The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Journey to Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid (and the Best Restaurants in Each)
Recently, Sammy, Preston, and I had set out for a European adventure to explore earthquake ruins, port, and Spanish tapas. We started in historic Lisbon, Portugal, and headed North to Porto before finishing in the Spanish metropolis, Madrid. Here is a quick itinerary of interesting places to stay, historic things to do, and an expansive list of restaurants to indulge in.
Disclaimer: Please note that these restaurants aren't plant-based concepts (many are meant for those people who allow flexibility for animal products...sorry!). You'll need to look over the menu as you see fit. I recommend checking their menus online first.
GENERAL ITINERARY
25-26: Fly to Lisbon from Chicago
26: Lisbon
27: Lisbon
28: Lisbon
29: Lisbon
30: Train from Lisbon to Porto
1: Porto
2: Porto
3: Fly to Madrid from Porto
4: Madrid
5: Madrid
6: Madrid
7: Fly to Chicago from Madrid
Preston is excited for his first flight overseas....and so is the guy sitting behind him.
FLIGHTS/TRAINS
25-26TH: FLY TO LISBON FROM CHICAGO
United Flight UA972 from Chicago to Brussels
Total cost: 60k miles per person plus taxes and fees
Seats: 34E, 34G (Priority boarding with a child, check a stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 6:00 pm (04/25) ORD (8 hr 5 mn with bassinet
Arrival: 9:05 am (04/26) BRU
TAP Portugal Flight TP647 from Brussels to Lisbon
Seats: 16B,16A (Priority boarding with a child, check a stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 11:30 am (04/26) BRU (2 hr 50 mn)
Arrival: 1:20 pm (04/26) LIS
30TH: TRAIN TO PORTO FROM LISBON (UNCONFIRMED SEATS)
Train 125
Total cost: $130 (1st Class, choose seats at check-in, child on lap); arrive 1-2 hours to book train time and seat.
Depart: 12:09 pm Lisboa Oriente (flexible time)
Arrival: 2:44 pm Porto Campanha
3RD: FLY TO MADRID FROM PORTO
Ryanair Flight 5423 from Porto to Madrid
Seats: 2F, 2E (Already checked in a month early)
Total cost: $217.94 (Priority with two cabin bags per person, child on lap)
Depart: 3:35 pm OPO
Arrival: 5:50 pm MAD
7TH: FLY TO CHICAGO FROM MADRID
Lufthansa Flight LH1113 from Madrid to Frankfurt
Seats: 20A/20B (Priority boarding with a child, check a stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 12:55 pm (05/07) MAD (2 hr 30 min)
Arrival: 3:25 pm (05/07) FRA
Lufthansa Flight LH432 from Frankfurt to Chicago
Seats: 34G/34F (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 5:15 pm (05/07) FRA (9 hr 5 mn with bassinet)
Arrival: 7:20 pm (05/07) ORD
View of Lisbon at sunset
AIRBNBS
26-30TH: LISBON
Listing: Comfortable, versatile best quarter with Fadoflats
Travessa João de Deus 8 (2nd floor, right)
Lisbon, Lisbon 1200 Portugal+351 91 985 8312
fadoflats-c2vmqwuwpkay6y9d@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 4:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions: A taxi from the airport should take you to the flat in about 30 minutes and cost you around 15-20 euros (please tell the taxi driver flat is in Chiado quarter, very close to Cervejaria Trindade - Trindade Brewery). Alternatively, you can take the subway and drop it off at Baixa-Chiado station. It will take about an hour and cost 2 euros per person. The third alternative is hiring our private transfer service (for you only): a 7-seat van will be waiting for you at the airport for 30 euros to be paid directly to the driver. In any case, I would appreciate it if you could text me or call me after picking up the bags and passing the passport control at the airport.
Notes: This is a great two-bedroom vintage space, once a palace before the 18th-century earthquake. It's in a great location and size for our needs. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and more. The Alfama neighborhood to the East is another option (more historic and quaint).
30TH-3RD: PORTO
Listing: Caldeireiros Home Two - feel at home with Fadoflats
Rua dos Caldeireiros, 4050-250 Porto, Portugal+351 91 714 1223
alcina-77maoh3q8wdkxxbx@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions: Walk to the flat from the Sao Bento train station 2 blocks away.
Notes: Great modern space with the perfect location. Truly a wonderful host.
3RD-7TH: MADRID
Listing: Pta. del Sol- Pza. Sta Ana, Madrid with Miriam
Calle Núñez de Arce 10 2b, 28012 Madrid, Madrid, Spain+34 699 915 788
miriam-zu29zer8pxbllkz5@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions: Taxi: You will find taxi stands outside all the airport terminals. Always use the official taxi services and do not take offers from drivers inside the terminal. Trip duration is up to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Bus: The Yellow Airport Express bus runs 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. You can take the bus from terminals T1, T2, and T4; the ticket costs 5 euros. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the bus makes only three stops: the corner of O’Donnell and Doctor Esquerdo, Plaza de Cibeles, and Atocha train station (from 6:00 until 23:30).
Metro: You can take metro line 8 from all the airport terminals and head to Nuevos Ministerios station in the center of Madrid. From there, you can hop on another metro line until you reach your destination. The journey to the Nuevos Ministerios station is 15 minutes, and the metro operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets can cost up to 5 euros, depending on your end destination.Notes: It's in a very central location, but we don’t recommend staying here unless it’s cheap and you’re willing to experience a Super 8 hotel.
Exploring the historic Belem area of Lisbon
THINGS TO DO IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
RANDOM NOTES
Use ‘The Fork’ phone app or call to book restaurant reservations
Restaurants (5-10% tip and bread/olives aren’t free), most restaurants open 12-3 and 7-10
Most museums are free until 2:00 on Sundays
Taxes after 9 pm cost more
Lisboa card for attractions (askmelisboa.com)
Buy 24-hour pass (metrolisboa.pt)
Book a tour: https://www.withlocals.com/experiences/portugal/lisbon/?adults=2&children=1
Travel with kids: https://kindertravelguide.com/destination/europe/portugal-with-a-baby-or-toddler-2/lisbon-with-a-baby-or-toddler/
BELEM RUINS
Jerónimos Monastery, Praça do Império (free entry to the church, €10 for the rest of the monastery)
Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos-entry fee €4)
CCB (Belém Cultural Center), Coach Museum (Museu dos Coches)
Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque
ROSSIO NEIGHBORHOOD
Parque Eduardo VII (northwest of Rossio Fountains, down the Ave da Liberdade)
Confeitaria Nacional near the Praca de Figueiro for pastries
A Ginjinha – A local sweet liquor spot near Igreja de Sao Domingos
Rossio Fountains/Park (24-hour cafes nearby)
Churches: Igreja de Sao Domingos, Praca da Figueira (next to each other)
Elevador da Gloria: Take you from the Praca dos Restauradores up to the Bairro Alto neighborhood
Ride the Tram 28 to see the historic parts of the city on a ride. Expect lines.
Rooftops of the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon
CHIADO NEIGHBORHOOD
Elevador de Santa Justa down to Baixa Neighborhood
Convento do Carmo & Museu Arqueologico
R Garrett Street: pedestrian street
2 Michellin Star Restaurant: Bellanto
Nightlife strip: Tv Carvalho
BAIXA NEIGHBORHOOD
Nucleo Arquelologico (free underground tunnels)
R Augusta: Pedestrian street from the Praca de Comercio on the water
BAIRRO ALTO NEIGHBORHOOD
Church: Igreja & Museu de Sao Roque
Elevador de Gloria
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
Restaurant: Lost in Coffee Café (corner of Tv da Agua da Flor and R Sao Pedro de Alcantara)
Public toilet under Largo Trindade Coehlo
1800’s Beer Hall on R Nova da Trinidade
Fado bars on R da Alalara
ALFAMA NEIGHBORHOOD
Tram 28 stop: Near Se (free Gothic Cathedral)
Restaurants and Fado: Cruzes Credo Café, Clube de Fado (8 pm – 2 am), Memmo Alfama Rooftop Bar, Guitarras de Lisboa – Food and Fado, Senhor Fado (8 pm -2 am), Mesa de Frades (Fado in old small chapel 11 pm)Museu do Teatro Romano (free Roman Ruins)
Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora (monastery)
Panteao Nacional (10 am – 6 pm)
A taste of Lisbon....plenty of seafood and fish!
RESTAURANTS IN LISBON
Fabrica
Pasteis de Belem
Manteigaria
Café A Brasileira
Cervejaria Ramiro
Feitoria
A Taberna da Rua das Flores
Belcanto
Bica Do Sapato
Prado
Café Tati
Merendinha do Arco
Cantinho Lusitano
A Baiuca
Marisqueira Nunes
Tasquinha do Lagarto
Beco dos Surradores 5
Tasco do Vigario
Varina da Madragoa
Zé da Mouraria
Bairro do Avillez (went twice)
Time Out Market (Such a neat food scene on the weekend)
Cantinho do bem estar
Cevicheria
Solar dos Presuntos
Palácio Chiado: Renovated palace turned into food court
Restaurante Carmo
The Sandeman Chiado (best salmon we’ve ever eaten; try the 40-year Tawny)
Royale Cafe (best octopus we’ve ever eaten)
Exploring the rooftops of Porto
THINGS TO DO IN PORTO, PORTUGAL
SIGHTSEEING IN PORTO
São Bento station
Use ‘The Fork’ phone app or call to book restaurant reservations
Take the train or drive to Duoro Valley for wine tastings (2-hour ride)
Walk over the Ponte de Dom Luís I and take a viewing cart (teleférico) over the river to the port warehouses (major port producers have their warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south side of the River Douro)
Visit the bar Vinologia for port flights and charcuterie
Garrafeira AMS (wine shop)
Sé do Porto (free admission)
Armazém
Ribeira Square
Handy Resources: What to Do in Porto: http://portoportugalguide.com/porto-guide/porto-in-2-days-itinerary.html, https://catavino.net/travel/portugal/porto/
Clérigos Tower (Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos)
Lello bookshop (Livraria Lello): Inspiration for the book store in the Harry Potter movies
Sao Bentro Train Station
Porto Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace (Sé Do Porto)
Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)
Igreja de São Francisco
Villar d’Allen
Spoiled with shrimp in Porto
A raw approach to food in Porto.
RESTAURANTS IN PORTO
Confeitaria Serrana
Cantinho do Avillez
Michelin-starred Pedro Lemos restaurant
Stash
Centro Português de Fotografia (free)
Torre de Clérigos (admission 3 euros)
Caldeireiros
Trasca
Porta’O Lado
Brasão Cervejaria
Fonte dos Leoes for a francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich filled with cured ham
Café Guarany
Café Majestic
Matosinhos
Vila Nova de Gaia
Flor dos Congregados
Rei dos Galos de Amarante
Adega Quim
Casa Aleixo
Tasca da Piedade (Adega Rio Douro)
Conga
Casa Nanda
Adega Vila Meã
Taberna do Largo
Taberna Santo António
Maus Hábitos
Guindalense Futebol Club
O Buraco
Cantina 32
BASE
Miss’Opo
Café Candelabro
Traça
Casa de Ló
Bar Tolo
Bite Me
Boa Nova
Vinum restaurant at Graham’s port lodge: Gorgeous rooftop
Ode Porto Winehouse
Camafeu
Pedro Limos
Casa da Horta
Bacalhua
O Comercial
Bufete Fase
O Paparico
Grelhador da Boavista
Pateo das Flores (loved the francesinha and tuna poke cones)
Gorgeous cathedral in Madrid
Plaza Mayor in Madrid
THINGS TO DO IN MADRID, SPAIN
RANDOM NOTES
Many dine out at 9 pm or later
Handy Resources: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/madrid-food-tour/,
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/21/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-madrid-spain.html,
https://www.eater.com/maps/best-madrid-restaurants-38
SIGHTSEEING IN MADRID
Plaza España
Gran Via (shopping)
Palacio Real
Plaza Oriente
Barrio de la Latina
El Rastro (Spain’s largest flea market, Sunday)
Puerta del Sol (popular plaza)
Chocolateria San Gines
Plaza Mayor
Mercado San Miguel
Watch a flamenco show at Cardamomo
Retiro Park (colossal park)
Palacio Cristal
Reina Sofia
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
El Prado (world-famous art museum)
El Bernabeu Stadium
Las Salesas (shopping)
Our food tasting tour of historic bars and restaurants in Madrid.
RESTAURANTS IN MADRID
Bocadillo de Jamón y Champán
Duquesita Pastelería (century-old pastry shop)
La Venencia (sherry bar)
Bar Cock
Pum Pum Café
Círculo de Bellas Artes (drink with a panoramic view)
Amazónico (an opulent jungle-inspired space)
Chocolatería San Ginés (since 1894, a mug of hot chocolate and six churros)
El Imparcial
DiverXO
San Mamés
Lakasa Restaurant
Kappo
Sala de Despiece
Nakeima
Quesería Cultivo
Bread at Panic
StreetXo
Tortilla de Patatas at Casa Dani
Coffee at Toma Café
1862 Dry Bar
Bodega de la Ardosa
Vermouth at Ángel Sierra
El Cisne Azul
La Tasquería
La Tasquita de Enfrente
Casa Salvador
Del Diego Cocktail Bar
Tapas at La Catapa
Takos al Pastor
Horcher
Viridiana
Pastries at La Mallorquina
Sherry at La Venencia
Chuka Ramen Bar
Cocktails at Salmon Guru
Casa Revuelta
Bistronómika
Corral de la Morería Restaurant
La Sanabresa
Yoka Loka
La Copita Asturiana
Santurce
Bar El Boqueron
Cocido Madrileño at Cruz Blanca Vallecas
Our personal tour guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
