3 Days in Lisbon - a guide from a Local
Intro
I visited Lisbon for the first time in November 2013 when I was an Erasmus student. Over the next 10 years, I kept returning every other year, until eventually moving here in 2021.
Still to this date, I discover something new in Lisbon almost every day - a beach town, a National Park, or some local food.
This simple, obvious fact tells you something; itās not easy to catch the soul of this city in the space of just a few days. But thatās why youāre here! So letās dig into my experience and make the most of the time youāve decided to spend in the capital of Portugal.Spoiler alert. You wonāt regret it.
DAY 1
Youāve landed at Humberto Delgado Airport, checked in to your hotel, and probably already ate 2 or 3 Pasteis de Belem.
Before you become addicted (trust me, itās easy), get your walking shoes on and start exploring Lisbon from the neighborhood where Fado was born, the place that survived the 1755 earthquake and hasnāt changed for hundreds of years: AlfamaĀ
It might sound clichĆØ but itās true- the best thing about walking around this neighborhood is getting lost. Take your time admiring the Azulejos (the blue tiles that decorate all of Lisbon), the narrow alleys, the ladies offering Ginjinha (a berry-based licor), and the colorful buildings- some of them so old, youāll find yourself wondering how theyāre still standing.
Check out the 3 main viewpoints (Santa Lucia, Graca & Nossa Senhora) and make sure to look at the street art along the way.Ā
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, youāll also find an antique street market in Campo Santa Clara called Feria da Ladra- itās worth visiting!
Tips:
*Lisbon is an extremely hilly city: donāt get fooled by Google Maps. 700 meters/0.5 miles here can feel way longer than elsewhere. If you want to make your walk easier, start from the highest point, Miradouro Nossa Senhora do Monte, and make your way down to Alfama-Museo do Fado.*The Viewpoints are best at sunset, but also very busy at that time. If you want a more relaxed experience, go early in the morning- from Santa Lucia you can catch an amazing sunrise!
*Donāt want to walk? Youāll find many Tuk Tuks around that are ready to offer a loop of the city. The prices are pretty standard, so donāt waste your time trying to bargain - expect to pay around 40ā¬ per person for a 2-hour ride
Afternoon
Time to taste the real Portuguese wonder, the Pastel de Belem (Belem Pastry).
Get to Belem via tram, train, or taxi (theyāre all easy options), and head to the Jeronimos Monastery.
I know, I told you weād get dessert, but the Monastery closes at 5 PM, so better to visit here first! The Monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline Architecture. If the line is too long and your time is limited, head straight to the front door and visit the Church (TIP: For the Monastery you pay 12ā¬, but the church itself is free).
Ok, church done - now itās Pastel time! 50 meters from the Church youāll see a shop with blue tents. Depending on the time of the year, you can buy Pasteis āto goā from the first door on the left (shorter line) and eat them in the park in front of the shop. But if you have some patience, it is worth it to wait and enjoy your Pasteis inside the shop. The inside is bigger than youād think and can fit hundreds of people. Get at least 3 pasteis- youāll eat two on the spot, and a 3rd before going to bed. Or get just one and youāll be back in the line after 5 minutes to get a second one, up to you.
Evening
Restaurants: stay in the Alfama-Graca area for something more traditional, possibly followed by some Fado music. Visit Barrio Alto for more modern (but touristic) spots. For fancier dinners, Santos and Lapa are the best areas.
DAY 2
You have many options ahead of you:Ā·
Explore more by foot: From Praca Luis Camoes head towards the Parliament, in the neighborhood of Sao Bento.
Keep walking and youāll find yourself in Estrela, one of the most characteristic areas of Lisbon. Not to miss:Ā Estrela Church and Park.
If you like brunches, cafes, and such, thatās your hood. Continue towards Alcantara and LX Factory, where old warehouses have been converted into shops, restaurants, bars, and graffiti areas.
Feeling more like museums? Here are my choices: 1. Sao Vicente Monastery, for more Azulejos than you can imagine and a great view of the city.2. MAAT Museum for Architecture and Technology enthusiasts. 3. Gulbenkian Museum for modern art.
Evening
At night, if you feel like exploring something different, you can try one of the many places that have Brazilian music: Samba, Forro, Bossanova! The Brazilian community is one of the biggest in Lisbon, and if thereās something they do differently than the Portuguese- thatās music. Give it a go, and see what you like more.
DAY 3
I know, the end of the trip is approaching. If itās your last day, you canāt leave before visiting Sintra, a town in the mountains about 40 minutes away from Lisbon.
Sintra is where the Royal family lived, and where all the Aristocracy of Portugal built their most extravagant houses during the 1800s and 1900s.
Which palace to visit? Thatās a tough one!
If you are more of a historical type, visit the National Palace, the residence of the Royals.
If youād rather see a nice park, and feel the vibes of the āMagical Sintraā, then the place for you is Quinta da Regaleira, or Pena Palace.
If you want to follow a less busy path, go to the Palacio de Monserrate.
Whatever your choice is, plan ahead! Buy tickets in advance and expect some line. After all, this is the most visited place in Portugal. You can visit Sintra easily by train, or if you have your own vehicle, I recommend completing your day with a stop at the westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca.
Itās also one of the windiest places Iāve ever visited, so donāt forget something warm- even if you visit in August.
The Final Supper
If youāre in Lisbon in the summer, donāt miss the chance to enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the Tejo River and the 25th April bridge.
Take a ferry from Cais de Sodre station, cross to Cacillhas, and head to Ponto Final or Atira-te o Rio Restaurants.
Youāll need to make a reservation a few days ahead, but the view will be fantastic, and the food is more than satisfying.
Places to stay
If youāre in Lisbon for a very short time thatās a good summary of what you can do!
However, there are dozens of things I left out of this mini-itinerary. If you want an experience designed for you, like a good suit, I suggest you reach out and plan your holiday with me. Itās easy, plan a consultation call and weāll have a chat.
If you want some tips for accommodations, check my guide below!
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