7 Days in Lisbon: My Perfect Week Itinerary (+ What I Wish I’d Known)

Hey there, Lisbon lovers! Planning 7 days in Lisbon? You’re about to fall head over heels for this incredible Portuguese capital. I still remember my first morning exploring 7 days in Lisbon – watching the golden sunlight paint the iconic yellow trams and terracotta rooftops while sipping the smoothest espresso I’ve ever tasted. From that moment, I knew this city had completely stolen my heart.

After spending a full week wandering through charming neighborhoods, feasting on incredible seafood, and discovering hidden azulejo-tiled alleyways, I’ve created the perfect 7-day Lisbon itinerary that’ll help you experience the best of this magical city without feeling overwhelmed. This 7 days in Lisbon guide covers everything from historic viewpoints to trendy nightlife, local food markets to authentic fado music – basically, everything you need for an absolutely unforgettable week.

Why 7 Days in Lisbon is the Perfect Trip Length

Lisbon might be smaller than some European capitals, but 7 days in Lisbon gives you the perfect balance between exploring and truly experiencing the local culture. Unlike a rushed weekend getaway, this 7 days in Lisbon itinerary allows you time to wander aimlessly through winding streets, linger over meals with wine-fueled conversations, and actually connect with this enchanting city. You’ll have enough time to explore the major neighborhoods, take day trips, and still have downtime to just… exist in Lisbon’s magic.

Before We Dive In: Essential Lisbon Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Lisbon: April-May and September-October are absolute perfection for 7 days in Lisbon – warm weather (18-25°C), fewer crowds than summer, and those perfect Instagram-worthy golden hour moments. (Check the Lisbon Tourism Board’s official website for seasonal events).

Getting Around: The tram network is iconic but confusing at first. Buy a Viva Viagem card for unlimited 7-day travel across trams, buses, and metro – it’ll save you money and stress.

Where to Stay: Alfama for historic charm, Príncipe Real for hipster vibes, or Belém for cultural attractions. Each neighborhood offers a completely different 7 days in Lisbon experience. (Browse options on Booking.com or Hostelworld).

Day 1: Alfama & Viewpoints – The Heart of Historic Lisbon

Start your 7 days in Lisbon in Alfama, the oldest neighborhood, where narrow medieval streets twist between ancient buildings and the city reveals its true personality.

Morning: Castelo de São Jorge & Sunrise Views

Arrive early at São Jorge Castle before the crowds. The views over 7 days in Lisbon territory are stunning – you can see clear to the Tagus River and Cristo Rei statue across the water. This 11th-century Moorish castle offers a complete sense of Lisbon’s layered history.

Afternoon: Alfama Street Wandering

Get completely lost in Alfama’s labyrinthine streets. This is where the magic happens. Street art covers walls, laundry hangs between buildings, and locals chat from wrought-iron balconies. Stop at a tiny tascas (traditional restaurant) for authentic Portuguese food that tourists rarely find.

Evening: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

This viewpoint is where locals come to watch sunset. The view of São Jorge Castle illuminated against the twilight sky is absolutely breathtaking. Bring wine and snacks for a proper Portuguese evening.

Where to Stay: Memmo Alfama Hotel for luxury, or the charming Calma Blanca Boutique for mid-range.

Day 2: Belém & Pastéis de Nata – Cultural Treasures

Today’s all about Belém, where 7 days in Lisbon meets incredible museums, historic monuments, and those famous custard tarts you’ve been dreaming about.

Morning: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

This UNESCO World Heritage monastery is absolutely jaw-dropping. The Manueline architecture is so ornate it feels almost surreal. Spend at least 2 hours wandering the cloisters and taking in the history. The peaceful gardens provide a perfect escape from the city buzz.

Late Morning: Pastéis de Nata Pilgrimage

Head to Pastéis de Belém (the original bakery since 1837) for those legendary custard tarts. Yes, tourists flock here, but it’s worth it. Eat them warm with a glass of Portuguese wine – this is a sacred 7 days in Lisbon tradition.

Afternoon: Museu de Arte Popular & Museu Colecção Berardo

Choose based on your vibe. The Folk Art Museum showcases traditional Portuguese craftsmanship, while the Contemporary Art Museum features modern works. Both offer incredible insights into Portuguese culture.

Late Afternoon: Torre de Belém

This iconic 16th-century tower juts into the Tagus River like something from a fairy tale. Entry is €6, but honestly, the exterior shots are equally stunning if you’re budget-conscious.

Insider tip: Skip Pastéis de Belém’s tourist-packed main counter and order at the café section – same pastries, shorter wait!

Day 3: Príncipe Real & Nightlife – Modern Lisbon Vibes

After two days of history, it’s time to experience trendy, colorful 7 days in Lisbon in the bohemian heart of Príncipe Real.

Morning: Livraria Ler Devagar

This is the most beautiful bookstore you’ll ever see – literally housed inside a vintage train car. Even if you don’t buy anything, the atmosphere is magical. Grab coffee and just… sit for a while.

Midday: Príncipe Real Street Scene

This is where Lisbon’s LGBTQ+ scene thrives, but it’s welcoming to everyone. Rainbow flags, artistic murals, vintage shops, and hipster cafés create this wonderfully vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect antidote to touristy Alfama.

Afternoon: Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Portugal’s premier art museum with works by Portuguese masters and international artists. The collection is impressive, and the building itself (a 17th-century palace) is spectacular.

Evening: Sunset at Miradouro da Rosa

This tiny viewpoint is local-packed and absolutely perfect. Watch the city transform from golden to purple to night while sipping wine and eating local cheese.

Night: Fado Experience

Catch an authentic fado performance at a traditional restaurant. Look for spots in Alfama rather than touristy Príncipe Real – locals know the real deal. Fado is deeply emotional Portuguese folk music about love, loss, and fate (literally – fado means “destiny”). (The Visit Lisboa site has a great guide to authentic Fado houses).

Pro tip: Book dinner and fado combo rather than just the show – much better value!

Day 4: Sintra Day Trip – Fairytale Portugal

Take a day trip to Sintra (40 minutes from Lisbon by train – €11.40 return) for one of Portugal’s most magical experiences. This day is separate from your 7 days in Lisbon proper, but it’s absolutely essential. (Check train times on the Comboios de Portugal website).

Morning: Palácio da Pena

Perched on a hilltop like a Disney castle, this 19th-century palace is surreal. The interior is a mix of Portuguese, Islamic, and European influences. The views of Lisbon in the distance are incredible.

Midday: Quinta da Regaleira

This mysterious estate is absolutely enchanting. Hidden grottos, initiation wells, and ornate gardens create this magical labyrinth feel. The Secret Well is Instagram gold, but it’s genuinely mysterious and beautiful.

Afternoon: Sintra Village

Explore charming Sintra village with its winding cobbled streets. Stop at any of the tiny restaurants for fresh rabbit stew (conelho guisado) – it’s the specialty here.

Evening: Return to Lisbon

Head back before dinner to explore more of 7 days in Lisbon nightlife or relax at your accommodation.

Budget hack: Skip Palácio Nacional de Sintra (tourists trap) and spend extra time at Quinta da Regaleira instead.

Day 5: Food Markets & Local Experiences – Authentic Lisbon

Today’s all about connecting with Lisbon’s food culture and experiencing life like a local.

Morning: Time Out Market

This is an upscale food hall featuring Portugal’s best chefs in one place. It’s touristy but genuinely excellent. Sample bacalhau à Brás, sardines, and petiscos while watching chefs work their magic.

Mid-Morning: Ribeira Market

For authentic 7 days in Lisbon food experience, head to this working fish market. It’s chaotic, smelly, and absolutely real. Watch fishmongers sell fresh catch, buy ingredients, and soak in genuine local energy.

Afternoon: Streaming Cinema or Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia (MAAT)

Weather dependent – the MAAT is a stunning riverside museum if conditions allow, or catch an indie film at a local cinema if it’s rainy.

Evening: Dinner in Graça

This hillside neighborhood is where locals actually live. It’s less touristy than Alfama but equally charming. Try any small restaurant and you’ll eat better for less money than Príncipe Real.

Late Evening: Fado in a Traditional Tasca

This is completely different from the dinner-show fado experience. Find a tiny traditional restaurant where locals gather, and someone might spontaneously start singing fado. This is real Lisbon.

Day 6: Coastal Escape – Beaches & Fresh Air

Take a break from the city and explore Lisbon’s incredible coastline.

Morning: Train to Costa da Caparica

Board the train from Cais do Sodré (€1.20) for the coast. This charming fishing village has 30km of beaches, and Lisbon locals flock here on weekends.

Midday: Beach Time

Pick a beach based on vibe – first beaches near the village are more family-friendly, southern beaches are quieter. Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy being away from city crowds for a bit.

Afternoon: Seafood Lunch

Any beachfront restaurant will serve fresh grilled fish. Order whatever they recommend – you literally can’t go wrong. The simplicity is perfection.

Late Afternoon: Beach Exploration

Walk along the coast, explore rock formations, or just relax with a cold beer watching the Atlantic.

Evening: Return to Lisbon

Take the train back (€1.20) and enjoy a quiet evening recovering from city exploration.

Alternative: Skip Costa da Caparica for Cascais (30 minutes by train, €2.15) for a more upscale seaside town with charming promenades and excellent seafood.

Day 7: Hidden Gems & Final Lisbon Moments

Your last day of 7 days in Lisbon should be about revisiting favorites and discovering final hidden corners.

Morning: Azulejo Tile Tour

Portuguese azulejos (hand-painted tiles) are absolutely beautiful. Visit Chiado’s steep streets, which are completely covered in street art and tiles. The Convento do Carmo also features stunning tile work. (Learn more about their history at the National Tile Museum).

Midday: Last Tasca Meal

Find a tiny traditional restaurant you haven’t visited yet and have one final authentic Portuguese meal. Order sardines, caldo verde (kale soup), and whatever wine the waiter recommends.

Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping

Best buys:

• Azulejo tiles and plates
• Portuguese wine and fortified wines
• Cork products (Portugal produces 50% of world’s cork!)
• Sardine tins (yes, really – they’re beautiful and make great gifts)
• Hand-knitted wool sweaters

Late Afternoon: Sunset Ritual

Find your favorite viewpoint from the week (Miradouro da Rosa, São Jorge, or Graça) and watch Lisbon’s golden hour one final time. Take in the view and reflect on your 7 days in Lisbon adventure.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

Choose somewhere special. My recommendation: Restaurante Eleven offers Michelin-starred food with incredible city views, or stick with a beloved tasca you discovered earlier.

Making the Most of Your 7 Days in Lisbon

This 7 days in Lisbon itinerary is designed to balance major attractions with authentic local experiences. The key to success is embracing Lisbon’s slower pace – Lisbon rewards wandering, lingering, and getting delightfully lost in neighborhoods.

7 Days in Lisbon Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Budget: €400-550 (hostels, local eateries, some paid attractions)
Mid-range: €650-950 (3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, most attractions)
Luxury: €1,200+ (4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private tours)

Transportation Tips:

• Viva Viagem Card: €40 for 7 days unlimited travel
• Individual tickets: €1.20-2 per ride
• Tram 28: The most iconic route – hop on for sightseeing
• Metro: Fastest for longer distances

Practical Lisbon Travel Tips:

• Portuguese spoken everywhere: English widely understood but effort appreciated
• Tipping: 5-10% is standard, often included in bill
• Siesta culture: Many shops close 1-4 PM
• Pedestrian etiquette: Alfama’s streets are narrow – locals have right of way
• Weather: Always bring a light jacket – coastal breeze can be chilly

The Verdict: Is 7 Days in Lisbon Enough?

Honestly? Seven days in Lisbon gives you a genuinely complete experience of this incredible city. You’ll hit major attractions, discover hidden neighborhoods, connect with locals, and fall madly in love. Unlike some cities where a week feels rushed, 7 days in Lisbon feels perfectly balanced.

This 7 days in Lisbon itinerary will give you memories to last a lifetime. From morning espresso in Alfama to sunset fado experiences, from fresh grilled fish overlooking the Atlantic to discovering an ancient monastery built by monks centuries ago – this week captures everything that makes Lisbon so utterly magical and captivating.

Lisbon surprised me in the best possible way. I expected pretty tiles and scenic viewpoints, but I found so much more – genuinely warm locals, world-class food at local prices, neighborhoods with genuine soul, and a city that moves to its own beautiful rhythm. It’s the kind of destination that feels both timeless and contemporary, ancient and vibrant.

Ready to Book Your Lisbon Adventure?

If this itinerary has you dreaming of golden trams, azulejo tiles, and Portuguese custard tarts, it’s time to make it happen! Lisbon is incredibly accessible from across Europe and offers the perfect week-long European adventure.

Ready to find your flights? Use my flight search tool on the homepage to compare prices and find the best deals to Lisbon. I’ve helped thousands of travelers save money on their flights – let me help you too! (You can also check Skyscanner or Google Flights).

Once you’ve booked your flights, grab my free Lisbon packing checklist and budget planner to make sure you’re fully prepared for your adventure.

Have you been to Lisbon before, or will this be your first visit? I’d love to hear about your travel plans or answer any questions about planning your perfect Lisbon week in the comments below!

This 7 days in Lisbon itinerary will give you memories to last a lifetime!