The Ultimate 7-Day Lisbon Itinerary for Families
A Basecamp Adventure of Palaces, Coastlines, Surf, Dolphins, and Wine in Portugal
Lisbon isn’t just a city to visit. It’s one of Europe’s best basecamps for families.
Spend a few days here and the pattern becomes clear. From a single hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, you can take easy day trips from Lisbon to fairytale palaces in Sintra, Atlantic coastlines with dolphin sightings, beginner-friendly surf beaches, medieval towns frozen in time, and vineyard lunches that stretch comfortably into the afternoon. The hills and viewpoints pull you in first, but the real magic is how effortlessly Lisbon opens outward.
That’s why this 7-day Lisbon itinerary is designed for families and multigenerational travelers who want adventure, variety, and memorable experiences, without changing hotels, renting a car, or overplanning every hour.
You unpack once. Explore widely, Let the city do the work.
Where to Stay in Lisbon (Your Basecamp Matters)
Choosing the right neighborhood makes everything easier, especially with kids in the mix.
Baixa: Central, Flat, and Easy
Best for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere and simplify logistics.
Recommended hotels:
My Story Hotel Figueira– Comfortable, central, and family-friendly
Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel – Excellent service, spacious rooms, and a calm feel despite the location
Avenida da Liberdade / Marquês: Space and Calm
Ideal for families who appreciate quieter nights, larger rooms, wide flat sidewalks and easy transportation access.
Recommended hotels:
The One Palácio da Anunciada – Historic palace setting with modern comfort, just off the Liberdade
EPIC SANA Lisboa – Pool, large rooms, and polished service
BessaHotel Liberdade – Practical, comfortable, and well-located with an indoor pool
Príncipe Real: Character and Local Energy
Perfect for travelers who enjoy neighborhood life, great food, and boutique style.
Recommended hotels:
Memmo Príncipe Real – Incredible views and a sleek design, good for those who don’t mind a longer walk or are willing to take transportation to major sights.
The Vintage Hotel & Spa – Relaxed, stylish, and well-suited for longer stays. Nestled nicely between the Liberdade and Principe Real with easy access to both.
The 7-Day Lisbon Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival Day
Most flights from the US arrive in Lisbon in the morning or early afternoon, which actually works in your favor. If time allows, plan a short walking tour or an amphibious vehicle tour to get a quick lay of the land and stretch your legs after the flight. It’s a simple way to stay awake, see the city right away, and build excitement before dinner and an early night. One of the easiest ways to beat jet lag is to adjust to local time immediately, getting out and moving helps everyone stay energized and ready for the days ahead.
Amphibious Vehicle Tour of Lisbon (Hippo Boat Tour) - Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through Lisbon that blends history, culture, and plenty of fun. This 90-minute adventure takes you from the lively streets of the city straight into the waters of the Tagus River—all aboard a comfortable amphibious vehicle.
👉 Optional guided walking tours:
Day 1: Lisbon on Foot
Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Castle Views
Start with a hearty hotel breakfast. Today is about learning how Lisbon moves.
Begin at Cais do Sodré, then walk into Baixa, where the flat streets make orientation easy and confidence comes quickly.
From Baixa, drift uphill into Chiado, stopping when something catches your eye. Cafés, shops, bookshops, and tiled façades invite slow wandering.
Next comes Alfama. This is where Lisbon feels oldest and most personal. Walk through Alfama’s narrow streets and stop at the Sé, Lisbon’s oldest cathedral, before continuing uphill toward the castle. When legs start to complain, stop for a gelado or cold drink and reset.
Finish the climb at Castelo de São Jorge. Walk the walls, take photos, and let the city spread out below you. If lines are long skip the tour, there are plenty of expansive viewpoints along the way or book a guided tour to limit wait times.
👉 Book castle tickets in advance
Wander back downhill on a different route for dinner near your hotel.
Day 2: Belém
Monuments, Museums, and Riverside Energy
Eat well this morning and head west to Belém.
Start by photographing Jerónimos Monastery from the outside. If you want to go inside, arrive 15 minutes before opening or return after 3:00 pm, when tour buses typically leave. Long line? Skip it and keep moving.
👉 Reserve monastery tickets if visiting inside
For something lighthearted, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the park. It’s playful, memorable, and surprisingly popular with kids and adults alike.
Skip a sit-down lunch and grab a pastel de nata at Manteigaria. The line moves faster and, in our opinion, the pastry is better than at Pastéis de Belém. Sugar counts as fuel. From there, walk over to the monastery park playground and let the kids burn off energy while you enjoy your pastry with a cold drink. Nearby carts sell everything from water to Aperol spritz, so no one goes thirsty.
Choose one museum based on interest:
Maritime Museum
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
National Museum of Archaeology
Depending on how you plan your days, the Lisboa Card can be worth it. If you group activities and visit several major sights over a short period, it can save both time and money. Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass
If time and energy allow, Uber to Ajuda Palace for a quieter royal stop before heading back.
Day 3: Sintra Day Trip
Fairytale Palaces, Done Smart
This is the most popular day trip from Lisbon and the one that benefits most from timing.
Visit Pena Palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid mid-morning and early afternoon when crowds peak.
👉 Book early or late Pena Palace tickets or tours - for guided tours make sure they include a timed ticket to the interior of the Palaces.
Guided Tour with Transportation and Tickets - Sintra, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira from Lisbon
Self-Guided Tour Tickets - Pena Palace
If early Pena Palace tours are full, flip the plan:
Start at Quinta da Regaleira, or
Monserrate Palace
Both are calmer in the morning and excellent for families. Do not skip the Pena Palace gardens. Forest paths, cooler air, and space to roam are what turn Sintra into an adventure. Bring snacks and water and pace yourselves. This is a full day. but one of the most memorable if done right.
Day 4: Lisbon by Foot
Neighborhoods and Everyday Life
This is a reset day.
Choose one neighborhood and explore deeply. Wander side streets, browse small shops, and enjoy everyday Lisbon moments. Stop for pastries or juice when energy dips. Choose one museum or viewpoint if it feels right. If local shopping is your priority, spend the afternoon in Príncipe Real. If you’re traveling with aquarium fans, head to Parque das Nações and visit the Oceanário de Lisboa for an easy, crowd-pleasing outing
Dinner stays easy and close to your hotel.
Day 5: Cascais Coast
Dolphins, Cobblestones, and Sea Air
Travel by train to Cascais (about 30-45 min).
Start the day with a RIB boat dolphin tour. Sightings are almost guaranteed, with large dolphin pods swimming and jumping alongside the boat. The fast ride back to Cascais Marina is exhilarating. The guides are amazing and the dolphins bring the energy. By far one of the best outdoor experiences in Portugal.
Morning tours offer calmer seas. Take seasickness medication if needed.
Back on land, explore Cascais on foot. Walk cobblestoned streets, browse souvenir shops, visit the Cidadela de Cascais, and relax by the water.
Day 6: Surf and Wine
Atlantic Energy Meets Vineyards
Surf the Atlantic in the morning, sip wine in the vineyards by afternoon. This full-day experience pairs a beginner-friendly surf lesson on the Lisbon coast with a relaxed wine tasting and lunch in Azeitão, offering one of the most rewarding contrasts in Portugal, ocean energy followed by countryside calm.
If surfing isn’t your thing, head to Arrábida Natural Park, one of Portugal’s most beautiful natural regions. Expect dramatic views where mountains meet the sea, quiet villages, and historic landmarks. Pause in a sunlit fishing village for local seafood, then finish the day in Azeitão with a relaxed wine tasting at a top local producer. It’s an easy, scenic alternative that balances nature, culture, and food.
👉 Book wine tours and tastings
Day 7: Choose Your Own Finale
End the week with one final adventure of your choosing.
Évora
A UNESCO-listed city with Roman history, wide squares, and easy walking. Évora is an easy 1 hour 30 min trip by train or transport from Lisbon.
👉 Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon
Óbidos
A compact medieval town with stone walls, narrow streets, and storybook charm. Pair it with a trip to Nazare to see the big waves.
👉 Fátima, Óbidos & Nazaré Exploration
Why This Lisbon Itinerary Works
One hotel for the entire stay
Active mornings, flexible afternoons
Snacks instead of rigid meal schedules
Easy day trips without a car
Perfect for families and multigenerational travel
Final Thoughts
Lisbon works best when you let it be more than a city stop.
Use it as a basecamp. Stay in one place. Eat well in the mornings. Move with purpose, but leave room for detours, gelato stops, and moments that weren’t on the plan. From palaces and coastlines to surf sessions, dolphin sightings, and vineyard lunches, this itinerary is built to keep the days full without making them feel rushed.
Plan once. Explore freely. Até já.