Sights, Beaches & Places to Eat!

Lisbon is for sure one of many prettiest cities in Europe. It additionally occurs to be one of the inexpensive European cities to go to, so it’s an excellent spot for a fast metropolis break that gained’t break the financial institution.

Numerous low price airways fly to Lisbon inside Europe and you’ll usually discover some nice flight offers to Lisbon from the US too. 

If you’re excited about spending a protracted weekend there, I’ve put collectively an itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon that features all the key sights, plus the magical land of Sintra and the beautiful seashores of Estoril.

A Quick Intro to Lisbon 

• Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of many oldest cities in Europe – it really predates Rome! 
• The metropolis is positioned on the northern banks of the River Tagus, which is the longest river within the Iberian Peninsula. 
• Much of Lisbon was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755.
• The metropolis may be very hilly and is legendary for its trams and elevators.
• Lisbon has a lot of completely different neighborhoods to discover, together with Baixa and Chiado, Alfama, Barrio Alto, and Belèm.
• Today Lisbon is a well-liked European tech hub and has a thriving startup scene.

Should You Get the Lisbon Card?

Before stepping into this 3 day Lisbon itinerary, it’s value mentioning that there’s a Lisboa Card, which comes with free public transportation and free entry to a lot of Lisbon’s high sights.

For adults 16+ the Lisboa Card prices $21.95 for twenty-four hours, $37.32 for 48 hours and $46.11 for 72 hours. 

It contains:

• Free admission to 26 sights, together with Torre de Belem, Jeronimos Monastery and Santa Justa Elevator. 
• Free limitless journey by public transport, together with buses, elevators, funiculars, metro and trams. 
• Free journey on CP practice strains to Sintra and Cascais. 
• Deals and reductions on excursions, buying and nightlife.

I don’t all the time advocate getting metropolis playing cards however the Lisboa Card is inexpensive and definitely worth the cash because it contains a lot of sights in addition to trains and public transportation. 

Lisbon Itinerary, 3 Days

Day 1: Sightseeing in Lisbon

Your first day of your 3 days in Lisbon shall be spent exploring Baixa and Alfama Neighborhoods, adopted by drinks in Barrio Alto within the night. Here’s a map of your strolling route from Rossio Square to Santa Justa Lift and Praca do Comercio:

Rossio Square 

Start your Lisbon itinerary by having fun with a espresso and a few breakfast in Rossio Square (formally Dom Pedro IV Square), which is likely one of the metropolis’s foremost squares and a well-liked assembly place.

There’s a 27 meter-tall monument to King Pedro IV within the middle, plus two baroque fountains on both facet. The ground of the sq. is adorned with tiles in a wave sample and this sample has really been replicated all through Portugal, Rio de Janeiro and Macau.

Santa Justa Lift

From Rossio Square stroll to the Santa Just Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa). 

This lovely wrought-iron elevator was constructed within the nineteenth century to move passengers from the Baixa district to the Largo do Carmo. If you are taking the elevator up you’ll attain the viewing platform, which provides a few of the finest views of Lisbon.

Santa Justa Lift is open from 7.30am to 11pm each day and normally departs about each 10 minutes. A return ticket prices €5.30, which incorporates entrance to the viewing platform. The raise is taken into account a part of the Lisbon public transport community, so you can even use your 24-hour public transport ticket in the event you’ve bought one.

Sometimes throughout peak season there might be lengthy strains for the elevator so I’d recommend going both early or late to keep away from the queues in the midst of the day.

Praça do Comércio

Next head to Rua Augusta, which is Lisbon’s well-known buying avenue the place you could find retailers like Bershka and H&M. Keep strolling all the best way down in the direction of the waterfront till you get to Praça do Comércio. This spectacular plaza overlooks the Tagus River and is likely one of the highlights of the town. 

The plaza really stands on the location of a former palace, Ribiera Palace, which was destroyed within the earthquake of1755. Up till then, the palace was the primary residence of Portuguese kings for about 250 years. 

King José I ordered a business sq. to be constructed as an alternative and within the middle of the sq. lies a statue of the king himself, mounted on his horse, Gentil. The plaza is lined with distinctive Pombaline type yellow buildings and there are quite a few eating places the place vacationers and locals can dine outdoors. 

For one of the best views of the sq., pay the €2.50 entrance price to entry the terrace of the triumphal arch, Arco da Rua Augusta. 

Tram 28

Lisbon is understood for its historic yellow trams and also you’ll usually see them in photographs of Lisbon. They’re nonetheless in use and are a part of the Lisbon public transport community, so it is best to undoubtedly take a trip on one!

The hottest tram is Tram 28. The tram follows a scenic route from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique, passing via districts reminiscent of Baixa and Alfama. 

Board the tram on the Rua Conceição or Rua Augusta cease and get off in Alfama on the Portas Sol cease. The tram can get very crowded and also you’ll in all probability end up standing, so maintain on tight! Be cautious of pickpockets and attempt to buy a 24-hour public transportation ticket at one of many metro stations to save lots of you the effort of shopping for a ticket on the tram.

Alfama

Once you get off at Portas Sol, take a stroll round Alfama. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint has a big open terrace and is the most well-liked viewpoint in Lisbon.

Just a brief stroll away you’ll discover the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint, which is positioned in entrance of the church of Santa Luzia and has a a lot prettier terrace. When I visited there have been artists promoting artwork work and enjoying music. Here you possibly can take in the panoramic views throughout Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops and out to the Tagus River.

There’s additionally a restaurant on the terrace, so you possibly can seize some refreshments earlier than climbing as much as the Castelo de Sao Jorge.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Located on the town’s highest hill is Castelo de Sao Jorge, which is a fortification that dates again to round 1st century BC and was expanded upon by the Moors within the tenth and eleventh centuries. In 1147, each the town and the citadel had been captured by the Portuguese within the Siege of Lisbon. Since then it has served as a lot of issues, together with a royal palace, a navy barracks, and now a vacationer attraction.

The citadel was destroyed in a significant earthquake in 1755 however was finally declared a National Monument in 1910 and underwent main restoration work to remodel it.

On your go to to the citadel you possibly can go to the museum to be taught extra about its historical past and snap photographs of Lisbon’s metropolis middle from above. The views are gorgeous and it’s actually definitely worth the go to.

Evening in Barrio Alto

Barrio Alto is understood for its nightlife stuffed with bars and eating places. In the summer season months folks spill out of the bars and onto the streets, consuming mojitos or caipirinhas in plastic cups. 

There are quite a few Fado homes right here providing conventional Portuguese meals and nightly Fado exhibits. If you’ve by no means heard of Fado, it’s a style of music that has a melancholy tone and originates from Lisbon. The efficiency normally includes a singer and an individual enjoying the Portuguese guitar, which has a singular pear form. 

You might begin your evening with dinner and a Fado present, then spend your evening bar hopping across the bars. 

Popular locations to eat in Barrio Alto:

• Versículo d’O Faia
• A Nossa Casa
• Taberna do Bairro alto
• Sabores na Travessa
• Tapa Bucho
• As Salgadeiras

Bars to go to: 

• Majong
• The Old Pharmacy
• Maria Caxuxa
• Tasca do Chico
• Portas Largas

Day 2: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is sort of a actual life Disney kingdom; a magical land of palaces, castles, gardens and lavish villas. Located within the Sintra Mountains, this UNESCO world heritage web site is likely one of the most visited vacationer locations in Portugal and may undoubtedly be included in your 3 day Lisbon itinerary. 

Highlights of Sintra embrace the Pena National Palace, the Castle of the Moors and the Sintra National Palace. 

Getting to Sintra

It’s tremendous straightforward to get to Sintra. The practice from Rossio practice station in Lisbon prices €2.25 a method or €4.50 spherical journey. Very low cost! If you could have the Lisboa card then the practice to Sintra is included. Trains depart each half-hour and the journey time takes roughly 40 minutes.

Once you get to Sintra, most individuals observe this route: 

• Palacio Nacional
• Historic middle of Sintra and lunch
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Palacio Nacional da Pena (purchase tickets on-line right here)

You can get round Sintra by taking the #434 vacationer bus, which departs from Sintra practice station to the historic middle, then climbs up the hill to the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.  

Of course, in the event you don’t need to do it your self then your different possibility is to take an organized, day journey. Here’s a collection of excursions from GetYourInformation. 

If you don’t need to ebook a tour, you possibly can at the very least keep away from the ticket queues by reserving your entrance tickets on-line earlier than you go. 

In the summer season months Sintra can get very crowded, so attempt to depart as early as attainable on your day journey. The foremost sights to see in Sintra embrace:

Palacio Nacional de Sintra

Your first cease would be the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, which is positioned within the middle of Sintra. This medieval royal residence was inhabited by Portugal’s rulers from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century and includes a minimalistic gothic exterior. Due to its location, it’s sometimes called the Town Palace. You can immediately acknowledge it by the cone formed chimneys that protrude from the highest.

Castelo dos Mouros

Set in a strategic place up excessive on a hill, the Castle of the Moors is a citadel that was constructed by the Moors within the eighth and ninth centuries, based underneath Islamic rule. Excavations of the citadel have revealed the existence of a mosque in addition to some muslim homes.

However, the citadel fell underneath Christian rule within the twelfth century when Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, captured it in 1147. It was occupied till the mid fifteenth century however was progressively deserted through the years, falling into disrepair. However, within the mid nineteenth century King Ferdinand II started a restoration challenge consistent with the Romantic type of that point.

From the citadel you possibly can see gorgeous views over the city, the Pena Palace, the inexperienced hills of Sintra and the ocean.

Palacio de Pina

Places to Eat in Sintra

There are a lot of cafes and eating places within the historic middle of Sintra, together with:

• Tascantiga
• Fatto a Sintra
• Romaria de Baco
• Villa 6
• Cantinho Gourmet
• Bacalhau na Vila

Day 3: Sightseeing and Estoril

When discussing Portugal seashores most individuals mechanically consider the Algarve. Yet Lisbon additionally has seashores, you simply want to move somewhat additional alongside the shoreline. If you’re visiting through the summer season months when it’s heat, I’d recommend taking the practice to Estoril, which is a city on the Portuguese Riviera.

Before that I’d spend the morning visiting Belem, which is on the best way. Belem is likely one of the most lovely districts of Lisbon, positioned about 5km west of downtown. The finest approach to get to Belem is by taking the E15 tram, which departs from Praça da Figueira and makes a cease at Praça do Comércio. If you buy a single ticket on the tram it prices €3, or you need to use your Lisboa Card or the 24-hour limitless transportation ticket, which might be bought on the metro stations. 

Situated alongside the banks of the Tejo Estuary, Belem was as soon as residence to Lisbon’s shipyards and docks, and was a foremost departure level for Portuguese explorers. This district has a laid-back vibe, with a lot of greenery and parks. Sights it is best to see when you’re there embrace:

Torre Belem

The most notable sight in Belem is Belém Tower, which is a sixteenth century fort that was used to defend the town and served as an entry/exit level for Portuguese explorers. Built through the Portuguese Renaissance, the tower was constructed from lioz limestone and consists of a bastion and a four-storey tower. It was categorised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. 

Entry to the tower prices €6 or is free with the Lisboa card and opening hours are normally from 10am to five.30pm or 6.30pm relying on the time of 12 months.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Construction of this Manueline-style monastery started in 1501 and took 100 years to construct. The preliminary design was created by Frenchman Boytac and his work was continued by different notable architects, together with João de Castilho and Diogo de Torralva. After the Portuguese arrived in India, the development was largely funded with cash from commerce with the East.

The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is likely one of the most visited sights  in Portugal. Highlights embrace the Church of Santa Maria, which has a single nave held up by six fantastically sculpted columns, and the cloisters, that are fantastically adorned.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

Padrao dos Descobrimentos is a monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or “Age of Exploration”) through the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.This 52-meter-high concrete slab is designed within the type of the prow of a caravel ship and options ramps on both facet. 

Standing alongside the ramps are 16 figures (33 in whole) representing vital folks from the Portuguese Age of Discovery, together with monarchs, missionaries, artists, scientists and explorers.

Pasteis de Belem

Pasteis de Belem is a pastry store that has been making its well-known egg custard tarts from a secret recipe since 1837. Stop by the store to strive one for your self and luxuriate in a cup of espresso earlier than departing for the seaside.

Estoril

This resort city west of Lisbon is residence to a pleasant sandy seaside referred to as Praia do Tamariz, which is located near the Estoril practice station. In summer season this seaside is jam filled with locals and vacationers since it is extremely straightforward to get to. The seaside has loads of amenities, together with seaside cafes, bars and retailers. 

Between Lisbon and Cascais there are additionally a lot of different seashores dotted alongside the shoreline, so that you don’t have to stay with only one. There’s Praia da Rainha, Praia da Ribeira, Praia do Guincho, Praia da Carcavelos and Praia de São Pedro, to call only a few. 

There’a practice that runs from Cais do Sodré practice station in Lisbon alongside the shoreline to Estoril. You can board the Cascais line in Belem and the journey time takes roughly half-hour. Easy peasy!

Time Out Market, Lisbon

When you arrive again in Lisbon, head to Time Out Market for some dinner! The market is positioned not removed from the Cais do Sodré practice station and is open until midnight. 

Here you’ll discover a lot of restaurant stalls underneath one roof and it’s an excellent place to strive a few of Portugal’s well-known meals. Some of the stalls are run by high Portuguese cooks, together with Michelin-starred cooks Alexandre Silva and Henrique Sá Pessoa.

Some in style stalls to strive embrace:

• Croqueteria – makes a speciality of breaded and fried croquettes.
• Cozinha da Felicidade – recognized for its octopus stew.

That completes your Lisbon itinerary!

Getting to Lisbon

Lisbon’s airport is known as Humberto Delgado Airport. It is positioned 7km northeast of the town.

When reserving flights, my go-to search engine is now Google Flights. I additionally cross reference costs with websites like Skyscanner and Kayak however Google Flights is normally one of the best. I’m additionally signed as much as Scott’s Cheap Flights, which is an electronic mail service that sends you airfare offers. 

Lots of airways fly to Lisbon, together with low price airways. TAP Air Portugal is the nation’s nationwide airline and you’ll usually discover some first rate offers to Lisbon from each London and New York.

Flying from the US you’ll have a alternative of airways reminiscent of Delta, United, American Airlines and TAP Air Portugal. Most flights from the US are in a single day flights, so that you’ll land early within the morning able to kick-off your Lisbon itinerary. 

If you’re coming from the UK you could have a wide array of airways together with British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Iberia and TAP Air Portugal.

How to Get Around on Your 3 Days in Lisbon

During your 3 days in Lisbon you possibly can primarily get round on foot or by taking public transportation. Just bear in mind the town may be very hilly, so undoubtedly skip the heels and put on sneakers or comfortable sandals.

The public transportation system is in depth, with a community of trams, buses, metro strains and ferries. Definitely don’t hire a automobile as you’ll need to take care of parking and heavy visitors. 

Tip: If you select to journey by public transport then it’s finest to get a 24-hour ticket which incorporates limitless journey on the metro, the trams and the buses. A ticket prices 6.40 euros and might be bought at one of many metro stations. 

Metro – Metro stations have an ‘M’ signal outdoors and there are 4 colour coded strains. Services run from 6.30am to 1am and tickets might be bought on the station with card or money. There are two fare zones however all the vacationer sights fall inside zone 1. A single fare prices €1.50 nevertheless it’s higher to get the 24 hour cross that features all public transportation. 

Trams – Lisbon has 5 completely different tram routes and a few of the classic trams (notably Tram 28) have grow to be vacationer sights. 

The trams can get crowded, notably in summer season, so that they’re usually standing room solely. Stops are marked by a yellow paragem signal and fares price €3 in the event you purchase a ticket onboard. Better to purchase the 24-hour cross, which incorporates the tram.

Taxis – Since the metro stops at 1am you’ll in all probability find yourself taking a taxi after an evening out. Uber additionally operates within the metropolis and fares are normally underneath €10.

Where to Stay on Your 3 Days in Lisbon 

Boutique Hotels for 3 Days in Lisbon

AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado – AlmaLusa is a trendy resort with 28 rooms and suites, positioned in one in all Lisbon’s foremost squares, Praça do Município. A winner of a number of awards, the resort options native and nationwide manufacturers all through and has its personal restaurant – Delfina – which serves Portuguese delicacies.

NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade – Located on Lisbon’s foremost avenue, the Avenida da Liberdade, NH Collection Lisboa is only a quick stroll from all the primary sights and sights. All rooms have Nespresso machines and free WiFi, whereas a few of the rooms have views of St Jorge’s citadel and the Tagus River.

LX Boutique Hotel – LX Boutique Hotel has a blue theme all through, with a child blue facade and shades of blue working all through the corridors and rooms. The resort boasts a central location, only a quick stroll from the Time Out Market, the Chiado Contemporary Art Museum and the oldest ebook retailer in Portugal, the Bertrand.

The Late Birds Lisbon -Housed in a restored, late-18th century constructing, The Late Birds is a homosexual city resort with lounge, backyard and UV-treated swimming pool. Rooms characteristic Portuguese mattresses, ground to ceiling home windows and Riga hardwood flooring.

Lisbon Wine Hotel – If you’re a wine lover chances are you’ll need to strive Lisbon Wine Hotel, which options decor impressed by the colours of wine. The resort provides 19 rooms with City View or Garden View, plus each day breakfast so you can begin your day without work proper.

Hostels for 3 Days in Lisbon

There are tons of fantastic boutique hostels in Lisbon! Too many to listing right here. The high quality of hostels in Lisbon is second-to-none and lots of of them are like accommodations, however with dorms. Here’s a range you possibly can ebook on Hostelworld:

Living Lounge Hostel – Located near the Baixa-Chiado metro station within the coronary heart of Lisbon, this boutique hostel has a welcoming residing space the place you possibly can chat with fellow vacationers. Rooms at this hostel are adorned with art work from native artists and the hostel organizes varied free excursions together with nightlife excursions and daytime strolling excursions. 

Yes! Lisbon Hostel – This award-winning hostel has a vigorous social scene, with nightly dinners, an in-house bar and free photographs each evening. If you’re touring solo you’ll simply meet folks because the hostel runs quite a lot of excursions and pub crawls. 

Home Lisbon Hostel – Housed in a 200-year-old constructing, Home Lisbon Hostel includes a comfy lounge, a eating room with a bar, a kitchen, a patio and spacious rooms with balconies or massive home windows. The hostel is understood for its nightly “Mamma’s Dinners”. 

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

The finest time to go to Lisbon is basically wherever between March to October. 

The months of June, July and August are the busiest and the climate is normally scorching, sunny and dependable. However, with extra crowds come increased resort costs, so chances are you’ll need to go to in spring (March/April) or autumn (September/October). 

Winter is far quieter however the climate is far milder than in different elements of Europe. 

Your FAQs About Lisbon, Answered

How many days do it’s good to see Lisbon?

Lisbon has a number of neighborhoods and many issues to take action ideally you want at the very least 3 days in Lisbon and even as much as 5 days to actually discover the town correctly. Of course, when you have time constraints you may see the town in 2 days however 3-5 is good.

Is it value visiting Lisbon?

Yes, Lisbon is unquestionably value visiting. The metropolis is likely one of the most lovely cities in Europe with picturesque views, historic trams and scrumptious meals. It’s a really vigorous and colourful metropolis with a lot of issues to do. Plus, it’s the most effective funds locations in Europe!

Which is nicer, Porto or Lisbon?

Lisbon and Porto are fairly completely different. Lisbon is far bigger than Porto because it’s the capital metropolis. However, Porto has a extra relaxed vibe as a result of it’s smaller. Ideally, when you have the time I’d spend every week or two in Portugal and go to each cities, together with the Algarve. 

Is Madrid or Lisbon higher?

I’ve been to each cities and I desire Lisbon to Madrid. Lisbon is located alongside the coast so you possibly can calm down on the seashores in addition to visiting the town’s vacationer sights. Madrid is landlocked and far flatter. Lisbon is hilly, so you could have a lot of unbelievable views.

Madrid has the sting over Lisbon in terms of nightlife however normally I desire Lisbon because it has extra diversified sights to see.

What is Lisbon recognized for?

Lisbon is understood for its tiled pavements, historic trams and colourful buildings. In phrases of sights, the town’s most well-known sights embrace Praça do Comércio, Santa Justa Lift, Castelo de São Jorge and Belem Tower. 

Is Lisbon protected for vacationers?

Yes Lisbon is protected for vacationers and I’ve traveled solo there, twice. As with any European metropolis, it is best to train warning in terms of belongings. Beware of pickpockets on trams and public transportation. I like to recommend touring with a sling bag so you possibly can maintain your belongings near your chest. 

Does Lisbon have a seaside?

Yes, Lisbon has seashores! While there aren’t any seashores within the downtown space, there are a string of seashores alongside the shoreline that are accessible by practice from Cais do Sodré practice station. Popular seashores embrace Praia de Carcavelos, Praia do Tamariz, Praia da Ribeira and Praia de São Pedro do Estoril.

What meals is Lisbon well-known for?

There are a couple of Portuguese meals you merely should strive in your journey to Lisbon. These embrace: 

• Chicken Piri Piri – Chicken marinated in a spicy sauce made with contemporary chilis. 
• Pastéis de Nata – Egg custard tarts.
• Bifana –  sautéed, marinated pork inside a crispy bread roll. 
• Bacalhau – Dried salted codfish.

Is Lisbon costly?

Lisbon is likely one of the most inexpensive cities to go to in Western Europe. As it turns into extra in style it’s getting costlier however it’s nonetheless comparatively inexpensive. Accommodation and flights will take up most of your funds. If you buy the Lisboa card then that features entry to many sights plus free public transportation. A beer ought to price round xxx whereas a typical meal will price round xxx.

A Final Word About This Lisbon Itinerary

Lisbon is such a lovely metropolis that’s steeped in historical past. If you haven’t visited earlier than, it is best to undoubtedly put it excessive in your listing! With 3 days in Lisbon you possibly can see quite a lot of what the town has to supply and slot in a day journey to Sintra too.

Portugal is one in all my favourite nations on this planet so I’d undoubtedly stick round to see the remainder of the nation too. The nation has beautiful seashores, wonderful surf, lovely structure and scrumptious seafood (with large parts). Consider spending every week and even two weeks in Portugal to see Lisbon, Porto and The Algarve. 

I hope you take pleasure in this Lisbon itinerary!