Affordable 7-Day Relaxed Portugal Road Trip Vacation from Porto to Braga

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Portugal begins when you reach Porto, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Porto is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Luís I Bridge. Around 79,128 visitors have rated this fascinating top-tier point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Porto offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Nata Lisboa. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,037 customers.

Tapabento S. Bento serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Porto has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,413 reviews.

Muu Steakhouse is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,431 customers, Muu Steakhouse is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Porto looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Brasão Aliados, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,812 reviews.

Base Porto offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Porto. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,621 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Aduela. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Portugal! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Portugal!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Parque da Cidade do Porto. This incredible urban park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,193 travelers.

This sculpture is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,193 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Portugal. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Portugal extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,325 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Chama, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Chama is rated 4.9 stars out of 5 by 574 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Restaurante Praia da Luz. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 7,508 food lovers.

Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Pub Bonaparte Foz. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,095 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Bonaparte Downtown. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,088 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Letraria Porto. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Letraria Porto has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,654 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Portugal, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Portugal gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Porto and visit more of its attractions.

Porto has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Portugal. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular F. C. Porto Museum, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible F. C. Porto Museum has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,440 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Ageas Porto Coliseum. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 8,571 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Porto is the notable Chapel of Souls. The popular Chapel of Souls is a highlight of many travel packages in Porto. As a matter of fact, this remarkable church has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 7,653 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Porto, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Casa da Música. Take your time exploring this wonderful concert hall and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 17,921 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Parque de Serralves. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,832 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Parque de Serralves is something to look forward to in Porto.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Porto by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Porto.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Porto, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Abadia do Porto is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Porto-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,633 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Pestana Palácio do Freixo is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Pestana Palácio do Freixo proved an excellent choice for around 2,574 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Porto is Negra Café Baixa, which has an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2,213 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Porto, bbgourmet Maiorca. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 1,960 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Capela Incomum. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.6 over 5 stars by 1,234 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, TerraPlana Café may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,059 customers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Porto and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Portugal on a great note!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Portugal will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Portugal, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Guimaraes, and continue your explorations in the city of Rio Caldo. The charming Braga is where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Guimaraes, where you will see the amazing Largo do Toural. This famous square has an impressive 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 4,901 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Aqui Nasceu Portugal. The amazing Aqui Nasceu Portugal is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,776 travelers.

You can also go sightseeing at the popular Palace Duques de Bragança. This museum that receives 4.6 visitors every year is a spectacular travel destination rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,763 travelers.

Another travel hotspot we highly recommend is the outstanding Castle of Guimarães. Approximately 29,608 people approve of the incredible Castle of Guimarães in reviews, which led to its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Guimaraes than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Guimaraes, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Portugal, the lovely Rio Caldo!

In Rio Caldo, you’ll find the magnificent Church São Bento da Porta Aberta. This popular church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,553 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Braga for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Portugal, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Braga.

We highly recommend going to Retrokitchen. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,007 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Taberna Belga. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,464 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated Bira dos Namorados. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,412 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Braga and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Cozinha da Sé for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,019 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Café-Concerto RUM by Mavy. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 842 customers.

You may also try Lounge Bar, another top-rated bar in the city. About 504 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 4 of your laid-back self-drive in Rio Caldo! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Portugal!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Portugal serves as your introduction to Tenões. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Portugal and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Tenões, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,258 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Meliá Braga. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,222 guests, Meliá Braga is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Dona Sofia offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Dona Sofia is a top-rated budget hotel in Tenões with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,221 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Tenões. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Tenões, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Bom Jesus do Monte. This minor basilica and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Tenões. The fascinating Bom Jesus do Monte has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 28,503 travelers.

A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Tenões, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Portugal.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Portugal. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Tenões, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Tenões is Tia Isabel. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,743 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Gosto Superior for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Tenões. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,386 customers.

Another alternative is Taberna Londrina Braga. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,916 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Tenões. At Domus Vinum - Wine Bar & Tapas, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 550 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Barhaus, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 736 reviews.

ATípica - Restaurante, Tapas Bar e Sabores de Portugal is also one of the best places in Tenões where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 612 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Portugal!

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Portugal. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Portugal.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Lindoso. As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Viana do Castelo. You’ll spend 1 night in Porto.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable Peneda-Gerês National Park. This national park and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.8 over 5 stars from 23,484 visitors.

While exploring the city of Lindoso, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Portugal, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

After a fun experience in Lindoso, buckle up and enjoy a relaxing drive to your next stop, the incredible city of Viana do Castelo. This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Portugal and discover the wonderful Viana do Castelo.

While in Viana do Castelo, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Santa Luzia Sanctuary. This church building and popular site has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 10,314 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Viana do Castelo.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Portugal comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Porto. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Porto, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Porto. Check out Bulha Sá da Bandeira, a top choice in Portugal due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Porto restaurant to try is a local favorite, tascö.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Porto. The popular FÉ Wine & Club has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,278 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Portugal.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like THE ROYAL COCKTAIL CLUB. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.5 from 932 individuals.

If you want to visit another place, the locals of Porto recommend HD Bar to Be Wild. Due to its local reputation, this bar boasts an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars from 696 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Portugal with a toast at a top-rated bar in Porto!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Portugal is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Porto.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Porto once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Portugal on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Gardens of the Palácio de Cristal is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Porto. This top sight is a popular garden, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 38,920 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Porto or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Porto and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Portugal is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.