lisbon travel itinerary

The Ultimate 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

Climbing from the banks of the sparkling Tagus River in a dizzying series of neighborhoods, monasteries, viewpoints, steep hills, pastry shops, and more, experiencing the best of Lisbon in 3 days requires some careful itinerary planning!

Once an offbeat gem of a city and now a popular European city break, Lisbon can both stand on its own as a long weekend getaway and act as a fantastic launching pad into a larger trip to Portugal.

With its colorful architecture, famously sunny weather (the second-sunniest capital city in Europe!), picturesque castle, steep hills, long and intense history, and an uncountable number of shops selling iconic pastéis de nata, learning for yourself exactly what’s special about Lisbon is a delightful experience.

We’ve called Portugal’s vibrant and (literally) bright capital city home for a year now, and have packed this 3 day Lisbon itinerary with enough detail to ensure you have the perfect first trip to the “Queen of the Sea”.

Here’s how to spend 3 days in Lisbon, Portugal!

Table of Contents

The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary

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Day 1 in Lisbon: Explore the heart of Lisbon in Alfama and Baixa.

Legend says that Lisbon was built (like many other cities, including Rome ) as a “City on 7 Hills”.

While the accuracy of this is questionable at best, there’s no doubt that Lisbon’s many hills play an important role in the city’s topography and history.

You’ll kick off your itinerary for Lisbon at the top of one of them!

Start your morning with a visit to the famous Castelo de São Jorge.

Lisbon’s famous Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) is situated at the top of São Jorge Hill and is a fantastic place to start your 3 day Lisbon trip.

Castelo de São Jorge has its roots in Lisbon’s (or back then, Olisipo’s ) history, and later was instrumental in the formation of Portugal as a political entity in 1143.

The castle has been rebuilt many times, and today, ramparts, excellent views, peacocks, and a small museum remain.

However, there are no interior rooms or furnishings, like what you’ll see in the palaces of Sintra.

Because of the lack of interiors, some argue that Castelo de São Jorge is overrated, however, our family and friends who have visited us in Lisbon have loved it, with some even naming it their favorite sight we saw in the city!

The lines to get in are notoriously long, though, so we highly recommend getting started as early as you can (the castle opens at 9:00 AM) and pre-booking your tickets in advance !

This skip-the-line ticket also includes a 15-minute introduction to the castle and city, which is a great way to get your bearings at the beginning of your 3 days in Lisbon.

Book your skip-the-line ticket for Castelo de São Jorge  today!

Make your way to Pastelaria Santo António for your first (of many) pastéis de nata.

Housed in an azulejo-covered building just down the street from Castelo de São Jorge, Pastelaria Santo António consistently makes one of our favorite pastéis de nata in the city!

Consistently busy (meaning you’re virtually always buying a fresh pastel de nata) but not overwhelmingly so, Pastelaria Santo António won the “best pastel de nata in Lisbon” award in 2019.

Their pastries will set a high bar for the many other pastéis de nata you’ll no doubt enjoy as you make your way through this itinerary for Lisbon, and we highly recommend enjoying some with a coffee!

Two natas per person is usually enough for a light breakfast, though of course, you can always have more.

Don’t forget the cinnamon, either: whether or not you should sprinkle cinnamon (and/or powdered sugar) on top of your pastel de nata is something of a debate, but it’s worth trying at least once!

Head over to Miradouro de Santa Luzia to enjoy one of the best views in Lisbon.

Easily one of Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers gorgeous azulejos, excellent views of the Lisbon skyline, and a charming (albeit often crowded) small park to enjoy.

On your way here, if you’re a hiker, you can make an extremely short detour along Rua de Santiago to check out the facade of the Santiago Church.

The church is typically closed, but it’s the starting point of the Portuguese Way to Camino de Santiago, the Portuguese version of the famous pilgrimage.

… and then hop over next door to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

Right next door to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, you’ll find the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

The view from here has graced many a Lisbon travel guide, postcard, and advertisement, and it is stunning!

The view is better from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, while the viewpoint itself (the terrace, the azulejos) is much more charming next door at Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

It’s definitely worth seeing both!

And, as you walk between them, be sure to admire the famous Tram 28 rumbling by (though we don’t recommend riding it).

Wander semi-aimlessly through Alfama.

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and one of its most picturesque, thanks to the fact that it was one of the only places in central Lisbon that was spared in the tragic earthquake of 1755.

(As a side note, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the earthquake of 1755 before visiting Lisbon. The earthquake reshaped the city, physically and emotionally, and is a defining moment in Portuguese history. You’ll hear about it constantly when visiting Lisbon’s historic attractions.)

Alfama is more or less as old as Lisbon itself and is laid out in a delightfully confusing mix of steep, winding streets.

You’ll find shops and cafes here, but also many quiet residential streets.

Try not to climb too far down, unless you want to head back up the steep hills for your next stops on this 3 day Lisbon itinerary!

Pay a visit to the Lisbon Cathedral.

Dating to the 12th century, the Lisbon Cathedral is the most important church in Lisbon, if not necessarily an absolute favorite among visitors.

Partially rebuilt many times over the centuries, the Lisbon Cathedral is done in a mix of architectural styles, heavy on soaring stone and stained glass.

It doesn’t really “feel” like a typical Lisbon church on the inside, which usually tend toward being much more opulent, and also costs 5 Euro to enter (while all of the other churches included on this Lisbon itinerary are free to visit).

Despite these potential blemishes, though, the cathedral is a stunning building, and your entrance fee includes a few rooms of museums upstairs (which feature some charming azulejos, though you’re not allowed to photograph them), and a chance to admire gorgeous views from its balcony.

With views of rumbling trams below and the Tagus River in the distance, the view from the balcony is definitely a perk of visiting the cathedral!

If you are trying to visit Lisbon on a budget, though, I wouldn’t necessarily call the cathedral a must-see: if you’d prefer to simply snap a photo of the outside, that’s understandable.

If you would like to skip the cathedral but want to sub another attraction, the remains of Lisbon’s Roman Amphitheatre are just up the street.

The ruins are much less impressive than in many other cities, to be honest, but the very fact that they are there 2,000 years later makes them a marvel (and they also helped put Lisbon on the history map: the discovery of the amphitheater helped scholars realize that Lisbon was a more important city in Roman times than was once believed).

… and St. Anthony’s Church.

Just down the street from the Lisbon Cathedral, you’ll find the much smaller St. Anthony’s Church, built on what is, according to legend, the birthplace of St. Anthony himself.

As the patron saint of Lisbon, St. Anthony is a beloved figure in the city and you’ll see his name all over the place (including at your pastel de nata stop earlier this morning).

The church itself is lovely, but the fun of visiting is taking a hard left right after you enter and walking down the tiled hallway to the crypt.

A small shrine to St. Anthony is set up in the crypt and is free to visit.

There are also restrooms in the hallway, a major perk for travelers who have spent the last few hours sightseeing.

Once you wrap up at the crypt and church, if you’re hungry, consider stopping at the Dear Breakfast location a bit further along in the same square.

Dear Breakfast is one of our favorite brunch spots in a city that is mildly obsessed with brunch, and it makes an excellent break (but don’t eat too heavily–there’s more food to come!).

Head to the shores of the Tagus River to visit the Praça do Comércio and Cais das Colunas.

After wrapping up at the church(es), it’s time to head down to Baixa.

Lisbon’s rebuilt historic center along the river is one of the flattest and most modern-feeling neighborhoods during this 3 day itinerary for Lisbon.

The grid-style, carefully-organized streets are a marked departure from the winding alleys of Alfama, and tell the story of Lisbon’s modernization in the wake of the 1755 earthquake that reshaped the area.

Make your way to the Praça do Comércio (note the elephant on the statue in the center!) and then to the Cais das Colunas along the Tagus (in Portuguese, Tejo ) River.

After soaking up views of the 25 de Abril Bridge (fun fact: it was built by the same company that built the Oakland Bay Bridge, though not the similar and iconic Golden Gate), head up to the striking Rua Augusta Arch, cross under it, and start making your way through the streets of Baixa.

You can pause to head to the top of the arch if you like: it’s not a must-do and not one of the absolute best views of Lisbon, but it only costs 3 Euro and I’ve never once seen a line there.

The views of Praça do Comércio from the top of the arch are pretty spectacular!

Stroll up Rua Augusta until you hit Rossio Square.

The pedestrianized Rua Augusta is one of the main thoroughfares in Baixa and runs from the Rua Augusta Arch all the way to Rossio Square (technically named the Praca Dom Pedro IV, but calling it Rossio is much more common).

Bustling and touristy, this is one of those streets that is worth walking through and definitely not worth stopping for a meal along, no matter how many waiters try to tempt you.

There is an exception, though: Manteigaria, one of the most beloved bakers of pastéis de nata, has a location here.

We have lots of food upcoming, though, so only have one, if any (I can’t blame you for being tempted into a snack, though).

Keep an eye out for the Santa Justa Lift to your left as you walk down the street, too–it’s truly striking!

Opened in 1902 and designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, who was a student of the one and only Gustave Eiffel, you may notice some similarities to a certain other famous iron tower.

Once an important part of Lisbon’s public transportation, today the Santa Justa Lift has been given over entirely to tourists.

Appreciate the construction, but don’t wait in the long lines to ride it: this Lisbon itinerary will guide you to the top without needing a ticket or to wait in line tomorrow. 

Meander through Rossio Square.

Charming Rossio Square features fountains, statues, excellent views of the roofless Carmo Convent (another Lisbon attraction that you’ll see up close tomorrow), and a beautiful array of the distinctive calçada   portuguesa (or Portuguese pavement) that you’ll see throughout the country

If you happen to luck out and being visiting Lisbon in May, you’ll also be treated to some stunning jacaranda blooms here!

Step around the corner to visit the Church of São Domingos.

Found behind an unassuming white facade, just steps away from Rossio Square, lies the memorable Church of São Domingos.

It’s one of the most unique churches in Lisbon, and one of my personal favorites!

Originally dedicated in the 13th century, the Church of São Domingos was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1531… and then again in the infamous earthquake of 1755.

Fast forward a couple hundred years, and a 1959 fire caused even more damage.

The church has been restored, but in such a way that its scars are clearly and obviously preserved.

The effect is one of the most striking church interiors in Lisbon and one that’s definitely worth ducking inside to see.

Get acquainted with Portuguese cuisine on a Lisbon food tour.

We’re big proponents of food tours around the world: combining traditional local food with a chance to take a walking tour of a city is a fantastic way to get acquainted with a new place!

We’ve taken a few Lisbon food tours over the years, all wonderful, but on your first trip to Lisbon, there’s none that I recommend more highly than this food and wine tour .

With a convenient starting point that is very close to the Church of São Domingos, this food tour is filling, delicious, and informative.

Best of all, it focuses primarily on introducing you to classic Lisbon cuisine, which makes it an excellent addition to your Lisbon itinerary that will help you with ordering in restaurants for the rest of your time in Portugal.

Perhaps the biggest endorsement we can offer is that we have returned to several of the included establishments since, including bringing our friends and family to some of them when they visit us in Lisbon!

Book your Lisbon food tour today!

Day 2 in Lisbon: Visit Belém, and then make your way to Chiado and Bairro Alto.

On your second day in Lisbon, take a break from climbing hills and spend the morning among the famous monuments along the river out in Belém (and for a chance to sample the most iconic pastel de nata of them all).

In the afternoon and evening, head out to the trendy neighborhoods of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real to see a different side of Lisbon!

Sample the famous Pastéis de Belém for yourself.

When it comes to Portugal’s most famous pastry, one bakery has a reputation above all others: Pastéis de Belém, home to the original pastéis de nata.

Baked from a recipe that has been a closely guarded secret for generations (ever since the original proprietor purchased it from the monks at the nearby Jerónimos Monastery), these sweet treats are known for their incredible taste… and their long lines.

Arrive for a breakfast treat in order to make the most of your few days in Lisbon (and yes, pastéis de nata are 100% an acceptable breakfast food in Portugal).

Instead of opting for the generally crowded takeaway line, grab a table and settle in for a memorable breakfast–their spacious dining room reminds me vividly of Cafe du Monde in New Orleans .

Whether or not these are really the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon is a matter of intense debate, but they are absolutely delicious (I’m an especially big fan of the crust).

Make your way over to the iconic Jerónimos Monastery.

Built at the turn of the 16th century, the Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most fantastic buildings in Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular places to visit in Lisbon.

Considered one of the best examples of the detailed, opulent Gothic Manueline architecture in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery (also called the Hieronymites Monastery) dwarfs the surrounding neighborhood even today.

As you approach, imagine how imposing this gigantic, detailed building would have been in the 1500s, when it was located outside of town.

Spared in the earthquake of 1755 by virtue of being located in Belém (fun fact: happening to be in Belém at the time is also what spared the Portuguese royal family on that fateful day), the Jerónimos Monastery is one of the oldest monuments in Lisbon that was not reconstructed.

It also happens to be ridiculously popular.

We strongly recommend buying your tickets in advance and arriving before the doors open at 10:00 AM to ensure you can enjoy this landmark without dedicating too much of your few days in Lisbon to it!

Bear in mind that you will need to wait in line twice to view every part of the monastery: the ticketed portion, which includes the famous cloisters, should be your first stop.

Buy your Jerónimos Monastery ticket today!

Visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belém.

Physically attached to the Jerónimos Monastery but visited via a separate entrance (that includes its own line), the Church of Santa Maria de Belém is one of the most significant in Lisbon.

With soaring ceilings and beautiful details, this Manueline church would be worth a visit for its architecture alone.

Its significance to Portuguese history, though, comes more from the many tombs there, including those of King Manuel I (the man behind Manueline architecture), Luís de Camões (a beloved poet), and most famously, Vasco da Gama (the first European to round the Cape of Good Hope and successfully sail from Europe to India).

All 3 figures were important to Portugal’s Age of Discovery, which resulted in Lisbon’s importance and wealth at the time that the Jerónimos Monastery and Church of Santa Maria de Belém were being constructed.

Unlike the monastery itself, the church is free to visit.

Make your way to the Monument of the Discoveries.

After wrapping up at the monastery, make your way through the Praça do Império Garden (keep an eye out for the pretty Thai pagoda!) and head toward the Tagus River.

As you approach the street, you’ll find a pedestrian underpass that will take you swiftly and easily to the Monument of the Discoveries.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Lisbon, the Monument of the Discoveries catalogs Portugal’s Age of Discovery from the 1400s to the 1600s, a time period that dramatically shaped Portugal’s past and present.

The figures carved on the monument were all men relevant to seafaring exploration, from poets to cartographers to sailors.

At the head of the monument, you’ll find Henry the Navigator.

Built in the mid-20th century at the behest of dictator António de Oliveira Salazar, this is a highly romanticized monument (in other words, don’t expect any hard-hitting analysis of colonization here, despite the obvious implications).

Depending on the time, you may want to head to the top to appreciate the beautiful view of the 25 de Abril Bridge, Tagus River, Jerónimos Monastery, and more.

Stroll along the Tagus River to the Belém Tower.

Just a 12-minute walk along the Tagus River from the Monument of the Discoveries, you’ll find Lisbon’s famous Belém Tower!

(You will have to turn slightly away from the river to get past a harbor, but for the most part, it’s a straight walk between the 2 monuments).

Built at roughly the same time as the Jerónimos Monastery, this 500+-year-old fortification is arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon.

Done in the detailed Manueline style, the Belém Tower once served as a ceremonial entrance and exit point of Lisbon.

While you can go inside , we don’t recommend it: the interior is unfurnished, somewhat plain, and not large enough to accommodate the number of people who want to visit, resulting in having to wait in multiple lines.

The one time we went inside (on an iffy weather day in September), we felt more like we were constantly lining up for a Disney ride than exploring a historic structure!

If you’re a huge Portuguese architecture nerd, it may be worth it in the off-season (seeing the exterior of the building up close is lovely), but otherwise, we suggest sticking with enjoying the Belém Tower from the outside.

Optional: Enjoy views from the Tagus River by sailboat.

Depending on how long of lines you encounter and how speedy your sightseeing style is, you may or may not want to squeeze a quick Tagus River cruise into your 3 day Lisbon itinerary–but if you wrap up at the Belém Tower by mid-afternoon, we recommend it!

The views of Lisbon from the Tagus are wonderful, and there’s nothing quite like experiencing the city from the water.

Lisbon’s history and culture are deeply tied to the Tejo and to the wide open sea that lies beyond it, and relaxing on a sailboat is a fantastic way to reflect on the last day and a half of exploring the best attractions in Lisbon.

Plus, it’s simply lots of fun, and more affordable than you might expect!

Most Tagus River cruises leave from Belém, so this is the best opportunity during your trip to Lisbon to hop on board.

Book your Tagus River cruise today!

Switch neighborhoods and head over to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

After taking in the popular attractions in Belém, it’s time to head back to the hills, and specifically, to the neighborhoods of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real, which all flow easily together when exploring on foot.

These areas include some of my favorite parts of Lisbon: they’re popular, historic, and beautiful, but feel less overwhelmingly touristy than a neighborhood like Baixa.

To get there, the easiest thing to do will be to take a taxi to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon.

However, if you want to ride one of the iconic funiculars during your 3 days in Lisbon, you could also have the taxi drop you in Restauradores Square and ride the famous Glória Funicular up to the miradouro instead.

Personally, I tend to prefer snapping photos of the funiculars from the outside than dealing with the crowds on the inside, but if you’re inclined to take a ride, this is the best opportunity to do so on this itinerary for Lisbon!

Marvel at the Church of São Roque.

Dating to the 16th century, the Church of São Roque is one of the most spectacular churches in Lisbon.

The earliest Jesuit church in Portugal, the Church of São Roque has a collection of incredible gilded (primarily Baroque) chapels, as well as a magnificent painted ceiling.

Unlike some churches where you can simply duck inside and admire the view from the back of the building, here, it’s absolutely worth circling the interior of the church and admiring the intricate detail of the individual chapels–that’s where the Church of São Roque truly stands out.

The church itself is free to visit, and visiting the small attached museum (which is optional) costs 2.5 Euro as of the time of writing.

For a whimsical detail, stop by the O Cauteleiro statue (Lottery Ticket Seller) in the square out front, and rub the ticket in his hand for good luck!

Step inside the Carmo Convent.

Yesterday, in Rossio Square, you saw the roofless Carmo Convent sticking out notably from Lisbon’s skyline–and now, it’s time to go inside.

Construction broke on the magnificent, Gothic-style Carmo Convent in 1393.

Fast forward a few centuries, and the church collapsed in the infamous earthquake of 1755.

And fast forward a couple  more  centuries, and you have the fascinating Carmo Convent of today: a roofless church stretching out over the Lisbon skyline.

The Carmo Convent was partially restored after the earthquake, but its roof was never put back on–and the resulting atmosphere is worth a visit.

In addition to the church itself, the small Carmo Archaeological Museum features artifacts from both Portugal and around the world, including 2 Peruvian mummies.

Admire the views from the top of the Santa Justa Lift (without the lines).

If you’re standing in the shady Largo di Carmo square, facing the Carmo Convent, you’ll see a road leading alongside the right side of the convent.

Follow it, and within less than a minute, you’ll find yourself at the top of the Santa Justa Lift!

From here, you can freely walk onto the beautiful iron structure, admiring the same views that you would have gotten by waiting in line to ride it.

It really is one of my favorite views of Lisbon, too–the dead-center view of the São Jorge Castle perched high on a hill about Baixa is stunning (the top photo from this Lisbon blog post was taken here).

Explore Rua Garrett and the oldest bookstore in the world.

A short walk from the Santa Justa Lift will take you back to the center of Chiado, along the trendy Rua Garrett shopping street.

Here, bibliophiles will be delighted to find Livraria Bertrand , which holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest bookstore in the world (that is still operational).

In addition to Livraria Bertrand, Rua Garrett is home to a wide variety of shopping ranging from international brands to local art galleries.

You’ll also find some beautiful churches here (the Basilica of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires is a cool, fast stop), the bustling Luís de Camões Square, and plenty of views of passing trams.

For (comparatively) high prices but a stunning Art Deco interior with ties to Lisbon’s early 20th century writers, Café A Brasileira has been one of Lisbon’s most famous and distinctive cafes since 1905.

Sample traditional Portuguese culture at Fado in Chiado.

Fado, Lisbon’s most iconic form of music, is near-synonymous with the city.

Deeply heartfelt and nostalgic, fado is traditionally performed with a female singer and a male playing guitar, each performing with deep emotion that is described in Portuguese as saudade .

Melancholic nostalgia is a fairly close translation, but it’s one of those words that can’t quite be defined in other languages–only through Portuguese music.

This popular fado show in Chiado is a popular, easy introduction to fado over the course of a one-hour performance, and a great addition to your few days in Lisbon.

Book your fado performance tickets today!

Have dinner in the trendy neighborhood of Príncipe Real.

Before officially closing the book on this busy day exploring different Lisbon neighborhoods, there’s one more to check out: the glamorous and trendy Príncipe Real.

Known for its excellent restaurants, shopping, and views, Príncipe Real is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Lisbon.

You’ll be spoiled for choice among restaurants here, but consider Atalho Real for steak (they have a beautiful back garden, too), A Cevicharia for casual seafood, or Tapisco for incredible petiscos (Portuguese tapas).

Wherever you choose to go for dinner, your evening will likely go much more smoothly if you make a reservation in advance!

Day 3 in Lisbon: Take a day trip to Sintra.

The dazzling town of Sintra, Portugal is one of the most popular places to visit in the country for very good reason–and it’s less than an hour from Lisbon!

Home to an impressive collection of iconic, beautiful, and often downright whimsical palaces, Sintra is a memorable place and a worthy addition to any Lisbon itinerary.

When it comes to visiting Sintra from Lisbon, there are 2 excellent options, each suited to a different kind of traveler: visiting independently by public transportation and/or taxi or taking a tour.

Here are the pros and cons of each!

Option 1: Take an independent day trip to Sintra.

If you’d like to visit Sintra independently, you absolutely can!

Trains run regularly from Lisbon’s centrally located Rossio Station, and take about 40 minutes to reach Sintra.

Once arriving, you’ll board one of 2 main tourist bus routes with stops just outside the station that will whisk you away to the palace(s) of your choice!

On an independent day trip, you can generally cover 2-3 palaces, depending on exactly which ones you choose to visit, the speed at which you sightsee, if you want to get lunch in town, etc.

Pena Palace (the iconic red and yellow one!) and the Moorish Castle (where you can walk on medieval walls) are within walking distance of each other.

Quinta da Regaleira , where you’ll find the insta-famous well and a garden worthy of Alice in Wonderland, is a bus ride away.

Those aren’t the only palaces in Sintra (the Sintra National Palace, for example, has some of the best interiors), but they are the most popular!

Wherever you plan to go, one thing is for certain: you’ll need to plan ahead, book tickets in advance for Pena Palace , and be prepared for crowds.

Sintra is popular for good reason, and its public transportation system is very usable, but it’s definitely congested as a result, and not as walkable as first-time visitors might imagine.

If you do choose to visit Sintra independently, a Lisbon Card might be a good value for your trip (just make sure you double-check the pickup instructions if you go this route).

Buy your tickets for Pena Palace or compare prices with the Lisbon Card today!

Option 2: Sample the best of Sintra and beyond on an organized day trip.

Don’t want to deal with the hassle of navigating to and between Sintra’s palaces, or are you someone who tries to pack in as much as possible on your trip?

If so, this day trip to Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca might be the right option for you!

On one of the most popular tours in Portugal, you’ll see Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca (once believed to be the westernmost point on mainland Europe), and the beach resort town of Cascais.

If that sounds like a lot, it is–you won’t see as much of the actual town of Sintra as if you visit independently–but the coast near Lisbon is absolutely phenomenal, and a worthy trade for the right traveler.

Plus, you’ll have your tour of Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira arranged for you!

I love all of these areas, and don’t think there’s a wrong answer here: visiting independently vs with a tour comes down to what you’re in the mood for, essentially.

If you’re craving palaces and architecture exclusively, a self-guided tour might be right for you.

On the other hand, if sea air, stunning views, and a stress-free visit to the iconic Pena Palace and whimsical Quinta da Regaleira sounds ideal, this incredibly popular tour has you covered.

Book your day trip to Sintra today!

Option 3: Stick to Lisbon, or take an alternate day trip.

If Sintra doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other fantastic day trips from Lisbon to try, or many other things to enjoy around the city!

If you’d like an architecture-focused but less crowded day trip, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries to the north is a fantastic option (Batalha Monastery and Alcobaça Monastery rank among my favorite places in Portugal.

For a little sun and sea air, consider rounding out your Lisbon 3 day itinerary by taking the train or a taxi to Cascais.

Or, within Lisbon itself, consider visiting some of the hidden gems of Lisbon, like the Monastery of São Vicente, the National Tile Museum, the Naval Museum, or the Museum of Architecture and Technology.

(Also, if you are the museum-hopping type, the Lisbon Card might also be a good fit for your trip!)

For foodies, a pastel de nata baking class is always a fun option.

We’ll cover more suggestions in a different section of this blog post below, but suffice it to say that you won’t run out of things to do in Lisbon.

Lisbon is a city of neighborhoods, and that means that there is a huge variety of places to stay!

When deciding where to stay in Lisbon, we recommend picking somewhere central with good transportation connections around the city.

Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Príncipe Real, and Barrio Alto (for nightlife lovers who want to be in the center of the action) are great names to keep an eye out for when browsing hotels in the city.

With only a few days in Lisbon, we don’t recommend staying in Belém unless you’re on a budget.

While some of the best things to do in Lisbon can be found in Belém, it’s fairly isolated from everything else on this Lisbon itinerary.

And, keep in mind that Lisbon is fairly large and spread out: no matter what neighborhood you choose to stay in, you won’t be within walking distance of everything!

For a budget-friendly hostel experience (with private rooms available), the  Sunset Destination Hostel  is a great, centrally located option.

At a mid-range price tag, you can’t beat the location or rave reviews for  Tempo FLH Hotels Lisboa .

Looking for a splurge?

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa  is part of the much-acclaimed Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection, and offers stunning views that you won’t forget anytime soon!

Check rates & book your stay in Lisbon today!

Lisbon is a city of distinct neighborhoods, spread across a fairly large area that famously includes very steep hills.

In other words, while this 3 days in Lisbon itinerary features lots of walking, you’ll definitely need alternate transportation to get around, too!

A couple that you may want to use include:

The Lisbon metro isn’t as all-encompassing as in a city like Paris or London, but it is helpful for getting around.

Many of the stations are decorated with modern azulejo art, which gives the metro system a whimsy of its own.

We frequently opt to use taxis around the city and find them incredibly convenient.

The base rate starts at 3.5 Euro, and we regularly travel around the city for well under 10 Euro.

Taxi stands are commonly found in popular locations (Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade, across the street from Jerónimos Monastery, outside of Jardim da Estrela, etc.), and we also recommend downloading FreeNow .

FreeNow is active in many cities around Europe and is essentially Uber for official taxi services.

Uber exists in the city, too, but it’s not quite as common as taxis, and Ubers will often drop you off before you reach your destination due to traffic restrictions (highly inconvenient when you’re trying to reach São Jorge Castle, for example).

Obviously, Lisbon’s iconic trams are a popular option for getting around!

I’ll be honest, as an ex-pat who gets easily motion sick and doesn’t care for crowded transportation, I don’t use the trams much at all (I do love photographing them, though).

However, they’re definitely a memorable Lisbon experience!

The iconic Tram 28 gets extremely crowded, so if you have your heart set on riding it, we recommend getting a very early start.

Route 12 is a quieter alternative that will take you up to Graça (the Miradouro da Graça is one of my favorite viewpoints in the city).

A Note on Walking in Lisbon

Wandering the streets of Lisbon is absolutely one of the best ways to enjoy the different neighborhoods in the city!

However, do keep in mind that the hills can be incredibly steep (you’ll definitely get a workout in while visiting places like Alfama), and supportive, comfortable shoes are a must.

The distinctive Portuguese pavement (or  calçada portuguesa ) that you’ll see throughout the city offers its challenges, too: these walkways are both beautiful and a bit of a hazard in the rain.

Here’s the thing… they’re  incredibly  slippery when wet, especially if they happen to have fallen leaves sitting on them.

Watch your step, especially on hills, and opt for shoes with some grip on them!

While we’ve stuffed this itinerary for Lisbon as much as we can (and then some), sadly, with only a few days in Lisbon it’s impossible to see it all!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 3 days in Lisbon, it’s safe to say you won’t run out of places to visit–I honestly had a hard time narrowing down what to include here, as there are so many excellent options.

A couple of the most popular places to visit in Lisbon that didn’t make our itinerary include the trendy LX Factory (don’t miss the quirky Ler Devanger bookstore!), and the famous Time Out Market (Ground Burger, while not Portuguese food, is excellent).

The Cais do Sodré neighborhood right behind Time Out Market is trendy and excellent for nightlife and seeing the famous Pink Street.

For a chance to enjoy some of Lisbon’s more relaxed and charming neighborhoods, check out the beautiful Campo de Ourique and nearby Estrela (our stomping grounds!).

In Campo de Ourique, the market and the Prazeres Cemetery are both memorable.

In Estrela, the Basilica da Estrela (be sure to climb to the top to see the church from the inside of the dome) and the Jardim da Estrela are both absolutely worth visiting.

Over in Graça, you can soak up some of the best views in the city!

Parque Eduardo VII and Avenida da Liberdade (modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris , though arguably more peaceful) are also lovely.

Many of Lisbon’s smaller museums and historic buildings, including the Monastery of São Vicente, the National Pantheon, the National Tile Museum, the National Coach Museum, and more, are worth adding to your itinerary for Lisbon!

If you’re a museum-hopper, definitely look into the Lisbon Card : the more small museums you visit, the better value it becomes.

Check prices and shop for your Lisbon Card today!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary”

Loved your post! I’ve read numerous 3 day itineraries and yours is the best! Have learned alot and also, confirmed quite a bit. Thanks!

Thank you so much, Ro! Hope you have a fantastic trip to Lisbon!

Your 3 day itinerary was easily the best of those I read. Thank you. It made our trip planning so much easier!

That’s great to hear, thank you! Hope you guys love Lisbon!

Thank you so much for explaining every detail, it takes a lot of work. I made notes from your itinerary. Thanks much 🙂

So glad you found it helpful, Kavita!

Hope you have a great few days in Lisbon!

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Turn your dream vacation into reality

3 Days in Lisbon (Itinerary + Sintra Day Trip)

• April 22, 2024

The best itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon (+ a map with all must-see attractions, where to eat the best Pastel de nata and how to skip the lines at Jerónimos Monastery).

Located on the northern banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal is one of the oldest cities in Europe. With its stunning architecture, rich history and fantastic food scene, the city ranks among the most affordable European destinations. Lisbon also has nearly 300 days of sunshine, which makes it one of the sunniest cities on the old continent.

The city traces its origins back to 1200 BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. Between the 15th century and the 17th century, during the Age of Discovery, Portugal became a global superpower, establishing new maritime routes and colonies. Lisbon, its capital, turned into one of the most important ports in the world.

Today, Lisbon is famous for its colourful tiled buildings, scenic viewpoints and mix of different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Moorish, Gothic and Baroque. The city is also a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of mouthwatering dishes like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and fresh seafood.

Best 3-day Lisbon Itinerary

If this is your first time in Portugal, there is no better city to start with than Lisbon. Its chill atmosphere, fantastic food and numerous historic attractions make it the perfect introduction to the country. Moreover, Sintra with its beautiful fairy-tale palaces, is just 1 hour away by train.

My itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon is the ideal starting point to plan your dream vacation to Portugal. This travel guide is packed with top attractions (such as Jerónimos Monastery and Santa Justa Lift) and great restaurants, where you can savour delicious Portuguese specialties. You’ll also find tips on how to visit Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon and how to skip the lines at the most popular attractions.

3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary (for first-timers 2024)

• Day 1: Santa Justa Lift, São Jorge Castle, National Pantheon, Lisbon Cathedral, Rua Augusta Arch, Church of Saint Roch
• Day 2: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Church of Santa Maria de Belém, Ajuda National Palace
• Day 3: day trip to Sintra and Pena Palace

In my view, spending between 4 and 3 days in Lisbon is just the right duration to explore the city thoroughly. You’ll need 1 full day (or even 2) to see the city’s centre, Baixa, a second one for the attractions, located in the Belém district and one more day for Sintra. However, if you have less time, I provided sample itineraries and tips on how to see Lisbon in 1 or 2 days right after the 3-day itinerary.

Tips on your 3-day Lisbon itinerary

Accommodation – have a hotel reservation already? Double-check your hotel’s location to ensure it’s in a favourable area (see my guide on where to stay in Lisbon ).

My favourite place to stay in Lisbon : Hotel Hotel Why : great location for sightseeing and restaurants, a 5min walk to a metro station What I like : outdoor swimming pool with a garden, exceptional breakfast

Restaurants – I recommend making a reservation for all the restaurants you plan to visit. It is hard to secure a table at popular places, even if you arrive before the opening times and often there is already a line. Also, standard practice is for the waiter to bring you olives and bread with the menu. This is referred to as a couvert, and it will be included in the total bill.

How to skip the lines – I strongly recommend buying skip-the-line tickets in advance for Jerónimos Monastery and São Jorge Castle. Even during the off-peak season, the queues at Jerónimos Monastery can be horrendous, with over 100 people waiting before the opening hours.

Map – find here a map of this 3-day itinerary for Lisbon (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

3 Days in Lisbon itinerary – Day 1

• Breakfast at Fábrica da Nata

08:10 AM – 08:40 AM

Lisbon is famous for its Pastel de nata, an egg custard tart pastry. Therefore, the best way to start your first day in the capital of Portugal is by tasting this delicious treat. To do that, make your way to Fábrica da Nata , one of the best places in the city, where you can try this Portuguese pastry, fresh out of the oven. Don’t forget to sprinkle some cinnamon on top for additional flavour.

Santa Justa Lift

08:40 AM – 08:50 AM

Santa Justa Lift, an impressive wrought-iron elevator, is one of the city’s most iconic sites. This 19th-century lift was designed in Neo-Gothic style by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel. The lift connects the lower Baixa district to the higher Bairro Alto neighbourhood.

Santa Justa Lift runs every day from 7 AM to 11 PM and it costs about €5 for a return trip. In case you have a 24-hour public transport card you can use it to access the lift for free as Santa Justa Lift is part of the Lisbon public transport network. There is a viewing platform on the top, from where you can enjoy awesome views of the city.

However, I recommend skipping the elevator ride, as due to the lift’s popularity, there are always extremely long queues. Moreover, the ride is about 10 seconds, making it not worthwhile for the price. Plus, Lisbon is very hilly, so there are plenty of viewpoints offering incredible views of the city.

Still, if the viewpoint of Santa Justa Lift is on your list, head to Carmo Convent. From there, follow the narrow street to the right, which runs beside the church. This route will lead you to the famous viewpoint without waiting in line for hours.

São Jorge Castle

09:10 AM – 10:30 AM

São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) is a historic fortress that sits atop the highest city’s hill. The castle’s history dates back to the 5th century when the Visigoths constructed a small fortress on the site. Over the centuries, it underwent various transformations, including Moorish and Christian influences.

During the 11th century, the Moors modified and enlarged the castle. In 1147, Afonso I of Portugal captured the fortress from the Moors and later transformed it into a royal palace.

Nowadays, all that is left are sturdy medieval walls, towers and gardens with beautiful peacocks. There are no interior rooms or furnishings, so have this in mind before visiting. However, São Jorge Castle is most famous for its exceptional views of Lisbon, including the Tagus River. You can also climb the castle walls and towers to enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Booking in advance is recommended (lines are usually very long) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line São Jorge Castle (free cancellation up to 24 hours)

The ticket also includes access to the museum and 15-minute guided tours of the Archaeological Site and the Camera Obscura. The latter, an optical system of lenses and mirrors, offers a real-time, 360º panoramic view of the city, including its most famous historical sites.

National Pantheon

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM

The National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional) is another place where you can see breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The building’s architecture is a prime example of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, featuring an impressive dome. Its interior, decorated with coloured marble, is inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The construction of the building started in 1682 and it took almost 300 years to be completed. Originally built as the Church of Santa Engrácia, it was later repurposed as a pantheon to honour prominent Portuguese personalities, including politicians, writers and artists. Among the most renowned figures is Amália Rodrigues, a celebrated fado singer.

However, the highlight of the National Pantheon is its large terrace, which offers a 360º panoramic view of Lisbon and its charming red rooftops. You’ll need to climb around 180 steps to reach the rooftop terrace, but the effort is definitely worthwhile! Also, during the climb, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some great views of the church’s interior.

You can reserve your National Pantheon ticket in advance here .

• Lunch at Augusto Lisboa

12:00 PM – 01:30 PM

For lunch make your way to Augusto Lisboa . It’s one of the best places (and my favourite one) for brunch in Lisbon! They offer amazing sourdough toasts, my personal favourite was the ham-topped one. However, keep in mind that is a very popular place with long lines, so expect a minimum 30-minute wait around noon.

Another lunch alternative is Dear Breakfast Lisbon . It’s located a little farther from the National Pantheon but conveniently close to the next attraction on this Lisbon itinerary. Dear Breakfast serve egg-focused dishes paired with delicious fresh juices and cocktails. I tried the Sausage Traybake, which was fantastic! Note that, as it’s a popular place there’s usually a queue outside, but it moves quickly.

Lisbon Cathedral

01:45 PM – 02:30 PM

Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest and most important church in the city. Its name Sé originates from the initials of Sedes Episcopalis, which, when translated, means bishop’s seat. The Lisbon Cathedral was originally built in 1150 on the site of a former mosque after Afonso Henriques captured back the city from the Moors.

Featuring thick walls, two bell towers and a stunning rose window, its architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. Upon entering the church, you’ll see a QR Code, which you can scan for more information about the cathedral.

Don’t miss the treasury, which is located in the upper part of the church. It comprises four chambers filled with clothing, sculptures, jewellery and relics from the 14th-16th centuries.

If you’re visiting in the high season, I’d recommend booking a Lisbon Cathedral ticket in advance here .

Rua Augusta Arch

02:40 PM – 02:50 PM

Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta) is a triumphal arch built after the devastating earthquake in 1755. It symbolizes the reconstruction and renewal of Lisbon after this devastating event. The arch stands at the northern end of Rua Augusta, one of the main pedestrian streets in the city. It serves as a monumental gateway to the Praça do Comércio, one of the city’s most famous squares.

It is possible to climb to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch, from where you can enjoy views of the Praça do Comércio and the Tagus River.

Chocolate and gelato time

03:10 PM – 04:00 PM

For me gelato is sacred, so everywhere I travel, I always look for places where I can enjoy some good gelato. The same applies to chocolate as well. And in this regard, Lisbon truly exceeded my expectations!

I tried several places, but the title of the best gelato in town goes straight to Sorbettino . Don’t be fooled by the name, they don’t offer only sorbet but have flavours with milk as well. The pistachio and the sea-salted caramel were excellent.

For the best chocolate cake in town, go to Landeau Chocolate . Their chocolate cake is both rich and surprisingly light. The bottom layer features a soft, textured cake, while the second layer consists of dark chocolate mousse, topped with cocoa powder.

Church of Saint Roch

04:00 PM – 04:20 PM

Built in the 16th century, the Church of Saint Roch (Igreja de São Roque) is one of the oldest Jesuit churches in the world. And it is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Lisbon!

Although its façade is relatively modest, the real treasure of São Roque lies within its doors. The interior features a number of Baroque chapels, lavishly decorated with gold, ivory, marble, stunning frescoes and sculptures. The Chapel of St. John the Baptist, in particular, is a masterpiece of Baroque art and is considered one of the most expensive chapels in the world.

Admission to the church is free, but there is a small entrance fee for the church museum.

• Enjoy a traditional fado show

A perfect way to start your first evening in Lisbon would be by watching a Fado live show . It is a traditional Portuguese music genre, known for its soulful and melancholic melodies. Fado songs often tell stories of love, longing, and saudade, a deep emotional state. They are typically accompanied by Portuguese guitar, classical guitar, and a heartfelt vocal performance. It’s a unique cultural experience that will touch your heart.

• Dinner at Grapes & Bites

Finish your first day in Lisbon with a dinner at Grapes & Bites . It’s a fantastic wine bar with live music, cosy but not pretentious at the same time. The food is fresh and delicious, I particularly enjoyed the cheese and charcuterie platter, roasted chorizo and codfish fritters.

More ideas for 3 days in Lisbon – Day 1

Take a walking tour.

The best way to get a taste of the city is by joining this History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour . The tour takes through the city’s most charming neighbourhoods, including Bairro Alto and Alfama district, famous for its fado houses. You’ll also visit the beautiful Church of Saint Roch, enjoy the scenic views from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and take a ride on an iconic Lisbon tram.

Another option to explore the city is by taking this Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk . It’s a really fun way to see the city’s highlights and enjoy some great views.

Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is one of Lisbon’s hidden gems, where you can admire the beautiful blue tiles (azulejos). King Afonso I of Portugal founded the monastery in the 12th century, dedicating it to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of Lisbon.

The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is mostly famous for its stunning azulejos, which decorate the cloisters. The blue-white tiles depict scenes from the life of Saint Vincent, the Siege of Lisbon in 1147 and the fables of La Fontaine.

Some of the monastery’s highlights include:

• the 18th-century sacristy, richly decorated with coloured inlaid marble with floral motifs
• the Royal Pantheon of the Bragança, one of Portugal’s most influential royal dynasties
• the rooftop terrace with a 360º panoramic view over the city and the river Tagus

Carmo Convent

The Carmo Convent was originally founded in the 14th century by the Portuguese knight Nuno Álvares Pereira. With its stunning Gothic architecture, it was one of the greatest medieval buildings of its time. Unfortunately in 1755, a massive earthquake devastated Lisbon, followed by a tsunami and fires. The earthquake severely damaged the convent, and much of its roof and upper structure collapsed.

Today, you can still see the skeletal structure of the church and the convent, with its elegant Gothic arches, columns, and remnants of the altar. There is a small archaeological museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, offering insights into Portugal’s history and art.

However, the star of the convent is its resident cat, who is very friendly and loves attention. In fact, the cute feline is more photographed than the convent itself.

National Tile Museum

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is dedicated to the art of azulejos (the famous traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles). It is housed in a former convent, Madre de Deus Convent, which is a work of art in itself. You can still visit the convent’s church, famous for its stunning gilded woodwork and blue-and-white azulejos.

The museum features an extensive collection of azulejos from the 15th century to the 20th century. In the beginning, azulejo tiles displayed basic blue and white geometric designs. As time passed, they transformed, incorporating motifs with flowers, and birds, and introducing a wider range of colours.

The highlight is a 23m (75ft)-long panel illustrating Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake. It is made from 1300 tiles, depicting the city’s skyline at that time.

You can book your National Tile Museum ticket here .

Enjoy the city views

There are numerous viewpoints (miradouro in Portuguese) all over the Alfama district, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city’s skyline. The most popular ones:

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – a beautiful terraced garden, overlooking the lower town of Baixa, the historic Alfama district, and the iconic São Jorge Castle
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia – a viewpoint, known for its colourful azulejos panels and bright pink bougainvillaea flowers
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol – a large terrace, offering panoramic views of Alfama, the Tagus River, and the city’s iconic red-tiled rooftops

Take a ride on Ascensor da Glória

The Ascensor da Glória (Glória Funicular) is one of the three funiculars in Lisbon. It was inaugurated in 1885, making it one of the oldest funiculars in the city. The funicular connects Praça dos Restauradores at the bottom of the hill to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood at the top. It runs every 12 minutes between 7 AM (weekdays) and 9 AM (weekends) till midnight. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver while onboard (the ride is free if you have a 24-hour public transportation card).

Another famous funicular is Ascensor da Bica, which connects Rua de São Paulo with Calçada do Combro.

3 Days in Lisbon itinerary – Day 2

On this second day of this 3-day Lisbon itinerary, you’ll explore the Belém district. The easiest way to get here from the city centre is by taking:

• a local train (Cascais Line) from Cais do Sodré to Algés (for the Belém Tower) or to Belém (for Jerónimos Monastery)
• tram E15 from Cais Sodré to Lg. Princesa (for the Belém Tower) or to Mosteiro Jerónimos (for Jerónimos Monastery)

I’d recommend starting with the Belém Tower (only the exterior) and then continuing to breakfast and Jerónimos Monastery. I don’t recommend visiting the tower itself, as the interior is rather plain and there are always long queues. This can take up a lot of your time, leaving you with less time to see the more impressive Jerónimos Monastery. However, if a visit to the tower is on your list, do it after the Jerónimos Monastery, as the lines there are usually even longer.

Belém Tower

08:30 AM – 08:40 AM

Located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Belém Tower is one of the city’s most iconic sites. King Manuel I commissioned the construction of the tower in 1514. It is a great example of Manueline architecture. This is a special Portuguese style known for its detailed decorations, maritime themes, and features from the Renaissance and Gothic styles.

Belém Tower was built to defend the city and mark the entrance to the city’s harbour. It played a major role during Portugal’s Age of Discovery, serving as a departure point for explorers and their ships. In the following centuries, the tower was transformed into a prison and later into a lighthouse.

You can visit the tower, but due to its size, only a limited number of people are allowed inside at the same time, resulting in long lines. Moreover, the interior is unfurnished and somewhat plain. That’s why I recommend seeing only the exterior of the tower (which is a must-see). However, if you’re planning to visit the tower, I’d suggest booking your skip-the-line Torre de Belém ticket here to save time.

Breakfast at Manteigaria

09:00 AM – 09:20 AM

Another day in Lisbon means another chance to enjoy a Pastel de Nata! This time, head to Manteigaria (my personal favourite). The custard of the tard was much more delicious than the ones at Fábrica da Nata.

Since we’re in the neighbourhood, I have to mention the Pastéis de Belém bakery , the only place where you try the original Pastel de Nata. They prepare their pastries following an ancient recipe from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. However, in my view, the lengthy queue isn’t worth it. Yet, if you happen to arrive when it’s less crowded, you might want to give it a try and judge for yourself.

Jerónimos Monastery

09:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Jerónimos Monastery is the most famous and impressive monument in all of Lisbon. Commissioned by King Manuel I, the construction of the monastery began in 1501. It continued for several decades, funded in part by profits from trade routes to Africa, Asia, and South America during the Age of Discovery. Jerónimos Monastery was built to honour the successful return of explorer Vasco da Gama from his journey to India.

With its intricately carved columns and detailed stonework, the monastery is a stunning example of Manueline architecture. It is a must-see during your 3 days in Lisbon, but there are some important things to consider before visiting:

• go as early as possible as lines start to form even before the opening hours. Despite my visit in May and arriving 15 minutes ahead with a pre-booked ticket, the queue outside was still pretty long and I ended up queuing for an hour and a half
• there are two lines – one for buying a ticket and another one for entering the monastery. I highly recommend buying a ticket online, which will allow you to skip the first line
• while the monastery officially opens at 9:30 AM, they let only tour groups until 10:30 AM, resulting in huge lines. Therefore, consider arriving very early or visiting in the late afternoon just before closing to avoid the crowds

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Jerónimos Monastery

Church of Santa Maria de Belém

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Although a part of the Jerónimos Monastery, the Church of Santa Maria de Belém has a separate entrance (with its own line). The 16th-century church is famous for its richly carved stone decorations and stunning vaulted ceilings, a magnificent example of Manueline architecture.

One of the church’s most notable features is the tomb of Vasco da Gama, who discovered a sea route to India. You’ll also find the tombs of King Manuel I and Luís de Camões, a Portuguese poet and writer.

The Church of Santa Maria de Belém, unlike the monastery, is free to visit. As you leave the monastery, you’ll pass by the church’s entrance, offering a glimpse inside (though entry is not permitted). To access the church, you’ll have to join a separate queue (after you exit the monastery) for an additional 2 hours. I recommend admiring the church’s stunning exterior without going inside. Note that the church opens an hour later than the monastery (in case you’re planning a visit).

Lunch at Miolo

For lunch, make your way to Miolo , an excellent brunch place. Their menu features unique sandwiches made with quality local ingredients. I especially liked the Famous Pork Cheek (pork stewed in Port Wine with caramelized onion and crispy bacon) and Breakfast Bun (scrambled eggs with avocado and crispy bacon).

Ajuda National Palace

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

Ajuda National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Ajuda) is one of Lisbon’s hidden gems. Most of the people who visit Belem focus on the famous monastery and the tower, often overlooking this magnificent royal palace. During my visit, there were hardly any other people, and it was a true pleasure to have the palace entirely to myself.

The palace served as the official residence of the Portuguese royal family from the time of King Louis I in 1861 until 1910, when Portugal transitioned into a republic. Ajuda National Palace is built in Neoclassical style, featuring lavishly decorated rooms and grand halls. You can explore the State Apartments, including the stunning Throne Room (featuring a painted ceiling), the Audience Room, and the Banquet Room.

You can book your Ajuda National Palace ticket here .

You’ll find the Royal Treasury Museum in the palace’s western wing. It houses an exquisite collection of royal jewellery, including crowns, tiaras, and royal regalia. You have to pay additionally to visit the Royal Treasury Museum, but it’s absolutely worthwhile. Be sure to check out the museum shop of the treasury, where you can find high-quality items and gifts.

Dinner at Cervejaria Liberdade

Finish this long day with an Octopus À Lagareiro Style at Cervejaria Liberdade . This elegant restaurant offers an excellent selection of fish, seafood and some Portuguese classics. Don’t forget to order a dessert, particularly the cocoa mousse, which was the best I’ve ever tasted.

More ideas for 3 days in Lisbon – Day 2

Take a river cruise.

Take this river cruise with drinks and enjoy a 2-hour boat tour along the River Tagus. You’ll explore Lisbon’s historic waterfront, sail under the 25th of April Bridge, and pass by the famous Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries. The cruise is available during the day, at sunset, or at night (for a truly magical experience go for the sunset option).

You can also opt for this Helicopter Ride, Boat Trip, & Walking Tour , which allows you to discover the beauty of the city by land, river and air. The tour includes also a ride on Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams.

Monument of the Discoveries

A short walk from Belém Tower, you’ll find the remarkable Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). It was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in Portugal’s Age of Exploration.

The Monument of the Discoveries has a distinctive design that resembles the prow of a ship. It stands at an impressive height of 52 meters (171 feet). The monument features historical figures who played an important role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, including Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and many others.

For a fee, you can take an elevator to the top of the monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Tagus River. On the square in front of the monument, you’ll find a marble map of the globe, displaying significant dates and routes.

3 Days in Lisbon itinerary – Day 3

On the 3rd day in Lisbon, take a day trip to Sintra, home to the famous Pena Palace. Apart from the stunning palace, there are three other main attractions to visit – the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira and Sintra National Palace.

You have two options – to take an individual day trip or book a guided tour. I’d recommend taking a guided tour because you’ll be able to see much more and save time in transportation. If you opt for an individual trip, my advice is to limit your Sintra itinerary to just 2-3 sites. Also, for an individual trip plan approximately 2 hours for transportation each way.

How to get to Pena Palace

• the easiest way is to take this Sintra and Cascais Day Trip (more than 7400+ excellent reviews). The tour includes not only the Pena Palace and Sintra Historical Centre, but also the stunning coastlines of Cabo da Roca and Cascais
• take a train from Rossio train station to Sintra (40min journey). From there take bus 434 (departs every 15min), which stops right at Pena Palace. Catch the earliest train you can, as often there are long lines for bus 434 later in the day

How to visit the palaces of Sintra

• only Pena Palace – get off at the palace bus stop and then take the bus back to the train station
• Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors – get off at the castle stop, see the castle and then walk up to the palace. Bus 434 follows a one-way route, departing from Sintra train station, stopping at the Castle of the Moors and then Pena Palace, before returning directly to the train station. You can’t take it from Pena Palace to the castle on your way down
• Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors and Quinta da Regaleira – start with Pena Palace, as it is located on the top of the hill and make your way down the hill from there. Keep in mind that the walk back to the train station from Pena Palace takes about an hour. This gives you the opportunity to stop at the Castle of the Moors and Quinta da Regaleira on your way down. I don’t recommend starting with Quinta da Regaleira and then taking the bus to Pena Palace, as the bus is usually full and you won’t be able to get on

National Palace of Pena

The National Palace of Pena is one of the most spectacular palaces in Europe. With its colourful exterior, featuring shades of red, yellow, and blue, it is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Romanticism.

Pena Palace was originally a monastery dating back to the Middle Ages. In 1842, King Ferdinand II transformed it into the fairytale castle we see today. Over the following century, the palace served as a royal summer residence.

Inside, you’ll find richly decorated rooms that reflect the opulence of the era. Some highlights include the Great Hall (adorned with a golden bronze chandelier), the Arab Room (with its trompe-l’oeil on the ceiling), and the Indian Room.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Pena Palace

Castle of the Moors

Castle of the Moors is situated a 15-minute walk from Pena Palace. It offers stunning views of the surrounding Sintra hills, the Atlantic Ocean and the town itself. The castle has a rich history that dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. It was constructed as a defensive fortress during the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

You can book your skip-the-line castle ticket here .

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful estate, known for its lush gardens and mystical symbolism. It was built in the early 20th century by the wealthy Brazilian merchant António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. The estate is mostly famous for its iconic initiation well with a spiral staircase that descends into the earth.

It is possible to tour the palace and its lush gardens, as well as to descend the famous initiation well.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra National Palace

Sintra National Palace is a 15min walk from Quinta da Regaleira. Built in during the 10th century as a Moorish castle, it is one of the oldest palaces in Portugal. It served as a royal residence for centuries, and it was a favourite of the Portuguese monarchs. One of the most distinctive features of the palace is its pair of colossal conical chimneys rising from the kitchen. These twin chimneys have become an iconic symbol of Sintra.

You can book your skip-the-line palace ticket here .

Dinner at Grau Douro Tapas & Wine Bar

Finish your last day of this 3-day Lisbon itinerary with a dinner at Grau Douro Tapas & Wine Bar. It’s a great wine bar for cheese and charcuterie boards and tapas. I enjoyed their Alheira and Chouriço balls, which were fantastic, as well as the mixed platter.

Another option for dinner is Fumeiro de Santa Catarina . Tucked away in a residential street, this small tapas bar serves dishes, which have at least one smoked element. The Gran Daddy Chips and the grilled octopus were delicious with a nice crisp outside.

More ideas for 3 days in Lisbon – Day 3

Food and wine walking tour.

Join this Food and Wine Walking Tour and discover the world of Portuguese cuisine, wines, and traditions. Explore Lisbon’s historic cafés and learn about the history of Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) and Port wine. You’ll also taste the iconic Bifana pork sandwich, Chouriço, São Jorge Cheese and Portuguese codfish cake. This food tour is not only the most popular but also the top-rated one in all of Lisbon!

Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest and most impressive public aquariums in Europe. It boasts a rich collection of marine life (over 8,000 sea creatures), including colourful tropical fish, sharks and penguins. Highlights of the aquarium are the massive saltwater tank, replicating the open ocean and the stunning underwater tunnel.

You can book your skip-the-line Oceanarium ticket here .

Take a Street Art Tour

Join this Street Art Tour to explore the colourful streets of Lisbon. Discover the world of street art and see the best political and social murals from popular street artists. You’ll also learn about the symbolism behind these creations and the artists themselves.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a must for every art lover. The museum houses about 6,000 ancient artifacts and artworks. This includes European, Oriental, and Islamic art, as well as decorative arts, sculptures, and jewellery. The impressive collection was bequeathed to the city of Lisbon by the Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian oil magnate.

Must buy tickets in advance

There are three attractions for which buying skip-the-line tickets will save you hours of waiting – Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle and Pena Palace. Even in the low season, the lines at Jerónimos Monastery can become quite overwhelming, often with more than 100 visitors queuing up well before the opening hours.

Jerónimos Monastery – with 2.5 million visitors per year this is the city’s most popular attraction, so book your Jerónimos Monastery ticket here .

São Jorge Castle – more than 2 million visitors per year, long lines, book your skip-the-line castle ticket here .

National Palace of Pena – with almost 2 million visitors per year, this is the most famous palace near Lisbon, so book a skip-the-line ticket to Pena Palace here .

1-day Lisbon itinerary

If you have only one day in Lisbon, I’d suggest exploring its city centre, Baixa. You can follow the first day of this Lisbon itinerary. Don’t go to the Belém district as you’ll waste an hour in transportation each way. Furthermore, even if you purchase a ticket in advance, you may still have to wait for one to two hours at Jerónimos Monastery. In case, Jerónimos Monastery is on the top of your list, go as early as you can and spend the afternoon exploring Baixa.

One day in Lisbon

• Admire Santa Justa Lift
• Enjoy the views from São Jorge Castle
• Visit the National Pantheon
• Visit Lisbon Cathedral
• See Rua Augusta Arch
• Sorbettino and Landeau Chocolate
• Admire the stunning Church of Saint Roch

2-day Lisbon itinerary

2 days in Lisbon will allow you to see the city’s highlights, just follow the first 2 days of this travel itinerary. Skip the third day, which is a day trip to Sintra (unless it’s a priority for you), as it will take up the entire day.

2 days in Lisbon

Best pass for your 3-day lisbon itinerary.

To get free entry to the city’s top attractions and unlimited access to the public transportation system, consider buying a Lisbon card. The card gives you:

• free entry to 39 museums and attractions ( see the full list here )
• unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators and funiculars) and free travel on CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais
• deals and discounts on visits, tours and shopping

By using the Lisbon card (€46 for 3 days) you’ll save a minimum of €9 (if you strictly follow my proposed itinerary without visiting any additional attractions). And if you add more sights, you’ll save even more. However, the best part is that you can ride the lifts, including the famous Santa Justa Lift for free (and save about €5 per ride).

• National Pantheon – €7
• Jerónimos Monastery – €12
• Ajuda National Palace – €9
• Royal Treasure Museum – €10
• Return tickets on the Cascais Line (to Belém) – €3
• Return train ticket to Sintra – €5
• Santa Justa Lift and Ascensor da Glória or Bica – €5 + €4

Buying separate tickets (total) – €55 Lisbon card price – €46 Total savings – €9 per person

Please note that the Lisbon card allows you to bypass the ticket purchase line at Jerónimos Monastery, but you’ll still need to wait in the entrance line to access the monastery.

Where to stay in Lisbon

If you’re visiting Lisbon for the first time, I’d recommend you stay in Baixa. This neighbourhood sits right at the heart of the city within walking distance to the historic Alfama and the lively nightlife of the Bairro Alto district. You’ll be just a short stroll away from numerous popular attractions, including São Jorge Castle, Santa Justa Lift and Lisbon Cathedral.

You can conveniently reach the airport by taking either the green metro line (towards Alameda) or the blue one (towards São Sebastião). Then transfer to the red metro line heading to Aeroporto. Getting to Sintra and its famous Pena Palace is effortless – simply hop on a train departing from Rossio train station.

Figueira by The Beautique Hotels & SPA – Best mid-range

Guest rating: 8.8 | 3,490+ reviews

Situated next to Praça da Figueira, a historic square, this hotel is the ideal base to explore Lisbon. Rooms are spacious and have a unique style with earthy colours and fig tree touches. Don’t skip the hotel’s restaurant, Figu’s , which serves yummy Portuguese food and local wines.

Why book – central location, a short walk from a metro station and Rossio Train Station, great Spa with hamman

Altis Avenida Hotel – Best luxury

Guest rating: 9.0 | 1,790+ reviews

The hotel is housed in a beautiful old building, just a short stroll from the famous shopping streets – Rua Augusta and Liberdade Avenue. The rooftop bar, Rossio Gastrobar , is a great spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing. The excellent Spa centre features a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and oxygen therapy.

Why book – central location, next to 2 metro lines, rooftop terrace with panoramic views, heated indoor swimming pool

Grape Harbor Prata Apartments – Best apartment

Guest rating: 9.2 | 1,680+ reviews

Grape Harbor Prata Apartments are right in the middle of downtown Lisbon, perfect for exploring. The apartments are modern and spacious with a complete kitchenette setup. Plus, they serve up a delicious continental breakfast with fresh bread and warm pastel de nata every morning.

Why book – central location, 5min walk to 2 metro lines (Baixa-Chiado and Rossio stations), great breakfast

Getting around in Lisbon

Lisbon has an extensive public transportation system that includes trams, funiculars, buses, and a metro. The city’s public transportation is operated by three companies – Carris, Lisbon Metro and CP. Carris is in charge of the city’s buses, trams, and funiculars. The Lisbon Metro is responsible for the metro system. CP, which stands for Comboios de Portugal, is the national Portuguese rail company, which runs suburban trains to destinations like Sintra and Cascais.

The fastest and cheapest way to get around the city is by using the metro. There are also three historic funiculars (Glória, Bica, and Lavra) to get to some of the city’s most steep hills.

For convenient access to all public transportation, buy a Viva Viagem card . The card is priced at €0.50 and can be purchased at any metro station. Then you have to pre-load your card with pay-as-you-go credit. This card is valid for all modes of public transportation, including the train to Sintra.

Another option to get around the city is by using the hop-on-hop-off bus, tram and boat . It gives you access to three different kinds of transportation, making it easy to explore the city’s highlights.

How to get to Lisbon

Lisbon has several major train stations, including Gare De Oriente, Entrecampos, Santa Apolónia and Sete-Rios. If you’re arriving from Porto, the train will stop either at Gare De Oriente or Santa Apolónia Station. From there you can take the red metro line (from Gare De Oriente) or the blue metro line (from Santa Apolónia) to your hotel.

Check timetables and book train tickets online at Comboios de Portugal official site .

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is located seven kilometres northeast of the city centre of Lisbon. To get from the airport to the city centre:

• take a private transfer directly to your hotel (more than 3,100+ excellent reviews)
• the red metro line (Aeroporto – Saldanha) takes you to downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. Note, that if you arrive at Terminal 2, you have to take the free shuttle to Terminal 1 and then the metro

Day trips from Lisbon

Fatima, óbidos, batalha and nazaré.

This Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré Day Tour is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. The tour takes you on a journey through central Portugal’s highlights:

• Catholic shrine of Fátima – one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. It holds deep religious significance due to the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917
• Óbidos – a beautifully preserved medieval town with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a well-preserved castle
• monastery of Batalha – this monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, featuring stunning stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and grand chapels
• Nazaré – this seaside resort boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Portugal

Wine Tasting

This Arrábida and Sesimbra Day Tour & Wine Tasting is a must for every wine lover. You’ll visit the castles of Setúbal and uncover the secrets of historic wine cellars. Then the adventure continues with a visit to a family estate for homemade wine tasting.

Finally, explore the wine culture with a guided tour of the José Maria da Fonseca winery, one of Portugal’s oldest family-owned wineries. You’ll get to taste two local wine varieties and explore the historic cellars in Azeitão.

Queluz National Palace

Queluz National Palace is located just a short train ride from Lisbon. The palace is a remarkable example of 18th-century Portuguese architecture, combining elements of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. It is known as the Portuguese Versailles due to its grandeur.

The palace was initially built as a hunting lodge for King Dom Pedro III in the 18th century. Later, his wife, Queen Maria I, transformed it into a royal residence. You can tour the opulent interior, decorated with intricate stucco work, gilded carvings, and beautiful frescoes.

How to get to Queluz National Palace Take a train from Rossio train station to Queluz – Belas (a 20min journey). The palace is a 15min walk from the train station.

Best time to visit Lisbon

With almost 300 days of sunshine, Lisbon is an ideal year-round destination. However, the best time to travel to Lisbon is the shoulder season which falls between March and May, as well as September to October. During these times, you can comfortably explore the city on foot, as the temperatures are generally pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.

Avoid the peak season, which is from June to August, as the weather can become excessively hot, and the city tends to get crowded with tourists. Still, if you’re visiting in mid-June, don’t miss the Festas de Santo António, one of the most popular and traditional festivals in Lisbon.

Faqs about visiting Lisbon

To see most of Lisbon’s highlights you’ll need 2 full days. However, if you wish to visit Sintra and its famous Pena Palace, you’ll need an additional day.

I’d recommend spending 3 days in Lisbon. This is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and take a day trip to Sintra. While it’s possible to see the city’s highlights in 2 days, you’ll have to skip the day trip to Sintra.

3 full days is enough to see Lisbon’s top sights, explore the city’s culinary scene and take a day trip to Sintra. However, your itinerary will be packed, so consider extending your stay by 1 or 2 days for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Tram 28 is a historic tram with a picturesque route, but it’s not worth the hype. It is often overcrowded and it’s impossible to sit down. Due to its popularity among tourists, waiting times can be quite long (even more than an hour) and it is also a target for pickpocketing.

It’s common to leave a tip of 5-10% of the total bill. Be sure to check the bill, as some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so check before adding an additional tip.

Yes, you can drink tap water in Lisbon. The city’s tap water is considered safe and of good quality and it meets all EU standards.

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3 Days in Lisbon: How to Plan the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary

We loved Lisbon. It’s the largest city in Portugal – also the capital – with a rich history that features a diverse cast of characters, from the Romans and Visigoths in medieval times, to the Muslims hailing from North Africa, to the Christian Crusaders, and many more.

They were also the first people to go around the Cape of Good Hope, the southern tip of Africa to India (you can see Vasco da Gama’s tomb at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém), and the fact that Portugal played such a big role in early exploration at sea is something I always forget.

Over the course of your 3 days in Lisbon, you’ll learn all about the rich history – some good, some not so good – that was made in Lisbon, one of the most storied cities in all of Europe. 

As we were on a walking tour with Isabel, a local who now lives in a suburb of Lisbon, she was telling us about the earthquake in 1755 (and the fires and tsunami that soon followed) that leveled large swaths of Lisbon.

Most of the city had to be rebuilt from the ground up, which immediately reminded me of the forest fires in California, our home state, that have grown more and more intense with each passing year. In their wake, they leave destruction and suffering. But then a beautiful thing happens.

From the ashes, something new emerges. In the case of California’s forests, it’s a new set of flora and fauna. In Lisbon’s case, a modern city emerged, more resilient and equipped to deal with future disasters thanks, in part, to the urban planning of the Baixa District, which was envisioned and brought to life by the Prime Minister after the earthquake, Marquês de Pombal.

Today, Lisbon is firmly on the tourist map after a series of “best new destination” wins in travel magazines over the past decade or so.

The Portuguese capital is a real treat, full of incredible views from miradouros that look out over the colorful buildings adorning the city’s many hills, great food and drinks including fresh seafood that is among the best in the world, and some amazing historical sights and stories. 

In this guide to planning your Lisbon itinerary, we’re going to go through everything you’ll need to organize an amazing trip to Lisbon.

From the boring logistics, like how to get around and where to stay, to a complete 3 day Lisbon itinerary, to itinerary alternatives if you have more or less time, we’ve done our best to give you all the information you need to plan your trip, all in one place. 

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite finds and experiences in Lisbon based on our trip to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Is 3 Days in Lisbon enough Time?

We think 3 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon. Obviously, three days is not nearly enough to see everything in Lisbon, but given limited vacation time, 3 days is a great introduction.

Lisbon is a fantastic city in and of itself, but there are a couple of great day trips from Lisbon that are also worth taking, which means adding an extra day or so (depending on how much time you have) to get outside of the city and see those spots. 

3 days in Lisbon is the perfect amount of time to explore both the city of Lisbon, and take a day trip to Sintra , which would be our choice of the day trip options.

You can do it in two days, but we’d definitely cut out the day trip to Sintra and stay within Lisbon’s city limits. One day is a stretch (here’s how we’d spend one day in Lisbon ), but you can see SOME of the sights in Lisbon – it’s a fairly compact city – so you’ll know what you want to see more of on your return trip. 

Where to Stay in Lisbon

There are basically two neighborhoods we’d consider for a trip to Lisbon that is under five days, especially if it’s your first time.

We have an entire, detailed guide dedicated to the subject of where to stay in Lisbon . Read that for more information.

We stayed at Porta do Mar , a nice serviced apartment complex in Baixa within walking distance to, well, pretty much everything in Lisbon. Apartments have full kitchens, which is a main reason we stay in apartments (I have Celiac Disease and need to eat strictly gluten free – here’s my guide to gluten free Lisbon !).

If you’ve been to Lisbon before and are looking for a fun new place to stay, consider Bairro Alto (be warned – the nightlife is wild) or Principe Real .

Chiado is about as central as it gets in Lisbon, which is why it’s our top pick for most people.

It’s conveniently positioned between Baixa down the hill, Alfama to the east, and Bairro Alto / Principe Real to the west. It’s also up the hill, so you won’t be walking uphill quite as much (although there will definitely still be plenty of uphill walking).

It also has its own metro stop, which you’ll be thankful for after long days of walking around Lisbon. 

In Chiado , here are three places to consider – a hotel, a serviced apartment, and a budget option – depending on your style and budget. 

• Want a hotel? Casa de Barao is our top pick in Chiado. It’s in a historic building from the 1700’s that was recently renovated, and it’s right in the heart of Chiado. Plus, the pool!
• Looking for an apartment? For groups of one to four people, we’d look at Lisbon Charming Apartments in Chiado , which have one and two bedroom apartment options at the north end of Chiado. For bigger groups, look at LV Premier Apartments , which have two and three bedroom options that can sleep between six and ten guests, depending on how comfortable people are sleeping on a sofa bed.
• On a budget? Look at Lost Lisbon’s Chiado House . They have rooms with private external bathrooms, which will save you a little bit of money without sacrificing on comfort. 

Alfama is set on the hill to the east of Chiado and Baxia, São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) towering above the serpentine streets that snake their way downhill to the river.

This area is one of the oldest in the city and reminds me a lot of neighborhoods like Trastevere in Rome and Montmartre in Paris.

Those neighborhoods, along with Chiado, transport you back in time with their narrow, winding cobblestone streets and open plazas. It’s somehow simultaneously quiet and bustling, with a mix of people going about their business (like doing laundry) and people eating at open air cafes.

In other words, it’s uber romantic and charming, and would be a nice home base for a trip to Lisbon. However, it is up a hill from basically everything else in Lisbon, and public transit connections are strictly okay (the 28 tram runs through Alfama, but it’s usually packed). 

Here are three places to consider in Alfama – a hotel, a serviced apartment, and a budget option – depending on your style and budget. 

For what it’s worth, we stayed at the Porta do Mar Apartments for our first trip to Lisbon, and loved it. It’s in Baixa, but it’s two blocks from the Sé de Lisboa, which means you’re at the bottom of sprawling Alfama. The location was pretty much perfect. 

• Want a hotel? The Hotel Convento do Salvador is set in a former convent that is steps away from Miradouro das Portas do Sol, one of the best views of the city (and a terrific place to sit on the terrace and have an Aperol Spritz at sunset). Rooms are compact, but comfortable, and for a little extra you can have a river view from your room. 
• Looking for an apartment? For groups of one to four, look at Casas do Bairro Conqvistador , which is just outside the castle walls. They have one bedroom apartments with an option for a sofa bed to house up to four people. Bigger groups, look at Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites , which have a couple of two bedroom apartments that will give you a little more space. 
• On a budget? The rooms at Archi-Pelago Alfama Design Suites are small, but have everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. There’s a range of room types and sizes, so you can pick the right one for your style and budget. Plus, the rooms are gorgeous, filled with natural light and design elements reminiscent of places where you’d pay triple the amount it’ll cost you to stay here. 

A Complete 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for First Timers

Now let’s talk about exactly what to do with your time in Lisbon. We arrived in Lisbon late at night, and we’re going to assume you have three full days to explore the city, NOT INCLUDING your travel days (arriving in Lisbon, and leaving Lisbon). 

If you have less time, we have some ideas on how to compress this Lisbon itinerary into one or two days in Lisbon below the main itinerary. 

A note on our travel style before we get into it – we’re not huge museum people, nor are we into going inside every single church in the city (there are too many to cover in Lisbon anyway, in a country that is still over 80 percent Catholic). 

We’re far more into experiences that connect us with locals who can show us their version of the city, which is why you’ll find a walking tour (we LOVED this walking tour , which we did on our first day) and a food tour on our Lisbon itinerary rather than a list of six churches and three museums.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose, but we’d much rather spend our time going deeper on fewer things than running around from tourist sight to tourist sight trying to see it all. 

Day 1: Walking Tour + Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama

Spend your first day in Lisbon exploring the main tourist center of Lisbon that includes Baixa, Chiado, and the most romantic and charming part of Lisbon, Alfama.

But First, Coffee

Lisbon has a surprisingly vibrant specialty coffee scene, which is music to my ears. I love coffee, and especially love experiencing coffee in new ways – whether that’s a new drink, beans from a place I’ve never tried before, or new flavors or processing.

I’m a little bit of a coffee nerd, so during our time in Lisbon I went on a quest to find the best coffee in Lisbon . 

Here are the two places I’d recommend that are near the center of Lisbon. 

• Bloom Coffee Room : They curate the best beans from around Europe, and you’ll find roasters from Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and other places even further afield. The best coffee we had in Lisbon came from this place. 
• Fábrica Coffee Roasters : They have multiple locations around the city, and are building a specialty coffee empire in Portugal (now they have a location in Porto, too). They roast their own beans, and the cappuccino we had there was the best we had in Portugal.

Get Oriented with a Walking Tour

We really, really enjoy doing a walking tour on our first day in a new city to get our bearings, connect with a local who can help us learn the language and give me some pointers on what to do, see, eat, and drink, and check out some of the main sights to give us an idea of what want to come back to. 

We have two options for you here – we did both ourselves and liked them, obviously, or we wouldn’t be recommending them to you.

The tour we did is the “ Lisbon Highlights and Hidden Gems ” walking tour with Withlocals, a tour company that we’ve fallen in love with in Europe, and have basically used in every city we’ve visited over the last few months where tours are available.

They’re perfect because they’re private tours (at regular tour prices, I might add, especially if you have more than two people), and thus they’re customizable to your particular needs and interests. 

We did a tour with Isabel in Lisbon, and highly recommend her as a guide. 

Shoot for a tour that starts around 10:00 am, which means you’ll be done and ready to go by 1:00 pm.

It covers many of the sights between Bairro Alto and Alfama, all with a professional guide who knows far more about the city than any guidebook, and who can help you with restaurant recommendations, things to know about the city, getting around, and more.

Plus some fun anecdotes (and some not-so-fun) and history lessons along the way! We really enjoyed it, and think you will too. 

Click here to book your walking tour

Lunch + Pastel de Nata in Chiado

Head to Chiado for lunch on your first day in Lisbon. It’s the most central neighborhood, and there are some great places to eat in the area.

We’d opt for seafood at Pinóquio (technically in Baixa), vegan food at The Green Affair , or pastel de bacalhau – a cod, potato, and cheese pastry – at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau washed down with a nice port wine. 

After lunch, it’s time for a quintessential Lisbon experience: pastel de nata! Pastel de Nata is a staple on any Lisbon itinerary. It’s essentially an egg custard tart, enveloped in a crispy, crunchy, flaky crust.

The best we found in Lisbon – and our waking tour guide agreed with our assessment – is at Manteigaria .

They’re best when they’re warm, and you’ll want a nice dusting of cinnamon on top (which they will provide).

Aloma , right across the street, was our guide’s second favorite spot. Try both, and compare for yourself!

Afternoon: Exploring Alfama

After lunch and doing a bit of poking around in Chiado, head to the most romantic part of the city, Alfama.

Alfama is the oldest feeling part of the city, with narrow cobblestone streets that wind their way down from the Castelo de São Jorge at the crown of the hill. It’s also home to several of the best viewpoints in all of Lisbon, which you should definitely make an effort to get to. 

Here are a few suggestions of things to do and see in Alfama. My advice is to start near the top of the hill with the castle, then make your way downhill from there to the Lisbon Cathedral ( Sé de Lisboa ).

You can ride the 28 tram up the hill and walk back down if climbing up to the castelo on your own two feet doesn’t sound like your idea of fun. 

One note: your next stop is actually further up the hill from the miradouros (to another miradouro and some pre-dinner drinks), so plan on heading uphill from the miradouros. It’s a little bit of backtracking, but we think it’s worth it for one of the best views in all of Lisbon. 

Castelo de São Jorge

The castelo sits on top of the hill, with Alfama sprawling down the hill from its walls towards the river. It used to be an important defensive position, and was the scene of many battles over the centuries before the Portuguese took Lisbon and established it as their capital.

Since then, it has been many things, including a hospital and a prison, and only in the 20th Century was it restored to its former glory.

Today, you can visit the grounds (it costs 10 Euros) and, most importantly, walk on the castle walls for some amazing views. 

Miradouros Galore

There are several great viewpoints in Alfama, including two that are just a few blocks away from each other.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia ( here on Google Maps) is the first, and it’s a nice view out towards the river. There are some cool tiles to check out on the side of the Igreja de Santa Luzia (right next to the viewpoint) depicting a battle for the Castelo.

The second is Miradouro das Portas do Sol (on Google Maps here ), which has even better views out towards the Tagus River, including the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora out to the northeast on the hill.

Don’t miss the statue of St. Vincent , the patron saint of Lisbon. The latter viewpoint has a nice little outdoor terrace with a bar, which would be a lovely place to enjoy, say, an Aperol Spritz or a Port Tonic while watching the sun’s golden glow light up the hillside. 

When in Lisbon, you should try canned fish at least once, even if you think it’s not your thing. And we think Miss Can is the place to do it.

It’s owned by a woman whose family has been in the fishing industry for generations, and she does the work to ensure her product is sustainable, from the fish to the cans.

We tried a bunch, and really, really liked the bacalhau (that’s cod) in garlic and olive oil. It was the least “fishy” option if you’re not a huge fan of fish flavors. You can either get some to enjoy at the small restaurant, or pick up some cans to enjoy later.

They also make great souvenirs to bring home for friends and family. 

On our return trip to Lisbon a few months after our first visit, we came back and bought about seven cans to bring home to friends, all of whom absolutely loved them (and some even ordered their own to ship all the way to the United States).

Pre-Dinner Drinks in Graça + Dinner Back Down the Hill

Rather than head down the hill after doing some exploring of Alfama, make your way to nearby Graça to get some drinks before dinner in Alfama on your journey back down the hill. 

First, head up to take in what might be the best view in all of Lisbon at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte . Fair warning, it’s quite the hike, but it’s worth it. See?

Then, check out either 8a Graca for some of the best craft beer in Lisbon, or down the hill to Graça do Vinho for an extensive selection of Portuguese wines and some light snacks (think bread and cheese). 

For dinner, there are A LOT of very touristy, very overpriced restaurants in Alfama, as our tour guide warned us. If you choose one of those, you’ll pay for the atmosphere, and the food won’t be great. Here are three alternative suggestions that are all in Alfama, but are actually highly rated. 

• Lisboa Tu & Eu
• Farol de Santa Luzia
• Ginjinha da Sé

Day 2: A Food Tour + Belém

On your second day, explore the delicious world of Lisbon’s food scene before hopping on the tram for a short ride out to Belém, home to a couple of cool sights (and one important taste). 

A Food Tour of Lisbon’s Best Flavors

If, like me, you have Celiac Disease (which means I need to eat strictly gluten free), then this tour isn’t for you. If you don’t have Celiac Disease and you love food, then you should take a food tour with a local who will bring you to places where you can try some of Lisbon’s authentic flavors. 

This is the tour we’d recommend, though – disclaimer – we haven’t done it ourselves. It has 4.95 stars and over 4,000 reviews at the time of writing, which puts it among the most highly rated tours I’ve ever personally seen on Airbnb before.

And the CEO of Airbnb has done the tour, which should tell you something. You’ll taste everything from fish to liqueurs, and do it at small, family-owned places that you wouldn’t otherwise find on your own. Plus, it’s plastic free!

Catch the 10:00 am tour and show up hungry. Seriously. Don’t eat beforehand. You should be done by about 1:30 pm, when you’ll be ready for either a nap, or a trip out to Belém. 

An Afternoon in Belém

After your food tour (and a nap?), head out to Belém for an afternoon and evening of fun. 

Belém used to be a separate city, but as Lisbon has expanded it has swallowed it up and now it’s a district within the broader city of Lisbon.

It’s right along the river, and is home to several cool sights, including the Torre de Belém, a huge monastery, and, perhaps the most important, Pastéis de Belém, which is said to be the birthplace of the original pastel de nata.

Today, the entirety of Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In Belém, we’d recommend starting at the furthest end with the Tower of Belém, then working your way back towards Lisbon. 

Getting to Belém

The easiest way to get there from the center of Lisbon is to hop on the 15E Tram from around Praça do Comércio.

It takes about half an hour each way, and costs three Euros in either direction. You can buy tickets on the tram, but you have to use the machines which sometimes don’t work AND only accept coins and require exact change.

You should either get a Viva Card (see the “Getting Around” section below the itinerary for more detail) at one of Lisbon’s Metro Stations so you can tap on / off with less hassle, or today might be a good day to invest in a 24 hour pass for the metro, buses, and trams, which will set you back 6.40 Euros. 

Torre de Belém

First of all, don’t go up into the tower. We just saved you 6 Euros a person. Lines are long, and the view from the top isn’t really worth the money or the time it’ll take you to get there. 

It is, however, worth admiring from the outside. It was built in the 1500’s for two reasons – to serve as an entry / exit point for people coming in and out of the city by ship, and to serve as a coastal defense for Lisbon, as it’s ideally placed along the banks of the river near the mouth to fend off any attacks. 

Unfortunately, it didn’t do so well on the second front. It was taken in 1580 by the Spanish. But it was upgraded following that catastrophe, largely living out its days as a prison until it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980’s. 

More information on the tower, including tickets, here . 

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Wander along the waterfront heading east to head to the Monument of the Discoveries (in Portuguese, Padrão dos Descobrimentos), which is a tribute to Portugal’s amazing history of explorers. Do you remember from fourth grade who the first person to circumnavigate the world was?

I didn’t, but our walking tour guide was quick to remind me that it was Vasco da Gama, and we actually visited the town where he was born just outside of Porto later in our trip to Portugal. Funny enough, that town is definitely inland, not along the sea at all. 

Vasco da Gama is one of the figures featured in the depiction on the side of the monument, which was built in the middle of the 20th Century under Portugal’s dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar, who was really into romanticizing Portuguese history.

Naturally, the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th Century was near the top of the “aren’t the Portuguese people great?” list, which is problematic because let’s be real for a second – all of the places they “discovered” were… already discovered. Just not by people with white skin.

We’re not going to solve that issue here, so I digress.

Anyway, the square in front of the monument is beautiful, with art made from limestone tile donated by South Africa, and the towering monument that rises 171 feet over the river. 

You can go inside, but we’d skip it, and instead just admire it from the outside. 

Jerónimos Monastery

The monastery (and the garden across the street) are worth a visit too. It’s a former monastery – meaning it’s not active today – and housed monks from the order of Saint Jerome (hence, the name). 

It’s a great example of typical Late Gothic Manueline architecture in Lisbon, which was created in the 16th Century during the Age of Discovery, and incorporates maritime symbols – ships, shells, and seas – into the Gothic style.

It’s typical in Lisbon, and there are a bunch of statues and examples of it around the city, including the statue of St. Vincent in Alfama, who is the patron saint of Lisbon and is holding a ship with two ravens, which is the coat of arms of Libson. 

Like I said, Maritime elements galore. 

Construction started in 1501 and took over 100 years to complete, which should tell you something about the grandness you’re about to witness. It’s free to enter, but you have to pay to go into the cloister, which is pretty impressive, but not necessarily worth the money. 

Pastéis de Belém

Head about a block east from the monastery to your final stop in Belém – the birthplace of the pastel de nata . Allegedly, anyway. 

The legend goes that the pastel de nata was created by monks from the monastery wayyyy back in the early 19th Century. And the story is actually fascinating, and completely plausible.

Next to the monastery, there was a sugarcane factory, and after the revolution in Portugal in 1820, all convents and monasteries were shuttered in 1834, which meant that the monks had nowhere to go, and no way to make a living.

Before that, they bought A TON of eggs (the whites were used for starching robes) and found themselves with some leftover egg yolks, so they started making sweet treats as a little bit of a side hustle (and probably, more importantly, to enjoy themselves). 

Ever the entrepreneurs, they sold that recipe to the pastry shop – the same one that exists there today – using that handy dandy sugarcane factory and those eggs. Guess what the two main ingredients are in those pastries? Sugar and eggs. 

They started pumping out these “Pastéis de Belém” – which would eventually become known more broadly as “Pastéis de Nata” – and two centuries later, the recipe and methods are said to be almost exactly the same as they were back in the 19th Century. 

They’re so serious about their brand that only the pastéis that come out of this kitchen can legally be called “Pastéis de Belém” – the original. 

Part of me wonders how much of that story has been romanticized over the years, and how similar the recipes really are today. The other part of me says “yeah, that’s a good story, let’s go with that.” But are they really the best? Here’s a completely subjective and unscientific take. 

Everyone says to go here for the best pastel de nata you’ll have in Lisbon. So we put it to the test. And by “we” I really mean my two brothers and Alysha. No gluten for me. 

The results? This one came in second behind Manteigaria. The crust was the best out of the three we tried, giving the pastry a nice texture contrast between the crispy outside and the ooey-gooey custard, but the custard was the downfall here, which was less flavorful than the ones they had tried previously.

Still, well worth a stop when you’re nearby. The more cinnamon, the better. 

On your way back to the heart of Lisbon, make a pit stop in Alcântara to check out LX Factory .

When you walk through the entryway here, you might feel like you’re in a hip part of Los Angeles or Brooklyn. And that’s kind of the vibe they’re going for, if we had to guess. 

In the mid 19th Century, this area was home to an important textile factory. Today, it’s an outdoor hub of different shops, bars and restaurants, and small businesses who have all come together to create one of the most engaging, creative, and unique places in the entire city.

You’ll find a nice bookstore, a great wine shop, countless restaurants, and plenty more. Here were some of our favorite stops (though we think you should take your time and explore for yourself). 

• Livraria Ler Devagar : You’ve probably seen this one on Instagram, with the big art fixture hanging from the ceiling of a person on a bike with their scarf trailing behind them. It’s a huge bookstore with a small English language section, a record shop on the first floor (that’s the second floor, to us Americans), and some cool old printing presses on the top floor that are worth checking out. 
• More Than Wine : We found both wine and cider that we liked here, but they also sell things like chocolate, jam, honey, and ceramics. 

We visited LX Factory in the morning, which we realized was not the right time to be there, and we ended up thinking to ourselves “I bet this place would be cool at night.”

That’s why we have you stopping here on your way back – because we think it’s worth grabbing dinner and drinks here, where you’ll have options ranging from Mexican food to gourmet hot dogs or sushi. 

Day 3: A Day Trip to Sintra

On your third day, take a day trip from Lisbon out to Sintra, home to Pena Palace and a couple of other worthwhile sites.

Things to Know About Visiting Sintra

The first thing you should know is that Pena Palace, which is a must-visit and is the most popular site, is at the top of a steep hill if you’re coming from the town of Sintra. We strongly recommend that you make Pena your first stop of the day, and make your way down the hill from there. 

There are a couple of different ways to get from the train station up to Pena Palace. 

• Bus : There are a couple of bus options leaving from the same general area. To get to Pena Palace, you want the 434, which takes you from right outside the train station (exit the station and turn right around the corner, towards the tourism office – here’s a map ) up to Pena Palace. It costs 3.90 Euros for a single ride (e.g. from the station to Pena Palace), and 6.90 Euros to get a hop-on, hop-off ticket that allows you to ride the bus there and back (but only in one direction). Here’s a helpful guide .
• Taxi / Uber : If you have two people or more, this is the best way to do it cost-wise. The bus is crowded and lines are long, so if you’re okay with walking down from the top, hop in a cab or Uber, pay the 10-15 Euros to get to the top, and you’ll likely beat everyone else up there.
• Tuk Tuk : We had a group of four, and as we were debating what route to take, a friendly tuk tuk driver pulled up and asked if we wanted a ride to the top for 20 Euros. Now, normally, we’re all for taking public transportation, and we’ve never actually taken a tuk tuk (except Alysha in Thailand). But for whatever reason, we were in a touristy mood, so we did it! It wasn’t exactly the fastest ride (though we did beat the bus), and there were times where I was pretty certain we were going to have to get out and push. But, alas, we made it to the top right as the Palace grounds opened and had some laughs along the way!

Getting to Sintra

Sintra is an easy 45 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station in Baixa. Getting to Rossio is pretty easy from basically anywhere in Lisbon, including Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. 

The most important thing to know is that you will want to be on the first feasible train out to Sintra, which totally depends on how early you want to wake up.

The train we chose left at 8:11 am, which we think is the perfect time because you’ll arrive in Sintra around 9:00 am, and most of the attractions open at 9:30 am, giving you about 30 minutes to get up the hill to Pena Palace to start your day and beat the rest of the visitors. 

What to Do in Sintra

Here’s the thing – there’s actually A LOT to do in Sintra. So much so, that you’re definitely not going to be able to comfortably fit it all into a single day, which is likely the amount of time you have. 

For context, we were on one of the first trains out to Sintra, and didn’t make it back to the city until somewhere around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. And we only really did a couple of the many tourist attractions in Sintra.

We would suggest picking two or three things that you’re most interested in, and tackling those two plus the town of Sintra, which has some good places to eat and drink. 

We also obviously have an opinion on what you should focus your time on, and we think the two sites you should choose are Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle .

Both offer different experiences – one is an opulent palace with fertile gardens, one is a replica of a former, you guessed it, Moorish Castle with spectacular views out over the ocean. 

If you want to add in a third sight, we’d recommend the Quinta da Regaleira . We’d do the two aforementioned sights before lunch, making your way down the hill as you go, having lunch in the town of Sintra, then doing the 10 minute walk out to the Quinta da Regaleira before heading back into town to catch the train back to Lisbon. 

Strap in, bring water and snacks, and prepare yourself for a full day affair. 

Here are some more details on the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. 

Pena Palace

There are two parts of the Pena Palace complex, and they require different tickets.

There are the gardens, and then there’s the interior. We decided to skip the interior – we’ve seen plenty of opulent palaces over the course of our travels, maybe the rich dudes should have spent the money that they spent on their summer home on something, I don’t know, more useful?

Seriously, Pena Palace is essentially a summer home, built in the Sintra Mountains by King Ferdinand II. Originally, it was a monastery on the hill, but it was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and sat there in disrepair for years.

Then, Ferdinand said “wouldn’t it be great to have a place to escape the oppressively hot Lisbon summers? Maybe a place on a hill, with nice views and a cool coastal breeze?” 

12 years later et voilà! Pena Palace, built by German architect Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege. Eventually, the state of Portugal bought the palace from the royal family (honestly, isn’t that insider trading or something?) and turned it into the museum it is today. 

The colors and décor of the palace are pretty unusual. Just look at this odd guy sitting atop one of the arches on the exterior of the castle. 

It’s an unusual mix of architectural styles, borrowing from multiple different eras and styles to create a multicolored mishmash. 

We would recommend just getting a ticket for the grounds, and admiring the palace from the outside. Here’s how we’d spend your time: 

• Start by exploring the gardens. When we arrived, the palace was fogged in and you could barely make out the bright yellow facade. If you find yourself in the same boat, fear not! It will likely burn off. Head out to the High Cross in the gardens, which is a nice view (if the fog happens to be gone – it wasn’t when we were there). In general, our favorite part of the gardens was the lakes area at the bottom of the hill. 
• Then make the walk up to the palace. Admire the arches and tiles along the outside, and go up into the chapel, which is free. 
• Walk the walls of the palace . There’s a short path around the palace walls, which you should save for last because it’s a great view out over Sintra and all the way to the coast, so you want it to be clear. 

From there, head down through the gardens to the lower entrance, and walk up to the Moorish Castle. 

Important Info : Tickets for the gardens cost 7.50 Euros, while combo tickets that include the interior cost 14 Euros. The castle is often shrouded in fog in the morning, which usually burns off by about 10:00 or 11:00 am. For that reason, we recommend above that you spend your time admiring the gardens first before heading up to the palace itself. More info here . 

Castelo dos Mouros

Honestly, we were SO close to skipping this. But we were so glad we didn’t! Walking along the reconstructed walls of this Moorish Castle from the 8th or 9th Century was the highlight of our time in Sintra, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. 

It was built when the Muslims from North Africa were in control of the Iberian Peninsula, and then it was taken by the Christians in the 12th Century, and basically left in various levels of desertion ever since as tensions calmed and people no longer felt the need to live within the castle walls and started making their way downhill towards Sintra and proverbial greener pastures.

At least until the 1800’s, when restoration efforts began under King Ferdinand in the same vein as the Pena Palace restoration. 

There are some historical sights to see along the way, but we’d focus your time on walking the walls from one end to the other, which involves some steps (which are actually kind of hard), and is basically a nonstop spectacular view from start to finish. Go counter-clockwise. 

Important Info : The cost to enter the castle perimeter is 8 Euros. We originally balked at that cost, but afterwards decided it’s probably worth it for the great views alone. Plus, how often do you get to walk on former castle walls? More information here . 

Less Time in Lisbon? Here’s What to Do

At a high level, if you have less than three days in Lisbon, we’d immediately cut Sintra. It’s great, don’t get us wrong, but we’d opt for spending your time in Lisbon itself rather than getting out of the city. Save it for next time. 

With One Day in Lisbon

If you only have one day in Lisbon – and we mean one full day, morning, afternoon, evening, we’d spend it like this. 

In the morning, head out to Belém and do the Torre de Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jerónimos Monastery (though the cloister won’t be open when you’re there, which is fine) before going to Pastéis de Belém to try the alleged original pastel de nata. 

Head back to Lisbon’s center and choose between the walking tour (if you’re more interested in history and culture) or the food tour (if you’re a foodie). Our preference is the walking tour, but you can’t really go wrong either way. 

In the evening, follow the Alfama guide in the itinerary above and spend a few hours in the most romantic part of Lisbon, at least in our opinions. 

PS: We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you make the most of one day in Lisbon .

With 2 Days in Lisbon

Follow days one and two of the itinerary above as written. Voila! 2 great days in Lisbon. 

More Than 3 Days in Lisbon?

If you have more than three days, we’d recommend slowing down and splitting up the activities in the itinerary above, giving each more room to breathe. In addition, here are a few things we’d add on to the itinerary. 

• We’re really excited about the We Hate Tourism Tours “ Lisbon Walk in the Real City . ” The tour company here – We Hate Tourism Tours – focuses on responsible and sustainable tours. For example, you won’t find them packing groups of 20 people onto the 28 Tram, which is a major thoroughfare for locals, and it’s basically unusable at this point due to tourists between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Instead, you’ll spend a few hours exploring neighborhoods you probably wouldn’t make it to on your own, and learning about the cultural and economic context around the city you’re exploring. We haven’t done it (yet), but we will when we’re back in Lisbon in a couple of months. It’s a different kind of tour than the other walking tour you’ll have already done, focusing on parts of the city most tourists don’t make it to. 
• The Time Out Market , as touristy as it is, is worth a visit. There’s a collection of some of the best restaurants in Lisbon all in one nice food hall, with a bar in the middle of it. Try a couple of different places and share amongst the group for the best experience. I’m still trying to wrap my head around why Time Out (of the magazine fame) got into the real estate / restaurant game, but that’s a question that’s out of scope for this particular guide. 
• We kind of wanted to take a trip across the river over to Cacilhas after seeing Phil do it on our favorite food TV show of all time, Somebody Feed Phil . It involves a ferry ride, which also seems very pleasant. Here’s a nice guide to exploring that side of the river. 

The Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate makes it a very pleasant destination basically year round, and a nice escape from the parts of Europe that have cold and dreary winters. Summer is blazing hot, and we’d say that visiting Lisbon in the summer is not ideal for two reasons.

First is the heat, which feels even warmer when you’re trekking straight up a hill. Second is the crowds, which are pretty overwhelming during July and August, which is peak summer season in Lisbon. It’s even worse when cruise ships are docked at the port near Alfama. 

Shoulder season is our pick, which means Spring and Fall. We visited in September, and the weather was pleasantly warm (bordering on hot), and crowds were around, but nowhere near what you’d see at the height of summer. 

We’re returning to Lisbon in December, so I will go ahead and update this guide with our thoughts on Lisbon in the winter after that trip. 

Getting to Lisbon

Lisbon is fairly accessible from most parts of Europe thanks to plenty of flights coming into Portugal’s capital, though if you’re coming from outside of Portugal the train and bus situation leaves a bit to be desired. Flying is your best bet if you’re coming from continental Europe, the UK, or the US and Canada (obviously). 

Flying to Lisbon

Lisbon’s airport is right smack dab in the middle of the city, which makes it easy to get from the airport to your accommodations.

Flights are plentiful, with most major carriers in Europe and abroad flying a route that takes you to Lisbon. You’ll arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is 7km away from the city center. 

Taking a Train or Bus to Lisbon

Trains or buses are a good way to get to Lisbon if you’re coming from a city within Portugal, like Porto to the north, or Lagos down on the Algarve , Portugal’s southern coast. 

One note : if you’re staying in the main center of Lisbon, Santa Apolónia Station is the one you want. It’s walkable to Baixa and Alfama, and you can hop on the metro to access other parts of the city from the train station. Oriente, Lisbon’s other train station, is further north and requires a longer journey to reach the heart of the city. 

From Porto , which is Portugal’s second biggest city (and is well worth a visit), it’s a three and a half hour train ride from Campanha Station in Porto to Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia station.

Express Trains – called Alfa Pendular or AP – take two hours and forty five minutes or so, and are the most expensive (and comfortable) option.

Intercity trains – called Intercidades or IC – are cheaper, less comfortable, and take a little longer at three and a half hours.

For what it’s worth, we took multiple IC trains, and it was plenty comfortable and super affordable, especially when you buy tickets in advance. 

From Lagos or Faro on the Algarve

You have a choice between train and bus, which are essentially the same journey in terms of time and cost.

The train leaves from Lagos and makes a connection in Tunes. From there, it’s a straight shot up to Lisbon. The bus runs directly from Lagos’ bus station to Lisbon – no connection required. Both options will cost you roughly 20 Euros. 

The only major city outside of Portugal that has reliable service to Lisbon is Seville, Spain, but you’ll need to budget an entire day to make the trip.

From Seville , you can take a FlixBus that goes directly from Seville to Lisbon, taking roughly eight hours to complete the journey. Your other option from Seville is to take the bus to Faro, and catch the train up to Lisbon from there, which takes more like 8-10 hours. 

Getting Around Lisbon

Lisbon is a great walking city, despite the hills. It reminds me a lot of San Francisco, our last home, in that way. 

Most of the main sites and neighborhoods that you’ll want to visit as a tourist are within walking distance of the center, with the exception of Belém and Alcântara (home to LX Factory), which are a short tram ride away. 

Lisbon – like most cities, really – is best explored on foot. You’ll discover all sorts of fun spots along the way if you use your own two feet to navigate the grid layout of Baixa, and the winding serpentine alleys of Alfama, Chiado, and beyond. 

The obvious thing to note here is the hills. Lisbon is very hilly outside of Baixa and the area along the river. Chances are, you’ll be walking up and down the hills of Lisbon at some point, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes and a reusable water bottle.

If walking the hills is a problem for you, you can use the metro or trams to get to the top of the hill, then meander your way back down.

Public Transportation

The public transportation in Lisbon is pretty fantastic. 

There are above-ground trams, a below ground metro system, a few funiculars to get you up the crazy hills, and a bus system. It’s comprehensive, and will get you everywhere you need to go quickly, efficiently, and for a really affordable per-trip rate, too. 

We were also really, really surprised at how clean everything was. From sparkling trams (other than the 28, but the rusticness is part of the charm!) to pristine buses, everything seemed a lot cleaner than the public transportation we’re used to taking in San Francisco. Like, A LOT cleaner. 

To use the public transportation system, you’ll want to buy a Viva card , which costs 0.50 Euro and makes each ride significantly cheaper, and then you’ll be able to load it (and reload it) with the amount of money you need to ride.

You can get the Viva Card at one of the machines inside a metro station – they have instructions in English if you don’t speak Portuguese. Here are the rates as of 2023 (you can check the most up-to-date figures here ):

• Single ride : 1.50 Euros (1.34 if you’re using a Viva Card)
• Day Pass : 6.40 Euros

Make sure you validate your ticket at the little yellow stands near the entrance to metro stations before every ride, and whenever you make a transfer. Otherwise you could be in for a fine. 

We’d recommend skipping the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), which is essentially a tourist trap. You can walk through the mall or up the hill from Baixa without paying the 5 Euros or waiting in the long line. It is, however, worth walking out to the top of the lift for the view out over Lisbon towards the Castelo.

Here’s a good guide to Lisbon’s public transportation system for some further reading. 

Uber and Taxis

Uber is surprisingly affordable in Lisbon, and so are taxis. We’re fans of ridesharing apps in terms of convenience and ease of use (not so much in terms of the company itself, though), and you can pretty easily zip around Lisbon for about 5-7 Euros per ride. Only use marked taxis, and make sure they run the meter. 

Taking a Taxi from the Airport

We hopped in a taxi at the airport, and got scammed like typical tourists immediately on arrival. I’m telling this story in hopes that you learn from my mistake. 

The taxi pulled up alongside the official taxi line, which we had waited in, and the first red flag was that he pulled up at the curb, rather than one of the designated taxi pull-through spots (which, by the way, are genius – never seen pull-through taxi spots before!). I should have pulled the plug there. 

Not knowing whether it was a flat rate ride or a metered situation was my second mistake. Taxis from the airport should be metered, and it should cost between 10 and 15 Euros to go to the city center. This guy told me it was a flat rate, and showed me a semi-official looking laminated piece of paper showing the rates. 

Our ride came out to 27 Euros, and only after the fact did I realize that we got scammed. 

The point is this : only use official taxis that pull into the designated spots at the taxi stand at Lisbon’s airport, and make sure they run the meter. Don’t pay more than 10-15 Euros for a ride, and ask roughly how much it will cost before you get in. Decline anyone that tells you it’s a flat rate. 

Actually, the real point is TAKE THE METRO from the airport . It’s super cheap, super efficient, and has a direct line to the city center. Here’s more on taking the metro to and from the airport. 

We hope this massive guide to exploring Lisbon was helpful! If you liked this guide, there’s more where that came from.

Planning a trip to Portugal?  

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

• 10 Days in Portugal: Planning the Perfect Portugal Itinerary
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide
• 3 Days in Lisbon: Planning the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary
• One Day in Lisbon: The Best of Lisbon in 24 Hours
• Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Guide to 4 Amazing Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Lisbon: A Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
• The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
• 3 Days in Porto: Planning the Perfect Porto Itinerary
• One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in a Day
• Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: The 3 Best Places to Stay

The Algarve:

• A Complete Guide to Planning an Algarve Road Trip (3-7 Days)
• Where to Stay in the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base
• How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete Trail Guide

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

12 Comments

I am so happy that I found your blog posts on Portugal. We had 3 days in Lisbon and 3 days in Lagos. Your recommendation of the Be Poet Baixa Hotel made for easy walking to many of your suggestions. They also offered lots of information about sites and restaurants in the area. We enjoyed our time in Portugal and will be back again.

Hey Wendy! Glad you found it helpful and enjoyed your trip. Baixa is great in terms of location – you’re within a short walk or bus ride of just about everything! We like Chiado a tiny bit better in terms of vibe, but both are excellent choices. Noted on Be Poet Baixa – thanks for the info.

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Coming soon, subscribe here to be the first to know when we launch this, the absolute best lisbon, portugal getaway: a 5 day itinerary with must see stops.

Charismatic and charming Lisbon is a city that catches the attention of travellers in an understated way.

The region and surroundings of Lisbon are usually not the first places in Europe that one thinks of, but when you’re here, like a spell, people often find themselves enchanted by the plethora of things to do and see.

From the average 300 days of sunshine that Lisbon gets per year, to the rambunctious markets, historic architecture, emerging culinary scene and notorious nightlife - the capital city of Portugal is one not to miss out on, and to find yourself coming back to over and over again. 

What’s even more under the radar to a lot of travellers are the adventures you can have surrounding Lisbon. This region - from Sintra, Berlenga Island to Arrabida Natural Park makes tantalizing day trips for anyone looking to get out in nature, mix things up from the city breaks, and soak up why this corner of Portugal is truly like a daydream. Curious? Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more adventures!

Know Before You Go

A long favourite city getaway for Europeans during the winter and summer - Lisbon and the surrounding area seems to be perfect for a holiday any time of the year. 

• No wonder why! During the winter months from November to February, Lisbon has the mildest winter out of any major European city, ranging between 8 and 10 °C - and that’s the lowest at night. For those sun-seekers during the usual grey European winters, Lisbon is the perfect place to be - with an average of 9 hours of sunlight in the winter. 
• During the summer months from June to August, the temperature rises up to an average of 28 until it cools down in late September. This makes the beaches in Lisbon and the surrounding perfect for swimming for many months through to autumn. 
• The shoulder season in Lisbon and the surrounding areas ranges from a balmy 18 °C to 22 °C. These months from March - May and from September to early November, makes a great time to explore the capital of Portugal without the large amount of crowds during the summer. 

Day 1 - Lisbon: exploring Baixa, Chiado and Alfama neighbourhoods

Built on 7 hills by the Tagus River , wherever you are in Lisbon, it’ll always feel like there’s a view. That’s because your eyes will marvel at sights like the city’s matching orange tile rooftops, sweeping grand cathedrals or the colourful tiled art buildings - a true visual feast of a city. 

Start your Lisbon trip off at Parque Eduardo VII , where if you stand at the very top of the well-manicured lawn, you’ll have a pretty good first impression of what the city is. The view looks over the Tagus River , and the many buildings perched on the hills of Lisbon. While you’re at the park, be sure to explore the Estufa Fria, an immaculate greenhouse that has an array of ponds,  and various gardens that are filled with diverse flora and fauna.

From here you can either continue walking or biking down to Rossio Square , which is the heart of the capital city. Lisbon is known for its safe and well-connected cycling lanes that make biking an easy way to get around and see the city. If you decide to book a bike tour around Lisbon, you will see the city in a fun way at a comfortable pace. Once you’re at Rossio Square , you can have a drink at one of many old-world European cafes or just take in the architecture. The wavy pattern of the square’s cobblestones is dazzlingly hypnotic, just like the beauty of the two baroque fountains here. You’ll also spot the neoclassical Dona Maria II National Theater , which has watched over this atmospheric centre since the 1840s. 

Make your way down Rua Augusta , a street made for leisure strolls since it’s completely pedestrian-friendly. This street is smack middle of the Baixa district, which is Lisbon’s downtown with grand classical buildings all around you to remind you of the deep heritage this city has. None truer of this is Commerce Square, or Praça do Comércio , which is a representation of the Portuguese empire’s reach and wealth at the height of the late 18th century. The iconic Arco da Rua Augusta guards the square but also has an observation platform at the top that gives you a great sight of Rue Augusta . Architecture lovers shouldn’t miss the Elevador de Santa Justa , a Gothic-sampled wrought-iron lift that still functions today that you can take up to the viewing platform and walkway.

For non-touristy things to do and see in Lisbon, check out our list here .

In the later part of your day, from Baixa district, we’ll explore the Chiado and Alfama neighbourhoods. You can do a walking tour of Lisbon through these neighbourhoods with a local guide that goes in-depth with each highlight stop of the city. 

Chiado is Lisbon’s most glamorous neighbourhood, with well-preserved pristine buildings harking back to the late 1700s. This glitziness shimmers in the architecture in the neighbourhood too - with Basílica dos Mártires being one of the more gorgeous basilicas in the city. I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you step inside the baroque and neoclassical architecture, have a lookup! The ceiling paints the story and glories of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. 

Amongst the many art galleries in this neighbourhood, the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado stands out. The museum celebrates Portuguese artists, highlighting the country’s cultural and creative scene. If you have time and are an art enthusiast, don’t miss out on the wide range of collection that is on display from paintings to installations, photography and sculptures. 

The 14th-century Convento do Carmo is a gothic ruin with arches underneath a clear sky due to the roof never being repaired. It’s a sight to behold, leaving you with a chillingly haunting feeling amongst the leftover disintegrated convent.

If you’re a book lover and have a love for old-world book stores, definitely check out Bertrand Bookstore while you’re in Chiado. When I mean old - I mean, they’re literally the oldest bookstore in the world with a Guinness World Record hanging in the door to prove it! 

If you choose to do a walking tour of Lisbon , it’ll wrap up in Alfama, which coincides with this itinerary for the day. Alfama is Lisbon’s most historical neighbourhood - with civilisations stacked on top of each from the Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Germanic tribes. Lisbon is one Instaworthy city, but most feel the neighbourhood of Alfama is the most picturesque of all. 

Get lost in the labyrinthine cobblestone alleys, looking up at the numerous pastel coloured and tile covered homes of Alfama. You can take tram 28 - yes, the iconic yellow trams that have become one of the symbols of Lisbon, into Alfama. Explore St. George's Castle , which can be seen from almost anywhere around Lisbon since it’s on such a high hill. Since we’re already so high up, a nearby walk away is the Portas do Sol Viewpoint . This is your classic terrace panorama of Lisbon - where you can see out to see the city’s most emblematic sights. From this viewpoint, with the cathedrals and water in the distance, you get the best of what makes Lisbon so beloved by locals and travellers alike! 

The Lisbon Cathedral and the National Pantheon are other highlights of Alfama, two glorious architectural beauty contrasting yet complimenting the Capital city. The cathedral is gothic and almost 9 centuries old! While the all-white pantheon has a striking dome, that has a grand terrace crowning over the city. 

Now for the romantics and sunset lovers (who doesn’t love a good sunset spot?) end your day at Santa Luzia Viewpoint . Consider this spot the city’s own public balcony, where you can stroll underneath classical columns that are wrapped in fully blossomed bougainvillea flowers. If you’re here at sundown, the view of the Tagus River and Lisbon will look like it's set in a blaze of soft orange hues. I know, cue the awws! 

Where to Stay in Lisbon:

Budget - Famous Crows Lisbon Suites

Check the latest rates and the reviews on Booking.com

‍Mid-range - Rossio Garden Hotel

‍Luxury - Hotel da Baixa

Day 2 - Lisbon: exploring the Belem neighbourhood 

The second day of Lisbon continues a whirlwind of the city’s best, this time in the neighbourhood of Belem. Dating back to the 15th and 16th century where Portuguese sailors ruled the seas, and explorers were funded to discover various trading routes around the world - Portugal and specifically Lisbon, became a massively wealthy empire. Belem, being right on the docks and shipyards reflects this adventurous past. 

It’s also home to Pastéis de Belém , a famous and affordable cafe where the golden shimmering Pastel de nata custard tart was born. Biting into one of these tarts is a delight, whether you’re starting your day off with them or taking a travel break with this snack. The tart is made out of egg and sometimes is dusted with cinnamon, being up there now of what you think of when you think of Portuguese cuisine (including the bacalhau cod, piri piri chicken, and ginjinha - cherry liquor). If you’re curious about taking your tastebuds through more Portuguese delights, definitely check out a local food and wine walking tour of Lisbon . 

While in Belem, you won’t be able to miss the imposing fort of Torre de Belem . The Moorish architecture of the watchtowers has become a unique architectural sight in Europe itself. Nearby, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a huge sculpted monument that memorializes the country’s history as explorers of the sea from the 15th century “Age of Discovery”. The influence of the Portuguese from this seafaring time is still seen around the world to this day - with former colonies like Macau cherishing their own version of the pastel de nata, to Brazil speaking Portuguese as their main language. 

A close by walk is the Jerónimos Monastery, aka Mosteiro dos Jerónimos . It’s a massive ornate monastery where you can visit the chapel for free. Even just staring at the doors you’ll be impressed by the little details sculpted into the religious figures that guard the monastery. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and adds to the impressive regalness of Belem. 

On the way back to the city’s centre, your final stop is LX Factory . Picture this, a big industrial site with factories that dates back to the mid 19th century, where everything was the hub for the textile industry. Now, it’s a hub for creatives - artists who have transformed the once-run down area into one of the most eclectic sites in Lisbon. There’s a cool bookstore, various cafes, local boutiques, and a wine shop. Welcome to where Lisbon’s cool crowd hang. 

If you have some extra time, check out these other non-touristy things to explore in Lisbon here .

Budget - My Charm Lisbon Suites

‍Mid-range - Emporium Lisbon Suites

‍Luxury - TURIM Boulevard Hotel

Day 3 - Sintra’s Forest and Castles

After exploring Lisbon, it’s worth it not to miss out on a day trip to the UNESCO Cultural Landscape site of Sintra. This is the first bite into outside of the capital city, with a memorable impression that will have you see why this region is so gorgeous. Sintra is a village of romance and whimsical sights just right outside of Lisbon. Known for its fairytale-like gardens, forests that poets dream about, and architecture fit for princes and princesses. 

These once opulent kingdoms have leftover ruby red castles and sunlight yellow palaces sitting on various hills of Sintra to explore. If you’re looking for an easy fun tour of Sintra’s forest and castle , you can even get pickup and drop-off from Lisbon (Sintra is only a 30-minute drive away). 

Castelo dos Mouros is a hilltop Moorish fortress that stands out for its winding stone walkways, overlooking the sea. Trust us when we say even the fortresses in Game of Thrones got nothing on this place. 

Nearby, the 19th-century Romanticist Pena Palace is built fittingly as a summer home for Portuguese royalty. The more you explore the palace grounds, the more unique splendours you’ll discover: viewpoints, windows that look out into the surrounding enchanting forests, fountains and walking trails that twist and turns decoratively everywhere. 

Then there’s Quinta da Regaleira - which from the outside may look less eccentric with its Gothic facade than its neighbouring castles and palaces, but don’t underestimate this estate. Your mind will be blown away by the exquisite complexity and many worlds are held within this one UNESCO Heritage Site: a palace, fountains, a chapel, water-filled grottoes, deep wells, and lakes, just to name a few. 

These are just some of the big names amongst the many other sights of Sintra that you’ll get to explore on the tour , or just by spending a whole day in this village.

Where to Stay in Sintra:

Budget - Casa do Arco

‍Mid-range - Arribas Sintra Hotel

‍Luxury - Casa Holstein Quinta de Sao Sebastiao Sintra

Day 4 - Berlenga Island

When you picture Portugal, you picture the pure nature of the blue sea and the endless coast with it. After all, most of the country is on the coast! A day trip to Berlenga Island from Lisbon to experience that wild side would be the perfect getaway. 

Berlenga Grande is an island off the coast of Peniche, a quaint fishing village. To get there, you’ll have to take a boat, but the ride is already as scenic with lapping waves and shimmering waters, as the island itself. Now here’s the thing, to make sure that the island’s natural environment is well protected and remains unspoiled, only a maximum of 350 visitors are allowed to visit. 

There you can take a hike through the reserve, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see puffins, which are endangered but a symbol of the nature reserve. Along with rare species like the puffin, you’ll see other animals during your hike, which adds to the Berlengas Archipelago ’s magic. 

If you’re curious about an effortless pick-up and drop-off with activities like kayaking through the islands’ caves, definitely consider booking an adventure day tour for Berlenga Island. This will also guarantee you to be part of the daily max visitor cap for the island. 

Where to Stay in close to Berlenga in Peniche:

Budget - Casa Berlengas a Vista

‍Mid-range - RIDE Surf Resort & Spa

‍Luxury - Kerala 49, Deluxe Flat in Historic Center

Day 5: Arrabida Natural Park 

Don’t leave Lisbon without exploring the Arrabida region! It’s only a 30 minutes drive from the Capital city, yet it’s an enriching area whether you’re a wine lover (you’ll see plenty of Portuguese vineyards here) or an outdoor enthusiast for visiting Arrabida Natural Park . 

The unparalleled natural beauty of Arrabida is unmatched in this area of Portugal, as you look out at its mountain ranges swooping down into the sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This is where the Lagoa de Albufeira aka Albufeira Lagoon is, a haven for windsurfers and those who want to enjoy the golden sandy beach. So if you’ve been craving beaches near Lisbon, this would be the perfect place for you. 

Exploring Arrabida Natural Park isn’t like just any other regular park, as there are plenty of activities you can do from dolphin watching on a catamaran , or even just leisurely kayaking across a protected coast of the park , as you look up at rugged cliffs and explore various caves. 

 The nature of Arrabida National Park truly has a little something for everyone.

Where to Stay close to Arrabida:

Budget - Casa em Palmela - Setúbal

‍Mid-range - Porta da Arrábida Suites

‍Luxury - Arrábida Heritage @Portugal Luxury Retreat

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The best Lisbon itinerary: a local’s recommendations

By: Author Brittany

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2023

Are you ready to fall in love with Lisbon? This city will woo you in the most unexpected ways. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself smiling as a Portuguese grandmother ( avó ) keeps an eye on you from her perch in the window. Stopping to smell the roses is fine, but in Lisbon you’ll stop to admire the intricate details and differences on every azulejo tile. Who needs chocolates when a freshly baked pastel de nata, topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar, melts in your mouth? Whether you’re spending 2 days in Lisbon, 3 days in Lisbon, or 5 days in Lisbon, I’ve got you covered! Each day of this Lisbon itinerary is broken down into different regions or interests, so you can pick and choose your own adventure.

Visiting for the first time? This place might just rock your world. It absolutely rocked mine. I fell head over heels for this “city with a sweet tooth” and six years after my first visit, I officially became a resident of Portugal ! Follow this Lisbon travel guide to experience the very best meals, activities, and– of course!–  desserts in Lisbon .

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Sweet Wanderlust by booking here! 

Where to stay in Lisbon

Corpo santo hotel .

If an emergency 24-hour/day ice cream machine, a daily Portuguese drink + snack happy hour, and an underground archaeological site pique your interest, you’ll love the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel. It’s close to the Cais do Sodré station, which goes all the way to Cascais for easy beach access! 

Book your stay at Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel  here . 

Hotel Avenida Palace 

If you want to be treated like royalty in a hotel fit for a queen (or king), consider Hotel Avenida Palace your castle away from home. The breakfast is amazing, the staff is OTT attentive, the bar is well stocked (try the Porto tonic), and the location is unbeatable. The 19th century Belle Époque building is right next to Rossio Station– perfect for your day trip to Sintra!

Book your stay at Hotel Avenida Palace  here . 

Book your travel insurance for Lisbon

Before you take off for your Lisbon adventure, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. I recommend SafetyWing , which I personally use for all of my travels! Sign up here . 

How to get from your airport to the hotel

Uber and Bolt are the top rideshare apps in Portugal and the metro goes straight from the airport to the city. Download Bolt  or Uber before you travel, or use one of the private transfer services below:

A few phrases to help you get around

Bom dia, boa tarde, boa noite – Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. Always use these phrases as greetings! 

Obrigada/ obrigado  – Thank you (end in -a if you are a female, and -o if you are a male). 

Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?

Se faz favor/ Por favor  – Please (can be used interchangeably)

Queria um pastel de nata se faz favor –  I would like one pastel de nata, please! (This is a VERY important phrase.)

The most fun 5-day Lisbon itinerary

Are you ready to have the most epic trip to Lisbon? I’ve compiled all of my favorite things about this city in a jam-packed Lisbon travel guide. I hope you slept on the plane because we’re going to hit the ground* running!

*The ground here is a mosaic of limestone cobblestones. It’s gorgeous, but it’s slippery. I write this post with a bruised elbow thanks to a slick cobblestone and the ground disappearing under my feet. Pack sturdy shoes and leave the high heels at home. 

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s get started! 

Visiting for the second, third, or fifteenth time? This blog post on off-the-beaten-path adventures in Lisbon will help you explore the city’s quirky side! 

Day 1: A day for the artists 

Calling all artistas ! T oday is a dreamy, azulejo tile-filled day, so put on a colorful outfit (yellow and pink pop against the blue tiles), lace up your comfy shoes, and head to Alfama for brunch. 

Dear Breakfast Alfama

Dear Breakfast is a Lisbon-based breakfast chain with three restaurants around the city. I’m obsessed with their eggs benedict and avocado toast with beet hummus, but you really can’t go wrong with anything you order.  

Dear Breakfast eggs benedict

If brunch is your love language, check out these 25+ places for brunch in Lisboa ! 

Cantinho da Sé

Save some room, though, because there’s another foodie stop right across the street. After breakfast, pop by Cantinho da Sé for a pastry to eat later. The flower-shaped pastry has a souffle-like texture, and it’s topped with a generous dollop of doce de leite. 

Paint Azulejos

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am, Art of Azulejo hosts an azulejo painting class. You can sign up here and get $8 off your first experience with Fever when you use code BRITTANYK8574. The instructor, Caroline, walks you through a history of how azulejo tiles were made throughout the centuries, then sets you up for success with a stenciled tile for your first try.

Azulejo tile stencil

Once you get the hang of it, you can create your own tile or use one of her pre-made examples as a guide. I love my Lisbon tram and flower azulejos! 

Painted azulejo tile

Did you know that the tiles aren’t painted with paint?! Instead, you’ll use finely ground glass, which hardens to make these heat-proof tiles. Once they’re fired in the kiln, you can use your azulejos as hot plates, coasters, or hang them on the wall as art. 

Note: Your tiles need a couple of days to be fired– so don’t save this activity for the end of your trip!

Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo to see how the experts painted azulejos throughout history

Now that you’re feeling great about your artistic skills, come back down to earth with a visit to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. Here, you’ll find tiles created by artists and artisans from the mid-15th century until the present day. The museum is in the former Convent of Madre Deus, and the Renaissance choir room is a stunning look into Portuguese history. 

Before you go, download the app on Google Play (Android)  or iTunes (iOS)  for the full experience. 

The museum also offers tile painting classes on Sunday at 2 pm. 

Eat a small lunch

After visiting the museum, head back into town for a little lunch– emphasis on little! Dinner’s a big one tonight, so I recommend opting for something light. Fábrica da Nata offers several different menus, where you can have something savory, a drink, and a pastel de nata for less than €5.

Alternatively, you can go for the famous pork steak sandwich at As Bifanas do Afonso. Top your bifana with mustard and/or hot sauce and pair it with a beer or vinho verde (green wine) from the tap. 

Street art tour

This morning, you learned about an art form that came to Portugal in the 15th century. Now, you can experience the ever-changing street art scene. After the revolution in 1974, street artists came out in droves to cover the city in political street art. The rich street art culture remains– and is even sanctioned by the government. Join a street art tour to discover works of art across the city.

Street art Mouraria

A few of my favorites to watch for? Bordalo II creates art out of trash, proving that one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure. If you spend enough time here, you may spot his Iberian lynx, fox, bee, raccoon, chimpanzee, and stork. Another artist to watch out for is Vhils. The talented artist uses a chisel or explosives to create detailed faces in concrete. 

Vhils Mouraria

Learn all about street art culture on a street art tour  at 3 pm or check the Meetup app, where  Grupo Lisbon Street Art has some tours where you can try your hand at wielding a spray can on legal walls.

Delight your senses at a hidden restaurant

Chef José Avillez was awarded two Michelin stars for Belcanto, but it’s his restaurant, Mini Bar, that puts stars in my eyes! For €75, you can experience 12 courses where nothing is quite as it seems. 

From the “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” to the “Passion fruit” with coconut sorbet, prep your tastebuds for a wild ride! 

Mini Bar by José Avillez

Mini Bar is reservations-only and it fills up fast, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Visit a speakeasy

Not ready to say goodnight yet? Wander over to Foxtrot for a nightcap. Ring the buzzer and enter into the Art Nouveau-style bar with an interior terrace and cozy indoor seating. Play a round of billiards or snooker, or settle in by the fireplace if it’s chilly outside. 

Day 2: A photo-worthy day

Pack your camera and put on your cutest clothes– today is all kinds of Instagrammable! 

Say cheese at a Lisbon photoshoot

You’ve got your selfie game on lock, but a holiday in a city as gorgeous as Lisbon deserves frame-worthy photos. Enter: Phelipe Paraense. Phelipe is a creative genius with an eye for innovative shots. Case in point? We ran into some street cleaners during our early morning session. I saw wet ground. Phelipe saw this:

Rua Augusta Arch Lisbon

With his tips for posing and a persona that puts you instantly at ease, you’re sure to go home with some epic photos. The only issue you’ll have is deciding which to post first! 

Alfama tram

Book your photoshoot here  and tell him I sent you! I recommend choosing the earliest session of the day so you can get shots with minimal tourists. 

On your way to Belém, stop in at the LX Factory for hot cocoa at Ler Devagar. The bookstore is consistently named one of the top 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world, and their hot cocoa is one of my favorites in Lisbon. 

Ler Devagar in LX Factory

Afterward, wander through the industrial complex to shop for souvenirs and see some great street art. Psst. Bordalo II has a piece here. Can you find it?

Rui dos Pregos

After all that modeling and exploring, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite! When you arrive in Belém, head straight to Rui dos Pregos and order the prego no pão for €2.90. It’s a piece of thin beef steak that’s the size of your face with TONS of garlic on fresh bread. Note to all the single pringles reading this post — today’s *not* the day for smooching strangers if you choose to eat this sandwich. 

Pasteis de Belém

Since you’ve been in town for over 24 hours, you’ve probably already tried the famous pastel de nata. Now, you’re going to see where it all began. Don’t be intimidated by the line– it moves fast. When you enter Pasteis de Belém, take a deep breath– you’ll smell buttery pastry, cinnamon, and sweet custard with a side of history.

The pastel de nata is a “conventual sweet,” meaning it originated in the convents. While I’ve heard many stories about how these sweets came to be, most agree that egg whites were used to starch the nuns’ habits and conventual sweets were the result of an abundance of egg yolks. 

Pasteis de Belém opened in 1837 after all of the Portuguese convents and monasteries were shut down. Almost 200 years later, the pastry chefs create each pastel de Belém in a secret room, using the same secret recipe from the convent. Just like Champagne– it’s only a pastel de Belém if you have it here, so be sure to try the original! 

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is quite possibly my favorite building in the world. I lived just up the street from this early 16th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and I still get all the feels remembering walking past this iconic building for the first time as a Portuguese resident. 

Jerónimos monastery

Founded by King D. Manuel I, the first stone was laid on Kings Day in 1501 or 1502. The church houses the tombs of explorer Vasco da Gama and Portuguese poet and writer Luís de Camões, while the tomb of Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa and an exhibit on the history of the monastery lie within the cloister. 

While entrance to the church is free, you’ll need tickets to enter the cloister. Purchase your fast-track pass here . 

Belém Tower

From the monastery, head towards the river and turn right. Stroll along the Tagus until you come to the Belém Tower. Most days, you’ll find vendors selling pina coladas in pineapples and the most talented electric violin busker playing pop tunes. The Belém Tower is the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon and the site of the embarkation and disembarkation of many Portuguese expeditions.  

Don’t want to do it all on your own? Get the full scoop on a guided 2.5-hour tour . 

Tower of Belém

Santini ice cream

I hope you packed your sweet tooth today! The first Gelados Santini shop opened in 1949, and the popularity hasn’t dwindled! The chocolate and coconut flavor is my favorite– but I haven’t had a bad scoop yet! 

Sunset cruise

Still not convinced that Lisbon is the most magical place on earth? Head back to the water once more for a sunset cruise on the Tagus. Sail past the monuments with a glass of Portuguese wine in hand as the sky explodes into a multitude of colors. I guarantee this will be a night you’ll never forget! 

This two-hour Lisbon sailing tour offers morning, sunset, and night tours. 

This one or two-hour Lisbon sailing tour offers morning, afternoon, sunset, and night tours. 

A Cevicheria

Head back into town for dinner and cross your fingers you can get a spot at A Cevicheria. Chef Kiko’s restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, but it’s worth any wait.

A Cevicheria – Ceviche de Salmão e Ananás

I don’t even like fish (let alone  raw fish) and this is one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon. Don’t miss the Ceviche de Salmão e Ananás or Taco de Tártaro de Atum e Tobiko!

A Cevicheria tacos

Pavilhão Chinês

After dinner, walk one minute down the street to Pavilhão Chines and ring the bell to enter a bar that puts Ariel’s Secret Grotto to shame. Built in an old grocery store, this unique bar is filled with vintage collectibles, tchotchkes from around the world, and a mannequin of a British Palace Guard! 

Pavilhão Chines Queen’s Guard

The cocktail menu is one of the most extensive I’ve ever seen, and choosing just one was not easy! After much debate, I decided The Godfather was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Like revenge, the Scotch whiskey, amaretto, crème de cacao, creme, and cinnamon is best served cold. 

The Godfather at Pavilhão Chines

Day 3: A Sintra day trip fit for a queen (or king)

Dust off your princess crown! Today, you’re headed for the most magical place on earth (without a larger-than-life-sized mouse). 

Pena Palace

Palacio Nacional da Pena (or Pena Palace) is a Disney castle come to life! The red and yellow castle with gorgeous blue azulejos is a stunning example of 19th century Romanticism architecture mixed with Manueline (like Jerónimos Monastery) and Moorish architecture.

Pena Palace Sintra

The site was originally used as a church and later, a monastery, before King Ferdinand II began construction on the site to build a summer home for the royal family. The castle was completed in 1854, but wouldn’t be used for long by the royal family. After the 5 October 1910 revolution, Queen Amélia spent her last night in Pena Palace before leaving the country in exile. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth a visit, just listen to the words of German composer Richard Strauss, “Today is the happiest day of my life. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen. This is the true Garden of Klingsor – and there, up on high, is the Castle of the Holy Grail.”

Buy your tickets to Pena Park and Palace here . 

Quinta da Regaleira

This is the setting of a Nicolas Cage movie waiting to happen. Dreamed up by a wealthy, Knights Templar-obsessed Brazilian mining mogul, the Gothic pinnacles of the main house are studded with gargoyles, and the extensive gardens are filled with secret Masonic symbolism. Descend the winding steps of the Initiation Well toward the cave system below, crossing the nine platforms designed to evoke the nine circles of hell from Dante’s Inferno. 

Initiation Well – Quinta da Regaleira

Was António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro an initiate of the Knights Templar, or simply interested in the secretive group’s traditions? Which rituals and rites have these wells seen? Visit for yourself and try to get to the bottom of it! 

Taste the wines of Portugal at Bar do Binho

Ascend the stairs, past photos of Johnny Depp, and into the tasting room of Bar do Binho. When I visited, we opted for the Premium Table Wines Tasting Set for €32.50 alongside a cheese and meat platter (because four wines on an empty stomach isn’t a great choice). Is this the cheapest wine tasting you’ll ever attend? Definitely not. But the wines were unique and the storytelling is second to none. By the end of our tasting, Carlos felt like an old friend, and I can’t wait to go back for another round of tastings! 

Eat travesseiros at Casa Piriquita

Talk to any local, and they’ll tell you that you simply  must stop at Casa Piriquita for travesseiros. Founded in 1862, the bakery is now in the hands of the fifth generation, who make the fluffy pastry filled with egg and almond custard. Just like Pasteis de Belém– this recipe is so well-guarded that only the family has access! 

Don’t want to DIY? Try these Sintra tours.

Book a guided tour and take the guesswork out of the day! Book this tour to enjoy air-conditioned travel to and from Lisbon, a guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace (entry to Pena Palace is extra). 

Feeling adventurous? Book this Jeep tour of Sintra , with stops at Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace with travesseiro and ginjinha tastings included!

Feel saudade at a fado performance

Saudade  is a Portuguese word without a translation. To feel it for yourself, you’ll have to see a fado show. The singers’ mournful tones evoke a feeling of deep yearning, melancholy, and nostalgia. 

While fado performances in Alfama and Mouraria are the most popular (and for good reason!), I love the performance at Trovas Antigas in Bairro Alto. As you’re shown to your table, be sure to peek into the ancient well that once provided water to the area. 

When you sit down, you’ll find a basket of bread (€2) and a platter of meat, cheese, and marmalade (€20). If you’re not up for a €22 investment as soon as you sit down, just let your waiter know that you don’t need the couvert. In Portugal, most restaurants bring small snacks or appetizers to the table– unlike the unlimited chips and salsa at your favorite TexMex spot, these aren’t free. If you want them, great! If not, just let your waiter know.

I highly recommend that you say a heck yes to the black pork cheeks in red wine. The €16 meal is one of the best I’ve had for the price! 

Looking for a Portuguese Connection?

Pop into Pub Português next door for a Portuguese Connection cocktail. It’s a Lisbon-ified version of a G+T, made with ginjinha instead of gin and garnished with sour cherries. Those cherries are soaked in aguardente (translation: firewater) that can contain up to 60% alcohol, so eat with caution! Be sure to say hi to Nuno and Eduardo and tell them I sent you! 

Portuguese Connection at Pub Português

Day 4: Step back in history

Gooood morning! I hope you didn’t eat  too many sour cherries last night because we’re going to do some exploring today in two of Lisbon’s most traditional neighborhoods. You’re going to break records with today’s step count, so wear your comfiest shoes. 

Try the best pastel de nata in Lisbon (according to me) 

I believe every day should start with something sweet. And in this city with a sweet tooth, there’s no shortage of amazing desserts  pastries. Some people think desserts should happen after a meal (we’re not friends with those people), but if you call it a pastry it can happen anytime! 

I digress. Start the sweetest day yet with a pastel de nata from Pastelaria Santo António. I believe desserts taste best with a side of magic, and Santo António delivers. St. Anthony was born in Alfama and is known as the matchmaker saint. Whether or not you’ve found true love, make a wish before eating this pastel de nata and Santo António will make it happen*!

Pastelaria Santo António

*My wish hasn’t come true yet, but I think that just means I need to eat more pasteis de natas.  

Take a walk on the wild side of Lisbon history

Lisbon’s history is  wild . The slippery cobblestone streets? That’s a direct result of King Manuel I’s rhinoceros and a birthday parade. And that’s not even the craziest story about King Manuel I and the rhino. To find out how an elephant and the pope fit into the narrative, you’re going to have to join the free Alfama and Mouraria: History versus Modern Facts tour . 

The 3-hour tour starts at 10:30 am and will take you through some of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods in Lisbon. Pedro led the tour I joined, and his encyclopedic knowledge, ability to entertain, and penchant for finding hidden gems made this one of the best free tours I’ve ever taken.

History of Lisbon

Don’t forget to tip your guide! 

Food tour – Taste of Lisboa

Hungry yet? You’re in for a treat. On my first visit to Lisbon , Taste of Lisboa introduced me to my favorite cheese in the world and told stories that led to my love affair with (and eventual move to) Lisbon. I can’t promise you’ll want to move here after a Lisbon Roots, Food, and Cultural Walk, but I can’t guarantee it won’t happen, either! Book your tour here . 

Watch the sunset from a secret garden

You deserve to sit down and rest– but you should do it with a great view. Walk up to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and find the Secret Garden LX. Behind these unassuming (and unmarked) garden gates, you’ll find a gorgeous oasis with tasty cocktails, meal specials, and occasional live music and poetry soirées!

Secret Garden views

Take in the views, watch the sunset, and debrief from all the information you’ve learned! 

Taberna Sal Grosso 

If you’re looking for authentic, affordable Portuguese food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, make a reservation at Taberna Sal Grosso . Specials are written on a chalkboard mounted on the wall, but you can’t go wrong with anything you choose. After we finished our food, the waiter brought around several bottles of alcohol and two glasses for me and my friend to pour our own digestif.  A fun end to a delicious meal!

Day 5: A day for the foodies 

Your time in Lisbon is coming to a close, and the best way to make the most of your last day is to figure out how to bring Portugal home with you. Today, you’ll be learning how to cook some of the best Portuguese dishes so you can impress your friends and relive this trip over and over again!

Ready for the most OTT brunch in Lisbon? If you’ve been to Porto, you know all about the francesinha sandwich. This delicious heart attack on a plate is a combination of bread, ham, sausage, melted cheese, and a tomato/beer sauce that leaves you begging for mercy while complimenting the chef. Zenith has taken it to the next level with their francesinha pancakes. A stack of pancakes is topped with bacon, chicken, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, and francesinha sauce– I hope you wore your stretchy pants. 

Zenith francesinha pancakes

Pastel de nata class

How many pasteis de natas have you eaten on your trip? If you’re thinking of bringing a sleeve home, I hate to break it to you, but these babies don’t travel well. As the saying goes: If you give a traveler a pastel de nata they’ll eat it today. If you teach a traveler to make a pastel de nata, they’ll eat them forever! 

Pastel de Nata cooking class

Join this pastel de nata cooking class to learn how to make these custard tarts at home. Bonus? You’ll also learn how to make a fried bacalhau snack! The instructors were friendly and made sure our sweet and savory creations turned out great. 

Spend the day playing

When was the last time you broke the “grown-up” façade and let your inner nine-year-old out to play? If there’s a neighborhood you haven’t seen yet or one you’d like to explore some more, consider a DIY scavenger hunt. Take a look at all of the Secret City Trails riddle routes , and see if you can crack the puzzles to discover more hidden gems in Lisbon.  You can read more about the scavenger hunt I participated in here . 

Try another pastel de nata

You’ve had the original pastel de nata and you’ve tried my favorite traditional pastry. Now it’s time to blow your mind with a chocolate pastel de nata from Nata de Lisboa. If you’re looking for a reason to extend your trip, this might just push you over the edge!

Nata de Lisbon – chocolate pastel de nata

Shop for souvenirs

If you’ve saved room in your suitcase, here are a few Portuguese souvenirs to bring home:

• Cork products
• Canned Sardines (The Fantastic World Of Portuguese Sardines is a quirky shop with a circus-like atmosphere that sells colorful, whimsical cans of sardines)
• Portuguese wine
• Gold filigree jewelry
• Art (you can purchase directly from artists at most of the mirodouros)
• Tea from Companhia Portugueza do Chá (the British love of tea is all thanks to a Portuguese woman who married the king of England)

Please don’t buy authentic azulejos. Many are stolen , and increasing the demand for the tiles from historic buildings increases the incentive for thieves to continue destroying the azulejos that make this city special. 

Dinner: DIY-style

It’s your last chance to bring a little Portugal home with you. Join a cooking class to perfect the art of petiscos (Portuguese tapas) or go for a full-fledged 3-course meal . No matter which option you choose, you’ll be prepared to host a Portuguese-themed dinner party when you return home. 

All good things must come to an end, and it’s time to fly back home! I hope this Lisbon travel guide has helped you to fall in love with Lisbon, and that we’ll see you back in Portugal again someday in the future. 

Até breve!  See you soon! 

What was your favorite part of your trip? Let me know in the comments! 

Pin this Lisbon itinerary!

Candace Capron

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Where did you try your favorite cheese and what was the name of the cheese. I cannot wait to try out your suggestions this summer!

Friday 12th of January 2024

It's queijo de Azeitao, and you can find it at most grocery stores! If you want a more bespoke experience, check out Manteigaria Silva in Baixa!

Friday 27th of January 2023

I have a disability that makes it hard for me to climb. I can do it and I will do it, but I am wondering how much climbing there is with all the tourist attractions.

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Lisbon has definitely earned its nickname as the "city with seven hills." There is quite a bit of climbing, and unfortunately, many parts of Lisbon are not very disability friendly. Thankfully, there's a great public transportation system and many free elevators throughout the city to help avoid some of the stairs! I hope you have an amazing time!

Wednesday 24th of August 2022

Hello and thank you for this very informative blog. As a result, we've booked the tile painting. I was also suggesting to my group that we go to Mini-Bar. However, one of them pointed out that the latest reviews - mostly those over the summer - have been quite poor. Do you know of anything that could have changed? We are going in mid-September. Thank you again!

Thursday 25th of August 2022

I'm so happy to hear you've booked the tile painting— I hope you love it as much as my mom and I did! I have been to Mini Bar three times— most recently in May. I've always had great service and an awesome experience. I love the unique presentations and find joy in things not being as they appear. If that kind of thing sounds exciting to you, I think you'll have a great time!

Friday 25th of February 2022

Thank you! I've read a bunch of Lisbon articles and they are all basically the same so I appreciated having a few different ideas. We're looking at a late May visit and I'm jotting down a bunch of your restaurant recommendations!

Saturday 26th of February 2022

This makes me so so happy to hear; I loved putting together this list and I'm glad it's been helpful! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Lisbon!

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Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals, a captivating scene crafted over centuries.

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Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

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Mesa de Frades

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Água Pela Barba

The marble tabletops and the walls covered in reclaimed wood give this restaurant a casual, ocean-side atmosphere despite the sea being nowhere near. Fish…

100 Maneiras

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Elevador de Santa Justa

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Miradouro da Graça

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Torre de Belém

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Baixa & Rossio

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Feira da Ladra

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Igreja da Conceição Velha

Completed in 1534 on orders from King Manuel I, Igreja da Conceição Velha is the second-oldest Manueline religious building in Lisbon. Its facade remains…

Caminho da Água

Parque das Nações

Portuguese muralist Rigo designed this splash-happy boardwalk. Watch blue-mosaic volcanoes erupt spontaneously or relax on one of the wave-shaped benches…

Igreja & Museu São Roque

The plain facade of 16th-century Jesuit Igreja de São Roque belies its dazzling interior of gold, marble and Florentine azulejos – bankrolled by Brazilian…

Museu do Dinheiro

Pop into Banco do Portugal's money museum to see the stunning €34-million interior renovation of the once-mighty São Julião church (closed in 1933); and…

Igreja de São Domingos

It’s a miracle that this baroque church dating to 1241 still stands, having barely survived the 1755 earthquake, then fire in 1959. Its sea of tea lights…

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

From bougainvillea-clad Miradouro de Santa Luzia, your gaze drifts over a mosaic of rooftops and spires to the river below.

Miradouro Panorâmico de Monsanto

Lisbon’s beloved secret viewpoint is a graffiti- and art-plastered building that was once an exclusive high-society restaurant in the late 1960s. A series…

Cemitério dos Prazeres

Most visitors come to this cemetery, the largest in Lisbon, for the view of the Rio Tejo right next to the artists' plot. But the elaborate baroque family…

Gare do Oriente

Designed by acclaimed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the space-age Gare do Oriente is an extraordinary vaulted structure, with slender columns…

Parque Eduardo VII

An urban oasis with British roots, Parque Eduardo VII is named after his highness Edward VII, who visited Lisbon in 1903. The sloping parterre affords…

Fundação José Saramago – Casa dos Bicos

The pincushion facade of Casa dos Bicos, the eccentric 16th-century abode of Afonso de Albuquerque, former viceroy to India, grabs your attention with…

Sé de Lisboa

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Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros

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Ponte Vasco da Gama

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Ponte 25 de Abril

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Panteão Nacional

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Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Home to the Gulbenkian Orchestra, this classical-music heavyweight stages first-rate concerts and ballets.

Planning Tools

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Lisbon and beyond

Lisbon Itinerary: The Best Of Lisboa in 3 Days

This 3-day Lisbon itinerary is ideal for anyone visiting for the first time the Portuguese capital. Forget guide books or TripAdvisor. Here are some local advice of what’s really worth to do as well as hipster tips to see the major sights. Bem-vindo a Lisboa!

Oh Lisbon .

The city oozing the million-dollar combination of tradition, charm and modernism . The millennium-old glorious history, the delicious food and the unique things to do , all ridiculously good value-for-money.

No wonder why Lisbon is the trendiest city in Europe right now.

The truth is that every time I go to Lisbon , I fall in love a bit more. Even though I’ve lived there for almost 9 years (auch!) and been there countless times before and after. I still consider it to be my city.

This itinerary compiles all I know and love about Lisbon . Enjoy!

Update: After Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice, it’s now the time of Lisbon to be super crowded, especially during summer months (June, July, August). For more chances to discover the “local” and “authentic” Lisbon, avoid these months and don’t stay in AirBnB-packed areas like Castelo and Alfama.

This itinerary requires a lot of walking around. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I think is the absolute best way to explore a city, but in hilly Lisbon this means it can be… well let’s just say “a great workout”. This Lisbon itinerary is organized into the following sections:

Lisbon Itinerary: Summary

To make navigation in Lisbon easier, you can follow all the places I’m about to mention on the map below. The green pins correspond to the places for day 1 in this itinerary; yellow for day 2 and red for day 3. In purple, there are some suggestions if you have extra time.

Lisbon Itinerary: What to see in Day 1

Day 1 is dedicated to West Lisbon.

I always like to start off my time in a city by going to the farthest place possible to get that out of the way. In the case of Lisbon , this is Belém district.

In the afternoon, wander around the trendy Chiado area before watching the sunset with a view.

Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)

One of Lisbon ‘s finest attractions, Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) is located in the riverside district of Belém . It was strategically built to protect the kingdom’s capital in the 16th century and had a very important role in the era of Portuguese Discoveries.

Soon it also became the first symbolic icon for explorers who depart from here to places as far as Brazil , India and Africa .

Apart from being an architectural gem by itself, the setting is just amazing, near the mouth of the river Tejo . In sunny days, there’s an incredible amount of sunlight being reflected on the river, making the white stones kind of shine. Trust me, it’s a stunning sight.

My two cents: is NOT worth to go inside. It’s a tourist trap . There’s not really much to see and the tower is overrun with tourists which means huge waiting times involved. Not sure about you, but being claustrophobically stuck in narrow staircases inside a 500-year-old tower is not my idea of fun. For great views in Belém , a better option is Padrão dos Descobrimentos .

Tips for Torre de Belém

• ⏱ Hours: Open during peak season between 10:00 and 18:30h.
• 💰 How much: As per 2019, the standard ticket is 6 EUR. You can buy a combined ticket with Jerónimos Monastery for 12 EUR.
• 💡 Pro tip: On Sunday mornings there is no entrance fee.
• 💻 Website: Torre de Belém

To get to Belém , take the train or the tram E15 in Cais do Sodré . You can also take the 27, 28, 29, 43 and 49 buses which follow the same route.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) was built as a commemoration of the safe return of Vasco da Gama from his journey to India .

The initial project was to build something significantly smaller. But as the wealth of colonies during the Age of Discoveries grew, they basically decided to go over the top and built incredibly detailed carvings in expensive marble, huge cloisters, and a beautiful chapel.

Today it’s a massive and highly ornate monastery and a true architecture gem not to be missed. It’s impossible not to be dazzled with all the craftsmanship – remember this place is 500 years old!

Tips for Jerónimos Monastery

• ⏱ Hours: Open during peak season between 10:00 and 18:00h (closed on Mondays).
• 💰 How much: As per 2019, the standard ticket to enter the monastery is 10 EUR. The main chapel is free though.
• 💻 Website: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located exactly at the old harbour where most Portuguese discoveries voyages started. The flow of the river has been altered since then and today the monument stands in the Belém promenade.

An interesting design feature of Padrão dos Descobrimentos is that it resembles the prow of a ship when viewed from the side and as a Christian cross when viewed from the rear back.

The structure is dedicated to all the explorers and adventurers that established Portugal as a 14th-century superpower. These are the men carved in the monument with Infante D. Henrique on the front. He pretty much started this crazy idea of navigating to the unknown. Sort of the Elon Musk of that time.

My favorite spot, however, is the huge medieval world map on the marble floor. A great visual way to learn that literally HALF THE WORLD was once discovered by the Portuguese around the 1400s. Weird to think we once were the richest nation in the world, how things change!

Tips for Padrão dos Descobrimentos

• ⏱ Hours: Open during peak season between 10:00 and 19:00h.
• 💰 How much: The standard ticket to enter the monument is 6 EUR (2019 prices).
• 💻 Website: Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology – is the most recent addition to the cultural scene . I first visited right after it opened in 2016 and I remember getting excited just by having such a futuristic building in Lisbon , the most traditional capital I know.

The quality of visit will depend a lot on their temporary exhibitions and your personal interest – the one I’ve been was a bit too conceptual to be honest.

But more than the inside, MAAT deserves a visit from the outside.

Gorgeously located next to the river in Belém , visitors can even walk over the roof as the arching building was designed to be a continuation of the promenade. The 15k glazes tiles reflect the sunlight and the river surface, making it change the color throughout the day. Lots of #archigasm potential here!

Tips for MAAT

• ⏱ Hours: Open during peak season between 12:00 and 20:00h (closed on Tuesdays).
• 💰 How much: Tickets are priced from 5 EUR. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month.
• 💡 Pro tip: If you’re keen on photography, come back during sunset or sunrise to see MAAT and the river in all their splendour.
• 💻 Website: MAAT

Largo de Camões (Camões Square)

Time to go back to Lisbon city center! If you come by train, get out in Cais do Sodré and go up Rua do Alecrim . You’ll find the famous pink street – a nightlife hotspot – on your left.

Located in the convergence of Bairro Alto , Chiado and Bica neighborhoods, Largo de Camões (Camões Square) is a popular meeting spot for lisboners. The statue in the center is in honour of Luís de Camões, an iconic portuguese 16th century poet who wrote Os Lusíadas .

This square has everything a typical portuguese square should have: quaint architecture, patterned cobblestone pavement, trams passing by, coffee kiosks and several pastry shops selling pastéis de nata .

Don’t miss out and do exactly as I say. Buy a generous dose of fresh-out-of-the-oven pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in Manteigaria (say hi to Daniel for me!) and take them as a reward snack to your final stop of the day, a miradouro . Thank me later.

🇵🇹 PORTUGAL ▪️ 💌 From Lisbon with love. Lisbon is where I’ve lived most of my adult life and it became a second (first?) “home” for me. I’ve had the pleasure of living there way before it became the trendiest city in Europe for travel. It’s definitely changing a lot at every visit, but it’s always bright, happy and charming! #Lisbon #lisboalive #Portugal #visitportugal #urbanphotography #lisboacool #portugal_em_fotos #toplisbonphoto #lisboalive #urbanphotography #Destination_Earth #Travelgram #Wonderful_Places #super_lisboa #igerslisboa #BestVacations #lgbttravel #TourThePlanet #TheGlobeWanderer #OurPlanetDaily #WeLiveToExplore #EarthOfficial #PassionPassport #MyTinyAtlas #BucketList #RoamThePlanet #ThePhotoSociety #TravelPhotography #PassportReady Uma publicação partilhada por BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) a Mar 21, 2017 às 12:54 PDT

One thing I use to say to anyone visiting Lisbon : whenever you see a sign with the word Miradouro on it, follow it. It will be worth it. Miradouro = viewpoint and in Lisbon viewpointing it’s one of the best things you can do.

To finish off your first day there are 2 great but very different viewpoints close to Largo de Camões . I’ll let you choose whatever you think suits you best.

Option #1: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint)

This miradouro faces the east and north parts of Lisbon. It’s wide, spacious and the pavement here has beautiful intricate patterns. There is 1 kiosk and some street vendors.

Getting here is easy. If you’re facing the river in Largo de Camões , walk the road uphill that goes to your back (north). You’ll pass Ascensor da Glória in one of the streets on your right – the viewpoint is right after it.

Option #2: Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Viewpoint)

Smaller and more secluded viewpoint facing south and east. It attracts more hipster, hippie young crowds so marijuana scent is not uncommon. There’s a kiosk, a terrace bar called Noobai and a statue of Adamastor , a mythological monster figure. It is a symbol of the adversities Portuguese navigators had to overcome during their journeys.

If you’re facing the river in Largo de Camões , follow your right (direction west) on the street with tram tracks. You’ll pass Ascensor da Bica in one of the streets on your left and take the next left. Walk until you see the viewpoint.

Again, both have great views over the city and are a great choice to finish off your day with a drink on your hand. That said, I would personally choose #2 during sunset simply because it’s facing east.

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Lisbon Itinerary: What to see in Day 2

The second day is to dedicated to explore Lisbon ‘s downtown. Prepare yourself to walk around a lot, got to make these days count!

Parque Eduardo VII

One of the green lungs of the city, Parque Eduardo VII is a popular go-to place for locals to walk their dogs, jog or just go for a walk away from the busy downtown.

The reason to come here though is the viewpoint. From there you can see a large part of the city put into perspective with vivid green labyrinthine gardens and with the river Tejo as a backdrop. Definitely worthy of a photo moment. What a way to say hello to Lisbon !

Avenida da Liberdade

Walk towards the heart of the city – Baixa – through Lisbon ‘s most fancy avenue. Literally translated as Liberty’s Avenue , this is where all the high-end boutiques, shops and hotels are located.

The avenue is pretty much all covered by trees and mini-gardens. Cafés with outdoor sitting scattered along the cobblestone pavement with intricate patterns are the perfect spot for a quick coffee break.

Elevador da Glória (Glória Funicular)

Further down next to Restauradores , the Elevador da Glória is one of the 3 funicular railways in Lisbon . Working since 1885, it provides a quick way for tourists and locals to go up the hill to Bairro Alto . The bright iconic yellow of the vehicles make a photo opportunity, but it’s a shame all they have been vandalized by stupid graffitis.

You can buy a ticket to the top, but paying almost 4 euros for a 3-min noisy jam-packed ride seems the definition of overpriced to me. Wouldn’t consider it a “must-go”, in fact, this is borderline a tourist trap to me!

Also known as D.Pedro IV square, Rossio is the very heart of Lisbon . It’s here that workers protest against the government, where college freshmen take a bath in the fountains as an initiation ritual where and tourists eat overpriced meals in outdoor sitting.

During the 19th century, the whole square was paved with the typical calçada portuguesa (portuguese cobblestone pavement) which created an interesting wave-inspired dizzying effect on the floor.

Rossio has 2 little attractions that will make you smile:

• An unique public mirror. Engraved on a mirror in number 115 of the square there’s the inscription Componha aqui o nó da sua gravata” . Translates as something like: “Correct here your tie’s knot”.
• An unique drink. Ginjinha is the most famous portuguese liquor is obtained by infusing ginjas (sour cherry) in alcohol, typically aguardente . You can choose to drink yours com ela (with the berry) or sem ela (without) in the very traditional A Ginjinha (Largo São Domingos, 8). This is a true hidden gem in Lisbon!

Convento do Carmo (Carmo Convent)

Destroyed by the massive 1755 earthquake like 85% (!) of the buildings in Lisbon , this Gothic church has recently reborn to shine from the top of Carmo hill.

They decided not to rebuilt it and keep the haunting ruins as a memorial to remind people of what happened. That’s why the church is roofless – something you don’t see everyday. A great place to take a fisheye photo or use a GoPro .

Overall this is a rather small sight, but a relaxing break from the hustle of the city. There’s a square/terrace in front where you can grab a drink amongst the ruins. Talk about bringing history to life!

Tips for Convento do Carmo

• 💰 How much: As per 2019, the standard fee to enter the monastery is 4 EUR.
• 💻 Website: Convento do Carmo

Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)

Santa Justa is a crafted ironwork elevator built in 1902 to connect Carmo Square with the lower streets of Baixa . At the time, this lift was a major innovation and a symbol of the Industrial Age throughout Europe.

With time, the lift has evolved from a functional machine to become a unique attraction. There’s an observatory platform with panoramic views.

Although this viewpoint has the perspective advantage of being located exactly in the heart of the Baixa district, the views from Rua Augusta Arch are slightly superior in my opinion.

Plus, I can’t really understand the idea for queuing for an hour just for a 20-second lift. Specially when there’s FREE access to one of top floors through Carmo (see box below).

Tips for Elevador de Santa Justa

• ⏱ Hours: Open every day between 7:00 and 23:00h.
• 💰 How much: As per 2019, the fee is 5,15 EUR for the lift return ride. However, there’s a FREE staircase access to one of the top floors via the Carmo Convent . From there you can access to the top platform via a staircase with no queuing.
• 💡 Pro tip: Using the entrance next to Carmo ruins will save you time and money!

Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch)

Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch) is located at the southern end of Lisbon’s busiest pedestrianized street. This white ornated triumphal arch is the ultimate symbol of the rebirth of a new Lisbon after the 1755 combo tragedy when an earthquake + fire + tsunami destroyed most of the city.

The structure was only completed in 1875 and it contains several intricate marble sculptures of historical figures including Vasco da Gama (who discovered the sea route to India ) and Viriatus (who resisted the Roman conquest of Portugal ).

The arch is majestic from every angle, but it’s from the top where there is more potential to dazzle. And surprisingly there are rarely queues to go up! From there, you can expect amazing 360° views of downtown Lisbon , including Alfama , São Jorge Castle , Carmo Convent , the river and the Comércio Square just below.

Tips for Rua Augusta Arch

• ⏱ Hours: Open every day between 9:00 and 20:00h.
• 💰 How much: The ticket to go up the arch is 3 EUR.
• 💡 Pro tip: If possible, choose a sunny clear day to go up. You’ll see the river and every marble stone reflecting the sunlight – gorgeous!

Praça do Comércio (Comércio Square)

The Praça do Comércio (Comércio Square) is the grandest of the squares in Lisbon and one of the largest in Europe. Historically this was the gateway to the city, where goods from the colonies were traded. Still today has the particularity of facing the river Tejo directly.

There are several points of interest in Comércio Square :

• The Rua Augusta Arch , on the northern end
• The café Martinho da Arcada , a favorite from legendary portuguese writers like Eça de Queiroz and Fernando Pessoa.
• Lisbon Story Centre , a museum dedicated to the story of Lisbon – can’t comment as I’ve never been
• A 14-meter statue of King Jose I depicting him on horseback
• Cais das Colunas , a popular relaxing spot on the southern end of the square

I love everything about this place. It’s wide open, the yellow buildings all around are beautiful and is also one of the brightest places I’ve been. Kind of weird to say, I know, but it’s true. Not only Lisbon has a lot of sunlight already, but here everything’s brighter – the marble, the floor, the river – so don’t forget your sunglasses!

Ribeira das Naus

The Ribeira das Naus area was where most of the Portuguese explorers’ ships were built during the 14th-16th century period. After being abandoned for many years, a recent regeneration project wanted to “give back the river to Lisbon’s citizens”.

A completely new riverfront promenade was born and was an immediate hit for locals and visitors who come here to read, cycle, jog or just relax. Don’t get too excited though, swimming is not allowed (and not recommendable either).

Finish off your second day with a drink and a view. There’s a small kiosk with a live music, sun beds and a looong happy hour. It’s one of my personal favorite spots in Lisbon so if you see me there say hi! 👋

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Lisbon Itinerary: What to see in Day 3

Final day of this itinerary. I’ve picked a completely different area to show a futuristic and modern side of Lisbon that many leave without experiencing.

To enhance this feeling of contrast, the afternoon is dedicated to the most traditional district of the city. To finish it off your trip, the most gorgeous panoramic view in Lisbon .

Parque das Nações

🇵🇹 PORTUGAL▪️ Boardwalk. Boardwalk over the Tejo river in Parque das Nações. Built originally for the Universal Exhibition of 1998 (Expo’98), this area is the most modern one in Lisbon, contrasting with the the older and more traditional districts. It’s also perfect to jog, walk or tan a bit next to the river! ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ #parquedasnacoes #riotejo #lisboa #lisbon #lisbonlovers #lisbon🇵🇹 #lisboaalive #igerslisboa #portugal_em_fotos #toplisbonphoto #portugal_de_sonho #Travelgram #travelblogger #travelingthroughtheworld #TourThePlanet #TheGlobeWanderer #OurPlanetDaily #WeLiveToExplore #ExploreToCreate #PassionPassport #MyTinyAtlas #RoamThePlanet #ThePhotoSociety #exploreeverything #PassportReady #yourtravelfriends #travelinfluencer #expediapic ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ I own Geeky Explorer, a travel website focusing on sharing detailed guides, itineraries and the best insider advice to make you travel smart and more often. Give a look at GeekyExplorer.com and become a geek of your next destination 🌎 Uma publicação partilhada por BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) a Jun 1, 2017 às 12:30 PDT

This is the modern area of Lisbon : a huge contrast from everywhere else in the city. That’s exactly why I think is worth a visit. Many leave without getting to know this avant-garde perspective of the portuguese capital. All the buildings here were built for the Universal Exhibition of 1998 (Expo’98), including the showstopper Gare do Oriente .

While there is a strong business feeling around, with loads of rushed businessmen heading to their next meeting, what I love the most is walking on the plank walk next to the river. It’s utterly relaxing and the views over Tejo on one side and a rather dystopian side of Lisbon on the other are stunning.

Literally emerging from the water, Oceanário is one of Europe’s largest indoor aquariums. With a total of 16k animals – including extremely high levels of otter and penguin cuteness – is likely the best kid-pleaser attraction in the city.

Contrasting to the rest of the city, the downtown area of Lisbon – Baixa Pombalina – has ordered streets and majestic buildings all around. Envisioned by Marquês de Pombal (hence the name) after the 1755 earthquake, it consists of 7 lined streets, 3 magnificent squares, and 1 triumphal arch to create the perfectly balanced city plan.

This area is usually where visitors spend more time. If you’re a fan or architecture, the whole district is a delight to walk around but you may find it too touristy . These days there’s a huge concentration of souvenir shops, human statues and overpriced restaurants (seriously, do NOT eat there!).

Oh about the men offering “ hashish ” – just say “No”, avoid making eye contact and go on with your life.

Sé Catedral de Lisboa

Lisbon ‘s Cathedral was built right after the first King of Portugal – D. Afonso Henriques – conquered the city to the Moorish in 1147. He wanted an immediate symbol of Christianity as a definite proof of his victory.

Almost 1 millennium later and having survived fires and several earthquakes, the Sé still stands as a highlight in the landscape of Alfama district. Yes, it suffered many architectonical changes and refurbishment works along the centuries but I personally think it’s still a charming building where history is truly alive.

Tips for Sé de Lisboa

• ⏱ Hours: Open every day between 9:00 and 19:00h.
• 💰 How much: As per 2017, the entrance to the cathedral itself is free. There is however a fee to enter the treasury and the cloister (4 EUR).
• 💡 Pro tip: Walk instead of taking the tram #28 as every other tourist in town. There are many pickpockets aboard and walking is often much quicker than waiting on the queues.

Sé Catedral contains the remains of São Vicente , patron of Lisbon . According to the legend, 2 crows accompanied his burial to the cathedral. At the time, crows could be found everywhere and were even used as pets by merchants. In honour of the patron of the city, they were all named Vincent. All of these crows have disappeared and today can only be found in the city’s official coat of arms.

Alfama district

In essence a delightful maze of narrow cobblestone streets, Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon . Inhabited since Moorish times – when it was an upper-class residential area – it occupies a rather large area between the Tejo river estuary and the castle uphill in the southeast of the city.

Even though it’s now an entirely AirBnB-packed area, it is an opportunity to get a glimpse of what Lisbon once was. Wandering through the cobblestones streets, it’s still possible to find kids playing soccer, neighbors chit-chatting, or get delightfully lost and end up in someone’s backyard.

Don’t miss on some of the best views: Miradouro de Santa Luzia or my favorite Miradouro das Portas do Sol . Take it easy, grab a beer or a glass of wine and enjoy the view over the tiled roofs of Alfama with the Tejo on the background.

In Alfama , you can find some of the most important buildings in Lisbon:

• Panteão Nacional : majestic building where many of the important figures of Portuguese history are buried. And Eusébio, a soccer player (does this makes us a country obsessed with soccer?).
• Sé Catedral : Lisbon’s main cathedral which has been around for 900 years.
• Castelo de São Jorge : next on this itinerary!

During the Santos festivities in June, Alfama comes to life with noisy street parties and open-air restaurants serving fresh sardines and grilled meats.

It’s my favorite time of the year in Lisbon : everyone is smiling and up for good fun. Check Festas de Lisboa website for more info on what’s going on.

Castelo de São Jorge

Standing on top of the highest hill in the city, it’s impossible to overlook Castelo de São Jorge . Being a vantage point of excellence was exactly the reason why it been used as a defensive position by everyone in the past: Romans, Phoenicians, Visigothic, Moorish and Christians.

During the 10th century, the fortifications were rebuilt and strengthened by the Moorish who used Lisbon as an important trading port to North Africa. The Christians later reconquered Lisbon during the Second Crusade in 1147, taking the castle.

Gonna be honest: the ruins are NOT the strongest point of this site. Don’t get your expectations too high. But the “go-back-in-time” feel and the open view over Lisbon are definitely worth it IMHO. The standard ticket fee is 10 euros in 2019 and it’s open until 21:00 during peak season for everyone to enjoy a memorable summer sunset.

How to get to São Jorge castle

Getting to the top of the hilltop requires a decent fitness level. If you’re following this itinerary, it should be a 10/15 min uphill walk from Largo das Portas do Sol . If you’re not up for it here are some other options:

• Walk: Going all the way up is not for everyone, but there are 2 public lifts that cut off a lot of climbing time from Baixa . One is in Rua dos Fanqueiros, 176; the other one next to Pingo Doce supermarket in Largo Chão do Loureiro.
• Bus: Bus #37 from Carris departs from Praça da Figueira and goes directly to the main entrance of the castle.
• Tram 28: Avoid it. It’s a much more quaint ride, but there is still some walk, pickpockets and long queues involved.

I used to recommend the iconic yellow tram #28 as one of the best things to do in Lisbon . Not anymore. In recent years, the experience has downgraded: there are up to 1h30 waiting times and the tram itself is uncomfortably packed with people. Plus, it’s a paradise for pickpockets. Beware.

Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte

The good news : this viewpoint has the most amazing view over Lisbon . You can see pretty much the entire city, including the castle on the left, the Baixa and Chiado districts down below. And of course, the river as a backdrop. A killer Instagram update.

The bad news is that is still a good 15-20 min walk from Castelo , with a considerable part being uphill. If you are too tired for the day and don’t feel like walking that much, Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (also known as Miradouro da Graça also has a beautiful view and is much closer.

In any case, there’s no better way to end your time in Lisbon !

Where to stay in Lisbon, on a map:

Lisbon itinerary: tips for extra days.

In case you have extra time in Lisbon – I highly recommend you do – check my article about the best Lisbon day trips .

Or read on to know Lisbon’s hidden gems and places .

Definitely my #1 recommendation if you have an extra day in Lisbon . Described by many poets and writers as a “fairytale village”, Sintra has a timeless and glamour vibe.

I didn’t include it in the itinerary on the first place just because I feel it deserves a full day (maybe squeezing in Cascais as well). However if you’re more of the nature type and are prepared to rush a bit, you can even replace Parque das Nações with a morning in Sintra .

Tips for Sintra

• ⏱ How long: Sintra is worth a full-day trip as there are a LOT of things to see. Yet, you can combine it with a visit to Cascais and Cabo da Roca – Europe’s westernmost point.
• 💡 Pro tip: Unless you plan to visit other places in the area like Cascais , you DO NOT need a tour to visit Sintra . Simply take the train from Rossio station. It’s a 40-min ride.

Costa da Caparica

If you’re craving some sun, you’ll be glad to know Lisbon is very close to beautiful Atlantic beaches. Perfect for a beach day trip.

The easier to get to in public transportation are in Estoril and Cascais, but if possible, hop on a bus or a car to Costa da Caparica or Meco , where huge golden strips of sand await you. Have a look at my full review of the beaches near Lisbon .

Príncipe Real

This is the hipster and trendiest area of Lisbon. This is where you’ll find alternative bars, gay bars, second-hand shops as well as vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/organic/kosher/whatever places to eat. You get the idea.

Lots of good restaurants – maybe slightly overpriced compared to the rest of the city though – and lots of bars to hang out during the evening.

Unique museums

Lisbon is home to some very unique museums. I didn’t include them in this itinerary because they can be time-consuming, but they’re still worth a visit!

My top suggestions are Museu do Azulejo , in Santa Apolónia and Museu Nacional dos Coches and Museu Berardo , both in the Belém district. The latter has an impressive collection and is the go-to place for Lisboners for a cultural top-up.

The best things to do in Lisbon

Enjoy Lisbon to the fullest.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Lately, many buildings in the old neighborhoods in Lisbon have been refurbished to serve as accommodation for tourists on Airbnb. As a result, the flat offer locals is now much smaller and the rents are unbearable for Portuguese standards.

If possible book a hotel via Booking.com which does not have an impact on the local housing market.

Staying in any area in the “central axis” of Lisbon is absolutely a great choice in terms of shops, restaurants and transports. Look for areas like São Sebastião , Marquês , Príncipe Real , Avenida , Restauradores and Baixa .

Use this list of quality hotels and guesthouses I’ve put together to get you started. ALL of these are located in the best central areas of Lisbon, with WiFi and with a rating of 8 or higher.

Or have a look below at my top 2 recommendations.

Value-for-money hotels in Lisbon 💰

Charmingly music-themed hotel, super close to the center. Oh it comes with this stunning rooftop swimming pool.

Located in busy Rossio – the heart of Lisbon – it’s just one of those amazing value places that will make you feel at home. Perfect to make friends.

Insider tips for Lisbon

• Avoid taking taxis, specially if you’ve just arrived to Lisbon . There are far more reliable scam-free options to get to the city center .
• “Drug” dealers in Baixa are completely harmless. In fact most of them don’t even sell real drugs. Say no and go on with your life.
• Start off your days portuguese style with a café (coffee) and a pastel de nata (custard tart) in any coffee or pastry shop. Repeat after lunch and dinner, if desired.
• Whenever you see a sign saying miradouro , follow it. You’ll be rewarded with great views.
• Couvert items in restaurants – olives, cheese, bread, etc – do not come for free. In fact they can be overpriced. If you don’t want them, just say no as soon as the waiter comes.
• Do NOT eat in any restaurant with hawkers inviting you in. While in some the food is actually not that bad, others can be a tourist trap. This is specially true in Rua das Portas de Santo Antão .
• Tipping is completely optional. You do it only if you think your service was far more than expected.

My travel tips valid anywhere

• 🏨 To find the best deals and book your stay with free cancellation, I recommend Booking.com (from my experience, often cheaper than Airbnb)
• 🚗 Always compare car rental prices before you book anything (and if possible use local rental shops!).
• ☑️ Travel insurance is a must these days – don’t overlook it! I recommend Allianz or Safety Wing if you’re always on the go.
• 💰 Use Revolut to save in exchange rates and payments abroad; it’s a game-changer!
• ⚙️ Amazon has the largest offer in travel gear, clothing, and accessories – check my Travel Store
• ✈️ Are you dealing with a delayed or cancelled flight? Airhelp may help you get a compensation for it.

If you’ve used this Lisbon itinerary, please share your feedback below! What did you enjoy the most?

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4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary, The Queen Of The Sea

Lisbon is a sun-kissed capital known as the “Queen of the Sea.”

With a unique blend of sophistication and faded old world charm, it’s one of my favorite cities in Europe.

You could spend weeks in Lisbon and not see and experience all its treasures. But most of us don’t have scads of time on our geographical cures.

To help you along, I’ve created a 4 day Lisbon itinerary that takes you to city’s top attractions, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful views.

The main districts of Lisbon are Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and the Alfama. To the west lies the Belem district, a must visit for its cluster of UNESCO monuments.

Be prepared to swoon in stunned admiration over Lisbon’s sparkling azulejo facades , miradouros, cobblestone streets, and glamorous palaces. And listen to melancholy Fado music wafting from cafes.

If you only have a long weekend in Lisbon, just cut out day 4 on the itinerary, where I have you day tripping to Sintra or Obidos.

There are really no true “must see” attractions in Lisbon. Lisbon’s true beauty lies in its laid back artistic ensemble, more than any specific sites.

But there are plenty of tourist traps you should skip in your short time there, like the Santa Justa Elevator or Tram 28.

If you want to get off the beaten path, here’s my guide to Lisbon’s hidden gems .

Overview Of 4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s you’ll see on this 4 day Lisbon itinerary.

Day 1 : Rossio Square, Praça de Comércio, Chiado, Carmo Convent, Bairro Alto

Day 2 : St. George’s Castle, Alfama, Mouraria, National Tile Museum or Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Time Out Market

Day 3 : Visit Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO neighborhood, Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Monument to the Discoveries

Day 4 : Day Trip to Sintra or Obidos

Here are some of the top tours and experiences you might consider pre-booking, especially in high season:

• city walking tour
• private city highlights tour
• Jeronimous Monastery ticket
• Pena Palace ticket
• St. George Castle ticket
• guided day tour to Sintra
• food and wine tour

4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary

Here’s my recommended itinerary to help you have the most efficient 4 days in Lisbon.

It covers all the top attractions and best things to do in Lisbon. I also give you tips on where to eat, where to stay, transportation, tours, and tickets.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this Lisbon itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

Day 1: Arrive And Explore Lisbon’s Center

You’re likely going to arrive in Lisbon in the early to mid afternoon.

To get the lay of the land and see what attractions catch your interest, you may want to start with a guided walking tour or guided tuk tuk tour .

Otherwise, begin by exploring the main city squares in Baixa. This neighborhood is Lisbon’s commerical heart. The main drag is Rua Augusta.

Start in the Pombaline-designed Rossio Square, also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV.

It’s a lively place with flower vendors and eye catching sidewalks with an optical illusion wave style. Two Baroque fountains stand at each end.

Then head down the black and white cobbles of the main promenade, Rua Augusta. This street leads to the Praça de Comércio, the showy 18th century square with a triumphal arch.

Along the way, stop to admire the Santa Justa Elevator. It’s an iconic ironwork structure dating from 1902. It transports people up to the Chiado neighborhood.

I’m not sure it’s worth the wait in the long queue to head to the top. You might want to just admire it from the street.

A better funicular option for later is the adorable Gloria funicular , which takes you from Baixa to Bairro Alto.

When you reach the Praça de Comércio, admire the beautiful arcaded square.

If you want to watch a film on the history of Lisbon, pop into the Lisboa Story Centre. You’ll also see the statue of Christ, the Cristo Dei, on the other side of the river.

I wouldn’t stop to snack or shop Baixa; these two squares are mostly filled with Lisbon tourist traps . Be sure to walk through the arch so you can take in the views from the other side.

After poking around, head to Lisbon’s adjacent Chiado neighborhood.

It’s a rather arty upscale neighborhood filled with lovely cafes, chic art galleries, bookshops, and tony boutiques. There’s even an excellent archaeological museum

You can even book a  3 hour guided walking tour  of Chiado.

Be sure to pop into the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand. And check out one of the most beautiful azulejo facades in Lisbon — the House of Ferreira das Tabuletas.

Chiado is also a good place to try one of Lisbon’s famed pasteis de nata pastries. Its a flaky tart with a creamy egg custard filling. The best place to sample one is Pastelaria Alcoa .

3. Carmo Convent

Take in the evocative Carmo Convent . It’s probably Lisbon’s best historical site Lisbon.

It’s an open air memorial to the worst day of Lisbon’s history, when the 1755 earthquake demolished much of the city.

In the church nave, you’ll find the Museu Arqueologico do Carmo . It displays architectural fragments left from the earthquake, medieval tomb sculptures, and and some mummies.

After visiting the neighborhood, settle in for lunch at an authentic eatery in Chiado, like Taberna da Rua das Flores , the Art Deco-style A Brasileira , or Cantinho do Avillez .

For a mid day pick me up, grab an espresso at Fabrica Coffee Roasters .

If you want a Michelin experience, consider booking at Alma for dinner later. This tony restaurant claims to serve up “emotions, identity, knowledge.”

4. Bairro Alto

From Chiado, head to Bairro Alto, which translates as “high town.”

Bairro Alto is the nightlife hub of Lisbon. It’s a grid of narrow streets, with touristy fado dives and packed restaurants smushed together.

You should definitely pop into the Sao Roque Church in Trinidad Coelho Square. It’s a 16th century Jesuit church adorned with gold leaf and marble and lavish paintings on the ceiling and walls.

When you’re done strolling the district, head to the Miradouro de Santa Caterina for sunset views. Then, enjoy a cocktail at one of the neighborhood’s rooftop bars like Insolito .

There are some good places to eat dinner as well.

A Cevicheria serves up seafood and Peruvian food. Queimado serves up grilled food cooked over hot coals. If you are craving a pizza, head to Valdo Gatti .

After dinner, you can enjoy the night life of Bairro Alto.

Alternatively, you may want want to take a sunset cruise on the Tagus River or a sailboat cruise with wine tasting .

Day 2: Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

Wake up on day 2 of your 4 days in Lisbon itinerary and and head to Lisbon’s most charming must see neighborhood, the Alfama.

Steeped in history, immortalized in Fado, and rising over Lisbon, Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most authentic district. It largely escaped the earthquake’s wrath.

Alfama is city outside a city. Steep stairways tumble down to Baixa below and Castelo São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) stands guard above on Lisbon’s highest hill.

The lanes are draped with bougainvillea. As a result, Alfama is incredibly beautiful and photogenic.

The classic way to get up the hill to the castle is to take Tram 28. You can also hoof it up or take a tuk tuk.

You don’t have to go inside St. George’s Castle. It’s mostly a 20th century recreation of a historic Moorish castle that previously existed there.

But the castle does offer fantastic views and a cafe. If you want to, you should pre-book a skip the line ticket .

There are other free miradouros, or viewpoints, nearby in Alfama — Largo das Portas do Sol and Miradouro da Graça. Portas do Sol even has a nice viewing deck.

Fado Museum

Music lovers should stop into the Fado Museum . It pays homage to the traditional music of Lisbon. The museum calls itself an interactive place to see, hear, and feel Fado.

In terms of organizing your Alfama visit, you can follow my walking tour of the top attractions in Alfama . Or, you can book a 3 hour guided walking tour .

Alternatively, just surrender to the lively chaos and get lost in the maze of tangled streets, decorated with street art, flowers, and the residents’ laundry.

While you’re in Alfama, be sure to admire the sparkling azulejos (hand painted tiles) that adorn the buildings and streets.

From Alfama, you may want to take some time to visit the adjacent Mouraria district behind the castle. It may be Lisbon’s hippest new neighborhood.

Mouraria is a colorful less touristy district where the Moors once lived that’s the birthplace of Fado music. Until recently, it was pretty gritty. But with gentrification, it’s now a colorful district with street art and a wealth of eateries.

Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

Right near Alfama is the magnificent white stone Monastery of São Vicente de Fora . Build in the 16th century, its cloister is a must see for its lovely panels of white and blue azulejo tiles.

Apart from its beauty, the monastery is inexpensive, crowd free, and has a killer rooftop view.

The square behind the monastery is Campo do Santa Clara. This is where the famous Thieves Market is held on Tuesday and Saturday. It’s a good place for lovers of flea markets and antiques.

National Tile Museum

In the afternoon, take in a museum. I’m biased. But my favorite museum in Lisbon is definitely the National Tile Museum . It’s 1.5 miles northeast of the Alfama.

Housed in a sublime 16th century convent, this unique museum is uniquely Portuguese and covers the entire history of the azulejo.

If you love ceramics, you can book a guided tour of the museum with a tile making class .

Gulbenkian Museum

My second favorite Lisbon museum is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum . It’s a gem of a museum. From the Alfama, you can get there in 5 minutes by taxi.

The collection was assembled by an oil tycoon, who gifted his collection to Portugal on his death. It’s stuffed with a stunning range of treasures spanning 4,000 years, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art.

You can pre-book a skip the line ticket . You can also book a guided tour of the museum and its gardens .

Both museums are somewhat off-center. But Ubers are very cheap in Lisbon. And both museums are worth your time.

Cocktails & Dinner

If you want to sip wine before dinner, a good place is Topo Chiado. It’s an open air lounge with tables overlooking St. George’s Castle and the Santa Just a life.

Then, head to Time Out Market for dinner. It’s located in a cool converted warehouse.

It’s foodie heaven, with some of Lisbon’s best chefs serving incredible food in the many food stalls. There are also wine bars galore.

Portuguese wine is both cheap and tasty. Time Out is crowded, but still well worth the experience.

Day 3: Explore Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO Neighborhood

On day 3 of your 4 days in Lisbon, head to the architecturally-rich suburb of Belém. There, you’ll have a respite from the hustle and bustle of glamorous Lisbon.

Atlantic breezes flow, grandiose Manueline monuments dazzle, and boats glide along the wide Tagus River. You’ll be cast back to the Age of Discoveries, when the world was Portugal’s colonial oyster.

Belem is Lisbon’s pretty riverside district defined by its UNESCO landmarks. The neighborhood could easily take up your entire day, if you’re so inclined. Here’s my guide to the top attractions in Belem .

Jerónimos Monastery

Your top priority in Belem is Jeronimos Monastery . It’s a 500 year old UNESCO site and a mandatory destination in Lisbon.

You must pre-book a  skip the line ticket   or you’ll wait in incredibly long lines. You can also book a 3 hour guided walking tour of Belem that includes a skip the line ticket to the monastery.

Jeronimos Monastery is the premiere example of Manueline architecture in Portugal and the #1 site in Lisbon’s Belem district.

Manueline architecture was a short lived late Gothic artistic movement that lasted 30 years in the early 16th century. It’s a distinctively Portuguese style, named after its key influencer, King Manuel I, who reigned from 1495 to 1521.

There’s nothing like the moment you walk into the monastery’s two level cloister, honey colored and dripping with organic detail.

You’ll be wowed by the delicately scalloped arches, twisting turrets, and columns intertwined with leaves, vines, and knots. And the gargoyles and beasties on the upper facade.

Tower of Belem & Monument to the Discoveries

You can also visit the Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries. Both are included in Belem’s UNESCO designation.

You can admire them from the outside or explore inside. Be forewarned, crowds will be intense and there will be long lines to visit the interiors.

Belem Tower is a bulky fortress-like structure also built by Manuel I. It had a very Game of Thrones like feel to me with its filigree stonework. A very narrow spiral staircase leads you to the top for fantastic views.

If you’re prepared to queue up to go inside, the best time is in the late afternoon just before closing. There’s only one staircase, and it’s a bit time consuming.

There’s only one way traffic. A light signals when you can go up and down.

You should prebook a skip the line ticket . You can also book a  2 hour skip the line guided tour  both the includes the monastery and the tower.

Built in 1960, the Monument to the Discoveries was commissioned to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

It’s designed in the shape of a caravel, which is a speedy highly maneuverable sailing ship. It has Portugal’s coat of arms on both sides.

When you’re done gorging on Manueline architecture and Belem’s famous Pasteis de Belem custard tarts, travel back to Lisbon.

At night, head to Lisbon’s nightlife spot, the hilly neighborhood of Bairro Alto for food and drink.

Alternatively, you can take in a Fado show in Chiado. You might also consider a 4 hour guided tour that includes sunset walking tour, dinner, and a fado show.

Day 4: Best Day Trips From Lisbon: Sintra or Obidos

On day 4 of your 4-day Lisbon itinerary, it’s time to venture out of Lisbon on a day trip.

There are scads of possible day trips from Lisbon. Here’s my guide to 15 popular day trips from Lisbon .

I’ve narrowed this Lisbon itinerary down to two of my favorites UNESCO towns, Sintra and Obidos.

1. Sintra: a UNESCO Wonder With Castles and Palaces Galore

Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon, only 30 minutes away. Sintra is a rock star gorgeous, with numerous UNESCO-listed castles and palaces.

But it’s a town that’s a tricky place to visit on a day trip. The attractions are spread out and the transportation options are iffy.

To avoid the wait and lines, you should pre-book a  guided skip the line tour for Pena Palace, the top attraction. Or go on a guided tour of the Sintra’s highlights with a historian.

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, book a  guided tour full day tour from Lisbon or a guided day tour that includes the coastal Cascais and Cabo da Roca .

I have decided views about how to tackle Sintra. Here are my tips for decoding and visiting Sintra . Some of them are unconventional, but I felt enhanced the efficiency and happiness of my recent visit.

Most people adore Pena Palace , Sintra’s #1 site. And the lines to go inside are epic.

Pena Palace has a real Mad King Ludwig feel. I couldn’t decide whether the colorful palace was a real life “fairytale” or a tacky pastiche on steroids.

I decided just to enjoy the extreme whimsy and differentness of the place, a creation of King Ferdinand II, a genius who dared to be different.

As for the interior of Pena Palace, I’d say it’s entirely skippable given the long wait. You shuffle along crunched in with tourists in a single file line. What you see inside is only mildly interesting and there’s so much else to do on a Sintra day trip.

My only caveat is that, if you want the best view, it’s from the Queen’s Balcony. That balcony can only be accessed from inside the palace.

My personal favorite palace in Sintra is the bewitching Quinta da Regaleira . The palace is an extravagant stony affair with both Gothic and Manueline styles, built by the eccentric millionaire Antonio Carvalho Monteiro.

There are follies, grottos, and a mysterious Masonic initiation well. The palace and its garden ensemble are a bit of an architectural curiosity.

There’s so much to explore at Quinta, you may want to book a guided tour .

The buildings are adorned with a heady mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, Neo-Manueline, and Renaissance features. Naturally, there are gothic turrets, gargoyles, and Masonic symbols. Quinta is divine.

If you want the best view in Sintra, head to the Moorish Castle. It’s just a short 10 minute hike from Pena Palace.

Dating from the 10th century, the craggy Moorish Castle is a dominating fortress in every sense of the word.

I liked the vibe there. And it was relatively empty compared to crowd pleaser Pena Palace.

2. Obidos: a Medieval Gem in Portugal

If you’d like to skip the craziness in Sintra, try a day trip to the adorable village of Obidos instead. Obidos is a fantastic and easy day trip from Lisbon, just an hour north.

Beginning in 1282, each king of Portugal gave the town of Obidos as a wedding present to his future queen.

The dreamy UNESCO-listed village of Obidos is perched fetchingly on a hill. It’ encircled with stout medieval walls.

The town’s well preserved whitewashed buildings are decorated with splashes of blue and yellow paint and vibrant bougainvilla. You’ll be seduced by Obidos’ beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.

The main drag is Rue Direita, a cobbled street dating from the 13th or 14th century. It’s stuffed with whitewashed buildings, quirky bars and cafes, exquisite shops, and ubiquitous ginjinha stands.

The iron street lamps and chipped stone facades complete the vintage look.

Here’s my complete guide to the best things to do Obidos , a small town that had my heart. If you want someone else to worry about the logistics, you can book a guided day tour from Lisbon .

3. Back To Lisbon | Dinner

When you’re done day tripping, travel back to Lisbon and enjoy your last night in the enchanting city.

If you want a lively place for dinner, try the hipster LX Factory . It’s a collective of businesses and creative spaces housed in a converted industrial warehouse complex.

LX Factory is located in the neighborhood of Alcântara, less than 2 miles from the Lisbon’s city center. It boasts some of Lisbon’s hottest restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries, and street art.

On the fourth floor, there’s a bar, Rio Maravilja, which offers great views of the Tagus River and 25 de Abrili Bridge. On Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, there’s also an open air market at LX Factory.

If you’re bushed from your day of sightseeing and want a quiet dinner, I have several suggestions.

You can try Casa do Alentejo , off Rossio Square and housed in a former 17th century Moorish Palace. This beautiful restaurant is Instagram popular and makes you feel as if you’ve been power beamed to Morocco.

If you’re organized and book well in advance, you’ll be dazzled by the tasting menu and cuisine at the Michelin starred 100 Maneiras on Rua do Teixeira in Bairro Alto.

For you final night in Lisbon, you may also want to book a food tour of Lisbon or a wine and tapas tour .

Tips For Spending 4 Days In Lisbon

1. currency and cash.

The currency of Portugal is the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted at most places. But not everywhere.

So you’ll want to have some cash to pay for the odd coffee or snack.

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. But most people speak at least a little English, especially at Lisbon’s popular tourist sites.

2. How To Get To Lisbon

Lisbon is served by Airport Portela Airport (LIS). The airport is located just over 4 miles northeast of the city center.

From the airport, it’s a 20-25 minute metro ride to the city center. You can also book a private transfer .

You can also take the high speed train into Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia Station from most major cities.

I wouldn’t drive in Lisbon, although I used Lisbon as my base and used the car for day tripping. You don’t want to drive in the city itself.

3. When To Go To Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is the shoulder season, in the spring or fall. Many tourist sites in Lisbon are closed on Mondays, factor that into your Lisbon itinerary.

In the summer, the city crammed jowl to jowl with tourists and swelteringly hot. I was last there in late May and temperatures were already in the high 80s.

4. How To Get Around Lisbon

Lisbon has a decent transportation system. Funiculars take you up and down the steep hills. There are buses, trams, and trains that take you where you need to go. The Lisbon Card will give you free transportation.

Lisbon is also fairly compact, so you can explore most of the city on foot. Be sure to bring comfy footwear for the hills and cobblestones.

When necessary, I took an Uber. Uber is relatively cheap in Lisbon. You can also sightsee with the hop on hop off bus .

There are other fun ways to get around Lisbon too. You can take a:

• 3 hour Segway tour
• 2 hour electric bike tour
• guided tuk-tuk tour
• sunset cruise on the Tagus River

5. Lisboa Card

If you’re planning on seeing the most popular sites, you should consider purchasing the Lisboa Card .

You’ll save money and the hassle of waiting in ticket lines. it also gives you free transportation. You can purchase it for 1, 2, or 3 days increments.

6. Where To Stay In Lisbon

I would recommend staying in or near the Chiado neighborhood. The Verride Palacio Santa Catarina is a boutique hotel in a renovated palace with incredible views.

LX Boutique is a pretty luxury hotel with a maritime themes and blue colors. The Memmo Principe Real is a historic hotel in a quiet area. It has limestone floors and original paintings.

If you want to stay in a palace, check out the Hotel Palacio Principe Real . Just opened in 2020, the luxe hotel sports a “pared down palatial” style and has a lovely garden.

If you want to stay in the cobbled Alfama district, the Solar Do Castelo is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a romantic 18th century mansion.

The Eurostars Museum is a beautiful historic hotel that’s also a good choice. It comes complete with a spa, sauna, and Turkish bath.

7. Day Trips From Lisbon

Lisbon makes a great base for exploring Portugal. In addition to Obidos and Sintra which I discussed above, check out my guide to the best day trips from Lisbon .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 4 days in Lisbon itinerary. Here are my other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 days in Porto itinerary
• 1 day in Coimbra itinerary
• 1 day in Guimaraes
• Guide to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood
• Guide to Pena Palace
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Tips for Visiting Sintra

​If you’d liked to spend 4 days in Lisbon, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary, The Queen Of The Sea”

You´ve got a new fan!! This is the best itinerary that I´ve found of Lisbon.!! You are now in my favorite pages! Best regards!!!

Thank you so much Victoria! I hope you have a great time in Lisbon.

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Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Lisbon Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Lisbon, Portugal

Last Modified: January 22, 2024 //  by  Anda //   Leave a Comment

Until not very long ago, Portugal was pretty much an underrated travel destination. Despite being one of the friendliest and cheapest countries to visit in Europe , people didn’t pay much attention to it. But not anymore. Today Portugal’s capital – Lisbon – is one of the most promising cities in Europe, topping the list on many European itineraries . So, if you plan to visit Lisbon but you are not sure what to do there, this 3 day itinerary will help you discover the best attractions in the Portuguese capital.

Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS 3 DAY LISBON ITINERARY

The best 3-day lisbon itinerary for your first visit, morning: baixa district, afternoon: chiado/bairro alto, morning: upper alfama district, afternoon: lower alfama district, morning: belém, afternoon: park of the nations (parque das nações), more than 3 days in lisbon, where to stay in lisbon, how to get around in lisbon, best time to visit lisbon, lisbon card: is it worth buying.

This 3-day itinerary will take you from the best local spots to the top tourist attractions, while experiencing Lisbon’s majestic architecture, famous blue tiles, romantic fado restaurants and rich art scene.

You need to spend at least 3 days in Lisbon in order to visit it properly. Especially if this is your first time. Before arriving here, we were debating whether to spend just one day in Lisbon in order to make room for a road trip through Madeira . But I’m glad we didn’t, because there are so many things to see and do in Lisbon. Our 3-day itinerary was just perfect for visiting all the best sites without rushing too much.

Lisbon is divided into several clearly distinguishable neighbourhoods. To really get to know Portugal’s capital, you’ll need to visit each one of them. Therefore, we spent each of our 3 days exploring a different district of Lisbon.

LISBON ITINERARY DAY 1

Our 3-day itinerary began in the heart of Lisbon, in Baixa district. Baixa is Lisbon’s liveliest neighborhood with grand plazas, buzzy shopping streets, and classical ‘ Pombaline ‘ style buildings. This area is home to some of Lisbon’s most famous attractions and historical sites, like Praça do Comércio, Elevador de Santa Justa, or the Convent do Carmo Ruins.

1. Praça do Comércio (Market Square)

Praça do Comércio, the most famous public square in Lisbon, tells a lot about the city’s history. On this site once stood the former Ribeira Palace, which was the official residence of the kings of Portugal from 1502 until the 1st of November, 1755. On that day a great earthquake followed by a giant tsunami destroyed two thirds of the city, leaving it in ruins. As Lisbon was built back up, the reconstruction included plans for this new market square that we see today.

Praça do Comércio has many great features. Surrounded on three sides by elegant and impressive buildings, the plaza faces the Tagus River estuary offering sweeping views across the water.

The entrance to the square is marked by the Rua Augusta Arch which commemorates the reconstruction of Lisbon. For a small fee you can climb atop the 100 feet tall arch and get a bird’s eye view of the square and the city behind.

At the center of the square is an equestrian statue of King José I, who reigned in Portugal at the time of the earthquake. Because of the earthquake, King José I became so claustrophobic that he was never again comfortable living within a walled building. As a result, he moved the royal court to an extensive complex of tents in the hills of Ajuda. 

Plaça do Comercio is always buzzing with activity: tourists taking pictures, locals running to catch a tram or a bus, or street vendors selling their goods. During your 3 days in Lisbon you’ll be passing through this square on numerous occasions.

2. Walk Along Rua Augusta

From Plaça do Comercio, continue onto Rua Augusta passing through the triumphal arch. This is a colorful pedestrian street with mosaic pavements, outdoor cafés, international shops, and the occasional street artists. 

Lined with souvenir shops, boutiques, and restaurants on both sides, the street is always crowded. It’s a nice area to stroll along, but must be careful with pick-pockets around here.

While you are on Rua Agusta, look for the Amorino ice cream shop which is on the right side of the street as you face the arch. Amorino serves a very fancy rose-shaped Italian gelato with macaroons on top. And they have an unlimited choice of flavors to choose from.

Try it once and I promise you’ll return to this place every day for the next 3 days, no matter where you’ll be in Lisbon!

Also on this street you’ll find many bakeries selling the famous pastry Pastel de Nata , an egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon.

I promise you’ll love these delicious pastries, so make sure you don’t leave Lisbon before trying them!

3. Stroll Through Rossio Square

After enjoying a few treats on Rua Augusta, head towards Rossio Square. This is one of the liveliest squares in the city where people stop to relax, or enjoy a drink at one of the several cafés with outdoor sitting.

In the square there are two baroque fountains and a statue of Dom Pedro IV standing on a tall marble pedestal. Another important attraction in this plaza is the Neoclassical building of the Donna Maria II National Theater.

4. Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa Up to the Observation Deck

From Rossio Square head towards the Santa Justa Lift, an elevator situated at the end of Rua de Santa Justa. The elevator is the fastest way to get from Baixa neighborhood to the Bairro Alto district. The 147 ft (45 m) Elevador de Santa Justa is one of Lisbon’s landmarks, so make sure you don’t miss it.

The Elevador de Santa Justa isn’t just a lift, it’s a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. The structure of the elevator is entirely wrought iron. It’s similar in style with the Eiffel Tower, in Paris . The interior has two old-fashioned cabins that take visitors up to the nearly 150-foot-tall vantage point.

The elevator was inaugurated on 10 July 1902 and was known in the beginning as  Elevador do Carmo . Lisbon’s inhabitants were so excited about this novelty that on the the day of the inauguration over 3,000 people came to try it.

Elevador de Santa Justa is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Unfortunately, there are always long lines to get into the elevator.

Admission fee is €5/person. However, the ride is free with the Lisbon Card .

5. Enjoy the Famous Pastéis de Bacalhau

As you exit the Elevator de Santa Justa, right at the end of the bridge, you’ll come across a small pasticceria serving Pastéis de Bacalhau . This is a typical Portuguese snack made of mashed potatoes, onion and steamed codfish mixed together in a ball and linked with eggs and milk, then deep-fried.

You’ll find Pastéis de Bacalhau almost everywhere in Lisbon, from the modest to highest-end restaurants. But my favorite place was the one next to the Igreja do Carmo ruins (right at the top of Santa Justa elevator), where they serve it with a glass of Port Wine.

And, you get to keep the glass as a souvenir for your trip to Lisbon.

In the afternoon of your first day visit the bohemian neighborhood of Chiado, famous for its antique cafés and bookshops, elegant boutiques, and historic theaters.

1. Convent do Carmo Ruins

Just next to the Elevador Santa Justa you’ll see the roofless structure of the Carmo Convent. This is one of Lisbon’s most interesting attractions which shouldn’t be missing from your itinerary. Convent do Carmo was once a magnificent medieval building, but the devastating earthquake of 1755 transformed it to a pile of rubble.

Because the roof collapsed on the congregation that was attending Mass that day, the church was never rebuilt. But the Gothic arches and the sacristy survived and are still standing today. Miraculously, much of the art in the convent also survived the earthquake, and are displayed in the convent’s museum.

Admission fee is €5.00. There’s a 20% discount with the  Lisboa Card .

2. Visit Praça dos Restauradores (Restauradores Square)

Restauradores Square lies at the southeast end of Avenida da Liberdade, near Rossio Square. At the center of the square there is a 30-meter high obelisk commemorating those who fought to restore Portugal’s independence, in 1640.

Around the square are a number of beautiful Art Deco buildings, among which the famous Teatro Eden and Condes Cinema buildings.

3. Camões Square

This lively square, named after one of Portugal’s greatest poets, is the heart of Lisbon’s most glamorous neighborhood, the Chiado.

At its center is a monumental statue of 16th-century epic poet –Luis de Camões– standing on a pedestal with other smaller statues of classical Portuguese authors. In the vicinity of the square there are two Baroque churches: Loreto and Encarnação, which are worth adding to your Lisbon itinerary, if you have the time. 

4. A Brasileira Café

A Brasileira is Chiado’s most famous café. The café was the meeting place of several generations of intellectuals and artists in Lisbon, so don’t miss it.

One of the famous Portuguese poets who was a regular at A Brasileira was Fernando Pessoa. A bronze statue of the poet sitting at one of the tables is on the café patio.

5. Panteao Nacional

The National Pantheon is set beneath the historic Alfama Hill, on the opposite slope from downtown. Its huge classic Baroque dome is visible from many parts of Lisbon.

This building was initially a church, the construction of which started in the 16th century and ended in the 20th century. Today the Pantheon houses the remains of the most distinguished personalities in Portugal as well as its kings.

Interestingly enough, among the Portuguese royal tombs in the Pantheon were also those of King Carol II of Romania who died in Portugal while in exile. However, in 2003 his body has been returned to  Romania and is now buried in the  Cathedral of Curtea de Argeș , one of the most famous churches in Romania .

Admission fee is €3/person, but it’s free on Sundays.

Lisbon Itinerary Day 2

Built by the Moors in the 11th century, Alfama is Lisbon’s most atmospheric district. The neighborhood spreads on the slope between the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus river. Here you’ll find castle ruins, fancy fado restaurants, and some of the most beautiful miradors (viewpoints) in Lisbon.

Alfama is an old neighborhood with very narrow streets, steep stairs, and beautiful views of the river. It may not be the fanciest or most upscale district, but it surely has a lot of charm if you can see beneath the crumbling painted walls.

1. São Jorge Castle

One of the most emblematic landmarks in Alfama is São Jorge Castle, which sits at the top of São Jorge Hill. The fortress was built by the Visigoths during the fifth century, but was later enlarged by the Moors. In the 12th century, during the reign of Afonso I of Portugal, the castle became a royal residence.

The castle spreads over a large area. There are in all 11 towers to visit and a small museum, so this site will most likely take your entire morning. The views from up here are fantastic, so take time to enjoy your visit.

Admission fee for the castle is  €10.00 for adults and €5 for students/children.

2. Stop for Lunch in Alfama District

After spending the morning at São Jorge Castle, you may stop for lunch at one of the small restaurants around the castle before continuing to explore the city.

There are some nice and intimate cafés and restaurants around this area which serve very tasty food. Eating here feels like you are in someone’s dining room, not in a restaurant.

1. Miradouro das Portas do Sol

After lunch continue your tour towards the lower Alfama district. The first point of interest you’ll come across as you are descending from the castle is Miradouro das Portas do Sol. From up here you have a beautiful perspective of the Alfama district, all the way from São Jorge hill to the shores of the Tagus Estuary. 

Of all the beautiful viewpoints we visited on our Lisbon itinerary, Miradouro das Portas do Sol was my favorite one. We came here quite a few times, during our 3-day stay in Lisbon.

Portas do Sol is on the route of Tram 28, so you can easily hop-on the tram to continue your tour after visiting it. In the middle of the beautiful terrace is a statue of of St. Vincent and a small a kiosk that serves refreshments. This is a perfect place for a short break!

2. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Just a few steps down from Portas do Sol is another beautiful viewpoint : Miradouro de Santa Luzia. What is unique about this one is that it’s located inside a small garden and it’s surrounded by beautiful Azulejos tiles.

3. Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)

Some 200 meters downhill from Miradouro de Santa Luzia you’ll come across Lisbon Cathedral, which is also known as Sé de Lisboa . Although it’s not one of Europe’s greatest churches, the cathedral is a must-see because of its importance to the city’s history.

Sé Cathedral was built right on top of a great mosque, when Lisbon was taken from the Moors, in 1147. Like all the other structures in Lisbon, the building suffered tremendous damages during the 1755 earthquake. The reconstruction took almost a hundred years, but the results are stunning.

They say the cloister contains some remnants of the previous mosque, but unfortunately it was closed at the time of our visit.

Admission fee for the cathedral and museum is €5 for adults and €3 for children.

Lisbon Itinerary Day 3

We spent the morning of our 3rd day in Lisbon visiting the district of Belém, which lies along the Tejo River, in the west part of Lisbon.

Back in the 16th century, Belém was the location of the docks and shipyards of Lisbon. It was also the place from where the ships that brought Portugal riches and fame were leaving. Belem was the very spot from where Vasco da Gama set out and discovered a direct ocean route from Portugal to India, in 1497.

Today, Belém is a cool escape from the city’s tumult. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this neighborhood which is home to three of Lisbon’s most important attractions: the  Torre de Belém  (Belém Tower), the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries).

1. Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)

The Belém Tower was erected as a strategic point and defense against possible invasions and attacks from the Tagus River.

The tower is not very big, but is very picturesque. On the ground floor you’ll see the 16 windows with cannons that were used to defend the city. You’ll also see the pits and holes where the prisoners were held.

Belém Tower has   five floors and a roof terrace. The stories are connected by a small and narrow spiral staircase, which can get very crowded during the busy summers.

Admission fee for the tower is €8.50 for adults and students. Children under 14 get in free.

2. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)

Just a little farther down from the tower, on the waterfront promenade, you’ll see the Monument of the Discoveries. The stunning 52-meter high monument was designed to commemorate the Age of Discoveries in Portugal.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos was inaugurated in 1960, on the 500 years anniversary since the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, who discovered the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde. At the base of the monument there is a group of statues representing Portugal’s most famous explorers led by Prince Henry the Navigator.

At the top of the monument there is an observation deck from where you can see Belém from above. There is an elevator that takes visitors to the deck, so you don’t have to climb any stairs. The cost is €4/person.

3. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)

Right across the street from the Monument of Discoveries you’ll see the tall structure of the Jeronimos Monastery. This is one of the most magnificent religious edifices that I have ever seen! It will most likely impress you just as much as the Cathedral of Seville , in Spain, or La Cathedral Primada, in Toledo .

The monastery was designed to commemorate the return of Vasco da Gama from India. The cathedral building was erected on the site of the chapel where Vasco da Gama and sailors prayed before setting sail to India. 

Although the monastery looks quite massive from the outside, you can’t guess how big it actually is until you get inside. One of the elements that will surely catch your eye is the highly ornate cloister and its complicated arches and patterns.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos houses the tombs of several important figures in Portuguese history, including the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco De Gama. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon, so don’t skip it.

Admission fee is €10 per person. For €12/person you can buy a combo ticket that includes the Belém Tower. Or for €16/person you can buy a ticket that includes the Monastery + Belém Tower + The National Archaeological Museum.

We spent the afternoon of our 3rd day in Lisbon visiting the attractions in Parque das Nações. This part of our itinerary was very different from everything we saw so far, because Parque das Nações is the modern part of Lisbon. Here you have generous public spaces, wide boulevards, parks, a marina, museums, concert halls, sports facilities and modern shopping centers. 

With its tall sky scrapers on the backdrop of the Tagus River, Parque das Nações reminded me a lot about Battery Park, in New York City .

1. Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa

The most important attraction in this part of the city is the Oceanário de Lisboa, a large indoor aquarium. The Oceanário houses a huge collection of marine species — from mammals, to sea birds, sharks, hundreds of species of fish and crustaceans. 

The main attraction in the Oceanarium is a 5,000,000 liters (1,300,000 gallons) tank with large acrylic windows on its sides. The windows are strategically located all around the tank, allowing visitors to observe the life within the tank from many angles and from two different floors.

The fastest way to get to the Oceanarium from Belém is by car. There is also a bus that will take you there, but the ride takes over 1/2 hour, while the cab takes less than 15 minutes.

Admission fee for the Oceanarium is €19/adults and €13 for seniors, students and children.

2. Take a Ride on the Telecabine Lisboa (Gondola Lift)

The best way to admire Nations Park from above is to take a ride on the Gondola Cable Car, which is right next to the Oceanarium. The Gondola was inaugurated on March of 1998 for the International Exposition of Lisbon. Nowadays, it’s one of the must-see attractions on any Lisbon itinerary. 

There is a lot to see and do in Lisbon if you have extra time to spare. The city is thriving with multiple museums, art galleries, beautiful churches and great bars and restaurants. It is also a good home base for for exploring the area around and taking day trips from Lisbon, or for visiting the castles in Sintra .

If you are a tourist in Lisbon you’ll want to be based in the heart of the city and within walking distance of the major sights, shops and restaurants. The best areas to stay are Chiado, Baixa, Principe Real, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade and Alfama.

If you travel in a big group, or have kids with you, good option are the VRBOs in Lisbon . The city has a wide variety of apartments to choose from and some of them are quite luxurious.

Since there was only two of us we chose to stay in a hotel in Alfama, the oldest part of the city, because it’s quieter. However, we had a lot of uphill walking and for this reason we used cabs quite a lot. However, our hotel – Olissippo Castelo – was within walking distance from many of the sites on our Lisbon itinerary and that was a big plus.

You may want to check out this site for some of the best hotels in Lisbon, or use the search box below:

The best way to get around in Lisbon is on foot. There is no better way to see the sites than walking. The only problem with that however is that Lisbon is set on seven hills, much like Rome . That means you’ll have a lot of uphill and downhill walking if you choose to go on foot.

We walked as much as we could, but also used public transportation. Most sites are accessible by bus, or by tram, but a good way to skip the uphill walking is to use the historic funiculars or the elevators.

Lisbon has many funiculars and elevators, some which are more modern and some which are historic landmarks. The most photographed funicular in the city is Ascensor da Bica , which connects Rua de São Paulo with Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto, crossing one of Lisbon’s steepest hills.

There is also a great network of tramways in Lisbon which we used quite extensively during our 3 days in the city. But we also used cabs in some areas and found them to be very reliable and inexpensive.

The subway is more useful for traveling beyond downtown rather than traveling within it, so we don’t recommend it.

The best time to go to Lisbon is during the shoulder season, March through May, or September through October. During these months there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still beautiful.

The hight of the tourist season is from June to September. During this time Lisbon will be crammed with tourists, so you’ll have to stand in line at all sites. Also, July and August can be brutal in Portugal, with temperatures rising above 90ºF. So unless you plan to spend all your time at the beach, try to avoid those two months.

Portugal is not a good winter destination. Despite have warmer winters than other countries in Europe, it may get a lot of rain during the cold season.

Another thing to keep in mind when making your itinerary is that many tourist sites in Lisbon are closed on Mondays.

We believe the Lisbon Card is a good deal if you plan on seeing the sites listed in this itinerary. The card saves you money and the hassle of waiting in line to buy tickets.

You can also travel free on all means of transportation in Lisbon, including trains. You can purchase the Lisbon Card for 1, 2, or 3 days.

Other Lisbon Activities That You May Like:

PLESE PIN THIS FOR LATER:

Love Portugal? You may also enjoy these:

• 2 Weeks in Europe – 10 Excellent Itinerary Ideas
• 7 Miradouros in Lisbon You’ll Absolutely Love
• The 5 Most Beautiful Castles & Palaces in Sintra, Portugal

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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The Perfect Lisbon Itinerary (Including A Sintra Day Trip)

Created On: June 12, 2019   |   Updated: September 23, 2022   |   6 Comments

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from which we may make commission from. As always, we only recommend places and products we love! In addition, we try our best to keep our articles up-to-date with current prices, locations, and hours of operation however we always recommend double-checking when planning a trip as these items can change frequently.

The Perfect Lisbon Itinerary (Including A Sintra Day Trip)!

Oh Lisbon, the cobblestone streets, the pastel de nata, beautiful churches, and more. It’s easy to see why people fall in love with this city. During our four days in Lisbon, we spent three days exploring the city and the fourth as a day trip to Sintra. In this Lisbon guide we’ll cover where to stay, places to eat, and things to do in Lisbon.

Where Is Lisbon?

Lisbon is a coastal European city located in the central west part of Portugal. It is well-known for its artistically tiled buildings and many hilly sidewalks. It is also known for delicious cuisine, such as fresh seafood, cured meats and cheeses, and inexpensive, delicious wine. Follow along on this Lisbon itinerary to see why you should visit Lisbon ASAP!

How to Get to Lisbon

Traveling to lisbon by airplane.

One amazing thing about traveling in Europe is how cheap flights are to other European countries! We traveled to Lisbon from Spain using a TAP Portugal Airline for only €20/person. The flight was only a little over an hour which makes this the fastest and cheapest way to travel to Lisbon if you’re coming from Spain which is a popular option for many travelers. However, you can also fly from another international destination to Lisbon as well. Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the main airport in Lisbon and is located around 5 miles outside of the city.

FIND CHEAP FLIGHT DEALS

Traveling to Lisbon by Train

Again, if you are traveling to Lisbon from Spain as we did, there is also a RailEurope train that leaves every day from Madrid but it’s definitely not the most cost-efficient or convenient. It is about a 10-hour trip at €30-60/person – but at least it will save you the cost of a hotel that evening!

If you are traveling to Lisbon from another city or town in Portugal, such as Porto, the journey takes about 3 hours and is around €30/person. We only had the chance to visit Lisbon and Sintra during this trip but we’d love to do at least a two-week Portugal trip next time.

Traveling to Lisbon by Car

Portugal is a relatively easy country to drive in because of its smaller size and excellent roads which makes it perfect for a Portugal road trip . In fact, you can get from northern Portugal to southern Portugal in just 6 hours! Outside of the major cities then we feel having a car would be easier and more budget-friendly than relying on public transportation.

However, driving in the major cities, like Porto and Lisbon, isn’t necessary because of good public transportation, and driving in these cities can be complicated due to narrow roads and traffic. For example, we rented a car for our day trip to Sintra and didn’t feel like it was completely worth it due to traffic, narrow roads, and decent bus transportation ( more on this later ).

FIND THE BEST RATES ON CAR RENTALS

When Should You Visit Lisbon?

May and September are the two best months to visit Lisbon due to the nicer temperatures and it is outside of the rainy season. We visited Lisbon in early May and found the temperature to be extremely enjoyable. Though it did rain two out of the four days we visited, a Lisbon local told us that was not common so we must have had a bit of bad luck! But, even in the rain, Lisbon was fascinating and incredible. July and August are the hottest and busiest months to visit Lisbon so if you can, avoid visiting then.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

During our 4 days in Lisbon, we stayed at the Lisboa Carmo Hotel in one of their premium rooms with a river and castle view. The Lisboa Carmo hotel is centrally located near Bairro Alto, Baixa, Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade which made it accessible to most of the major sites in Lisbon. We walked almost everywhere we visited in Lisbon from Lisboa Carmo Hotel and can’t say enough about how perfect the location was.

This 4-star boutique luxury hotel also offered complimentary water and coffee each day in our room and had plenty of space for us to relax. The best part about our room at Lisboa Carmo Hotel was the view from our windows. There were four large windows that had a stunning view of the city that other hotels charge a hefty price for, but it is reasonable here – ask for room 504 if you can !

Other Options for Your Stay in Lisbon

While we have only stayed at the Lisboa Carmo Hotel, here are a few other options to check out for your stay in Lisbon. These are highly reviewed or have been recommended to me by others who have stayed at them during their time in Lisbon.

HOSTELS/BUDGET-FRIENDLY

• Lisbon Poets Hostel
• Lisbon Dreams Guest House
• Lisboa Carmo Hotel – where we stayed
• H10 Duque de Loule – We have stayed at a few different H10 properties and have found them to be be nice!
• Brown’s Central Hotel – A very popular place to stay in Lisbon.
• Verride Palacio Santa Catarina
• Pestana Palace Lisboa
• Hotel Santiago de Alfama

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

• Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites
• AlmaLusa Baixa-Chiado

While Logan and I use Airbnb from time to time, we are not recommending Airbnb on our Lisbon itinerary and it’s for a good reason. We spoke with a few locals while in Lisbon and all of them told us (without us even asking) that Airbnb hasn’t been sustainable for the city, a sad fact we’ve heard a number of times in certain cities or countries – especially in Europe.

Many of these beautiful, old buildings that you see when walking around Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa-Chiado are being renovated into posh apartments but not to serve the local community, they’re being rented out to only tourists. But the silver lining is, that we did hear that the Portuguese tourism office has now been working on making certain Airbnb accommodations registered with them to provide legal and sustainable accommodations so if you choose to use Airbnb while in Lisbon or in Portugal make sure it’s a registered property and try to rent from someone who is local.

If you’d like to read more about sustainable tourism in Lisbon and things to avoid doing while in Lisbon this article is incredibly insightful.

FIND ADDITIONAL HOTEL OPTIONS IN LISBON

Transportation in Lisbon

During our 4 days in Lisbon, we occasionally took an Uber but Lisbon is a very walkable city so we spent a lot of our time walking in Lisbon. Here are some other modes of transportation in Lisbon and the best ways to use public transportation.

Lisbon Transportation Card

If you plan to use public transportation while in Lisbon, a Viva Viagem Lisbon Transportation card may be your best bet. You can add single rides or 24-hour passes for €6.40 for unlimited travel in Lisbon.

Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card is a 3-in-1 transportation card, museum pass, and discount card. It covers travel by bus, tram, metro, and elevadores. It also offers discounts or free admission to certain attractions in Lisbon. There are a few different options depending on how long you plan to stay in Lisbon ranging from €20 (1-day pass), €34 (2-day pass), €42 (3-day pass). If you plan to visit any of the attractions they have listed and use public transportation, then the Lisboa Card will save you money on your Lisbon itinerary.

Uber or Taxi

When we visited Lisbon, Uber was incredibly inexpensive. In fact, some of our Uber rides were less expensive than if we were taking the bus. So if traveling with 2 or more people Uber may be your best bet. If traveling solo it is probably cheaper to take the bus or metro.

We didn’t use Taxis while in Lisbon because they were more expensive than Uber. One of the hotel employees at Lisboa Carmo Hotel even told us that, a number of people get ripped off by certain taxi drivers while in Lisbon. On the day we arrived, we paid only €10.50 via Uber while another hotel guest paid €45 for the same ride but from a taxi. Obviously, that isn’t the case for all taxi services, but it leaves a sour taste. If you do want to use or schedule a taxi while in Lisbon we recommend downloading the app Cabify so you can see the rates before you book.

Before visiting Lisbon we were really conflicted about riding the Tram 28. Mostly due to the fact that it’s so busy! Every time we saw it go by, the tram was PACKED full of people. But the main reason we’re telling you to skip the Tram 28 ride is due to impending the residents of the city.

Prior to the boom in tourism in Lisbon, the Tram 28 was used as a main mode of transportation for Lisbon residents. Now, because of tourism, many locals are struggling to use the tram to get from point A to point B. Instead of riding the tram take some snaps of it from the outside. However, if you really want to ride Tram 28 consider riding it late morning or early afternoon when it isn’t peak time for people to go to/from work or their lunchtime. In addition, there are actually other trams that run specifically for tourists and when we saw those, they weren’t nearly as crowded. Same view, fewer crowds – what’s not to love about that?

Safety in Lisbon

We felt that Lisbon was a very safe city and didn’t run into any trouble while we were there but here are some things we feel you should be aware of or could encounter.

• If you are carrying a wallet, money clip, and/or phone in your pocket make sure to carry it in your front pocket(s) and that your pants have deeper pockets so nothing sticks out the top.
• Carry a purse or backpack with secure zippers. I personally love my PacSafe products because they have a ton of anti-theft features such as mesh (to prevent slashing), locks, and zipper security additions. If someone was going to get into my backpack, I’m 99% sure I would have known.
• If you are sitting down at a restaurant, hold on to your bag. My Pacsafe backpack also has a strap that unlocks so I can attach it to a chair and feel better about it being secure.
• Be aware of your belongings AT ALL TIMES. This seems like a given but we’ve all been in a position where we let our guard down. Just make sure you are always paying attention to the people around you and the items you’re carrying. Not every person that accidentally bumps you is trying to steal your stuff (the sidewalks are super narrow!) so don’t feel like you have to cling to your purse like it’s a newborn baby, just pay attention.
• People selling drugs – While we didn’t encounter anyone selling “real” drugs while in Lisbon a few guys tried to get us to buy what they said was pot, but was actually bay leaves rolled up *cue the eye-rolling*. We simply told them no and kept walking. In fact, anytime someone tried to sell us something on the street we only had to say no and found that most of the time they would move on to the next person instead of being persistent.

If you do find yourself in an emergency situation while visiting Lisbon dial 112  (emergency number) or visit a local police station. All this to say, we never once felt unsafe while in Lisbon but it’s best to be cautious when traveling anywhere. Every Lisbon local that we chatted with was incredibly helpful, friendly, and showed warm hospitality to us during our four days in Lisbon.

Key Phrases to Know When Visiting Portugal

One thing we always recommend when visiting another country is to learn a few words or phrases in that language. In Portugal, Portuguese is the most common language but we found that in Lisbon, a lot of people spoke French and/or English as well. Regardless, it’s still important to make an effort to know a few words in Portuguese!

• Hello – Olá
• Goodbye – Adeus
• Good morning – Bom dia
• Good afternoon/evening – Boa tarde/noite
• Please – Por favor
• Thank you – Obrigado

Key Things to Know About Traveling to Lisbon

Wear good shoes.

I cannot stress this enough. No matter what, you’ll be doing a lot of walking! Sidewalks are very narrow – some hardly passable by two people side by side and certain areas are quite hilly. Be sure to wear shoes that are comfortable and have a good grip because those sidewalk tiles are SLICK!

Forms of Payment in Lisbon

Portugal uses the Euro (€) as its form of currency. While we heard that credit cards aren’t widely accepted we found that to be the opposite. Almost every place we visited on our Lisbon itinerary was credit card friendly but there were a few smaller shops that required cash-only payments or had a minimum spend for credit card usage. When using cash try to use smaller bills (under €50).

The Starters Are Not Complimentary

In the United States (where we live) we are often greeted at restaurants by a basket of fresh bread, chips and salsa, or some other complimentary starter. However, when you receive said small plates at a restaurant in Portugal, this is not the case. This is one of the biggest complaints we saw when reading reviews of restaurants in Lisbon.

No, the restaurant is not trying to be a “crook.” That’s just how things are done. Definitely DO NOT give a restaurant a negative review based on that – I can’t tell you how many reviews we read said: “the food is terrific here but we hated how sneaky they were about charging us for bread and olives we didn’t order – 1 star.”

Starters are often bread, cheese, olives, vinaigrette marinated carrots, and/or olive oil and though you will be charged if you eat them, it’s usually a minuscule amount say anywhere from €1-4. If you don’t want the starters simply tell your waitress or waiter to take them back and you won’t be charged.

Prepare to Dine More Slowly Than What You’re Used To

Living in the United States has given us and many others the idea that dining and service should be fast-paced – get in and get out. But in Portugal, dining is much slower (much like many areas in Europe) and if you know this ahead of time and go with the flow, you’ll definitely find it enjoyable.

One evening we spent 2-3 hours (we lost track) in a restaurant laughing, chatting, and of course, eating tons of amazing Portuguese food. At that moment we both said, “Why aren’t all meals this way?” Another thing to keep in mind is that waiters won’t come to your table as often as you’re probably used to so be prepared for that.

Wine and Beer Are Incredibly Cheap & Water Isn’t Free

Portuguese wines are some of the best in the world and they’re some of the most inexpensive . Yes, you read that right. A bottle of wine in Portugal ranges from €1.50-12 in a grocery store while a glass of wine will cost you €2-5 at a restaurant. Of course, there are wines that are extremely expensive but you can buy a very nice bottle of wine in Portugal for around €6-8 easily (ready to take an extra suitcase now?). Beer is also super cheap ranging from €1-3 for a nice-sized portion and no, it’s not even close to tasting like a regular American lager, it’s WAY better.

With wine and beer being so inexpensive we hardly ever ordered water at restaurants (don’t worry we did drink some haha). But water is usually around €2-3 for a liter bottle. You can save on the cost of water, soda, wine, and beer by shopping at a local grocery store and stocking up in your hotel mini-fridge if you happen to have one.

For the Best FREE Views Head to Miradouros Around the City

There are a number of places you can visit for a paid view (you’ll see some listed here in this Lisbon itinerary with the cost) but to get the same, if not better views, for absolutely free head to any Miradouro (viewpoint) in Lisbon. Our favorites were Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen for its expansive view and Miradouro de Santa Luzia for the beautiful scenery and view.

Make Sure You Wander Around the City

Yes, I realize that reads as cliché as it sounds, and to be completely transparent, I wouldn’t blame you for rolling your eyes initially. But in Lisbon, you really REALLY should do that. There is so much to see on every corner from tiled, colorful buildings, fantastic viewpoints, and more. The popular neighborhoods include Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Alfama (which was probably our favorite of the ones mentioned).

But, being so popular, these neighborhoods mean more tourists. A few lesser-visited neighborhoods (in our opinion) we really enjoyed exploring were Mouraria – the old Moorish district, Cais do Sodré – where you’ll find the infamous “pink street”, and Graça – which is right on the border of Alfama.

WiFi in Lisbon

There were a number of places that offered free WiFi around the city so you can utilize that if you don’t need constant WiFi. On this trip, we decided to use the $10/day international plan that our cell phone companies provide because we found it to be about the same price (or cheaper) as renting a device and saved us the hassle of returning a device. Logan activated it on his phone and I hot spotted occasionally or used public WiFi.

Essential Things to Pack for Your Lisbon Itinerary

• Travel adapter :  Portugal uses C and F plugs so if you are traveling from somewhere other than the European Union you will most likely need a travel adapter . For reference, plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and type F has two round pins with clips on the side.
• Comfortable shoes with non-skid soles . I brought some of my favorite comfortable sandals but didn’t think much about the soles on them – big mistake! I slipped a number of times when trying to walk up some of those Lisbon hills. Fortunately, I had another pair of shoes with good grip!
• A copy of your passport : Carry this with you while you keep your original in a safe at your hotel.
• Umbrella : One thing we always recommend packing no matter the destination is a small collapsible umbrella. Of course, it will help with the rain but also provides shade in the summer too.
• Scarf and/or light sweater : Not only will this keep you warm or provide you with some extra coverage from the sun if you are planning to visit any churches you’ll have to make sure your shoulders are covered and there are no shorts allowed that are overly short.
• Sunscreen : Portugal is a very sunny and warm country most of the year so it’s important to protect your skin!

What to Drink in Lisbon

Portuguese wine.

We covered this above, but man, Portuguese wine is cheap! It’s seriously incredible to me that they can even turn a profit for how much they’re selling it for. When you think of a $2 bottle of wine in the United States most might think of Trader Joe’s 2 buck chuck, which, admittingly isn’t TERRIBLE but not the finest of wines. The complete opposite goes while in Portugal. That €2-8 bottle of wine should cost a premium for how good it is.

Where to purchase Portuguese wine:

• VINIPORTUGAL / Wines of Portugal
• Cerveteca Lisboa
• At every restaurant you dine at while in Portugal – no joke!

Beer in Portugal

Though Portugal might seem behind on the “craft beer” scene they’re starting to make their way to the public, however, the two most popular beers in Portugal are Super Bock and Sagres. Just like wine, beer is also inexpensive and can be found at restaurants and grocery stores.

• Super Bock : The oldest beer company in Portugal (est. 1927).
• Sagres : The second oldest beer company in Portugal (est. 1934) – you’ll find their pale ale in most restaurants, grocery stores, or bars but they also have a darker ale and a red ale too.

Ginjinha (or Ginja)

Ginjinha is a liqueur that is made from sour cherries – we tried this on our Taste of Lisboa food tour (more on this later) and while it wasn’t our favorite shot to sip on, it was way better than expected (we were thinking it would be exactly like sipping on a shot of cherry cough syrup).

Places to try or purchase Ginjinha:

• Os Amigos Da Severa
• A Ginjinha : This claims to be the first bar in the world where you could buy ginjinha.

I don’t know how to discuss Sumol without sobbing because it was so good I wanted an extra suitcase just so I could bring home all of it. Sumol is a lightly carbonated water beverage that has fruit juice inside it (no artificial colors or flavors either). Just try it, you won’t regret it!

Flavors of Sumol to try:

• Laranja (orange)
• Ananas (pineapple)
• Maracujá (passion fruit) – my personal favorite and it’s apparently more difficult to find!

What to Eat in Lisbon and Restaurant Recommendations

Pastéis de nata.

We ate so many Pastel de Nata in Lisbon it’s a wonder that we didn’t have to buy new clothes (guess we have those Lisbon hills to thank!). You’ll find these Portuguese custard tarts all over Lisbon but skip the ones at a grocery store or Starbucks and go get them from an authentic shop. We’ll cover more about our favorites in this Lisbon itinerary but we’ve also listed them below!

• Pastéis de Belém :  The one, the only, the original shop that started in 1837. I wouldn’t say it’s the BEST Pastel de Nata shop in Lisbon, but as I said, it’s the original so you simply have to go.
• Manteigaria : This was our favorite shop – it had the most flavor, set custard, and extra cinnamon.
• Confeitaria Nacional : This pastry shop was founded in 1829 and makes a number of different pastries to enjoy in their shop. Definitely try their Pastel de Nata and a few of their other Portuguese pastries as well.  
• Aloma : Aloma started in 1943 and was our second favorite of the Pastel de Nata shops in Lisbon. The custard in their tarts has little cinnamon and their custard isn’t as set as some of the others but it’s delicious!

Portuguese Cheeses

Many restaurants you visit that serve Portuguese cuisine will have a variety of cheeses that are popular in Portugal but you can also visit a cheese shop or grocery store to enjoy some of these on your own. In Portugal, they say that the stinker the cheese, the better it tastes – so while you might need a nose plug, they’re all going to taste great! Here are a few that you should try while in Lisbon.

• Queijo de Azeitão : Azeitão is a sheep’s milk cheese that is a natural hit with its creamy texture and strong, yet still mild flavor.
• Serpa : Serpa is a sheep’s milk cheese that is pretty pungent with a spicy flavor due to the seasoned paprika rind. Pair it with a jam or marmalade which makes for a really great combination.

Places to try or purchase Portuguese cheese:

• Pingo Doce : Grocery store (or any other Portuguese grocery store or cheese shop).
• Manteigaria Silva : Meat, bread, and cheese store.

Pata Negra (Cured Ham)

Pata Negra is a type of cured ham that is commonly found in Portugal and Spain. It is dried and sliced into thin slices and served by itself, on a sandwich, or paired with cheese.

In order to be served, it has to follow three rules.

• The pig has to be from the local region.
• Pigs are kept in an open forest so they can eat as much acorn fruit as they desire.
• The ham must be cured for at least 9 months before serving and can be kept for up to 5 years.

Places to try Pata Negra or Jamón ibérico:

• Manteigaria Silva : Meat, bread, and cheese store (also has a location at Time Out Market)
• Campo de Ourique Market : Similar to the popular Time Out Market but more local.

Bifana (pork) Sandwich

A Bifana is a sandwich made up of a crusty bread roll and strips of juicy pork that has been marinated in various spices and wine. It’s paired best with a beer and often served as a late-night snack!

Restaurants to try a Bifana:

• Zé dos Cornos : A popular “fast lunch” shop.
• O Trevo : A spot made popular by Anthony Bourdain’s show, “No Reservations.” This was Logan’s favorite bifana sandwich he had on this Lisbon itinerary too!

Piri Piri Chicken

Piri Piri Chicken is a free-range spicy roasted chicken dish that has roots in Africa and Portugal. The key to the chicken is, of course, the spices and the Piri Piri sauce made from chiles. If you like spicy foods, this one is for you!

Places to try Piri Piri chicken:

• Bonjardim : Restaurant that specializes in Piri Piri chicken.
• A Valenciana : Known for Piri Piri chicken and other Portuguese dishes.

Bacalhau (Codfish)

Bacalhau (or codfish) may not be found in nearby waters, but it is a staple of Portuguese cuisine. Here are a few ways to try bacalhau and where to get it!

• Bolinhos de Bacalhau : These fried nuggets are not your average fish sticks. They include shredded cod, potatoes, onion, and parsley and are exceptionally delicious when fresh.
• Bacalhau à Brás : The codfish is shredded and baked with fried potatoes and scrambled eggs.
• Bacalhau à Lagareiro : Grilled olive oil-soaked cod with boiled potatoes.

Restaurants and places to try bacalhau:

• O Buraco : Some of the best Bolinhos de Bacalhau we had!
• Cozinha da Felicidade : Located at Time Out Market offers a few different Bacalhau dishes including Bacalhau à Brás.
• Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau : Not the authentic Bolinhos de Bacalhau and is definitely a touristy spot but they combine the traditional ingredients with Portuguese cheeses.

Fresh Seafood

Unlike bacalhau which is preserved by salting, drying, or freezing – Portugal does have some of the freshest seafood there is to offer. It’s typically served solo or with a starchy carb such as rice or potatoes.

• Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice) : While it may look similar, don’t confuse this dish with Spanish paella. This dish is cooked in a saucepan and includes creamy tomato rice and a variety of fresh seafood including mussels, clams, oysters, shrimp, and lobster.
• Arroz de Polvo (Octopus Rice) : Similar to Arroz de Marisco (above), this rice dish is made with a creamy tomato sauce but this time is paired with octopus and occasionally shrimp.
• Grilled Sardines : Sardine season in Portugal starts in March or April and lasts until September or October. So if you happen to visit Lisbon during this time, you can get your fix of freshly grilled sardines.
• Fresh Fish Platter : Another way that you can enjoy fresh seafood in Lisbon is by ordering a sampling of fresh fish and shellfish to try. It can come at a larger price tag but it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Seafood Restaurant Recommendations for Lisbon:

• Ramiro : Fresh seafood priced by the pound and cooked fresh – also recommended by Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations.”
• Sacramento : We were recommended this restaurant by the hotel staff and it did not disappoint. The service and food were both excellent!

Non-Portuguese Cuisine Restaurant Recommendation:

Pizzeria Romana al Tavolo : In case you or someone you’re traveling with is a picky eater, pizza is a safe choice. We tried this one evening when we couldn’t make up our minds on where to eat and although it was a bit touristy, it was pretty darn good! We wanted to throw out this idea in case anyone else needed a backup plan.

LISBON ITINERARY (INCLUDING SINTRA DAY TRIP)

Day 1: lisbon itinerary, manteigaria – fábrica de pastéis de nata.

Start your day off with a coffee and two (or more, we’re not judging) Pastéis de Nata from Manteigaria . These little custard tarts are pretty heavy so they’ll probably hold you over until going on the Taste of Lisboa food tour (which you’ll see later on this Lisbon itinerary). Hours: 8am-12am, everyday Cost: €1 each

Praça do Comércio

There are a number of city squares that you’ll see in this Lisbon itinerary. Most are places you’ll pass by while en route to another destination. However, Praça do Comércio is one of the most popular as it sits by the Tagus River. There is plenty of space to walk around and view the water, and there are a number of street performers here too. One thing to keep in mind is the many cruise ships that stop right by this square daily so it can get really crowded. Cost : FREE

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

Just like there are many public squares you’ll walk by in Lisbon, there are a number of churches too! The Lisbon Cathedral is considered to be the most important Roman Catholic church in the city and dates back to the 12th century. It’s survived a number of natural disasters including the earthquake of 1755 but you might not know it looking at it from the outside or inside – it’s a beautiful masterpiece! Hours : 7am-7pm Cost: FREE to visit the church, €2.50 to visit the cloister

Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)

The Elevador de Santa Justa is an architecturally beautiful elevator that is in the middle of the city but that means the lines are incredibly long to ride to the top. Unless riding on the lift is incredibly important to you skip that part and take the access bridge located behind the elevator to the top where you can see the panoramic view and either climb back down or take the lift down. Hours : May to October: 7am-11pm, November to April: 7am-10pm Cost : €5.30 for the lift and viewing platform, €1.50 for only the viewing platform

Praça do Rossio

Another square that you’ll pass by is Praça do Rossio , an area with numerous cafes, restaurants, and beautiful buildings. One thing we loved about this square was the mosaic cobble design so be sure to look down! Cost : FREE

Igreja de São Domingos

At one time, Igreja de São Domingos was the largest church in Lisbon and hosted a number of royal weddings. It suffered a number of hardships including damage from the 1531 and 1755 earthquakes. But one of the more recent tragedies was in 1959 when a fire broke out in the church and was gutted completely. When rebuilt, they left a number of signs of the fire including a deep orange painted interior and the stone pillars still scorched. Hours: 7:30am-7pm daily Cost : FREE

Taste of Lisboa Food Tour

I cannot recommend doing a food tour while traveling enough and if you can, try to do it on your first day so that you get a feel for places you might want to return to! We did the Downtown-Mouraria Food & Cultural Walk with Taste of Lisboa which was one of the most involved and amazing food tours we have ever done. There were 7 stops total sampling some traditional Portuguese cuisine and adult beverages.

If you have dietary restrictions they will do their best to accommodate if you let them know ahead of time. For example, I do not eat beef or pork products and have an allergy to walnuts which they were more than happy to accommodate. Something else to keep in mind is that this food tour lasts around 3-4 hours so plan accordingly and don’t book any tickets or reservations until after 8pm – (P.S. you won’t need dinner after!).

We tried a number of different items on our food tour that we’ll highlight here, but there’s so much more to this food tour than just trying the cuisine. You’ll learn history, find unique spots to explore, and make some new acquaintances too!

We started off our tour by visiting a small shop where we sampled pata negra (cured ham), bread, olive oil, and red wine. Since I don’t eat pork our guide added an additional item of Portuguese curd cheese with almonds. While on this stop we learned a lot about Portuguese wine (which is delicious by the way!). There are over 250 kinds of grapes in Portugal and most wines are a blend of at least 4 different kinds of grapes.

On the second stop, we went to a traditional Portuguese “snack bar” to try a salted codfish cake, creamy tomato rice, and Vinho Verde (green wine). But this green wine isn’t actually green – it is from Minho, a region in northern Portugal, that has a significant amount of rain where grapes are harvested young and the wine is consumed quickly after bottling.

For our third stop, we went to a traditional “fast lunch” restaurant that gave us a sampling of Portuguese cheese, vegetable soup, and bifana sandwich (I had prawn croquettes instead if the bifana).

One of our favorite things about traveling is finding more “hole-in-the-wall” places so we were thrilled to visit a local bar on our fourth stop to try ginjinha, a liqueur made from sour cherries. We were a bit skeptical at first fearing that it would taste just like cherry cough syrup but were quite surprised that it was sweeter than anything. Not something that we’d be buying a bottle of anytime soon but it was still fun to try. Sidenote: If you see ginjinha being served in cups made of chocolate back away – that’s totally a Lisbon tourist trap . The real deal is served in a plastic shot glass (per EU regulations).

Next, we visited a place that specializes in tinned fish. We tried mackerel on a piece of crusted bread with olive oil and a side of vinaigrette carrots.

Another thing we love about food tours is learning about the history of the city and the restaurants we visit. So when we stopped by an African restaurant that served samosas (traditional food from India) we had to know more about the history. At this stop, we tried the beef and vegetarian samosas and a choice of Portuguese beer or fruit juice. Logan opted to try the beer and I ordered a cashew fruit juice so we could try a sampling of both. Now some of you might be thinking, cashew fruit juice what? Well, to blow your mind, the cashew nuts we eat actually grow on a fruit called a cashew apple which is then made into a fruit juice that tastes like apple and pineapple with a hint of nutty flavor.

Of course, for our last stop, we had to try something sweet and what better to have the most well-known Portuguese treat, the Pastel de Nata paired with a small, strong coffee.

Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

As we mentioned before, there are many free viewing points in the city called Miradouros. If you feel up to it after your walking food tour with Taste of Lisboa we recommend visiting one! Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen offers a panoramic view of the city and the Tagus River. Cost: FREE

DAY 2: LISBON ITINERARY

Time out market.

Time Out Market is a fun place to try a number of different kinds of foods in smaller portions. We weren’t sure if we would visit Time Out Market at first due to how many people told us how unbelievably crowded it was but we opted to go at 10:30am and were pleasantly surprised to find very few people there.

By the time we left (around 11:30am) it was incredibly busy so save your sanity and go between 10:00am-11:30am in order to beat the crowds or visit another market that we’ll mention later on in this post! Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 10:00am-12:00am, Thursday-Saturday 10:00am-2:00am

Rua Nova do Carvalho

Nearby Time Out Market is Rua Nova do Carvalho, the infamous pink street of Lisbon. But this pink street wasn’t created for Instagram, what was once the red light district of Lisbon is now an area with fun cafes and trendy bars. If we had the chance we’d head back here to enjoy the evening!

LX Factory is a hip, open-air shopping area that has many cafes, restaurants, book stores, and specialty shops to look at. Even though it was raining the day we visited we still enjoyed walking in this area, visiting the shops, and seeing street art. Grab yourself a latte and lunch at one of the many restaurant options here.

Places to visit or eat at LX Factory:

• Wish Concept Store
• Ler Devagar : Bookstore with a nice cafe.
• Cucurico : Portuguese free-range chicken restaurant
• Central da Avenida: Sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, and wine
• Rio Maravilha : Gastrobar with a terrific view!

Hours : Vary depending on store or restaurant

Torré de Belém

We’re going to be honest, we found Torré de Belem to be pretty underwhelming and we heard from many others that the inside is even more so but because we were going to Belém to visit a few other sites we decided to stop by. It was nice to view and I’m sure it’s even better at sunrise or sunset being right by the Tagus River. Hours: October-May 10am-5:30pm (last admission at 5pm), May-September  10am-6:30pm (last admission 6pm), Closed Mondays and certain holidays. Cost: €6/person, free on Sundays from 10am-2pm, free to view the tower at anytime

Pastéis de Belém

After eating alllll the things at Time Out Market we weren’t overly hungry for lunch but we definitely had room for one special treat. Yep, you guessed it, more Pastel de Nata! But this time it’s Pastéis de Belém , which is the original for this heavy and delicious sweet. It was started in 1837 and the secret recipe remains the same still today. You can either dine-in or get take-out at their store just prepare yourself for some crowds. Hours : 8am-11pm daily Cost: €1.30/each

Santa Maria de Belém Church

Located directly next to your next destination, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, is Santa Maria de Belém Church . The outside architecture is impressive but the inside is simply stunning with exceptional detail. While visiting churches can get a bit monotonous, this one we found to be different from the rest. Cost : FREE

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

When visiting an attraction earlier is better right? Well, usually, but this didn’t apply for Mosterio de Jerónimos . After reading reviews we saw that most people recommended visiting 4pm or after to avoid the lines. This was what we decided to do and were pleasantly surprised that the lines were quite minimal at this time.

Visiting Mosteiro dos Jerónimos can be incredibly confusing. Hopefully what we share can help clear up the confusion that we faced. When you arrive you’ll notice two separate entrances. If you are facing the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos the entrance on the left is where you will purchase your tickets or enter the archaeological museum. The tickets are bought off a kiosk then you’ll take the tickets and head back outside. The entrance on the right, which is located next to Santa Maria de Belém Church, will take you to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

The natural light coming in from the open-air courtyard along with the stunning pillars make Mosteiro dos Jerónimos one of the most impressive places we visited. Be sure to go upstairs to read about the history and see the view of the courtyard from above. One other suggestion is to splurge the extra €2 to be able to visit the archaeological museum too. We didn’t actually do this, but feel like it might have made the admission cost worth it more (two attractions for only €6 each versus €10 for just the monastery). Hours: October-May 10am-5:30pm (last admission 5pm), June-September 10am-6:30pm (last admission 6pm) Cost:   €10 monastery only or €12 for the monastery and archaeological museum

DAY 3: LISBON ITINERARY

Dear breakfast.

We’re both suckers for trendy breakfast and brunch spots so we had to visit Dear Breakfast while in Lisbon and wish we could eat there every morning! We loved their yummy pancakes, fresh fruit, and poached eggs on toast.

A few other brunch restaurants to check out in Lisbon:

• Fauna & Flora
• Maria Limão Brunch

Jardim de São Bento

After dining at Dear Breakfast we made our way towards the Campo de Ourique neighborhood. One place to stop along the way is Jardim de São Bento (Garden St. Benedict). It’s not a large garden area but has a nice square and fountain in the middle. Hours: 10am-6pm

Basílica da Estrela Church

The Basílica da Estrela was one of the most intricate and ornately detailed churches we visited while in Lisbon. The idea was constructed by Queen Maria I as a dedication to her son, José. But José sadly died in 1788 of smallpox before the church was completed. The grieving mother was eventually buried there to commemorate her son. Hours: 10:30am–7:30pm daily Cost: FREE, €4 to visit the top of the dome

Jardim da Estrela

Jardim da Estrela wasn’t originally on our Lisbon itinerary but we stumbled upon it when we were walking to Campo de Ourique Market. It’s not a “hidden gem” by any means but it’s worth the stop if in the area as it’s directly across from Basilica da Estrela.

There are tons of beautiful flowers, trees, and even some of the biggest cacti we’ve ever seen – who knew they could grow so well here! If you need to stop and take a break, there are places to sit down and enjoy the scenery too or you can simply walk through admiring the sites as we did. Hours : 7am-12am daily

Campo de Ourique Market

We told you we’d let you in on another market that isn’t as busy as Time Out Market and Campo de Ourique Market is it! This market is just a little off the beaten path. Gorge yourself on some fresh fruit, cured ham, cheese, or even a cocktail.

While in the area consider grabbing a sweet at one (or more) of the following:

• O Moço dos Croissants : Per recommendation, we got their pain au chocolat croissants and a traditional Portuguese sponge cake to share.
• Aloma : Okay yes, yes we did eat ALL the Pastel de Nata possible to find you the best ones. It was a tough job but someone had to do it! Pastelaria Aloma was the last stop for us and we noticed that the custard wasn’t as set and had a very faint cinnamon flavor inside.
• O Melhor Bolo de Chocolate do Mundo : They claim to have the world’s best chocolate cake!

Explore your Favorite Neighborhood

Now that you’ve been in Lisbon for 3 days you’ve probably found some favorite spots. I told you before that while roaming the streets isn’t something that I normally include in itineraries, Lisbon is one of those places where this can apply.

On our last night in Lisbon, we walked around Alfama and Graça capturing photos of the buildings, flowers, trams, skyline, and more before heading to one last Miradouro (below). Obviously, Alfama isn’t a hidden spot in Lisbon and if wandering around isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Feel free to pick something from the list of other attractions to visit in Lisbon featured below!

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia was our favorite Miradouro we visited while in Lisbon. The setting has beautiful tiles, red doors, pretty flowers, and naturally a terrific view. I wasn’t too busy when we arrived but became a bit busier as the sun continued to set. Regardless, this is definitely one of the better Miradouros to visit while in Lisbon for the setting and view.

Visit a Rooftop Bar for Golden Hour and/or Blue Hour

The sun tends to set later in Lisbon, like 9:15pm some nights when we visited in May which gives the excuse to go enjoy the sunset from a rooftop bar.

• Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia : Right next to the Miradouro we mentioned above!
• Portas do Sol : We walked by this one when visiting Miradouro Portas do Sol and it was incredibly busy but included it on this list because it did seem quite popular.
• Memmo Alfama Hotel Lisboa : This one was recommended by a few people and is located on the rooftop of a hotel – but you don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit!

DAY 4: LISBON ITINERARY – SINTRA DAY TRIP

We actually visited Sintra on our first day in Lisbon because we rented a car to drive there early. But we put Sintra at the end of our Lisbon itinerary so you could determine what day a Sintra day trip would work best for your schedule.

Prior to visiting Sintra, we were told that we would probably only have time to visit 3-4 attractions in Sintra. Since we usually travel pretty quickly we thought we might be able to do more, but in reality, we only made it to three! If you would like to enjoy more of Sintra you’ll probably need at least 2 days. Here are the places we visited during our day trip to Sintra.

READ MORE: One Day in Sintra Itinerary

Pena Palace

In our opinion, Pena Palace is the most iconic spot in Sintra. The vibrant colors are very eye-catching and there are so many fascinating areas to explore. We recommend starting at Pena Palace because as the day goes on, it tends to get extremely busy. Hours: 9:30am-8pm daily Cost : Palace and Park: €14.00 and Park: €7.50

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is a large estate in Sintra that is open to the public for visiting. While at Quinta da Regaleira make sure to visit the incredibly romantic palace and chapel on the grounds as well as the Initiation Well where you can journey down the stairs 88-feet. Once at the bottom, be sure to look up from the bottom! Quinta da Regaleira is full of mystery. Hours: 9:30am-7pm daily Cost: €6

Palacio de Monserrate

Palacio de Monserrate was the least busy of the three attractions we visited but was just as beautiful and charming as the others. There are gardens, lakes, small waterfalls, and of course the lavishly decorated mansion. Hours: 9:30am-8pm daily Cost: €8

Other Attractions to Visit in Lisbon

Museu nacional do azulejo.

You’ll notice that Lisbon is full of colorful tiled buildings that any person would love to take home. But the tiles you see on the walls of Lisbon aren’t being made anymore. One place to learn about the history and types of tiles is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (The National Tile Museum) which features a collection of azulejos (colorful ceramic tiles).

One other thing to note, you might see shops in Lisbon that sell “authentic antique tiles” and although they are authentic, they are illegal. These tiles are taken from the walls and stolen to sell. Sad isn’t it? If you’d like to buy a tile visit Fábrica Sant’Anna to buy a handcrafted souvenir to take home. Hours: Sunday-Saturday: 10am-6pm, closed Mondays Cost: €5

São Jorge Castle

If you are interested in history, São Jorge Castle is a place you might consider adding to your 4 days in Lisbon. It also offers a pretty incredible panoramic view of the city but if you aren’t interested in the history of this castle you can still find some pretty terrific views for free all around Lisbon. Hours: November-February: 9am-6pm, March – October: 9am-9pm daily Cost: €8.50

Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon)

Panteão Nacional (also called, Church of Santa Engrácia) is a 17th-century church that was later converted to Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon) in the 20th-century. Many prominent Portuguese rulers and historical figures are buried here. Hours: 10am-6pm daily Cost: €3, free to visit on Sunday mornings and holidays

Amoreiras 360 Panoramic View

If you want to see a view of the 25 de Abril Bridge (which resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco) and skyline view of Lisbon the Amorerias Shopping Center offers panoramic views of Lisbon. Cost : €5

Enjoy Fado Music

Each night from our hotel room we would hear the most beautiful live Fado music coming from a nearby building, we’d open the windows and simply listen as the emotional, yet beautiful melody filled our ears. Now my only regret is that we didn’t go see a Fado show while in Portugal (we’ll probably head back though!). The melody can best be described by using the Portuguese word “ Saudade ”, which means “a feeling of longing, melancholy, or nostalgia.” How poetic is that?!

Places to attend a Fado performance:

• Tasca do Chico
• Casa de Linhares

We hope you enjoy your time in Lisbon, and if you want to send us some Pastel de Nata while you’re there we definitely wouldn’t be opposed!

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply, comments & reviews.

Mia Williams says

March 30, 2021

Lisbon is not just a beautiful place but has abundant attractions to visit. However its impossible to leave Lisbon without being riveted by the city’s masterful displays of tiles brightening up buildings and streets. One of Portugal’s most important traditions, these-hand painted beauties, most common in lovely blue and white iterations, get the spotlight at the national Azulejo museum, an arresting 16th-century convent in an out of-of-way location. Here, one can take in such intricate works as a panorama of Lisbon, spanning two walls that capture the city prior to the earthquakes of 1775.

February 10, 2022

Brilliant post! Your day-wise experiences of Portugal are certainly a treat to read. My husband has already applied for a visa and we hope to get the visa pretty soon once we clear all the formalities. Meanwhile, we will try to prepare an itinerary by referencing your blog and a few other interesting travel guides. Hoping to make our Portugal trip fun-filled and memorable.

Ricardo Ibarria says

March 7, 2022

Do you recommend any companies for the food tour?

Kallsy Page says

April 13, 2022

Hi Ricardo! I highly recommend the Taste of Lisboa food tour that is linked in this post. The specific tour we went on is called “Downtown-Mouraria Food & Cultural Walk.” We enjoyed getting to try a variety of Portuguese dishes and learning more about the history of Lisbon.

Heather says

February 4, 2023

This is the best and most comprehensive blog post I have read for Lisbon and I have read dozens in preparation for our trip this fall. Thank you so much for such detailed information!

Kallsy says

February 7, 2023

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Heather! I greatly appreciate it. I hope you enjoy your trip to Lisbon!

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Ultimate Lisbon Travel Guide for 2024

The capital and largest city of Portugal is a beautiful charming city with several characteristic Bairros de Lisboa (neighborhoods) with historical culture and unique architectural landmarks. It’s one of the oldest cities in Western Europe and in the world. Lisbon is situated at the mouth of the Tagus River and is Europe’s only capital city along the Atlantic coast. English is widely spoken so language shouldn’t be an issue if you travel to Lisbon.

This Lisbon travel blog is a complete guide with everything you need to know plus the ultimate 3-day itinerary including free walking routes along the best places to visit and the Lisbon highlights. Find some useful Lisbon travel tips about the public transport, optional things to do in Lisbon, where to eat and the best place to stay for your an incredible trip to Lisbon.

What is the best time to visit Lisbon?

This lovely city has a Mediterranean climate with one of the warmest winters and mildest nighttime temperatures among European cities. That makes Lisbon a perfect destination to visit all year round. The best time to visit Lisbon depends on your needs. 

For surfers it’s best to go in wintertime (great waves), budget travelers probably like January and February (cheapest months). Beach lovers and worshipers of sun and warm weather should travel to Lisbon during July to September; these are the hottest months, but because of summer holidays also the most expensive ones. 

Overall it’s best to visit Lisbon from March to June or after the summer holidays in September and October. During those months the weather is pleasant (18-25°C), Lisbon hotels are cheaper and there are fewer tourists. I visited Lisbon many times, but this travel guide for Lisbon is based on my trip in April unfortunately we had some rain and it was quiet cold for the time of the year (had to wear my winter jacket).

Stay connected when traveling to Portugal and don't waste money on high roaming charges. Check out my complete guide for the best prepaid tourist sim card for Portugal in 2024  or my list of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Portugal . You can also buy a sim card at Lisbon Airport  on arrival.

How many days you need to explore Lisbon?

On a 3-day Lisbon itinerary you’re able to visit all of the main Lisbon tourist attractions and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the city! A three days Lisbon trip will also allow you to explore the main historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, Baixa, Rossio, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Belém. If you have some extra days I would suggest to travel to Lisbon for 4 days or 5 days. This gives you the possibility to either enjoy more time in your favorite Lisbon areas or go on a day trip to for example the picturesque Unesco-listed Sintra and the former fishing village Cascais, which is now a famous Portugal tourist destination for its beaches, marina and lively harbor. 

If you like to add some relax-time at the beaches along the Atlantic coast you can easily spend a week in and around Lisbon. There is no need to book a day-trip to Sintra or excursions to Cascais or Cristo do Rei since you can easily visit all these Lisbon highlights and things to do in Lisbon by public transport. Another travel tip is to continue your trip from Lisbon to Porto and a road trip to the Algarve .

Where to stay in Lisbon?

There are many great Lisbon hotels and the best place to stay in Lisbon depends on your budget, needs and requirements. Since I prefer smaller centrally located boutique hotels instead of huge hotels away from the heart of Lisbon I chose to stay at the charming 4-star LX Boutique hotel , perfectly located in the heart of ‘historical Lisbon’ Cais do Sodré.

It’s the only hotel in downtown Lisbon that offers views over the Tagus River, Ponte 25 de Abril and Cristo do Rei. It’s also near Pink Street, around the corner of Mercado de Ribeira and only a short walking distance to Bairro Alto, Chiado and Baixa.

To reach other popular attractions, you can easily use the public transport (Lisbon travel tip: buy a Viva Viagem card to pay for your journeys). The metro station (green line) is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel, next to the ferry station to visit Cristo do Rei and the train station to go to Belém. It’s a perfect location to go anywhere in the city. 

There are also some of the best Lisbon restaurants in this area and for our Sushi lovers I would like to mention that this hotel has its own trendy sushi restaurant called ‘Confraria LX’.

What is a Viva Viagem card and where can you buy it?

A Viva Viagem card is a great Lisbon travel tip and a fast and easy way to pay for the use of public transport in Lisbon. You can use it to travel on tram, metro, funicular, ferry, bus and the suburban train. For the bus, tram and funicular you can choose to use your Viva Viagem card or to buy a ticket from the driver, but these fares are more expensive. You can buy the card in for example metro and ferry stations at ticket machines or ticket offices and will cost you 0,50 euro. After that you can choose between a single ticket (1,50 euro), a 1-day ticket valid for 24-hours (between 7 and 10 euro depending on the region) or zapping (you can choose your amount). It is the best way to get to all the places to visit in Lisbon.

For my 3-day Lisbon trip I chose the zapping-option and loaded 10 euro to start with (you can easily buy new credit for the same card). You can use the card by swiping it across the card readers to open the gates. I bought mine at the airport because I chose to take the Metro from Lisbon airport to the city center. The red metro line connects the airport to the other three metro lines (yellow, green and blue) and will bring you to Lisbon city center within 30 minutes. Trust me you want to buy this card when you travel to Lisbon.

3-day Lisbon Itinerary + free walking routes

• Day 1: Cais do Sodré – Baixa – Rossio – Chiado – Avenida da Liberdade – Bairro Alto
• Day 2: Almada (Cristo Rei + Ponte 25 de Abril) – Belém – Alcântara – Cais do Sodré
• Day 3: Alfama and tram 28 (possibility to extend with Parque das Nações, Estrela or Príncipe Real)

When I was preparing my 3-day trip to Lisbon, I couldn’t find much useful free walking routes. Probably because it isn’t really necessary, but if you travel to Lisbon for only 3 days and love to have a plan to not miss out on all the things to do and places to see check out the links that will give you access to free walking routes I created for you in Google maps. Im sure it is a great addition to all the Lisbon tips out there already.

Day 1 in Lisbon

Covering: cais do sodré – baixa – rossio – chiado – avenida da liberdade – bairro alto.

On this first day in Lisbon we explored Central Lisbon on foot and walked from our hotel in Cais do Sodré to Baixa, passing through Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade to end in Bairro Alto and back to LX Boutique Hotel in Cais do Sodré. 

The centrally located neighborhood Cais do Sodré is a good place to start your first day in Lisbon. We started at Praça Duque De Terceira, a nice square facing the Rio Tagus (Tagus River) and our hotel. This square is also the starting point of Ribeira das Naus, a nicely renovated riverfront promenade (walking area) that connects Cais do Sodré to the nearby Terreiro do Paço in Baixa. Walk along the river, enjoy the musicians, have a drink and admire the views! 

The promenade ends at Terreiro do Paço, also known as Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). It is positioned on the banks of the Tagus River with large yellow symmetrical buildings occupied by the government and a huge open space with a statue of King Dom José I in the center of the square. No wonder it is one of the highlights of Lisbon and one of the most important squares and a popular meeting spot. From this point you can easily walk to Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square).

Walk through the beautiful Arco da Rua Augusta (triumph arch) to Rua Augusta; a nice pedestrian street that connects these two popular squares. Rua Augusta is the main commercial street in Baixa where you will find several cafés and shops such as H&M, Mango and Zara. In a Lisbon travel guide I found out it’s also a good place to buy some souvenirs and they were right. If you like you can also take a lift to the top of the arch, followed by a staircase to get a panoramic view of Baixa and Terreiro do Paço.

At the end of Rua Augusta, you’ll reach Rossio Square; a lively iconic square with two beautiful baroque fountains in literally the center of Lisbon (Rossio neighborhood) where people sit and relax or enjoy the many cozy outdoor terraces of the restaurants and cafés. This is a Lisbon must see! Right next to this square you will find Praça da Figueira, another nice square that is home to Lisbon’s oldest patisserie (Confeitaria Nacional), hotels and cafés. 

For lunch, I recommend Veganapati around the corner of the square; a lovely spot for vegans, but non-vegans will love this healthy and nicely decorated urban lunch-spot too. A great Lisbon restaurant to try out for you. Their cuisine is based on fresh natural food; low in calories with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low fat non-dairy products and avoidance of added artificial salts, colors and flavors.

After lunch, continue your walk to Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift), also known as Elevador do Carmo. An apprentice of Gustav Eiffel built the 45-meter high lift in 1902 to connect lower Bairro Alto to the upper Largo do Carmo (Carmo Square). This also explains the structure’s similarities to Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

We didn’t take the lift (very crowded and a huge line) but walked through Chiado to the upper Carmo Square instead. In the middle of the shopping-area and cafés of Chiado neighborhood you will find a nice outdoor sculpture of one of Portugal's most famous writers, Escultura de Fernando Pessoa. The statue is located outside 'A Brasileira café’. Lots of tourists take place on the empty chair next to him for a photo together with the writer and pretend listening to one of his famous poems. One of the popular things to do in Lisbon.

Continue your walk to Convento do Carmo (Carmo monastery), which is close to the top of Santa Justa Lift. The monastery is a testimony to the deadliest earthquake in Lisbon's history in 1755. This gothic style church is amazingly picturesque and should not be missed if you are interested in art, history and archaeology. Explore the area around and walk to the Santa Justa Lift to enjoy some nice views of Lisbon with in the back the iconic castle in Alfama.

After visiting the highlights of Chiado follow your way to Praça dos Restauradores, the most northern point of Baixa, to enjoy the square and the surrounding buildings like the Eden Theatre.

This square is dedicated to the restoration of the independence of Portugal from Spain in 1640 and also the beginning of Avenida da Liberdade. It’s the longest street in Lisbon (1,5 km) known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe with various designer shops, expensive restaurants and trendy bars. If you like high-end shopping this is one of the places to visit in Lisbon. Since I don’t have a budget for exclusive shopping I found the walk along Avenida da Liberdade quiet boring.

The street ends at Parque Eduardo VII (Eduardo VII Park), the largest park in central Lisbon with a designed garden and impressive views over Praça Marquês do Pombal, Avenida Liberdade and Tagus River. Walk to the top of the hill, one of the great things to do in Lisbon. It takes some effort, but the view that the park offers on top of the hill definitely makes it worthwhile to go up.

I have two alternative Lisbon travel tips for you if you want to visit Eduardo Park:

1. There are several metro stations close to the park in case you want to skip the long walk along Avenida da Liberdade: Metro station Marquês de Pombal (downhill), Parque (halfway) or São Sebastião (uphill).

2. If you don’t feel like walking but you would like to add Avenida da Liberdade to end in the park, then I highly recommend taking a so-called Shared Electric Scooter. You will find one at every corner and it’s a fun and fast (25km/h) way to explore Lisbon. There are around 8 different e-scooter companies and they all require you to download an app. You pay 1 euro to start and 0,15 euro per minute of use, which is an average of 10 euro per hour.

Option 2 is an amazing thing to do in Lisbon! Pick an electric Scooter from Praça dos Restauradores and follow Avenida da Liberdade until you reach the park. You can even take the scooter to the top of the park. Enjoy the view and ride back to Praça dos Restauradores to have a drink in the Hard Rock Café and take Ascensor da Glória (Glória Funicular) up-hill to Bairro Alto to end the first day of your Lisbon itinerary.

Elevador da Glória is a funicular railway line with iconic yellow trams full of graffiti that connects downtown Baixa with the upper Bairro Alto neighborhood. It’s also possible to walk the steep way up but taking this short tram-ride is a fun experience. Something you can’t miss when you visit Lisbon.

Don’t forget to take a closer look at the beautiful graffiti street-art on your way up. The funicular stops at São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto.

Bairro Alto district is known for its nightlife and therefore a great place to end your first day exploring Lisbon. Enjoy the sunset at one of the ‘miradouro’, for example the Miradouro de Santa Catarina or visit Jardim São Pedro de Alcântara, a beautiful garden.

Have dinner in one of the high quality Lisbon restaurants in the area and go for a drink in one of the many Bairro Alto bars. Because of the perfect location of our hotel (LX Boutique Hotel) it was an easy walk back (downhill) and if you don’t feel like walking just take a metro or tram.

Day 2 in Lisbon

Covering: almada (cristo rei + ponte 25 de abril) – belém – alcântara – cais do sodré.

On day 2 we decided to have a closer look at the 110-meter high statue of Cristo Rei (Christ Statue), one of Lisbon's most iconic things to do located in the neighborhood of Almada. With his arms outstretched Cristo Rei dominates the skyline of Lisbon and the banks of the Tagus River. The statue is inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

If you want to avoid crowds it’s best to visit in the morning, but for photos it’s better to visit in the afternoon. I visited in the morning before the crowds and managed to take some nice photos without people and a blue sky.

It’s not necessary to book a Lisbon excursion to Cristo Rei since it’s very easy to go there on your own. First take the Cacilhas ferry from Cais do Sodré (only a 3-minute walk from LX Boutique Hotel). It’s a 10-minute ferry ride to the other side of the river. On arrival to Cacilhas, take bus 101 and get out at the last stop where you will reach the statue in less than 200 meters. 

If you don’t have a Viva Viagem card yet you can buy it at the station to pay for your ferry ride. In the bus you either pay with your green Viva Viagem card with zapping credit or ask the driver for a return ticket and pay in cash (more expensive).

It is free to enter the grounds of the Cristo Rei complex and so is the chapel at the entrance. If you want to take the lift to the 80-meter high platform on top of the Christ monument, expect to pay about 8 euros, but you can also enjoy the stunning views of Lisbon, Tagus River and Ponte 25 de Abril without going up.

The view of Ponte 25 de Abril (25 April Bridge) is very impressive. The same architect who drew the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has designed 25 April Bridge, definitely a place to visit in Lisbon. You can see the similarities, but although you would say it’s red, the color is actually ‘International Orange’. It would have been a great thing to do in Lisbon but unfortunately it’s not possible to cross the bridge on foot. You have to go back the same way: bus and ferry. 

Back in Cais Do Sodré you continue your Lisbon itinerary by taking the Electric Tram Bus (E15) to Bélem at the tram station right next to the Ferry station. Belém is one of the noble areas of Lisbon. No Lisbon trip is complete without exploring the jewels of Belém, a charming suburb located at the riverside, with many historic monuments and museums. 

I recommend riding the tram until the very last stop near Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and start your Belém sightseeing part from there. Most of the tourists walk the other way around. You can easily spend half a day in Belém it is an amazing thing to do when you visit Lisbon. If you plan to enter most monuments and museums you will probably need more than half a day as there are long queues to visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower for example.

Belém Tower is a small - UNESCO World Heritage - fort that was constructed to guard Lisbon from seafaring attackers. The tower’s unique design includes a modern and heavily armed bastion, extended over the river. In Lisbon’s Belem district, close to the tower, you can also find a remarkable war memorial known as Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar (Monument to the overseas combatants). It’s dedicated to soldiers of the Portuguese army who died during the Overseas War of 1961 to 1974. 

The monument consists of three parts: the eternal flame, the V-shaped monument itself and the memorial wall with all the names of the fallen soldiers. The memorial is open all day and there is no entrance fee.

On your way to the monastery I highly recommend visiting the modern Centro Cultural de Belém (Belém Cultural Centre). In this Centre, also referred to as CCB, you can find collections of modern and contemporary art, a number of eateries and small shops. If you want to escape the crowds this Cultural Center is the perfect place for you to have a little rest on one of their beanbags on the grass of the roof terrace or to have lunch, a great Lisbon travel tip believe me!

We ended up in the surprising ‘Este Oeste’ restaurant. They offer a delightful mix of Italian and Japanese cuisine in a beautiful designed area with modern furniture. The staff offered us several free small dishes to taste. All dishes were delicious and I found the mix between Italian and Japanese very surprising. Therefore I recommend Este Oeste as the perfect lunch-spot in Belém. They also have a nice outside terrace overlooking the river. A lovely Lisbon restaurant and a must try on this itinerary.

CCB strongly contrasts with the opposite located UNESCO-listed Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), one of the most prominent buildings in Belém and a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery.

Did you know that the original recipe of the famous Portuguese pastries pastel da nata (custard tart) was invented by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery to sell them at a shop next to a sugar cane factory? The secret recipe is at least 180 years old and known by only a few. Today Pastéis de Belém is widely recognized as the patisserie to sample the authentic custard tart in Lisbon and sells thousands of pastéis de nata every day. 

If you have enough time and want to taste the most authentic custard tart, you need to stop at Pastéis de Belém, located only a few meters from the Jerónimos Monastery. A tasty Lisbon travel tip. Because all tourists go there, it’s always very crowded. Since I’m not a fan of huge lines I skipped that part and bought some in a different place and it tasted good as well. You should definitely try these Portuguese pastries on your Lisbon trip.

From the monastery and patisserie you’re able to walk through the beautiful Praça do Império Garden to Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument); this huge monument was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Expo and features more than 30 statues of historical figures who played a big role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries including Henry the Navigator.

It was given permanent status in 1960 to commemorate the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, responsible for turning Portugal into the leading maritime nation in Europe in the fifteenth century. If you like you can use the lift to the top of this monument for a panoramic view across the Tagus River and Belém.

From there I recommend to take an Electric Scooter along the edge of Tagus River to get to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). The design of MAAT is great to see and a nice photography spot with views of the bridge and the river. You can easily walk to the rooftop and inside you can enjoy contemporary art exhibitions. MAAT is also a nice spot to watch the sunset when you travel to Lisbon.

After MAAT I would suggest visiting Village Underground and LX Factory. Apparently this place can’t be found in a Lisbon travel guide yet as the majority of the tourists did not yet discover it. There weren’t many people at the time we arrived. You can go there by tram or by foot (a 20-minute walk from MAAT).

Always dreamed of having a drink in a retro double-decker bus beneath the 25 April Bridge? Then definitely include Village Underground to one of your stops. It’s a co-working space and cultural hot spot, built around 14 shipping containers and two buses. The perfect place to visit in Lisbon for digital nomads and travelers. You will be amazed! I really liked the easygoing atmosphere.

LX Factory is another creative co-working hot spot. It’s an old industrial area with vintage stores, cool restaurants and a rooftop bar with amazing views on Tagus River, Cristo Rei and 25 April Bridge. On the rooftop you will find a great statue of a mosaic girl imitating the Christ statue. It’s a great spot for a sundowner and to enjoy the early or late evening.

If you are up for another long walk along Lisbon’s Tagus River, try walking back from LX Factory to Cais do Sodré (40 minutes). Because we were quiet late and it was already dark we took the tram, but it is a lovely thing to in Lisbon as it is a nice walk back along the river.

Cais do Sodré is one of the best places for nightlife and has a lot of good Lisbon restaurants. If you want to go (back) to Bairro Alto, the place where you ended on day 1, you can choose to go with Ascensor da Bica. It’s a funicular railway line that brings you to the top of the hill with beautiful views of the streets of Bairro Alto and the Tagus River. We choose to stay in Cais do Sodré to have dinner.

I have two restaurant recommendations for you in this area: SOI (for the people who love Asian food) and ESPADA (a secret seafood hotspot). Both great Lisbon travel tips for foodies. If you want to be sure of a spot I advise you to book a table ahead. Of course, there is something for everyone at the Time Out Market: a traditional food market and food court with plenty of traditional Portuguese food and more! Worth going when visiting Lisbon.

After dinner you might want to explore the nightlife in for example Pink Street. It’s the coolest barhopping spot near the river (and a former red-light district). It’s also around the corner of LX Boutique Hotel, so if you choose to stay there it will take you only 3 minutes to reach your perfect king-sized bed. To me it was the perfect place to stay for my Lisbon trip.

Some guests criticise the loud neighborhood, but I didn’t notice any noise pollution and slept like a baby. It might be unpleasant when your window is just above the busy street, so therefore I would advise you to ask for a room at the front side or a room facing the River. Our room was very quiet and loved to sit at the window watching the city life with Cristo Rei and the Bridge in the background.

Day 3 in Lisbon

Covering: alfama neighborhood and tram 28.

Alfama is the most famous historic and oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, located between São Jorge Castelo (St. Jorge’s Castle) and Tagus River. It’s a really charming neighborhood with small coble stone streets, cozy bars and graffiti. It’s also the place where Fado was created, a Portuguese traditional music genre.

We started the day at the famous Miradouro Graffiti Fado, just outside Alfama. The most famous Fado graffiti tribute in Lisbon is Fado Vadio, a wall located in the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão. From this point you can easily continue to St. Jorge’s Castle. There are two options to get to the castle: walk the steep way up or take the free elevator. From Baixa the elevator is called Elevador Castelo.

At the top, you need to cross the street and take a second elevator. It goes upwards to the Zambeze Restaurant. This rooftop restaurant with a nice terrace offers spectacular views of Lisbon city.

If you like graffiti art I have another Lisbon travel tip for you. There’s an alternative way to get to the top and Zambeze restaurant. Walk to the Graffiti Carpark, next to Fado Vadio. Inside the carpark there are lots of graffiti paintings on every floor and if you take the lift or stairs to the top of the carpark, you also reach The Zambeze Restaurant.

From the restaurant it’s a 10-minute walk (climb) to the castle. Just follow the signs. You end up at Arco do Castelo, just near the St. Jorge’s Castle. The castle is a national monument and one of the most popular Lisbon tourist attractions. Not only because of its history but also for one of the best views of Lisbon. The castle is located on the highest hill in Lisbon. That’s the reason why the castle can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Even at night it’s part of Lisbon’s skyline.

The ruins of the castle are very impressive. The castle was destroyed during the earthquake of 1755; most of it has been renovated again and now it is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon. It still retains eleven towers. If you like archeology and nice views, it’s well worth the entrance fee of 10 euros. I would not really recommend it for disabled people, because of the climbs and stairs towards the towers (for the best views of Lisbon). The average visit of the castle takes 2 to 3 hours.

The castle area also hosts a lot of peacocks on the ground or in the trees. They are quite impressive to watch.

Searching for a lunch-spot in Alfama? Walk along the surrounding area of the castle and you will come across several small restaurants to have lunch. I highly recommend Augusto Lisboa, where we enjoyed a delicious fresh fruit juice with sweet and savory dishes. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very nice and the people are very friendly. They serve breakfast, lunch, brunch with good coffee but also different local beers. I loved their Avocado/eggs toast and their homemade banana bread! A Lisbon travel tip for hipsters for sure.

Spend some time exploring Alfama by wandering through the small cobblestone streets to enjoy the nice atmosphere. In my opinion the Alfama district is the most romantic and photogenic neighborhood of Lisbon with lovely viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Surely one of my favorite things to do in Lisbon. Also don’t forget to visit Sé Catedral de Lisboa; one of Lisbon’s oldest structures built in 1150.

If you haven’t been on the scenic tram 28 yet, this is your chance! Tram 28 will take you on a ride covering some of the most scenic corners of the city, a must do in Lisbon. It rides through the neighborhoods of Alfama, Graça, Estrela and Bairro Alto. In Alfama you can hop on tram 28 nearby Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in Lisbon.

Keep in mind that queues for tram 28 can be long. Alternatively you can choose to use the shorter ride on tram 12 (or 12E). ‘E’ stands for Electric.

After a long day of strolling down the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, you can treat yourself with a dinner in one of the Fado restaurants in Alfama or at your favorite Lisbon district. Or if you have enough time left, extend Alfama area with Parque das Nações, Estrela or Príncipe Real to end your Lisbon itinerary for day 3.

Start planning your Lisbon trip! 

Now you know aal the cool things to do in Lisbon. I found my Lisbon trip to be very charming, a great city with friendly people and I felt safe all the time. The only issue tourists may experience is pickpocketing, but if you use common sense at all times you shouldn’t experience any safety issues. I think Lisbon is one of my favorite European capital cities so far and I would love to go back in the future.

Booking.com

If you’re still searching for a good place to stay in Lisbon, LX Boutique Hotel might be your winner! Go check out their rates! The location is perfect, rooms are beautifully designed, clean and spacious and the breakfast buffet was good with enough choice, including mini ‘pastel da nata’ (yum).

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this Lisbon travel blog and that it has been useful to you. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information about anything. Enjoy your trip to Lisbon and don’t forget to check out my free walking tours around the best spots and highlights of the city.

This amazing Lisbon travel guide is written by the professional travel photographer Kim Paffen for Traveltomtom. Check out her Instagram account: ourplanetinmylens .

For more of my  blogs about Portugal click on the link or head straight to my Portugal road trip blog . Don't forget to buy a sim card for Portugal , it will save you from high roaming charges.

Enjoy your trip to Lisbon!

The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for Families

L isbon has received a lot of attention in the press lately, having been named at the top of many “must see” destination lists. With year round moderate temperatures, a thriving arts scene, and welcoming locals, it’s easy to see why the city enchants visitors. Three days are not enough time to do the city justice, but sometimes it will have to do. Here’s the perfect 3 day Lisbon itinerary if you’re traveling with kids.

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How to Spend 3 Days in Lisbon with kids

Lisbon is commonly referred to as the “City of Seven Hills,” and it’s easy to see why once you arrive. There are high and low points throughout the city. In some of the older districts, expect to find cobblestones and uneven pavement.

If this might be a problem, the best bet is to use city transportation. There are buses, trams, subways, and elevators to get from point A to point B.

Lisbon districts

The city is divided into districts. The main tourist destinations are Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Belém. It’s best to focus on a particular district and its attractions for part of the day instead of moving all over the city.

Belém is known as the launching point for Vasco de Gama’s famous expeditions. It is equally renowned for the pasteis de nata (custard tarts) of Pastéis de Belém , one of the traditional Portuguese foods . The original shop opened in 1837 next to the Jerónimos Monastery to raise funds for clergy and workers since the convents and monasteries were shut down during the 1820 revolution.

The recipe of the pastéis de Belém is a well-guarded secret, which is part of what draws a crowd at all hours of the day. If there are long lines, like there may be during Lisbon’s peak season (the summer months), persevere — it’s worth it! After grabbing a savory treat, head out to explore the area.

There are three not to miss spots in Belém: Jeronimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery  was built in 1502 and is a testament to Portugal’s wealth during the Age of Exploration. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the elaborate, decorative Manueline architecture is stunning.

The Kings of Portugal, Vasco de Gama, and the famous poet Luis de Camões are buried in the monastery. It’s wonderful to explore all of its nooks and crannies and marvel at the intricately carved archways and columns.

Belém Tower

Belém Tower is just down the road from Jerónimos Monastery. The tower sits majestically on the shore of the Tagus River and offers beautiful views along the waterfront.

Inside the tower visitors can tour different levels from the upper terrace to the lower dungeon. Built in 1515, this UNESCO site was the first (and last) sight sailors would see in the harbor.

Monument to the Discoveries

Monument to the Discoveries  was erected in 1960 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. It is a giant ship with sculptures of famous people in nautical history from Magellan to Henry the Navigator.

Inside there are rotating exhibitions and it is possible to take an elevator to the top for a view of the surrounding Belém neighborhood, the 25 de Abril bridge, and Christ the Redeemer statue on the other side of the river.

Of course, there are other sites to see in Belém, but for those short on time, these three are a must. Other popular attractions in the area include the National Museum of Coaches , the Cultural Center of Belėm, and the Maritime Museum.

The Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon and home to one of the city’s most recognizable monuments,  São Jorge Castle .

The fortification was built by the Moors in the 11th century but was conquered by Dom Alfonso Henriques (the first king of Portugal) in 1147. To reach the castle, visitors must navigate Alfama’s famous medieval maze of narrow streets, but the view is worth it.

The castle is the main tourist attraction in this area, but there are other sights to explore. Some might recommend using Tram 28 to get around, but we found it’s easier to explore on foot and the tram is notorious for pickpockets. The Se Cathedral, National Pantheon, Fado Museum, and Roman Theatre Museum are all located in the Alfama district.

Considered Lisbon’s city center, Baixa is the main shopping district of Lisbon and where many tourists tend to congregate at some point during the day. The main pedestrian corridor is Rua Augusta running from Commerce Square on the waterfront to Rossio Square in the heart of Lisbon. This is the perfect place to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or watch the street performers.

If you’re looking for some of the best views you’ll find in the city, one thing not to miss is the  Santa Justa Elevator  (also called the  Santa Justa Lift and Elevador de Santa Justa ).

Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, this 1902 wrought iron lift transports passengers between the Baixa district and the ruins of Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church). The ride to the top is the best way to take in spectacular city views and is easier than climbing up steep hills.

The Carmo Church

The Carmo Church  warrants a visit as well. This Gothic church was completed in 1423 and was the largest church in Lisbon. On November 1, 1755, a series of earthquakes and a tsunami struck the city. The devastating earthquake and tsunami caused massive damage and killed over 60,000 people.

The Carmo Church was left standing in ruins. Today it is a haunting reminder of what was lost and how the city has rebuilt around it. It’s beautiful to walk around and explore the different exhibits that tell the story of this church, the neighborhood, and its history.

Bairro Alto

Not far from the Carmo Church is the Barrio Alto district. Peaceful during the day, this area is quite loud in the evening with many bars and restaurants nearby. Head over to the  Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara , a peaceful park in the middle of it all. This garden has spectacular views of the city and is located next to the Gloria Funicular.

The  Gloria Funicular  has been transporting passengers from Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto since 1885. It’s fun to take a quick ride up and/or down the hill.

Chiado is the upscale, trendy area of Lisbon, filled with cafés, fashion houses, and high-end retailers. On a weekend visit, take a stroll through the neighborhood.

Stop for a coffee at the famous  Café Brasiliera , one of the oldest cafés in Lisbon. It’s easy to recognize with its bright yellow patio umbrellas and the constant stream of tourists.

Walk through the streets and admire the building decorated with azulejo tiles. Below is the oldest bookstore in the world, dating back to 1732.

Where to eat in Lisbon with kids

Not far from Chiado near the river, don’t miss  Time Out Mercado da Ribiera . This former marketplace was revitalized in 2014 by Time Out Lisboa. Inside is a feast for the senses with food stalls featuring dishes from some of Lisbon’s finest restaurants.

It’s the updated version of a food court and we loved it! Everything from hamburgers to seafood to ice cream co-exists under one roof. Outside the food hall it is a typical market selling the daily fish deliveries, gorgeous flowers, and fresh fruit. Worth a visit at least once on a weekend!

Other recommendations in Lisbon are A Cevicheria , Prado , and Cervejaria Ramiro .

If you or your kids are vegan, don’t worry, there’s plenty in Lisbon for you to eat. Use this  Lisbon vegan guide  to find the best vegan tours and restaurants in Lisbon.

3 Day Lisbon Itinerary – Public transportation

It looks like a lot, but we managed to see most of the highlights listed above during our 3 day Lisbon itinerary. Here are some other tips that helped us get around.

As mentioned above, use funiculars, elevators, the metro, and buses as needed. The hills in Lisbon can be exhausting. As an alternative, there are tuk-tuks available for hire. These are available near Rua Augusta and Rua Comércio. It’s definitely a different way to explore Lisbon with kids!

Save Money on Your 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary – Invest in a Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card is similar to those found in other major cities, in that it offers free entrance (and discounts) to major attractions, free transportation throughout the city, and skip the line privileges. The card is available in 24, 48, or 72 hour increments.

It even offers free day-trip transportation for those wishing to visit Sintra or Cascais. This is a great way to save money in Lisbon with kids as it provides discounts on quite a few attractions, the elevator, and funicular.

Make time for snacks

Lisbon is a city that can be physically grueling, especially when walking instead of taking public transportation. Take plenty of breaks! There are cafés everywhere, shops with water and snacks, and fresh fruit stalls in many of the town squares. Stop as needed and refresh! There’s always time for ice cream.

Or, making sampling Lisbon’s diverse and delicious food a centerpiece of your day on a food tour . There are a number of options for booking a walking tour through the city that explores Lisbon’s rich history as well as its dynamic food scene and local restaurants.

3 Day Lisbon Itinerary -Where to stay

Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto provide excellent home bases for exploring the city.

Martinhal Chiado

We stayed at Martinhal Chiado and loved the central location. It provided access to everything. Their suites have kitchens, and separate bedrooms and bathrooms for children and adults. There is also a kids club if you are traveling with young children. CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES

The Lumiares

Located in the Bairro Alto, this boutique hotel has one and 2-bedroom suites that are perfect for families. There’s a spa and fitness center on-site. Be sure to take in the city views from the hotel’s rooftop bar. CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES

Memmo Príncipe Real

This boutique hotel is located in the Principe Real neighborhood, not far from the Lisbon Botanical Garden. Set high on a hill overlooking the city, the property offers amazing views from some rooms and its outdoor swimming pool. CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES

Martinhal Lisbon Oriente

This new property from Martinhal is located in the Park of Nations area. It features luxury studios and apartments made with families in mind. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and even children’s pools. Families can make use of the kids’ club, play space, and baby concierge. This is perfect for parents who are working remote. CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES

The weekend in Lisbon with kids went by in the blink of the eye. In hindsight, the city deserves in depth exploration and relaxation as a 3 day Lisbon itinerary just isn’t enough. Lisbon was one of our favorite European cities to visit and we are already trying to find a time to return.

Looking for other places to add to your Portugal itinerary? Don’t miss Porto with kids , how to plan a trip to the Douro Valley , and the best reasons to visit Alentejo .

The post The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for Families appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

4 Days in Lisbon, an Itinerary for First Time Visitors

This post is also available in: French

Settled on the banks at the mouth of the wide Tagus River, Lisbon, Portugal blends a rich maritime heritage with traditional culture and a modern vibrancy.

Lisbon is home to impressive architectural gems like the Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem, industrial complexes turned gastronomic hotspots, and narrow city streets packed with history.

My 4-day Lisbon itinerary ensures you’ll see all the highlights while in this exciting European capital, introduces you to some hidden gems, and even gets you out of the city for a day.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, having been settled in its current strategic location as early as the Neolithic era when Celts and indigenous Iberians would have settled on the hills at the wide mouth of the Tagus River.

During the successive occupations by the Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, and Visigoths, Lisbon grew steadily into a major trading post. It has long enjoyed the ideal position between Europe, Britain, Northern Africa, and the Americas.

Today, cultural influences come from all over, yet there is still a strong Portuguese heritage evident in Lisbon.

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Table of Contents

How to spend 4 days in Lisbon, things to do and see

How to Get to and from the Airport

Lisbon’s international airport, Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), is just 7 kilometers from the city center. It’s easy to get from the airport into the city by both metro and bus. Buses will take around 30 minutes to reach the city center , while the Aeroporto Metro takes about 20 minutes. A taxi from the airport into the city is the fastest option, but the most expensive.

I used Welcome Pickups , which hires trusted drivers for airport pick-ups . From the moment you book a driver, you will feel like a friend is picking you up at the airport. In addition to booking a driver, you can purchase extra products, like sim cards or wifi hotspots. Welcome Pickups also sells tickets to major attractions, perfect when you need to add things to your Lisbon itinerary.

Unlike a traditional taxi, all Welcome Pickups are a flat fee, meaning no hidden charges like tolls or parking. Every driver speaks English, and there’s 24/7 support and free cancellation. They’ll even monitor your flight for any delays and adjust pickup accordingly.

Click here for more information and to book your transfer.

Tip: A great way to save money and time is a 24, 48, or 72-Hour  Lisbon Card that includes free admission to more than 23 attractions, many discounts and free and unlimited access to the public transportation system. 

4 Days in Lisbon: Day One – An Introduction to Lisbon

Lisbon’s Baixa district is the heart of the city, designed and built following the devastating 1755 earthquake. Officially known as Baixa Pombaline, and named for its benefactor, the Baixa district is also earthquake resistant, with a number of preventative measures like high inter-terrace walls to inhibit the spread of fires and wood latticework “cages” meant to distribute earthquake forces. On your first of 4 days in Lisbon, spend time exploring this grid-like, elegant neighborhood .

Praça do Comércio

The Praça do Comércio is a large square situated on the banks of the Tagus River, in the heart of Baixa. It is still commonly known as the Terreiro do Paço, or Palace Yard because it was the site of the Royal Palace until the 1755 earthquake.

During the reconstruction, the plan called for a large square surrounded by symmetrical buildings housing governmental agencies and customs offices, all of which highlighted the economy of Lisbon – hence the new name, the Square of Commerce.

Lisboa Story Centre

The Lisboa Story Centre, located within the Praça do Comércio, is an interactive museum that allows visitors to experience Lisbon’s major events through audiovisual means. The museum introduces Lisbon’s founding through to the modern-day in a compact, 60-minute technological exhibit.

Free entry with a Lisbon Card.

Arco da Rua Augusta

Rua Augusta, one of Lisbon’s main shopping streets, ends in the Praça do Comércio. At the edge of the square is the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch-like building towering several stories over the square below.

It is adorned with statues of Portuguese historical figures atop the columns and an allegorical group on the very top, showing Glory rewarding Valor, and Genius. Originally designed as a bell tower and built to commemorate the 1755 earthquake, the structure was transformed into an arch in the 19th century.

Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa Lift connects the lower Baixa district with the upper Largo do Carmo. Built in the early 20th century along with several other contraptions designed to facilitate movement between the two neighborhoods, it is the only remaining vertical, conventional elevator.

Rossio Square

Rossio Square, also known as Pedro IV Square, has been one of the central squares in Lisbon since the Middle Ages. Located within the Pombaline-designed downtown, Rossio Square is a popular meeting point for locals. It is surrounded by shops and cafes, as well as a prominent train station and theatre.

During the 19th century, the square was popular with the upper class, who came for the theatre and the nearby public gardens; prior to that, it was the site of many a public execution. Today, it is often the site of protests or celebrations.

Praça Dos Restauradores

Praça Dos Restauradores is Lisbon’s most unique and varied square, as its home to an odd array of Neoclassical buildings alongside newer Art Deco structures like the Eden Theatre (now a luxury hotel). The quaint Elevador da Gloria is nearby, one of two trams that carry passengers into the Bairro Alto.

Other important features of the square are the Restauradores obelisk, which commemorates the independence of Portugal from Spain in 1640, and the Palacio Foz, which now houses government and tourist offices.

This afternoon, continue explorations of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods . Both Chiado and Bairro Alto are jam-packed with boutique shops, cafes, tourist attractions, and bars. They are located a short distance from Baixa, making them the perfect afternoon complement to a morning in Baixa.

The ruins of the Igreja do Carmo

Igreja do Carmo, or Carmo Church was devastated during the 1755 earthquake and never restored to its former glory. Today, the ruins house a small archaeology museum set within the crypts. This charming stone church, though, stands as a reminder of the earthquake even 250 years later.

Praça da Alegria viewpoint

The Praça da Alegria viewpoint is west of the historic center , north of the Bairro Alto, and has panoramic views of Baixa. It is just off the Avenida da Liberdade and often has markets or street vendors, as well as shaded seating.

Igreja de Sao Roque

The Igreja de Sao Roque is the first Jesuit church in Portugal and one of the most important in the Jesuit community. Its gilded interior is absolutely stunning; it is one of the most decorated and elaborate church interiors in Lisbon, through its whitewashed facade does not give this away. It is located on the main street in Bairro Alto, steps from the Rossio train station and Gloria elevator.

Elevador of Gloria and Bica

The elevador of Gloria and Bica are two of the funiculars that ferry people from the lower streets of Lisbon to the Bairro Alto district. Both opened in the late 19th century and are popular with locals and tourists.

Spend a night in the Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s hottest nighttime neighborhoods . Enjoy a fado performance, traditional Portuguese music, and song, in one of the local bars. While there are many large and touristic fado bars scattered across the Bairro Alto and nearby Alfama, seeking out a small neighborhood bar will provide you with an unforgettable memory of your four days in Lisbon.

4 days in Lisbon: Day Two – Explore Alfama and Portugal’s Cultural History

Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighborhoods . The narrow, winding streets rise from the banks of the Tagus through crumbling houses along with brick lain paths. In the evenings, fado music drifts from tiny bars. It is a wonderful place to explore and a must-see addition to any four-day Lisbon itinerary.

The Castelo de Sao Jorge

The Castelo de Sao Jorge is a Moorish castle that towers over Lisbon from the top of the Alfama district. Built in the 12th century and expanded in the 13th and 14th, much of the modern-day castle was restored in the 1920s after being destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.

Sé de Lisboa

The Sé de Lisboa, usually the Sé, is the Cathedral of Lisbon. Dating from the 12th century and predominantly Romanesque, the cathedral remarkably withstood the 1755 earthquake that damaged most of the city.

Igreja de Santo António

Igreja de Santo António is a charming little Baroque church in Alfama, on the path of the 28 tram. It is named for the patron saint of Portugal, St Anthony, and is considered to be on the site of his birthplace. Fun fact: St Anthony is also the patron saint of lovers, and consequently this is also one of the most romantic places in Lisbon.

The Portas do Sol viewpoint

Perfectly located along the road between the cathedral and the castle, the Portas do Sol viewpoint is one of the best in Lisbon. It is also one of the most popular, with views of the Tagus estuary and red-tiled roofs.

Ride the quaint number 28 tram

The number 28 tram is not only one of the oldest in Lisbon, it is also one of the most popular and most scenic routes. Winding its way through the Alfama, Baixa, Graca, and Estrela districts, the tram’s tiny body allows it to follow the narrow, steep streets. While it provides an exceptional overview of the city and makes for a perfect tour, beware of pickpockets.

Wander in the Alleyways

To get a real taste of Lisbon life, explore the alleys off the main streets. Here, you’ll find local shops, private homes, and incredible street art that the average tourist won’t see.

Miradouro da Graça viewpoint

The Miradouro da Graça viewpoint is a popular viewpoint as it has beautiful views of the castle. It is located at the edge of a shaded park, near the number 28 tram line. The surrounding local neighborhood is a great place to stop for local pastries or coffee.

Or Miradouro da Santa Luzia viewpoint

The Miradouro da Santa Luzia viewpoint is tucked away behind a tiny white church in a shady garden lined with blue and white tiles and a number of leafy trees. It offers the same views as the Graça viewpoint but is significantly less crowded with tourists.

Fado Museum

The Museu do Fado is a museum dedicated to the traditional music of Portugal. Through audiovisual and interactive means, the museum explores the evolution and passion of fado.

-20% with Lisbon Card

National Pantheon

Built in the 17th century as the Church of Santa Engraçia, the building was converted into the National Pantheon in the 20th century. Here is where many important Portuguese people are buried.

Time Out Market

The Time Out Market is a massive food hall located within the Mercado da Ribeira. Housing some of Lisbon’s best chefs, restaurants, cultural events, and even cooking workshops, the market spans over ten thousand square feet of food stalls. It is definitely worth a visit while in Lisbon!

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is the national art museum in Portugal. Housed within the Palacio de Alvor-Pombal, its collection is one of the most extensive and important collections of Portuguese Middle Ages works of art.

4 days in Portugal: Day Three – Portuguese Art Through the Ages

Portugal’s art scene ranges from traditional tile making (some more traditional than others) to vibrant street art, impressive architecture, and a style all its own. Spend today exploring the art scene through the ages.

Museo de Azulejos

The Museo de Azulejos showcases the famous art of Portuguese tile making. With a collection spanning centuries, housed in a 500-year-old former convent, the museum is well worth a visit. In addition to the ubiquitous tile, a true Portuguese icon, the museum has sculptures, paintings, documents, and more.

Upon leaving the Museo de Azulejos, head for Belem. Located below the Ponte 25 de Abril, Belem is home to some of Lisbon’s most impressive buildings, such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Torre de Belem. You can get there by bus from the city center; it is about 6km away.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

The Jeronimos Monastery is one the best examples of Late Gothic Manueline architecture, which is an elaborately decorated style featuring maritime elements – a nod to Portugal’s strong naval heritage. The complex spans a large city block, and among the most visited buildings are the cloisters and the Church of Santa Maria.

National Archaeology Museum

The National Archaeology Museum is located adjacent to the Jeronimos Monastery and is the most important archaeological museum in Portugal. Home to artifacts from the Paleolithic era through to the Middle Ages, the museum’s collections include Egyptian mummies, Roman bronzes, Roman mosaics (some of the most important pieces of art in Portuguese history), and Classical Greek sculptures.

Much of the collection was private before being gifted to the museum. The main benefactor, Jose L eite de Vasconcelos, was a prominent Portuguese archaeologist whose dream was to showcase the history of Portugal and the Portuguese man in a museum.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument across from the Jeronimos Monastery, along the river where ships left for China and India. It celebrates the Age of Discovery and the many Portuguese navigators who explored in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The sides of the monument are lined with statues of over 30 people including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan.

– 20% with Lisbon Card

Torre de Belem

Along with the nearby monastery, the Torre de Belem (Tower of Belem) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 16th century on a small island near the shore and acted as part of the defense system of the city. Much of the tower is in the Manueline style, though it incorporates other architectural influences, namely Moorish styles.

Pastéis de Belem

Pastéis de Belem is home to the original Pastel de Nata, an egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon. Made originally by the monks, the shop opened in the mid-19th century by the owners of a sugar cane refinery who bought the recipe from the monks. The shop is still owned by this family and is one of the best places to try these delectable treats.

Ajuda National Palace

The Ajuda National Palace is one of the Royal Family palaces in the area between Belem and the city center . It was built following the 1755 earthquake but took years to finish (the Royal Family fled to Brazil before it was done). No one lived in it until the late 19th century. Today, it is a museum.

In the afternoon head for the LX Factory to see some of Lisbon’s trendiest companies, from boutiques to bars.

LX Factory is a former industrial complex in Alcantara that now features some of Lisbon’s hottest restaurants, bars, boutiques, and street art. Alcantara, once a sleepy neighborhood under the Ponte 25 de Abril (April 25th Bridge), is now a buzzing hub of creativity, where design and production companies, fashion and art shows, music events, and more share space with hip restaurants, bars, and shops. The complex is also where you’ll find some of Lisbon’s hottest nightlife.

Be sure to spend time here, where modern trendsetters tread the same paths as the navigators of times past. Belem is a thriving neighborhood and very much at the beating heart of Lisbon’s heritage.

4 days in Lisbon: Day Four Sintra

Lisbon has many delightful neighboring towns, but one of the most popular is Sintra. Known for its many palaces, Sintra is just 30 minutes (25km) from Lisbon, and with its picturesque, colorful palaces and stunning scenery is well worth a day trip.

How to Get yo Sintra

The best way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by train. Trains run from Rossio station every 30 minutes into the Sintra station, which is 1.5km from the historic center . Simply follow the signs for “centro” to get to the historic center of Sintra.

Free transportation with the Lisbon Card.

Palacio da Pena

The Palacio da Pena is likely the most famous of Sintra palaces. With its brightly coloured towers and mountaintop location, it is a stark contrast to the dark forest around it. Towering above the town, it is one of the most popular destinations and will be very crowded, no matter what time of year or day you visit.

-10% with Lisbon Card

Palacio Nacional de Sintra

The Palacio Nacional de Sintra, or the National Palace of Sintra, is located in the historic center of town. Its white gothic exterior is distinctly different from the colorful facades of the Pena Palace but the interiors are no less elaborate, although they are different. It is also the most used of the royal palaces, as it was a favorite of the Royal Family from the 15th through the 19th centuries.

Castelo de los Mouros

The Castelo de los Mouros is the name for the Moorish castle ruins that are along the same mountaintop ridge as the Pena Palace. Left to ruin in the 12th century, the ruins were restored rather romantically in the 19th century and are intertwined with the surrounding forest. The views from the top are spectacular, and the castle grounds are far less crowded than the Pena Palace.

-15% with Lisbon Card

Alternatively, you can book a small group full day tour from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais.

Lisbon is a charming European city. Its history and culture rival that of Madrid or Paris while its vibrant nightlife and shopping are on par with Barcelona or Milan. Four days in Lisbon is a great introduction to this exciting city and its neighboring towns. I enjoyed my entire trip to Lisbon and hope that, with the help of my Lisbon itinerary, you will too!

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The ultimate 2 days in Lisbon itinerary

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city is a beautiful, colourful city that’s full of history, stunning architecture and delicious food.

On my first trip to Portugal, I spent two weeks living near Lisbon and explored some of the best things to do in Lisbon during my first visit to the city .

However, you don’t need two weeks for Lisbon, and much of our time in the area was spent working during the day before exploring in the evenings.

I personally think Lisbon is a great destination for a European city break . It’s a short flight from the UK, and you can see most of the best places to see in Lisbon in 2 days.

With 2 days in Lisbon, you can get a taste of Portuguese culture and experience some of the city’s main attractions.

That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate two-day Lisbon itinerary, highlighting the top sights and activities in Lisbon for anyone short on time.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s been to this city and didn’t enjoy their time there. I believe everyone will find something to love about Lisbon and that’s why I think you should visit Lisbon too !

Check out my ultimate 2-day Lisbon itinerary for the perfect city break to Lisbon!

Table of Contents

Overview of the best 2 days in lisbon itinerary.

Below you’ll find an overview of this Lisbon two day itinerary as well as a map which shows you where the top things to do in Lisbon in 2 days are in relation to each other.

If you have 2.5 days in Lisbon, then follow day 1, then go to either Cascais or Sintra on day two and spend half a day in Belem for the remainder of your time in the city.

Day 1 in Lisbon

If you only have 1 day in Lisbon , the below Lisbon attractions and sights are a must!

• Chiado Square

Lisbon Cathedral

Castelo de são jorge.

• Alfama + Lisbon Miradouro
• Praça do Comércio + Arco da Rua Augusta

Carmo Convent

• Bairro Alto district
• Time Out Market
• Lisbon Pink Street

Day 2 of 2 days in Lisbon itinerary

As well as the above, factor in one of these into your things to see in Lisbon in 2 days itinerary.

• A more relaxed day in Belem + sailing tour
• OR Day trip to Sintra from Lisbon + Belem
• OR Day trip to Cascais + Belem

Lisbon 2 day itinerary – sightseeing map

Click the map below to open up an interactive Google map to use alongside this two days in Lisbon itinerary.

Your first day in Lisbon is all about exploring Lisbon’s city center and top attractions. We’ll be exploring the squares, the main places to visit in Lisbon including some of its most popular historical buildings, and making time for lunch and dinner too.

Make sure you’re wearing some comfortable shoes as Lisbon is a hilly city with lots of cobbled streets that can get super slippery if you’re not careful.

Before we start, any tour guide in Lisbon will tell you that Lisbon’s history is shaped by the earthquake of 1755.

The earthquake happened on All Saints Day in November when many people in the city were lighting candles.

The earthquake caused these candles to fall, setting the buildings that at the time were mostly wooden, on fire and completely destroying them.

On top of that, a tsunami then occurred which destroyed even more of the city.

Many of the squares and statues that you will see today were a result of a successful town-building after that devastating earthquake by the Portuguese Prime Minister, Marquis do Pombal.

He was pretty visionary for the time and insisted on wider roads (note how much of Lisbon is far wider than the streets you’ll find in Alfama which was unscathed by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami) and picturesque features on the buildings throughout the newly built neighbourhoods.

Another good way to see the city on your first day is to book a walking tour of downtown Lisbon . Though this blog post acts a little bit as a walking tour, giving you directions. Sometimes it can be good to meet with a local and be guided through the city.

You’ll learn from them as you go and be able to ask them questions too. We liked this Lisbon walking tour .

Coffee from A Brasileira and Chiado Square

Let’s kick the day off with coffee from A Brasileira, a historical cafe in the Chiado neighbourhood of Lisbon.

To get here you can walk from your Lisbon accommodation, or take the metro to Baixa-Chiado station.

Cafe A Brasileira has a long history and is said to have been the local hangout for artists, poets and writers of old. You’ll find a statue outside the cafe, in Chiado Square, of one famous Portuguese writer.

This is a good spot to start your packed day of exploring Lisbon!

From Chiado Square, walk towards Praça Luís de Camões (on your right as you stand at the cafe door facing outwards).

Praça Luís de Camões is another well-known square in Lisbon. Here, you’ll find O Trevi, a popular place from Anthony Bourdain’s Lisbon episodes for bifana (a meat sandwich) and beer, as well as Manteigaria which does what I consider the second-best Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon (Pasteis de Belem being the first).

This is also a good spot to get on Tram 28. If you’d rather walk, you can do that too.

Ride Lisbon’s Tram 28

If you knew almost nothing about Lisbon before your trip to Lisbon, I’m sure you still associated it with yellow trams.

Lisbon has trams throughout the city but none of them are quite so famous as Tram 28.

Why is Tram 28 famous?

Simply because it’s the line that goes past most of the historic sights in the city. For that reason, some consider it the sightseeing tram in Lisbon but that’s not quite true.

It’s still used by locals to get around the city though they’ve faced difficulties in recent years since the tram has become so popular with tourists that they can’t get on it!

To help out a bit, avoid using the tram during rush hour.

I got super lucky on the day I rode Tram 28 as one had just left that was packed full of people only to be almost immediately followed by another tram where I not only had a seat but there were spare seats. You’ll see how rare this is during your trip!

Top tip: If you have the 48 hour Lisbon Card , you’ll get free public transport, including on the trams. Otherwise, buy a VivaViagem card at a metro station for €0.50 and top this up during your stay.

The queues for tram 28 can be long and so if you don’t want to wait, you can either walk or take the metro to our next stop.

Lisbon Cathedral or Sé de Lisboa, stands near the Alfama district and dates back to the 12th Century.

You can either stay on the Tram and continue riding it up the hill, or get off and take a look inside the cathedral to admire its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Like the castle, it was largely destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and then rebuilt.

The church’s beautiful Gothic and Romanesque style, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass windows are sure to impress. You’ll also find religious icons inside, including a beautiful 14th-century baptismal font and an impressive organ.

Either walk uphill towards the Lisbon Castle or if you stayed on the tram, get off at Graça and make your way there.

St. George’s Castle is one of the best things to do in Lisbon and one of the top Lisbon attractions.

The castle sits on the tallest hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Lisbon and it’s a great sunset spot in Lisbon . There’s a large courtyard inside with peacocks and 10 towers to climb for a bird’s eye view which is worth doing.

The original castle dates back to at least the 8th century and has undergone many changes and renovations due to earthquakes and other natural disasters over the years. The castle that you see today is a 20th-century restoration of the original.

Castelo de Sao Jorge is a great place to learn about the history of Lisbon and Portugal, and there’s a small museum on the castle grounds to visit too.

One thing to bear in mind is that the castle does get very busy and so you should purchase tickets in advance.

• Opening hours: Daily, 9 am – 9 pm
• Tickets: €15, buy online here

From the Castle, continue slightly uphill to Miradouro da Graça outside iIsbon’s Church of Our Lady of Grace . From this viewpoint (miradouro) you’ll get some beautiful views of the city below you and it’s well worth walking up the hill to get here.

Wander the streets of Alfama & admire some more of Lisbon’s best miradouro

Now, it’s time to head back downhill via the beautiful streets of Alfama.

From Miradouro da Graça, head downhill Rua São Tomé towards Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia .

These two miradouro or viewpoints in Lisbon are some of my absolute favourites from the many that I visited. You’ll get great rooftop views out over Alfama and towards the Tagus River and beyond.

They’re popular viewpoints so expect there to be quite a few people about as well as some buskers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink or some food, this is a good place to find something to eat, or somewhere in Alfama (where you’re going next)

When you’re ready, we’re going to head into Alfama.

Look for the staircase going downhill between the two viewpoints and walk down here.

It’s hard to give directions for Alfama, the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon but part of the fun is just wandering down streets that take your fancy.

The streets are narrow, but filled with fruit trees, fountains, small cafes and restaurants and some shops.

This is one of the most authentic parts of Lisbon but it’s quickly becoming less authentic as it gets developed and more and more tour companies visit. For now, at least, you’ll feel a little like you’ve gone back in time.

Praça do Comércio and Arco da Rua Augusta

Once you’ve made your way out of Alfama, head along the water or make your way otherwise, to Praça do Comércio or Commerce Square.

The Praca do Comércio is a large plaza that was built on the ruins of the previous royal palace which was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

This impressive square has played a vital role in Portugal’s political, social, and economic life since the 18th century. It was once the largest public square in Europe and served as the arrival point for Kings and Heads of State when visiting Portugal in the past.

Over time, it has witnessed Lisbon’s evolution, including the transition from monarchy to republic, and has been a witness to countless historical events.

In the middle of the square, you’ll find the statue of King Jose I facing the river Tagus and the Marquis do Pombal just below him who’s credited with rebuilding Lisbon after their natural disaster.

To the north of Praça do Comércio is Arco da Rua Augusta which was built to celebrate the victory of the city against the earthquake.

If you like, you can head to the top of the arch where you’ll get some super impressive views of Lisbon.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €3.50, buy in advance here , included in the Lisbon Card

Otherwise, head under the arch and walk up Rua Augusta until you get to Rua de Santa Justa. Feel free to stop at Manteigaria for a Pastel de Nata along the way if you wish!

Santa Justa Lift and the Carmo Convent Ruins

Once you reach Rua de Santa Justa, look to your left and you’ll see the Santa Justa Elevator.

This lift was created to connect people travelling from Carmo Square to the lower streets of Baixa and vice-versa. It’s an impressive piece of ironwork and it also offers amazing views of the city of Lisbon.

The Santa Justa Elevador has become one of the most photographed attractions in Lisbon and one of the best things to do in Lisbon, drawing long lines at all hours of the day.

There is a way to avoid the queues though and still get amazing views that you get from the top of the elevator.

Head to Largo di Carmo, and look for a small street to the right that goes alongside the church.

Follow this street and you’ll come out to a viewpoint of the famous Santa Justa Lift! From here, you can walk out onto the viewpoint and enjoy the same views for nothing.

• Opening hours: Daily, 7 am – 10:45 pm
• Tickets for the Santa Justa elevator: €2, in person, included in the Lisbon Card

From the top of the Santa Justa Lift, you’ll arrive at the Carmo Convent which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and today, the ruins are a popular spot for photos and serve as a reminder of the earthquake’s impact on the city.

Though mostly rebuilt, the roof was never put back on top so it’s a bit like an open-air museum these days.

There’s also a cute square, Largo do Carmo, just around the corner.

Barrio Alto Neighborhood 

From Chiado, it’s time to explore the Barrio Alto neighbourhood which has two personalities.

In the day it’s a peaceful area but come the evenings it’s a prime spot for Lisbon nightlife.

You’ll find fado bars, restaurants, and plenty of people if you visit in the evening. The parties go on well into the night in this neighbourhood!

If your feet need a break, head back on the metro, or on foot from Baixo-Chiado (where you started) to your accommodation. Or, if it’s now dinner time, make your way to our next stop.

Enjoy dinner in Lisbon at Time Out Market

Time Out Market in Lisbon is a top place to visit in Lisbon if you’re keen to try some different food during your trip to Lisbon.

This historic market, Mercado da Ribeira, across from Cais do Sodré train station, was transformed into a food hall by Time Out Group in 2014.

There are over 40 different stalls serving different types of food including Portuguese cuisine and international ones with Portuguese twists. You’ll find savoury dishes, meats, vegetarian, Asian food, deserts and more.

Drinks by Pink Street

If Time Out Market doesn’t have what you’re after, you’ll find a tonne of places nearby in the Cais do Sodre region of Lisbon and Pink Street.

Pink Street was once upon a time Lisbon’s red-light district and today it’s a popular place to grab drinks before heading back to your Lisbon hotel, ready for more sightseeing tomorrow!

Day 2 Lisbon itinerary

When it comes to what to see in Lisbon in two days, you could easily go back into the downtown area of Lisbon and explore more. But, since you’re short on time, I recommend heading out of the city a little bit.

For your second day in Lisbon, there are a few options.

• Option 1: Spend a more leisurely day in Belem with a sailing trip
• Option 2: Take a day trip to Sintra or Cascais and visit Belem in the evening (you can see the Belem attractions from the outside, but you won’t be able to go in them as they’ll mostly be closed)

Spend the day in Belem

For this option, you can have a bit of a more leisurely day exploring the neighbourhood of Belem, eating the BEST Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon (Pasteis de Belem), and enjoying a sailing cruise on the Tague River

Belem tower

Catch a train or a tram into Belem and make your way towards the Belem Tower for the first stop on this tour of the best things to do in Belem.

As one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belem Tower is an absolute must-see for everyone visiting Lisbon for the first time and it’s Lisbon’s architecture like this that many people visit the city for.

Built as a fortification against threats and attacks, this tower replaced a ship that was parked in the middle of the Tagus River with a more permanent structure.

While you can get tickets to go inside the Belem Tower it’s not something we ended up doing. It’s very busy during the day and we’d heard that you basically just queue the whole way around it.

Personally, I think you get good enough views from the outside and, when you do the sailing tour later in the day, you’ll get the best views from the water!

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5.30 pm (closed Mondays)
• Tickets: Buy online tickets here

Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument of Discoveries

Just a short walk away from Belem Tower along the pretty waterfront in Belem is The Padrão dos Descobrimentos .

This monument is a testament to Portugal’s proud history of exploration and discovery during the Age of Discovery. Though clearly, this comes with some sad but important history too.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos showcases 33 prominent figures from the period, including Henry the Navigator standing front and centre.

You can get a ticket to enter the statue where you’ll ride an elevator to the top for amazing views of Belem, the river and Lisbon itself.

• Tickets: €10, buy online here

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or the Jerónimos Monastery

Next up, cross under the road through the pedestrian walkway and through Praça do Império Garden to head over to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos .

The Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning example of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and an impressive feat of architecture.

This monastery was commissioned in 1496 during Portugal’s Age of Discovery and took over 100 years to build! The monastery survived the infamous 1755 earthquake which saw much of the city left in ruins and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Tickets: €10, buy online here , included in the Lisbon Card

Pasteis de Belem

From the monastery, head into the town of Belem and you’ll find a variety of restaurants and places to get some lunch.

After lunch, be sure to stop at Pasteis de Belem where you’ll get the best pastel de nata of the trip to Lisbon.

They’re flaky, ever so tasty and perfect when topped with cinnamon and icing sugar.

You can choose to get a takeout and sit in one of the nearby parks as I did, or eat in with some tea or coffee in the beautiful tearoom.

Belem Museum of your choice

Belem has loads of museums and art galleries and so after lunch it’s up to decide which one you want to check out.

Some of the museums I recommend are:

• The MAAT: Contemporary art gallery
• Museu dos Coches: A transport museum for old trams in Lisbon
• Museu Coleção Berardo : Contemporary art museum (also has a cafe on the roof with great views and a nice garden)

Sailing tour on the Tagus River from Belem

One of my favourite things we did in Belem was to take a sailing tour on the Tagus River.

The sailing tour on the Tagus River we did was 2-hours long and included drinks and some snacks.

Our tour guide was funny and had loads of information about some of the top things to see in Belem (which you’ve seen from the land) and Lisbon as we made our way to Praça do Comércio.

We took the afternoon tour, but you could also switch things around and do this in the morning.

Check out this guide to the best sailing tours in Lisbon

Shopping and dinner at LX Factory

Located in the neighbourhood of Alcântara super close to Belem is Lx Factory.

The original site of LX Factory dates back to the year 1846, when one of Lisbon’s most important textile manufacturing companies, “Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense”, was set up here before being left neglected for years.

In 2008, LX Factory was created and now it’s full of cool bookstores, restaurants, and shops with local produce, art and more. I liked this area of Belem and it felt like a mix between Granville Island in Vancouver and the Distillery District in Toronto.

There’s no entry fee to walk around but loads to discover.

Day 2: Lisbon Day trip to Sintra + Belem

Alternatively, you can plan another packed full day by taking a day trip to Sintra and then visiting Belem in the evening.

With this option, you won’t be able to go inside the attractions in Belem since they’ll likely be closed, but you may get back for a sunset sailing tour on the River Tagus , and can still visit LX Factory and view the monument and Belem tower from the outside.

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on where you’re staying in Lisbon. You can catch the train from Rossio station near Rossio square in Lisbon and then you’ll arrive in Sintra where you can catch a bus, a taxi or walk to the attractions you want to visit.

There are three main things to do in Sintra on everyone’s list:

• The Pena Palace
• The Moorish Castle
• Quinta da Regaleira

You should be able to visit these all in one day, but that involves an early start and a late finish. You’ll have to allow time for getting between the attractions and waiting in line to enter them.

The Pena Palace is a beautiful yellow castle that sits on top of the hill in Sintra National Park that you’ve probably seen pictures of. You can get great views of it from the walls of the Moorish Castle , which is a little bit like the Great Wall of China in some ways! Quinta de Regaleira is a stunning building with Gothic architecture and a sight called the Initiation Well where you can go down underground on a spiral staircase.

On our day trip to Lisbon, we rented e-bikes which was a quick and easy way to get around and between Sintra attractions. They came with locks and helmets and were stress-free!

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Lisbon to Sintra where you don’t need to worry about additional tickets and transport.

Best guided tours of Sintra:

• From Lisbon, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra and Pena Palace tour 4.5/5 star reviews
• Lisbon to Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Rocha and Cascais day trip 4.8/5 star reviews

On your return to Lisbon, head to Belem and wander along the waterfront to see the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos monastery and the monument of discoveries, before grabbing food in or near LX Factory or back in central Lisbon.

Day 2: Day trip to Cascais + Belem

Alternatively, you can take a Lisbon day trip to Cascais which is a beach town about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon.

This pretty town has some great restaurants and bars, beautiful beaches, parks, attractions and a coo museum.

This is a great way to have a more chilled day while exploring away from Lisbon’s city centre.

Simply catch the train from Cais do Sodre and ride it all the way to where it terminates in Cascais.

Then, take a look at this list of the best things to do in Cascais for how to spend your day.

Depending on when you return, you might want to visit Belem too. The train back to Lisbon from Cascais stops at Belem so you can get off there before wandering along the waterfront to see the Belém Tower , the monastery and the monument of discoveries and then grabbing food in or near LX Factory or back in central Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon

There are a lot of choices when it comes to Lisbon hotels but they can get expensive if you’re staying for longer than a few nights, or in peak tourist season (summer).

Since we stayed in Lisbon for two weeks, we ended up staying outside of Lisbon in Oeiras (about 20 minutes by train). This worked well for us as we could work during the day and the Lisbon Airbnb had lots of outdoor space. We actually really enjoyed being a bit further out of the city and right by the beach.

However, if you’re visiting for a long weekend, it’s best to stay in the city centre. so you’re not far from the top things to see and do in Lisbon. I’ve picked out places I would stay if I was going back to Lisbon for a long weekend trip.

• Home Lisbon Hostel: Stay at Home Lisbon Hostel and enjoy the perfect location in Lisbon’s historic centre, comfortable rooms with balconies, and the incredibly famous Mamma’s Dinners, which are the best meals you will have in Lisbon for the price. With friendly staff and plenty of activities, you’ll feel at home and want to come back time and time again.
• Lux Lisboa Park: Lux Lisboa Park is a 4-star hotel just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Marques de Pombal Square. With an outdoor heated pool, and hot tub as well as an on-site bar, meeting facilities, and terrace you’re perfectly placed for a relaxing stay in Lisbon.
• Lisboa Carmo Hotel: Stay in luxury rooms with classic and contemporary décor at Lisboa Carmo Hotel, located in central Lisbon just minutes from the popular Bairro Alto district with Tagus River views, contemporary-style dining, and a variety of beverages and wines at the bar.
• Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments : Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments offers stylish accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes. Explore popular attractions like Commerce Square and Rossio, with on-site bicycle and car rental services available.

Top Lisbon travel tips

• Visas: Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia do not need visas if they’re staying for under 90 days in Portugal. Starting 2024 , you may need to apply for an ETIAS visa online before your travel. Check your nationality’s entry requirements before your visit. Portugal is part of the Schengen zone so make sure you have not spent over 90 days out of 180 in Schengen countries before your trip and that you won’t exceed this while in Portugal.
• Language: Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in Lisbon, but English is also common, and we were able to get by without knowing much Portuguese.
• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro for all transactions as it is part of the EU.
• Safety: Lisbon is a safe city, but pickpocketing is common, especially on public transportation and popular attractions.
• Cash: It is advisable to bring cash as many places do not accept card payments. Alternatively, a card like Wise that allows cheap withdrawals from ATMs can be used.
• Footwear: Lisbon is hilly, so bring good walking shoes with a good grip as the pavements’ cobblestones can be slippery.

How to get to Lisbon

When it comes to how to get to Lisbon, I spent a lot of time researching how to get from London to Lisbon via train as I’m keen to reduce my air miles and emissions. I found that though it is possible, it will take about 3 days which didn’t make sense for us on this trip.

Most visitors to Lisbon will end up flying to Lisbon International Airport like us. I’ve included some more details about how to get to Lisbon below.

Flights to Lisbon

If you’re planning to fly to Lisbon, chances are you’ll land at Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto de Lisboa).

For flights within Europe, TAP Portugal is Portugal’s main airline, and I found them to be great. Although I initially looked into Ryanair or EasyJet, TAP ended up being cheaper once I added baggage fees, and they also offered more reasonable flight times (no 5 am departures!).

If you’re travelling from further afield, it might be worth considering creative options when searching for flights.

For example, booking a flight to a major European airport like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or London and then looking for budget airline flights (such as Ryanair) to Lisbon from there could potentially save you some money.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Trains to Lisbon

If you’re coming from Spain, or other cities in Portugal like Porto to Lisbon or Faro to Lisbon you may arrive by train. When we left Lisbon we caught the train to Faro and it was easy, inexpensive and ran on time so I highly recommend it.

You can book your train tickets in Portugal online through Comboios de Portugal.

Buses to Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, buses are usually the cheapest option.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

How to get to Lisbon from the airport and how to get around Lisbon

If you’re looking to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, there are a few options to consider. These options are the same as for getting around Lisbon during your trip to the city too.

Metro from Lisbon airport to downtown Lisbon

The metro is a convenient and affordable option. You can take it directly from the airport to the city centre, and while you may need to change lines depending on your destination, the system is easy to navigate.

Bus from Lisbon airport to Lisbon city centre

Buses are also available from the airport, and they are priced the same as the metro. However, be aware that some buses have a luggage limit, so if you’re carrying larger bags, you’ll need to find another mode of transport.

Top tip: Purchase a VivaViagem card for just €0.50, and top it up during your stay in Lisbon. This card can be used on all forms of transportation in Lisbon and the surrounding areas, including trains to Cascais and Sintra, as well as the ferry to Almada across the Tagus River from Lisbon. It’s the easiest way to get around and saves you the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.

Taxi to downtown Lisbon from the airport

If you’re looking for a direct route to your accommodation, taking a taxi is a good option. The taxi rank is located right outside the airport exit, but be prepared for a queue, as there are only four taxi bays. However, the queue moves quickly, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. Alternatively, you can use Uber to get around the city.

Private transfer from the airport to Lisbon downtown

Alternatively, you can arrange for a private transfer from Lisbon airport to downtown Lisbon . With this option, someone will be there to greet you at arrivals (which is always nice), and will then drive you to your accommodation or wherever it is you’ve decided to go first.

This is a great option if you’re pushed for time, travelling with kids and don’t want to deal with taxis or public transport or want something a bit more luxurious.

Book your private transfer here.

Other ways of getting around Lisbon

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Lisbon, consider taking a ride in a tuk-tuk. These colourful vehicles can be seen cruising around the city, typically decorated with vibrant patterns and designs.

However, they are usually more expensive than other forms of public transport and are better suited for larger groups who can fill the entire tuk-tuk car.

Lisbon Trams

One of Lisbon’s most famous attractions is its iconic tram system, with Tram #28 being a popular choice for tourists as it passes by many of the city’s major sites.

However, it’s not all about Tram 28. There are numerous tram lines through the city that connect you to various other parts and other tram lines are just as fun to ride without being quite so busy.

Bike share and electric scooters in Lisbon

Lisbon has several companies offering bike sharing and scooter rentals including Bolt. There are a few rules and regulations about where you can and can’t ride or park them (including not leaving them in a lot of downtown Lisbon ), but they’re a good way to get between Belem and central Lisbon and to ride up and down the picturesque waterfront in Belem too.

Pick a company, get their app and you’re ready to ride

Final thoughts about this 2 day Lisbon itinerary

Lisbon is a city that offers a great mix of culture, history, and food.

A two-day trip to Lisbon can be an excellent way to explore the city’s main attractions, try its delicious food, and experience its nightlife but, with so many things to do in Lisbon, you may need to prioritise what you want to see which this Lisbon itinerary will help you do.

Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and art galleries, trying local delicacies, just soaking up the atmosphere, or perhaps taking a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra or Cascais , there’s something for everyone in this charming city.

With this two-day itinerary, visitors can get a taste of what Lisbon has to offer and hopefully be inspired to plan a longer trip in the future. Still wondering what to do in Lisbon for 2 days? Check out my other Portugal travel guides .

FAQs about two days in Lisbon

Is 2 days in lisbon enough.

While I would say you should ideally have 3-5 days in Lisbon, 2 days in Lisbon will give you enough time to see the main attractions and get a feel for the city’s history and architecture.

Is Porto or Lisbon better?

The two cities are very different and many people end up visiting both if they spend a week or more in Portugal. Personally, I think Lisbon has more things to see and do than Porto.

Is 48 hours enough in Lisbon?

You can always spend longer in Lisbon, but 48 hours will give you a good taste of what the city has to offer.

Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe , a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada , you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.

2 days in Lisbon: A Perfect Lisbon 2 days itinerary

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After visiting Lisbon, the capital of Portugal – we quickly fell in love. The city has so much to offer from history, good food, and amazing weather and is an affordable holiday destination. In this 2 days in Lisbon itinerary, we will show you how to make the most of your trip to Southern Europe.

We have also included a Lisbon 2 day itinerary sample with a half-day trip to Sintra if you are interested.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Day 1 of the Lisbon 2 day itinerary is PERFECT if you only have one day in Lisbon , as it covers all the central highlights that Lisbon has to offer.

In order to explore the top attractions in Lisbon, it is recommended that you get the Lisbon Card (or Lisboa Card). Lisbon card can be purchased as a day pass of 24, 48, or 72 hours providing unlimited train, tram, and bus rides in the city, for that duration. It also includes free entry to 26 tourist attractions for that duration.

The Lisbon Card will be handy for the airport to hotel and return trip, to get to tours, and for sightseeing. BUY LISBON LISBON CARD HERE

Where to stay in Lisbon ? We stayed at the easyHotel Lisbon on our very first trip. Hotel rooms were comfy and clean, with easy access to the bus and metro stations. There were tons of restaurants nearby as well. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

Another great plus is that the hotel is very close to Marquis de Pombal Square and most of the tours can be redeemed here – aka tour starting point.  BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

Looking for a more in-depth guide to Lisbon? Read 3 days in Lisbon trip itinerary and travel guide .

Day 1 of  2 days in Lisbon – Arrive & explore

Start your first day in Lisbon, by exploring the best of the city centre and neighboring areas. Lisbon is a hilly capital so make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes, as you start the morning.

Lisbon’s lanes and corners are sprinkled with historical gems and your day 1 will be full of history and culture. Lisbon’s history is shaped by the earthquake of 1755 that occurred on National Saints day (the year 1755) and wiped out 60,000+ residents and destroyed many buildings.

Many of the squares and statues that you will see today were a result of a successful town-building after that devastating earthquake.

Breakfast at Café A Brasileira

Start your day at the historical and artsy quarter of the Chiado neighborhood. Café A Brasileira is an iconic restaurant that was frequented by artists, writers, and poets from the bygone days. Eat breakfast here, before you start wandering the lanes of Lisbon.

This café is located very close to the Baxio-Chiado metro station and has other cafes nearby too.

Chiado Square

The Chiado square and the neighborhood is a testimony to Portugal’s poets and writers. You will find a lot of statues of poets from the mid-19th century staring at you as you wander the streets.

Chiado is also a shopping district in Lisbon. So we will be coming back here in the evening for a fado show and/or shopping if interested.

To navigate the many neighborhoods of Lisbon city center, we recommend taking a walking tour , to get acquainted with the area. We took this essentials history tour and highly recommend it.

This tour is only for 3 hours and will provide you with a good understanding of the neighborhoods and Lisbon’s history. BOOK LISBON ESSENTIALS TOUR. 

Barrio Alto Neighborhood 

From Chiado, walk uphill to reach the district of Barrio Alto. This neighborhood is known for its nightlife activities and an amazing array of restaurants and bars.

One of the coolest things to do here is to admire the beautiful tile work in the neighborhood. Not as close as Porto, but almost.

Both Chiado and Bairro Alto are great places to eat and enjoy a slice of Portuguese culture.

Carmo Convent ruins and Santa Justa Lift

From Chiado and Bairro Alto, head to the ruins of Carmel. The cathedral was destroyed during the earthquake of 1755 and today serves as a unique place for theatrical works.

The square around the convert ruins, called Carmel square, saw the peaceful ‘Carnation Revolution’, which resulted in the demise of the Portuguese dictatorship rule (of 50 years).

At the end of the square, you will see the artistic Santa Justa Lift.

This lift was created to connect people traveling from Carmo Square to the lower streets of Baixa. The Santa Justa lift is a great piece of ironwork and it also offers amazing views of the city of Lisbon.

There is an entry fee to get to the lift, but keep in mind there are long wait times to get to the top.

Ride the Tram 28

I am sure you have seen epic postcards of Lisbon with a yellow tram. Looks so vintage-y right? Well, you will find them in the city center and the many neighborhoods that we are exploring today.

Trams are an important means of public transport in the city. If you are using the Lisbon Card, you will get unlimited rides for the duration of your card.

To reach the Lisbon neighborhoods that are located at a height, use trams to get there, like our next neighborhood of Alfama and Graca.

Alfama and Graca – National Pantheon, Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle

Further uphill from Bairro Alto, is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon – Alfama. This neighborhood is home to many iconic monuments that overlook the city of Lisbon. The National Pantheon, Se Cathedral, the Lisbon Cathedral, Sao Jorge Castle to name a few. 

When you ride the tram you can also get down at Graca, another neighborhood known for its unique street art. It is an off-beat area, but if you wish to check out the city highlights only on this 2 day Lisbon trip, then Alfama is the place to be. 

You won’t be able to explore all of these as you are on a short trip. But what you can do is to take the walking tour and reach Alfama. From where the walking tour ends, take a taxi to quickly arrive at the Castelo de São Jorge.

From the Castelo de São Jorge, you can see some of the amazing views of Lisbon, so a trip to the castle complex is worth it. The entire complex will take a couple of hours for you to completely explore, so set aside 1-1.50 hours for checking out the main spots.

The same goes for the Lisbon Cathedral and the National Pantheon. We recommend viewing them from outside, or a pay a quick visit, as you only have 2 days in Lisbon.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol – Scenic viewpoints

One of the most popular viewpoints of Lisbon is located in the Alfama district – Miradouro das Portas do Sol. You can see the amazing red roofs of Lisbon and the blue river! 

Commerce Square and Rua Augusta Arch

From the highs of Alfama, let’s head down to the historic city centre again. And this time to Commerce Square.

The Praca do Comércio is a large plaza that was built on the ruins of the previous royal palace. The palace was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

Following the earthquake, the enlightened Prime Minister of Portugal, Marquis of Pombal came up with new urban planning and building designs called the Pombaline – which were anti-seismic buildings. The bright yellow quarters that you see around the square are filled with restaurants and offices today.

In the center of the square is the statue of King Jose I facing the river Tagus.

The river Tagus (and marble steps leading to it) is on the south end of Commerce Square and is the perfect place for a quick stroll.

At the north end of Commerce Square, you will see a triumphal arch. Rua Augusta Triumphal arch was built to celebrate the victory of the city against the earthquake.

Watch a live Fado show in Chiado (or do fado & food together for the evening)

From Arc Rua Augusta, head to Chiado again for a live fado show. (Chiado is 11 minutes walk from the Rua Augusta Arch. Along the way, you can stop for food or street entertainment).

Fado is a musical genre that originated in Portugal in the mid 19 th century. The music is characterized by melancholic tones and refers to the sea and the loneliness associated with it.

You can watch a 50-minute live fado show “Fado in Chiado”.  BOOK FADO IN CHIADO HERE .

If you are a foodie and wish to explore Lisbon with all its delicacies, then a food tour is a good idea to experience it in a short time.  BOOK FADO AND FOOD TOUR IN LISBON HERE

The Pink Street – Rua Navalaho

If you would like to do dinner by yourself, then the Cais de Sobre area is a good option. The famed Pink Street is located in the same neighborhood, along with the most visited (touristy hangout place) – Time out Market. You will find tons of places to eat on Pink Street itself.

Pink Street was once upon a time Lisbon’s red-light district and today it is bustling with nighttime activities.

If the Pink Street or party/nightlife activities is not your thing – then after the fado (or fado and food tour), head to Rossio Square .

Rossio Square is one of the central squares of Lisbon and the plaza is always filled with people – locals and tourists. At the centre of the square, you will see a tall statue of King Pedro IV. 

This is a good spot to see trams coming and going, and also a perfect Instagram spot in Lisbon . You can sit and hang out here – in the midst of history, enjoy a paste da nata – a Portuguese sweet delicacy, and catch a train (or taxi ride) home (aka your hotel in Lisbon).

Day 2 of Lisbon 2 day Itinerary

For day 2 of your 2 days in Lisbon Itinerary, we have 2 itineraries for you.

Option: 1 – Explore Belem and hop on and hop off tour of the rest of Lisbon

• Option: 2 – Day trip to Pena Palace and then Belem Tower and area for the afternoon/evening

Belem tower

The district of Belem is located to the west of Lisbon and is known for its iconic Belem tower and monastery – Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To make the most of your day, we recommend taking a hop on and hop off tour to arrive in Belem. You can also reach Belem via train from Lisbon.

Torre de Belém is a 15th-century tower that was created as a getaway to the sea. You can save some time and skip the entry to the tower and admire the tower from a distance.

From the ports in Belem, you can see the stunning 25 de April Bridge, named after the Carnation Revolution. The Pont de 25 April Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting

You will see a large statue of Jesus Christ of Almada which was erected to express gratitude as Portugal was spared from the horrors of World War II.

BOOK HOP ON AND HOP OFF TOUR OF LISBON

Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument of Discoveries

A short distance away from the sightseeing area of Belém tower, you will see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos or Monument of Discoveries.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos was created for the World Expo of 1929 and the structure is dedicated to the sea discoveries and everyone who made it possible from sailors, navigators to mathematicians, and everyone in between.

Such a great testimony to the world pioneers and explorers of the world!

In terms of history and singing praises of the sea discovery, Lisbon didn’t disappoint us. It stands behind their heritage and the stories and tales of Vasco da Gama can be heard with pride.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or the Jerónimos Monastery

Another place to learn about maritime stories is a visit to the impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This is a 16th-century Order of Saint Jerome Monastery and inside it houses a Maritime Museum.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a popular tourist site, so expect long queues to get inside. BOOK ENTRY TICKET TO JERONIMOS MONASTERY

Oceanaria de Lisbon, Torre Vasco da Gama, Oriente

If you are taking a hop on and hop off tour, we recommend exploring the newer side of the city of Lisbon.

This sightseeing tour will take you to the Parque das Nações where you can explore the Oceanaria de Lisbon, Torre Vasco da Gama, and Oriente. All of these sites take you from 16th-century architecture to the 20th-century land of World Trade Expos.

Oceanaria de Lisbon is Europe’s largest oceanarium and is home to over 8000 species. You can spend 1-2 hours here easily. They also hold permanent and temporary exhibitions in the oceanaria.

BOOK : Here is a day ticket allowing you to visit the Oceanaria de Lisbon.

Parque Edward VII | Self guided walking tour for best views over Lisbon

End your 2 days in Lisbon by taking a walk (downhill) from Parque Edward VII. This open space at the top of the Avenida da Liberdade provides some of the best views over the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

The park has green spaces and pedestrian walking areas. When you walk downhill, you will reach the Marquis of Pombal Square – an important roundabout of the city, dedicated to the Prime Minister of Portugal, the 1 st Marquis of Pombal – Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo. 

For dinner today, head to the Avenida da Liberdade.

Alternate/Option: 2 – Day trip to Pena Palace and then Belem Tower and area for the afternoon/evening

An alternative itinerary for the second day in Lisbon consists of venturing outside the city limits to Sintra and an afternoon-evening in Belem.

Many travelers visiting Lisbon, wish to add a quick day trip to the Pena Palace located in Sintra. This 2 days in Lisbon itinerary to help you do that. 

Lisbon to Sintra is just 40 minutes away. You can take a train to Sintra from the Rossio station in Lisbon. After arriving in Sintra station, head to the town center to take a 434 bus to reach the Pena Palace.

You can combine Belem tower and Sintra on a day tour for ease of travel . Or do it yourself. 

Tip: If you prefer a tour combining Belem and Sintra, here is a recommended tour. BOOK BELEM AND SINTRA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FROM LISBON

The Pena Palace is a stunning Romanticist castle. It is located at a top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains. The bright yellow and red colors against the green forest make for a perfect postcard capture.

On a half-day trip to Sintra, you can explore the Pena Palace terraces and park, have lunch in the city center, and then return back to Lisbon by 02:00 pm. BOOK PENA PALACE PARK TICKET

The above ticket is for entering the palace grounds only and doesn’t include access to the staterooms. It is recommended that you book tickets online so that you are not waiting in line to get in.

Just like Lisbon, wear comfortable walking shoes to Sintra Pena Palace.

There is a 4 hour Sintra Pena Palace tour, leaving from Lisbon at 09:00 am, and returning by 01:00 pm. This is a good option to add to your 2 days in Lisbon for ease of travel. You can request the tour guide to drop you in Belem for the afternoon.

The tour includes hotel pick up (and drop off), but entry to the palace is additional. BOOK YOUR HALF DAY SINTRA TOUR HERE.

In the afternoon, when you arrive in Belem via train or tour, explore the two main attractions of the district – Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or the Jerónimos Monastery. 

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is open from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, so we recommend tackling that first. Also, there could be long line-ups. From there you can also see the impressive Monument of Discoveries.

Thereafter spend the evening at the Torre de Belem area. Even if the entry to the Belem tower is closed, don’t worry you can take pictures from outside and it looks lovely during sunset.

To make your experience even richer, take a cruise in the Tagus river and enjoy a nice dinner by the port, before returning to Lisbon. BOOK 2 HOUR SUNSET – RIVER CRUISE

Sightseeing Map – 2 day Lisbon Itinerary

Other Things to do in Lisbon Portugal

Since our very first visit to Lisbon, we have traveled there many more times; and checked off more places from our bucket list. 

The 2 day Lisbon itinerary outlined above is still the best way to see the city for a first-time visitor. However, there are other sightseeing attractions and activities that you may wish to add or swap based on your interests,

Located in the neighborhood of Alcântara, about 3 km (1.86 miles) away from the Lisbon city centre is the coolest LX Factory! We recommend visiting the LX Factory when you explore Belem, due to its distance. 

Now the LX Factory is home to hip restaurants, cafes, creative spaces, and more. It is set in an old industrial area of Lisbon. So, a converted warehouse of sorts! This is a great place to hang out, work, shop, and even book a hostel to stay over there. 

The original site of LX Factory dates back to the year 1846, when one of Lisbon’s most important textile manufacturing companies, “Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense”, was set up here. For years, this industrial area was neglected. 

And then in 2008, it was uplifted into a new attraction – the LX Factory. There are no entry fees to visit the site.

Cooking Class in Lisbon

A cooking class or a workshop to learn how to make Pastel de Nata is a great way to spend an afternoon in Lisbon. This is a class I took – it was a 2 hour hands-on cooking class . It was such a fun experience. 

We made Pastel de Nata, which is so popular in Portugal. You will be making the pastry and another savory dish, and also eat it later! 

The cooking class also offers tea, coffee, and a light meal to share after cooking.

Pub Crawl in Bairro Alto District

Join a pub crawl in Bairro Alto. This is a guided walking tour in Lisbon’s nightlife district in which you will visit 3 clubs and bars throughout the night. There is also free beer and/or sangria to kickstart the tour!

Private Sintra Tour with Cellar Visit & Wine Tasting

This is a full-day tour of Sintra with wine tasting. In order to participate in this tour, a full day is required (suggested the second day in Lisbon). 

The guided tour beings with a stop at the Palace of Queluz, built in the 18th century, and then continues on to Sintra. It covers Sintra National Palace, Moorish Castle, and Pena Palace before arriving at the most westerly point in continental Europe – Cabo da Roca. 

Wine tasting is included at the cellars of Adega Regional de Colares. Before departing for Lisbon, the tour also stops at the charming resort town of Cascais.

Day trips from Lisbon Portugal

One of the best aspects of visiting Lisbon is its close proximity to other interesting and exciting destinations. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an active day of sightseeing, there are plenty of day trips to choose from when traveling around Portugal.

Sintra , of course, is a popular choice from Lisbon. But there are more – and all within 40 minutes to less than 2 hours of travel. Those looking for a beach escape can take a day trip to the seaside town of Cascais or head further down the coast to Ericeira where they can surf some of Europe’s best waves.

History buffs will love a day trip to Evora , an ancient city full of Roman ruins and beautiful churches. Obidos is another great destination. This charming medieval village is known for its white-washed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. 

Places such as Fatima and Batalha are also easy trips from Lisbon. Finally, the picturesque fishing village of Nazare is a popular destination with stunning views, huge waves, and a rich history.

Add one of these destinations to extend your 2 days in Lisbon itinerary! 

Read : 4 days in Lisbon

Lisbon Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Lisbon, the best time to visit is between April and May, and then September and October. During these off-season months, temperatures are mild and the weather is generally sunny. 

Summers are very warm and worth visiting for the carnival events (June) and other festivities taking place in the city!

It’s also important to keep in mind that compared to other European cities, Lisbon is relatively inexpensive.

A great place to stay in Lisbon is within the city centre where you can easily access public transportation like buses, trains, and trams. There are also many hostels, bed, and breakfast inns, and hotels to choose from. 

For those looking for luxury accommodations, there are plenty of high-end options available in central Lisbon.

When visiting Lisbon it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. The city has a low crime rate but it’s still important to take the necessary precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night, keep your valuables secure, and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Lisbon is an amazing city with lots to explore. From the beaches and monuments to the delicious seafood restaurants and colorful markets, Lisboa will just melt your heart!

With the right planning and a little preparation, your trip to Lisbon will be an unforgettable experience! We hope you have a great time in Lisbon. We SOO love this city!

Other Posts on Lisbon | Portugal Travel Guides 

• Sintra Guide – Get the day trip itinerary from Lisbon to Sintra
• Lisbon Airbnbs – Best Airbnbs in Lisbon for your stay
• Day trips from Lisbon – Guide to day-trip ideas from Lisbon to add to your vacation
• Portugal & Spain itinerary – Itinerary for Spain and Portugal in 10 – 14 days

Europe Travel Planning Posts

If this is your first trip to Europe, read these handy guides

• First time to Europe? Get our  Europe Planning guide and checklist 
• Schengen Visa Application – Read this Schengen visa guide 
• What to pack for Europe? Get the Packing List for Europe for your travels
• Europe trip samples –  One week in Europe Itinerary Samples for your inspiration

Pin: 2 days in Lisbon: A perfect Lisbon 2 days Itinerary 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Many airlines have 'stopover' programs that let travelers tour a city between connecting flights, and some will even pay for a hotel — here's how to book them

• Many people intentionally book flights with long connections so they can explore the layover city.
• Airlines capitalize on this trend with "stopover" programs, some even offering free hotels and food.
• These stopovers benefit travelers, airlines, and the carrier's home country by boosting tourism.

A special segment of adventurous travelers will purposely book itineraries with long connections in layover cities just to leave the airport and explore for a few hours or days between flights.

Airlines have jumped on this growing trend with built-in "stopover" programs, which can come with free or discounted hotels, excursions, transportation, and food at the layover destination.

It's basically a vacation within a vacation.

Although it sounds too good to be true, stopovers benefit everyone involved. Travelers get more choices and don't have to be confined to an airport, airlines gain customers who may have otherwise chosen a nonstop option on a competitor, and the carrier's home country sees a boost in tourism.

Plus, the cheap or complimentary accommodations typically come at a small cost to airlines, thanks to partnerships with local hotels or tour companies.

Not all stopover programs are structured with an emphasis on tourism, though, as some were created simply to offer conveniences during long layovers. Still, they are a way to secure a free hotel and explore an extra city.

Here are 22 global airline stopover programs, each lasting anywhere from hours to months.

Many carriers allow stopovers to be added to a regular cash booking, but some are only available via award tickets . This means the flight was paid for using points/miles or a combination of points/miles and cash.

Air Canada has a stopover option built into its Aeroplan loyalty program. It allows customers booking award flights to add a stop on international journeys and explore practically any city the airline flies to outside the US and Canada.

The add-on costs 5,000 Aeroplan points each way and can only be booked if the stop is at least 24 hours, capping out at 45 days.

Air France/KLM

Air France and Dutch carrier KLM's Flying Blue loyalty program offers a stopover of 24 hours or more in a connecting city on either carrier or their airline partners.

The option is free to add to award tickets, and passengers can stay up to a year in the stopover city.

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines offers a free one-night hotel stay for transfer passengers with connection times lasting between six and 30 hours, though there are some time and route restrictions.

Breakfast and transportation are included for eligible travelers.

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines' Panama stopover program allows customers to spend anywhere from 24 hours to seven days in the nation's capital, Panama City, on their outbound or return trip.

The option is free for the first stopover, but a second stopover can cost up to $250 plus taxes. Copa offers discounted hotels and tours that can be booked via its stopover website.

Emirates allows a stopover in Dubai with the option to add discounted tours or hotel bookings to the itinerary via its website.

The UAE carrier also has a " Dubai Connect " program that gives passengers with layovers between 6 and 26 hours, depending on the cabin, a complimentary hotel, transfers, meals, and any needed visa.

Dubai Connect only triggers if the customer takes the next available flight. Essentially, you can't intentionally book a longer layover to quality for the free stopover hotel.

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines' transit program gives customers flying via Addis Ababa a free hotel, transit visa, and transfers during layovers lasting between eight and 24 hours.

The hotel on the airline's website is the Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel, located inside the airport.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways offers a stopover in its Abu Dhabi hub, which comes with an undisclosed discount at select three-star hotels for up to two nights.

Two and four-night stays can be booked at more luxurious four and five-star hotels at a 40% discount. The minimum stay is 24 hours.

Although Etihad's website says it is temporarily unavailable, the airline used to allow eligible travelers to use a so-called Transit Connect Package that provided a free hotel near the airport for layovers lasting 10 to 24 hours. It is unclear when or if the program is returning.

Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways offers a stopover program in Fiji for those traveling to and from Australia, New Zealand, and other South Pacific nations.

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Hotels and activities like ziplining and beach resorts can be booked through the airline as part of the stopover package.

Finnair allows passengers to book 6, 12, or 24-hour layovers in Helsinki at no additional fare charge and outlines itinerary ideas and information on its website , like transportation, free walking tours, and restaurants.

Customers can book a hotel through the airline and earn Finnair Plus points.

Iberia customers can plan a stopover in Madrid to or from an international destination for one to six nights at no extra cost.

Discounts on hotels, excursions, and transfers in the Spanish capital are available through Iberia.

Icelandair offers a stopover option for one to seven days in its capital city of Reykjavik on transatlantic itineraries for no additional charge.

The airline offers itinerary help and assistance in booking excursions and tours. Hotels need to be booked separately.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines considers itself one of the "most stopover -friendly" carriers in the world.

The stopovers, which trigger at 24 hours, are not limited to JAL's hubs in Tokyo but can be enjoyed in places like Osaka and Kyoto using the airline's multi-city booking tool.

Latam Airlines

Latam Airlines offers stopovers for between one and three days on flights that connect in São Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Recife, Manaus, Curitiba, and Belem. Only international itineraries that connect in São Paulo.

Hotels and amenities can be booked via Latam, but the stopover booking is free.

Oman Air offers customizable stopover packages to give travelers time to explore the country's capital, Muscat, and beyond. An additional fare charge may be applicable, though the airline does not fly to the US.

Packages and a-la-carte options include discounted hotels for up to three nights, as well as organized tours, meals, and transfers.

Australian flag carrier Qantas offers its stopovers in a similar manner to JAL in that multi-city bookings can be manipulated to add extra days between flights in layover cities, like Bangkok, Osaka, or San Francisco.

This comes at no extra cost on eligible Qantas fares and can be used on its Oneworld partner airlines.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways' stopover program allows passengers with a minimum layover of 12 hours and up to 24 hours to choose from a list of deeply discounted four and five-star hotels. Certain flight itineraries allow for up to four nights.

Nightly hotel rates start at $14 per person for 1 night at four-star standard hotels, with premium five-star beach hotels starting at $30 per person for one night.

Royal Jordanian Airlines

Royal Jordanian Airlines' transit program gives economy and business-class travelers with at least eight and six-hour layovers, respectively, a free hotel room, meals, and transit, assuming certain fare conditions are met.

However, the connecting flight must be the earliest possible — meaning, similar to Emirates, passengers can't intentionally book a longer layover to be eligible for the complimentary perks.

Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines, or SWISS, has a multi-city stopover booking tool on its website that allows passengers to find itineraries with extra days in Switzerland.

The cost of hotels and other perks is on the customer, though.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines' stopover program is available via the multi-city tool, similar to other carriers, where travelers can add hotels, transfers, and activities. The stopover can last one to seven days.

Singapore also offers free transit tours to passengers with layover times between five and a half and 24 hours at Singapore's Changi Airport. It's first-come, first-serve and includes sightseeing around Singapore.

TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal allows customers to add a stopover in Lisbon or Porto between one and 10 days, offering discounts on hotels, food, and activities.

It also offers 25% off a domestic flight to a second Portuguese destination, like the Azores or Madeira islands, to take during the stopover.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines' stopover program gives economy travelers a one-night free hotel stay and business flyers a two-night free stay if the period between their connecting flights in Istanbul exceeds 20 hours.

Those traveling from the US in economy class can stay up to two nights in a four-star hotel, while those traveling in business can stay up to three nights in a five-star hotel.

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These 12 Wrinkle-free Travel Clothes Will Be the M.V.P.s of Your Suitcase — and They’re Starting at $23

They pack like a dream.

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Travel + Leisure

I’m one of those people who can’t leave the house in good conscience with wrinkles all over my outfit. But it’s hard to avoid when you travel. I’ve tried every method — rolling things up Marie Kondo-style, laying each item flat and piling it, using packing cubes — but wrinkles are just a reality of the jet-set lifestyle. Sure, I could bring a travel steamer or mini iron, but there's not always room for one in my carry-on. Or, I could curate a wardrobe packed with wrinkle-resistant tops, bottoms, and one-pieces . That way I can skip the part where I have the ironing board set up and my travel companions are impatiently scrolling through their phones because they’re inevitably ready before me.

Some clothes are specially constructed to be wrinkle-resistant, and you’ll find that in the product messaging. But other times, you just have to look at the materials on the label. Some fabrics, like linen and cotton, though great for the warmer weather, are notorious for wrinkling at the drop of a hat. Others have the natural ability to resist and repel wrinkles. These fabrics include (but are not limited to) Supima cotton, lyocell (brand-name Tencel), an eco-friendly acetate called triacetate, charmeuse, and certain types of polyester. Luckily, a lot of your favorite brands are already on board with the convenience of wrinkle-free clothes. Among them are Athleta, Everlane, Madewell and Summersault. And of course, you can dig around Amazon and find your fair share of wrinkle-resistant clothes that travel well, too. 

Below, I've rounded up 12 of my favorites, from tanks and polos to rompers and cover-ups. Bonus points for the pieces that include other travel-friendly features, like UPF protection and moisture-wicking fabrics. Bottom line: packing these pieces will make your trip go a lot smoother. Your travel buddies can thank me later.

Timeson Three-quarter-sleeve Blouse

A crisp white blouse is a travel M.V.P., but it’s usually made of quick-to-wrinkle cotton. Not this sheer Timeson blouse from Amazon, though. It’s got wrinkle-resistant polyester (with a touch of stretchy spandex) and has a more relaxed silhouette than a traditional Oxford shirt with its tunic-style design. My white blouses are in constant rotation when I travel because they’re so versatile, and this one is unique in that its precise length allows it to look great tucked in or left loose. Plus, it pairs nicely even with yoga pants. Take it from this shopper : “I packed this blouse in a suitcase for a trip and it didn't wrinkle." 

PrettyGarden Midi Summer Dress

Twirl your way through the vineyards in this pretty poplin PrettyGarden dress made with wrinkle-resistant polyester. Its pleated skirt, ruffled hem, and keyhole front make it fun and flirty for any warm-weather destination. And, you can dress it up or down depending on your accessories, so wear it straight out of your suitcase for whatever's next on your itinerary. According to one Amazon customer , it “washes well, never wrinkles" and is "very classy and feminine." 

Babaton New Power Blazer

This long, versatile blazer by Aritzia-favorite brand Babaton is my go-to for travel and the perfect layer to help any outfit transition from day to night. I’ve worn it to elevate a white-tee-and-jeans look and over a bodycon dress for a bit more modesty. Its open front, collarless design and ruched, three-quarter sleeves keep it looking chic instead of stuffy, and the fabric is made of eco-friendly triacetate with a touch of polyester — which is the reason why I can literally ball it up in my suitcase and it will never wrinkle. 

Summersalt The Silky Luxe Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt

With Summersalt's Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt, You can pack up your beach bag with all of the essentials and not have to worry about your swimsuit cover-up getting smushed by your towel, books, snacks, and sunscreen. It's made with silky charmeuse fabric and is specifically designed to resist wrinkles. As the name implies, this skirt can be worn as part of your post-beach outfit thanks to its stunning print, stylish details, and maxi skirt length that provides the right amount of coverage for a restaurant or walk around the city. 

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Open-front Cardigan

I’m so glad cardigans are on-trend again because they truly come in handy when I visit places that are hot during the day and chilly at night (Mexico City and Lisbon, I’m talking to you). Roll up this lightweight, best-selling Amazon Essentials cardigan and pop it in your tote without worry because it’s got modal and polyester mixed in, so it won’t look crumpled when you pull it out at night. A reviewer confirmed that it's “wrinkle-resistant and packs well,” and you have your choice of 20 colors and prints to help it maximize your travel wardrobe. 

REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda Shorts 

Outdoor activities in warmer temps call for shorts that are comfy and rugged, and this pair by REI Co-op is the brand’s answer for Bermuda shorts fans. Not only are these water-repellent, stretchy, and outfitted with UPF sun protection, but they’re also wrinkle-resistant thanks to their resilient nylon construction. I’m not even a regular hiker, but there seems to be a spontaneous hike on almost every extended trip that I take, so this pair is going in my cart for summer. 

Madewell Pull-on Wide-leg Pants in Softdrape

Another great fabric option for the wrinkle-free travel life is lyocell — also known by its brand-name Tencel — a sustainable type of rayon that’s known for being super soft, durable, and breathable. That’s what Madewell’s Softdrape fabric is made up of, making its elastic-waist Wide-leg Pants the perfect pair for all-day wear. They can be dressed up or down and paired with anything from a T-shirt or tank to a button-down blouse or bodysuit. According to one reviewer, "They're so comfortable, flattering and stylish. The material is super lightweight and flowy. They'd be flattering on any body type." 

Lands’ End Moisture-wicking UPF Sun Curved Hem Tunic Tank Top

Land's End 

A soft polyester blend fabric is responsible for making sure that this performance tank top won’t wrinkle, and its UPF 50 sun protection helps shield you from UV rays on long walks and hikes. The ribbed top also wicks away sweat and resists odors, comes in eight cute colors, and pairs perfectly with leggings and shorts. I wore a top just like this to go off-roading in a military tank in the Czech Republic, and wish that I had it for my jeep tour of Sintra, Portugal. It also would have come in handy during my Kenyan safari. Moral of the story? Your travels will often present you with hot-weather, open-sun activities, so you’ll never regret packing a top that does as much as this one does. Use the code " FAVORITES " to get select colors on sale for as little as $23. 

Athleta Essential Tee Dress

You’ll always find an occasion to wear this T-shirt dress from Athleta, a brand that masters the intersection between stylish and high-performing activewear and travel clothes. The dress has a playful, flowy shape constructed of breathable, wrinkle-resistant Supima cotton and comes in four colors, including classic gray and black (plus bold hues like orchid pink and rosewood red). The dress makes getting ready a breeze, too — just put it on and pair it with sandals or sneakers, and you’re good to go. One customer wrote, ”I took to Hawaii for spring break… [it was a] comfortable, cute, easy-to-pack, pretty dress." 

Basudam Golf Polo Shirt

If a round of tennis, pickleball, or golf is on the agenda, this wrinkle-free polyester polo shirt should be in your suitcase. Its modified V-neck collar gives it a visual twist to make it more fashionable than your average polo. It’s also moisture-wicking and stretchy enough to handle a day filled with sports, but polished enough to keep you looking put together for post-game drinks or grub. “Female golfer here," an Amazon shopper began their review. "This shirt will be my go-to and I plan on buying every color. It's lightweight, super cute, and comfortable."

Everlane The Supima High-neck Riviera Dress

The importance of a comfy midi or maxi dress that doesn’t cling can’t be overstated. I’ve had at least one in my luggage since I became a travel writer, and this High-neck Riviera Dress from Everlane that's made with wrinkle-resistant Supima cotton fits the bill beautifully. It’s the perfect style to pair with Birkenstocks or with your favorite pair of white, all-day walking sneakers. “I am not usually a huge dress girl, but I will definitely be wearing this for spring and upcoming summer months, too," an Everlane shopper raved, adding that they "have already paired it with a jean jacket and black slides." 

Athleta Brooklyn Utility Romper

Another wardrobe essential that I’d never travel without is a romper or jumpsuit, as one-pieces just make an easy no-brainer for getting dressed and looking put together fast. They also cinch my waist and skim my figure in a way that leaves me feeling confident and securely covered to handle whatever's on my itinerary for the day. Athleta’s Brooklyn Utility Romper takes it the extra mile by being wrinkle-free, too. Plus, it has UPF-protective fabric and resists snags and rips. According to one reviewer, it's “lightweight and simple" and you can "dress it up with a jacket or just go sleeveless." 

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