Lisbon 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Lisbon Itinerary for Tourists

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of historical sites, modern experiences, delicious food, and local charm. It’s designed to be flexible and can be adjusted based on your interests and pace.

Day 1: Alfama & Fado Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive in Lisbon, check into your hotel/accommodation (see “Where to Stay” section for suggestions), and explore the charming cobblestone streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district.

    • Visit: São Jorge Castle for stunning views of the city.
    • Experience: Wander through the Alfama neighborhood, ride the iconic Tram 28, get lost in the maze-like streets and discover hidden plazas, traditional restaurants, and fado music venues.

  • Where to Stay: Alfama is a great choice for your first night. Consider staying at:

    • Hotel Lisboa Story Hotel: For a stylish stay with modern amenities in a historic setting.
    • Lisbon Pessoa Hotel: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Alfama, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary design.

  • Where to Eat:

    • Lunch: Indulge in fresh seafood at “Cervejaria Ramiro” (a bit pricey but worth it) or enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at “Restaurante Adega Machado.”
    • Dinner: Experience the magic of fado music at a local tavern like “Clube de Fado” in Alfama.

Day 2: Lisbon’s History & Culture

  • Experience: Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, two UNESCO World Heritage sites showcasing stunning architecture.
  • Learn: Explore the historical Alfama district, visit the National Pantheon, and discover the secrets of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
  • Eat:
    • Lunch: Taste traditional Portuguese cuisine at “Pastéis de Belém,” famous for its delicious pasteis de nata (custard tarts).
    • Dinner: Enjoy a “pastel de bacalhau” (cod cake) and a “bifana” sandwich at “Time Out Market Lisboa.”

Day 3: Alfama & Beyond

  • Explore: The Alfama district further, visiting the Alfama Museum and the charming streets near the river.
    • Experience: Take a walking tour of Lisbon’s street art scene.
    • Where to Eat:
      • Lunch: Indulge in a leisurely lunch at “Cervejaria Trinas,” a historic restaurant in the Alfama district.

Things to Know:

  • Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon, with narrow streets and historic buildings.
  • Transportation: Utilize Lisbon’s efficient public transportation system:
    • Metro: The easiest and most affordable way to get around the city.
    • Tram: A unique and charming experience, especially riding Tram 28 through Alfama’s historic streets.
    • Alfama Museum: Located in a converted 18th-century palace, this museum offers a glimpse into the history of Portuguese food culture.
  • Alfama:

Day 4: Exploring Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

Things to do:

  • Visit a “fado” club and experience the soulful sounds of this traditional music.
  • Take a cooking class and learn to make these iconic dishes.
  • Enjoy the local experience:
    • Explore the Alfama neighborhood and enjoy the views from the Santa Luzia viewpoint.
    • Wander through the historic streets of Alfama, listening for the sound of fado music.

Things to Know (cont.):

  • Alfama’s charm: The district’s history is intertwined with the city’s past, and you can see it in the cobblestone streets and the charming buildings.

  • Neighborhoods:

  • Day 4: Exploring Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

    • Belém: Explore the historic Belém neighborhood and enjoy a delicious “pastel de nata” (Portuguese custard tart) and a coffee at “Pastéis de Belém.”

  • Where to eat:

    • Cervejaria Ramiro: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch.
    • Dinner: Try a local restaurant in the Alfama area for dinner and savor the flavors of the city.

Day 5: Alfama’s Secrets & Sights

  • Morning: Visit the Museu do Azulejo, dedicated to the beautiful art of Portuguese tilework.

  • Afternoon: Explore the historical Alfama district.

  • Where to eat (Dinner):

    • Enjoy a “fado” dinner: Indulge in a traditional “pastel de nata” and a delicious meal at “Clube de Fado.”

Day 6: Lisbon’s Culture & History

  • Day: Explore the historic sites in Alfama.
  • Experience:
    • Learn about the history of Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, with its charming streets and traditional buildings.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Morning: Enjoy a final “pastel de nata” for breakfast from a cafe with fresh pastries.
  • Afternoon: Say goodbye to Lisbon and enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at “A Tasca do Chico” before you depart.

Things to Experience:

  • Food & Drink:

  • Traditional Food:

    • Explore the Alfama district: Discover hidden gems like “Restaurante Zé da Mouraria” for a taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine.

  • Fado Performance: Enjoy a “fado” dinner at one of the many restaurants in Lisbon that offer this unique musical experience.

Things to know:

  • Lisbon’s history: Learn about the history of the city and its connection to Portugal’s exploration past.

  • Food:

    • “Pastel de Nata” (pastel de nata) for a special treat: “Pastéis de Belém” are famous for their delicious pastries, but don’t forget that Lisbon is a foodie paradise with many other culinary delights.
    • “Bacalhau” (dried codfish): A staple in Portuguese cuisine.

  • Transportation:

  • Use your last day to explore the charming neighborhoods of Alfa, Lisbon’s historic center.

  • Take advantage of public transport options like:

  • Tram 28: This iconic tram line winds through the narrow streets and historic sites of Lisbon.

  • Local Markets: Enjoy a “pastel de bacalhau” (traditional Portuguese custard tart) at “Mercado da Ribeira,” a local market with a variety of food stalls, or “Feira da Ladra” for its unique atmosphere and charm.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the traditional architecture: Visit other markets in Lisbon:
    • Cisterna de São Francisco de Assis: This medieval cistern is an impressive example of Lisbon’s history, but it can be crowded.
  • Visit a museum: “The Museu do Azulejo” is a must-see for its fascinating collection of Portuguese tiles.

Things to Eat & Drink:

  • Enjoy the “Fado” experience: Many “fado” houses offer traditional Portuguese food and music, making it a great way to end your trip on a cultural note.
  • Explore other restaurants:

Where to Stay:

  • Stay in Lisbon: The Alfama neighborhood itself is a charming place to stay, with many historic hotels and guesthouses.

  • “Time Out Market Lisboa”: A popular spot for a “pastel de nata” and lunch. Enjoy the food and the atmosphere!

Other things you can do on your last day in Lisbon:

  • Take a final ride on Tram 28: Enjoy the historic charm of the tram line, but be prepared for crowds and potential delays.
  • Experience the vibrant “Alfama” neighborhood: Explore the charming streets and alleyways, discover hidden cafes.

Enjoy a variety of experiences: Lisbon has plenty to offer!

  • Explore the Alfama’s history: Visit historical landmarks like the “São Jorge Castle” and learn about its rich past.

  • Eat at a traditional restaurant: Enjoy delicious Portuguese food, such as “pastel de nata,” seafood dishes, or even a “bifana” (pork sandwich) before you leave.

  • Enjoy the " Alfa de Lisboa" experience: Lisbon’s history is interwoven with the city itself.

  • Explore the “Alfama” neighborhood:

  • Take a walk: Enjoy the sights and sounds of Lisbon.

Enjoy traditional Portuguese food:

  • “Pastel de Nata”: The iconic custard tart! Try one from a local bakery in the Alfama district.

  • “Coração de Lisboa”: This pastry shop is known for its “pastel de nata,” but don’t forget to try other delicious treats like “pastel de carne” (meat pie) or “bolo de bolacha” (biscuit cake).

  • Enjoy a traditional dish: Sample a “bifana” sandwich.

Other things to do:

  • Take a cooking class: Learn the secrets of Portuguese cuisine.
  • Visit the “Mercado da Ribeira” and enjoy the local flavors.
  • Enjoy a final meal at a traditional restaurant: A delicious way to celebrate!

Enjoy a variety of experiences:

  • Enjoy the unique experience of Lisbon’s nightlife.

Stay in a “fado” house: For a truly authentic “Lisbon” experience, stay in a charming guesthouse and soak up the atmosphere.

Enjoy the local charm: Explore the " Alfama" neighborhood, a “must-visit” for its historical architecture.

  • Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal: Try a delicious “petisco” (small plates) restaurant.