Hello,

I’m an experienced European traveler that requests some help for my quick trip to Portugal.

‘Our flight arrives in Lisbon the morning of December 13; departs Lisbon on December 19. I had initially thought of spending most of my time in Lisbon, then taking the 3 hour train ride to Porto for a couple days. But, now looking at a calendar, and the need to return to Lisbon to fly home; it may not make sense to go to Porto at all. OR……train up to Porto immediately off the plane on the 13th. Stay in Porto December 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and train back to Lisbon on December 18 to fly home on the 19th. Basically skip Lisbon? Thoughts?

I have not been to Porto but we did spend 5 nights in Lisbon and absolutely loved our stay there. We spent one day in Sintra. So, if it were me, I would spend 4 or 5 nights in Lisbon and 1 or 2 nights in Sintra. For such a short trip it does not make sense to go all the way up to Porto especially since you are flying into Lisbon and out of Lisbon. Lisbon is a fascinating city with lots to see and do. And it’s a great city for wandering around and exploring the different neighborhoods. Lisbon is smaller than many European capitals, and thus is more comfortable for sightseeing. I would love to return.

Why not split the time in half? Or two full days in Porto and the rest in Lisbon with a day trip to Sintra. Most of what is to be seen in Porto is in a relatively small area, but there are outliers such as the Fondacion Serralves.


Lisbon has more museums which consume time:

As much as I love Porto, for a trip this length and with you flying in and out of Lisbon, I concur with Karen.

I prefer Porto to Lisbon but I'd stay south and do day trips for such a short holiday (certainly cranking up those climate changing co2 per day if this short trip is a cross pond flight)

I concur with KarenWoo and maitaitom.

Good morning,

so from historical data, it appears my weather will be in the low 60’s with some amount of rain. Has anyone been in the area during mid December?

I've been in November but not in December. I had planned to visit for NYE but my trip was cancelled due to Portugal's strict covid restrictions then.
In November we had rain but intermittent, and we also had sunny skies with temperatures in the 60s. This afternoon's high will reach 68 degrees F (20 C).

in november, T shirt and long trousers and one day of rain in 20, nights are chilly though. Locals all in puffer jackets

And very sturdy shoes with thick, non-slip soles. The famous calçada portuguesa, the beautifully, elaborately patterned black and white stone pavements, can be very slippery when wet.

Hello Barrcoop, wondering how your trip went? What did you decide to do?