How to Spend the Perfect Week in Lisbon, Portugal: A Guide for First-Timers

Mar 11

Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly capital, is a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. From its narrow, cobbled streets to its vibrant nightlife, Lisbon is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and seaside views. This guide will help you plan the perfect week in Lisbon, making the most of your time while staying on budget.

Day 1: Arriving in Lisbon and Exploring Alfama

Start your journey by exploring Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Alfama's narrow streets are filled with charming cafes, colorful houses, and historic landmarks. Begin at the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), a Romanesque gem dating back to 1147. Entrance is free, but you can visit the cloisters for €2.50. Take a tram ride on Tram 28, a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks. The fare is €3.00 per trip, or you can get a Lisbon Card for €21.00 (24 hours), which includes unlimited public transport and discounts at many attractions.

Day 2: Discovering Belém’s Historic Treasures

Head to Belém, a district known for its monuments and delicious pastries. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is €10, or free with the Lisbon Card. Nearby, the Belém Tower, another iconic symbol of the city, is also worth visiting (€6). Don’t leave Belém without trying the famous Pastéis de Belém, custard tarts that have been baked at this pastry shop since 1837. One tart costs €1.30, and it’s worth every bite!

Day 3: A Day at the Museums

Lisbon is home to some world-class museums. Start at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, which celebrates Portugal's long history of tile-making. Entry is €5, or free with the Lisbon Card. For contemporary art lovers, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) is a great choice, with an admission price of €9. Alternatively, if you’re interested in maritime history, the Maritime Museum in Belém (€6) showcases Portugal’s naval past, including impressive models of historic ships.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a day trip to Sintra, just 40 minutes away by train (€2.30 each way). This fairy-tale town is known for its palaces and lush landscapes. Visit Pena Palace, a colorful, hilltop palace that looks like it came out of a storybook. Admission is €14 for the palace and park. After Pena Palace, explore the Quinta da Regaleira (€10), a gothic mansion with mysterious gardens, or Moorish Castle (€8), an ancient fort with stunning views of the region.

Day 5: Beaches of Cascais

After all that sightseeing, take a break and head to the beaches of Cascais, about a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon (€2.25 each way). Cascais is known for its stunning coastline, charming town center, and relaxed vibe. Spend the day soaking up the sun at Praia da Conceição or Praia da Rainha—both free to visit. After the beach, wander the town's streets and stop for a seafood lunch at Mar do Inferno, a local favorite. Expect to pay around €20-30 per person for fresh seafood dishes.

Day 6: Exploring the Bairro Alto and Chiado

Today, explore the Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. Start in Chiado, where you can visit the famous Café A Brasileira—once frequented by the poet Fernando Pessoa. A coffee here will cost around €3.

Afterward, head up to Bairro Alto, known for its lively nightlife. By day, it’s a quiet area full of small shops and cafes. For lunch, stop by Time Out Market, a gourmet food hall where you can sample dishes from Lisbon’s top chefs. Prices vary, but expect to pay around €12-20 for a meal. In the evening, enjoy fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music. Many bars in Bairro Alto offer live performances with no entry fee, though it's customary to order drinks (around €5-7).

Day 7: Shopping and Views at Parque Eduardo VII

Spend your last day shopping and relaxing. Head to Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s main shopping street, where you’ll find everything from high-end stores to local boutiques. For a final panoramic view of the city, visit Parque Eduardo VII. From the top of this park, you’ll have a beautiful view of the city, stretching all the way to the Tagus River.