Trip video
Full itinerary — 7 days
Arrival and Alfama
Arrive in the morning, drop your bags and head straight to Alfama. Climb to São Jorge Castle, wander the narrow streets and catch the first sunset over the Tagus from a miradouro. Dinner with live fado in Bairro Alto.
Belém
Take tram 15E to Belém. Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and — mandatory — the queue at Pastéis de Belém, worth every minute. In the afternoon, walk back along the Ribeira waterfront for sunset at the dock.
Day trip to Sintra
Direct train from Lisbon (40 min) to Sintra. Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Moorish Castle. Tip: arrive early — after 11am it gets crowded. Lunch in Sintra and return in the afternoon.
LX Factory and Chiado
Morning at LX Factory — a creative market with food, art and fashion. Afternoon in Chiado and Largo do Carmo. Evening: dinner at Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market), one of the world's best food markets.
Mouraria and Intendente
Less touristy neighbourhoods with much more soul. Mouraria Market, Portuguese ceramics and local life. In the afternoon, the National Tile Museum is unmissable — book tickets online.
Day trip to Cascais
Cascais line train (1h). Charming town with beaches, Portuguese pavements and seafood restaurants. Boca do Inferno at dusk. Return to Lisbon for a final special dinner.
Parque das Nações and departure
Morning at Parque das Nações — modern architecture, the Oceanarium (best in Europe) and views over the Tagus. Check-out and afternoon departure.
Personal tips
Transport
Buy a Viva Viagem card and load with a daily pass (€6.60). Covers metro, tram and buses. Tram 28 is beautiful but always packed — go early.
Where to eat
Avoid restaurants on Praça do Comércio — overpriced and mediocre. Go to tascas in Alfama or Mouraria. Time Out Market is great but go on a weeknight.
Where to stay
Chiado or Baixa Pombalina to be central. Alfama is charming but very touristy. Avoid hotels on Avenida da Liberdade — high prices with no practical advantage.
Budget
Average budget: €80–120/day including mid-range hotel, meals and transport. Lisbon is cheap by European standards — make the most of it.