Planning a trip to Portugal's captivating capital? This 7 days in Lisbon itinerary is designed to guide you through a perfect week, blending historic exploration with contemporary culture and culinary delights. From ancient castles to vibrant markets, you’ll experience the best of Lisbon at a comfortable pace, ensuring you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Itinerary at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. |
| Typical Daily Cost (excl. flights/accom.) | £50-£100 approx. per person, depending on activities and dining choices. Please check current prices. |
| How to Get There | Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the main international gateway, with excellent metro links to the city centre. |
| Getting Around | Excellent public transport (metro, tram, bus, funiculars), walking, and ride-sharing services. |
| Recommended Stay | 5-7 days allows for a comprehensive exploration of Lisbon and a day trip to nearby attractions. |
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Choosing the right neighbourhood can significantly enhance your Lisbon experience. Here are some popular areas:
- Baixa & Chiado: Central, elegant, and bustling, ideal for first-time visitors who want easy access to major sights, shopping, and dining. It's well-connected by public transport.
- Alfama: Lisbon's oldest district, known for its narrow, winding streets, Fado houses, and historic charm. It offers an authentic, traditional experience but involves more hills.
- Bairro Alto & Príncipe Real: Bairro Alto is famous for its nightlife, while Príncipe Real offers a more upscale, bohemian atmosphere with boutique shops, gardens, and trendy restaurants. Good for those who enjoy evening entertainment or a sophisticated vibe.
- Cais do Sodré: A revitalised riverside area, home to the Time Out Market and a lively dining and bar scene. It's a good choice for those seeking a more modern, energetic feel.
Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon is a city best explored on foot, but its seven hills mean you'll appreciate its efficient public transport. Purchase a rechargeable "Viva Viagem" card (approx. £0.50) and load it with money ("zapping") or a 24-hour pass (approx. £6.80). This card works on the metro, trams, buses, funiculars, and ferries.
- Metro: Fast and efficient, connecting most parts of the city.
- Trams: Iconic yellow trams, especially Tram 28E, offer a scenic (and often crowded) way to see historic districts.
- Buses: Extensive network covering areas not reached by the metro or tram.
- Funiculars & Elevators: Elevador de Santa Justa, Ascensor da Glória, Ascensor da Bica, and Ascensor do Lavra help conquer steep hills.
- Walking: Essential for exploring the charming narrow streets, but be prepared for inclines and cobblestones.
Pro tip: Always validate your Viva Viagem card by tapping it on the reader when entering a metro station or boarding a bus/tram. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Day 1: Alfama's Ancient Charms & Baixa's Grandeur
Morning: Exploring Alfama
Begin your 7 days in Lisbon itinerary in the historic Alfama district, the oldest neighbourhood in the city. Wander through its labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden courtyards and traditional houses. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), a Romanesque fortress-like structure, before heading to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for panoramic views over the Tagus River and Alfama's rooftops. Continue to the nearby Miradouro das Portas do Sol for another iconic photo opportunity.
Book tickets and tours: Exploring Alfama
Afternoon: Castelo de São Jorge & Baixa
Ascend to the Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon's ancient castle, offering historical insights and breathtaking vistas. Allow 1-2 hours to explore the castle grounds, peacocks, and various viewpoints. Afterwards, descend into the Baixa district, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Stroll along Rua Augusta, admire the neoclassical architecture, and reach the grand Praça do Comércio, one of Europe's largest squares, opening onto the riverfront.
Book tickets and tours: São Jorge
Evening: Fado & Traditional Dining
For dinner, return to Alfama or the nearby Mouraria district. Seek out a traditional Fado house for an authentic Portuguese experience, where melancholic songs are performed live. Enjoy classic dishes like Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, potatoes, and scrambled eggs) or grilled sardines. End the evening with a shot of Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur, often served in a chocolate cup.
Book tickets and tours: Traditional Dining
Day 2: Belém's Maritime Legacy
Morning: Age of Discoveries Monuments
Take Tram 15E or a short taxi/ride-share to Belém. Start at the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Allow at least 2 hours to explore its church and stunning cloisters. A short walk along the river will bring you to the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), both symbols of Portugal's seafaring past.
Book tickets and tours: Discoveries Monuments
Afternoon: Pastéis de Belém & Museums
No visit to Belém is complete without tasting the original Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belém. Be prepared for a queue, but the warm, creamy custard tarts are worth it. Afterwards, you might visit the Belém Cultural Centre (CCB) or the National Coach Museum, home to an impressive collection of royal carriages.
Book tickets and tours: Pastéis
Evening: Riverside Relaxation
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Tagus riverfront in Belém, taking in the sunset views. For dinner, consider one of Belém's riverside restaurants or head back towards Cais do Sodré for more dining options.
Book tickets and tours: Riverside Relaxation
Day 3: Chic Chiado, Bohemian Bairro Alto & Scenic Views
Morning: Baixa to Chiado
Start your day by taking the historic Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) for panoramic views and a unique engineering experience. From the top, you'll be near the atmospheric ruins of the Carmo Convent, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Explore the elegant Chiado district, known for its theatres, historic cafés (like "A Brasileira"), and high-end shops.
Afternoon: Bairro Alto & Príncipe Real
During the day, Bairro Alto is relatively quiet, allowing you to appreciate its colourful buildings and street art. Head towards the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for stunning views across to Castelo de São Jorge. Continue to Príncipe Real, a stylish neighbourhood with charming gardens, antique shops, and trendy eateries.
Book tickets and tours: Bairro Alto
Evening: Dinner & Nightlife
Dine in Chiado or Príncipe Real, offering a range of culinary experiences from traditional Portuguese to international cuisine. If you're interested in Lisbon's nightlife, Bairro Alto truly comes alive after dark, with its narrow streets filled with bars and music. Alternatively, enjoy a more relaxed evening in Príncipe Real.
Day 4: Modernity, Art & Riverside Vibes
Morning: Parque das Nações
Take the metro (red line) to Oriente station to reach Parque das Nações, Lisbon's modern district built for Expo '98. Visit the acclaimed Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe's largest aquariums. Take a ride on the Telecabine Lisboa cable car for aerial views of the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
Book tickets and tours: Parque
Afternoon: LX Factory's Creative Hub
From Parque das Nações, take public transport or a ride-share to Alcântara to discover LX Factory. This former industrial area has been transformed into a vibrant creative hub, featuring unique boutiques, art studios, co-working spaces, and a diverse range of restaurants and bars housed in renovated warehouses. Spend a few hours browsing the shops and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.
Book tickets and tours: LX Factory's Creative Hub
Evening: Dinner at LX Factory or Cais do Sodré
Enjoy dinner at one of LX Factory's many restaurants, offering everything from traditional Portuguese to international fusion cuisine. Alternatively, head to Cais do Sodré, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent dining options, including the famous Time Out Market Lisboa.
Day 5: A Fairytale Day Trip to Sintra
Morning: Pena Palace
Dedicate a full day to exploring Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its romantic 19th-century architecture. Take an early morning train from Rossio Station (approx. 40 minutes). Upon arrival, take a bus or taxi up to the colourful Pena Palace. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the palace and its extensive park. It's advisable to book entrance tickets online in advance to save time.
Afternoon: Quinta da Regaleira
After Pena Palace, head to Quinta da Regaleira, another enchanting estate with a mystical palace, chapel, and a park featuring lakes, grottoes, wells, and a famous initiation well. Allow 2-3 hours to wander through its magical grounds. You can have lunch in Sintra town, trying local pastries like Travesseiros or Queijadas de Sintra.
Evening: Return to Lisbon
Take the train back to Lisbon. For a relaxed evening, consider a quiet dinner in your neighbourhood or revisit a favourite spot from earlier in your trip.
Pro tip: Sintra can get very crowded, especially Pena Palace. Start your day early, book tickets online in advance, and consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for a more pleasant experience.
Day 6: Local Life, Art & More Miradouros
Morning: Estrela & Campo de Ourique
Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Estrela Basilica and the adjacent Estrela Garden, a peaceful green space perfect for a morning stroll. From here, walk or take a short tram ride (Tram 28E passes through here) to Campo de Ourique, a charming residential neighbourhood. Explore the Campo de Ourique Market, a smaller, more local version of the Time Out Market, offering fresh produce and food stalls.
Afternoon: Funiculars & Panoramic Views
Head back towards the city centre. Take the Ascensor da Glória funicular up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (which you may have visited on Day 3 but offers a different perspective on the way up). Continue your miradouro (viewpoint) tour by heading towards the Miradouro de São Roque or the Miradouro da Graça, both offering spectacular views, especially at sunset.
Evening: Authentic Dining
Explore dining options in the Graça or Intendente neighbourhoods, which are known for their authentic Portuguese restaurants and local atmosphere. This is a good opportunity to try dishes like Cozido à Portuguesa (a rich meat and vegetable stew) or fresh seafood.
Day 7: Mercado, Museums & Farewell Lisbon
Morning: Shopping or Museum Visit
Spend your final morning in Lisbon revisiting a favourite spot, doing some last-minute souvenir shopping in Baixa or Chiado, or visiting a specific museum that caught your interest. Options include the National Azulejo Museum (tile museum) or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
Afternoon: Time Out Market Lisboa
For lunch, head to the Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market Lisboa. This vibrant food hall features stalls from some of Lisbon's best chefs and restaurants, offering a wide variety of Portuguese and international cuisine. It's a great place to sample different dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final farewell dinner in one of Lisbon's charming neighbourhoods. Perhaps return to a restaurant you particularly enjoyed or try a new spot in Alfama, Chiado, or Príncipe Real to savour the city's culinary delights one last time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Lisbon
- Underestimating the hills: Lisbon is built on seven hills. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for inclines.
- Not validating public transport: Always tap your Viva Viagem card when entering the metro or boarding a bus/tram, even if the barrier is open.
- Trying to cram too much: Lisbon has a relaxed pace. Don't overschedule; allow time to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
- Only eating in tourist traps: Venture beyond the main squares for more authentic and often better-value dining experiences.
- Not booking Sintra tickets in advance: Popular attractions like Pena Palace can have long queues; pre-booking saves significant time.
Plan your trip
This 7 days in Lisbon itinerary offers a comprehensive guide to experiencing the city's best. To tailor this guide to your specific interests and travel style, build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with TripBuilder.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Lisbon?
Yes, 7 days is an ideal amount of time to explore Lisbon thoroughly, including its main districts and a popular day trip to Sintra. It allows for a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
What is the best way to get around Lisbon?
Lisbon has an excellent public transport system, including metro, trams, buses, and funiculars. Walking is essential for exploring the charming narrow streets, but be prepared for hills. Purchase a Viva Viagem card for convenience.
What are the must-try foods in Lisbon?
You must try Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts), Bacalhau (codfish prepared in many ways), grilled sardines, Bifana (pork sandwich), and Ginjinha (cherry liqueur). Explore local markets and tascas for authentic flavours.
Is Lisbon an expensive city to visit?
Compared to some other Western European capitals, Lisbon is generally considered more affordable. Accommodation prices vary, but food, public transport, and many attractions offer good value. A typical daily budget (excluding flights and accommodation) is £50-£100 approx.
What is the best time of year to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded than during the peak summer months, allowing for a more enjoyable exploration.
