3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Begin at Lisbon's ancient castle, perched atop the city's highest hill. The Moorish fortification offers unrivalled panoramic views across terracotta rooftops to the Tagus River. Explore the ramparts, archaeological site, and shaded gardens. Early morning means fewer crowds and cooler temperatures for the climb.

Alfama Neighbourhood Walk

Descend through Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood that survived the 1755 earthquake. Get intentionally lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets, staircases, and tiny squares. Listen for fado music drifting from open windows, admire the azulejo tiles covering every surface, and stumble upon hidden viewpoints.

Lunch in Alfama or Graca

Try traditional Lisbon food at a local tasca. Taberna da Rua das Flores serves exceptional small plates. Alternatively, climb higher to Graca for lunch at Cafe da Garagem with its stunning terrace views. Fresh grilled fish is always a good choice.

Tram 28 Experience

Catch the famous Tram 28 from Graca (less crowded than central stops). This vintage wooden tram squeaks through impossibly narrow streets, offering a perfect introduction to Lisbon's hills and neighbourhoods. Hold on tight through the hairpin bends!

Baixa Downtown Exploration

Explore the grid-planned Baixa, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake with impressive uniformity. Walk from Rossio Square through the pedestrianised shopping streets to the grand Praca do Comercio on the waterfront. The ornate Santa Justa Lift provides spectacular views (or take the free viewpoint from the Carmo ruins above).

Chiado & Carmo Convent

Climb to Chiado, Lisbon's elegant shopping and cafe district. Visit the atmospheric ruins of Carmo Convent, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and deliberately left roofless as a memorial. The archaeological museum inside has a quirky collection including Peruvian mummies.

Sunset at Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

Walk or take the Elevador da Gloria funicular to this beautiful viewpoint garden with views across Baixa to the castle. Watch the sunset with a cold drink from the kiosk. This is one of Lisbon's most romantic spots.

Dinner in Bairro Alto

Stay in Bairro Alto for dinner. By night, this area comes alive with bars and restaurants. Try traditional Portuguese at Adega do Ribatejo or contemporary cuisine at Taberna da Rua das Flores (book ahead). Later, Bairro Alto transforms into the city's main nightlife zone.

Pasteis de Belem

Start your day at the legendary Pasteis de Belem, serving custard tarts from a secret recipe since 1837. Arrive early to avoid the queues. The crispy pastry and creamy custard, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, is breakfast perfection. The tiled interior is worth admiring.

Jeronimos Monastery

This UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece is Portugal's finest example of Manueline architecture. The ornate cloisters are breathtaking, with stone carved to look like coral, rope, and maritime motifs. Vasco da Gama and poet Camoes are buried here. Pre-book tickets to skip queues.

MAAT or Maritime Museum

Choose between MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), a stunning contemporary building with rooftop views, or the Maritime Museum, packed with model ships and exploration history. Both are excellent; choose based on your family's interests.

Lunch in Belem

The Belem waterfront has several options. Ponto Final across the river (take the ferry from Cais do Sodre) serves outstanding seafood at local prices with skyline views. Closer by, Darwin's Cafe in the MAAT has good food and river views.

Torre de Belem

Walk along the waterfront to the iconic Tower of Belem, a 16th-century fortress that once guarded the harbour. The tower's ornate exterior is more impressive than the cramped interior, but climbing to the top offers memorable views. Queues can be long in peak season.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

Visit the Monument to the Discoveries, a 52-metre-high monument celebrating Portuguese explorers. Take the lift to the top for panoramic views. The floor in front displays a world map showing Portuguese exploration routes. Inside is a small exhibition.

LX Factory

Take a short taxi or walk to LX Factory, a converted industrial complex now housing creative businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and a famous bookshop inside an old printing press (Ler Devagar). The Sunday market is excellent; evening brings a lively atmosphere.

Dinner at LX Factory or Return to Centre

Stay at LX Factory for dinner - options range from sushi to traditional Portuguese. Landeau Chocolate has outstanding chocolate cake. Alternatively, return to the centre for dinner in Cais do Sodre's Time Out Market, a gourmet food hall with stalls from top Lisbon chefs.

Train to Sintra

Catch an early train from Rossio station to Sintra (40 minutes, frequent departures). The journey itself is pleasant, passing through Lisbon suburbs. Arrive before the tour bus crowds descend. The Sintra train station is a short walk from the historic centre.

Pena Palace

Take the 434 bus up the mountain to Pena Palace, a fantastical 19th-century Romanticist castle that looks like it belongs in a Disney film. The colourful exterior, lavish interiors, and stunning views make it unmissable. The surrounding park is equally spectacular.

Lunch in Sintra Town

Return to Sintra town for lunch. Avoid the obvious tourist restaurants near the palace. Incomum has excellent modern Portuguese food in a design-focused space. Alternatively, try queijadas (local cheese tarts) and travesseiros (almond pastries) from Piriquita.

National Palace or Quinta da Regaleira

Choose between the National Palace in town (distinctive twin chimneys, magnificent tiled rooms) or Quinta da Regaleira (mysterious gardens with initiation wells and grottos). Regaleira is more adventurous; the National Palace more historically significant.

Return to Lisbon

Catch the train back to Lisbon with time to freshen up at your hotel before your final evening. If you have energy, the train stops at Belem (change at Cais do Sodre) for any Belem attractions you missed yesterday.

Free Time in Lisbon

Use this time to revisit favourite neighbourhoods, pick up souvenirs, or simply enjoy a final sunset from one of Lisbon's miradouros. Principe Real has excellent boutiques and a beautiful garden. Alternatively, rest before your farewell dinner.

Fado Dinner Experience

End your Lisbon trip with fado, the soulful Portuguese music born in Alfama. Authentic fado houses include Clube de Fado (upscale) or Mesa de Frades (intimate). Alternatively, wander Alfama's streets where fado sometimes drifts from bars - free and atmospheric.