Lisbon 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Neighborhood

  • Morning: Arrive at Portela Airport (LIS) and take a taxi or metro (Blue Line) to your accommodation. Check-in to your hotel in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe, street performers, and lively nightlife.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle), a medieval castle that sits atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills. Explore the castle walls, gardens, and take in the stunning views of the city.
  • Evening: Head to the nearby Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a picturesque viewpoint with beautiful gardens and a great spot for sunset. Enjoy dinner at Café Comércio (Rua do Comércio 3), a historic cafe that serves traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2: Historic Lisbon

  • Morning: Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 12th century. Take a short walk to the nearby Museu Colecção Berardo, a contemporary art museum with an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese art.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Alfama neighborhood, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, which features narrow streets, Fado music bars, and picturesque views of the Tagus River. Visit the Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church), a 17th-century church that now serves as a museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Belcanto (Restaurante Belcanto), a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an upscale dining experience.

Day 3: Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery

  • Morning: Visit the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 16th century. Take in the stunning architecture, beautiful cloisters, and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), a monument that commemorates the Age of Exploration. Visit the adjacent Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum), which features an impressive collection of maritime artifacts.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Casa do Leitão (Restaurante Casa do Leitão), a traditional restaurant that serves roasted suckling pig.

Day 4: Sintra and the Pena Palace

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Sintra, a beautiful town located about 30 minutes west of Lisbon. Visit the Pena Palace, a stunning palace that was built in the 19th century. Explore the palace’s unique architecture, beautiful gardens, and take in the breathtaking views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), a medieval castle that dates back to the 8th century. Take a short walk to the adjacent Parque da Pena, a beautiful park with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Evening: Return to Lisbon and enjoy dinner at A Cevadoura (Restaurante A Cevadoura), a traditional restaurant that serves grilled meats.

Day 5: Cascais and the Coast

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Cascais, a beautiful town located about 30 minutes west of Lisbon. Visit the Praia da Formosa, a stunning beach with clear waters and powdery sand.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Praia do Tamariz, another beautiful beach with stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Take a short walk to the adjacent Cascais Old Town, which features narrow streets, historic buildings, and a picturesque atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at O Farol (Restaurante O Farol), a traditional restaurant that serves grilled meats.

Day 6: Parque das Nações and the Oceanarium

  • Morning: Visit the Parque das Nações, a modern neighborhood located about 20 minutes east of Lisbon. Take in the stunning views, visit the Pavilhão Atlântico (Atlantico Pavilion), and explore the adjacent Luz ibérica sculpture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Oceanarium, an aquarium that features a stunning collection of marine life from around the world.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Oceanário, a seafood restaurant located near the aquarium.

Day 7: Last Day in Lisbon

  • Morning: Spend your last day in Lisbon exploring the city’s markets and shopping districts. Visit the Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio), a historic square that features beautiful architecture, street performers, and lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Take a short walk to the nearby Bairro Alto neighborhood, which features narrow streets, historic buildings, and a bohemian vibe.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Casa do Leitão (Restaurante Casa do Leitão), a traditional restaurant that serves roasted suckling pig.

Transportation:

Lisbon has an excellent public transportation system. The metro (Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow lines) is efficient and convenient, with trains running every 5-10 minutes during peak hours. Trams (Electric Tramways) are also a popular mode of transport, offering a scenic ride through the city’s historic neighborhoods.

Tips:

  • Lisbon is a hilly city, so be prepared for some walking and climbing stairs.
  • The best time to visit Lisbon is from September to November or from March to May, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
  • Don’t forget to try traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as bacalhau à brás (cod with potatoes and onions), frango grelhado (grilled chicken), and pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts).

Places to Visit:

  • Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle)
  • Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
  • Alfama neighborhood
  • Jeronimos Monastery
  • Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
  • Pena Palace in Sintra
  • Moorish Castle in Sintra
  • Cascais and its beaches

Places to Eat:

  • Cafe Comércio (Rua do Comércio 3)
  • Belcanto (Restaurante Belcanto) - 2 Michelin stars
  • Casa do Leitão (Restaurante Casa do Leitão) - traditional roasted suckling pig
  • A Cevadoura (Restaurante A Cevadoura) - grilled meats
  • O Farol (Restaurante O Farol) - traditional grilled meats

Accommodation:

Bairro Alto neighborhood has a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel Britania (Rua Luís de Camões 7)
  • Hotel Avenida Palace (Avenida da República 17-19)
  • Casa do Leitão Guesthouse (Rua do Leitão 14)

Things to Know:

  • Lisbon has a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer.
  • The city is divided into seven hills, which can make walking and climbing stairs challenging.
  • Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, seafood dishes, and traditional sweets.

More Information:

For more information on Lisbon, visit the official tourism website: www.visitportugal.com.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, beaches, and attractions. With its excellent public transportation system, Lisbon is easy to navigate, and this itinerary offers a mix of culture, history, and relaxation that will make your trip unforgettable. Enjoy your time in Lisbon!