Lisbon Itinerary for 7 Days: A First-Timer Plan with Day Trips

Written and fact-checked by the Yalla Travel editorial team

What is the best Lisbon itinerary for 7 days?

The best Lisbon itinerary for 7 days covers the central districts in the first two days, Belém on day 3, Sintra on day 4, Cascais and the coast on day 5, modern Lisbon on day 6 and a flexible final day. Grouping sights by district keeps the hills and transfers manageable.

Seven days leaves room for a slow morning or a rainy-day swap. Sintra works best on a weekday, so move it if day 4 lands on a weekend.

What should you do each day in Lisbon?

Each day below is a compact district route with lunch and rest built in.

Days 1 and 2: the old center

1. Day 1 morning: Praça do Comércio and the Arco da Rua Augusta, then walk up Rua Augusta in Baixa.
2. Day 1 afternoon: Santa Justa Lift, Carmo Convent ruins and the Chiado cafés. Sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto.
3. Day 2 morning: Sé Cathedral, then the walk up through Alfama to Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol.
4. Day 2 afternoon: São Jorge Castle, then Graça and Miradouro da Graça for sunset.

Tram 28 passes through Baixa, Alfama and Graça, but it is crowded all day. Riding from the Martim Moniz end early in the morning is the least crowded option.

Day 3: Belém

Belém is the riverside district west of the center, reached by train from Cais do Sodré in about 7 minutes or by tram 15E.

• Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Belém Tower on the Tagus River
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the riverside promenade
• MAAT or the Coach Museum for indoor time

Day 4: Sintra

Sintra is a hill town about 25 km northwest of Lisbon, reached by CP train from Rossio station in about 40 minutes, with trains running every 15–20 minutes at most times.

1. Take an early train from Rossio to Sintra.
2. Pick two or three sights: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle are the most popular.
3. Use bus 434 between the station, the old town and the hilltop sites, or walk the old town in between.
4. Return to Lisbon by train in the late afternoon.

Days 5 to 7: coast, modern Lisbon and a flexible day

• Day 5: Train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais (about 40 minutes), then Boca do Inferno; bus 403 links Cascais with Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
• Day 6: Metro to Oriente station for Parque das Nações, the Oceanário (one of Europe's largest aquariums) and the Tagus waterfront.
• Day 7: Estrela Basilica, Jardim da Estrela, Príncipe Real, LX Factory, and a final meal at the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré.

Alternatives for day 7 include the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas for the Cristo Rei statue, or a day trip to Évora, Óbidos or the Arrábida coast.

Where should you stay in Lisbon for 7 days?

Baixa and Chiado are the most convenient bases for a first week, because metro lines, trams and train stations are within walking distance. Other districts suit different priorities.

Hotels near the Rossio and Cais do Sodré stations simplify the Sintra and Cascais days. Families with strollers should avoid staying on the steepest slopes of Alfama and Bairro Alto.

Which day trips from Lisbon are worth it?

Sintra and Cascais are the two day trips most worth the time, and each fills a day when done properly. Both are reachable by regular CP trains.

Combining Sintra and Cascais in one day means skipping most palace interiors. Separate days give each a fair look, which is why the plan above uses days 4 and 5.

How do you get around Lisbon and buy tickets?

Lisbon is covered by metro, trams, buses, commuter trains and ferries, all payable with a rechargeable Viva Viagem card or an equivalent contactless method. Check current fares on the Carris, Metro Lisboa and CP websites.

1. Buy a Viva Viagem card at a metro station machine.
2. Load it with zapping credit or a 24-hour pass, depending on how many trips are planned.
3. Tap in at every metro gate, bus and tram.
4. For Sintra and Cascais, check whether the pass covers the CP lines.

• Pre-book Pena Palace and Belém Tower entry online during busy periods.
• Wear shoes with grip: many streets are cobbled and steep.
• In July and August, schedule museums and cafés for the midday heat.

How do you get to Lisbon from Israel and what are the entry rules?

Lisbon is roughly 5 hours by air from Tel Aviv, and nonstop service has been offered by Israeli and Portuguese carriers at different times, so check current schedules before booking. Connections via other European hubs are also common.

• Portugal is in the Schengen Area; Israeli passport holders have been able to visit visa-free for short stays.
• The EU's new ETIAS authorization may apply; confirm status on the official EU website.
• Check the Israeli National Security Council and Foreign Ministry travel advisories before departure.

Payments by card are widely accepted, and the local currency is the euro.

What about kosher food and Shabbat in Lisbon?

Lisbon has an organized Jewish community and a Chabad presence, which are the best sources for current kosher food and Shabbat services. Contact them before the trip, since availability changes.

• Pack shelf-stable snacks for Sintra and Cascais days.
• Confirm Shabbat candle-lighting times for the travel dates.
• Choose accommodation within walking distance of a synagogue if Shabbat observance matters.

Is Lisbon 7 days with kids different?

Yes, a Lisbon trip with kids works better with one major outing a day and a longer midday break. Replace the steepest walks with trams, lifts and places with open space.

• The Oceanário in Parque das Nações is the top indoor family stop.
• The Santa Justa Lift and Elevador da Bica save on climbing.
• Belém has wide pavements, and pastéis de nata are a quick treat.
• At Sintra, choose one palace and use bus 434 for the hill.
• Cascais beaches suit a relaxed summer day.