One Week in Portugal Itinerary for Lisbon, Porto, Sintra 2025

I've compiled an extensive one-week in Portugal with all our family favorites! And if you want shorter itineraries, check out these I created for 2 Days in Lisbon, 4 Days in Portugal (Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais) and 4 Days in Lisbon.

Table of Contents:

1. Day 1: Castelo de São Jorge, Praça do Comércio, San Justo Elevator, Chiado & Fado
2. Day 2: Oceanarium, Pavilion of Knowledge, Belém Pastéis, & Sunset at Monument of the Discoveries
3. Day 3: Travel to Porto, Ribeira & Douro River Boat Ride
4. Day 4: Livraria Lello Bookshop & Cafes, Sunset at Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia
5. Day 5: Travel to Cascais, Lighthouse, Beaches, Sunset at Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
6. Day 6: Sintra - Choose 2 Castles!
7. Day 7: Praia do Guincho, Dunes of Cresmina
8. Free PDF Itinerary Download
9. Hotel Recommendations for this Itinerary 

I use affiliate links for Amazon Associates, Booking, and Get Your Guide. This means that if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, thanks!

Before you begin your itinerary, make sure you check out this FAQ on trip planning to Portugal for all your money, safety, phone and stroller questions! And this post on Best Family Hotels in Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Algarve). And check out my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Portugal Month-By-Month!

** And you must check out my 3 Steps to Plan Your Epic 1st Trip to Portugal!

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Day 1 of 4 Days in Portugal: Lisbon's Best Views, Bites, and Sounds

There are 7 stops on today’s itinerary with the best city views from the Castelo (with free-range peacocks!) and then to some of the touristy sites and ending at my favorite plaza for a delicious Portuguese dinner with Fado music.

This itinerary might seem like a lot in one day BUT can you believe when you put it into Google Maps the total direct walking is 38 minutes! Of course, you should feel free to veer off the path as the real fun of Lisbon is going down narrow streets and exploring! 

Morning on Day 1 - Castelo de São Jorge and 2 Overlooks/Miradouros 

Begin your day in Lisbon at Castelo de São Jorge. My kids loved exploring this castle atop LIsbon which dates back to the 11th century! It was a Moorish royal residence and was captured during the Christian reconquest of Lisbon. I think my kids’ favorite part was the many (20?) ‘free-range’ peacocks. There was also a crepe and drinks kiosk at the overlook! 

Hours:

The Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon is open 7 days a week, with the following schedule:

• Summer Schedule (March 1st to October 31st): 9 am to 9 pm, last entry at 8:30 pm.
• Winter Schedule (November 1st to February 28/29th): 9 am to 6 pm, last entry at 5:30 pm.
• The castle is closed on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st (closing at 1 pm on December 31st).

Cost: 

• Adults: €10
• Students: €5
• Over 65 and disabled guests: €8.50
• Children (under 12): Free entrance​​​​.

How to Get There:

• We took a Tuk Tuk from our hotel for a fun start to our trip for the kids.
• Uber is very affordable in Portugal with costs around 5 euros for 15-minute rides! 
• Bus #737 + 2 minutes on foot. Bus Stop is Praça da Figueira-Castelo de S. Jorge. 
• Tram 28E + 5 minutes on foot. The Tram Stop is Martim Moniz-Prazeres – this is the famous #28 Tram
• Metro Rossio metro + 11 minutes on foot

Stop #2 Walk 2 minutes from the Castle to Miradouro do Recolhimento

Address: R. do Recolhimento, 1100-563 Lisboa

Cost: Free!

This Miradouro or Overlook is just 140 meters from the castle and has a fun playground for the kids. 

#3 Walk 6 minutes from My Favorite Miradouro Santa Santa Luzia

Address: Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa

This is one of my favorite overlooks in the city! In the spring and summer, there are beautiful flowers. Google Maps says you are walking 6 minutes but note it is downhill on cobblestones. Great place to have a snack or coffee. 

#4 Walk 12 minutes to Praça do Comércio for the most iconic view of Lisbon on your 4 days in Portugal

Address: Praça do Comércio, 1100-148 Lisboa

This is the famous plaza along the river Tejo with stunning views across the river and tons of restaurants to choose from. Eat lunch here and take in the views. You can also climb the Arco da Rua Augusta, the main archway at the center for 5 euros! 

Personal recommendation: Our favorite coffee roaster, Fábrica Coffee Roasters has a store just off the plaza at R. do Comércio 111, 1100-150 Lisboa! 

#5 Walk 7 minutes north on Rua Augusta to the San Justo Elevator 

Address: Santa Justa Lift, R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa

My kids were so intrigued by the San Justo Lift! It is an actual elevator in the middle of the city to help connect the lower Baixa district to the higher Chiado district. This iron structure, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower due to its neo-Gothic design, has become a tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of Lisbon.

Hours:

The lift operates daily with varying hours depending on the season. Check the website here.

• May to October: 7 am - 11 pm
• November to April: 7 am - 10 pm

Cost:

The cost for a round-trip on the elevator is €5.30, and there's an additional fee of €1.50 to access the viewpoint if you're not using the elevator​​.

#6 Take the Elevator up one way and then walk 9 minutes to Praça Luís de Camões in Chiado

Address: Largo Luís de Camões, 1200-243 Lisboa

Chiado is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon! This plaza in particular is so fun with the #28 Tram, beautiful cathedral, and kiosk in the center. You can find every type of cuisine here from Indian to traditional Portuguese. 

Restaurant Recommendations: 

• We ate at a wonderful hole in the wall and I cannot find the name! I will update when I go back. 2 others I found that are similar to Fado
• Tasca da tia Macheta has Fado!
• Tasca do Chico also has Fado

#8 The Final Stop, Fado!

Fado music is a form of Portuguese singing that is both melancholic and soulful. It holds a deep cultural significance in Lisbon, serving as a vibrant expression of the city's history, emotions, and identity. Our family loved going to a restaurant with Fado that began around 8 PM. This was great for kids who can't stay up for the later performances that can start at 9 PM and go until midnight or later!

Either check out the restaurant recommendations above or Fado in Chiado club right off the square offers nightly performances in a club-like atmosphere. 

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Day 2 of the One Week Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon Cable Car, Oceanarium or Pavilion of Knowledge & Belém

#1 Telecabine Lisbon, aka Lisbon Gondola or Cable Car

Start your second day in Lisbon with a different overview from the Telecabine Lisbon, known as the Lisbon Cable Car. It offers a unique aerial perspective of Lisbon's Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), floating about 30 meters above the Tagus River. This 12-minute journey one way spans approximately 1.2 kilometers, providing panoramic views of notable landmarks such as the Oceanarium, the Portugal Pavilion, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. See if you can spot the Trash Cat! 

Personal recommendation:

Take an Uber or park at the North Station. That way you can take the gondola south, see the Aquarium or Pavilion of Knowledge, and then take the Telecabine back for lunch! 

Hours:

• March 11th to May 26th and September 11th to October 28th, it's open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• May 27th to September 10th, from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
• October 29th to March 15th, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Cost:

The cost for adults is €10 for a round trip and €7 for children aged 3 to 12, with children up to 2 years old riding for free​​.

#2 Choose Your Own Adventure - Aquarium or Pavilion of Knowledge, a children’s science museum 

My son loves the Lisbon Oceanarium! It is renowned for its immersive experiences, housing over 15,000 animals from 450 different species, including sharks, rays, and colorful clownfish, along with otters and penguins, offering visitors a captivating journey through the world's oceans​​. It is located on a unique peninsula and you can see it from the gondola! 

Hours: 

The Oceanarium operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last entry at 7 p.m., although hours may vary on certain holidays​​. 

Cost: 

• Ticket prices are set at €25 for adults (13-64 years)
• €15 for children (3-12 years)
• €17 for seniors (+65 years)
• Free for ages 0-2

Or the Pavilion of Knowledge located just 2 minutes from the Telecabine South Station. 

The Pavilion of Knowledge (Pavilhão do Conhecimento) in Lisbon is an interactive science and technology museum that aims to make science accessible and engaging for everyone. It features a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities designed to stimulate curiosity and discovery across all age groups​​. We haven’t been yet but it's on the top of our list when we have a rainy day! 

Hours: 

• The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm
• Weekends and holidays from 10 am to 7 pm
• Closed on Mondays. 

Cost: 

• Free for children aged 0-2 
• €8 for children aged 3-11 
• €9 for youths aged 12-17
• €14 for adults aged 18-64
• €10 for seniors aged 65 and over
• Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children for €30​​​​

#4 Lunch on the 2nd Day in Portugal

Take the Telecabine to the North Station and check out the restaurants along the water. I highly recommend the super affordable 100 Montaditos Oriente! It has 100 menu items and most are €1 - €5! Think bar food but great for kids including french fries, sandwiches, nachos, etc. 

#5 Take an Uber across the city to Belém (It can take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic)

The neighborhood of Belém is known for its significant role in the Age of Discoveries as well as for its distinctive Manueline architecture. This area is where many of Portugal's exploratory voyages began, including those led by Prince Henry the Navigator. It is home to iconic monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Pastéis de Belém - My Favorite Pasteis de Nata in Portugal

Address: de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa

These are my absolute favorite Pasteis de Nata in Portugal! And I'm not alone. They were probably invented here in the early 19th century. The monks originally created this recipe to generate income during a period of financial hardship, using egg yolks left over from starching clothes with egg whites. The monastery's closure in 1834 led to the recipe being sold to a nearby sugar refinery, whose owners opened the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém in 1837, where the original recipe is still used today, kept secret and known only by a few.

Or if busy, check out Manteigaria (“The Buttery '') just down the street! There is a lively debate about which pasteis is better. 

Optional: You can also purchase tickets for the Monastery or if you want to see similar examples of architecture, check out the Iglesia de Santa María de Belén. It is free to enter (although closed until around 2 PM on Sundays for Mass). In the cathedral, you can see the tomb of Vasco de Gama. 

#6 Sunset at Belém Riverfront, Lisbon Portugal

Walk 11 minutes across the roads to the riverfront to either the Monument of the Discoveries or Belem Tower (20 minutes from Pasteis de Belem)

Enjoy the sunset and a drink at the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) or Belem Tower (Torre de Belém)

This is one of my favorite places for sunset in Lisbon because when the sun sets, you see the beautiful buttery sun on the monuments. We went in January and it was packed! It took us over half an hour to find parking so Uber and walking are your best bet.

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Day 3 of One Week in Portugal Itinerary - Travel to Porto!

Traveling to Porto from Lisbon

I highly recommend renting a car in Portugal and here is all I've written up about where to rent, tolls, international drivers permits and car seats and our favorite service stations!

By Car - About 3 Hours

There are 3 main ways to travel from Lisbon to Porto. When my family visited Porto, we rented a car because we also wanted to explore Sintra and Cascais afterward. Renting a car provides the ultimate flexibility, allowing travelers to explore the picturesque countryside at their own pace.

By Bus - 3.5 to 4 Hours

If you are seeking a more economical or environmentally friendly option, taking the bus is a great choice, with services like Rede Expressos & Flix Bus offering comfortable rides that last around 3.5 to 4 hours.

By Train - 2.5 to 3 Hours depending on your speed

The train presents a swift and scenic route, with the Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services connecting Lisbon to Porto in about 2.5 to 3 hours, granting passengers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Portugal’s heartland. You can check the Portuguese Train Service's helpful English website here with all the timetables.

First Afternoon in Porto in Ribeira

After your journey to Portugal's second city, make sure to wander down to the Ribeira neighborhood right on the Douro River. It's a stunning place to people-watch watch, eat good food. We ate at Fish Fish and loved the fish of course! They also had delicious vino verde which our server told us was from only an hour away.

Bonus: check out these 11 free things to do in Porto!

Sunset at Jardim do Morro in Porto

Finally, cross the famous Ponte Luís I Bridge and watch the sunset at the best spot in town, Jardim do Morro in Villa de Gaia. It's a stunning way to end your day!

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Day 4 and Second Day in Porto (Part of One Week Portugal Itinerary)

Stop #1: Livraria Lello Bookshop (Inspired Harry Potter author!) - (a must-do on a one week trip to Portugal!)

As you can see in the photo I took above, Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful and popular, bookshops in the world! As we stepped inside, we all actually gasped! It's just as pretty in person. There is the ornate woodwork, the stunning stained glass ceiling, and the iconic crimson staircase.

Personal recommendation: Purchase a ticket online and then make sure to be in the line for ticketholders. They actually let us through in a faster line I think because we had kids? Even though they were ages 9 and 6! Also, 5 euros of your ticket goes towards a book purchase which is so cool! They had lots of beautiful books in English too!

Stop #2: Walk 6 Minutes from the Most Beautiful Bookshop to the Most Beautiful Train Station!

You've probably seen the blue and white tiles of Porto São Bento train station on social media! It's a beautiful space to take pictures inside and out.

Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto

Stop #3: Walk 8 minutes to Majestic Cafe or Calma Coffee

Both are unique coffee stops that also service desserts. Majestic is more formal and Calma is more minimalistic.

Stop #4: Walk 18 minutes down to the Douro River and Take a Sunset Cruise!

Unfortunately, we were not able to squeeze a river cruise on our last trip to Porto but below are some very highly rated ones from Get Your Guide in order of cost from 15 euros to 49 euros per person at the time of my writing. I love using Get Your Guide because most of the tours are very flexible with cancellations and provide great details on each tour.

• 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise
  • Description: Hop aboard a typical Douro boat and discover the only city in Europe containing 6 bridges. Navigate past the historic center of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and the mouth of the Douro River.
  • Duration: 50 Minutes
  • Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Bridges Cruise with Optional Wine Cellar Tour
  • Description: "Marvel at Porto on a sightseeing cruise along the Douro river. Listen to insightful commentary with a 16-language audio guide and upgrade your tour for a guided visit to a wine cellar with tasting."
  • Duration: 50 Minutes
  • Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary Yacht Tour
  • Description: "Embark on an unforgettable tour on a glamorous yacht in Porto. Enjoy a welcome drink as you sail along the Douro River while taking in views of Porto, Vila Nova of Gaia, and the Douro Estuary."
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Daytime or Sunset Sailboat Cruise on the Douro River - **I don't think I've ever seen such glowing reviews!**
  • Description: Treat yourself to a sightseeing cruise on the Douro River and watch the sunset from the sea. Enjoy a drink as you cruise past the Luis I Bridge, Port wine cellars, Rabelo boats, Ribeira, and others.
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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Day 5 Travel South to Cascais on your Weeklong Trip to Portugal

Depending on your mode of transportation it will take 3 - 4 hours to get from Porto to the Portuguese Riviera town of Cascais.

Stop # 1 Santini Gelato to Praia da Rainha (Queen’s Beach)

Start at Santini Gelato for some of the best in the country! Then walk along the historic streets 4 minutes to a cliffside beach.

Stop #2 Praia da Rainha to Cafe Joyeux

Walk for 3 minutes and have a coffee at the adorable Cafe Joyeux. The best espresso in Cascais and a wonderful mission. 

Stop #3 Walk 5 minutes to Hifen

Walk 6 minutes to Hifen for dinner, a great restaurant with a modern take on Portuguese cuisine along the water with a fabulous menu. 

Stop #4

Walk 11 minutes to the Santa Maria Lighthouse. You will walk along the water and can also explore inside the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais. 

Stop #5

Enjoy the iconic Lighthouse, Sand Castle, and beautiful stone bridge. My kids love to play in this water and sometimes you’ll see boats from the nearby marina. 

Stop #6

Walk 12 minutes along the water to Boco do Inferno or Hell’s Mouth. It is a large whole made from the ocean and it’s stunning at sunset! 

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Day 6: Sintra, Pena Palace, and Moorish Castle, the most Magical town in Portugal!

Check out my more in-depth blog post on 20 Sintra Things To Do as there is so much to do!

The town and palaces of Sintra are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and include five main castles/palaces. Usually, you can only do 2 castles in a day and some of the tour companies only do one. Below is my recommendation that we have done with friends for the "coolest ones," the National Palace of Pena and the Moorish Castle.

Lay of the Land Before Visiting Sintra

I want to note that reaching the castles involves two steps: deciding on transportation to Sintra Historic Town and then from the town to the castles. Options for both steps are detailed below. Sintra's attractions are spread out, with some requiring an hour or two to walk between, while others are a 5 to 30-minute drive away. Access to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle is limited to tourist vehicles, including Bus 434 "The Circuito da Pena" and Tuk Tuks.

How to Get from Lisbon to Sintra's Historic Town

Driving to Sintra

• Takes about 45 minutes from Chiado, Lisbon, in morning traffic. If you're renting a car and staying in Cascais/Sintra for the last two days, driving is viable.
• All my parking tips for Sintra are in this post with 4 Parking Lots and some notes on Street Parking.

Train from Lisbon to Sintra

• This is the most cost-effective option, taking around an hour and costing about 5 euros per person. The Portugal train service offers an English timetable online.
• Take the metro and train directly to Sintra station (not Portela de Sintra).

Private Tour

As you will read below, getting to the town of Sintra is half the journey. You also need to get to the castles so sometimes the easiest is a private tour by bus or private car. Below are some highly rated ones! 

• Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais
  • "All tickets are included. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, its emblematic well, and the historic Pena Palace. Relax in the picturesque fishing village of Cascais."
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Duration: 9.5 hours
  • Includes transportation to and from Rossio Square in Lisbon.
• Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip
  • "Discover Sintra’s beauty and history, its romantic Pena Palace, and the stunning coastlines of Cabo da Roca Lighthouse and Cascais on a full-day trip from Lisbon."
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • You can choose from a variety of pick-up locations in Lisbon.
• Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Tour
  • "Experience the beauty of Sintra on a full-day guided tour from Lisbon. Admire the breathtaking Pena Palace and Royal Gardens, and indulge in views of Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and coastlines."
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Includes transportation to and from Av. da Liberdade 24 in Lisbon

Our Full Sintra Day Itinerary By the Minute!

We had the best day with this 2 Castle Itinerary!

• 9:30 AM: Arrived at the Sintra Train Station Parking Lot 
• 10 AM: Met Reuber at the Town Hall 
• 10 - 10:55 AM: Reuber drove us up to the gates of Pena Palace (we stopped at some beautiful overlooks, a water fountain, and Johnny Depp Filming Site)
• 10:55 - 11:05 AM: Ran up the hill to make it to our 11 am ticket time! Says it takes 20 minutes :) 
• 11:05 - 12:15 PM: Toured the Palace and the beautiful rooms and did the Wall Walk! (hidden doorway!) 
• 12:15 - 12:45 PM: Ate a snack at the Palace Cafeteria (best one of the 5?)
• 12:45 - 1:00 PM: Walked down through the Palace Park (follow the signs for the Lake), and saw the swans and fish! 
• 1:00 - 2:30 PM: Walked 5 minutes up the road to the Moorish Castle Tickets and then walked 5 minutes to the Castle. Climbed the wall and saw the prehistoric ruins!  
• 2:30 - 3 PM: Reuber met us at the Moorish Castle ticket booth and we took a fun tuk-tuk ride down to the center of town for lunch. 
• 3 - 5 PM: Lunch at Tulhas
• 5 - 5:30 PM: Walked to Alba Gelato for incredible homemade gelato 
• 5:30 - 5:40 PM: Walked to Car at Sintra Train Station and drove home!  

Stop # 1: Colorful and Unique National Palace of Pena!

Pena Palace is unlike any other, with its unique blend of styles, colors, and influences! Check out my full blog post for detailed tips.

Key tip: You must secure a timed entry ticket for the castle. From the drop-off at the palace gate, expect a 15-20 minute uphill walk to the castle—don't make our mistake and arrive just 5 minutes before your entry time!

Stop # 2: Parque of Palace of Pena - don't miss!

Make sure you don't miss the walk from Pena Palace down through the valley and lakes of the park. Then you simply exit the gates, turn right, and walk up about 5 minutes to the Moorish Castle Ticket Booth. Just follow the signs for the lakes!

#3 Moorish Castle - Jaw-Dropping Views and Castle Walls!

I have a complete blog post on the Moorish Castle for more tips and details.

Our friends, especially kids, favored the Moorish Castle for its authenticity. Known as Castelo dos Mouros, it's a crucial historical site reflecting Islamic Moorish influence in Portugal. Situated in the Sintra Mountains, this 8th-9th century fortress was built by the Moors for protection and strategic oversight of the Atlantic coast and adjacent areas.

Important Things to Know About The Moorish Castle

Key tip: The castle has a small cafe but not as large as Pena. Definitely bring snacks and drinks. It's mostly ruins with no indoor areas. Tickets can be purchased at two locations or online to avoid lines at the street booth—one is just 5 minutes down the walkway next to the castle itself.

Restaurants & Bakeries in Sintra that We Highly Recommend:

1. Casa Piriquita - The King's favorite bakery! Really delicious travesseiro and queijadas, famous in Sintra.
2. Nata Pura Sintra - A little off the beaten path but worth it! This tiny cafe makes unique pastel de nata including chocolate and vegan! 
3. Tascantiga - Incredible Portuguese food served in a modern way (sausage lollipops, strawberry cheesecake in a pot). No reservations and can be very busy in high season. We've been twice!
4. Tulhas - You can reserve on Google! So great for large groups (We had 10 in our group!) They have great local food but also tourist prices because in the heart of the Historic town.

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Day 7 - Cascais Beaches - the final day of your week in Portugal!

Again, I'm planning to write a whole beach blog post but below are our favorites and the reasons why.

West Coast Beaches

1. Guincho Beach - Great surfing (check out Moana Surf!) and best beach bar!
2. Cresmina Beach - Has huge dunes for the kids to run up and down! (Note: only where there are not signs saying it is protected)

"City" Beaches

1. Praia da Raina - Gorgeous city beach a block from the Cascais Train Station.
2. Tamariz Beach - Located by the Casino Park, long pier to walk on in low tide and has a cool fortress! And on the other side of the fortress, there is the Piscina Oceânica which translates as Ocean Pools. See picture below!
3. Sao Joao do Estoril Beach - Lots of parking and 2 cool beach cafes.

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Hotel Recommendations for this Itinerary - Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and Cascais

You can of course stay in two places for the entire 1 week in Portugal but we loved doing 2 nights in each. Below are places we’ve stayed or have been recommended to us by our friends in Portugal: 

Lisbon:

1. Famous Crows Lisbon Suites in Belem - We stayed here on our first trip to Lisbon and loved that it is 2 doors down from Pasteis de Belem so we went 2 times in one day when there was no line! No frills, affordable and rooms for 4 people. 
2. Grape Harbor Prata Apartments in Chiado - Fabulous location and Suburb 9.2 rating from other families with breakfast included! Free cancellation until about a week before. 
3. Martinhal Lisbon Chiado - Higher-end hotel with family suites, kids club, and lots of family-friendly amenities! Heard great things from our friends about Martinhal hotels. 

Porto:

Note: We had 2 bad Airbnb experiences in Porto so I am not recommending them! The ones below have the highest of reviews for families.

1. Hotel Spot Family Suites with free Breakfast and Free Cancellation up to 2 days before.
2. Domum 3 with Studio Apartments and Free Cancellation up to 2 days before. 7-minute walk to San Bento Train Station
3. Oca Flores Hotel Boutique a rare hotel with a room for 4 with a Queen and a Sofa Bed. Located in an 18th-century historical building.

Cascais/Sintra:

1. Hotel Baia Cascais - Located right on the water 20 meters from the Beach! They have 2 family room options either 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed or 2 single beds and 1 double bed. Fabulous breakfast included.  
2. Casa dos Cotas Cascais - Amazing Seaside Apartment with Balcony located in the Historic Center. 9.3 rating on Booking which is great. 
3. Penha Longa Resort in Sintra (Marriott Ritz Carlton) - 5-star hotel that can actually be affordable in the off seasons! We stayed here with points for a night. It is located in the most serene mountains only 11 minutes from Sintra and 17 minutes to Cascais! The breakfast buffet was incredible and it had the best hotel playground we have ever experienced!

And if you go to the Algarve...

• OZADI Tavira Hotel - Superior Quad Room, Great pool, Breakfast Included. Excellent 8.7 rating.
• RR Hotel da Rocha - Family suites, oceanfront, breakfast included. Excellent 8.7 rating.

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Full Itinerary List for One Week in Portugal

1. Castelo de São Jorge for Best Views
2. 2 Miradouros Overlooks with a Playground
3. Praça do Comércio for Lunch
4. San Justo Elevator for Unique Views
5. Chiado Neighborhood for Great Vibes
6. Fado Music for Cultural Moment
7. Lisbon Cable Car for River View
8. Oceanarium Aquarium or Pavilion of Knowledge for Fun Indoor
9. Pasteis de Belém for the Best Patel de Nata
10. Jeronimos Monastery for Stunning Architecture
11. Sunset at Monument of the Discoveries or Belem Tower
12. Porto Ribeira & Douro River Boat Ride
13. Porto Livraria Lello Bookshop (inspired Harry Potter)
14. Porto Sunset at Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia
15. Cascais Lighthouse and Beaches
16. Sunset at Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
17. Sintra Magical Palace of Pena and Moorish Castle
18. Cascais Stunning Beaches Praia do Guincho or Dunes of Cresmina