20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Portugal
Portugal is a dream for the budget-conscious traveler, offering a rich tapestry of history, world-class beaches, and vibrant nightlife without the hefty price tag of its Western European neighbors. This 20-day route focuses on the 'ultra-lean' lifestyle: utilizing the extensive Rede Expressos bus network, staying in top-rated hostels, and feasting on €2 bifanas and supermarket picnics.
By prioritizing free walking tours, public parks, and historic districts that are museums in themselves, you can stretch your dollars while experiencing the authentic soul of the country. Get ready for an epic journey from the narrow streets of Lisbon to the rugged cliffs of the Algarve.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon, Portugal - Arrival & City Heights
Arrival at Portela Airport
Land in Lisbon and take the Metro Red Line to the city center for just €1.80. It is the cheapest way to reach your hostel.
Check-in at Yes! Lisbon Hostel
Drop your bags at one of the world's most awarded hostels, located right in the heart of the Baixa district.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Hike up to the highest viewpoint in the city for a panoramic sunset. It is completely free and offers the best view of the castle.
Bifana Dinner
Grab a traditional pork bifana sandwich at a local 'tasca' for around €3. It’s the ultimate budget fuel.
Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal - Historic Alleys of Alfama
Free Walking Tour
Join a tip-based walking tour starting at Praça do Comércio to learn about the 1755 earthquake and the city's reconstruction.
Exploring Alfama
Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Lisbon’s oldest district. Listen for Fado music drifting from the windows.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)
Admire the fortress-like architecture of this 12th-century cathedral. Entry to the main nave is free.
Pink Street
Walk through the famous Rua Nova do Carvalho for some iconic photos before the nightlife crowds arrive.
Day 3: Lisbon, Portugal - Bairro Alto & Culture
Igreja de São Roque
Visit one of the world's richest chapels. While the museum has a fee, the main church is free to enter and breathtaking.
Jardim do Príncipe Real
Enjoy a supermarket picnic under the massive cedar tree in this trendy local park.
Livraria Bertrand
Visit the world's oldest operating bookstore in the Chiado district for a bit of literary history.
Bairro Alto Nightlife
Experience the legendary street drinking culture where 1-euro beers are the norm in the narrow alleys.
Day 4: Lisbon, Portugal - The Belém Waterfront
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Take the tram to Belém and admire this massive monument dedicated to Portuguese explorers.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Marvel at the Manueline architecture from the outside or visit the free church section where Vasco da Gama is buried.
Pastéis de Belém
You can't leave without trying the original custard tart. They are roughly €1.30 each and worth every cent.
MAAT Rooftop
Walk along the rooftop of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology for a free view of the 25th of April Bridge.
Day 5: Sintra, Portugal - Fairytale Day Trip
Train to Sintra
Take the suburban train from Rossio Station. The return trip is cheap and takes about 40 minutes.
Quinta da Regaleira
Explore the initiation wells and mystic gardens. It's the best value-for-money attraction in Sintra.
Sintra Old Town
Walk the hilly streets and try a 'Travesseiro' pastry from Piriquita.
Pena Palace (Exterior)
Hike up the hill to see the colorful palace. Even viewing it from the forest trails is a magical experience.
Day 6: Peniche, Portugal - Surf and Salt
Bus to Peniche
Travel north by bus to the surf capital of Portugal. It's a rugged, affordable alternative to the southern coast.
Praia do Baleal
Walk across the thin causeway to Baleal island and watch the surfers on both sides of the beach.
Cabo Carvoeiro
Visit this dramatic lighthouse and limestone rock formation at the westernmost tip of the peninsula.
Fresh Sardine Dinner
Peniche is a fishing port; look for a local spot serving grilled sardines for a low-cost, high-protein meal.
Day 7: Coimbra, Portugal - The University City
Bus to Coimbra
Head inland to Portugal's former capital and oldest university city.
Hostel Check-in
Stay near the Mondego River for easy access to the historic uphill climbs.
Mondego River Walk
Stroll across the Pedro e Inês bridge for a great view of the city stacked on the hillside.
Fado de Coimbra
Listen to the unique, male-voiced Fado of Coimbra, which is traditionally sung by students.
Day 8: Coimbra, Portugal - Medieval Learning
University of Coimbra
Climb the hill to the university. While the library costs money, the courtyard and views are free.
Old Cathedral (Sé Velha)
Admire the Romanesque facade of this massive church that looks more like a castle.
Jardim Botânico
Explore the lush terraced gardens of the university, a peaceful and free escape from the city streets.
Penedo da Saudade
Visit this public garden filled with plaques written by students over the decades expressing their love for the city.
Day 9: Porto, Portugal - Arrival in the North
Train to Porto
Take the regional train from Coimbra-B to Porto-Campanhã. It is slower but cheaper than the Alfa Pendular.
São Bento Station
Arrive at one of the world's most beautiful train stations, famous for its 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles.
Ribeira District
Walk down to the riverfront. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place for people-watching.
Francesinha Challenge
Try Porto’s signature sandwich. It’s huge and calorie-dense—perfect for a budget traveler’s one-meal-a-day strategy.
Day 10: Porto, Portugal - Bridges and Views
Luís I Bridge
Walk across the upper deck of this iconic iron bridge for the best views of the Douro River.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Wander through these free landscaped gardens and hang out with the resident peacocks.
Livraria Lello
Visit the library that inspired Harry Potter. Note: There is an entry fee, but it is redeemable against a book purchase.
Sunset at Jardim do Morro
Cross over to Gaia and join hundreds of locals on the grass for sunset and live music.
Day 11: Porto, Portugal - Port Wine & Gaia
Gaia Riverside Stroll
Walk along the Vila Nova de Gaia side to see the traditional Rabelo boats used to transport wine.
Wine Cellar Tasting
Find a smaller cellar for a budget-friendly tasting session of the world-famous Port wine.
Afurada Fishing Village
Take a long walk or cheap bus to this authentic village where fish are still grilled on the street.
Street Food at Mercado do Bolhão
Check out the newly renovated market for affordable local snacks and fresh fruit.
Day 12: Aveiro, Portugal - The Venice of Portugal
Day Trip to Aveiro
Take the urban train from Porto. The ticket is only a few euros and the ride is scenic.
Moliceiro Boats
See the colorful gondola-like boats. Walking along the canals is free and just as beautiful as a tour.
Costa Nova
Take a short bus ride to the coast to see the famous striped houses (Palheiros).
Ovos Moles
Try the local sweet made of egg yolks and sugar. They are small, cheap, and very traditional.
Day 13: Guimarães, Portugal - Birthplace of a Nation
Bus to Guimarães
Head to the city where Portugal was born. The medieval center is a UNESCO site.
Guimarães Castle
Visit the 10th-century castle. Walking around the exterior walls is free and offers great photo ops.
Paço dos Duques
Marvel at the unique architecture of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Monte da Penha
Take the cable car or hike up the mountain for a spectacular view of the Minho region.
Day 14: Lagos, Portugal - The Southern Journey
The Long Haul South
Board a morning bus for the journey from Porto to Lagos. This is your longest travel day.
Arrive in Lagos
Check into your beach-side hostel and stretch your legs with a walk to the marina.
Batata Beach Sunset
Walk through the tunnel rocks to find hidden coves right next to the city center.
Hostel BBQ
Many Lagos hostels host cheap BBQs which are great for meeting people and saving on dinner.
Day 15: Lagos, Portugal - Golden Cliffs
Ponta da Piedade
Hike the boardwalks along the cliffs. It's one of the most beautiful natural sites in Europe and totally free.
Praia do Camilo
Descend the 200 steps to this iconic beach. Bring your own snorkel gear to save on rental costs.
Kayaking the Grottoes
If you have some budget left, a kayak tour of the sea caves is the best way to see the coast.
Old Town Lagos
Explore the historic walls and the Slave Market museum (Mercado de Escravos).
Day 16: Sagres, Portugal - The End of the World
Bus to Sagres
Take a local bus to the southwesternmost tip of Europe. It’s wind-swept, wild, and beautiful.
Sagres Fortress
Walk the perimeter of this massive cliff-top fort. The entrance fee is modest and the views are immense.
Cabo de São Vicente
Visit the lighthouse that once marked the end of the known world for European sailors.
Surfer Watching at Beliche
Grab a cold Sagres beer and watch the pros handle the massive Atlantic swells at Praia do Beliche.
Day 17: Benagil, Portugal - Hidden Caves
Train to Estômbar-Lagoa
Take the regional train along the Algarve coast. It's a cheap and scenic way to move between towns.
Benagil Cave
Join a boat tour from Benagil beach to see the famous 'eye' cave from the water.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Hike part of this world-famous trail for free. The views of the turquoise water are unbeatable.
Albufeira Old Town
Visit for the vibrant atmosphere and cheap happy hour deals before heading to Faro.
Day 18: Faro, Portugal - The Algarve Capital
Faro Old Town (Vila Adentro)
Enter through the Arco da Vila and explore the quiet, cobbled streets far from the beach crowds.
Capela dos Ossos
Visit the Bone Chapel built from the skeletal remains of over 1,000 monks. It's an eerie but fascinating site.
Ria Formosa Lagoon
Take a cheap ferry to Ilha Deserta or Ilha do Farol to enjoy pristine beaches and nature.
Seafood Feast
Faro is known for its clams. Look for 'Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato' at a local tavern.
Day 19: Évora, Portugal - Roman Ruins
Bus to Évora
Head north into the Alentejo region to visit this beautifully preserved museum-city.
Roman Temple of Évora
Stand before the ruins of the 1st-century temple dedicated to Augustus. It is free to view in the public square.
Évora Cathedral
Explore the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. The roof access offers a great view over the Alentejo plains.
Praça do Giraldo
Relax in the main square and enjoy the Alentejo pace of life with a coffee and a local pastry.
Day 20: Lisbon, Portugal - The Full Circle
Bus back to Lisbon
Take the final leg of your journey back to the capital for your departure.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) if it’s a Tuesday or Saturday for unique budget finds.
Final Pastel de Nata
Have one last custard tart at Manteigaria to settle the debate on who makes the best ones.
Departure from Portela
Take the Metro back to the airport, completing your epic 20-day Portuguese circuit.
Best Time to Visit Portugal
The best time to visit Portugal on a budget is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, ideal for hiking and city walking, but the accommodation prices are significantly lower than the July-August peak. Backpackers should avoid August, as it is when most of Europe vacations, causing hostel prices to double and public transport to book out weeks in advance.
Currency & Money
Portugal uses the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger stores, Portugal still has a strong cash culture, especially in small 'tascas' (taverns), local markets, and rural areas. Always carry some small change for public toilets and coffee. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill to the nearest Euro is common practice and appreciated for good service.
Getting Around Portugal
Getting around Portugal is easy and affordable. The national bus network, Rede Expressos, connects almost every town and is often cheaper than the train. For longer distances, like Porto to Lisbon, the CP (Comboios de Portugal) trains are excellent—look for 'Promo' tickets booked 5-8 days in advance for 50% off. Within cities, use the metro and historic trams, but remember that Lisbon and Porto are very walkable if you don't mind the steep hills!
