Cheap One-Week Portugal Road Trip from Lisbon to Porto and Caldas da Rainha

Your exciting road trip through Portugal starts when you reach the incredible city of Lisbon, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Lisbon and begin your adventure in Portugal.

Lisbon is a popular cheap holiday destination in Portugal with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Lisbon and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Praça do Comércio will make your cheap holiday in Portugal truly special. This attraction is a fascinating square that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 106,926 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Lisbon. An excellent example is the popular daPrata52 - Petiscos ¦ Tapas. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,470 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Portugal is Alma. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,033 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Lisboa Tu e Eu 2. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,027 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

SUD Lisboa is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 7,581 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Lisbon we recommend is Pavilhão Chinês, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,516 customers.

Delirium Café Lisboa is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 3,093 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Portugal!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Belém, proving that cheap holidays in Portugal can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Jerónimos Monastery. This attraction is a monastery that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 47,647 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Padrão dos Descobrimentos. This popular place of interest is a stunning monument that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 55,078 visitors.

To make your trip to Belém more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Belém Tower. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 90,401 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Belém Tower is often mentioned in Portugal road trip itineraries.

Your discovery of Belém does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Belém on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Portugal.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Portugal, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at A Nossa Casa, one of the best restaurants in Lisbon. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 884 reviews.

You can also check out Hard Rock Cafe Lisboa. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,022 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Nicolau Lisboa. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,172 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Lisbon.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Lisbon for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Fábrica Braço de Prata and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,435 customers.

Taberna Sal Grosso is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,403 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Lost In. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,122 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Lisbon.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Lisbon!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Portugal gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Lisbon and end your day in the city of Parque das Nações.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Porto for 3 nights. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Portugal.

While you’re in Lisbon, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Castelo de S. Jorge. The fantastic Castelo de S. Jorge is a popular museum and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 85,656 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Lisbon Oceanarium, a well-known public aquarium in the area. Receiving around 1,000,000 visitors each year, it’s safe to say that this attraction strikes the interest of people all over the world. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 85,268 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Lisbon, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Parque das Nações.

Make Lisbon Oceanarium your first stop. This popular public aquarium among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 85,268 visitors. Based on recent data, the remarkable Lisbon Oceanarium is visited by more than 1,000,000 travelers from across the world.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Portugal. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Portugal and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Porto. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Porto, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Nata Lisboa, one of the best restaurants in Porto. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,037 customers.

Tapabento S. Bento is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Tapabento S. Bento is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,413 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Muu Steakhouse, another well-loved restaurant in Porto. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,431 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Portugal.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Porto, Brasão Aliados. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,812 bar goers.

Base Porto is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Porto, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,621 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Aduela, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Portugal. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Portugal!

Some of the highlights of this day include visits to amazing attractions in Braga and Santa Tecla. You still have 2 nights left in the area, giving you plenty of chances to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience in Portugal.

Today’s adventure starts in Braga. Braga is a popular cheap holiday destination in Portugal and the home of the wonderful Bom Jesus do Monte. This amazing attraction is a minor basilica that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 28,503 visitors.

Another of the best places to visit in Braga is the fascinating Park Avenida Central. As one of the most popular sights in the area, this park and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,039 reviews.

To make your time in Braga more memorable, visit the incredible Braga Cathedral. This well-known catholic cathedral and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,996 visitors.

The outstanding Arco da Porta Nova is another attraction you’ll want to include in your road trip itinerary today. This popular place of interest is a famous triumphal arch in the area. More than 6,139 visitors have rated the spectacular Arco da Porta Nova an average of 4.6 out of a 5 star-rating.

You’ll then drive to Santa Tecla and travel to more of the best attractions in Portugal. Santa Tecla is another cheap holiday destination in Portugal, perfect for budget travelers.

Your first stop in Santa Tecla is the magnificent Park Avenida Central a famous park among locals and travelers. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,039 visitors, this top sight is one place you don’t want to miss during your time in the area.

Make your road trip vacation in Portugal more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Portugal and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

When you’re done exploring, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Porto.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,325 customers.

Chama is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Porto. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 574 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Porto you might want to check out is Restaurante Praia da Luz. Restaurante Praia da Luz is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 7,508 reviews.

After your meal, finish off this busy day with a refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Porto, Pub Bonaparte Foz. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,095 customers.

Bonaparte Downtown is another popular bar in the area perfect for cheap holiday goers in Porto. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,088 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a few drinks.

Locals also recommend Letraria Porto. This bar offers customers a terrific bar experience at low prices, making it one of the best spots in Porto. Letraria Porto has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Portugal! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Porto!

On day 5 of your road trip adventures in Portugal, you’ll go deep into Porto, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Porto, and meet locals along the way!

Porto offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming HF Ipanema Park to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Porto. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 4,125 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Casual Inca Porto. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Porto. Casual Inca Porto has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 4,758 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Porto should also consider Park Hotel Porto Gaia. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Park Hotel Porto Gaia has been rated by 4,354 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Porto offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Porto the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding urban park, Parque da Cidade do Porto. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,193 visitors.

The famous Gardens of the Palácio de Cristal is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible garden and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 38,920 visitors.

Porto is also the home of the extraordinary Clerigos tower. Around 16,541 travelers have rated the spectacular Clerigos tower an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Porto Cathedral. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 28,470 reviews, a visit to this wonderful cathedral and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Portugal is also your chance to admire the fantastic Luís I Bridge up close. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Luís I Bridge enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 79,128 travelers.

Come to Porto prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Portugal. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Porto.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Porto, Abadia do Porto. Locals enjoy eating at Abadia do Porto for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,633 diners.

Pestana Palácio do Freixo serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,574 food lovers.

If you want more options, Negra Café Baixa is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Negra Café Baixa has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,213 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Porto? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Porto after dinner. Locals recommend bbgourmet Maiorca, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers.

Capela Incomum is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Portugal. Capela Incomum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,234 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Porto.

You might also want to cap the night off at TerraPlana Café, a fascinating bar that 1,059 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Portugal!

Day 6 of your road trip across Portugal offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Nazaré and the enchanting Óbidos, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Nazaré and end the day in Óbidos, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 of your affordable vacation in Portugal will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Nazaré is the magnificent Nazaré beach. Around 31,405 visitors have rated this excellent beach and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Nazaré Lighthouse on this leg of your self-drive tour in Portugal. This attraction is a well-known lighthouse that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 10,720 travelers.

The remarkable Miradouro do Suberco is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Portugal. This attraction, an amazing top-tier point of interest, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 22,446 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Nazaré, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Óbidos.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Castle of Óbidos. This popular site is a valued castle in Óbidos and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,652 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Portugal. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Portugal. Make your cheap holiday experience in Portugal more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Caldas da Rainha offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Portugal. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Caldas da Rainha offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Portugal.

Solar dos Amigos is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,654 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Caldas da Rainha is Sabores d'Itália, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.

Maratona offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Caldas da Rainha. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,670 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Caldas da Rainha’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Bowling Caldas is an excellent example of a great bar in Caldas da Rainha offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,999 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Cervejaria O Litro, another of locals’ go-to bars in Caldas da Rainha. Cervejaria O Litro is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 793 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Bar 120 - Gin Bar is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Caldas da Rainha. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 459 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Portugal with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Portugal!

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Portugal, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in São Pedro de Penaferrim and end your day in the city of Lisbon, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in São Pedro de Penaferrim is the amazing National Palace of Pena. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 85,427 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Portugal. To have the best affordable travel experience in Portugal, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Portugal unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Portugal.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Lisbon. Lisbon is another cheap travel destination in Portugal where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Portugal can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Lisbon that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Lisbon is Laurentina. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,884 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Lisbon, Restaurante Marco is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,992 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is A Cevicheria. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Lisbon enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,076 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Lisbon’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Portugal. For example, you can visit Foxtrot. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,082 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Sacramento do Chiado. This popular bar in Lisbon has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,947 bar-goers.

You can also go to Sky Bar by Seen as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Sky Bar by Seen is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 2,010 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Portugal!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Portugal as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Lisbon.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Portugal.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Lisbon is the remarkable Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This scenic viewpoint and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 32,250 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Lisbon, consider a top-rated restaurant like the mill. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,266 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Lisbon and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Portugal!