travel plans lisbon

Lisbon Tourism Guide

The best lisbon trip planner, travel tips and insider’s guide.

K nown for being one of Europe’s most laid-back and sunniest capitals , Lisbon has become a trendy city break destination . Built on seven hills, it’s an incredibly scenic and romantic city, and has an unrivalled position by the sea , with several sandy beaches just minutes from downtown. Offering historical sights and fun in the sun (still at reasonable prices ), it’s a European capital like no other, and one that you’ll want to return to time and again.

Lisbon Travel Planner

Helpful insider tips to plan the perfect days in the city:.

50 Best Things to Do Where to go and what to see

The Best Neighborhoods Know where to stay

Transportation Guide How to get around Lisbon

30 Best Viewpoints The Best Views of Lisbon

10 Best Beaches The Beautiful Lisbon Coast

10 Best Day Trips Where to Go Around Lisbon

How many days in lisbon.

You should spend at least three days in Lisbon, but the city is also a great destination for an extended summer holiday. The “Age of Discovery” attractions of Belém take an entire day to explore, while another day could be split between Alfama and the Parque das Nações district, and a third should be set aside for a day trip to Sintra . A fourth or more days would allow you to head to the beach or enjoy a walk by the sea in Cascais , and explore alternative corners of the capital and museums of interest. Lisbon is also a good base to discover other highlights of Portugal, such as Évora , Óbidos , or the fishing-villages-turned-surfing-meccas Ericeira and Nazaré .

When to Visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is a year-round destination, with warm summers and mild winters. Hot summer temperatures are cooled off by the Atlantic breeze, while in winter they never reach the freezing point. Although it’s known as a sunny city and for being the European capital with the mildest winters, it can also rain for days between November and April. Weather at that time of the year is quite unpredictable, but in the spring there may be downpours for one hour followed by clear skies and sun. Because many of Lisbon’s top attractions are outdoors (the viewpoints, beaches, and even the palace-hopping in Sintra), visiting in the wettest months may not be a good idea. The high tourist season is between June and early September, so the prices of accommodation go up at that time. Late May and mid-September may be the best times to visit, as temperatures are mild, it’s good enough for days at the beach, and the crowds are fewer. If you must visit in the summer, make sure you book accommodation well in advance.

10 Things You Should Know Before You Visit Lisbon

1 . Lisbon is very hilly , but walks are rewarded with magnificent views at the top, from various “miradouros” ( viewpoints ). Each offers a different perspective, and miradouro -hopping is one of the city’s most memorable (and Instagram-worthy) experiences.

2 . The coast around Lisbon has a variety of beautiful beaches . Some have the perfect waves for surfing , others have no waves at all, but they’re all clean and sandy. Some are crowded, others are wild and nearly deserted. If you’ll be in the city in the spring and summer months, try to prolong your stay for one or more days at the beach.

3 . Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest cities (it’s the second-oldest capital after Athens), but most of the center dates from the late 1700s. That’s because one of the worst recorded earthquakes destroyed most of it in 1755, and it had to be completely rebuilt. Only four central neighborhoods predate the disaster — the ancient Alfama and Mouraria below the castle, Madragoa close to the riverfront, and Bairro Alto , laid out in the early 1500s up on a hill. Wandering around these “bairros históricos” (historic neighborhoods or old quarters) is one of the city’s most rewarding experiences, especially if you love to photograph.

4 . Lisbon started as a Phoenician trading port called Alis Ubbo (“Delightful Shore”), then became part of the Roman empire, before being taken over by the Visigoths and the Moors. When the new nation of Portugal was founded in 1139 in northern Iberia, the king decided to expand his territory and conquered the lands to the south, which included Lisbon, in 1147. It became the Portuguese capital in 1385, and ended up ruling a global empire in the “Age of Discovery” (15th and 16th centuries). The city’s most iconic landmarks date from this last period, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery , both World Heritage Sites and prime examples of Manueline architecture (a Portuguese late Gothic style).

5 . To reach the top of the tallest hills, nothing can beat the good-old trams and funiculars. Lisbon preserves vintage vehicles with wooden interiors, and they go through some of the city’s most picturesque streets. The only disadvantage is that they’re public transportation, so are always crowded and can be uncomfortable if you don’t get a seat. Fortunately, there are now routes just for tourists, where you can always comfortably enjoy the ride and the views along the way: Lisbon tram tours

6 . One of Lisbon’s most striking features is its use of decorative tiles (“azulejos”) to adorn entire façades . Those may be geometric patterns, solid colors or monumental murals. The tradition started in the 1700s, and is often still applied to modern buildings. Inside churches and palaces you’ll mostly see blue-and-white panels from the Baroque period, creating a distinct architecture that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

7 . Lisbon has become a major center for street art , with two big local names leaving their mark on the city -- Vhils (who sculpts faces on buildings) and Bordalo II (who creates art from trash). You’ll surely find their pieces as you walk around the city, together with works by foreign artists.

8 . Lisbon is one of only a few cities in the world which developed its own musical style . Buenos Aires has its tango, New Orleans has jazz, Rio de Janeiro moves to samba, and Seville dances to flamenco, while Lisbon listens to fado. It’s mostly nostalgic and melancholic poems recited to the sound of guitars, but you don’t need to understand the words to feel the emotion of a performance. You may hear it at “casas de fado” (or “fado houses”), which are restaurants with live performances by professional or amateur singers, mostly in the neighborhoods of Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto.

9 . A balmy climate invites the people of Lisbon to enjoy their nights on the streets. No weekend in the city is complete without bar-hopping in the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré -- everyone buys a drink inside and stays chatting by the door or on the street, before moving to another bar to repeat the dose.

10 . The younger generation in Lisbon speaks English quite well , so you won’t have a problem communicating. Still, learn a few basic words in Portuguese: “ obrigado ” is “thank you” (never use “gracias” — you’re not in Spain!), “ bom dia ” is “good morning”, “ boa tarde ” is "good afternoon," " boa noite " is “good evening/night,” and “ fala inglês? ” is “do you speak English?”

Official Lisbon Tourism Office

Everything you need to plan your visit to Lisbon is on this website. It provides useful tips and information from locals and travel experts, not associated with or sponsored by any local business, organization or institution -- it’s entirely independent and unbiased. However, if you still have any questions when you’re in the city, pass by the official tourism office, which is located in the main square, Praça do Comércio . Another tourist office is found in Restauradores Square , also offering information about other destinations in Portugal.

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Where to Stay

Hotels in Alfama and the Castle

Hotels on Avenida da Liberdade

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Itinerary Advice

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On a Rainy Day

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Jerónimos Monastery

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Travel and food, with a dash of adventure

25 Tips for Your First Trip to Lisbon, Portugal

By Brianna | April 18, 2018

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Lisbon, Portugal seems to be on everyone’s travel radar these days. Europe’s second oldest capital is equal parts grit and grandeur with both a timeless appeal and modern allure. Lisbon has centuries of history and tradition but is also fiercely independent with a creative streak which makes it one of the most captivating cities in Europe. With so much to see, do and eat planning to travel to Lisbon can be a little daunting, but armed with these tips you can make your first trip to Lisbon one to remember.

This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small  commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

1.Arriving to Lisbon

The Lisbon Portela Airport is Portugal’s main international hub and is well serviced by over 30 airlines. For the most direct way to reach your hotel taxis and Uber are plentiful and costs apporoximately 15 Euro. The most affordable ways to get to Lisbon’s city center are the Metro ( a 25 minute trip on the red line connecting through Saldanha station) or by bus with multiple bus routes serving the city. Check Lisbon Airport’s site for the lastest route information. Visitors from the EU, Britain, Canada and the US do not need a visa, check Visit Portugal for the latest entry requirements.

2.Transportation in Lisbon

Public transportation in Lisbon is decent but not as good as other European capitals. The VivaViagem card is reusable (and offers discounted fares vs. single fare tickets) and can be used for trams, buses, trains and the metro. Taxis, tuk-tuks and Uber are also widely available.

3. Money in Portugal

As part of the EU Lisbon uses the Euro, but compared to other European capitals your money goes far here making Lisbon a great destination for the budget traveler. ATMs are plentiful and most businesses accept credit cards. Beer or a glass of wine can be had for as little as 2 Euro, a quick sandwich for less than 5 Euro, casual menu del dia for 8 Euro and sit down dinners from 15 Euro.

4.Weather in Lisbon

Weather in Lisbon is fairly moderate with warm summers and cooler,wetter winters. Average high temperatures from June-August range from 80-90 degrees F (25-30 degrees C) while daytime temps in December-February average around 55 degrees F ( 13 degrees C) but are typically wetter than other times of the year. Spring and autumns are glorious with sunny days and average temperatures in the 70s F (22-26 degrees C).

5. Accommodations in Lisbon

Lisbon has a wide range of accommodations from budget hostels to boutique inns and luxury hotels. Renting an apartment is an increasingly popular option but with the popularity of Lisbon as a travel destination many apartment owners are opting to rent through short term sites like Airbnb instead of the traditional long term rental. This unfortunately has priced a lot of locals out of the center of Lisbon.

>Hostels in Lisbon  

>Boutique Hotels in Lisbon

>Luxury Hotels in Lisbon

6. Lisbon has hills. Seven of them.

Like Rome, Lisbon is a city of seven hills and no matter which direction you go it feels like you are always walking up. While I am more than happy to walk these hills (mainly so I can justify eating all the pastel de nata), the people of Lisbon have developed a few easier ways to traverse these steep hills including its famous trams and even an elevator in the middle of the city ( I’ll have more on these shortly).

Itinerary for Four Days in Lisbon

7. Make sure to wear good shoes

Lisbon’s sidewalk mosaic tiles are gorgeous but also quite slick. Be sure to wear shoes with good tread to avoid taking a spill.

8.Lisbon trams

Perhaps no other image is more associated with Lisbon than a yellow tram climbing the cobblestoned hills past historic tiled buildings (I may or may not have taken over 100 pictures of trams during my visit). Trams are a part of Lisbon’s public transport and can be a great way to get from point A to point B. Tram #28 is especially popular with tourists as it goes pasts several of Lisbon’s most popular sights however it can be quite crowded with wait times to board at over an hour. Tram #28’s popularity with tourists has also made it quite popular with pickpockets as well.

9. For the best views in Lisbon follow signs for Miraduoros

If you see a sign leading the way to a Miraduoro it would be a good idea to follow where it goes. These scenic overlooks can be found throughout Lisbon. For views overlooking the red tiled roofs of the Alfama district and the Tejo River head to Miraduoro Portas do Sol; or check out the Miraduoro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara near Barrio Alto for great views and people watching.

10. Take in Lisbon’s beautiful sunset views

More than any other city I’ve been to it seems like much of Lisbon was built solely for taking in amazing sunset views. Join the locals and end your day taking in some of the best sunsets in Europe.

Lisbon Neighborhoods

The Alfama district is a beautiful maze of cobblestone alleys, cozy squares, terracotta tiled roofs and surprises around every corner. Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighborhood was untouched by the earthquake of 1755 and today you’re still likely to the sounds of fado echoing through the alleys as you pass ladies hanging their laundry out to dry but you’ll also find Lisbon’s creative spirit on display in the form of colorful street art. The Alfama District is home to the 11th century Sao Jorge Castle and the Se Cathedral, which has been serving Lisbon’s catholic population since 1150.

12. Barrio Alto

A quiet residential neighborhood by day the Barrio Alto comes alive once the sun goes down. Bistros, bars and clubs keep the Barrio Alto buzzing late into the night.

13. Cais do Sodre

Once a seedy area frequented by hard-drinking sailors Cais do Sodre is now home to trendy bars and cafes. Be sure to stop by the Time Out Market and the Mercado da Ribiera to taste the best of Lisbon’s contemporary and traditional flavors.

To the west of downtown Lisbon lies Belem, once the port area for Lisbon and departure point for Portuguese explorers during the Age of Exploration. A visit to Belem is one of the top things to do in Lisbon . The Tower of Belem (which in my opinion would make an excellent Game of Thrones filming location) has been seeing off explorers since the 16th century. Nearby the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is an intricate Unesco World Heritage site with fantastical architecturl details. Belem is also home to Lisbon’s museum district including the contemporary MAAT ( Museum for Art, Architecture and Technology).

To reach Belem take the train or tram 15E from Cais do Sodre.

15.Chiado/Baixia

Located between Barrio Alto and Alfama the neighborhoods of Chiado and Baixia are Lisbon’s upscale neighborhoods. Chiado is artistic, with grand cafes, chic art galleries and a proud literary history. This is also where you’ll find some of Lisbon’s most beautiful architecture including the stunning Carmo Convent, a medieval convent that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 whose facade is beautiful and timeless. Baixia is home to wide leafy boulevards lined with tony boutiques and the Elevator de Santa Justa, a wrought iron lift that connects Chiado and Baixia. A popular tourist attraction, waits to ride the elevator can be over an hour. Snap a picture and go on your way.

Food and Drink in Lisbon

16.food in lisbon.

With a focus on simple, fresh ingredients food in Lisbon may be the most underrated cuisine in Europe. With miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean Lisbon is a seafood lovers paradise (more on that below); but carnivores should be sure to sample porco preto , Portugal’s beloved black pork. These Iberian pigs eat a diet of acorns from the cork oak trees that thrive in the Alentejo countryside producing pork with a distinctly nutty taste. Also not to be missed is presunto , a silky dry-cured ham that in my opinion is better than Spain’s jamon iberico. Caldo Verde is a simple but comforting classic Portuguese kale soup. I believe a food tour is a great way to get to know a city and its cuisine in a short amount of time, join one of the culinary walking tours with Backstreet Eats.

What to eat in Lisbon

17. those appetizers aren’t free.

It’s common for waiters to bring out a little plate of nibbles (known as couvert ) at the beginning of the meal that usually includes olives, bread and cheese but be aware it’s not a freebie. To avoid being charged politely send the plate of goodies back untouched.

From simply grilled sardine and freshly fried octopus to hundreds of ways to prepare cod (bacalhau) Lisbon is without a doubt one of the best cities for seafood lovers. Lisbon also elevates canned seafood to an art form. Colorful tins contain oil packed sardines, tuna, mackerel and smoked eel that is worlds above that sad can of tuna sitting in your pantry and make for a great souvenir to get in Lisbon .

19. Eat all the pastel de nata (and other pastries)

When you’re in Lisbon you really need to make it your mission to eat as much pastel de nata as humanly possible. This creamy, egg yolk-based custard tart is ubiquitous throughout Lisbon. The guide books will tell you to go to Pasteis de Belem, which has been serving up flaky tarts since 1837 but can also have up to a two hour wait. Instead get your tart fix at Manteigaria, a cozy art deco pasteleria in the Barrio Alto neighborhood. Aside from pastel de nata you will find bakeries on every corner filled with a diverse variety of Portuguese pastries. Be sure to pair your sweet treat with a cup of coffee or bica  (espresso), which is excellent thanks in part to Portugal’s close relationship with Brazil.

20. What to drink in Lisbon

You’re likely familiar with port, the sweet fortified wine from the north of Portugal, but Lisbon has a wide variety of great wine thanks to its proximity to the Alentejo. Whether you enjoy a glass with lunch or head to one of Lisbon’s many wine bars after the sun goes down wine is Lisbon is plentiful, affordable and above all very good.

The other drink you must try in Lisbon is ginjinha, a sweet liqueur made from sour cherries. Served straight or in a chocolate cup (my favorite), ginjinha can be found in the many kiosks that dot Lisbon.

The soulful melodies of fado are Lisbon’s version of the blues. Songs full of meloncholy and heartache sung with the masterful strums of a 12-string guitar are the soundtrack to Lisbon. Head to a tasca for authenic fado, Povo Lisboa  in Cais do Sodre and Tasca do Chico in Barrio Alto are local favorites.

22.Safety in Lisbon

Portugal has a fairly low crime rate but it’s advised to take the usual precautions as you would in any big city. Pick-pocketing and petty theft can be common in trams, particularly the touristy tram #28.

Day trips from Lisbon

Cascais is the closest beach town to downtown Lisbon . A 30 minute train ride from the Cais do Sodre train station this charming town offers sun drenched beaches, dramatic cliffside views of the Atlantic Ocean, whitewashed homes and perpetual sunshine. I was contemplating a move here 10 minutes after arriving.

>Hotels in Cascais

If you take only one day trip from Lisbon make it Sintra . The main draw in Sintra is the colorful fairytale castle of Pena Palace , but this Unesco World Heritage Site also boasts the medieval Moorish Castle and the whimsical home and gardens of Quinta de Regaliera .Trains to Sintra leave from Lisbon’s Rossio train station every half hour and the journey takes around 40 minutes.

>Hotels in Sintra

Evora is the heart of the Alentejo, Portugal’s largest wine and agricultural region. Explore Roman ruins and the Chapel of Bones (a church decorated with hundreds of bones from human skeletons) or taste your way through the nearby vineyards. Evora is about a 90 minute train or bus ride from Lisbon.

Hotels in Evora

More Lisbon and Portugal Inspiration

The Perfect Weekend in Lisbon

Amazing Scenic Lisbon Viewpoints

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal

What to See in Lisbon in Two Days

Planning a trip to Lisbon? Pin this post for later!

About the Author

Freelance travel writer and blogger who seeks out laid back luxury. Focus on culinary, adventure and nature travel. [READ ALL ARTICLES]

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Tamara says

April 19, 2018 at 8:09 am

Great tips, thank you! Perfect timing as I am headed there next week.

April 19, 2018 at 12:04 pm

#17 took us by surprise on our first trip! We learned quickly though! Great tips!

Esther says

April 20, 2018 at 12:41 pm

I agree with all of these! Visited Lisbon twice and couldn’t get enough. I also recommend Lux, an old textile factory now home to many independent shops and great restaurants and clubs. For a day on the beach I recommend Sesimbra over Cascais, it’s a lot less crowded and touristy. #WeekendWanderlust

April 20, 2018 at 1:47 pm

Amazing tips! I will definitely need them for when I go in the near future. Pinned.

Brianna says

April 27, 2018 at 9:41 pm

Goblinette says

April 20, 2018 at 5:37 pm

Great tips. Haven’t been in LIsbon yet, but it looks lovely.

April 27, 2018 at 9:42 pm

I loved Lisbon and can’t wait to go back!

April 20, 2018 at 5:42 pm

MMMM. Pastel de Nata is my favourite! Great resource!

April 27, 2018 at 9:43 pm

Pastel de nata is the best!

Obligatory Traveler says

April 20, 2018 at 9:37 pm

Great Post. Thanks for including so much great information, especially information about transportation. Since we usually don’t rent cars, it’s good to know the reliability of the public transportation. It’s also nice to know about the wait time for Tram #28 to meter expectations. The food and drinks look delicious. #WeekendWanderlust

April 27, 2018 at 9:45 pm

I hope you find this post helpful if you make it to Lisbon.

Sandi Kowalyshyn says

May 27, 2019 at 9:20 am

Hi Brianna! Can you tell me if it is safe to wear my diamond Jewelry in Lisbon?

Thanks! Sandi

Simone says

April 21, 2018 at 4:47 am

As I’ll be in Portugal during my van trip in September, I’ll definitely use all this infos once in Lisbon. Great pictures!

Can’t wait to see your adventures!

Rhonda Albom says

April 21, 2018 at 8:23 am

I skipped Lisbon when I travelled through Portugal years ago and have regretted it. You seem to have put all the basic travel information about Lisbon together in one spot. This is one resource that I will use when I return to see Lisbon.

Amanda Grace says

April 21, 2018 at 10:57 am

Yessss. This is exactly what I needed!!! Thank you for sharing.

April 27, 2018 at 9:48 pm

You will love Portugal!

Nicole says

April 21, 2018 at 11:24 am

This is a great post. I think that you cover many practical issues that travellers need to know in order arrive and move around the city easily. We spent days in Sintra a few years back and loved it there. We will definitely need to go back to Lisbon to explore more.

April 27, 2018 at 9:49 pm

Isn’t Sintra just magical?

Annie Soul says

April 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Great tips! I’m really looking forward to checking out some of the districts and food 🙂 thanks for the info!

April 27, 2018 at 9:50 pm

Any district or food pique your fancy?

Marcus and Mel says

April 21, 2018 at 1:19 pm

A great detailed and useful list. We were there last Spring and loved the place. You definitely need good shoes with all those hills and the pretty pavements are quite slippery, especially when wet. The Time Out Market offers a range of food suitable for all tastes. We really enjoyed our trip to Sintra, make sure you go early.

April 27, 2018 at 9:52 pm

Glad you enjoyed this post, I want to go back!

Lorial Roballo says

April 21, 2018 at 1:44 pm

Ugh I love Lisbon. I visited here in 2016 and it one of my op places to travel to in Europe. That view from the Miraduoro is absolute perfection and even though you get a GREAT instagram photo. It just isn’t the same from real life. Pastéis de Belém was hands down the best pastry that I’ve had during my time in Europe. And I wish I could find it here in St. Louis. Maybe I can I just haven’t checked. Great article and wonderful photos! 🙂

April 27, 2018 at 9:54 pm

Thank you! Perhaps it’s time for a return trip?

April 21, 2018 at 8:53 pm

Thank you very much for this post, I’m actually just starting to plan my trip to Portugal and this post is the first to be saved into my Portugal folder. I’m looking to go in July, flying into Porto and heading North before heading south and of course I will be spending quite some time in Lisbon. Friends of mine have told me i will fall in love with it, and from just reading through this post I can see why. It’s good to know that appetisers are not free, and good advice on the footwear for the slippery streets – I’ll be honest after reading through this I’m most looking forward to trying my first pastel de nata with a Bica 😀 – I can’t wait to get out there 😀 😀

April 27, 2018 at 9:55 pm

I can’t wait to see how your trip goes!

April 22, 2018 at 4:02 am

This is a really great list! Hoping I’ll get to go to Lisbon soon so definitely saving this 🙂 #WeekendWanderlust

April 27, 2018 at 9:57 pm

Thanks a bunch!

Fiona Maclean says

April 22, 2018 at 9:47 am

Although I’ve travelled around Portugal a lot, I haven’t been to Lisbon since I was 30. In fact, it was for my 30th birthday! I went with my boyfriend in search of fado and ended up drinking far too many tequila slammers…I definitely needed some of your tips to keep me focussed. I’m planning to go back this year so I’ll be bookmarking this and using some of your great tips on where to go (Belem for instance) and what to eat (black pork!)

April 27, 2018 at 9:59 pm

Stick to port and ginja this time;)

April 22, 2018 at 12:13 pm

I remember arriving in Lisbon and thinking we can walk all over— oh wait, we could but it is hilly so you are right— you need to wear comfy shoes. We bought the tram card and that kinda saved our lives. Lisbon is pretty but its a lot of exercise— well I guess we just eat and walk it off. We also enjoyed the day trips outside Lisbon.

April 27, 2018 at 10:01 pm

Like I said, I didn’t mind all the walking so I could eat more 🙂

Dorene says

April 22, 2018 at 5:34 pm

Could the sky have been more blue than during your visit to Lisbon? 🙂 I so look forward to getting there, and this is the perfect post for me – lots of great tips and navigation before arrival. I like your detail of the neighborhoods – good to know where to go. Alfama will definitely be on my list. Good to know about the friendly appetizer plates, I would have definitely fallen for that. Bookmarked for future visit.

April 27, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Alfama is absolutely beautiful, great choice!

Efthimis Kragaris says

April 23, 2018 at 7:52 am

Great guide. Hopefully I will visit Lisbon this year. Can’t wait to enjoy some great Portuguese wine while listening to fados and watch the sunset view from the various miradouros. The tiles and the trams are also so instagrammable!

Michelle says

April 23, 2018 at 12:20 pm

I haven’t been to Lisbon yet, so these tips will come in handy when we get there. I didn’t realize the city was so hilly!

Kathleen says

April 23, 2018 at 3:30 pm

Such great tips. I’ve just recently become interested in visiting Portugal, although I never would have turned it down before. Lisbon is so beautiful and picturesque. I really love the tiled walls and sidewalks. The little tarts look like some we had in China. I wonder if they are similar. The ones in China are a sweet egg tart, not tasting like egg at all.

April 27, 2018 at 10:04 pm

Portugal’s food culture spread around the world so I’m guessing the tarts would be very similar.

Siddhartha Joshi says

April 23, 2018 at 11:36 pm

Lisbon is such a dream destination for me, and sadly I haven’t been there at all despite going to Europe so often. Thanks to your lovely guide I am even more inspired 🙂

Thanks for including handy tips also like pick-pocketing in trams and so on…very useful for planning and being mindful 🙂

Indrani says

April 24, 2018 at 12:23 am

I agree with you on – the yellow trams are a symbol of Lisbon. The Elevator de Santa Justa surprised me. Seeing the queue I took just a pic 😛 🙂 Enjoyed reading the post, it was like revisiting.

Medha Verma says

April 24, 2018 at 6:43 am

What a beautifully detailed post! Thanks for the advice on wearing good shoes for those street walks and I am happy to know that it’s a budget destination. Also, it seems like the VivaViagem card is a good investment for those who want to travel in a budget way, using public transportation. Alfama district’s street art looks great!

Julie McCool says

April 25, 2018 at 8:49 am

Excellent round-up of tips. I love the mix of practical info and travel inspiration (those sunsets look amazing). I stayed in Sintra but only passed through Lisbon, so it’s time for another trip to Portugal.

Miranda| Migration Expert UK says

May 7, 2018 at 11:00 pm

Great blog post with lots of useful information about Lisbon! Thanks so much for sharing.

May 10, 2018 at 12:37 pm

Great tips Brianna, thanks very much! I am planning to visit Lisbon for the first time soon, these will come handy.

June 13, 2018 at 8:36 pm

Hopefully you get to Lisbon sooner rather than later!

Sarah Montgomery says

May 13, 2018 at 6:23 am

We’re heading over to Lisbon for the summer and your article was really insightful. It’s great to know that public transport would be easily available as we’re not looking to rent a car. I’m especially looking forward to watching over the stunning views and munching on pastel de nata. Loved the read.

June 13, 2018 at 8:39 pm

I’m glad you found it helpful!

Tina Wright says

May 14, 2018 at 6:05 am

Thanks for such an informative blog. Perfect for our 48 hours in Lisbon next month. So glad I found you, makes my planning easier.

June 13, 2018 at 8:40 pm

You will have a fantastic time in Lisbon!

Matthew Ali says

May 17, 2018 at 5:06 pm

Wonderful post – you covered almost every aspect for a trip to Lisbon. I’ve been there 2 years ago and it is one of the best places to visit in Portugal.

June 13, 2018 at 8:42 pm

I absolutely loved Lisbon and can’t wait to go back!

KB Burt says

November 1, 2018 at 8:24 pm

Ooh, it brings it all back! I haven’t been since 2010 but I loved it. I was quite ill and had to spend a good portion of my ten days on the hotel rooftop in Baixa and it could not have been a better place to recuperate (I’m a city girl and not good at beaches). The people were so nice and helpful, genuinely and I couldn’t agree more about the food! It’s a great place for dietary restrictions as well as you can get such simply cooked, delicious food. One piece of advice I got there was to be careful where there are signs warning against pickpockets – apparently lots of people check their wallet as soon as they see it and it’s a big help to pickpockets hanging around! 🙂

February 20, 2019 at 5:09 pm

Lisbon used to be a nice place to visit but it changed completely over the past 5 years. Now it’s just an artificial and stressful city packed with tourists everywhere. It became the perfect place to have coffee at Starbucks, have fast-food at international food chains or expensive dinners at the latest Butanese restaurant, cross thousands of useless souvenir shops full of made in China products, queue for anything slightly interesting while pickpockets do their job, squeeze and bump into other tourists in overcrowded side walks and not being able to meet and talk to a single Portuguese resident with a non-tourist job. It also became a very expensive city with dinner costing 40 euros/person and hotels averaging 100 euros/night. If you want to experience the Portuguese culture and gastronomy for 1/3 of those prices then run away from Lisbon as fast as you can. I hate to say this but overtourism killed Lisbon and its authenticity. I’d recommend other places in Portugal that are still not that popular such as Braga/Guimaraes/Geres/Coimbra/Aveiro in the North, Sintra/Guincho/Cascais/Evora/Sesimbra/Arrabida/Comporta close to Lisbon or Costa Vicentina/Algarve (Lagos, Tavira, Vilamoura) in the South.

Michela says

April 21, 2019 at 4:23 am

I have been to Lisbon a couple of times, and just realised that it’s a long time ago! This post is inspiring and very detailed, that make me want to go back to Portugal and Lisbon, hopefully soon again. Thanks for sharing!

September 6, 2020 at 2:49 am

This is a great list of tips, we totally agree with the amazing food in Lisbon, however we would recommend that you try to find the smaller cafes and restaurants, where you will here the locals, this will often mean that the food is made for local tastes and not for tourists. But yes, where ever you go to in Lisbon, try a pastel de Nata, like the Bacalhao, every baker, has a slight twist on the recipe, which means you never get the same one twice, which means that you have to try every one you see.

Sarah Patel says

January 15, 2024 at 6:57 am

Hey Brianna!

I really enjoyed reading your post, it is very complete!

I am planning a trip to Lisbon, and I really wanted to make a stop at Évora, since I am passionate about history, and I do enjoy drinking a glass of wine from time to time.

A friend of mine, who’s been there a few times, suggested I booked a guided tour , but I am still looking for more options, collecting as much of information as I can so I can make an informed decision.

Based on your experience, what would you recommend?

Thanks again for this great post!

Sarah Patel

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Lisbon Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Situated along the south of the country’s west coast, Lisbon ( Lisboa in Portuguese) boasts an incredible mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music, a wild nightlife, charming plazas, and laid-back cafés where you can watch the world go by.

In recent years, Lisbon has become a lot more popular thanks to its inexpensive cost of living and lovely year-round weather. While it’s not the hidden gem it used to be (there’s a growing expat and digital nomad community here now), I don’t think it’s lost its magic — especially if you visit during the shoulder season when the weather is still great and the crowds have thinned out.

This Lisbon travel guide will give you everything you need to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated European capital!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Lisbon

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Lisbon

1. Walk around the Old Town

Alfama, the historic area of Lisbon, is filled with narrow, winding streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The name, meaning “hot springs,” comes from the Moors who conquered here in the 8th century. To learn more about this neighborhood, take a walking tour . Tours last 2.5 hours and are a great intro to the city and its iconic sights.

2. See the Belem Tower

Built in 1515, this tower was used as both a fortress and a lighthouse during the height of Portuguese power in the Age of Discovery. Situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, the tower stands 30 meters (98 feet) and has 4 stories. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is open for self-guided tours where you can wander the halls, peek out the various portholes, and visit the pit where prisoners were kept. Admission is 9 EUR.

3. Walk through the Jardim Botanico

This massive 10-acre garden is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Completed in 1873, it’s home to some 18,000 species of plants, including plants from New Zealand, China, Australia, Japan, South America, and more. It’s one of the best green spaces in Lisbon and perfect for relaxing. Admission is 2 EUR.

4. Hit the beaches

Lisbon has several beaches that are perfect for soaking in the city’s beautiful summer weather. Some of the best beaches are Guincho (best swimming area and good waves for surfing), Meco (peaceful atmosphere), Tamariz (easy to reach from the city center; good for kids), and Morena (has a fun vibe). Just be sure to get there early in the summer as the beaches get busy fast!

5. Explore St. George’s Castle

St. George (São Jorge) Castle is a massive medieval castle overlooking Lisbon. Fortifications on the hill date back as far as the 1st century BCE though the current castle dates to the Middle Ages. It was damaged during various earthquakes and more or less abandoned for centuries until the 1930s when it was finally restored and renovated. Today, you can tour the castle and the towers (they offer a beautiful view of the city) and visit the small archeological museum inside. There is also a small garden you can relax in as well as a restaurant. Admission is 10 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Lisbon

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. They’re the best way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. New Europe is my go-to free walking tour company as their tours are detailed and their guides know their stuff. They’re the best way to see the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip at the end!

2. See the Berardo Collection Museum

The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has a wide selection of works by Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, Pollock, and many other masters. Its permanent and temporary exhibits have works representing dozens of modern movements from the past century. While I’m not a huge fan of modern or contemporary art, this is an excellent museum if you are. Admission is 5 EUR and free on Saturdays. Audio guides are 3.5 EUR.

3. Ride the “elevator”

For a sweeping view of Lisbon’s skyline, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa . It’s a century-old elevator located in the city that connects to a 45-meter-tall viewing platform. The elevator was originally steam-powered and offers a gorgeous view of the city. It has a small restaurant at the top where you can eat too. A ride costs 5.15 EUR but you can access the viewpoint (without a ride) for 1.50 EUR.

4. Visit the Praça do Comércio

Commerce Square is Lisbon’s biggest and most popular square. Located along the riverfront, it’s the former location of the royal palace (which was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1755). Two marble columns from the palace are still standing and the square is now home to lots of small shops. The people-watching here — when accompanied with a book or some refreshing gelato — is excellent.

5. Check out Sé de Lisboa Cathedral

Constructed on the grounds of a former mosque, this Roman Catholic cathedral was built to celebrate the defeat of the Moors in the mid-1100s (a conflict that came about after a failed Crusade to the Holy Land). It’s been partially rebuilt over the years due to earthquakes and is now an amalgamation of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. While I’m not a huge fan of 12th-century Romanesque construction, the cathedral was very peaceful and beautiful. Be sure to dress appropriately as it is a place of worship. It’s free to enter.

6. Ride the trams

To get a sense of what life in Lisbon was like in the 20th century, hop on one of the yellow “Remodelado” trams. These old-fashioned trams are a fun way to explore the city and see the historic Old Town. While the city also has modern trams, enjoying the charm of the old-fashioned trams is a cheap and easy way to add some character to your visit.

7. See a Fado show

Fado is a local type of music that originated in Lisbon. It’s a rather haunting, mournful style often focused on the hardships of the poor or life at sea. The music first appeared in the 19th century and was popular with the working class (especially sailors). The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, which is why many of the songs focus on the inevitability of misfortune and suffering. While melancholic, the music is also beautiful and poetic. To enjoy some traditional fado music, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

8. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when visiting Portugal’s capital. The monastery took over 100 years to build and was designed in the Manueline style (also known as Late Portuguese Gothic). The monks were primarily involved with helping sailors and mariners who anchored offshore, which is why there are many maritime designs and influences in the architecture. While it is no longer an active monastery, you can still tour the massive buildings and grounds. Admission is 10 EUR.

9. Check out the Discoveries Monument

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500-year anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator (an important figure in the early Portuguese Empire). At 52 meters tall, it depicts Henry holding a small caravel alongside other heroes of Portuguese history. The monument is shaped like a ship’s bow and projects out above the water across the Tagus River. Within the monument is a museum with small historical and cultural exhibitions. On the seventh floor, you can look out to the Atlantic. Admission is 6 EUR.

10. Tour Batalha Monastery

Batalha is a town located just 90 minutes by car from Lisbon. The town is home to Batalha Monastery, officially known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. Built in 1388, it’s one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and makes for a popular day trip from Lisbon. The monastery took 131 years to build and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the gigantic gothic doorway and seeing the towering interior (which is lined with 16th-century stained-glass windows) is absolutely breathtaking. Admission is 6 EUR, but you can also purchase a combo ticket to see The Convent of Christ in Tomar and The Abbey of Santa Maria for 15 EUR.

11. Enjoy a pastéis de nata

This delicious custard-filled pastry is a Portuguese staple. You can find them all over the city. They’re traditionally served warm and with cinnamon, paired with a coffee or hot drink. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, check out Pastelaria Versailles. They’ve been around since the 1920s and make some of the best in the city.

12. Take a day trip to Sintra

Lord Byron, writing in the 18th century, said that Sintra was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful [place] in Europe.” If you are visiting Lisbon, be sure to visit Sintra. It’s a wonderful town with cobblestone streets and traditional painted buildings filled with family-run cafes and unique shops. Wander the town on foot and check out the historic town hall, the bustling shopping street of Rua das Padarias, and the church of Igreja de Santa Maria (which dates to the 15th century and is a National Monument). Don’t miss the brightly colored Pena Palace and the Moors Castle. They offer wonderful views of the city. The train from Lisbon takes about 40 minutes and costs less than 5 EUR. If you’d rather take a tour, full-day tours with Tugatrips Tours cost around 65 EUR.

13. Visit MAAT

The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is one of Lisbon’s newest museums. Its mission is to showcase contemporary artists, architects, and thought leaders via traditional exhibits and workshops while also revitalizing the waterfront neighborhood. They have rotating exhibits on music, philosophy, contemporary art, and much more. The building is a massive and futuristic-looking structure located beside an old industrial power plant (which you can also tour). Admission is 9 EUR and there is free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

14. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Lisbon’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Lisbon has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours from 79 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Portugal, check out these guides:

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Porto Travel Guide

Lisbon Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside of the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity starts at 12 EUR in the off-season and 20 EUR in the summer.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotels start around 65-85 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Airbnb is also available around Lisbon, with prices for an entire apartment starting at 70 EUR per night (but averaging more than double that). Private rooms start around 30 EUR but average closer to 70 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for just 5 EUR.

If you want a traditional meal with drinks at a casual restaurant, you’re looking at spending around 20-25 EUR (prices are higher in the touristy downtown area). Outside downtown, there are many local places where you can find meals for around 10-15 EUR.

A basic fast-food meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 EUR while a large pizza starts around 12 EUR. Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish.

Beer is around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay 35-45 EUR. That includes basic staples like pasta, vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Lisbon Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Lisbon for around 50 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours, enjoying the beaches, and exploring the Old Town. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 130 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat at cheap local restaurants and cook some meals, use public transportation and take the occasional taxi, visit paid attractions like the botanic gardens and Belem Tower, and enjoy some drinks at the bar.

On a “luxury” budget of 240 EUR or more a day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, rent a car to explore the region, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Lisbon Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Lisbon is the most expensive city in the country — but it’s still quite affordable compared to other European capitals. It’s hard to spend a ton here unless you are splashing out. If you find cheap accommodation, cook most of your meals, and stick to mostly free activities, you’re going to be able to keep your budget intact. Here are some quick tips to help you save money in Lisbon:

• Pick up a Lisbon Card – If you’re planning to visit lots of attractions, get the Lisbon Card. It offers free or discounted entry to several attractions as well as unlimited public transportation. Prices start at 21 EUR for a 24-hour card and there is also a 48-hour card for 35 EUR and a 72-hour card for 44 EUR.
• Get a bus pass – If you don’t get the Lisbon Card but still plan on using a lot of public transportation, buy a day pass. They are just 6.45 EUR and will save you a lot of money if you’re using public transportation often.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and culture of Lisbon then take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your tour guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Lisbon. By staying with a local you’ll not only save money but you’ll get to spend time with someone who can show you the city’s hidden gems and teach you more about the culture and history of Lisbon. Just be sure to send your requests early in the summer!
• Skip the taxis – Taxis are expensive, often adding fees for luggage and airport pickups. Simply use the metro or bus to get where you need to. You’ll save a ton.
• Say “no” to bread – When eating out, you’ll often be offered bread and olives. They will be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so politely decline the offer if you’re not interested in paying for them.
• Use BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app you can use to travel in between cities. It’s faster than the bus and usually just as cheap. You’ll have to find a ride, which can sometimes be hit or miss, but the profiles are verified and reviewed so it’s quite safe. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other locals/travelers.
• Visit the Berardo Collection Museum on Saturdays – Tourists can get a glimpse of Portuguese businessman Jose Berardo’s personal collection of contemporary art, which makes up the permanent exhibits at the museum. Even if you aren’t a fan of contemporary art, the building itself is great to walk through. The museum is free on Saturdays.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has lots of hostels. In fact, it’s one of the best cities in the world for hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay in Lisbon:

• Lookout! Lisbon Hostel
• Lisboa Central Hostel
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel
• Home Lisbon Hostel

How to Get Around Lisbon

There are two tram lines in the city: the modern Siemens “Articulado” trams and the historic “Remodelado” trams. Trams cost 1.50 EUR.

The metro offers a fast way to get from one corner of the city to another. There are four lines and 56 stations. They are very accessible and the information and maps are provided in English so it’s easy to navigate. Prices are the same as the tram and bus.

Taxi – Taxis in Lisbon start at 3.50 EUR and increase 0.50 EUR for every kilometer traveled. Most drivers speak English but showing them the address on your smartphone will help. If you’re on a budget, skip the taxis. They get expensive fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Lisbon but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Bolt and FreeNow are two other ridesharing apps that are usually cheaper than Uber, but I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a budget.

Bike rental – If you’re an avid cyclist who likes a challenge, then biking in Lisbon can be fun. For the non-cyclist, it will likely be unpleasant. The city is filled with steep hills and cobblestone streets — hardly ideal for a leisurely ride. Bike rentals start at 10 EUR for a half-day and go up to 25 EUR for a full day. You can also try Gira, the city’s bike-sharing system (you can buy a 24-hour pass for just 2 EUR).

Car rental – You won’t need to rent a car to get around the city as public transportation is reliable and efficient. If you plan to go on a day trip, you can rent a car to have more flexibility. It will be more expensive than taking the bus or train but will give you more freedom. Expect to pay 30-40 EUR per day for a small rental car. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to Lisbon

Peak season in Lisbon is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures during that time soar to 25-30°C (77-86°F). This is also the busiest time to visit the city so expect crowds and slightly higher prices. The overall atmosphere during this time is lively and there are lots of places to swim or relax on the beach so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

If you’re on a budget, the best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder season. April-May and September-October are still warm so you can enjoy the outdoors without as many crowds. Temperatures hover between 12-25°C (53-77°F) during these months. It may be a bit rainy, but you can still enjoy the city without much inconvenience.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary but hover around 10°C (50°F). It’s still warmer than much of Europe, so if you’re on the continent and are looking to avoid the worst of the weather, head to Lisbon (or even further south to Faro).

How to Stay Safe in Lisbon

Lisbon is very safe for travelers — including solo female travelers. Violent attacks here are uncommon and petty crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime so just be aware of your surroundings when you’re in busy markets or when using public transportation and always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Young backpackers may be approached and offered drugs as Portugal has decriminalized drug use. However, selling drugs is not legal and there are still consequences so simply decline the offer politely but firmly and continue on.

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the city but read this article on common travel scams to avoid if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink when at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

The emergency number in Lisbon is 112.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Lisbon Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Lisbon Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Portugal and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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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.

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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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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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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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Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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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The Ultimate Guide to Lisbon: A Capital of Warm Welcomes

LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE LISBON TRAVEL GUIDE?

With its historical architecture, exceptional cuisine, gorgeous views, and friendly hospitality, it’s no wonder that Lisbon is one of the top vacation spots in Europe. When planning your Lisbon itinerary, you want to make sure you include some of the best restaurants, sites, and things to do.  Behold my ultimate travel guide to Lisbon Portugal.

Don’t want to explore Lisbon by yourself? Take a private or group tour of this beautiful city.

We recommend this 5⭐️ Half Day Sightseeing Tour on a Private Electric Tuk Tuk or this budget-friendly Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour .

First things first, my best piece of advice before coming to the sunny capital of Portugal: wear, take, buy, but whatever you do, you MUST have non-slip shoes. This is almost as vital as bringing underwear. Also, bring your appetite for the freshest seafood of your life.

Ready for the ultimate guide on what to do in Lisbon, chock full of travel tips like a guide to Lisbon neighborhoods and info about where to stay in Lisbon? Let’s dive in.

First things first, a little historical background knowledge is in order:

• Lisbon is older than Rome and was founded by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC. The city is known to have seven hills, but this was just to copy Rome. There are, in fact, nine hills.
• Lisbon locals are known as ‘Lisboetas’ and Alfacinhas.’ Not so interesting, but just a cute fact.
• One of the world’s most deadly earthquakes occurred on 1st of November, 1755. Unfortunately, because of this, there were fires and, consequently, a tsunami. Some of the city recovered, and some of it did not.
• From 1932-1974, Portugal was overrun by a dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar. Times were really hard for most big businesses, and people had a ‘secret language’ where they’d speak in code when in public. The dictatorship ended on the 25th of April, 1974, known as the ‘Carnation Revolution’, and each year there is a parade in remembrance.
• The Vasco da Gama bridge is the longest bridge in Europe and has striking views of the city. 
• Lisbon boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites— Mosteiro dos Jerónimos , a maritime-inspired Gothic monastery, and Torre de Belém, a 16th-century landmark tower on the Tagus River.

Guide to Lisbon

Where is lisbon.

So where is Lisbon Portugal located? If you’re planning a trip and traveling Lisbon-bound, it’s good to know a bit about its geography. Nestled in the western part of Portugal , this dazzling capital sits right by the edge of Europe, overlooking the expansive Atlantic.

And guess what? It’s not just the ocean that gives Lisbon its iconic views. And as you can see from the Lisbon map, the Tagus River snakes its way through the city, providing some seriously picturesque scenes. FYI, I highly recommend booking a Lisbon boat trip .

Plus, its prime positioning makes it perfect for travelers itching to explore more: with enchanting day trips like Sintra just a stone’s throw away and transport connections for anyone that wants to head North to Porto or South on the Algarve to Lisbon train.

🤔 Still a little bit on the fence on whether you should visit Lisbon Portugal? Read ► Why Visit Portugal Lisbon? 7 Reasons To Visit The Portuguese Capital

Best time to Visit Lisbon

May – June; September – October; Christmas (obviously, you can visit during other seasons )

February could also be an option if you’re keen on Carnaval festivities, but the BEST month is June (13 June specifically) because of Santos Populares, which is when the whole country celebrates the saint from their town by decorating the streets with banners and eating the most delicious grilled sardines and drinking ginjinha. It’s basically a month-long Festa but can be more subtle, depending on the area. 

🍒 Ginjinha : Also known as ginja, is a sweet liqueur made from Morello (sour) cherries soaked in a distilled spirit called aguardiente. The mixture is flavored with sugar and spices like cinnamon. It is deceptively sweet, small, and packs a punch.

What to Wear

A travel guide to Lisbon isn’t complete without a guide on what to pack. Did you remember your non-slip shoes? Well, that’s a must, other than that, what you pack really depends on when you will be visiting Lisbon . Here is our travel guide to what to pack for your Lisbon trip:

Spring // Fall

The weather in Lisbon is never too cold, and it starts getting warm around April. In fact, you’ll probably see people already swimming in the ocean as early as March.

Temperatures are warm Apr-Sep, the peak travel time. The warmest (without being too hot) times to travel to Lisbon Portugal are between May-June and Sept-Oct. The weather isn’t too hot and not too cold; it’s just about right. Fun fact, Portugal is one of the best European countries to visit in the fall . So what should you pack?

The months of Jul–Aug are hot, sunny, and dry . So make sure that you pack:

The weather gets much colder from November until March. If you do plan on heading to the city of Lisbon during this period of time, you should pack the following:

Public Transportation 

Public transport in Lisbon is not the absolute best in all of Europe, but better than others . You should have no problem navigating the metro and buses. Plus, the airport is super central. Uber works really well here and is super cheap.

You have probably heard about the famous 28 Tram Lisbon. If you’re on a budget, then try to catch it at the end of the line: Campo de Ourique (Prazeres) instead of at Martim Moniz. 

🎫 If you are in Lisbon, consider getting a 24, 48, or 72-hour Lisbon Pass . With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on city transport and free admission to 39 museums, historic buildings, and more. Or you can opt for a Hop-on-Hop Off bus and tram tour with a river cruise .

OTHER LISBON PORTUGAL TRAVEL TIPS:  If you want to schedule a walking tour in Lisbon or a tours by locals Lisbon experience, there are a number of great options in the city, like this Lisbon: Food and Wine Walking Tour , Lisbon Tram No. 28 Ride & Walking Tour , or this Lisbon: Full-Day City Private Tour .

If you want a go on a day trip to Sintra , there are a number of great tour options available , including a private tour guide Lisbon. There are plenty of tours in Lisbon, so you’ll be able to book the perfect one for you and your needs.

If you didn’t already know, the official language of Portugal is Portuguese. Do you know how to say Lisbon Portuguese? It’s Lisboa. Here are some more words and phrases that can come in handy during your trip to Portugal:

• Hello (Olá) similar pronunciation in Spanish but a bit more nasally
• Please (por favor)
• Thank you (Obrigado , if you identify as a man & Obrigada, if you identify as a woman)
• Goodbye (Tchau, pronounced like “ciao” if you’re speaking informally & ”Adeus”, if it’s to someone formally, ‘ah dey oush’)
• Quanto custa? (how much does that cost?)
• Você fala inglês? (do you speak English? formally)

So, would you say that Portuguese people mostly speak English and you can get around in the city even if you don’t know a lick of Portuguese? Definitely. Lisbonne Portugal is a touristic city, which means that the majority of people that you will meet while wandering through the cobblestone streets will be able to talk to you in English.

Lisbon Neighbourhoods Guide

There are several different areas of Lisbon you could stay in. There are 24 officially delineated Lisbon areas and many more designated by the Lisbon inhabitants.

Picking the right neighborhood can make all the difference. If you’re on the hunt for trendy spots and stylish hangouts, Príncipe Real is your best bet. For those coming with family, Belém offers a mix of history and spacious parks, making it ideal for both kids and adults.

Dive deep into Lisbon’s essence with a leisurely walk through the charming lanes of Alfama . If it’s your first time in the city, Baixa-Chiado offers a blend of Lisbon’s classic and contemporary sides, placing you right at the city’s core.

For the night owls, Bairro Alto ofers an energetic nightlife scene and in contrast, Campo de Ourique feels like a cozy, little town tucked inside the city. And for travelers who like being at the heart of action, Avenidas Novas is strategically positioned (in central Lisbon), giving you easy access to almost everything Lisbon has to offer.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

📍 Some of the best areas to stay in are: Alfama/Graca, Rossio, Avenida, São Bento, Principe Real, and Santos. Here is a list of my favourite hotels in Lisbon:

• The Vintage Lisbon (📍 Rato ) | A 5* boutique  hotel  where one-off art & design can be found in every corner.
• The Independente (📍 Bairro Alto ) | A stunning, opulent building originally built as an ambassador’s residence
• The Postcard Lisbon (📍 Rato ) | Understated B&B in a historic house 
• Torel Palace Lisbon (📍 Alfama ) | Set on a hillside in downtown Lisbon, this upscale hotel occupies 2 Pombaline-style buildings
• Casa dell’Arte Club House (📍 Alfama ) | An upscale guesthouse in an elegant 19th-century building with a colorful, tiled facade.
• Casa Balthazar (📍 Baixa ) | Quaint adults-only B&B with modern artwork and a gorgeous view over Lisbon

🏨 Looking for some more options? Read our article: The 23 Best Boutique Hotels In Lisbon.

Food & Drinks

From savory seafood dishes and iconic pastries like pastéis de nata to the warming sip of ginjinha and vibrant local wines, Lisbon has several restaurants, brewpubs, and pastry shops ready to treat your taste buds. Let’s explore some of the best:

Best Restaurants in Lisbon

Breakfast (pequeno almoço) – typically, portuguese eat a light breakfast consisting of a croissant/small pastry, an espresso, and an orange juice, but here are some other options for breakfast or brunch:.

• Java (Praca Dom Luis I 30, go through the elevator) → best rooftop view of the city
• Curva (Rua Damasceno Monteiro 108D) → art mixed with food
• Manifest.Lisbon (Rua da Sociedade Farmaceutica 31)
• Tease (found all throughout the city)
• COMOBA → great vegan options
• Café Janis → all-day café
• Fauna & Flora (there are two)
• Hello Kristof / The Mill → specialty coffee, brunch, pastries & magazine store.
• Dear Breakfast (two locations) → All-day brunch
• Amelia (Rua Ferreira Borges 101) → delicious pancakes
• Zenith (Rua do Telhal) → brunch and cocktails
• Clube Caffeine → mostly just coffee and also has some nice cocktails)

// Hipster guide to Lisbon option: if the weather is nice, would be to have a stroll in LX Factory on a Sunday afternoon and have lunch there.

lunch (almoço) + dinner (jantar) — typically, Portuguese eat lunch around 13.00-14 and dinner at 20h/21h, but obviously, you can eat whenever you’d like. Try to eat bacalhau (codfish) because it’s famous around the country! Polvo (octopus) is also fresh everywhere. 

• Ramiro → famous place and always has a line outside, so during lunch, it’s usually better, but it’s the best seafood you’ll have in your life
• O Velho Eurico → traditional Portuguese cuisine
• Taberna do Calhau → traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist
• Senhor Uva → only local products with a modern twist
• SEM Restaurant → restaurant & wine bar which cooks with regenerative food and without a bin
• Ultimo Porto → opens only for lunch and has wonderful seafood
• Raizes → traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist
• Time Out Market → a largely closed space food court with a huge variety of different food options
• Casa do Alentejo → traditional Portuguese cuisine from the region of Alentejo
• O Tachadas → authentic, no-fuss Portuguese cuisine in Madragoa (do order the steak)
• Tasquinha Ilha do Madeira → typical food from Madeira, and you must get a poncha drink
• Taberna Portuguesa → traditional Portuguese cuisine from the region of Alentejo
• Cantinho d’Ourique → authentic, no fuss Portuguese cuisine in Campo de Ourique
• Lisboa Tu & Eu → cute lunch spot with small plates
• Taberna Sal Grosso → a modern take on Portuguese dishes
• Adega do Kais → expensive, but you basically eat inside of an obnoxious castle but seriously incredible food
• Sala de Corte → If you’re wanting to have a high dining experience because the chef is famous and has many restaurants in Lisbon
• The Food Temple or O Gambuzino → both restaurants are vegan-friendly

// If you have time to kill one afternoon or for sunset, we highly suggest hopping on the ferry from Cais do Sodré Fluvial Terminal to Cacilhas and then walking to the restaurant Ponto Final in Almada to eat! You should definitely make a reservation as tables fill up quick!

If Portuguese cuisine isn’t your groove, here’s a list of the best international restaurants:

• Mezze → middle eastern tapas style restaurant run by Syrian refugees
• Tantura → middle eastern restaurant
• Aura Dim Sum Lab → handmade dim sum
• Farès → Lebanese food
• El Taco Chingo n  → Mexican food
• Las Gringas → Mexican food (takeaway and delivery only)
• Retrogusto84 → best pizzeria in Lisbon 
• Boa-Bao → Chinese/Thai fusion and is very aesthetically pleasing inside
• “Illegal” Chinese Clandestine → these are located around the area of Martim Moniz. Rua Guia 9, go to the second floor. Oriental Dongfong Dumpling is also tasty
• A Cevicheria → (famous spot so I would try to go early if you can)
• Paco Bigotes → best tacos along the river Tejo

dessert (sobremesa)  —we have a rather large sweet tooth, but honestly, Portuguese sweets don’t excite us so much because typically they’re a bit too dry or too sweet, but they can do a wonderful chocolate mousse. I would suggest gelato if the weather is nice, either from Nannarella or Gelato Davvero (Italian-owned.)

It would be breaking the law, practically, if this article didn’t mention the staple of Portuguese sweets:  the pastel de nata .

Only three people on earth know the secret recipe of the original pastéis from Belém, which are obviously the tastiest ones (no further comments) so make sure to visit the shop while in Lisbon.

Other incredible pastelarias include:

• Manteigaria
• Pastelaria Cristal
• Pastelaria Santo António  

BrewPubs for Beer (Cerveja)

There are two main beers in Portugal called Super Bock and Sagres, which you can find everywhere, but if you’re keen on trying some breweries:

• Sputnik Craft Beer
• Delirium Lisbon
• Dois Corvos
• Duque Brewpub
• Quimera Brewpub

wine Bars (vinho)

Wine in Portugal is absolutely phenomenal and SO CHEAP here! Opt for red wine from Alentejo, Douro, or the region Dão . White wine is good from Setúbal, Alentejo or Monção e Melgaço. Moscatel from Setúbal is delicious but is a bit sweeter.

Vinho Verde (green wine, but not really green) is from its own region in the north and is best during the summer because there is little carbonation and less alcohol content. Vinho do Porto is typically drunk after a meal and is a must-try while in Portugal.

• BlackSheep → Portuguese wine bar run by Americans actually and is super cozy
• Tati → also a tapas place and is AMAZING
• Senhor Manuel → just recently opened . The owners also own Senhor Uva.
• Bythewine → an excellent choice for drinking wine by the producer Jose Maria da Fonseca, from Setúbal
• Jobim → our go-to wine bar owned by Brazilians with some tapas and fun vibes
• The Wine Cellar

Here are some places where to purchase wine: BlackSheep, Terra Wine Shop, Ladidadi Wines, and Garrafeira Estado D’Alma

Bars & Cocktails

• Café Janis → happy hour literally from 19-20h on Fridays. I come here quite frequently so you might find me here on a Friday, aha
• Onda Cocktail Room
• Java → beautiful rooftop bar
• Lumi Rooftop
• Tasca do Chic o → go at 9 pm for Fado music or go earlier to eat and stay
• Tasca Mastai → the only place I go in Lisbon for an Aperol Spritz if you’re feeling Italian
• Casa Independente → probably my favorite place for drinks in Lisbon , but also for the dancing on the weekends
• Park Ba r → rooftop
• Topo Martim Moniz → rooftop
• Rio Maravilha → rooftop
• Zazah Good View → rooftop
• Madame Petisca → rooftop
• Ferroviário → rooftop
• No13 Lisboa
• Café de Garagem → roof and inside seating
• anywhere in Bairro Alto~ 
• any kiosk around Lisbon!
• Incognito 
• Plateau (80s jams)
• Lux CLUB (great for dancing! Arrive around 2 AM)

For some great clubs and bars, make sure to head on over to Pink street

Things to See

Planning a Lisbon visit? Once you’ve finished eating and drinking, take a walk and see some of these amazing sights in and around Lisbon, Portugal. Here are some attractions of Lisbon for the perfect visit in Lisbon:

• Comércio Square
• Alfama district   ➡ head to a Fado show.
• A Visit to Belem ➡ Some Belem Lisbon highlights include the iconic Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries, and the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
• Museu Nacional do Azulejo
• National Pantheon 
• Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira (a bit out of the city, but you could always take an Uber as it is stunning)
• Santa Justa lift 
• São Jorge Castle
• Convento do Carmo 
• Aqueduct Lisbon ➡
• Oceanário de Lisboa (Aquarium Lisbon) ➡ an aquarium in Lisbon
• National Museum of Contemporary Art ➡ MNAC is a must-see for those wanting to learn about and enjoy Portuguese romantic, naturalist, modern, and  contemporary art .

Most weekends, there are little markets all over the city! Looking for a city guide to Lisbon’s off-the-beaten-path gems? Basically, a small guide to Lisbon? Check out our article about Lisbon’s 10 hidden gems .

best Spots For A Sunset

• Miradouro da Santa Catarina 
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia… walk a little further for Portas do Sol
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (newly reopened)
• Jardim do Torel (bit of a walk but nice views)
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (highest point in Lisboa and has best view of the city but also is quite a hike up)

Escaping the City

Our city guide to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention some weekend getaway destinations .

⭐️ Some of the best day trips from Lisbon include Sintra, Cascais, Azenhas do Mar, Obidos, Costa da Caparica, and Sesimbra. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to learn more about what to do around Lisbon, you’ll love this article 👉 20 Best Day Trips From Lisbon.

If you are looking to escape the city for the day, then here are some day trips that you can go to:

• Take the train to Sintra, take the bus to Pena Palace, or take an organized tour .
• Monserrate Palace is beautiful!
• Castle of the Moors
• Eat at Cafe Saudade 
• Cabo da Roca (the most western point of Europe)
• Piriquita – famous pastry shop

For more information about a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, make sure to read our article: A Sintra Day Trip: Your Complete Guide . If you are looking to do a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon, many of the Sintra tours from Lisbon offer a stop in Cascais.

Along the Cascais line , the best beaches are São João and São Pedro do Estoril.

Along the Sintra line, the best is Praia do Guincho, Praia da Ursa, Praia da Adraga, and Praia das Maçãs . If you have time, check out Azhenhas do Mar.

If you have a car, drive across the April 25th bridge to Costa da Caparica or Fonte da Telha . However, the best beaches are in a national park called Arrabida : Ribeira do Cavalo and Praia de Galapinhos. These can also be done as a day trip from Lisbon.

⭐️ If you plan on taking a road trip to Porto, there are a number of beautiful stops along the way. Here are ten amazing places that you can visit if you are driving from Lisbon to Porto. Also, here are a couple of day trips you can take from Lisbon.

Guide to Lisbon: Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do i need in lisbon.

Three days in Lisbon gives you a solid introduction to the city. In that time, you can hit up the major attractions and enjoy the local food.

If you want to explore outside the city, like the fairytale town of Sintra or the beach areas of Cascais , add a few more days.

And if you’re thinking about visiting Porto or the Algarve, you might want to extend your stay. The Algarve is known for its picturesque coastline, which stretches approximately 200 kilometers (about 125 miles). So you’ll need at least 3-4 days to explore.

Are 3 days in Lisbon too long?

Not at all. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods, there’s plenty to do in Lisbon. Three days will allow you to explore without feeling rushed, and you’ll still have some downtime to just relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Is Lisbon friendly to American tourists?

Absolutely. Lisbon is a popular destination for many, including Americans. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality. So, expect a warm welcome.

Do they speak English in Lisbon?

YES — especially in the main tourist areas of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve . Many of the restaurants, shops, and attractions will have English-speaking staff. But, as you venture into less touristy areas, it might be less common, so knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases could be helpful.

What is better Porto or Lisbon?

It’s hard to choose! Lisbon is the bustling capital, renowned for its historic districts, tram rides, and ocean views. Porto, on the other hand, offers a unique blend of riverfront vistas, iconic blue-tiled buildings, and of course, the world-famous port wine. Both cities have a distinct charm, and your preference might depend on your interests.

Is Lisbon a walkable city?

YES — walking is one of the best ways to explore Lisbon. But a heads up: the city is known for its seven hills, meaning there will be some uphill and downhill walking. Good, comfortable shoes are a must.

If you don’t want to walk around Lisbon Europe by yourself, there are plenty of walking tours that you can go on, including the Free Walking Tour Lisbon. For a list of the best walking tours Lisbon Portugal has to offer ► 12 Best Lisbon Walking Tours: From Cobblestones To Castles .

What is the best time to visit Lisbon?

The months of May, June, September, and October, also known as the shoulder seasons are usually the best times. The weather is mild, not too hot or cold, and you avoid the summer tourist rush, which means fewer crowds at popular spots.

Is Lisbon cheap or expensive?

Relative to some other European cities, Lisbon can be more budget-friendly. Dining and accommodations often come at a better price. However, how much you spend also depends on your plans and choices. Planning and budgeting ahead can help you get the most out of your trip.

How Do Your Pronounce Lisbon?

Lisbon is pronounced as “lihz-buhn” in English. However, in Portuguese, it’s “Lisboa” and pronounced approximately like “leesh-BOH-uh”. If you’re traveling to Portugal, you’ll likely hear the Portuguese version more often.

In some languages, the name for Lisbon does sound more like “Lissabon.” For instance:

• In German: Lissabon
• In Dutch: Lissabon
• In Swedish: Lissabon

In these languages, the pronunciation would be closer to “LISS-ah-bon” or “LISS-uh-bon.”

So while “Lissabon” is not the English pronunciation, it is correct in other languages. If you heard “Lissabon,” it could be from someone speaking one of these languages or a similar one.

More Lisbon Travel Guides & Articles

Hopefully, this ULTIMATE tourist guide to Lisbon gave you a good foundation to jump off. Remember that Portugal is not just Portugal Lisbon city and Porto, so make sure to go and explore a little bit.

If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, check out these additional Lisbon travel blogs, Lisbon guides, and related articles:

• 20 Best Day Trips From Lisbon: Incredible Places To Visit
• The 12 Best Walking Tours Lisbon Portugal
• 15 Best Boat Tours In Lisbon: An Unforgettable Guide to Lisbon
• 40 Best Sights In Lisbon: A Rough Guide to Lisbon
• Wine Tours In Lisbon: 12 Amazing Sip And Savor Experiences
• 15 Food Tours In Lisbon: A Guide To The Best Eats In The City
• Visiting Lisbon? The Best Area To Stay In Lisbon
• 15 Best Guide Lisbon Tours for the Ultimate Sightseeing Experience
• The Best Fado In Lisbon: 11 Fado Houses To Explore
• Looking for An Adventure? The Best Outdoor Activities in Lisbon (and around Lisbon)

// So, hopefully, this little city guide to Lisbon helps you on your way to exploring Lisboa! But don’t worry if you fall in love with the city (or the incredibly kind people) after the first day! And remember your non-slip shoes and travel insurance (just in case)

boa viagem!

Yvonne Ivanescu is the founder of Now in Portugal and Now in Rio Swim, an ethical and sustainable swimwear company. She is a writer, editor and marketer with over 10 years of experience.

Storytelling is her second nature and she wants to share the magic of Portugal with the rest of the world.

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I’m moving to lisbon this year. Great article

So happy that it helped you!

Thanks a lot for your great article, it is helping me a lot to plan my travel in end of may / early June 🙂

I’m very excited about planning my trip to Lisbon, and your guide has been incredibly helpful. The history you’ve included makes the city even more intriguing. I love the idea of celebrating Santos Populares in June with the local traditions and food, particularly the ginjinha!

Your advice on footwear is duly noted, it makes perfect sense considering the city’s hilly terrain. Also, your seasonal packing guide will definitely come in handy.

Finally, I really appreciate your recommendations for tour options, especially the Food and Wine Walking Tour, which is right up my alley! I’m looking forward to my trip. Thanks for the comprehensive guide and cant wait to visit Lisboa.

I am so happy it helped you!

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The Best One Day Lisbon Itinerary + Map & Tips

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What To Do in Lisbon in One Day

Lisbon is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe. With stunning architecture from numerous periods, lively cobbled streets, and a setting right on the Rio Tejo, Lisbon is a dream destination and the star of Portugal.

Packed with remarkable attractions, we’ll show you Lisbon’s charming tapestry of grand squares full of elegant and historic buildings, and narrow streets lined with independent shops and cafés all linked by its famous elevators and trams.

In this Lisbon travel guide, you’ll find a complete one day itinerary of all the most important must-see Lisbon attractions, with an interactive map, organized to make the best use of your time. We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your perfect day in Lisbon.

Are you planning your trip to Lisbon last minute?

Be sure to book your  accommodation and tours in Lisbon  ahead of time to ensure availability! Here are our top picks!

• Want to get from the airport to Lisbon hassle-free?   Get the  best airport transfer  options here!
• Driving to or from Lisbon? Get the best car hire deals here!
• Need data for your trip? We recommend Airalo or Holafly for eSIMs
• Top Hotels in Lisbon:
• Luxury: The One Palacio da Anunciada (close to Rossio and 5* in every way)
• Mid-Range: Altis Avenida Hotel (historic with amazing views, our fave!)
• Budget: Browns Boutique Hotel (boutique feel with eclectic decor)
• Hostel: Central House Lisbon Baixa (centrally located at a great price)
• Top Activities & Tours in Lisbon:
• For all the best things to see in Lisbon, grab this excellent guided walking tour
• Get your 24 Hour Lisbon Card for free public transport and access to 39 attractions
• If you’re a first-time visitor, jump on Lisbon’s hop-on hop-off bus tour for all the main attractions
• For a lot of fun and a cool ride, book a Lisbon tuk tuk tour !
• Listen to the haunting sound of Fado music live with a glass of Port

Things to See & Do in Lisbon

Interactive map.

ROUTE: Praça Dom Pedro IV – Elevador de Santa Justa – Convento do Carmo – Livraria Bertrand – Rua Augusta Arch – Praça do Comércio – Lisbon Cathedral – Elevador Castelo – São Jorge Castle – Sunset Mirador – Tram 28

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Itinerary Notes

• Although Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal , seeing the best of Lisbon in a day is very achievable on foot. This is thanks to the walkable nature of the city, and its well-placed lifts, elevators, and trams to help with longer distances and hills. If you do plan to use public transport, the Viva Viagem Card is rechargeable and saves having to buy tickets.
• Our Lisbon itinerary will take you on an easy stroll through this wonderful city, but if you prefer to have your day organized or take a walking tour, we recommend this history, stories, and lifestyle guided tour . Your English-speaking local guide will take you on a tour of Lisbon’s highlights, including a tram ride, and you’ll also get to try the famous Pastéis de Nata , Portugal’s famous custard tart.
• If you don’t fancy walking this Lisbon tuk tuk tour is great fun! You’ll traverse the city’s oldest neighborhoods, take in some of the best views (without having to tackle the hills on foot!), and soak up the ambiance of the Portuguese capital.
• Is this your first time visiting Portugal? Get all the information you need in our Portugal Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Grab a Coffe at Praça Dom Pedro IV

The beating heart of Lisbon, the elegant plaza of Praça Dom Pedro IV makes a perfect place for people-watching with an espresso and should be your first stop on this Lisbon itinerary. 

Also known as Rossio Square or just Rossio, it’s a hive of activity and one of the most popular places for Lisboetas to meet.  

Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa

The Santa Justa lift, a 19th century wrought-iron elevator, was once a practical mode of transportation, but these days it’s more of a tourist attraction and one of the top things to do in Lisbon in one day.

The panoramic views from the viewing platform at the top are gorgeous, making it one of the  best photo spots in Lisbon . In order to avoid the inevitable queues and long lines, make sure to visit before 10am or after 3pm.

Take a one way trip on the elevator, and follow the 25 meter walkway for an easy journey to your next destination!

TOP TIP: If you have a 24 hour public transport pass or Lisbon Card, this ride will be included in that.

Admire the Convento do Carmo

The medieval Carmo Convent and Gothic church ruins are an atmospheric spot, and a reminder of the devastation left by the 1755 earthquake, which affected so much of Lisbon.

The earthquake caused significant damage to the convent and completely destroyed the library. In 1864 the site was donated to the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists, which turned the ruined building into a museum.

In February 1969, another earthquake caused damage to the church nave, leaving it open to the skies as you see it today.

Pop to Livraria Bertrand

In the Chiado neighborhood, you’ll find  Livraria Bertrand Chiado , the oldest bookshop in the world. The 18th century bookshop opened its doors in 1732 and is still running today.

Not only is Livraria Bertrand old, it is also deceptively large, with rooms named after authors. There is a long corridor through the bookstore, up to writer Fernando Pessoa’s room, where you’ll also find the Livraria Bertrand Cafe. Spend some time browsing the books, or reading in one of the little nooks.

Enter Through the Rua Augusta Arch

Wander down Rua Augusta and enter the enormous Praca do Comercio plaza through the Arco da Rua Augusta, that was built in 1875 to commemorate the reconstruction of Lisbon after the devastating Great Earthquake of 1755.

The imposing arch has six columns and is quite ornate. If you have time, head up to the top of the arch for an awesome viewpoint.

Visit Praça do Comércio

Continuing along the gorgeous  calcada Portuguesa  or Portuguese pavement, with its pretty mosaics, you’ll pass through the arch and enter the Commerce Square. Wander around the plaza while taking in the amazing architecture and the statue of King Joseph I. 

Admire Lisbon Cathedral

The 800-year-old Sé de Lisboa is the most important and oldest church in Lisbon. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral is predominantly in the Romanesque style, which is notable in the austere exterior of creamy stone with a central rose window.

It’s worth a look inside too, for the fountain in which Saint Anthony of Padua was baptized, some 14th century sarcophagi, and the impressive Gothic chapel.

Ride the Elevador Castelo

From Lisbon Cathedral, make your way to the Elevador Castelo, that is a somewhat hidden elevator that helps you avoid walking up the steep hills of Lisbon’s Alfama district.

These are actually two vertical lifts that together make the Elevador Castelo. The first lift departs from a fairly inconspicuous building at 170-178 Rua dos Fanqueiros and drops people off in Rua da Madalena. Just 100 meters further there is another lift, that transports passengers to Costa do Castelo.

The first building itself is a blue and white tiled attraction, and the views from the elevators are great as well.

We skipped the elevator and walked the hilly streets of Alfama to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. There are lots of cute shops and stalls along the route selling drinks and cold fruit, to help keep your stamina up! But, it will take a good 30 minutes, and if you only have limited time the elevator will be a better option.

Explore the São Jorge Castle

Once you get off the elevator, you can take a short walk and grab the second one which brings you even higher up the steep hill before arriving at the historic Moorish  Castelo de São Jorge . This is one of Lisbon’s most popular monuments, for good reason.

Some of the remains found here date all the way back to the 6th century BC. These days, the fort has been restored and is a great place to wander around, while taking in the museum and the stunning views of the Tagus River and the charming city of Lisbon below.

Dominating the city and Lisbon skyline, and at just €10 to enter, the   Castelo   is well worth a visit.

Take in a Sunset View

Because Lisbon is such a hilly city, there are numerous miradors offering fantastic views. For the best views, the early evening promises spectacular sunsets, balmy temperatures, and best of all, a great atmosphere.

Many people bring drinks to the viewpoints (grab your favorite bottle of wine or a beer), some speakers for music, or even  an acoustic guitar  for a jam session.

Some of the best places in Lisbon to watch the sunset are Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro da Senhora (usually the quietest as it’s a little further from downtown Lisbon) – just take your pick and enjoy.

Another great way to enjoy the Lisbon sunset is with a boat party cruise along the River Tagus , enjoying an open bar with music from a live DJ.

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Ride the trams.

Riding the elevator is one thing, but Lisbon is known for its cute trams that clamber up and down the hilly streets. Tram 28 is the most popular one for tourists and connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, passing through the popular Graca, Baixa, Estrela, and Alfama districts.

TOP TIP: If you just want to experience a quick tram journey, have a look at the Bica Tram, otherwise known as the Elevador da Bica (yep, the same word for lifts) which connects Largo do Calharizon, on the southern edge of the Bairro Alto, to Rua de São Paulo, via a few hundred beautifully photogenic meters.

Listen to Fado

The traditional music of Portugal, Fado’s roots can be traced back to 1820’s Lisbon, when Portugal was in the midst of the Liberal Revolution. The Portuguese word  saudade,  meaning longing, is used to describe the melancholy and mournful lyrics and tunes.

Fado music has been on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2011 and is an experience not to be missed when you have just one evening in Lisbon.

We recommend this intimate live Fado show with Port wine where you’ll discover the music that expresses the soul of Lisbon, performed by professional singers and accompanied by classical and Portuguese guitar.

Explore Lisbon’s Nightlife

Start your night in Chiado, full of restaurants and bars to tempt your taste buds.

From there, head to the lively streets of Bairro Alto for the bar-lined streets of Rua da Atalaia, Rua do Norte, and Rua do Diário de Notícias. This is also a great place to see some of Lisbon’s best street art, including the Calçada da Glória Outdoor Art Gallery, the official street art gallery of Lisbon.

If you’ve still got energy, end the night on Rua Nova do Carvalho, better known as Pink Street, an old sailor’s haunt that is now home to a row of cool bars and a street literally painted pink!

Where to Eat in Lisbon

Manteigaria.

Inside the Time Out food market,  Manteigaria  is the best place to try Pastéis de Nata in the city of Lisbon, and only a few minutes walk from Livraria Bertrand. Pastel de Nata are the traditional egg custard tarts of Portugal and are a must-have any time of the day, you have to try one if this is your first day in Lisbon! 

But wait! There’s a debate about whether Pastéis de Nata is the best custard tart or whether Pastéis de Belém is better. The latter is made to a recipe developed by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery in 1837, the ingredients of which remain a secret today. Why not try both to see if you can tell the difference?

TOP TIP: Pastéis de Nata are best eaten warm from the oven, when the pastry is crisp and the custard is heavy with caramelization. Ask for it warm when you order.

Time Out Market

The  Time Out Market  is a bit of an institution on the Lisbon map. Basically, this is a huge food hall with numerous restaurants and bars all under one roof. You’ll find restaurants by famous chefs as well.

This food hall is a good place to visit for a pre-dinner snack or a full-on meal. Often, you’ll even find events being held here.

Taberna Portuguesa

This is a small restaurant serving up traditional Portuguese food. With strong ties to the ocean, it’s no surprise that  fishing in Portugal  is quite popular, and with that, much of the delicious local cuisine is fish and seafood-based.

At  Taberna Portuguesa , you can find tasty bacalao (salted and dried cod, a specialty in Portugal) and sardine meals as well as other traditional dishes.

With just a few tables, you’ll want to make a reservation here. The staff are excellent at suggesting dishes for you to try, and which food goes best with which wine.

Top Five Lisbon Travel Tips

• Consider buying the  Lisboa Card . If you follow our itinerary many of our Lisbon sightseeing suggestions are free, but you may wish to use the public transport element or switch up the itinerary a little and visit some of the attractions covered by the Lisbon Card.
• Don’t eat the ‘free’ food. Many people sit down to enjoy a meal and are impressed to see complimentary bread, cheese, and olives arrive just moments after. These are not free, and if you don’t want them, just tell the waiter right away. Otherwise, you’ll find the extra cost on your bill at the end of the meal. 
• It’s a good idea to watch your pockets. Lisbon in general is a very safe city. But at the popular tourist sites and on crowded trams, pickpockets have been known to roam.
• Dine away from the tourist areas. Food and drinks are much more expensive around the main plaza than other places in Lisbon. Avoid eating in that area to save on food costs. 
• Wear good shoes. One of the best things about Lisbon is that while it’s a trendy, hip place, it’s ok to dress casually (unlike other cities in Europe). Wearing sneakers with your dress is common here ladies! Don’t try to wear heels on Lisbon’s hilly streets.

More Than One Day in Lisbon?

Do you have just half a day more in Lisbon, or perhaps you can extend your trip and see Lisbon in one weekend? Add these attractions and  day trips from Lisbon  to your itinerary if you have enough time:

Visit Belém Tower

Take a stroll west along the river to the Torre de Belem, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent. A 16th century fortification, Portuguese explorers once embarked on their adventures to discover new lands from here.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tower is a symbol of Portugal’s great Age of Discovery and stands proud in the Targus River. It’s worth a visit inside to tour the small museum which chronicles the tower’s eclectic history and visit the open roof terrace.

From the terrace, you’ll have stunning views of the sculpture Padrão dos Descobrimentos , the Monument to the Discoveries. The 52 meter testament was built in 1960 to commemorate the ‘Exposition of the Portuguese World’, and to celebrate the eighth and third centenaries of the founding and restoration of the Portuguese nation in 1140 and 1640.

These Belem Tower fast-track entry tickets also include entry to nearby Jeronimos Monastery, a late Gothic Manueline-style monastery housing archaeology, and a maritime museum.

Around the Belém district, you’ll also find lush parks, tree-lined plazas, the Lisbon Earthquake Museum , and the old royal palace, now the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda , making it a great spot to escape the frantic nature of the city.

Climb the Sanctuary of Christ the King

Cross the river on the Ponte 25 de Abril, the bridge that closely resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and see the 20th century statue of The Sanctuary of Christ the King , or Cristo Rei .

Modeled on Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, the huge monument stands 28 meters high from its plinth over the river and provides spectacular views of Lisbon from the top. To get there, you’ll need to take an elevator before climbing 270 steps to reach the lookout point at the top!

Chill at the Lisbon Greenhouses 

Visit the often overlooked Estufa Fria , or cold house, a haven of lush tropical and exotic plants and water features. The plants are housed in three magical greenhouses with slatted bamboo roofs, in the northwestern corner of Parque Eduardo VII.

Visit the Oceanarium of Lisbon

The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Nacoes, which was the exhibition ground for the Expo ’98. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, boasting a large main aquarium holding 5 million liters of seawater, alongside four marine habitats that are home to the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the Earth’s oceans.

We recommend booking  skip the line tickets for the Oceanário de Lisboa , one of Lisbon’s most popular indoor attractions.

Be Amazed by Sintra

Take a day trip to one of Portugal’s favorite national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city of Sintra, once the home of Portuguese royalty. Home to rich history, the colorful Pena Palace, and Quinta Da Regaleira, where the mysterious Initiation Well is a top Instagram draw, Sintra is like nowhere else in Europe.

On our  recommended and very well-reviewed Sintra day trip  you’ll also see Capo de Roca, mainland Europe’s most westerly point, some of the  best beaches in Portugal , and the lively town of Cascais, one of Portugal’s top coastal resorts.

Visit Porto

Take a high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto, which will get you there in around three hours. Trains start around 8am and the last Porto to Lisbon train leaves at around 8pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the city and visit all the Porto must-see attractions . 

Tickets cost around €25 each way. Organized day trips from Lisbon to Porto are another great way to see the city, with the added bonus of a guide to show you all the best things to do in Porto. Check out these private  Porto tours  for the best option.

Or, hire a car and take the incredible drive from Lisbon to Porto . Stopping at many of Portugal’s top destinations along the way, like Fatima, Coimbra, and Nazare, this coastal and historic itinerary is a must if you want to see more of Portugal.

Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca Coast Day Tour

If you take one day trip from Lisbon, take this highly rated and well organized day trip.

Visit the UNESCO city of Sintra , home to colourful Pena Palace and  Quinta Da Regaleira , to see the mysterious Initiation Well. You’ll also see Capo de Roca , mainland Europe’s most westerly point, and the lively town of Cascais , one of Portugal’s top coastal resorts.

With a professional guide to offer insights, an organized tour is the perfect opportunity to see  more of Portugal in less time!

Lisbon Practicalities

When to visit lisbon portugal.

Lisbon is a beautiful city that can be visited year-round, however, some months are better than others. 

Unlike other northern hemisphere destinations, Lisbon doesn’t see freezing cold temperatures in the winter. While it may be sunny, but chilly, for your day out in Lisbon, there are equal amounts of cloudy, wet days as well. I

In the winter months of November to February, you can expect the weather to be damp and cool, which makes it the least desirable time to visit Lisbon, although this is offset by discounted prices and fewer tourists.

The months of March, April, and May are one of two ideal times to visit Lisbon. During the spring, the weather is warm but not unbearably hot.

The tourist season hasn’t fully picked up during the spring, and there are many festivals and events taking place but the weather can still be unpredictable during these months with downpours possible. 

The summer months between June to August are the peak Lisbon tourism season. The weather is great, there’s a buzz in the air, and dining outside is enjoyable.

There are lots of events and things going on, warm weather and long days, and you can visit the nearby beaches or lounge by your hotel pool. This can be marred by the number of tourists and higher prices. You’ll need to book ahead of time or accommodation options won’t be available. 

Another great time to visit this amazing city is during the two autumn months of September and October. The sky is blue, the weather is great and the tourists have thinned out meaning prices start to reduce.

Getting to Lisbon

When flying to Lisbon you will land at Humberto Delgado Airport , only 20 minutes from the city centre.

The quickest and most cost-effective way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center is on the metro. Trains run every 7 to 10 minutes to São Sebastião metro station, and from there you can take an onward train to your preferred destination.

You can pre-purchase a Lisbon Card , which as well as providing free transportation also offers free admission to many of the city’s attractions. You can get cards for 24, 48, or 72 hours and they are easy to pick up at the airport when you arrive and help save money in Lisbon .

Two Aerobus lines leave the airport into the city center. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus or at Turismo de Lisboa desks in the arrivals halls.

• Aerobus Line 1 runs every 20 minutes from 7.30am to 7pm and every 25 minutes from 7pm to 11pm.The bus stops close to major hotels around the historical center of the city and the Marques de Pombal area. It also stops at Cais do Sodre station where you can take trains to the coastal areas of Cascais, Estoril, and Oeiras.
• Aerobus Line 2 runs every 20 minutes from 7.40am to 7pm and every 25 minutes from 7pm to 10.45pm. This line serves the main locations around the Marques de Pombal area of Lisbon. For onward connections, it stops at Sete Rios bus terminus and rail station.

You can take a bus run by the city’s public transportation operator  Carris , from the airport into central Lisbon, however, there are luggage size restrictions to be aware of with the maximum size allowed being 50x40x20cm. The buses take about 45 mins and cost €1.70 when paid on board the bus.

For a great way to start your Lisbon trip book a private transfer from the airport with Intui directly to your accommodation in the city center – it’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with many local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Are you visiting Lisbon as part of a longer trip? A Portuguese road trip is the best way see this gorgeous country, and our guide to road tripping in Portugal has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Luxury: The One Palacio da Anunciada – Booking.com | Agoda

Centrally located but on a quiet street, the simple exterior of The One Palacio da Anunciada belies the beautiful interior of this stylish hotel. We loved the green and leafy garden area and the choice of two pools for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing.

Mid-Range: Altis Avenida Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

With spectacular views across Lisbon from the roof terrace, the Altis Avenida Hotel is one of our favorites. Located in a historical building with a mix of traditional Portuguese architecture and Art Deco design, the whole feel is one of comfortable elegance. Breakfast on the 7th floor is one of the best ways to start your day in Lisbon!

Budget: Browns Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

A five minute walk from the Bairro Alto, Browns is a quirky boutique hotel with apartments. With wonderfully eclectic decor in the rooms and public spaces, this cool sport is a great choice for a stay in Lisbon.

Hostel: The Central House Lisbon Baixa – Booking.com | Agoda

Centrally located, this hostel offers a wide range of shared and private rooms, with plenty of public space too. Clean, light, and airy, this is one of the best spots to stay if you’re visiting Lisbon on a budget.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Portugal . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Written for The Gap Decaders by Goats on the Road

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Lisbon Travel Guide

Lisbon is arguably Western Europe's most underrated capital city. It's also one of the continent's oldest. First founded as a trading port city in 1200 B.C., Lisbon pre-dates Rome. Most of the old city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. But today, the "City of Light" is thriving. In the last 50 years its population and annual visitors have more than doubled as the rest of the world discovers what this second city on seven hills has to offer.Indeed, Lisbon checks all the boxes. It's home to colonial architecture, destination museums, and even its own genre of music. Hop on an iconic yellow tram and explore a fortified castle, a bustling waterfront, or a colorful maze of cobblestone streets. There's fun food – think themed trucks and even cereal bars – and fine food – five Michelin-star restaurants. At night, retire to a funky hostel, beautiful boutique property, or a 16th Century five-star hotel.

GMT during the winter (last Sunday in October – last Sunday in March)

GMT+1 during the summer (last Sunday in March – last Sunday in October)

Best Time to Go

Lisbon is a shoulder season destination. The best time to visit is in the spring, March to May, or fall, September to November, when the weather is pleasant. During the winter months, it's often cloudy or raining, and the city can feel like a ghost town. During the summer, peak tourist season, temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, crowds are common, and it can be hard to find accommodations (plus rates are higher).

However, you'll definitely want to visit mid-June if festivals are your thing. Sunday, June 13 is St. Anthony's Day – Lisbon's most beloved holiday and an entire night filled with parades, dancing, and plenty of grilled sardines.

Things to Know

Currency: Euro

($1 USD = .83 EUR; Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Portuguese

I don't speak Portuguese: Nao falo portugues

Where is the…: Onde está

Thank you: Obrigada

Learn more Portuguese phrases

Calling Code: +351 21

Outlets: Portugal uses type F and type C plugs. The U.S. uses type A and B. So, pack an adapter or be prepared to buy one at the airport. Since the voltage in Portugal is 230V you may also need to bring a converter if you're using an appliance that isn't compatible with 230V.

How to Get Around

Trains: Lisbon's trains (CP) which connect to major cities and surrounding towns, are frequent, reliable, and affordable. Tickets can be purchased at stations, online, or on the Comboios de Portugal app. The metro (Metro Lisboa) is just as user-friendly. There are four colored lines. The red line goes all the way to the airport, and single rides cost less than €2. Don't forget to validate your tickets before boarding and hold on to them until your ride is over.

Buses: Lisbon's bus system (Carris) runs 24/7 and includes two electric trams (including the historic yellow trolleys) and a funicular. Single rides are €2.

Taxis: Lisbon's taxis are abundant and certainly affordable, unless you use them during rush hour. Fares depend on where you're going, what time of day you're going, and how much luggage you have with you. Coop Taxis tend to be the most trusted. Always have cash available as credit cards aren't always accepted. Rideshare: Uber and Cabify, a Spanish rideshare company often cheaper than Uber, are both available here. Upon arriving at the airport, follow signs for the Uber pickup location.

Best Hotels

The one palácio da anunciada.

Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 112-134, 1150-268 Av. Liberdade / Restauradores Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-041-2300 Book Now

Lisbon's newest five-star property, The One Palácio da Anunciada, is housed in a 16th-century palace located in Lisbon's most exclusive neighborhood. After a soft opening in 2019, it's now up and running with 83 well-appointed rooms surrounded by manicured French gardens housing a spa, an outdoor pool, and even a solarium.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

Address: Av. da Liberdade, 185, 1269-050, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-319-8950 Book Now

Highlights at this five-star hotel located on one of the most expensive avenues in the world include an outdoor pool surrounded by a tropical garden and a chic rooftop bar with city views. The property also has an award-winning seafood restaurant and a luxury spa complete with 24-hour fitness center. Deluxe rooms start at $280/night while the Diplomatic Suite, decorated with pieces that once belonged to the late Portuguese actress Beatriz Costa, starts at $1200/night.

Hotel Britania

Address: Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 17, 1150-278, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-315-5016 Book Now

Billing itself as the only surviving original Art Deco hotel in Lisbon, Hotel Britania is a design-forward boutique property straight out of the 1940s. It's located just off of Avenida Liberdade on a quiet street. There are only 33 rooms but all have private marble bathrooms and powerful AC (a real luxury in Lisbon). Rates start around $100/night.

Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu

Address: R. Dom Duarte 3, 1100-240, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 91-417-6969 Book Now

An ideal home base for exploring Barrio Alto and Chiado, the tried-and-true Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu is just a five-minute walk from the main train station, Rossio. Like every Shiadu property in Lisbon (and there are six) accommodations are modern, yet classic, and minimalistic, yet comfortable. Guest reviews are always stellar, if not perfect, and rates start at just $80/night, including breakfast.

Dare Lisbon

Address: R. dos Sapateiros 135, 1100-422, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-346-1407 Book Now

Dare Lisbon specializes in rooms that feel like home, not hotels. This hospitality company prides itself on its 23 mini apartments each outfitted with a well-equipped kitchenette. Think coffee maker, fridge, microwave, electric cooktop, stick blender, and even a dishwasher. Rooms also include AC; rates start at $120/night (long term rates are available).

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa

Address: 142 Rua do Diário de Notícias 1200-146, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-116-0200 Book Now

This high-end hotel and spa with luxury apartment vibes is perched on a hill in Barrio Alto. The rooftop restaurant and bar have sweeping views of the city's skyline and serve seasonal, locally-sourced fare. Rooms have high ceilings and are spacious, by European standards. They include kitchenettes or full kitchens and living areas. Rates start at $195/night.

My Story Hotels

Address: Rua dos Condes de Monsanto, 2, 1100-159, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-886-6182 Book Now

All four My Story Hotels in Lisbon are contemporary, budget-friendly properties housed in recently renovated historic buildings. They're popular with younger crowds who want to be within walking distance of nightlife but not on top of it. Rates start at $80/night, and rooms are mostly singles and doubles.

Best Restaurants

Time out market (upscale food court).

Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-395-1274 Website

Time Out Market is Lisbon's answer to New York City's Eataly. Located in a historic market hall just a stone's throw from the waterfront, it features more than two dozen popup versions of the city's best restaurants and bars. It also hosts special events including cooking classes and is home to an exciting fish, meat, and produce market featuring the freshest ingredients around.

Pasteis de Belem (Portuguese)

Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-363-7423 Website

Since 1837 people have been lining up at this beloved Lisbon institution selling baked goods faster than they can bake them. Legend has it the secret recipe for Pasteis de Belem's best-selling sweet custard tarts came from within the Jerónimos Monastery. There's usually a massive line, and sometimes it can take a while to get a table inside. But it's always worth the wait.

Tapa Bucho (Portuguese)

Address: Rua Diário de Noticias n 122 1200-281 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 91-456-6392 Website

It's hard not to go to town at this tapas bar where there are at least four kinds of croquettes centered around proteins like oxtail and alheira (all served with amazing aolis) and pisco sours so good they deserve a cult following. Reservations are highly recommended because the terrace is small and tables go fast. Portions are quite generous, for the low prices, so keep that in mind as you order.

Barrio Do Avillez (Portuguese, Pizza)

Address: R. Nova da Trindade 18, 1200-303 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-583-0290 Website

The brainchild of Chef José Avillez, Barrio Do Avillez is a great way to experience food created by the first chef to bring two Michelin stars to a restaurant in Portugal. This culinary complex includes: Taberna, which serves elevated traditional Portuguese fare and the perfect lunch spot; Páteo which specializes in specialty fish and seafood; and Mini Bar, a gourmet gastro bar with bold flavors in small bites. Finally, there's Pizzaria Lisboa, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere and pizzas prepared with 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella Fior di Latte.

Augusto Lisboa (Breakfast and Brunch)

Address: Rua Santa Marinha, 26 1100491 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-887-2746 Website

With its bubblegum pink façade and the line out the door on the weekends, it's hard to miss Augusto Lisboa. This dreamy, details-forward restaurant may only serve breakfast and brunch but it's ranked #2 out of more than 5,000 Lisbon restaurants on TripAdvisor. The complete opposite of a greasy spoon, it serves the freshest ingredients and specializes in an avocado toast you've probably already drooled over on Instagram.

Restaurante Feitoria (International)

Address: Doca do Bom Sucesso 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-040-0208 Website

Restaurante Feitoria, Chef João Rodrigues's ode to Portugal, is located in the Altis Belem Hotel & Spa. Just one look at its inventive "material-themed" menu and it's easy to see why this Michelin-star restaurant is so renowned in the industry. Courses are small (but there are at least eight), and don't expect to walk out without spending at least $150 per person, especially if you partake in the extensive wine list. Reservations are required.

Things to Do

Address: R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 96-133-9696 Website

Portugal's signature style of music, fado, is where country meets the blues before colliding with opera. Songs are tragic and haunting, but they're not just played, they're performed. Since its birth in the 1830s, watching fado – which takes place in traditional bars and restaurants like Tasca Do Chico – has become the quintessential Portuguese pastime.

Try ginjinha

Address: Largo de Sao Domingos 8 Rossio, Lisbon 1150-320 Portugal Phone: (351) 21-814-5374 Website

Ginjinha is a sweet cherry liquor invented in Lisbon where today it's practically a staple, like sardines. The most popular place to get a shot is A Ginjinha bar , a walk-up hole-in-the-wall bar next to the bustling Rossio train station. There are no seats, just a small crowd of locals getting their daily dose mingling with curious tourists ready for their first taste.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-362-0034 Website

Recognized by UNESCO, this World Heritage site is as magnificent as monasteries come. It's hard to picture monks taking a vow of poverty in this palatial complex dating back to the 16th century. With its delicate ornate stonework, it's even harder to imagine it surviving the 1755 earthquake, but it did. Several tombs of Portugal's historical elite – from poets to explorers – are found here.

Oceanário de Lisboa

Address: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisbna, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-891-7000 Website

Although it's not within walking distance of downtown, Lisbon's award-winning aquarium is a must for families and anyone with a remote interest in marine biology. More than 8,000 animals live in its 7 million-liter saltwater tank. Temporary exhibits, including submerged forests by Takashi Amano (the foremost "aquascaper" in the world) are just as memorable.

Best Shopping

Address: Praça do Príncipe Real, 26, 1250-184 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 96-530-9154 Website

A former 19th-century Arabian palace, EmbaiXada (meaning embassy in Portuguese) is now an elegant mall of sorts committed to selling goods designed by Portuguese artists and artisans. From children's clothing to gourmet gin and organic cosmetics, if it's quality and made with love in Portugal, it can probably be found here.

A Vida Portuguesa

Address: Rua Anchieta 11, 1200-023 Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: 351-21-346-5073 Website

Specializing in products that have "crossed generations and touched hearts" A Vida Portuguesa is where to go for timeless gifts and souvenirs. Shop for stationary, linens, perfumes, and well-curated kits all sourced in Portugal and sold in packaging so pretty it's a shame to toss it.

Livraria Bertrand

Address: R. Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-347-6122 Website

When it opened in 1732, Libraria Bertrand was just another bookstore. Today, it's the world's oldest operating bookstore according to the Guinness World Records. While there are several Bertrand branches in Lisbon, the original is open seven days a week. It's the perfect place to seek refuge from a rainstorm or to find a large selection of books in English.

Address: Rua Rodrigues Faria, 103, 1300 – 501, Lisbon, Portugal Phone: (351) 21-314-3399 Website

LX Factory is Lisbon's answer to DUMBO. Once an industrial site in the shadow of Lisbon's iconic suspension bridge, it's now a hip district home to eclectic stores, galleries, and restaurants. Think food trucks, street art, and cool concept shops selling everything from chocolate salami to funky reversible lamp shades.

Neighborhoods to Know

Alfama : Boasting some of the best views of the Tagus River, this medieval village (it survived the 1755 earthquake) is perched on Lisbon's highest hill. It's home to Saint George's castle, and is arguably one of the city's most photogenic neighborhoods. Streets are narrow, but not too narrow for the historic 28 Tram which ferries tourists who don't want to deal with cobblestones or stairs.

Bairro Alto : Dating back to the 15th century when artists and authors flocked here in high numbers, this bohemian borough is now a happening scene. But for the most part, the magic only takes place at night. Come during the day to see the Insta-worthy street art. Return after dark for the city's best nightlife, bar-hopping, and dancing.

Chiado : It's hard not to compare this sophisticated neighborhood in the center of Lisbon with one you'd find in Paris or on the Upper East Side. It's far more contemporary than its surrounding districts and home to luxury retailers, elegant theaters, and the city's finest reservation-only restaurants. It also boasts Livraria Bertrand, founded in 1732 and thought to be the oldest operating bookstore in the world.

Belem : Lisbon's most impressive buildings and stateliest parks aren't downtown; they're in Belem. This historic waterfront with an extensive riverside trail was where 15th-century explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, departed Lisbon to discover the world. The city's most photographed structure, the Tower of Belem, rises out of the river and is only accessible by pedestrian bridge. The neighborhood is also home to beautifully landscaped green spaces, the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and several museums.

Lisbon has four seasons and with the exception of summer, a pretty mild climate. It can be compared to central California's. Temperatures rarely dip below 45°F and typically only climb up to the mid-90s°F in July or August. These months are also the driest. With an average of 13 days of precipitation, November is usually the wettest month. And don't count on seeing snow. It's not uncommon for Lisbon to go half a century or longer without receiving any.

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Lisbon, Portugal; an independent tourism guide for 2024

Lisbon is the stunning capital city of Portugal, and is one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe.

It is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism and progressive thinking.

As a holiday destination, Lisbon offers you a rich and varied history, buzzing nightlife, and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate. This article will show why you must visit Lisbon, and offers tips on how to get the most from your holiday here.

The Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge spanning the Tejo Estuary

Why visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is a bustling and exciting city that boasts a wide selection of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. It has a welcoming and liberal atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history.

Lisbon appeals to a diverse range of ages and tourists, from those seeking a cultural trip, relaxed city break or family holiday, to those who visit for its vibrant nightlife. Lisbon can even make a fantastic base for a beach holiday.

The Portuguese capital is consistently recognised as one of the greatest cities in the world, which is why millions of visitors choose to head here every year. The city is rapidly changing with the influx of tourism and foreign investment, but it still holds on to its unique charm and distinctive Portuguese character.

Lisbon is truly one of the finest cities of Europe, and is a destination you should definitely visit if you get the chance.

The delightful Torre de Belém once guarded the entrance to the Tejo Estuary

The best experiences of Lisbon

With a population of 2.9 million, a history spanning over 2,000 years, and its status as one of Europe's most liberal cities, expect a diverse range of sights and attractions to await you. A selection of Lisbon’s most notable and unique experiences include:

• Riding the number 28 tram , the traditional 1930s yellow that rattles and screeches through the historic centre of Lisbon. • Visiting the historic Belem district , with its many fascinating sights including the delightful Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. • Socialising in the many bars of the Barrio Alto district and then partying the night away in the clubs on Pink Street.

• Exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets in the Alfama district , which climb up from the river to the Castelo de São Jorge . • Savouring the unique meals and dining experiences in Lisbon, from traditional Tasca cafes to exquisite Michelin-star establishments. • Admiring the historic and architectural splendour of the Baixa district with its magnificent plazas, grand avenues, and lively atmosphere.

• Joining a romantic sunset boat cruise along the Tejo Estuary and viewing the city from the waterside. • Embracing authentic Portuguese culture in the Graça or Príncipe Real districts, with their sociable cafes and bustling shopping streets. • Discovering Lisbon’s creative and artisan side in LxFactory and the Alcântara district , or the up-and-coming Beato neighbourhood. Related articles: The top 10 sights and activities in Lisbon - The secret sights of Lisbon

Enjoying the sunset overlooking the Tejo Estuary

How long to spend in Lisbon?

There is a lot to see and do in Lisbon, and the recommended length of time for discovering the city is three days, but there are enough varied sights to easily fill five days of sightseeing. Many visitors wish to combine their time in Lisbon with a day trip to the wondrous town of Sintra to see the Pena Palace and gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira. During the summer, you may wish to take a day trip to Cascais or relax on the region’s beautiful beaches.

Other popular day trips from Lisbon include the port city of Setubal, the walled town of Óbidos, Mafra’s magnificent palace, the surfing town of Ericeira, the historic city of Evora, or the beautiful beaches of Sesimbra. If you prefer a relaxing holiday there are the glorious beaches of Carcavelos and Cascais, or you could go surfing on the Costa da Caparica.

Simply put, there is ample to do within Lisbon and the surrounding region to fill your entire holiday.

For a city break or Lisbon as part of a touring holiday we would suggest the following itinerary: A city-break of three days in Lisbon Day 1 – Explore the historic centre of Lisbon, which covers the Alfama, Baixa, and Cais do Sodre districts. Sights include Lisbon Castle, Praça do Comércio, Se Cathedral and a ride on the number 28 tram. The day could be finished with a sunset boat cruise and a meal in the TimeOut market.

Day 2 – Visit the Belem district and see the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belem and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Afterwards, you could explore the Alcântara district and LxFactory. For the evening, head to Bairro Alto.

Day 3 – Visit the Parque das Nações in the morning. For the afternoon, visit either the Estrela and Príncipe Real districts or the Graça district, with its many murals. In the evening watch the sunset from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and then end the night at Pink Street. For a detailed three-day itinerary please click here .

If you are fortunate to have a weeklong holiday to Lisbon a suggested itinerary could be: Day 4 – Day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace, Moors Castle and Quinta da Regaleira) Day 5 – Day trip to Cascais and its beautiful beaches Day 6 – Day trip to Setubal or Sesimbra Day 7 – Day trip to Óbidos or Mafra Palace and Ericeira Read our suggested itineraries: 1 week in Lisbon

Lisbon extends over seven steep hills; expect a lot of uphill walking!

• Where to stay in Lisbon?

For your first visit to Lisbon, it is recommended that you choose a base close to the historic centre; this covers the districts of Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto and the Avenida da Liberdade. These areas are popular with tourists and within easy walking distance of the main sights and attractions.

The Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre districts are the nightlife areas of Lisbon, so these are a good choice of base for a party-focused trip. The stylish Avenida da Liberdade is the location of many of Lisbon’s high-end hotels, making it the perfect place to stay for a luxury holiday.

Alfama is an ancient and characterful district, but the narrow, steep streets can be very draining in the summer heat. The Mouraria district and the Avenida Almirante Reis provide cheaper options for backpackers and budget travellers, but these are not areas we would recommend to older or less clued-up travellers.

If you are travelling for business, consider a base in the Parque das Nações district to the northeast of Lisbon, which contains many modern hotels and is close to the airport.

If you are new to Lisbon, the best five districts and neighbourhoods to be based in are: 1) Baixa 2) Avenida da Liberdade 3) Alfama 4) Bairro Alto/Chiado 5) Cais do Sodré

The map below displays the tourist areas of central Lisbon

Districts: 1) Baixa 2) Avenida da Liberdade 3) Alfama 4) Bairro Alto/Chiado 5) Cais do Sodré 6) Príncipe Real 7) Graça 8) Martim Moniz, Intendente and Anjos (green metro region) 9) Mouraria 10) Estrela

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in central Lisbon. By altering the date to suit your holiday, the map will display current prices:

Related articles: Where to stay in Lisbon?

The Parque das Naçoes is the ultra-modern side of historic Lisbon.

When to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon has hot, dry summers, and the city is pleasant in spring and autumn. In winter it will be mild, but possibly wet. The best time of year to visit Lisbon is in late spring (May to June), when the days are bright and sunny but the temperatures are not unbearably hot.

The peak season is between June and August, so if you visit at this time of year you should expect the city to feel very crowded. The weather is suitable for spending time on the beach from May until the end of September.

There can be a significant amount of rain during the winter months (November to February), but the city offers many indoor activities for those wet days. Lisbon is year-round tourist destination, and all tourist sights and activities remain open for the whole year. Related articles: When to visit Lisbon? - Activities for a wet day

The daytime maximum temperature (measured in the shade) and night-time minimum

The average hours of sunshine per day and the strength of the sun

The average amount of rain and number of wet days

Lisbon for 2024

Lisbon is expecting a sell-out summer season for 2024, and this follows the incredibly busy summer season of 2023. If you are serious about planning a trip to Lisbon, it is advisable to book your flights and accommodation as soon as possible; the best deals will sell-out.

As a popular destination for weekend city breaks, flights on Friday evenings and Sundays or Mondays tend to sell out quickly.

Rossio plaza is the heart of Lisbon

Are there beaches close to Lisbon?

Lisbon is close to a stunning coastline boasting beautiful sandy beaches and dramatic natural scenery. Many of the region's finest beaches are only a short bus or train ride away from central Lisbon.

There are two sandy coastlines easily accessible from Lisbon; the Cascais to Estoril coastline (to the west of Lisbon) and Costa da Caparica (to the south of Lisbon).

Slightly further out (and needing a car to visit) are the wild beaches of the Serra de Sintra coastline and the paradise beaches of the Serra da Arrábida.

Our Opinion: The beaches of the Lisbon region are just as beautiful as the Algarve, so there is no need to travel hundreds of miles to find the best stretches of coast. Related articles: Lisbon beach guide - Costa da Caparica

The vast Praia de Carcavelos beach, only a short train ride from central Lisbon

Is Lisbon suitable for children and families?

Lisbon is a good choice of destination if you want to take your family on a city break. There are many child-friendly tourist attractions, such as the Oceanarium, tram rides, Lisbon Zoo, or the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (interactive science museum).

The Portuguese have a family-focused culture, and children will be welcomed in all restaurants, hotels and shops. Lisbon is a relatively safe city, but the main consideration with regard to children is the very high temperatures in summer. Related articles: Lisbon for Families

A ride on the number 28 tram will be a highlight of a trip to Lisbon

What are the best day trips from Lisbon?

There are many enjoyable day trips from Lisbon, and these can greatly extend a stay within the city. The most popular day trips are to Sintra and Cascais.

Sintra sits in the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra and is the setting for many marvellous palaces and villas, including the Pena Palace and the Moorish castle. Cascais is a charming resort town, which has a delightful historic centre and is surrounded by beautiful beaches.

Other excellent day trips include the pretty beach town of Sesimbra, the magnificent palace of Mafra, the picturesque walled town of Obidos and the port city of Setubal. All of these destinations can be easily reached using public transport. Related articles: Day trips from Lisbon – Sintra Guide – Cascais Guide – Sesimbra Guide

The magnificent Pena Palace in the Sintra hills

Is Lisbon an expensive destination?

Lisbon is one of Europe's least expensive capital cities, offering exceptional value for food, drink and public transport. Entrance fees to the historical monuments are sensibly priced, but gimmicky tourist activities (tuk-tuks, bus tours) can be expensive.

There are many great value places to eat and drink, most notably the Tascas. These cheap, no-frills, family-run restaurants typically serve a 'meal of the day' for less than €8 and can be found along almost every street in Lisbon (and Portugal)!

Overall, Lisbon provides excellent value for money. However, accommodation and flights should always be booked well in advance to secure the lowest prices. Related articles: Cost of a holiday to Lisbon - Traditional meals to try while in Lisbon

Where to fly into, for Lisbon?

Lisbon Airport is the main international airport of Portugal, providing direct connections to all major European cities and many larger cities across the world. The airport itself is conveniently located within the city limits, and onward travel is extremely easy using the metro.

The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 handling international arrivals and most departures. While the building itself is quite dated, it has all the expected facilities of a major international airport. Terminal 2 handles departures only for the low-cost airlines and is very basic.

Insight: Portugal is a relatively small country with an excellent express train network connecting Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve. It is fairly easy to fly into one of Portugal's three airports (Lisbon, Porto and Faro) and travel by train to a different region of the country. Related articles: Lisbon airport to the city centre - Lisbon airport guide - Terminal 2 guide

Terminal 1 at Lisbon airport and the entrance to the metro, which is the best way to travel to the city centre

Is Lisbon Safe?

Compared to many other major cities, Lisbon is relatively safe. Tourists may occasionally encounter pickpockets or opportunistic thieves, but if you use the same common sense that you would use back at home then you should have no issues. Related articles: Is Lisbon safe?

Will Language be an issue?

English is much more widely spoken in Portugal than in Spain, France or Italy. Everyone who works within tourism speaks English fluently, while all transport hubs (metro, railways and airports) have English as their second language.

All restaurants have English menus, and most historical sights and attractions have descriptions in both Portuguese and English.

While it is not expected for foreign visitors to speak Portuguese, residents do appreciate it if you make an effort to speak a few words in their language. Overall, it is unlikely that you will encounter any difficulties communicating in English during your holiday in Lisbon.

Should I rent a car while in Lisbon?

A car is not necessary for your stay in Lisbon due to the availability of the excellent public transportation and inexpensive taxis, Uber or Bolts. Often a car would be more of an inconvenience due to the lack of parking, heavily congested roads and erratic driving of the Portuguese.

You do not need a car for the popular day trips such as Sintra, Cascais, or Obidos, as there is good public transport to these from Lisbon. A car could be a useful option if you plan on exploring areas outside of the city, such as the Serra da Arrábida, the Serra de Sintra or the Alentejo region. Related articles: The best driving routes of the Lisbon region

A car is needed to visit the Serra da Arrábida coastline

Discover more of Lisbon with our most popular guides

Home page and introduction to Lisbon

Top 10 Lisbon

What are the best sights and activities in Lisbon?

Secret Lisbon

Hidden gems and authentic experiences of Lisbon

Where to stay?

Which district should you be based in?

48 hours Lisbon

How to get the most from just 48 hours in Lisbon

Dishes to try

Delicious meals and authentic dishes to try while in Lisbon

Lisbon day trips

Lisbon's beaches

Lisbon is surrounded by glorious beaches

3 days in Lisbon

Three days is the ideal time to spend in Lisbon

1 week holiday

Lisbon is outstanding for a longer holiday

Only 24 hours

Cram all of your sightseeing into a single day!

Lisbon for families

Is Lisbon a good destination for families?

Baixa district

The grand and impressive heart of Lisbon

Belem district

Iconic monuments and rich seafaring heritage

Where to Shop?

Where are the best areas and shopping centres in Lisbon?

Alfama district

A labyrinth of narrow streets hides authentic Lisbon

Lisbon sunsets

Where to watch the sunset in Lisbon?

Parque das Nações

The ultra-modern side to historic Lisbon

Alcântara district

Lisbon’s trendy and artisan district

Ancient castles & opulent palaces - the best day trip from Lisbon

Costa da Caparica

23km of beautiful beaches south of Lisbon – perfect for a beach day!

Beautiful beaches, culture and atmosphere, the best resort near Lisbon

So many romantic and scenic viewpoints

Airport guide

Airport guide and onward travel from the airport

Cost of a holiday

Is Lisbon expensive? What budget to take?

Infrequently it rains, but what activities are there?

Art & museums

The culturally rich museums and galleries of Lisbon

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A complete list of all of our Lisbon articles

Getting started

• Lisbon introduction
• How long in Lisbon?
• Lisbon for seniors
• Lisbon's best hotels
• Cost to visit Lisbon
• Lisbon's best museums
• Lisbon for a rainy day
• Is Lisbon walkable
• Is Lisbon safe?
• Lisbon on a budget

Lisbon's districts

Alfama Belem Baixa District Parque Nações Cais do Sodre Príncipe Real

Sightseeing

• Shopping in Lisbon
• Lisbon's best markets
• Lisbon Parks
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Elevador de Santa Justa
• Torre de Belem
• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Largo do Carmo
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Senhora do Monte
• São Pedro de Alcântara
• Elevador da Bica
• Elevador da Glória
• Elevador do Lavra

Transport guides

• Lisbon airport
• Airport to city centre
• Metro guide
• Cruise ship guide
• Ferry guide
• To Christo Rei Statue
• Lisbon to Porto

Itineraries

• 24 hours in Lisbon
• 48 hours in Lisbon
• Lisbon in 3 days
• 1 week in Lisbon
• A weekend city break
• 5 days in Lisbon
• Lisbon to Porto Tour
• Lisbon beach guide
• The Lisbon coastline
• Praia Carcavelos

Lisbon Trams

• Tram No. 15

Lisbon's stations

Orient train station Apolonia train station Cais do Sodré station Sete Rios bus station Rossio train station

• Lisbon or Barcelona
• Sousse in November

The Lisbon region

Day trips from Lisbon

• Sintra introduction
• Sights of Sintra
• Day trip to Sintra
• Lisbon to Sintra
• Sintra beaches
• Sintra tourist bus 434
• Palacio da Pena
• Palácio de Monserrate
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Parque da Pena
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Cascais introduction
• Day trip to Cascais
• Cascais beach guide
• Cascais sights
• Cabo da Roca
• Lisbon to Cascais
• Evora guide
• Evora sights
• Evora day trip
• Bone Chapel
• Lisbon to Evora
• The Alentejo region
• Sesimbra intorduction
• Sesimbra sightseeing
• Sesimbra beaches
• Lisbon to Sesimbra
• Cabo Espichel
• Obidos Introduction
• Things to see in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Ericeira introduction
• Lisbon to Ericeira
• Ericeira beaches
• Setubal introduction
• Serra da Arrabida
• Peninsula de Troia

Central Portugal

• Berlengas Islands

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal?
• 1 week in Portugal
• Portugal airports
• Portugal weather
• Best beaches
• Top 10 Algarve
• Portugal in June
• Portugal in September
• Portugal in November
• Where to Live in Portugal

North Portugal

• Douro Valley
• Serra da Estrela
• Viana do Castelo
• Porto where to stay
• How Long in Porto
• Porto sightseeing
• Porto beaches
• Porto in 1 Day
• Porto in 3 Days
• Porto 1 Week
• Foz do Douro
• Linha do Douro
• Port Cellars
• Airport to City
• Porto Trams

South Portugal

• Algarve introduction
• Albufeira guide
• Albufeira activities
• Albufeira beaches
• Day trip to Albufeira
• Albufeira boat trips
• Carvoeiro beaches
• Percurso dos Sete Vales hike
• Sights and activities
• Faro beaches
• Funchal introduction
• Lagos guide
• Lagos beaches
• Praia da Marinha
• Praia da Rocha
• Praia da Rocha beaches
• Tavira guide
• Tavira sights
• Tavira Beaches
• Vilamoura beaches
• Vila Nova de Milfontes

Lisbon, Portugal; the best independent tourism guide for 2024 © 2009-2024 LisbonLisboaPortugal.com - Privacy Policy and Contact Us

The best guide to Lisbon

for Solo Travel Over 50

Fabulous 4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary (2024)

UPDATED 3/15/24

If you’re planning on spending 4 days in Lisbon (or even just 3 days in Lisbon), use this Lisbon solo travel itinerary to get the best of Lisbon and Lisbon day trips on your first-time Lisbon solo travel.

This Lisbon itinerary is intentionally written for those doing Lisbon solo travel, first time in Lisbon travel, older travel (I am over 50), budget travel and/or eco-friendly travel. Yet, anyone can use this Lisbon itinerary it to plan and book a fulfilling trip to Lisbon.

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All You Need for This 4 Day Lisbon Itinerary

The ultimate lisbon travel guide & video, 5 must dos in lisbon portugal video, the lisbon card, day 1 – baixa & barrio alto, day 2 – explore alfama, day 3 – day trip to sintra, day 4 – day trip to cascais, 3 days in lisbon – alternate itinerary, download this lisbon 4 day itinerary in a pdf, download the lisbon 3 day itinerary pdf.

Here are all of the sites you need to successfully book your incredible 4 days in Lisbon, Portugal solo travel.

I even give you my suggested Lisbon hotel as a centrally-located stay in Lisbon ideal for exploring Lisbon on foot for the first time.

I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your Lisbon 4 day itinerary and get the best Lisbon travel deals.

Cheap Flights to Lisbon

Trains to Lisbon

Buses to Lisbon

Best Lisbon City Center Hostels

Best Lisbon City Center Hotels

My Lisbon Hotel Pick

Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72 Hours

Don’t forget to use the Ultimate Lisbon Solo Travel Guide to plan your 4 days in Lisbon, Portugal. It is the ultimate one-stop-shop guide for all you need to know to plan Lisbon solo travel with:

• Best Time to Visit Lisbon
• Getting to Lisbon
• How to Get Around Lisbon
• Lisbon Solo Travel Safety
• Packing Essentials for Lisbon
• Best Places to Stay in Lisbon Solo
• Best Things to See and Do in Lisbon
• Lisbon Dining, Nightlife and Shopping
• Best Booking Sites for Lisbon Travel
• Top Lisbon Budget and Ecotourism Travel Tips

Want to see the ultimate Lisbon Solo Travel Guide in action instead? Watch the very popular 15 Things to Know Before You Go to Lisbon video.

Discover Lisbon visually while learning the top 15 things to know before you go to Lisbon, from getting there, getting around, where to stay, top things to do in Lisbon, eco travel tips, Lisbon pro travel tips, and more to plan your first time travel to Lisbon.

If you’re a first-time traveler to Portugal, also use my Ultimate Portugal Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Portugal.

More Portugal Travel Guides & Itineraries

• Perfect 3 Days in Porto First Time Itinerary
• The Ultimate Porto Solo Travel Guide
• Coimbra in 1 Day Itinerary and Guide
• 7 Best Europe Beach Destinations for Solo Travelers

Yes, you will get to do all of these must do things in Lisbon in this 4 days in Lisbon itinerary. If you’re not inspired to travel to Lisbon after watching this Lisbon video, then keep reading.

The Lisbon Card is designed to save you money on top Lisbon attractions and provide additional discounts and free access to unlimited Lisbon public transportation for 24, 48, or 72 hour periods. The card can be reserved now while paying later.

It is not required to purchase the Lisbon Card for this Lisbon 4-day itinerary. However, if you wish to add additional Lisbon attractions to this Lisbon itinerary, you may want to consider buying one, especially if your solo trip to Lisbon is in peak season.

Best of Lisbon in 4 Days Solo Itinerary

This Lisbon itinerary not only shows things to do alone in Lisbon in 4 days, but it also provides unforgettable day trips from Lisbon.

When you use this 4 day itinerary for solo travel over 50 to enjoy the best of Lisbon and surrounding areas, and you’ll find you can’t wait to go back to Lisbon.

Lisbon Itinerary Travel Tip s

• This itinerary assumes staying centrally in Baixa as my Lisbon Solo Travel Guide suggests.
• This itinerary works best checking into (or checking bags at) your hotel no later than noon.
• Travel in the shoulder season for good weather and daylight hours, less tourists, and lower costs.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated , especially if your solo travel in Lisbon is in peak season.
• Consult my Lisbon Solo Travel Guide and Portugal Travel Guide to plan your Lisbon solo travel.

You’ll find this 4 day Lisbon itinerary (also adjusted for 3 days in Lisbon) is very laid back allowing you to just become familiar with Lisbon by walking around and exploring much of the city from the outdoors. You’ll have opportunities to pop inside to some gorgeous, historic buildings, along the way, but there are no tickets to buy to enter.

If there is a popular attraction nearby that calls for tickets, I’ll note that ‘extra’ attraction should you find it appealing to visit. Otherwise, do not feel you need to see the ‘extras’. These 4 days in Lisbon itinerary is pleasurable as-is.

Arriving Lisbon

Bags securely checked at your Lisbon hotel , you’ll embark on a slow, self-guided walking tour of Baixa and Barrio Alto.

Make your way north to Rossio Square to admire the open space with the Estátua do Rei Dom Pedro IV and north and south side fountains. Cafes also line the west side if you’d like to grab a snack.

Exiting the northern end, stop into Igreja de São Domingos to marvel at its unpolished, pink walls and ceiling. I’ve never seen a church like this. You’ll love it.

Start on the northern end of Baixa by going up to Restauradores Square and take in the scenery. If high-end shopping is your thing, spend some extra time going north up Avenida de Liberdade.

Next, walk 20 minutes to São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint to admire the views of the city and Tagus River. When ready, head south through the Barrio Alto admiring the picturesque neighborhood first making brief stop at Church of São Roque , followed by a stroll down Rua da Misericórdia to Praça Luís de Camões for more lovely outdoor scenery.

Wander the Rua Garrett for window shopping making your way to briefly view the ruins of the Carmo Convent followed by a stop at the Santa Justa Lift for a ride to the top and more city views.

When done, head south to stroll the cobblestone pedestrian Rua Augusta . There is a lot to take in on this walk towards the Tagus River. Take your time until it’s time to pass under the Arco da Rua Augusta and enter Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square).

Walk Commerce Square to take in the views from all sides. See the São Jorge Castle above on the hill. Head down to the water to Cais das Colunas . Walk along Avenida Ribeira das Naus towards the 25 de Abril Bridge if you feel up to it or just stay at the Cais das Colunas. If it’s close to sunset, find a good spot. You’ll enjoy watching the sun go down.

By now you’re probably hungry. You’re in a great location for dining.

Head back to any one of the restaurants near Rua Augusta that caught your eye for dinner and drinks (don’t forget the side streets as well). Stop into any restaurant or cafe you wish with a good menu and outdoor tables. Or, dine at A Tasquinha Canto do Fado or Duque da Rua for dinner with music.

Don’t forget to toast to your first night in Lisbon with a shot of Ginjinha, a sour cherry liquor, after dinner. It’s delicious.

Take your time getting up. If you’re having an amazing European breakfast in your hotel, it more than likely won’t be ready until 8am. Fill up and put your walking shoes on again, because Day 2 in Lisbon is more walking but with hills. In Alfama.

First up, a brief self-guided tour of Igreja de Santo António , followed by the imposing Lisbon Cathedral right behind it.

Make your back to the Rua Augusta area to see or do anything you may have missed the day before.

Next up is your ride on Tram 28 and sparing your feet the hills to come. Catch the tram at the Martim Moniz stop 24-hour tickets can be purchased at metro station in advance or on the tram. Try to get a window seat and keep watch for any pick pockets, especially if the tram is crowded.

You’ll enjoy a slow ride up the hill and come to the Lg. Portas Sol stop. This is a great place to get off and walk, or take a Tuk-Tuk, some more beautiful attractions, like the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (or exit the tram at the Voz Operário stop and walk to the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora).

Whether you decide to visit the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora or not, make your way back to Lg. Portas Sol.

If you’re feeling lazy (like I was), just find a spot at one of the terraces and patios of the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and drink sangria (or whatever) and just enjoy the view…. for hours.

On beautiful day, you may have to wait to find a seat. Once you find one, you’ll not want to move.

At some point, you’re going to have to move, and move before sunset. Why? From your lovely vista point you’re just a small walk up hill to Castelo de S. Jorge , a must do in Lisbon.

If you thought the views from Miradouro das Portas do Sol were good, then just wait until you get to the castle. I highly suggest getting there at least one hour before sunset so you have time to walk around the castle and enjoy the grounds, the peacocks (yes, peacocks), and all of the view points overlooking Lisbon.

Then, find your favorite spot and watch the sunset.

Stroll the castle grounds a little more after sunset. The castle is lit up and beautiful. Say goodbye to the peacocks (now firmly entrenched above in the trees), and walk downhill through Alfama to dine closer to your hotel, or stay and dine in Alfama . Find a roof top bar to end the night or, of course, there is also plenty of places for Fado music in Alfama .

Day 3 in Lisbon and it’s time to get out of Lisbon. You’re probably asking, “Why would I want to leave if I only have 4 days in Lisbon?”.

Trust me. No first-time visit to Lisbon would be complete without a day trip to Sintra . You can easily do this Sintra day trip self-guided by catching the train from the Rossio Train station for a few Euros each way.

Trains take 40 minutes in each direction. At the Sintra station, catch the first available bus 434 (there will be several in front of the Sintra station). Bus tickets can be bought on the bus.

In one day, you can see the following Sintra attractions self-guided, especially if you get your tickets in advance: National Palace of Pena with skip-the-line ticket , the Castle of the Moors with priority entry ticket , and the Quinta da Regaleira , also with a skip-the-line-ticket .

Pick up a bus to the Sintra station, or keep walking, so that you’re on the train back to Lisbon before dinner.

If you don’t want to do self-guided, take a guided Sintra group day trip that I’m sure is worth it.

Back in Lisbon around dinner time, you could go back to ride Tram 28 through Lisbon’s neighborhoods (last stop is Campo de Orique) and stop off dinner and drinks at the location of your choosing.

Again, take your time in the morning. This is a lazy 4 days in Lisbon, remember?

Like day 3, you’re going to get out of town again today. This time to Cascais for sun and more relaxation. After breakfast, walk an easy 20 minutes along the river to the Cais do Sodré station. For a couple of Euros, catch the train to Estoril to walk the Alameda Duquesa de Palmela to Cascais enjoying the sea view and multiple beaches leading to Cascais.

Here is your day to do whatever you choose, from lounging on the beach, shopping and dining in the historic center, or taking in historic sites.

If it’s to be lounging on the beach and it’s a hot day or peak season, I suggest trying to catch the train early so you can get a spot on the beach. Remember, I consider Cascais one of the best beach destinations in Europe , so you can count on Cascais beaches (there are several) to be full. You’ll want to rent a beach chair and umbrella early.

Portugal Travel Tips

Make sure you stay hydrated and wear your good marine and reef safe sunscreen all day.

For the best beach experience on your Portugal solo travel over 50, check out the 25 solo travel essentials for going to the beach alone and the top tips on how to do a solo beach trip .

Do what you please. Take breaks to grab food – you’ll find many places to stop for a bite along the beaches.

Cascais is such a quaint town, it’s worth exploring. When you’re done with the beach, stroll through town to the 5th of October Square to Mirador Casa de Santa María for great picture taking.

Again, if you don’t want to do self-guided, there is guided Sintra group day trip with Cascais you could opt for and do something different on your third day in Lisbon.

Dine in Cascais or head to Lisbon for dinner. Trains leave about every 30 minutes so you have flexibility on this last day of your 4 days in Lisbon alone.

What if you only have 3 days in Lisbon? My suggestion would be to keep to the first two days on this itinerary, and then do the small group tour to Sintra and Cascais on your third day.

If Sintra and Cascais don’t interest you, you could opt for a small group tour to Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos or a group tour to Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos from Lisbon .

I highly suggest having one full day for Sintra and one full day for Cascais. However, if your solo travel to Lisbon is only three days, then seeing both Sintra and Cascais for a half day each is better than not at all.

Want to take the headache out planning 3 days in Lisbon? Instant download my amazing 3 Days in Lisbon PDF itinerary !

Now that you know all of the amazing things you can realistically see and do in Lisbon in 4 days, why not have this itinerary at your fingertips on your trip?

An international solo female traveler since 1995, you know this Lisbon Itinerary is from my actual, self-created and traveled Lisbon solo trip, not a crappy, AI-generated itinerary with stock photos and misinformation. I’ve done all of the work for you so you know it’s an itinerary you can trust.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, older traveler, or budget traveler, this Lisbon 4 Day Itinerary PDF is a steal .

So, why spend more time researching and planning? Grab this Lisbon itinerary now and download it in a Lisbon 4 Day Itinerary PDF . Formatted for sleek use on all devices , it not only gives you the 4 day itinerary, it also gives a full Lisbon travel guide. Check out all you get, with clickable links, taking out all of the guesswork so you can go ahead and book your Lisbon trip:

• Arrival transportation methods,
• Lisbon Airport transportation to the city center,
• Local transportation methods, including the Hop On Hop Off bus and tuk tuk, walking, bike/e-bike tours and more,
• Top city center accommodations recommendations (including budget stays),
• What to eat and where to eat dining suggestions,
• Dining apps to use,
• City, historical and food walking tours,
• The Lisbon Card,
• Links to the top Lisbon attractions with clickable walking maps for each day in Lisbon and beyond,
• What to bring to Lisbon travel essentials,
• CORR Travel Portugal and Lisbon Travel resources,
• Lisbon events and holiday schedule, and
• Eco-travel and ecotourism resources.

Still only have 3 days in Lisbon? Get the same great Lisbon Travel Guide with 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary PDF .

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if this 4 days in Lisbon solo travel itinerary was helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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The perfect 2 days in lisbon itinerary for the responsible traveler.

If you’re considering spending a weekend in Lisbon, it can be a daunting task to plan the trip to include all the main sites in only 2 days.

There are so many incredible attractions in this 2700-year-old city where you’ll find yourself wandering enchanting old streets, enjoying breathtaking views, and getting amazed by the beautiful tiled houses where soaring fado music spills out from open windows in the late evenings.

When spending 2 days in Lisbon, you want to make sure you get to get the most out of the city. That said, you’ll surely want to come back for more no matter how long you spend in this city.

I’ve spent a lot of time in this vibrant city over the years and fall in love with it a little bit more each time I go, so now it’s time to share the best of the city so you can enjoy a splendid 2 days in Lisbon itinerary.

TThere are so many reasons to visit Lisbon , so this itinerary only covers the actual city and not the surrounding areas like Cascais and Sintra as I think Lisbon deserves a full two days. Extend your stay to explore the surroundings if you can. There are a great number of phenomenal day trips from Lisbon worth doing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

How to get to Lisbon

Lisbon is well commuted through Lisbon International Airport with other major airports in Europe and beyond. From the airport, the most economical and sustainable ways to get to the city center are by metro or bus.

For both of these options, you’ll need to get a Viva Viagem or 7 Colinas card and load it with the amount you need.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi. If your 2 days Lisbon visit is part of a Portugal road trip, you might as well get your rental car straight away . It takes between 20 minutes and an hour to drive to Lisbon from the airport, depending on the traffic.

Note that if you drive, you should also consider getting a hotel outside the historic center and preferably outside the city center that includes free parking.

There’s no free parking in the city center – at least not that I’ve found – it’s rather expensive. So it’s worth getting public transport into the center for these two days to avoid high parking fees.

Lisbon is well-connected by bus too and the city’s main bus station is Sete Rios. This is where intercity buses stop. For international coach arrivals, Gare do Oriente is a popular bus station. From here, you can transfer to the metro if you need to get to a different place in the city.

Also, Cais do Sodré is a major hub for buses and other modes of transport like metro, train, and ferry.

Search bus to Lisbon here.

Traveling by train might just be the most sustainable way to travel to Lisbon. The main railway station is Rossio Railway Station (Estação de Caminhos de Ferro do Rossio.)

However, if you travel long-distance, you’ll most likely arrive at Santa Apolónia Railway Station right outside the Alfama district.

From Porto, it takes about 2.5-3 hours by train and from Faro in the Algarve, it takes around 3 hours.

Search train to Lisbon here.

Reaching Lisbon by car is easy from all over the country as well as from neighboring Spain. It takes about 2.5-3 hours from Faro in the Algarve and 3 hours from Porto .

As mentioned above, there’s no parking in Lisbon center that’s either easy to find or affordable. A lot of street parking only lets you pay for 4 hours at a time, which means you’ll have to go back and forth to the car to top up with coins (and yes, you need coins, many of the machines don’t take a card.)

Check availability and prices for rental cars here.

Make sure you don’t forget any of these road trip essentials !

When is the best time to go to Lisbon

Lisbon is one of those places that are wonderful to travel to all year round which makes it an ideal destination for any Europe itinerary . However, there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing when to go.

In the summer months, you can expect daytime temperatures up to 30 degrees celsius which means it can get pretty hot walking around. However, if your trip to the city is part of a larger Portugal itinerary where you plan to get serious beach time, it’s absolutely worth it.

To avoid the biggest crowds in Portugal in general, you can opt for the shoulder seasons with a little milder temperatures, but still perfect for beach dwellers. This is a great time to use the city as a base for day trips from Lisbon to the surrounding towns and beaches.

Lisbon in winter is mild with daytime temperatures around 15 degrees celsius in the daytime dropping to around 8-9 degrees at night. This is the perfect time for sightseeing and having lunch outside. If you’re planning on a Lisbon weekend break winter is a good time to go.

Where to stay in Lisbon

There are plenty of great places to stay in Lisbon , especially in Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto where you are within walking distance from top attractions and in the heart of Lisbon’s old town.

⭐TOP PICKS – WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON⭐ LUXURY – Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument – stay in an opulent 19th-century palace with inside and outside swimming pools, a wellness center, and a garden. MID-RANGE – Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – a fantastic hotel with a spa and wellness center including an indoor pool. There is also a nice rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the city. BUDGET – My Story Hotel Rossio – a beautifully decorated budget option with a restaurant and bar. Rooms are bright and stylish.

Pensao Residencial Flor dos Cavaleiros

There aren’t many budget options in Lisbon, but this is a simple hotel that allows pets where you can stay within walking distance of all the top attractions you want to explore during 48 hours in Lisbon.

There’s no free parking around the hotel, but you find public transport just a few meters from the front door.

See availability here.

How to get around in Lisbon

Lisbon is a perfectly walkable city, yet full of steep hills, so you’ll get a proper workout walking around. If you get tired from walking the cobbled streets, there are the famous trams and buses to get around the city.

There’s also a stunning, old lift in Lisbon that takes you up from the Baixa neighborhood to the Barrio Alto. This is a tourist attraction in itself and is well worth it!

Generally, I don’t recommend driving around in Lisbon, simply because it’s hard to find parking and the spots you find are super expensive.

If you drive, see if you can find a place outside the city center to park for free and take public transport to your hotel unless you’re planning on driving while you’re there.

2 days in Lisbon itinerary

Now that we’ve looked at all the practical details, let’s get to the fun stuff. Lisbon is such an amazing city and while you’ll get a great outline for spending 2 days in Lisbon in the following itinerary, make sure you leave some time to get lost in the streets and be flexible if a fun opportunity should come up.

In my opinion, no matter the itinerary, Lisbon will leave you speechless and you’ll want to come back for more.

Day 1 – Lisbon itinerary

St. george’s castle.

Start the first day of your Lisbon 2 day itinerary with a visit to St. George’s Castle. Sitting on a hilltop overlooking the city, it impresses not only with the well-preserved castle walls but also with breathtaking views.

This hill housed a fortified castle long before the Romans, Visigoths, and Moorish built there. However, the 1755 earthquake destroyed most of it and today’s structure is a restructured version of what the Moors once built.

The castle opens at 9:00 in the morning so you can get an early start to your day.

To get a short introduction from a local guide about the castle’s history and save time, you can book your skip-the-line tickets in advance here .

Lisbon Sé Cathedral

Only a ten-minute walk from St.George’s Castle through the Alfama district you’ll reach Lisbon’s Sé Cathedral . The 800-year-old church is the oldest in Lisbon and a must-visit on any Lisbon itinerary.

Admire the astounding interior, where you can find a reliquary coffer with São Vicente, Lisbon’s patron saint’s relics.

Don’t miss out on the sweeping views from the cathedral’s balcony. The treasury museum is also worth a visit.

Check out the viewpoints and have lunch

There are a few great lunch spots hidden throughout the Alfama district and while you’re there, you might as well check one of them out. There are also a whole lot of fantastic vegan restaurants in Lisbon you should check out.

Walking down from the Se Cathedral, you’ll also pass some of the best viewpoints in the city. Whether you want to grab a coffee to go and enjoy the view from viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia or sit down at any of the bars with a view, you’ve got epic options.

Get lost in the cobbled streets

The rest of the day you can spend getting lost in the streets of the Alfama district and even venture through the Barrio Alto and Baixa district if you want.

This is where you’ll find the enchanting narrow cobbled streets lined with cute houses, tiny restaurants, and bars that make Lisbon so special and it’s well worth spending a few hours there with your camera.

Have dinner with Fado

Any itinerary for Lisbon should include a Fado experience. In the Alfama district, there are numerous restaurants offering live Fado music and with only 2 days in Lisbon, this is your best bet to get an introduction to this soaring traditional music form.

If you want to continue out for a drink after dinner, head to one of the epic rooftop bars of Lisbon for sunset or enter one of the cute bars with live music to round off the evening.

Day 2 – Lisbon itinerary

National pantheon church of santa engrácia.

Start the second day of your 2 days in Lisbon itinerary with a visit to the beautiful National Pantheon Church of Santa Engrácia. The church was made National Pantheon in 1916 and only 50 years later, the dome was finished.

With the building of the church starting in 1682, there’s no other monument in Portugal that has taken this long to be built. Today, there’s even a saying when something takes forever, they say: “a job like Santa Engrácia.”

The Pantheon lacks the gold and tiles of the typical Portuguese baroque style but is still considered the first example of a baroque monument in Portugal. The inside is beautifully decorated with colorful marble inspired by the St. Peter’s basilica in Rome.

Visit a museum

Not far from the National Pantheon you’ll find a few important museums worth visiting on a Lisbon city break.

Museu Militar de Lisboa – The most underrated museum in Lisbon is also the city’s oldest, dating back to 1876. You can see one of the largest artillery collections in the world.

National Fado museum – The most culturally important museum devoted to the local music form, fado, and the guitar. Besides the permanent exhibition, there are always temporary expositions, and the best of it all is the audio guide that lets you listen to music while you learn about the history.

National Tile Museum – One of the most important national museums devoted to Portugal’s history of azulejos from the 15th century until today. The museum offers a unique collection of tile art worth exploring.

Lunch in the Baixa District

The Baixa district has a whole heap of amazing restaurants promising a tasty lunch even for vegetarians and vegans. If you didn’t walk around there on the first day of your 2-day Lisbon itinerary, make sure you at least walk past Commerce square to take a picture.

The square is facing the harbor and used to be the loading place for commercial ships, thus the name. For the same reason, it was also known as the “door to Lisbon.”

Belem tower

One of the top attractions to see on any Lisbon weekend itinerary is the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belem Tower. You can reach it by tram E15 from the Baixa district.

The 16th-century fortification was used to protect Lisbon from raids from the Tagus River but was also a symbol for sailors heading out to sea.

It’s well worth climbing the three levels of the tower to get an idea of what it would have been like when it was used as a protective fort, but also to maze at the sweeping views of the Tagus River and the city from the top.

If you want to upgrade your experience with a guided tour of the Belem Tower and district plus a river cruise, I highly recommend this tour .

Jerónimos Monastery

While in the Belem district, you don’t want to miss out on the Jerónimos Monastery. In 1983, the monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The monastery is set in the same place as the chapel Ermida do Restelo where sailors, including Vasco da Gama, prayed before sailing to India.

The tomb of Vasco da Gama and the Portuguese poet and writer, Luís de Camões, is found in the church of Santa Maria that’s inside the complex.

You should definitely not miss out on this significant attraction when considering what to see in Lisbon in 2 days.

Book your tickets in advance:

Monument of the Discoveries

Close to the Jerónimos Monastery, you’ll see one of the most important monuments in Lisbon, the Monument of the Discoveries. It was erected to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death. He was the discoverer of islands like Madeira, Azores, and Cape Verde.

The 52-meter-tall statue is a wonderful reminder of the age of discoveries in Portugal. In front of the monument, lays a mosaic compass rose, meeting a whole of 50 meters in diameter, that was gifted from South Africa. In the middle, you can see a world map.

Take the elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the Tagus River, the Belem district, and the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.

How to be a responsible traveler with two days in Lisbon

There are a couple of specific things to consider as a responsible traveler when going to Lisbon. Besides, remember to leave no trace, try to learn a few basic words in Portuguese, show respect to the locals and other travelers, and all in all, be a good human being.

Avoid the 28 tram

Why? You might ask. Riding the no. 28 tram in Lisbon is usually listed as one of the top things to do in Lisbon in 2 days. However, what people tend to forget is that the tram is not primarily running as a tourist attraction.

The no. 28 tram in Lisbon is one of the main transportation for locals to get to and from work, to reach their homes, to get to the shop, and so on.

When overtourism takes over the tram, locals experience that they can’t find space in the tram when they need to get to work or to get back home. Because the tram is full of tourists snapping pictures of the scenic route.

If you want to take the tram in Lisbon, which I absolutely suggest you do, take any other tram and use it as a mode of transport instead of just checking off a bucket list.

Don’t visit Lisbon Zoo

Lisbon zoo is another popular tourist attraction in the city. As always, I don’t recommend visiting any place that uses animals for tourism purposes or for profit reasons.

As a responsible traveler, you should always consider the consequences of your actions, and visiting zoos results in more and more animals suffering as they breed and take in more animals in a space where their well-being is prioritized behind the tourists’ interest.

Lisbon is also home to one of Europe’s largest aquariums which I for the same reasons would avoid.

You can read more about ethical animal tourism and why you should avoid zoos altogether in my dedicated post here .

Leave no trace

This might seem like common sense. But there are more things you can do than not throwing rubbish. Bring your own eco water bottle to avoid creating more plastic waste during your stay in Lisbon. You can also bring your own reusable coffee cup and ask for a refill when you grab a coffee to go.

You can also choose eco-conscious restaurants and cafes for your meals. A great place to get pastel de nata is Vegan Nata . They even serve their hot chocolate in edible cups!

Reflections on a weekend in Lisbon

As mentioned in the beginning, if you want to press in Sintra and Cascais in your Lisbon itinerary, 2 days might not be enough if you at the same time want to get a good feel of the city itself.

However, you can easily, compress this itinerary and travel faster if that’s your style, or cut down on certain attractions and take half a day to see the Pena Castle or walk around Cascais.

That said, I highly recommend at least 2 days in Sintra and the same in Cascais, but nothing less than a day in each place as there’s so much to see and do.

For a 2 day itinerary, Lisbon makes the perfect city break in my opinion. But be warned, you’ll want to come back for more!

Happy travels!