Lisbon in 7 Days for Americans (2026): An Honest Itinerary Through Alfama, Belém, Sintra — and What No One Tells You About Taxis and Pastéis

Seven days across Alfama, Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Belém — with a JFK-LIS flight from $700, a day-trip to Sintra and Cascais, and the airport Z1 taxi tax that adds €2 per ride.

1. Lisbon in 7 Days for Americans (2026): An Honest Itinerary Through Alfama, Belém, Sintra — and What No One Tells You About Taxis and Pastéis

   Seven days across Alfama, Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Belém — with a JFK-LIS flight from $700, a day-trip to Sintra and Cascais, and the airport Z1 taxi tax that adds €2 per ride.

2. 01.

   Direct JFK-LIS on TAP runs $700-$1,400 round-trip in 2026; Newark via United and Boston via Azores Airlines offer alternatives.

3. 02.

   Mid-range lodging in Príncipe Real runs €130-180/night, Alfama €110-160, Bairro Alto €100-150 but noisy, Belém €90-130 and dead at night.

4. 03.

   Pastéis de Belém (€1.40, 30-min line) vs Manteigaria in Chiado (€1.30, no line, hotter): a tie, with editorial advantage to Manteigaria.

5. 04.

   Sintra takes a full day: Pena (€14), Regaleira (€15), Cabo da Roca free; CP train from Rossio runs every 20 min, €4.60 round trip.

6. 05.

   ATM Multibanco up to €200/day fee-free with Charles Schwab debit; avoid Euronet (12% spread).

7. 🇵🇹 Lisboa

   Seven days across Alfama, Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Belém — with a JFK-LIS flight from $700, a day-trip to Sintra and Cascais, and the airport Z1 taxi tax that adds €2 per ride.