria. From here it is possible to visit the city, either following the more classic routes or deviating into the scenic streets overlooking the sea in search of the most unexpected pearls.
Lisbon is a seaside city that offers beautiful views, walks on the beach, and scorpions of fish and seafood. The classic itinerary will undoubtedly include the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Sao Jorge Castle, Praca Dom Pedro IV, Belém Tower, and Lisbon’s Do Carmo Church.
Those who aim to visit unusual places and feel like a “local” can visit the Prìncipe Real neighborhood, where they will find stores, restaurants and the Lisbon Botanical Garden. One-of-a-kind bargains can be found at the Feira da Ladra flea market in the Alfama, while works by Andy Warhol, Miró, Pollock, and Picasso can be seen at the Coleçcao Berardo Museum, with free admission.
The new LX Factory complex, on the other hand, is a must-see destination for those on the hunt for cultural events: the former printing plant hosts theater performances, themed markets, concerts and cultural festivals, framed by the beautiful view of the 25 de Avril bridge.
