Lisbon is a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. A 3-day itinerary will allow you to explore some of its most iconic sights and experiences!
Here's my suggested 3-day Lisbon itinerary:
Day 1: Historic Districts
Morning:
Start your day in the historic Alfama district. Wander through its narrow streets and admire the colorful buildings. Don't miss the Miradouro das Portas do Sol for a fantastic view of the city!
São Jorge Castle: Explore this historical castle and take in the views from the castle walls! It is €10 to enter.
Lunch:
Head to the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) for lunch. This food hall offers a variety of Portuguese dishes and international cuisine.
Afternoon:
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé Catedral): Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Carmo Convent: One of my favourite things to see in Lisbon! These church ruins and museum provide incredible history of the city. The entrance fee is €5.
Tram 28: Take a photo of the iconic Tram 28. You also have the option to ride it, however I would recommend against this, as it can get quite crowded.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Enjoy the sunset at this viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the city!
Dinner:
Fado Dinner Show: End your day with a traditional Fado dinner show in Alfama. Fado is a genre of Portuguese music that's deeply emotional and soulful. Some options are Parreirinha de Alfama, A Baiuca, and Páteo de Alfama.
Day 2: Belém
Morning:
Head to the Belém district.
Belém Tower: Explore the Belém Tower, an iconic symbol of Lisbon.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Walk further along the riverfront to this monument.
Jerónimos Monastery: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pastéis de Belém: Enjoy a famous Portuguese custard tart at the Pastéis de Belém bakery.
Lunch:
Lunch in Belém: Savor a seafood lunch at a local restaurant in Belém.
Afternoon:
Go to a museum! There are many in Lisbon, so here are a couple to choose from-
MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology: Visit this contemporary art museum, known for its stunning architecture.
Berardo Collection Museum: Explore the contemporary art collection at this museum.
National Coach Museum: One of the largest collections of historical carriages in the world!
Museu Nacional do Azulejo: This stunning museum is dedicated to the azulejo, traditional tilework of Portugal, and showcases the history, as well as modern day tile works.
Dinner:
Dinner in LX Factory: Head to LX Factory, a trendy industrial complex turned into a cultural and dining hub. Choose from a variety of restaurants.
Another option is to dine at one of the restaurants on the many patios of the “Green Street”
Day 3: Sintra Day Trip
Morning/Early Afternoon:
Take a day trip to the beautiful town of Sintra, located just a short train ride from Lisbon.
Pena Palace: Explore the colorful and fantastical Pena Palace. Make sure to get there early to beat the crowds!
Quinta da Regaleira: Visit this stunning 16th century property that is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Explore the mystical gardens, tunnels, and initiation wells.
Castle of the Moors: Visit the Moorish Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Sintra Town Center: Stroll through the charming town center and have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
You can either do this as a self guided trip, or with a tour company!
Return to Lisbon: Head back to Lisbon in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
Bairro Alto: Spend your last evening in the vibrant Bairro Alto district. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and soak in the nightlife. You can also dine at one of the many rooftop patios in the city!
This itinerary will give you a well-rounded experience of Lisbon, from its historic neighborhoods to its modern attractions and a taste of the nearby enchanting town of Sintra. Adjust the schedule based on your interests and the opening hours of the attractions, and make sure to check for any special events or holidays during your visit!
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