Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, offers a colorful and contrasting array of attractions for visitors. Whether you have one, two, or three days to spend, this itinerary will guide you through the city's highlights, ensuring you make the most of your time in this dynamic European metropolis.
The city's historic district is compact, making it easy to explore on foot, despite a few steep hills. With a single day, you can visit several key attractions.
ONE-DAY ITINERARY
Things to Do in One Day in Lisbon: Begin with the Castelo de São Jorge, perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The castle is accessible by the iconic number 28 tram, which is a fun way to navigate Lisbon's hills.
For panoramic views, visit the Elevador de Santa Justa and its neighboring Carmo Convent, a poignant reminder of the 1755 earthquake. Don't miss the opulent interior of Igreja de São Roque in Chiado, and relax at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint with its picturesque cityscape.
Getting Around: Consider a Lisbon Guided Walking Tour or a City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour for a comprehensive introduction to the city.
Where to Eat: For dining, Prado in Baixa offers seasonal dishes with local ingredients, while A Taberna da Rua das Flores in Chiado serves traditional Portuguese cuisine in a bohemian setting.
Where to Stay in Lisbon: Lisbon has a range of accommodations from luxury hotels like Olissippo Lapa Palace and Pousada de Lisboa, to mid-range options like Inspira Santa Marta Hotel and Memmo Alfama, and budget-friendly choices such as Lisbon City Hotel.
TWO-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary, perhaps starting with the Lisboa Story Centre for an interactive history lesson.
Day 2: Explore Lisbon's hilly neighborhoods with an Electric Bike Tour or a Small-Group Tour. Visit Belém's Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Don't miss the Museum Nacional dos Coches and the iconic Torre de Belém. Enjoy a pasteis de Belém at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém and consider a Tagus River Sunset Cruise.
Where to Eat: Try Portugália in Belém or Mercado Cafe in Chiado. End the day at Pátio at Bairro do Avillez for Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist.
THREE-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 & Day 2: Follow the itineraries for the first two days, prioritizing your interests.
Day 3: Venture beyond Lisbon with a day trip to Sintra and Cascais, exploring the Palácio National and Palácio da Pena. Hike in Parque da Pena or visit the dramatic Boca do Inferno. In Lisbon, consider the Oceanário de Lisboa or the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian for cultural enrichment.
Where to Eat: For a luxurious meal, dine at Belcanto in Chiado. For traditional Portuguese food, visit Antigo 1º de Maio in Bairro Alto. Experience a fado restaurant like O Faia for a cultural dining experience.
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Exploring Portugal: For more travel ideas, check out our articles on Where to Go in Portugal: 7 Great Itineraries, the top attractions in Porto, the top beaches in Portugal, and the best holiday resorts in Portugal.
