Portugal 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Portugal Itinerary: A Taste of History, Culture, & Beauty

This itinerary focuses on Lisbon and its surroundings, offering a blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and iconic Portuguese experiences.

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon & Explore Alfama

  • Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take the Aerobus (€4) or a taxi (€15-20) to your accommodation in Lisbon.
  • Things to know:
    • The Aerobus is a convenient and affordable option for reaching Lisbon city center from the airport.
    • Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, offers charming cobblestone streets, traditional Fado music venues, and stunning views from its hillside perch.

Day 2: Alfama Charm & Delicious Dinner

  • Morning: Wander through Alfama’s labyrinthine alleys, soak in the history of its narrow streets and colorful buildings. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the Castelo de São Jorge (Lisbon Castle), and enjoy a traditional Portuguese breakfast at a local café.
  • Afternoon: Explore Alfama further by visiting the Museu do Fado (Fado Museum) for an insightful look into this melancholic musical genre, or take a ride on the historic Tram 28 to experience the city like a local.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Alfama while listening to live Fado music.

Day 3: Sintra’s Fairytales & Coastal Views

  • Day trip: Travel to Sintra by train (40-minute ride from Lisbon).
  • Explore: Visit the Pena Palace, a whimsical palace perched atop a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding town. Explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious estate filled with underground tunnels, grottos, and hidden symbolism.

Day 4: Oceanic Delights & Nightlife Exploration

  • Morning: Discover the historic charm of Sintra’s charming villages, like the colorful village of Sintra itself or the Moorish architecture of the Pena Palace.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town with beautiful beaches and a charming old town.
  • Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon by exploring the Bairro Alto district.

Day 5: Art & History in Lisbon

  • Explore: Visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art) to see masterpieces from Portuguese artists.
  • Enjoy: Explore the Jerónimos Monastery, a breathtaking example of Manueline architecture.
  • Things to know:
    • Sintra is easily accessible by public transport and offers many opportunities for exploring the surrounding areas.

Day 5: Oceanic Delights & Nightlife Exploration

  • Cascais offers stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife scene, and charming restaurants along the coast.
  • Transportation: Train from Cascais back to Lisbon.

Day 6: Taste the Sea

  • Enjoy: Explore the Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) in Lisbon and experience its unique atmosphere with fresh seafood stalls and local vendors selling delicious Portuguese treats.

Day 7: Departing Lisbon

  • Transportation: A taxi to the airport is usually the most convenient option for a comfortable departure.

Transportation Tips:

  • Lisbon Metro: Efficient and affordable, it connects many key attractions within the city. Consider purchasing a “Viva Viagem” card for easy access.
  • Bus & Train: For exploring beyond Lisbon, there’s an extensive bus and train network. Purchase tickets online or at stations for smoother travel.

Things to Know:

  • Visa: Citizens of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Agreement countries can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days. For citizens of other countries, a visa may be required depending on your purpose of stay. Check https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/ for details based on your nationality.

  • Transportation:

    • Purchase the “Lisboa Card” for unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions within a certain timeframe.
    • Consider using public transportation to explore different parts of Portugal. The Lisbon Metro is well-connected, and there are also extensive bus and train networks that can take you to most destinations in and around the city.

  • Currency: The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).

Other Tips:

  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Things to Know About the Euro:

  • Portugal uses the Euro (€) as its currency.

  • The Euro (€) is used in all 19 countries that are part of the Eurozone.

  • Currency Exchange: If you need to exchange currency, “Viva Viagem” cards can be purchased and used for payment on public transport.

Things to Know About Transportation:

  • Lisbon Metro:

    • The Lisboa Card offers discounts and free travel on the Lisboa Card.
    • Purchase a single ticket or a multi-day pass for cheaper fares.

  • Transportation Cards:

    • Single tickets are available at metro stations and can be purchased with a “Viva Viagem” card, which is a rechargeable card that allows you to use public transportation in Lisbon (€50 for a 10-trip pass)
    • Consider using the Lisboa Card, which offers discounts on public transport.

Things to note:

  • Visa requirements for visiting Portugal vary depending on your nationality. You can check the specific requirements for your country at [https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/](https://www.

www.schengenvisainfo.com/

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  • For most tourist attractions, you’ll be able to purchase tickets online or at the attraction itself.

  • Buy:

    • Transportation: You can buy tickets for the train from the ticket machines or counters at the station.

  • Travel Time: Consider visiting the “Oceanário de Lisboa” (Lisbon Aquarium) and enjoying a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants afterwards.