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4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary, The Queen Of The Sea

Lisbon is a sun-kissed capital known as the “Queen of the Sea.”

With a unique blend of sophistication and faded old world charm, it’s one of my favorite cities in Europe.

You could spend weeks in Lisbon and not see and experience all its treasures. But most of us don’t have scads of time on our geographical cures.

To help you along, I’ve created a 4 day Lisbon itinerary that takes you to city’s top attractions, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful views.

The main districts of Lisbon are Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and the Alfama. To the west lies the Belem district, a must visit for its cluster of UNESCO monuments.

Be prepared to swoon in stunned admiration over Lisbon’s sparkling azulejo facades , miradouros, cobblestone streets, and glamorous palaces. And listen to melancholy Fado music wafting from cafes.

If you only have a long weekend in Lisbon, just cut out day 4 on the itinerary, where I have you day tripping to Sintra or Obidos.

There are really no true “must see” attractions in Lisbon. Lisbon’s true beauty lies in its laid back artistic ensemble, more than any specific sites.

But there are plenty of tourist traps you should skip in your short time there, like the Santa Justa Elevator or Tram 28.

If you want to get off the beaten path, here’s my guide to Lisbon’s hidden gems .

Overview Of 4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s you’ll see on this 4 day Lisbon itinerary.

Day 1 : Rossio Square, Praça de Comércio, Chiado, Carmo Convent, Bairro Alto

Day 2 : St. George’s Castle, Alfama, Mouraria, National Tile Museum or Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Time Out Market

Day 3 : Visit Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO neighborhood, Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Monument to the Discoveries

Day 4 : Day Trip to Sintra or Obidos

Here are some of the top tours and experiences you might consider pre-booking, especially in high season:

• city walking tour
• private city highlights tour
• Jeronimous Monastery ticket
• Pena Palace ticket
• St. George Castle ticket
• guided day tour to Sintra
• food and wine tour

4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary

Here’s my recommended itinerary to help you have the most efficient 4 days in Lisbon.

It covers all the top attractions and best things to do in Lisbon. I also give you tips on where to eat, where to stay, transportation, tours, and tickets.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this Lisbon itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

Day 1: Arrive And Explore Lisbon’s Center

You’re likely going to arrive in Lisbon in the early to mid afternoon.

To get the lay of the land and see what attractions catch your interest, you may want to start with a guided walking tour or guided tuk tuk tour .

Otherwise, begin by exploring the main city squares in Baixa. This neighborhood is Lisbon’s commerical heart. The main drag is Rua Augusta.

Start in the Pombaline-designed Rossio Square, also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV.

It’s a lively place with flower vendors and eye catching sidewalks with an optical illusion wave style. Two Baroque fountains stand at each end.

Then head down the black and white cobbles of the main promenade, Rua Augusta. This street leads to the Praça de Comércio, the showy 18th century square with a triumphal arch.

Along the way, stop to admire the Santa Justa Elevator. It’s an iconic ironwork structure dating from 1902. It transports people up to the Chiado neighborhood.

I’m not sure it’s worth the wait in the long queue to head to the top. You might want to just admire it from the street.

A better funicular option for later is the adorable Gloria funicular , which takes you from Baixa to Bairro Alto.

When you reach the Praça de Comércio, admire the beautiful arcaded square.

If you want to watch a film on the history of Lisbon, pop into the Lisboa Story Centre. You’ll also see the statue of Christ, the Cristo Dei, on the other side of the river.

I wouldn’t stop to snack or shop Baixa; these two squares are mostly filled with Lisbon tourist traps . Be sure to walk through the arch so you can take in the views from the other side.

After poking around, head to Lisbon’s adjacent Chiado neighborhood.

It’s a rather arty upscale neighborhood filled with lovely cafes, chic art galleries, bookshops, and tony boutiques. There’s even an excellent archaeological museum

You can even book a  3 hour guided walking tour  of Chiado.

Be sure to pop into the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand. And check out one of the most beautiful azulejo facades in Lisbon — the House of Ferreira das Tabuletas.

Chiado is also a good place to try one of Lisbon’s famed pasteis de nata pastries. Its a flaky tart with a creamy egg custard filling. The best place to sample one is Pastelaria Alcoa .

3. Carmo Convent

Take in the evocative Carmo Convent . It’s probably Lisbon’s best historical site Lisbon.

It’s an open air memorial to the worst day of Lisbon’s history, when the 1755 earthquake demolished much of the city.

In the church nave, you’ll find the Museu Arqueologico do Carmo . It displays architectural fragments left from the earthquake, medieval tomb sculptures, and and some mummies.

After visiting the neighborhood, settle in for lunch at an authentic eatery in Chiado, like Taberna da Rua das Flores , the Art Deco-style A Brasileira , or Cantinho do Avillez .

For a mid day pick me up, grab an espresso at Fabrica Coffee Roasters .

If you want a Michelin experience, consider booking at Alma for dinner later. This tony restaurant claims to serve up “emotions, identity, knowledge.”

4. Bairro Alto

From Chiado, head to Bairro Alto, which translates as “high town.”

Bairro Alto is the nightlife hub of Lisbon. It’s a grid of narrow streets, with touristy fado dives and packed restaurants smushed together.

You should definitely pop into the Sao Roque Church in Trinidad Coelho Square. It’s a 16th century Jesuit church adorned with gold leaf and marble and lavish paintings on the ceiling and walls.

When you’re done strolling the district, head to the Miradouro de Santa Caterina for sunset views. Then, enjoy a cocktail at one of the neighborhood’s rooftop bars like Insolito .

There are some good places to eat dinner as well.

A Cevicheria serves up seafood and Peruvian food. Queimado serves up grilled food cooked over hot coals. If you are craving a pizza, head to Valdo Gatti .

After dinner, you can enjoy the night life of Bairro Alto.

Alternatively, you may want want to take a sunset cruise on the Tagus River or a sailboat cruise with wine tasting .

Day 2: Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

Wake up on day 2 of your 4 days in Lisbon itinerary and and head to Lisbon’s most charming must see neighborhood, the Alfama.

Steeped in history, immortalized in Fado, and rising over Lisbon, Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most authentic district. It largely escaped the earthquake’s wrath.

Alfama is city outside a city. Steep stairways tumble down to Baixa below and Castelo São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) stands guard above on Lisbon’s highest hill.

The lanes are draped with bougainvillea. As a result, Alfama is incredibly beautiful and photogenic.

The classic way to get up the hill to the castle is to take Tram 28. You can also hoof it up or take a tuk tuk.

You don’t have to go inside St. George’s Castle. It’s mostly a 20th century recreation of a historic Moorish castle that previously existed there.

But the castle does offer fantastic views and a cafe. If you want to, you should pre-book a skip the line ticket .

There are other free miradouros, or viewpoints, nearby in Alfama — Largo das Portas do Sol and Miradouro da Graça. Portas do Sol even has a nice viewing deck.

Fado Museum

Music lovers should stop into the Fado Museum . It pays homage to the traditional music of Lisbon. The museum calls itself an interactive place to see, hear, and feel Fado.

In terms of organizing your Alfama visit, you can follow my walking tour of the top attractions in Alfama . Or, you can book a 3 hour guided walking tour .

Alternatively, just surrender to the lively chaos and get lost in the maze of tangled streets, decorated with street art, flowers, and the residents’ laundry.

While you’re in Alfama, be sure to admire the sparkling azulejos (hand painted tiles) that adorn the buildings and streets.

From Alfama, you may want to take some time to visit the adjacent Mouraria district behind the castle. It may be Lisbon’s hippest new neighborhood.

Mouraria is a colorful less touristy district where the Moors once lived that’s the birthplace of Fado music. Until recently, it was pretty gritty. But with gentrification, it’s now a colorful district with street art and a wealth of eateries.

Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

Right near Alfama is the magnificent white stone Monastery of São Vicente de Fora . Build in the 16th century, its cloister is a must see for its lovely panels of white and blue azulejo tiles.

Apart from its beauty, the monastery is inexpensive, crowd free, and has a killer rooftop view.

The square behind the monastery is Campo do Santa Clara. This is where the famous Thieves Market is held on Tuesday and Saturday. It’s a good place for lovers of flea markets and antiques.

National Tile Museum

In the afternoon, take in a museum. I’m biased. But my favorite museum in Lisbon is definitely the National Tile Museum . It’s 1.5 miles northeast of the Alfama.

Housed in a sublime 16th century convent, this unique museum is uniquely Portuguese and covers the entire history of the azulejo.

If you love ceramics, you can book a guided tour of the museum with a tile making class .

Gulbenkian Museum

My second favorite Lisbon museum is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum . It’s a gem of a museum. From the Alfama, you can get there in 5 minutes by taxi.

The collection was assembled by an oil tycoon, who gifted his collection to Portugal on his death. It’s stuffed with a stunning range of treasures spanning 4,000 years, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art.

You can pre-book a skip the line ticket . You can also book a guided tour of the museum and its gardens .

Both museums are somewhat off-center. But Ubers are very cheap in Lisbon. And both museums are worth your time.

Cocktails & Dinner

If you want to sip wine before dinner, a good place is Topo Chiado. It’s an open air lounge with tables overlooking St. George’s Castle and the Santa Just a life.

Then, head to Time Out Market for dinner. It’s located in a cool converted warehouse.

It’s foodie heaven, with some of Lisbon’s best chefs serving incredible food in the many food stalls. There are also wine bars galore.

Portuguese wine is both cheap and tasty. Time Out is crowded, but still well worth the experience.

Day 3: Explore Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO Neighborhood

On day 3 of your 4 days in Lisbon, head to the architecturally-rich suburb of Belém. There, you’ll have a respite from the hustle and bustle of glamorous Lisbon.

Atlantic breezes flow, grandiose Manueline monuments dazzle, and boats glide along the wide Tagus River. You’ll be cast back to the Age of Discoveries, when the world was Portugal’s colonial oyster.

Belem is Lisbon’s pretty riverside district defined by its UNESCO landmarks. The neighborhood could easily take up your entire day, if you’re so inclined. Here’s my guide to the top attractions in Belem .

Jerónimos Monastery

Your top priority in Belem is Jeronimos Monastery . It’s a 500 year old UNESCO site and a mandatory destination in Lisbon.

You must pre-book a  skip the line ticket   or you’ll wait in incredibly long lines. You can also book a 3 hour guided walking tour of Belem that includes a skip the line ticket to the monastery.

Jeronimos Monastery is the premiere example of Manueline architecture in Portugal and the #1 site in Lisbon’s Belem district.

Manueline architecture was a short lived late Gothic artistic movement that lasted 30 years in the early 16th century. It’s a distinctively Portuguese style, named after its key influencer, King Manuel I, who reigned from 1495 to 1521.

There’s nothing like the moment you walk into the monastery’s two level cloister, honey colored and dripping with organic detail.

You’ll be wowed by the delicately scalloped arches, twisting turrets, and columns intertwined with leaves, vines, and knots. And the gargoyles and beasties on the upper facade.

Tower of Belem & Monument to the Discoveries

You can also visit the Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries. Both are included in Belem’s UNESCO designation.

You can admire them from the outside or explore inside. Be forewarned, crowds will be intense and there will be long lines to visit the interiors.

Belem Tower is a bulky fortress-like structure also built by Manuel I. It had a very Game of Thrones like feel to me with its filigree stonework. A very narrow spiral staircase leads you to the top for fantastic views.

If you’re prepared to queue up to go inside, the best time is in the late afternoon just before closing. There’s only one staircase, and it’s a bit time consuming.

There’s only one way traffic. A light signals when you can go up and down.

You should prebook a skip the line ticket . You can also book a  2 hour skip the line guided tour  both the includes the monastery and the tower.

Built in 1960, the Monument to the Discoveries was commissioned to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

It’s designed in the shape of a caravel, which is a speedy highly maneuverable sailing ship. It has Portugal’s coat of arms on both sides.

When you’re done gorging on Manueline architecture and Belem’s famous Pasteis de Belem custard tarts, travel back to Lisbon.

At night, head to Lisbon’s nightlife spot, the hilly neighborhood of Bairro Alto for food and drink.

Alternatively, you can take in a Fado show in Chiado. You might also consider a 4 hour guided tour that includes sunset walking tour, dinner, and a fado show.

Day 4: Best Day Trips From Lisbon: Sintra or Obidos

On day 4 of your 4-day Lisbon itinerary, it’s time to venture out of Lisbon on a day trip.

There are scads of possible day trips from Lisbon. Here’s my guide to 15 popular day trips from Lisbon .

I’ve narrowed this Lisbon itinerary down to two of my favorites UNESCO towns, Sintra and Obidos.

1. Sintra: a UNESCO Wonder With Castles and Palaces Galore

Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon, only 30 minutes away. Sintra is a rock star gorgeous, with numerous UNESCO-listed castles and palaces.

But it’s a town that’s a tricky place to visit on a day trip. The attractions are spread out and the transportation options are iffy.

To avoid the wait and lines, you should pre-book a  guided skip the line tour for Pena Palace, the top attraction. Or go on a guided tour of the Sintra’s highlights with a historian.

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, book a  guided tour full day tour from Lisbon or a guided day tour that includes the coastal Cascais and Cabo da Roca .

I have decided views about how to tackle Sintra. Here are my tips for decoding and visiting Sintra . Some of them are unconventional, but I felt enhanced the efficiency and happiness of my recent visit.

Most people adore Pena Palace , Sintra’s #1 site. And the lines to go inside are epic.

Pena Palace has a real Mad King Ludwig feel. I couldn’t decide whether the colorful palace was a real life “fairytale” or a tacky pastiche on steroids.

I decided just to enjoy the extreme whimsy and differentness of the place, a creation of King Ferdinand II, a genius who dared to be different.

As for the interior of Pena Palace, I’d say it’s entirely skippable given the long wait. You shuffle along crunched in with tourists in a single file line. What you see inside is only mildly interesting and there’s so much else to do on a Sintra day trip.

My only caveat is that, if you want the best view, it’s from the Queen’s Balcony. That balcony can only be accessed from inside the palace.

My personal favorite palace in Sintra is the bewitching Quinta da Regaleira . The palace is an extravagant stony affair with both Gothic and Manueline styles, built by the eccentric millionaire Antonio Carvalho Monteiro.

There are follies, grottos, and a mysterious Masonic initiation well. The palace and its garden ensemble are a bit of an architectural curiosity.

There’s so much to explore at Quinta, you may want to book a guided tour .

The buildings are adorned with a heady mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, Neo-Manueline, and Renaissance features. Naturally, there are gothic turrets, gargoyles, and Masonic symbols. Quinta is divine.

If you want the best view in Sintra, head to the Moorish Castle. It’s just a short 10 minute hike from Pena Palace.

Dating from the 10th century, the craggy Moorish Castle is a dominating fortress in every sense of the word.

I liked the vibe there. And it was relatively empty compared to crowd pleaser Pena Palace.

2. Obidos: a Medieval Gem in Portugal

If you’d like to skip the craziness in Sintra, try a day trip to the adorable village of Obidos instead. Obidos is a fantastic and easy day trip from Lisbon, just an hour north.

Beginning in 1282, each king of Portugal gave the town of Obidos as a wedding present to his future queen.

The dreamy UNESCO-listed village of Obidos is perched fetchingly on a hill. It’ encircled with stout medieval walls.

The town’s well preserved whitewashed buildings are decorated with splashes of blue and yellow paint and vibrant bougainvilla. You’ll be seduced by Obidos’ beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.

The main drag is Rue Direita, a cobbled street dating from the 13th or 14th century. It’s stuffed with whitewashed buildings, quirky bars and cafes, exquisite shops, and ubiquitous ginjinha stands.

The iron street lamps and chipped stone facades complete the vintage look.

Here’s my complete guide to the best things to do Obidos , a small town that had my heart. If you want someone else to worry about the logistics, you can book a guided day tour from Lisbon .

3. Back To Lisbon | Dinner

When you’re done day tripping, travel back to Lisbon and enjoy your last night in the enchanting city.

If you want a lively place for dinner, try the hipster LX Factory . It’s a collective of businesses and creative spaces housed in a converted industrial warehouse complex.

LX Factory is located in the neighborhood of Alcântara, less than 2 miles from the Lisbon’s city center. It boasts some of Lisbon’s hottest restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries, and street art.

On the fourth floor, there’s a bar, Rio Maravilja, which offers great views of the Tagus River and 25 de Abrili Bridge. On Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, there’s also an open air market at LX Factory.

If you’re bushed from your day of sightseeing and want a quiet dinner, I have several suggestions.

You can try Casa do Alentejo , off Rossio Square and housed in a former 17th century Moorish Palace. This beautiful restaurant is Instagram popular and makes you feel as if you’ve been power beamed to Morocco.

If you’re organized and book well in advance, you’ll be dazzled by the tasting menu and cuisine at the Michelin starred 100 Maneiras on Rua do Teixeira in Bairro Alto.

For you final night in Lisbon, you may also want to book a food tour of Lisbon or a wine and tapas tour .

Tips For Spending 4 Days In Lisbon

1. currency and cash.

The currency of Portugal is the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted at most places. But not everywhere.

So you’ll want to have some cash to pay for the odd coffee or snack.

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. But most people speak at least a little English, especially at Lisbon’s popular tourist sites.

2. How To Get To Lisbon

Lisbon is served by Airport Portela Airport (LIS). The airport is located just over 4 miles northeast of the city center.

From the airport, it’s a 20-25 minute metro ride to the city center. You can also book a private transfer .

You can also take the high speed train into Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia Station from most major cities.

I wouldn’t drive in Lisbon, although I used Lisbon as my base and used the car for day tripping. You don’t want to drive in the city itself.

3. When To Go To Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is the shoulder season, in the spring or fall. Many tourist sites in Lisbon are closed on Mondays, factor that into your Lisbon itinerary.

In the summer, the city crammed jowl to jowl with tourists and swelteringly hot. I was last there in late May and temperatures were already in the high 80s.

4. How To Get Around Lisbon

Lisbon has a decent transportation system. Funiculars take you up and down the steep hills. There are buses, trams, and trains that take you where you need to go. The Lisbon Card will give you free transportation.

Lisbon is also fairly compact, so you can explore most of the city on foot. Be sure to bring comfy footwear for the hills and cobblestones.

When necessary, I took an Uber. Uber is relatively cheap in Lisbon. You can also sightsee with the hop on hop off bus .

There are other fun ways to get around Lisbon too. You can take a:

• 3 hour Segway tour
• 2 hour electric bike tour
• guided tuk-tuk tour
• sunset cruise on the Tagus River

5. Lisboa Card

If you’re planning on seeing the most popular sites, you should consider purchasing the Lisboa Card .

You’ll save money and the hassle of waiting in ticket lines. it also gives you free transportation. You can purchase it for 1, 2, or 3 days increments.

6. Where To Stay In Lisbon

I would recommend staying in or near the Chiado neighborhood. The Verride Palacio Santa Catarina is a boutique hotel in a renovated palace with incredible views.

LX Boutique is a pretty luxury hotel with a maritime themes and blue colors. The Memmo Principe Real is a historic hotel in a quiet area. It has limestone floors and original paintings.

If you want to stay in a palace, check out the Hotel Palacio Principe Real . Just opened in 2020, the luxe hotel sports a “pared down palatial” style and has a lovely garden.

If you want to stay in the cobbled Alfama district, the Solar Do Castelo is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a romantic 18th century mansion.

The Eurostars Museum is a beautiful historic hotel that’s also a good choice. It comes complete with a spa, sauna, and Turkish bath.

7. Day Trips From Lisbon

Lisbon makes a great base for exploring Portugal. In addition to Obidos and Sintra which I discussed above, check out my guide to the best day trips from Lisbon .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 4 days in Lisbon itinerary. Here are my other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 days in Porto itinerary
• 1 day in Coimbra itinerary
• 1 day in Guimaraes
• Guide to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood
• Guide to Pena Palace
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Tips for Visiting Sintra

​If you’d liked to spend 4 days in Lisbon, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “4 Days In Lisbon Itinerary, The Queen Of The Sea”

You´ve got a new fan!! This is the best itinerary that I´ve found of Lisbon.!! You are now in my favorite pages! Best regards!!!

Thank you so much Victoria! I hope you have a great time in Lisbon.

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Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Solo Travel In Lisbon: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

By Linn Haglund. This guide to traveling alone in Lisbon contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you interested in learning about  solo travel in Lisbon, Portugal ? Want to have a safe and fun trip exploring on your own?

Then you’re in the right place!

Portugal’s capital city is full of charm with its cobbled streets, tiled buildings, and coastal location. And with plenty of hotels, attractions, and events to choose from, you’ll never get bored in Lisbon as a solo traveler.

Personally, I’ve traveled solo to Lisbon numerous times, falling in love with this safe and exciting city more and more with each trip.

If you love exploring local culture, Lisbon showcases art and tradition at every turn, from its traditional tilework covering building facades to the soulful Fado music spilling out the doors of venues and restaurants into the late evenings.

Speaking of restaurants, solo travelers will also fall in love with delicious local dishes like ameijoas a bulhao pato (clams with sauce) and cozida a Portuguesa (mixed meat stew).

But, this is just the beginning of what makes Lisbon such an incredible solo travel city. Luckily, the following Lisbon solo travel guide will cover everything you need to know about how to have a safe and fun trip exploring this beguiling city on your own!

⏳ Short on time? Here are some top recommendations for your Lisbon solo itinerary: ✈️ Lisbon Airport Transfer: Book that here ☔ Safety: While Lisbon is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack  travel safety essentials . One top pick is the  She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include  Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments  and  Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🏨 Accommodation: Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel & Lisboa Central Hostel . You can also view accommodation on this map to view local Lisbon hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. 🚅 Public Transportation: Omio 💸 Save Money: Lisbon Card gets you free and discounted admission to attractions + free access to public transportation 🗺️ Experiences: Viator (tours), GetYourGuide (tours), and EatWith (cooking classes & dining in local homes) 📍 Recommended Excursions: ✨ Private City Tour: Highlights of Lisbon ⛵ Lisbon Sunset Sailing Tour with Wine & Snacks 🥘 Lisbon Cultural Food & Wine Walking Tour 🎉 Events: Fever 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Travel Solo In Lisbon With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into our solo travel Lisbon guide , I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to learn everything you need to know to travel alone in Lisbon and have an amazing time.

Solo Travel In Lisbon: Is It Worth It?

You might wonder if solo travel to Lisbon is worth it or not. The truth is, this is one of the best European cities to explore on your own .

It is a safe city with fun hostels offering group activities, plenty of culture, and attractions to explore on your own if you prefer some “me-time”.

Plus, whether you visit Lisbon in winter or in the summer months, temperatures are mild, there are plenty of things to do, and each season has its own allure.

Where Is Lisbon?

Lisbon is located in central Portugal in western Europe , with the Tagus River running peacefully below the city’s hills.

In terms of nearby destinations, Lisbon is about three hours north of the Algarve and three hours south of Porto , making it a popular base for day trips around the country.

Getting To Lisbon

Flying into lisbon.

Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) is Portugal’s main international airport, making it a natural arrival point for a solo trip to Portugal . Further, Tap Portugal uses Lisbon as a base, so most flights to other destinations have a layover in the city.

Getting from Lisbon Airport to the city center is easy by metro. The metro line Aeroporto-Saldanha takes you directly into the city center in only 20 minutes.

Getting to Lisbon by train or bus

Additionally, Lisbon is well-connected by train and bus from all across the country and neighboring Spain. The main train station is Gare do Oriente Station and the main bus terminal is called Sete Rios Bus Station .

You can use a platform like Omio to plan your train and bus journeys.

Getting to Lisbon by car

If you travel by car and visit Lisbon on a road trip , it is easy to reach the city; but note that there are several toll roads in Portugal, and once you get closer to Lisbon there are multiple.

Some only take cash or don’t accept foreign cards, so make sure you have about 100 Euros in cash in the car for both pay roads and parking in the city.

Parking in Lisbon is a little bit complicated, especially if you park in the city center. This is because you must pay cash to park along the road, and can only park for four hours maximum at a time.

Your best bet is to find a hotel with free parking or leave your car in a parking garage or public parking lot. You can use a platform like Parclick to find public parking lots.

Renting a car in Lisbon

Need to rent a car for your solo Lisbon trip? Check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Getting Around Lisbon As A Solo Traveler

Lisbon is easy to get around, and you’ll find plenty of options for seeing the many interesting and beautiful places around the city.

The best way to get around the popular destination of Lisbon as a solo traveler is by foot or taking the iconic yellow trams. While the city is walkable, there are a lot of steep hills which might feel quite daunting if you are not used to it.

Tram no. 28 runs through the Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca districts while the Tram no. 15 goes to Belém.

Note that while Belém has numerous Lisbon attractions, it is not easily reached on foot. Because of this, I recommend taking the tram to help you maximize time on your Lisbon solo travel itinerary.

Tram tickets cost 3 Euros for a single journey and are free with the Lisbon Card .

Getting home at night in Lisbon alone is usually safe, but I would recommend taking a taxi for anything more than a 10-minute walk, especially if you must pass any dark alleys or you have been drinking.

Taxis in Lisbon have meters; however, sometimes they don’t turn them on so they can charge you extra. Make sure the driver turns it on and if they don’t, agree on a price upfront or get a different taxi if you think the price is too high.

Is Lisbon Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

If you’ve ever wondered “Is Lisbon safe to travel alone?” you’ll be happy to know the answer is yes!

According to Travel Safe-Abroad , the chances of being the victim of a violent crime are low. Additionally, the city is safe for women traveling alone – though you should still keep normal solo travel safety tips in mind.

It’s also important to remember that pickpocketing does occur somewhat regularly. To avoid thieves, swap your open purse for a crossbody bag that sits in front of you or even pickpocket-proof clothing or a money belt .

Finally, avoid walking alone at night, particularly in areas where there aren’t other people. I’ve walked around Lisbon solo at night multiple times and never felt threatened or uncomfortable, but it’s better safe than sorry.

Best Places To Stay In Lisbon For Solo Travelers

When considering where to stay in Lisbon as a solo traveler, there are a few neighborhoods that are centrally located. Both Baixa and Alfama are some of the best areas for walking around the historical center and visiting the city’s attractions.

There, you will find the São Jorge Castle overlooking the city, Lisbon Cathedral, the Carmo Convent, and the Santa Justa Elevator among other sites.

If you want to stay near the evening action, Bairro Alto offers a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is also within walking distance of tourist attractions like the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint and Igreja de São Roque church.

Here are my favorite hostels to stay for solo travelers in Lisbon. They are both centrally-located and walkable to numerous tourist attractions in Lisbon:

Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel

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This is a good place to stay for anyone traveling solo to Lisbon with a communal room where you can get to know other travelers or watch movies. Walking tours and pub crawls are organized too, so you can go out in a safe environment with fun company. Your stay includes free breakfast, and rooms are a mix of dorm sizes, including female-only dorms.

Lisboa Central Hostel

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This is another one of the best hostels in Lisbon for solo travelers and it features both shared and private rooms. It is nice and spacious with a great common area and kitchen – not to mention complimentary breakfast and free milkshakes on Milkshake Mondays. The staff is helpful and they organize different activities so you can easily make new friends if you feel like being social.

Find Lisbon accommodation

Want to research other solo travel-friendly hostels, hotels, and vacation rentals in Lisbon? You can view accommodation on this map .

It’s currently set to Lisbon’s Baixa district, but you can easily change this to your preferred area to find the best hotels in Lisbon for solo travelers:

Top Things To Do Alone In Lisbon

Now that we’ve discussed the logistics of traveling solo in Lisbon, let’s go over what to actually do. There are endless things to do on a solo trip to Lisbon, and you can easily spend weeks there without getting bored. Here are some of the main highlights to add to your itinerary:

1) Visit Castelo de São Jorge

Atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills, you will see the majestic Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) looming above this amazing city.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most prominent landmarks in Lisbon and has been protecting the city since the 10th century; however, it was destroyed in both the 1531 and the 1755 earthquakes that hit Lisbon, so most of what you see today is restoration work after these devastating disasters.

You can get tickets at the entrance or book online . A visit encompasses the gardens with sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River, the museum, and the castle where you can walk on top of its ramparts taking in more views.

2) Explore history at Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site that should absolutely be on your Lisbon solo female travel itinerary.

The monastery was built in the early 15th century on the same site where Henry the Navigator founded an old hermitage. This was also the same place Vasco de Gama and his men spent their last night praying before venturing out on the open sea to India.

The monastery is a symbol of the wealth Portugal saw during the Age of Discovery with its impressive architectural details, courtyards, magnificent cloisters, and beautiful chapels. You’ll see a nautical theme all over the building with sculptures and details of sea monsters, coils of rope, and corals decorating the columns and ceilings.

3) Climb Belém Tower

About a 20-minute walk or a quick ride on Tram 15 from Jerónimos Monastery is Belém Tower , another UNESCO World Heritage site in Lisbon and perhaps the most important token of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Located on the riverfront, the tower was built at the beginning of the 16th century as a protective fort on a strategic point of the Tagus River defending the city against pirates. It was also the point where sailors set out on their discovery journeys. Later, it has also been used as a lighthouse and a prison.

A visit to the Belém Tower gives you a peek into the architecture, the pits where they held prisoners, and the canons; however, the highlight is climbing the stairs up to the top for amazing views over the city and waterfront.

I recommend visiting both Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery on the same day, as they are pretty close to one another. Along with exploring these sites, make sure to go for a walk in the Praça do Império Garden along the riverfront, see the 170-foot tall Monument of Discoveries , and try some of the famous Portuguese custard tarts, Pastel de Belém , while you are in the neighborhood.

💡 Pro tip: One of the best ways to visit these sites is on a Belém and Jerónimos Monastery Guided Small-Group Walking Tour , which also includes a stop at Pastéis de Belém, a Portuguese pastry shop that’s more than 100 years old!

4) Take the Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa Lift was built by Raul Mesnier du Ponsard, who was the apprentice of Gustav Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. This is why it appears so similar to the famous Paris landmark.

The detailed wrought-iron lift was originally run by steam but was changed to use an electric motor a few years later.

The lift is still in operation and takes you up 45 meters from the lower district of Baixa to the higher Carmo Square . It is a great way to reach a higher level without walking, but is also a unique experience in itself.

Note that during peak season in Lisbon, there is usually a very long line to take the lift, so the best time to go is early morning. Opening hours are every day from 7 AM to 10:45 PM.

On Carmo Square, you can visit the Carmo Convent which was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, leaving only its empty shell. It is tremendously beautiful with its large arches but also showcases the devastating reality of what the earthquake left behind.

Now it houses an archaeological museum where you can see, among other things, an Egyptian mummy, the tomb of King Ferdinand I, and the tomb of Queen Maria Anna of Austria, who was queen in Portugal in the mid-18th century.

5) Explore Praça do Comércio

Located on the harbor, Praça do Comércio is one of Portugal’s largest squares and is lined with yellow Pombaline-style buildings on three sides and Lisbon’s harbor on the fourth.

The square was built after the 1755 earthquake destroyed the country’s most important palace, the Paço da Ribeira, which stood in this exact place.

Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio has been a place for receiving goods from the ships docking outside it and has always been a center of activity in the city. It is also where the beginning of the fall of the Portuguese Monarchy took place when the last King, Carlos I, and his son Luis Filipe were executed on the square.

These days, it is a bit more peaceful on Praça do Comércio, with tourists snapping pictures of the equine statue of King Joseph I and people eating and drinking in the restaurants surrounding the square.

💡 Pro tip: Many tours also visit the Praça do Comércio, like the Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour and the Old Alfama & Baixa Chiado Quarters Walking Tour .

6) Book a Lisbon food tour or cooking class

One highlight of a solo trip to Lisbon is the food. Portuguese food is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors, characterized by fresh seafood, hearty stews, and a variety of traditional pastries like pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts).

The cuisine is celebrated for its use of high-quality ingredients, Mediterranean influences, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a delicious culinary experience that reflects Portugal’s rich history and culture.

One way to explore the local culinary culture is through a Lisbon food tour . A few top-rated options for this include:

• 🍷 Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food & Wine Tour
• 🦐 The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Lisbon: 6 or 10 Tastings
• 🥘 Lisbon Cultural Food & Wine Walking Tour

➡️ Click here for a full list of food tours in Lisbon !

If you’d prefer to learn how to make the food yourself, you can also opt for a cooking class like:

• 🥐 Portuguese Pastry Workshop in Lisbon
• 🍛 Hands-On Portuguese Cooking Class in Lisbon
• 🥑 Market and Food Tour with Cooking Class

➡️ Click here for a full list of cooking classes in Lisbon !

7) Eat in a local home

If you’d like to really immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culinary culture while meeting locals, EatWith is a platform where you can book dining experiences with locals in their homes.

If you’re nervous about being lonely while traveling solo , these shared meals are a great way to socialize over some delicious food.

Along with dinners in local homes, EatWith also lets you book food tours and cooking classes led by locals.

8) Step into Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

As you can see, there are many amazing things to do in Lisbon for solo travelers. And when it comes to local attractions, Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) is a must-visit.

Located in the Alfama district, the Tram 28 passes straight in front of it so it is hard to miss. The 12th-century Gothic basilica is the oldest in Lisbon, and beyond its grand facade, the interior hides beautiful treasures.

Inside, take note of the choir, the altarpiece, and the stained glass rose window. There is also a balcony where you can enjoy epic city views.

Besides, the tombs of King Alfonso IV and João Anes, the first archbishop of Lisbon, are inside as well as the relics of the martyr St. Vincent.

9) Visit the National Tile Museum

One of the most traditional art forms in Portugal is the mastering of the azulejos , the beautifully decorated tiles that adorn house facades as well as church and courtyard interiors around Portugal.

The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) in Lisbon is a wonderful place to learn more about the history of the Portuguese tiles.

It is set in an early 16th-century convent and displays a vast collection of tilework from the 15th century to the present day.

10) Search for the best Lisbon viewpoints

No Lisbon solo trip would be complete without taking in some absolutely stunning views. Lisbon is built on seven hills, so you can only imagine how many splendid viewpoints you will find throughout the city.

One of the most popular viewpoints is Miradouro de Santa Luzia in the Alfama district, recognized for its white and blue tiles and overhanging plants. It offers stunning views of Lisbon’s rooftops, the National Pantheon, and the Tagus River.

A short walk from there, you get another iconic view of Alfama’s terracotta rooftops from Miradouro das Portas do Sol .

Additionally, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is located in Bairro Alto and offers sweeping views of Alfama and Lisbon’s iconic hilltop castle with the Tagus River as a backdrop.

For a different view, you can climb the Arco da Rua Augusta at Praca da Commercio where you will get a bird’s eye view of the giant square, Rua da Augusta, and beyond. There is a small fee to go to the top, but it is totally worth it.

Top-Rated Tours For Solo Travelers In Lisbon  

One of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit while making new friends during solo travel in Lisbon is to book a guided tour. A few top-rated tours in Lisbon include:

• 🛺 Half-Day Lisbon Sightseeing Tour on a Private Electric Tuk-Tuk
• ⛵ Lisbon Sunset Sailing Tour with White or Rosé Wine and Snacks
• 😍 Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
• ✨ Private City Tour: Highlights of Lisbon

➡️ Click here for a full list of Lisbon tours .

Tips For Solo Dining In Lisbon

Solo dining in Lisbon is widely accepted and I have never experienced being denied eating anywhere when going alone or felt awkward due to the treatment of the restaurant workers.

Actually, many restaurants have small tables for one or two people, making it easy to seat those dining alone.

If you feel uncomfortable, go early for dinner at about 7-8 PM when the restaurants still are not full. This way, you have the option to chat with the waiters who usually have more time on hand, or read a book while waiting for the food.

A great place to go if you are not comfortable dining alone is the Time Out Market Lisbon . Here you can get food from different stalls featuring some of the best restaurants in Lisbon. It’s a popular place for solo diners looking for a delicious meal.

Finally, one of the best ways to try a variety of different Portuguese foods is to join a Lisbon food tour , which is also great for meeting locals and other travelers. Click here for a full list of food tours in Lisbon .

Lisbon Bars For Solo Travelers

Traveling to Lisbon alone shouldn’t mean you have to stay in when the sun goes down. There are a number of districts in Lisbon known for their evening offers, each with its own vibe. Some of my favorites include:

Bairro Alto. This is the best place for nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. If you enjoy a good cocktail, one of the best bars for solo travelers in Lisbon is Cinco Lounge , a trendy spot with a vast drink menu. You can even sign up for a cocktail course if you fancy meeting people with similar interests.

Chiado . Head here if you are looking for more chilled-out after-work bars. For a casual and local dining experience, Taberna da Rua das Flores is intimate enough that it is easy to chat with people at other tables, and the staff is also very friendly.

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Marvila. Known as Lisbon’s Beer District, Marvila is the perfect place for beer drinkers. And if you enjoy craft beer in particular, definitely visit Fábrica da Musa which offers everything from IPAs to pilsners to blonde ales and beyond.

Alfama. Here you’ll find some of the best places to enjoy soulful Portuguese folk music or fado. My top pick for this is Fama d’Alfama as they easily accommodate anyone dining solo and it is entertaining watching the Fado show even if you are not used to dining alone.

💡 Pro tip: There are many ways to meet others to enjoy local Lisbon nightlife, such as joining pub crawls through your hostel or finding meetups through platforms like CouchSurfing and Meetup.com. Additionally, you can check Fever to find fun local events, concerts, and pop-ups.

Fun Day Trips From Lisbon For Solo Travelers

There are plenty of day trips you can take from Lisbon to nearby towns and cities, like:

The most popular day trip from Lisbon is the fairytale town of Sintra where you can visit the famous Palacio da Pena (Pena Palace).

There are also plenty of other fairytale castles in Sintra like Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle with its walls reminiscent of a miniature Great Wall of China.

It is easy to visit Sintra by train and bus, or by booking a tour to Sintra from Lisbon .

Not far from Sintra, you find another charming town, Cascais. This is a coastal resort town with splendid beaches, palaces, and a lighthouse that is well worth a day trip.

A short walk from the town itself, you can admire the natural blowhole Boca do Inferno combined with a relaxing coastal walk.

It is easy to reach Cascais by train or bus, or by booking a tour to Cascais from Lisbon .

Ericeira is home to Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve and is one of the most quaint little beach towns in Portugal near Lisbon. It’s also a recommended beach destination for solo travelers .

Besides surfing, it has a lovely old town with traditional white and blue painted houses, interesting rock art along the coastal walk lining the town, and great beaches for swimming.

To reach Ericeira you can take a bus from the Campo Grande bus terminal in Lisbon to Ericeira’s Terminal Rodoviário. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or book a tour to Ericeira from Lisbon .

In Mafra, you can visit the opulent National Palace of Mafra (Palácio Nacional de Mafra) which is 220 meters long and boasts 1200 rooms.

The palace has an integrated basilica and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town itself is small with a few restaurants and bars for lunch.

To get to Mafra from Lisbon, take a bus from Campo Grande bus terminal to Av Forças Armadas 8. You can also book a private transfer or book a tour to Mafra from Lisbon .

Lisbon Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a solo travel in Lisbon map. It has all of the places mentioned in this guide pre-plotted:

Click here for the interactive version of this map .

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Lisbon?

When visiting Lisbon solo, it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Solo Travel In Lisbon FAQ

Now that we’ve gone over some important things to know when it comes to Lisbon Portugal solo travel, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions:

Q) Is Lisbon good for solo travel?

Lisbon is great for solo travelers thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant street life, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for those exploring the city on their own.

Q) Is Lisbon safe for solo travel?

Yes, Lisbon is safe to travel alone, and your risk of being the victim of a violent crime is low.

Q) How do I meet solo travelers in Lisbon?

A few ways to make friends when traveling solo in Lisbon include booking small-group walking tours, staying at hostels, and making use of platforms like CouchSuring, Meetup.com, and local Facebook groups that help facilitate meeting locals and other travelers.

Q) When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

The best time to travel to Lisbon is the shoulder season, which includes March to May or September to October. During this time, you can enjoy wonderful weather without the crowds and high prices of summer.

Q) Is Lisbon friendly to foreigners?

Yes, locals in Lisbon are generally friendly to foreigners and are known for their warm hospitality and willingness to help visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those exploring the city.

Q) Is Lisbon friendly to American tourists?

Yes, Lisbon is generally friendly to American tourists, as English is widely spoken, and locals are accustomed to welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds.

Final Thoughts On Lisbon Solo Travel

Summing up this Lisbon solo travel guide, there are plenty of reasons to visit Lisbon alone.

Not only is it safe, but there are many places and opportunities to connect with other solo travelers. Additionally, there are loads of activities and attractions, not to mention the food is delectable – even for vegans.

If you enjoy a good nightclub, Lisbon will not disappoint, but if you prefer a quiet night out with wine and an authentic fado performance, you will find that too.

No matter what your travel style, I hope you enjoy traveling Lisbon solo just as much as I do!

What tips would you add to this guide to solo travel in Lisbon, Portugal?

About The Author

Linn Haglund is a multicultural full-time traveler, blogger, vlogger, and freelance writer focused on travel and the outdoors. Her passion for sustainable travel led her to help others travel more responsibly with her blog Brainy Backpackers . You can also follow her journey on YouTube , Facebook , or Instagram .

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3 Days in Lisbon: How to Plan the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary

We loved Lisbon. It’s the largest city in Portugal – also the capital – with a rich history that features a diverse cast of characters, from the Romans and Visigoths in medieval times, to the Muslims hailing from North Africa, to the Christian Crusaders, and many more.

They were also the first people to go around the Cape of Good Hope, the southern tip of Africa to India (you can see Vasco da Gama’s tomb at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém), and the fact that Portugal played such a big role in early exploration at sea is something I always forget.

Over the course of your 3 days in Lisbon, you’ll learn all about the rich history – some good, some not so good – that was made in Lisbon, one of the most storied cities in all of Europe. 

As we were on a walking tour with Isabel, a local who now lives in a suburb of Lisbon, she was telling us about the earthquake in 1755 (and the fires and tsunami that soon followed) that leveled large swaths of Lisbon.

Most of the city had to be rebuilt from the ground up, which immediately reminded me of the forest fires in California, our home state, that have grown more and more intense with each passing year. In their wake, they leave destruction and suffering. But then a beautiful thing happens.

From the ashes, something new emerges. In the case of California’s forests, it’s a new set of flora and fauna. In Lisbon’s case, a modern city emerged, more resilient and equipped to deal with future disasters thanks, in part, to the urban planning of the Baixa District, which was envisioned and brought to life by the Prime Minister after the earthquake, Marquês de Pombal.

Today, Lisbon is firmly on the tourist map after a series of “best new destination” wins in travel magazines over the past decade or so.

The Portuguese capital is a real treat, full of incredible views from miradouros that look out over the colorful buildings adorning the city’s many hills, great food and drinks including fresh seafood that is among the best in the world, and some amazing historical sights and stories. 

In this guide to planning your Lisbon itinerary, we’re going to go through everything you’ll need to organize an amazing trip to Lisbon.

From the boring logistics, like how to get around and where to stay, to a complete 3 day Lisbon itinerary, to itinerary alternatives if you have more or less time, we’ve done our best to give you all the information you need to plan your trip, all in one place. 

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite finds and experiences in Lisbon based on our trip to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Is 3 Days in Lisbon enough Time?

We think 3 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon. Obviously, three days is not nearly enough to see everything in Lisbon, but given limited vacation time, 3 days is a great introduction.

Lisbon is a fantastic city in and of itself, but there are a couple of great day trips from Lisbon that are also worth taking, which means adding an extra day or so (depending on how much time you have) to get outside of the city and see those spots. 

3 days in Lisbon is the perfect amount of time to explore both the city of Lisbon, and take a day trip to Sintra , which would be our choice of the day trip options.

You can do it in two days, but we’d definitely cut out the day trip to Sintra and stay within Lisbon’s city limits. One day is a stretch (here’s how we’d spend one day in Lisbon ), but you can see SOME of the sights in Lisbon – it’s a fairly compact city – so you’ll know what you want to see more of on your return trip. 

Where to Stay in Lisbon

There are basically two neighborhoods we’d consider for a trip to Lisbon that is under five days, especially if it’s your first time.

We have an entire, detailed guide dedicated to the subject of where to stay in Lisbon . Read that for more information.

We stayed at Porta do Mar , a nice serviced apartment complex in Baixa within walking distance to, well, pretty much everything in Lisbon. Apartments have full kitchens, which is a main reason we stay in apartments (I have Celiac Disease and need to eat strictly gluten free – here’s my guide to gluten free Lisbon !).

If you’ve been to Lisbon before and are looking for a fun new place to stay, consider Bairro Alto (be warned – the nightlife is wild) or Principe Real .

Chiado is about as central as it gets in Lisbon, which is why it’s our top pick for most people.

It’s conveniently positioned between Baixa down the hill, Alfama to the east, and Bairro Alto / Principe Real to the west. It’s also up the hill, so you won’t be walking uphill quite as much (although there will definitely still be plenty of uphill walking).

It also has its own metro stop, which you’ll be thankful for after long days of walking around Lisbon. 

In Chiado , here are three places to consider – a hotel, a serviced apartment, and a budget option – depending on your style and budget. 

• Want a hotel? Casa de Barao is our top pick in Chiado. It’s in a historic building from the 1700’s that was recently renovated, and it’s right in the heart of Chiado. Plus, the pool!
• Looking for an apartment? For groups of one to four people, we’d look at Lisbon Charming Apartments in Chiado , which have one and two bedroom apartment options at the north end of Chiado. For bigger groups, look at LV Premier Apartments , which have two and three bedroom options that can sleep between six and ten guests, depending on how comfortable people are sleeping on a sofa bed.
• On a budget? Look at Lost Lisbon’s Chiado House . They have rooms with private external bathrooms, which will save you a little bit of money without sacrificing on comfort. 

Alfama is set on the hill to the east of Chiado and Baxia, São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) towering above the serpentine streets that snake their way downhill to the river.

This area is one of the oldest in the city and reminds me a lot of neighborhoods like Trastevere in Rome and Montmartre in Paris.

Those neighborhoods, along with Chiado, transport you back in time with their narrow, winding cobblestone streets and open plazas. It’s somehow simultaneously quiet and bustling, with a mix of people going about their business (like doing laundry) and people eating at open air cafes.

In other words, it’s uber romantic and charming, and would be a nice home base for a trip to Lisbon. However, it is up a hill from basically everything else in Lisbon, and public transit connections are strictly okay (the 28 tram runs through Alfama, but it’s usually packed). 

Here are three places to consider in Alfama – a hotel, a serviced apartment, and a budget option – depending on your style and budget. 

For what it’s worth, we stayed at the Porta do Mar Apartments for our first trip to Lisbon, and loved it. It’s in Baixa, but it’s two blocks from the Sé de Lisboa, which means you’re at the bottom of sprawling Alfama. The location was pretty much perfect. 

• Want a hotel? The Hotel Convento do Salvador is set in a former convent that is steps away from Miradouro das Portas do Sol, one of the best views of the city (and a terrific place to sit on the terrace and have an Aperol Spritz at sunset). Rooms are compact, but comfortable, and for a little extra you can have a river view from your room. 
• Looking for an apartment? For groups of one to four, look at Casas do Bairro Conqvistador , which is just outside the castle walls. They have one bedroom apartments with an option for a sofa bed to house up to four people. Bigger groups, look at Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites , which have a couple of two bedroom apartments that will give you a little more space. 
• On a budget? The rooms at Archi-Pelago Alfama Design Suites are small, but have everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. There’s a range of room types and sizes, so you can pick the right one for your style and budget. Plus, the rooms are gorgeous, filled with natural light and design elements reminiscent of places where you’d pay triple the amount it’ll cost you to stay here. 

A Complete 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for First Timers

Now let’s talk about exactly what to do with your time in Lisbon. We arrived in Lisbon late at night, and we’re going to assume you have three full days to explore the city, NOT INCLUDING your travel days (arriving in Lisbon, and leaving Lisbon). 

If you have less time, we have some ideas on how to compress this Lisbon itinerary into one or two days in Lisbon below the main itinerary. 

A note on our travel style before we get into it – we’re not huge museum people, nor are we into going inside every single church in the city (there are too many to cover in Lisbon anyway, in a country that is still over 80 percent Catholic). 

We’re far more into experiences that connect us with locals who can show us their version of the city, which is why you’ll find a walking tour (we LOVED this walking tour , which we did on our first day) and a food tour on our Lisbon itinerary rather than a list of six churches and three museums.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose, but we’d much rather spend our time going deeper on fewer things than running around from tourist sight to tourist sight trying to see it all. 

Day 1: Walking Tour + Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama

Spend your first day in Lisbon exploring the main tourist center of Lisbon that includes Baixa, Chiado, and the most romantic and charming part of Lisbon, Alfama.

But First, Coffee

Lisbon has a surprisingly vibrant specialty coffee scene, which is music to my ears. I love coffee, and especially love experiencing coffee in new ways – whether that’s a new drink, beans from a place I’ve never tried before, or new flavors or processing.

I’m a little bit of a coffee nerd, so during our time in Lisbon I went on a quest to find the best coffee in Lisbon . 

Here are the two places I’d recommend that are near the center of Lisbon. 

• Bloom Coffee Room : They curate the best beans from around Europe, and you’ll find roasters from Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and other places even further afield. The best coffee we had in Lisbon came from this place. 
• Fábrica Coffee Roasters : They have multiple locations around the city, and are building a specialty coffee empire in Portugal (now they have a location in Porto, too). They roast their own beans, and the cappuccino we had there was the best we had in Portugal.

Get Oriented with a Walking Tour

We really, really enjoy doing a walking tour on our first day in a new city to get our bearings, connect with a local who can help us learn the language and give me some pointers on what to do, see, eat, and drink, and check out some of the main sights to give us an idea of what want to come back to. 

We have two options for you here – we did both ourselves and liked them, obviously, or we wouldn’t be recommending them to you.

The tour we did is the “ Lisbon Highlights and Hidden Gems ” walking tour with Withlocals, a tour company that we’ve fallen in love with in Europe, and have basically used in every city we’ve visited over the last few months where tours are available.

They’re perfect because they’re private tours (at regular tour prices, I might add, especially if you have more than two people), and thus they’re customizable to your particular needs and interests. 

We did a tour with Isabel in Lisbon, and highly recommend her as a guide. 

Shoot for a tour that starts around 10:00 am, which means you’ll be done and ready to go by 1:00 pm.

It covers many of the sights between Bairro Alto and Alfama, all with a professional guide who knows far more about the city than any guidebook, and who can help you with restaurant recommendations, things to know about the city, getting around, and more.

Plus some fun anecdotes (and some not-so-fun) and history lessons along the way! We really enjoyed it, and think you will too. 

Click here to book your walking tour

Lunch + Pastel de Nata in Chiado

Head to Chiado for lunch on your first day in Lisbon. It’s the most central neighborhood, and there are some great places to eat in the area.

We’d opt for seafood at Pinóquio (technically in Baixa), vegan food at The Green Affair , or pastel de bacalhau – a cod, potato, and cheese pastry – at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau washed down with a nice port wine. 

After lunch, it’s time for a quintessential Lisbon experience: pastel de nata! Pastel de Nata is a staple on any Lisbon itinerary. It’s essentially an egg custard tart, enveloped in a crispy, crunchy, flaky crust.

The best we found in Lisbon – and our waking tour guide agreed with our assessment – is at Manteigaria .

They’re best when they’re warm, and you’ll want a nice dusting of cinnamon on top (which they will provide).

Aloma , right across the street, was our guide’s second favorite spot. Try both, and compare for yourself!

Afternoon: Exploring Alfama

After lunch and doing a bit of poking around in Chiado, head to the most romantic part of the city, Alfama.

Alfama is the oldest feeling part of the city, with narrow cobblestone streets that wind their way down from the Castelo de São Jorge at the crown of the hill. It’s also home to several of the best viewpoints in all of Lisbon, which you should definitely make an effort to get to. 

Here are a few suggestions of things to do and see in Alfama. My advice is to start near the top of the hill with the castle, then make your way downhill from there to the Lisbon Cathedral ( Sé de Lisboa ).

You can ride the 28 tram up the hill and walk back down if climbing up to the castelo on your own two feet doesn’t sound like your idea of fun. 

One note: your next stop is actually further up the hill from the miradouros (to another miradouro and some pre-dinner drinks), so plan on heading uphill from the miradouros. It’s a little bit of backtracking, but we think it’s worth it for one of the best views in all of Lisbon. 

Castelo de São Jorge

The castelo sits on top of the hill, with Alfama sprawling down the hill from its walls towards the river. It used to be an important defensive position, and was the scene of many battles over the centuries before the Portuguese took Lisbon and established it as their capital.

Since then, it has been many things, including a hospital and a prison, and only in the 20th Century was it restored to its former glory.

Today, you can visit the grounds (it costs 10 Euros) and, most importantly, walk on the castle walls for some amazing views. 

Miradouros Galore

There are several great viewpoints in Alfama, including two that are just a few blocks away from each other.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia ( here on Google Maps) is the first, and it’s a nice view out towards the river. There are some cool tiles to check out on the side of the Igreja de Santa Luzia (right next to the viewpoint) depicting a battle for the Castelo.

The second is Miradouro das Portas do Sol (on Google Maps here ), which has even better views out towards the Tagus River, including the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora out to the northeast on the hill.

Don’t miss the statue of St. Vincent , the patron saint of Lisbon. The latter viewpoint has a nice little outdoor terrace with a bar, which would be a lovely place to enjoy, say, an Aperol Spritz or a Port Tonic while watching the sun’s golden glow light up the hillside. 

When in Lisbon, you should try canned fish at least once, even if you think it’s not your thing. And we think Miss Can is the place to do it.

It’s owned by a woman whose family has been in the fishing industry for generations, and she does the work to ensure her product is sustainable, from the fish to the cans.

We tried a bunch, and really, really liked the bacalhau (that’s cod) in garlic and olive oil. It was the least “fishy” option if you’re not a huge fan of fish flavors. You can either get some to enjoy at the small restaurant, or pick up some cans to enjoy later.

They also make great souvenirs to bring home for friends and family. 

On our return trip to Lisbon a few months after our first visit, we came back and bought about seven cans to bring home to friends, all of whom absolutely loved them (and some even ordered their own to ship all the way to the United States).

Pre-Dinner Drinks in Graça + Dinner Back Down the Hill

Rather than head down the hill after doing some exploring of Alfama, make your way to nearby Graça to get some drinks before dinner in Alfama on your journey back down the hill. 

First, head up to take in what might be the best view in all of Lisbon at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte . Fair warning, it’s quite the hike, but it’s worth it. See?

Then, check out either 8a Graca for some of the best craft beer in Lisbon, or down the hill to Graça do Vinho for an extensive selection of Portuguese wines and some light snacks (think bread and cheese). 

For dinner, there are A LOT of very touristy, very overpriced restaurants in Alfama, as our tour guide warned us. If you choose one of those, you’ll pay for the atmosphere, and the food won’t be great. Here are three alternative suggestions that are all in Alfama, but are actually highly rated. 

• Lisboa Tu & Eu
• Farol de Santa Luzia
• Ginjinha da Sé

Day 2: A Food Tour + Belém

On your second day, explore the delicious world of Lisbon’s food scene before hopping on the tram for a short ride out to Belém, home to a couple of cool sights (and one important taste). 

A Food Tour of Lisbon’s Best Flavors

If, like me, you have Celiac Disease (which means I need to eat strictly gluten free), then this tour isn’t for you. If you don’t have Celiac Disease and you love food, then you should take a food tour with a local who will bring you to places where you can try some of Lisbon’s authentic flavors. 

This is the tour we’d recommend, though – disclaimer – we haven’t done it ourselves. It has 4.95 stars and over 4,000 reviews at the time of writing, which puts it among the most highly rated tours I’ve ever personally seen on Airbnb before.

And the CEO of Airbnb has done the tour, which should tell you something. You’ll taste everything from fish to liqueurs, and do it at small, family-owned places that you wouldn’t otherwise find on your own. Plus, it’s plastic free!

Catch the 10:00 am tour and show up hungry. Seriously. Don’t eat beforehand. You should be done by about 1:30 pm, when you’ll be ready for either a nap, or a trip out to Belém. 

An Afternoon in Belém

After your food tour (and a nap?), head out to Belém for an afternoon and evening of fun. 

Belém used to be a separate city, but as Lisbon has expanded it has swallowed it up and now it’s a district within the broader city of Lisbon.

It’s right along the river, and is home to several cool sights, including the Torre de Belém, a huge monastery, and, perhaps the most important, Pastéis de Belém, which is said to be the birthplace of the original pastel de nata.

Today, the entirety of Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In Belém, we’d recommend starting at the furthest end with the Tower of Belém, then working your way back towards Lisbon. 

Getting to Belém

The easiest way to get there from the center of Lisbon is to hop on the 15E Tram from around Praça do Comércio.

It takes about half an hour each way, and costs three Euros in either direction. You can buy tickets on the tram, but you have to use the machines which sometimes don’t work AND only accept coins and require exact change.

You should either get a Viva Card (see the “Getting Around” section below the itinerary for more detail) at one of Lisbon’s Metro Stations so you can tap on / off with less hassle, or today might be a good day to invest in a 24 hour pass for the metro, buses, and trams, which will set you back 6.40 Euros. 

Torre de Belém

First of all, don’t go up into the tower. We just saved you 6 Euros a person. Lines are long, and the view from the top isn’t really worth the money or the time it’ll take you to get there. 

It is, however, worth admiring from the outside. It was built in the 1500’s for two reasons – to serve as an entry / exit point for people coming in and out of the city by ship, and to serve as a coastal defense for Lisbon, as it’s ideally placed along the banks of the river near the mouth to fend off any attacks. 

Unfortunately, it didn’t do so well on the second front. It was taken in 1580 by the Spanish. But it was upgraded following that catastrophe, largely living out its days as a prison until it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980’s. 

More information on the tower, including tickets, here . 

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Wander along the waterfront heading east to head to the Monument of the Discoveries (in Portuguese, Padrão dos Descobrimentos), which is a tribute to Portugal’s amazing history of explorers. Do you remember from fourth grade who the first person to circumnavigate the world was?

I didn’t, but our walking tour guide was quick to remind me that it was Vasco da Gama, and we actually visited the town where he was born just outside of Porto later in our trip to Portugal. Funny enough, that town is definitely inland, not along the sea at all. 

Vasco da Gama is one of the figures featured in the depiction on the side of the monument, which was built in the middle of the 20th Century under Portugal’s dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar, who was really into romanticizing Portuguese history.

Naturally, the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th Century was near the top of the “aren’t the Portuguese people great?” list, which is problematic because let’s be real for a second – all of the places they “discovered” were… already discovered. Just not by people with white skin.

We’re not going to solve that issue here, so I digress.

Anyway, the square in front of the monument is beautiful, with art made from limestone tile donated by South Africa, and the towering monument that rises 171 feet over the river. 

You can go inside, but we’d skip it, and instead just admire it from the outside. 

Jerónimos Monastery

The monastery (and the garden across the street) are worth a visit too. It’s a former monastery – meaning it’s not active today – and housed monks from the order of Saint Jerome (hence, the name). 

It’s a great example of typical Late Gothic Manueline architecture in Lisbon, which was created in the 16th Century during the Age of Discovery, and incorporates maritime symbols – ships, shells, and seas – into the Gothic style.

It’s typical in Lisbon, and there are a bunch of statues and examples of it around the city, including the statue of St. Vincent in Alfama, who is the patron saint of Lisbon and is holding a ship with two ravens, which is the coat of arms of Libson. 

Like I said, Maritime elements galore. 

Construction started in 1501 and took over 100 years to complete, which should tell you something about the grandness you’re about to witness. It’s free to enter, but you have to pay to go into the cloister, which is pretty impressive, but not necessarily worth the money. 

Pastéis de Belém

Head about a block east from the monastery to your final stop in Belém – the birthplace of the pastel de nata . Allegedly, anyway. 

The legend goes that the pastel de nata was created by monks from the monastery wayyyy back in the early 19th Century. And the story is actually fascinating, and completely plausible.

Next to the monastery, there was a sugarcane factory, and after the revolution in Portugal in 1820, all convents and monasteries were shuttered in 1834, which meant that the monks had nowhere to go, and no way to make a living.

Before that, they bought A TON of eggs (the whites were used for starching robes) and found themselves with some leftover egg yolks, so they started making sweet treats as a little bit of a side hustle (and probably, more importantly, to enjoy themselves). 

Ever the entrepreneurs, they sold that recipe to the pastry shop – the same one that exists there today – using that handy dandy sugarcane factory and those eggs. Guess what the two main ingredients are in those pastries? Sugar and eggs. 

They started pumping out these “Pastéis de Belém” – which would eventually become known more broadly as “Pastéis de Nata” – and two centuries later, the recipe and methods are said to be almost exactly the same as they were back in the 19th Century. 

They’re so serious about their brand that only the pastéis that come out of this kitchen can legally be called “Pastéis de Belém” – the original. 

Part of me wonders how much of that story has been romanticized over the years, and how similar the recipes really are today. The other part of me says “yeah, that’s a good story, let’s go with that.” But are they really the best? Here’s a completely subjective and unscientific take. 

Everyone says to go here for the best pastel de nata you’ll have in Lisbon. So we put it to the test. And by “we” I really mean my two brothers and Alysha. No gluten for me. 

The results? This one came in second behind Manteigaria. The crust was the best out of the three we tried, giving the pastry a nice texture contrast between the crispy outside and the ooey-gooey custard, but the custard was the downfall here, which was less flavorful than the ones they had tried previously.

Still, well worth a stop when you’re nearby. The more cinnamon, the better. 

On your way back to the heart of Lisbon, make a pit stop in Alcântara to check out LX Factory .

When you walk through the entryway here, you might feel like you’re in a hip part of Los Angeles or Brooklyn. And that’s kind of the vibe they’re going for, if we had to guess. 

In the mid 19th Century, this area was home to an important textile factory. Today, it’s an outdoor hub of different shops, bars and restaurants, and small businesses who have all come together to create one of the most engaging, creative, and unique places in the entire city.

You’ll find a nice bookstore, a great wine shop, countless restaurants, and plenty more. Here were some of our favorite stops (though we think you should take your time and explore for yourself). 

• Livraria Ler Devagar : You’ve probably seen this one on Instagram, with the big art fixture hanging from the ceiling of a person on a bike with their scarf trailing behind them. It’s a huge bookstore with a small English language section, a record shop on the first floor (that’s the second floor, to us Americans), and some cool old printing presses on the top floor that are worth checking out. 
• More Than Wine : We found both wine and cider that we liked here, but they also sell things like chocolate, jam, honey, and ceramics. 

We visited LX Factory in the morning, which we realized was not the right time to be there, and we ended up thinking to ourselves “I bet this place would be cool at night.”

That’s why we have you stopping here on your way back – because we think it’s worth grabbing dinner and drinks here, where you’ll have options ranging from Mexican food to gourmet hot dogs or sushi. 

Day 3: A Day Trip to Sintra

On your third day, take a day trip from Lisbon out to Sintra, home to Pena Palace and a couple of other worthwhile sites.

Things to Know About Visiting Sintra

The first thing you should know is that Pena Palace, which is a must-visit and is the most popular site, is at the top of a steep hill if you’re coming from the town of Sintra. We strongly recommend that you make Pena your first stop of the day, and make your way down the hill from there. 

There are a couple of different ways to get from the train station up to Pena Palace. 

• Bus : There are a couple of bus options leaving from the same general area. To get to Pena Palace, you want the 434, which takes you from right outside the train station (exit the station and turn right around the corner, towards the tourism office – here’s a map ) up to Pena Palace. It costs 3.90 Euros for a single ride (e.g. from the station to Pena Palace), and 6.90 Euros to get a hop-on, hop-off ticket that allows you to ride the bus there and back (but only in one direction). Here’s a helpful guide .
• Taxi / Uber : If you have two people or more, this is the best way to do it cost-wise. The bus is crowded and lines are long, so if you’re okay with walking down from the top, hop in a cab or Uber, pay the 10-15 Euros to get to the top, and you’ll likely beat everyone else up there.
• Tuk Tuk : We had a group of four, and as we were debating what route to take, a friendly tuk tuk driver pulled up and asked if we wanted a ride to the top for 20 Euros. Now, normally, we’re all for taking public transportation, and we’ve never actually taken a tuk tuk (except Alysha in Thailand). But for whatever reason, we were in a touristy mood, so we did it! It wasn’t exactly the fastest ride (though we did beat the bus), and there were times where I was pretty certain we were going to have to get out and push. But, alas, we made it to the top right as the Palace grounds opened and had some laughs along the way!

Getting to Sintra

Sintra is an easy 45 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station in Baixa. Getting to Rossio is pretty easy from basically anywhere in Lisbon, including Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. 

The most important thing to know is that you will want to be on the first feasible train out to Sintra, which totally depends on how early you want to wake up.

The train we chose left at 8:11 am, which we think is the perfect time because you’ll arrive in Sintra around 9:00 am, and most of the attractions open at 9:30 am, giving you about 30 minutes to get up the hill to Pena Palace to start your day and beat the rest of the visitors. 

What to Do in Sintra

Here’s the thing – there’s actually A LOT to do in Sintra. So much so, that you’re definitely not going to be able to comfortably fit it all into a single day, which is likely the amount of time you have. 

For context, we were on one of the first trains out to Sintra, and didn’t make it back to the city until somewhere around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. And we only really did a couple of the many tourist attractions in Sintra.

We would suggest picking two or three things that you’re most interested in, and tackling those two plus the town of Sintra, which has some good places to eat and drink. 

We also obviously have an opinion on what you should focus your time on, and we think the two sites you should choose are Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle .

Both offer different experiences – one is an opulent palace with fertile gardens, one is a replica of a former, you guessed it, Moorish Castle with spectacular views out over the ocean. 

If you want to add in a third sight, we’d recommend the Quinta da Regaleira . We’d do the two aforementioned sights before lunch, making your way down the hill as you go, having lunch in the town of Sintra, then doing the 10 minute walk out to the Quinta da Regaleira before heading back into town to catch the train back to Lisbon. 

Strap in, bring water and snacks, and prepare yourself for a full day affair. 

Here are some more details on the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. 

Pena Palace

There are two parts of the Pena Palace complex, and they require different tickets.

There are the gardens, and then there’s the interior. We decided to skip the interior – we’ve seen plenty of opulent palaces over the course of our travels, maybe the rich dudes should have spent the money that they spent on their summer home on something, I don’t know, more useful?

Seriously, Pena Palace is essentially a summer home, built in the Sintra Mountains by King Ferdinand II. Originally, it was a monastery on the hill, but it was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and sat there in disrepair for years.

Then, Ferdinand said “wouldn’t it be great to have a place to escape the oppressively hot Lisbon summers? Maybe a place on a hill, with nice views and a cool coastal breeze?” 

12 years later et voilà! Pena Palace, built by German architect Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege. Eventually, the state of Portugal bought the palace from the royal family (honestly, isn’t that insider trading or something?) and turned it into the museum it is today. 

The colors and décor of the palace are pretty unusual. Just look at this odd guy sitting atop one of the arches on the exterior of the castle. 

It’s an unusual mix of architectural styles, borrowing from multiple different eras and styles to create a multicolored mishmash. 

We would recommend just getting a ticket for the grounds, and admiring the palace from the outside. Here’s how we’d spend your time: 

• Start by exploring the gardens. When we arrived, the palace was fogged in and you could barely make out the bright yellow facade. If you find yourself in the same boat, fear not! It will likely burn off. Head out to the High Cross in the gardens, which is a nice view (if the fog happens to be gone – it wasn’t when we were there). In general, our favorite part of the gardens was the lakes area at the bottom of the hill. 
• Then make the walk up to the palace. Admire the arches and tiles along the outside, and go up into the chapel, which is free. 
• Walk the walls of the palace . There’s a short path around the palace walls, which you should save for last because it’s a great view out over Sintra and all the way to the coast, so you want it to be clear. 

From there, head down through the gardens to the lower entrance, and walk up to the Moorish Castle. 

Important Info : Tickets for the gardens cost 7.50 Euros, while combo tickets that include the interior cost 14 Euros. The castle is often shrouded in fog in the morning, which usually burns off by about 10:00 or 11:00 am. For that reason, we recommend above that you spend your time admiring the gardens first before heading up to the palace itself. More info here . 

Castelo dos Mouros

Honestly, we were SO close to skipping this. But we were so glad we didn’t! Walking along the reconstructed walls of this Moorish Castle from the 8th or 9th Century was the highlight of our time in Sintra, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. 

It was built when the Muslims from North Africa were in control of the Iberian Peninsula, and then it was taken by the Christians in the 12th Century, and basically left in various levels of desertion ever since as tensions calmed and people no longer felt the need to live within the castle walls and started making their way downhill towards Sintra and proverbial greener pastures.

At least until the 1800’s, when restoration efforts began under King Ferdinand in the same vein as the Pena Palace restoration. 

There are some historical sights to see along the way, but we’d focus your time on walking the walls from one end to the other, which involves some steps (which are actually kind of hard), and is basically a nonstop spectacular view from start to finish. Go counter-clockwise. 

Important Info : The cost to enter the castle perimeter is 8 Euros. We originally balked at that cost, but afterwards decided it’s probably worth it for the great views alone. Plus, how often do you get to walk on former castle walls? More information here . 

Less Time in Lisbon? Here’s What to Do

At a high level, if you have less than three days in Lisbon, we’d immediately cut Sintra. It’s great, don’t get us wrong, but we’d opt for spending your time in Lisbon itself rather than getting out of the city. Save it for next time. 

With One Day in Lisbon

If you only have one day in Lisbon – and we mean one full day, morning, afternoon, evening, we’d spend it like this. 

In the morning, head out to Belém and do the Torre de Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jerónimos Monastery (though the cloister won’t be open when you’re there, which is fine) before going to Pastéis de Belém to try the alleged original pastel de nata. 

Head back to Lisbon’s center and choose between the walking tour (if you’re more interested in history and culture) or the food tour (if you’re a foodie). Our preference is the walking tour, but you can’t really go wrong either way. 

In the evening, follow the Alfama guide in the itinerary above and spend a few hours in the most romantic part of Lisbon, at least in our opinions. 

PS: We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you make the most of one day in Lisbon .

With 2 Days in Lisbon

Follow days one and two of the itinerary above as written. Voila! 2 great days in Lisbon. 

More Than 3 Days in Lisbon?

If you have more than three days, we’d recommend slowing down and splitting up the activities in the itinerary above, giving each more room to breathe. In addition, here are a few things we’d add on to the itinerary. 

• We’re really excited about the We Hate Tourism Tours “ Lisbon Walk in the Real City . ” The tour company here – We Hate Tourism Tours – focuses on responsible and sustainable tours. For example, you won’t find them packing groups of 20 people onto the 28 Tram, which is a major thoroughfare for locals, and it’s basically unusable at this point due to tourists between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Instead, you’ll spend a few hours exploring neighborhoods you probably wouldn’t make it to on your own, and learning about the cultural and economic context around the city you’re exploring. We haven’t done it (yet), but we will when we’re back in Lisbon in a couple of months. It’s a different kind of tour than the other walking tour you’ll have already done, focusing on parts of the city most tourists don’t make it to. 
• The Time Out Market , as touristy as it is, is worth a visit. There’s a collection of some of the best restaurants in Lisbon all in one nice food hall, with a bar in the middle of it. Try a couple of different places and share amongst the group for the best experience. I’m still trying to wrap my head around why Time Out (of the magazine fame) got into the real estate / restaurant game, but that’s a question that’s out of scope for this particular guide. 
• We kind of wanted to take a trip across the river over to Cacilhas after seeing Phil do it on our favorite food TV show of all time, Somebody Feed Phil . It involves a ferry ride, which also seems very pleasant. Here’s a nice guide to exploring that side of the river. 

The Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate makes it a very pleasant destination basically year round, and a nice escape from the parts of Europe that have cold and dreary winters. Summer is blazing hot, and we’d say that visiting Lisbon in the summer is not ideal for two reasons.

First is the heat, which feels even warmer when you’re trekking straight up a hill. Second is the crowds, which are pretty overwhelming during July and August, which is peak summer season in Lisbon. It’s even worse when cruise ships are docked at the port near Alfama. 

Shoulder season is our pick, which means Spring and Fall. We visited in September, and the weather was pleasantly warm (bordering on hot), and crowds were around, but nowhere near what you’d see at the height of summer. 

We’re returning to Lisbon in December, so I will go ahead and update this guide with our thoughts on Lisbon in the winter after that trip. 

Getting to Lisbon

Lisbon is fairly accessible from most parts of Europe thanks to plenty of flights coming into Portugal’s capital, though if you’re coming from outside of Portugal the train and bus situation leaves a bit to be desired. Flying is your best bet if you’re coming from continental Europe, the UK, or the US and Canada (obviously). 

Flying to Lisbon

Lisbon’s airport is right smack dab in the middle of the city, which makes it easy to get from the airport to your accommodations.

Flights are plentiful, with most major carriers in Europe and abroad flying a route that takes you to Lisbon. You’ll arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is 7km away from the city center. 

Taking a Train or Bus to Lisbon

Trains or buses are a good way to get to Lisbon if you’re coming from a city within Portugal, like Porto to the north, or Lagos down on the Algarve , Portugal’s southern coast. 

One note : if you’re staying in the main center of Lisbon, Santa Apolónia Station is the one you want. It’s walkable to Baixa and Alfama, and you can hop on the metro to access other parts of the city from the train station. Oriente, Lisbon’s other train station, is further north and requires a longer journey to reach the heart of the city. 

From Porto , which is Portugal’s second biggest city (and is well worth a visit), it’s a three and a half hour train ride from Campanha Station in Porto to Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia station.

Express Trains – called Alfa Pendular or AP – take two hours and forty five minutes or so, and are the most expensive (and comfortable) option.

Intercity trains – called Intercidades or IC – are cheaper, less comfortable, and take a little longer at three and a half hours.

For what it’s worth, we took multiple IC trains, and it was plenty comfortable and super affordable, especially when you buy tickets in advance. 

From Lagos or Faro on the Algarve

You have a choice between train and bus, which are essentially the same journey in terms of time and cost.

The train leaves from Lagos and makes a connection in Tunes. From there, it’s a straight shot up to Lisbon. The bus runs directly from Lagos’ bus station to Lisbon – no connection required. Both options will cost you roughly 20 Euros. 

The only major city outside of Portugal that has reliable service to Lisbon is Seville, Spain, but you’ll need to budget an entire day to make the trip.

From Seville , you can take a FlixBus that goes directly from Seville to Lisbon, taking roughly eight hours to complete the journey. Your other option from Seville is to take the bus to Faro, and catch the train up to Lisbon from there, which takes more like 8-10 hours. 

Getting Around Lisbon

Lisbon is a great walking city, despite the hills. It reminds me a lot of San Francisco, our last home, in that way. 

Most of the main sites and neighborhoods that you’ll want to visit as a tourist are within walking distance of the center, with the exception of Belém and Alcântara (home to LX Factory), which are a short tram ride away. 

Lisbon – like most cities, really – is best explored on foot. You’ll discover all sorts of fun spots along the way if you use your own two feet to navigate the grid layout of Baixa, and the winding serpentine alleys of Alfama, Chiado, and beyond. 

The obvious thing to note here is the hills. Lisbon is very hilly outside of Baixa and the area along the river. Chances are, you’ll be walking up and down the hills of Lisbon at some point, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes and a reusable water bottle.

If walking the hills is a problem for you, you can use the metro or trams to get to the top of the hill, then meander your way back down.

Public Transportation

The public transportation in Lisbon is pretty fantastic. 

There are above-ground trams, a below ground metro system, a few funiculars to get you up the crazy hills, and a bus system. It’s comprehensive, and will get you everywhere you need to go quickly, efficiently, and for a really affordable per-trip rate, too. 

We were also really, really surprised at how clean everything was. From sparkling trams (other than the 28, but the rusticness is part of the charm!) to pristine buses, everything seemed a lot cleaner than the public transportation we’re used to taking in San Francisco. Like, A LOT cleaner. 

To use the public transportation system, you’ll want to buy a Viva card , which costs 0.50 Euro and makes each ride significantly cheaper, and then you’ll be able to load it (and reload it) with the amount of money you need to ride.

You can get the Viva Card at one of the machines inside a metro station – they have instructions in English if you don’t speak Portuguese. Here are the rates as of 2023 (you can check the most up-to-date figures here ):

• Single ride : 1.50 Euros (1.34 if you’re using a Viva Card)
• Day Pass : 6.40 Euros

Make sure you validate your ticket at the little yellow stands near the entrance to metro stations before every ride, and whenever you make a transfer. Otherwise you could be in for a fine. 

We’d recommend skipping the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), which is essentially a tourist trap. You can walk through the mall or up the hill from Baixa without paying the 5 Euros or waiting in the long line. It is, however, worth walking out to the top of the lift for the view out over Lisbon towards the Castelo.

Here’s a good guide to Lisbon’s public transportation system for some further reading. 

Uber and Taxis

Uber is surprisingly affordable in Lisbon, and so are taxis. We’re fans of ridesharing apps in terms of convenience and ease of use (not so much in terms of the company itself, though), and you can pretty easily zip around Lisbon for about 5-7 Euros per ride. Only use marked taxis, and make sure they run the meter. 

Taking a Taxi from the Airport

We hopped in a taxi at the airport, and got scammed like typical tourists immediately on arrival. I’m telling this story in hopes that you learn from my mistake. 

The taxi pulled up alongside the official taxi line, which we had waited in, and the first red flag was that he pulled up at the curb, rather than one of the designated taxi pull-through spots (which, by the way, are genius – never seen pull-through taxi spots before!). I should have pulled the plug there. 

Not knowing whether it was a flat rate ride or a metered situation was my second mistake. Taxis from the airport should be metered, and it should cost between 10 and 15 Euros to go to the city center. This guy told me it was a flat rate, and showed me a semi-official looking laminated piece of paper showing the rates. 

Our ride came out to 27 Euros, and only after the fact did I realize that we got scammed. 

The point is this : only use official taxis that pull into the designated spots at the taxi stand at Lisbon’s airport, and make sure they run the meter. Don’t pay more than 10-15 Euros for a ride, and ask roughly how much it will cost before you get in. Decline anyone that tells you it’s a flat rate. 

Actually, the real point is TAKE THE METRO from the airport . It’s super cheap, super efficient, and has a direct line to the city center. Here’s more on taking the metro to and from the airport. 

We hope this massive guide to exploring Lisbon was helpful! If you liked this guide, there’s more where that came from.

Planning a trip to Portugal?  

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

• 10 Days in Portugal: Planning the Perfect Portugal Itinerary
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide
• 3 Days in Lisbon: Planning the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary
• One Day in Lisbon: The Best of Lisbon in 24 Hours
• Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Guide to 4 Amazing Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Lisbon: A Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
• The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
• 3 Days in Porto: Planning the Perfect Porto Itinerary
• One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in a Day
• Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: The 3 Best Places to Stay

The Algarve:

• A Complete Guide to Planning an Algarve Road Trip (3-7 Days)
• Where to Stay in the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base
• How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete Trail Guide

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

12 Comments

I am so happy that I found your blog posts on Portugal. We had 3 days in Lisbon and 3 days in Lagos. Your recommendation of the Be Poet Baixa Hotel made for easy walking to many of your suggestions. They also offered lots of information about sites and restaurants in the area. We enjoyed our time in Portugal and will be back again.

Hey Wendy! Glad you found it helpful and enjoyed your trip. Baixa is great in terms of location – you’re within a short walk or bus ride of just about everything! We like Chiado a tiny bit better in terms of vibe, but both are excellent choices. Noted on Be Poet Baixa – thanks for the info.

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• Destinations

Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? (And How Long Do You Really Need)

• February 1, 2022

Lisbon is becoming an increasingly popular place to visit, but it still isn’t the crowded and expensive nightmare of other European destinations!

Lisbon is extremely walkable and has a relaxed atmosphere.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting the capital of Portugal, including how long you need, and is it even worth doing?

Is Lisbon Worth Visiting?

Yes, Lisbon is worth visiting. It is a trendy young city and a top choice for Digital Nomads, but you don’t need a lot of time to see it.

There are other places in Portugal that are worth spending more time in. If you are slow travelling through Portugal I would still allocate a short time for Lisbon.

How Long Do You Need in Lisbon?

3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Lisbon. That will give you enough time to visit everything you want to see in the city center, and still have time to relax.

If you only have 2 days, that would be enough to see Lisbon, but less time for coffee shops, lazy strolls, and activities.

You can’t visit both Lisbon and Sintra properly with only 2 – 3 days. 4 might be possible, if you stay in Sintra instead of Lisbon.

(More on that in a moment, plus your full 2-3 day itinerary.)

Is 5 Days in Lisbon Too Much?

5 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Lisbon if you also plan on exploring Sintra. There is a lot more in Sintra than you can see and do in a single day trip

Is 7 Days in Lisbon Too Long?

7 days is too long to spend in Lisbon alone. You can see all of Lisbon and Sintra in 5 – 6 days. If you have a whole week, you would be better off heading to the Algarve, spending some time in Fatima/Batalha, or even taking a train up to Porto .

Having said all of this, there are plenty of people who like Lisbon enough to live there. Digital Nomads and families like the city for it’s amenities and mild weather.

For me the difference is that Lisbon would be a practical place to settle down, but not an exciting place to explore for more than a week.

Best Time to Visit

Most tourists will be on vacation from May through August , so by visiting in the off season you can avoid any large summer crowds.

For pretty much any trip, I will always advocate for the shoulder season, which is Spring or Fall.

The best time to visit Lisbon is in March/April or October/November. These transitional months are mild and the weather is nice.

That being said, Portugal doesn’t get truly cold weather, daily temperatures in winter range from lows of 2C (35F) to highs of 20C (68F.)

That’s quite warm compared to where we are from, so a winter visit would be fine by me.

Arriving in Lisbon

Lisbon does have Uber , so you don’t need to plan too much ahead about how you will get to the city center. (We only EVER take airport taxis as a last resort.)

Uber is only allowed to pick up in the departures area, so make your way over there.

There is also a metro station in Terminal 1. If you arrive at Terminal 2, you can take the free shuttle bus between terminals.

Getting Around

Using the lisbon metro.

Lisbon’s metro is very user friendly, so you won’t have an issue figuring out the lines.

The Saldanha line is one of the main ones that goes to the city centre from the airport, but of course, it depends on where your accommodation is.

The metro is safe , but like most major cities, petty crime is a problem. To avoid pickpockets, keep your belongings in sight and off of your back.

Both times that I was the target of pickpockets it was on an escalator, so don’t think that it only happens on the train or in crowds.

NEVER store important items in outside pockets, and keep your wits about you at ticket machines and while you’re reading maps.

Other than that, happy riding! It’s very easy and affordable to get around.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

The best area to stay in Lisbon is the Baixa district and the surrounding area.

The easiest way to choose your accommodation is to find “Santa Justa Lift” on a map, and then cast a wide net outwards.

Lisbon is very easy to get around, both on foot and via the metro, so being right in the centre is less important than other cities .

Most of Lisbon is beautiful historic buildings, so finding a place you can afford in a picturesque location shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Upon your arrival, make your way to your accommodation and get settled.

Explore your neighbourhood on foot.

Pick up a “Pasteis de Nata” – Portuguese custard tart – at a cafe, have dinner, or go right to sleep.

Day 2 & 3

Your second day in Lisbon will really be your first actual day, so spend it having a wander!

Here is a list of some ideas for easy things to do without needing to plan. This is an opportunity for you to decide how long you will want to spend in Lisbon.

Relaxing Things to do in Lisbon

Oriente station.

This train station is both a main connecting point for the metro and for long distance trains.

The architecture here is very interesting and it makes for a good photo stop!

On the upper level of Oriente station is where the longer distance trains come in, and it is covered in a cool geometric canopy.

The mid-level is an interesting concrete structure . Ground level is a pretty typical train station.

Across from Oriente station is a HUGE mall , so if you are needing to purchase anything before your vacation really takes off, this place has everything.

The grocery store on the bottom level is very convenient.

Lisbon Oceanarium

The Oceanarium is what it sounds like, an aquarium, but there are also penguins and other water creatures.

You don’t need a lot of time here, maybe a couple of hours, depending on how busy it is and how much you like watching sea life!

We found the visit very relaxing, and there was a travelling exhibit called “Forests Underwater” that we also enjoyed.

The Oceanarium is only one block walking from Oriente Station.

Oceanarium Ticket Prices

• Ages 0 – 3: Free
• Ages 4 – 12: 10 Euros
• Adults 13 – 64: 19 Euros
• Seniors 65+: 13 Euros

I don’t believe there is a family rate unfortunately, but I could be wrong! I checked, but there is nothing listed on the website.

The Oceanarium is not exactly a “cheap” thing to do. We really like aquariums and downtime so we bit the bullet, but it was one of the most expensive things that we did in Portugal.

(Second only to some admissions in Sintra!)

You can take that two ways:

• Nothing in Portugal is crazy expensive, and
• You might not want to spend 58 Euros to take the kids to the Oceanarium

If you like aquariums and plan to spend a lot of time in Lisbon during your trip, the annual family membership is 85 Euros (2 adults + 2 kids,) and then you can return any time.

An adult membership is 35 Euros , and additional kids are 30.

Telecabine Lisboa

The Lisbon cable car south station is right outside of the Oceanarium.

We love a good cable car, so we’ve seen a few, but this one is probably my favourite!

The ride is a decently long round trip in a comfy enclosed cabin with a bench seat. The car dangles perilously (kidding!) above the ocean and you have a great view of the Lisbon waterfront.

The best part was that it was not at all busy when we were there. I imagine in summer it could get a little more crowded, but shoulder season was quiet.

Telecabine Lisboa Ticket Prices

• Ages 4 – 12: 5.50 Euros
• Adults 13 – 64: 8 Euros The cable car operates daily from 11 am to 6 pm, with additional hours during high season.

Here is an ideal schedule for exploring this whole area:

• Arrive from your hotel via the metro to Oriente Station
• Take a walk through the shops and get lunch on the top floor
• Walk to the Oceanarium and take your time through the exhibits
• Walk just a few steps to ride the cable car over the ocean

Strolling the City Centre

From Oriente Station you can take the metro a little closer to the centre.

Restauradores, Rossio, or Baixa-Chiado are all good stations to get off in a walkable area.

From whichever station you choose, get lost in Lisbon! You can’t really get very lost, because there are metro and tram stops everywhere.

Speaking of which, consider taking the little yellow trams at night, through Lisbon’s pedestrian friendly centre.

Cafe’s and restaurants are not hard to find in this area. Challenge yourself to find a quieter haunt on a less travelled street.

Santa Justa Lift

While you’re in the area you will probably catch a glimpse of the Santa Justa Lift at the end of one street or another.

The lift amounts to a very large, very elaborate, elevator. It was styled after the Eiffel Tower by it’s designer, who admired his fellow architect’s work.

The lift connects two parts of Lisbon where previously you would have to climb a prohibitively steep hill.

I feel like I should be embarrassed by saying that I have been to Lisbon several times and have never actually taken the lift.

Every time that I have happened by, the line up was very long, and I just didn’t want to ride it badly enough.

(The Santa Justa lift carries 20 people up and only 15 down.)

The lift does have an observation deck on top , which offers views of central Lisbon.

Insider tip: Access the lift from the top for a shorter queue!

Santa Justa Ticket Prices

• Return ticket: 5.30 Euros
• Observation Deck: 1.50 Euros Riding the lift is free if you purchase a 24hr transit ticket. (Observation deck extra)

Carmo Convent

If you do decide to ride the lift, it will take you up to the Carmo Convent.

(If you don’t take the lift, access the same area by exiting on the “Chiado” side of Baixa-Chiado station.)

Destroyed during the great earthquake of 1755 (of which you will read a LOT in Lisbon) this convent is now a beautiful open-air Gothic cathedral.

Tickets: 5 Euros per person

Lisbon’s Pink Street

Ten minutes walk from Santa Justa Lift, or near the metro stop “Cais do Sodre”, is Lisbon’s “Pink Street.”

Closer to the waterfront in Lisbon, this street was painted pink as a revitalization project, in what was considered a seedy area.

The project did work and now it has become a tourist and Instagram hot-spot , instead of being the red light district!

Come back in the morning if you want to take photos without the crowds!

Praça do Comércio

You will very likely pass Praça do Comércio during your pedestrian adventures in Lisbon, but if you want to seek it out, just walk straight from the Santa Justa Lift to the waterfront.

This public square is huge , and surrounded on three sides by distinctive yellow buildings. Once the site of a palace, the square was destroyed by the earthquake and following tsunami of 1755.

When Praça do Comércio was rebuilt, it was no longer a palace because the traumatized King refused to move back to a stone house , and lived in tents until he died.

In the centre of the square, leading towards the old town, is a huge arch: The Arco de Rua Augusta.

For just 3 Euros you can actually climb the stairs to the top of the arch and take in an amazing view of Lisbon. A fact I did not know until long after our trip. Next time!

You can easily cover all of the City Centre sights in one day, since you can walk to them all and explore as you like. If you fall in love with Lisbon, stay longer!

If you spend days 2 and 3 of your trip to Lisbon enjoying all of the sights above. Now is a great time to move on to nearby Sintra.

Visiting Sintra

A visit to Lisbon (and Portugal for that matter!) isn’t complete without spending some time in Sintra.

If you do it right, you can easily combine the two cities.

Don’t Plan for One Afternoon

I will start by saying that Sintra is not a day trip from Lisbon.

Technically yes, you can take the train to Sintra and back in the same day, but you can’t possibly see everything you should during that time.

Plan for a few days that you will split between Lisbon and Sintra.

Stay in Sintra to Visit Lisbon

We found that it worked best for us to actually stay in Sintra for a few days. It allowed us an early start in the morning before the crowds descended , and a place to take a break when we wanted to.

In the late afternoon or evenings we would take the train to Lisbon for dinner and nightlife in the city. Sintra is pretty dead after the castles close for the day, so it’s half out of necessity.

The train is 45 – 50 minutes into Lisbon, but it’s a pleasant ride and we didn’t mind it at all.

You could always do the opposite , and take the train from Lisbon to Sintra each morning, but we preferred to start the day already in Sintra.

Definitely do whatever you need to do in order to spend a good amount of time in Sintra. Every major attraction in the town is totally worth seeing!

5 – 7 Days or More

If you have decided to stay longer in Lisbon, here are some of the more famous sights that you might want to visit.

More Things to do in Lisbon

These are the kind of tourist attractions that will be busier and you should plan your visit ahead.

Buy tickets in advance if possible, and go early in the day.

There are lots of other things to see and do in Lisbon, but nothing that I consider a “must-see.”

(I will explain why in a minute!)

In the spirit of slow travel , I think you should really walk and ride around to see what piques your interest.

Sao Jorge Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)

You really can’t miss the beautiful outline of Sao Jorge Castle while you explore Lisbon. It’s basically in the city centre, and it’s lit up at night.

The first fortifications occupied this spot as early as the 1st century. Many rulers over the years added to it until it was a castle and royal residence of impressive size.

At one time the castle had all but disappeared under military barracks and other structures built over top of it. Here is an interesting photo I found of Lisbon in 1877 .

Restoration of the castle took place in the 1930’s and 40’s to bring it back to the landmark that it is today.

The castle boasts several towers, an attractive inner courtyard with trees, and a museum. You can enjoy stunning views over the city from Sao Jorge Castle.

Sao Jorge Castle Ticket Prices

• Adult: € 10
• Student: € 5
• 65+ or people with disabilities: € 8.50
• Children (under 12): Free

Belem Tower

Belem Tower (or the Tower of Saint Vincent) is a fortification on the Tagus River from the 1500’s.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was also named one of the “Seven Wonders of Portual.”

The fortress is more elaborate than a lot of the brick castles scattered around Portugal, and it managed to survive the great earthquake of 1755 that destroyed a lot of Lisbon’s other treasures.

Getting to Belem Tower

The fortress is a little ways out of the centre. You can catch a tram from Praça do Comércio straight down the waterfront to the tower. It takes about a half hour.

Your Visit to Belem Tower

As of August 2021 the inside of Belem tower is closed to visitors.

It was reported to be closed due to the pandemic, but the signs state something about it’s historical value, so perhaps it is going to be a restoration project of some kind?

If and when the tower reopens , you can climb the spiral staircase up all five stories to the viewing platform at the top. You could also tour the prison cells below.

This is one of Lisbon’s busiest tourist attractions, and the stairs are narrow and can get claustrophobic. If it reopens and you want to go in, arrive early in the day for your visit.

Ticket prices before it closed were: 6 Euros for adults, 3 Euros for Students & Seniors, Kids under 12 free.

Are Belem Tower and Sao Jorge Castle Worth Visiting?

It depends. If you have a lot of time in Lisbon to wander around and enjoy all the sights, then sure!

If you are planning to visit other places in Portugal, I would say that there are better castles and better fortresses to see.

Sightseeing fatigue is real , and as slow travellers , that’s what we are trying to avoid.

I would personally rather walk around the city centre, or sip coffee in a park, then take the day to visit these two sights, if I know we will be seeing LOTS of impressive architecture on our trip.

(Sintra being one of those places.)

Jeronimos Monastery

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jeronimos Monastery (also known as The Hieronymites Monastery) is the most popular tourist attraction in Lisbon.

Considering Lisbon is the most visited city in Portugal, this means that Jeronimos Monastery could be the most popular tourist attraction in the country.

Any way you slice it, this place is busy.

Visiting Jeronimos Monastery

The monastery is very beautiful of course, having been built in the old Portuguese style. There is an inner courtyard, impressive gardens, and an epic cathedral.

If you have time, and you are visiting in the off-season, then a visit to Jeronimos may not be too busy for you.

If you want to skip the crowds, make the trip to the awe-inspiring Batalha Monastery instead. (Another of Portugal’s seven wonders, as is Jeronimos.)

Getting to Jeronimos Monastery

You can get to Jeronimos on the same tram from Praça do Comércio that you would take to go to Belem.

If you plan to visit both Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, ask about the combo ticket (but only if Belem Tower is reopened to visitors by then.)

Jeronimos Monastery Ticket Prices

• Adults: 10 Euros
• Students & Seniors: 5 Euros

Ideal Lisbon 2 – 3 Day Itinerary

Now that I have covered all of these great things to do, I will say that I like Lisbon, I don’t love it.

For me personally, two to three days in Lisbon proper would be plenty. There are so many amazing places in Portugal, and if I’m going to settle in for a while, it just wouldn’t be in Lisbon.

(Again, I do like it and it is worth a visit.)

My ideal itinerary to Lisbon would be:

Days 1 – 3 : Lisbon

Days 4 – 7: Stay in Sintra with evenings in Lisbon.

Sintra or Lisbon

If you have to choose between Sintra or Lisbon, I would choose Sintra all the way. You can still do dinners and evening strolls in Lisbon, but also make sure that you see all the amazing sights in the village.

(Honestly, the train ride is not bad at all! I feel like it gives you the best of both.)

If you only have 2 days to see Lisbon:

Skip Sintra, and come back another time, because the visit will be deeply dissatisfying.

Spend your 2 days doing everything from “Day 2 & 3” in the itinerary above. It looks like a long list, but you can easily cover the city centre as well as visit the Oriente Station area in just two days.

Make Time to See Portugal

Portugal is truly an amazing country with a relaxed atmosphere and a staggering amount of history. Whenever possible, plan to spend a good amount of time here! You will find it so worth your efforts.

For my complete Portugal Slow Travel Itinerary , visit this article:

Slow Travel Portugal: You won’t want to leave!

For more of the Lisbon Aesthetic, here is my moodboard !

Want More Slow Travel?

Culinary Backstreets Lisbon Food Tour: Song of the Seas Review

Do you love food and exploring local culture? Today we want to tell you about a top notch Culinary Backstreets food tour in Lisbon, Portugal.

About Culinary Backstreets

Culinary Backstreets is an organization passionate about telling the stories behind a city’s foodways.

They promote and protect traditional culinary culture, highlighting masters of their craft and family-run establishments through walking tours, downloadable Eatineraries, and written articles.

You’ll find them in Istanbul, Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon, Naples, Tbilisi, Queens, Mexico City, Rio, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Izmir.

“We use food as a lens through which we explore urban issues, highlighting lesser-told stories and people, revealing a deeper side of the city. I think you’ll really enjoy what we have created.”

– Ansel Mullins, Co-Founder of Culinary Backstreets

>> Use discount code INTLTRVL for 5% off any Culinary Backstreets tour! <<  

Culinary Backstreets Lisbon Tours

At the time of this writing, there are three walking tours in Lisbon: two full-day culinary tours and one half-day walk.

We got to do a complimentary Song of the Sea tour during our first week in Lisbon, in exchange for an honest review here on the blog and some photo content. (As always, the opinions expressed in our reviews are entirely our own.)

Our guide, Celia, was a freelance journalist and co-author of Eat Portugal.

She personally researched the history of the neighborhoods we visited and had interviewed a number of the people we passed in the streets.

We met Celia at 10 a.m. and were joined by another family for an enjoyable day walking and eating in Lisbon’s historic port district.

Song of the Sea Tour Details:

Distance:  We walked about 8k or 5 miles. Of course, this was broken up into short bits throughout the day. Our guide’s Fitbit registered 6 stories climbed.

Time: 5+ hours

Food: All-inclusive price covers seafood, fish, pastries, alcohol, coffee, etc. Gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives can be arranged with advance notice.

Who it’s for: We really loved that this tour stayed entirely outside of Lisbon’s busy center. We saw almost no tourists and very few crowds. The tour was truly about diving deep into a lesser-known area, uncovering every-day culture and historic traditions, and sampling local favorites. Participants should be prepared to walk a good bit and enjoy all kinds of seafood.

Use discount code INTLTRVL for 5% off any Culinary Backstreets tour! Next we’ll share a bit about some of the stops we made and the great food we got to sample…

Our first stop was a small, family-run coffee roaster . It’s the only wood-fired coffee roaster in Portugal, producing a couple tons of chemical-free coffee beans each week for export around Europe and for use in local coffeeshops. Today, the business is run by a son about our age – he’s third generation in this family enterprise.

We sampled their espresso with some cookies, and we really loved the mild flavor.

Since there was no sign on the street, we made sure to mark the location on our phone, and we went back a couple weeks later to purchase beans to take home.

The price was extremely reasonable, sold by the kilo – ground or whole bean. Rather than grab a pre-made bag of the shelf, they take the time to hand-package freshly roasted beans!

Around the corner, we discovered the neighborhood’s  limpeza urbana, or washing tanks.

We’d only ever seen something like this in historic movies. They’re essentially public pools for laundry. These were built on the grounds of a former missionary convent in the 19th century and have long been a community meeting point.

Nowadays, most people have their own washing machines at home, but they might come to the tanks to do larger loads of bedding, for example. Schools and other institutions pay for bulk washings of uniforms and linens. And community events are still hosted there.

While hanging out at the washing tanks, our guide shared with us one of the city’s most famous delicacies: pasteis da nata , which she had brought along with her.

This custard-filled pastry comes from the early convents and monasteries, when they needed to start income-generating projects to support themselves.

The flaky crust and sweet, creamy center are a delightful combination which can be topped with cinnamon or powdered sugar, or just eaten plain.

We meandered through the cobbled streets, passing from the working-class fishermen neighborhood, the Madragoa (“mothers/nuns of Goa”) neighborhood and on to the wealthier Lapa neighborhood.

Our next stop was a small restaurant serving specialties from Goa, one of Portugal’s colonies in India. The owner, originally from Goa, arrived by way of Mozamique and had been living in Lisbon for 39 years.

He originally started producing and selling thousands of spicy samosas a week to support himself.

We got to sit down in his restaurant and sample some of his samosas as well as a labor-intensive 9-layer cake that’s typically reserved for special occasions.

With multiple snacks already under our belt, we were by no means hungry. But we sat down for an outdoor lunch at a seafood restaurant located on Lisbon’s port. It’s a popular lunch spot for the area’s office workers, and they specialize in grilled fish.

Next to us, a woman was single-handedly grilling all the fish to perfection amidst billows of smoke and steam.

The fresh sardines were incredible, grilled and seasoned with nothing but sea salt. We also feasted on some hard cheese, olives, greens, cuddlefish, a rice and fish dish, and Portugal’s “green wine.”

Progressing further into the Alcantara neighborhood, seafood and beer joints are numerous and locals like to enjoy them while watching a football match.

So we sat down for a few more seafood samples from various parts of the country. This time, we tried gooseneck barnacles, prawns, and clams . Most of us weren’t too interested in more of the barnacles, but the garlic sauces on the other dishes made seconds hard to turn down.

Next, we stopped by a small shop selling wines, cheese, and an assortment of other goods.

It became apparent that the four other visitors who were in the store when we arrived, were actually just hanging out and not going anywhere soon.

The shop has been there for 50 years but it’s a traditional kind of place that’s at risk of being lost to time, which is why Culinary Backstreets makes an effort to support it.

In a tiny back room, we sampled sheepsmilk cheese , sourced from a small village in Central Portugal where the owner is originally from. We also tried tawny port from 1980 and a delicious local pear .

With full bellies, we found ourselves entering another interesting shop with window displays full of nuts, candies, digestive teas, and other natural remedies.

We sipped on coffee (which came from the roaster at our first stop on the tour) or verbina tea and munched on walnut and honey cookies while Celia, our guide, wrote out restaurant suggestions for the rest of our trip.

While our tour was officially done, Celia invited us to one more stop down the street, where she was getting bread to take home. It was a traditional bakery with a stone mill grinder that makes sourdough and rye, and the family that came with us also bought some loaves to take home.

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Lisbon? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Lisbon here: What you need to know about Lisbon travel right now

Final Thoughts

We were very impressed by Culinary Backstreets from start to finish.

Their communications were very helpful and thorough, their local guides are experts in their subject matter, and their mission aligns perfectly with intentional travel. Their pricing may be higher than others, but we think you will be hard-pressed to find a higher quality, curated cultural experience.

We came away from the tour with deeper insight into a side of Lisbon we never would have experienced otherwise.

The food itself was all excellent and the tour included a number of new things we got to try for the first time. We felt bad that we were leaving some things uneaten by the end, but we left so full that we didn’t bother eating anything for dinner later!

All in all, it was a great tour. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience, we would recommend checking out Culinary Backstreets . Don’t forget to use discount code INTLTRVL for 5% off any Culinary Backstreets tour!

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A Perfect One Day in Lisbon Itinerary

By: Author Claire

Posted on Last updated: 17th February 2023

Categories Itineraries , Portugal

Last Updated on 17th February 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

With centuries of fascinating history, beautiful streets and delicious food, there are tonnes of fun things to add to your Lisbon itinerary. You could spend weeks here and not get bored, but if you only have one day in Lisbon , we’ve put together a full guide and itinerary to make the most of 24 hours in Portugal’s capital city!

Is one day enough time to visit Lisbon?

Miradouro de santa luzia, breakfast at dear breakfast lisbon, visit the cathedral, santa justa lift, carmo convent, livraria bertrand, lunch in the chiado neighbourhood, miradouro de nossa senhora do monte, castelo de sao jorge, museo do fado, belem tower, go on a sunset cruise, where to stay in lisbon, try ginjinha, lunch at alfama, free walking tour.

As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a large city with plenty of attractions and even more to see. As such, you won’t be able to cover everything that there is to do in Lisbon over the course of 24 hours.

With that being said, if one day is all the time you can allocate to visiting Lisbon, then it’s better to go and get a taste for the city than forgo it altogether. The ideal amount of time to explore Lisbon is three to five days.

One day in Lisbon itinerary

Miradouros are famous throughout Lisbon. They’re lookouts over the beautiful cityscape, with oranges, yellows and pinks sprawling out beneath you. Indeed, one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to go on a search for the best viewpoint in Lisbon .

Begin your time in Lisbon (yes, even before breakfast!) by exploring one of the most popular viewpoints in the city. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is higher than some of the other viewpoints in the neighbourhood that you’ll be exploring during your morning in Lisbon and so it only makes sense to begin your time in the city by being dropped off around here.

Dear Breakfast Lisbon is one of the most popular breakfast spots in the city and they have several locations across the Portuguese capital. Whether you want avocado on toast, fruit bowls or French toast, they have plenty of classic breakfast staples here!

The best spot in the city if you want to start your day the right way is to reserve a table in the Alfama district. This popular neighbourhood is one of the most popular places to visit in Lisbon, and for good reason- it’s just so picturesque!

Or, if you don’t fancy sitting down for breakfast, there are lots of cafes where you can grab a coffee and pastel de nata, such as the ever-popular Fabrica de Nata.

The pastel de nata is one of the most famous pastries from Portugal and is a Portuguese egg custard which is sometimes dusted with cinnamon. If you’re looking for a Portuguese souvenir , consider bringing home a box of these sweet treats (though bear in mind that they have to be purchased quite fast after purchase).

Close by to the Alfama Dear Breakfast, you’ll find the Cathedral of Lisbon. Overlooking the rest of the neighbourhood, this beautiful building is simply known as Sé locally and has been rebuilt a number of times due to several different earthquakes over the decades. Today, you can enter the cathedral for a fee.

After exploring centuries worth of history in the cathedral, you can walk through the Alfama neighbourhood (be sure to bring your camera along as it is incredibly picturesque) and head to the Santa Justa lift.

This elevator is also known as the Carmo Lift and connects the lower streets to the higher ones above. The view from the top is incredibly beautiful and offers unparalleled view of the Saõ Jorge castle!

Directly next to the lift, the Carmo Convent is the haunting ruins of a church which lost its roof during one of the great earthquakes to rock the city. The former convent’s full name is the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the ecclesiastical complex finds its roots in the 14th-century. Today, the former church can be visited for a fee, though note that it is closed on a Sunday.

The oldest bookstore in the world is a beautifully appointed store in the Chiado district of Lisbon, Portugal. A stone’s throw away from world-famous attractions such as Lisbon Cathedral and the Carmo Convent, the  Livraia Bertrand  is a must-see while in Lisbon.

This Lisboa bookstore dates all the way back to the first half of the 18th-century, firmly placing it in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘Oldest Operating Bookshop’, as a plaque proudly indicates at the entrance to the shop.

As one of the more popular neighbourhoods of the city, Chiado has no shortage of food options. Some of the top vegetarian options in the are Organi Chiado and The Green Affair. A historic café which is incredibly popular (with inflated prices to match) is Brasileira do Chiado.

This historic café is something of an institution in the neighbourhood thanks to its strong links with famous writers of times gone by. There is even a life-sized statue of Fernando Pessoa, the famous 20th century Portuguese poet, writer, literary critic, translator, publisher, and philosopher.

After exploring some of the more popular neighbourhoods in Lisbon, take a taxi to the other side of the city. The Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte is particularly special as it’s the highest point in Lisbon! From your vantage point here, look for Lisbon’s top landmarks.

From Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte, it’s about a 15 minute walk to the Castelo de Sao Jorge (or you can jump on the 28E tram!).

This castle has a fascinating history spanning back nearly 1000 years, which saw it go from being a Muslim fortification to an Iberian military base! It’s a fantastic place to visit to get to know Lisbon’s history as a whole. Purchase your Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Escort in advance.

Museo do Fado is about a 10 minute (downhill!) walk from Castelo de Sao Jorge. There isn’t any public transport, but if you can’t or don’t want to walk Uber and Bolt are both available throughout Lisbon.

Fado is the type of music that characterises Portugal, and it has its roots in this very neighbourhood (Alfama). So, visiting a museum all about Fado is a must-do while you’re here! If music isn’t your thing, then it’s worth noting that there are plenty of other museums in the area.

Try your hand at making money in the money museum, learn the history of the lesser-known Portuguese dictatorship from 1926-74 at the Museudo al Jube or browse some of Portugal’s best paintings at the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Belem is a suburb of Lisbon and is the perfect place to finish your day in the capital. It’s a 1 hour 20 minute walk, but you can also take the 720 bus down to the waterfront and then change to any bus serving Belem or Cascais.  Alternatively, a taxi will take about 15 minutes!

The UNESCO listed Belem Tower was where Portuguese maritime culture was administered for centuries, and you can explore the inside, learning a little about the country’s connection with the Atlantic Ocean on the way.

It closes at 5:30 pm in the winter and 6:30 pm in the summer; if you’re visiting at the right time of year, you can enjoy a wonderful sunset here. With this being said, the best of the Belem Tower is its striking position and appearance, and so it’s not completely necessary for you to enter, particularly if you’re travelling on a budget.

There are a couple of great restaurant options by Belem Tower. Nikkei serves delicious Peruvian cuisine and O Recanto is famous for its fish. In the city centre, Taberna da Rua das Flores dishes up traditional Portuguese fare and Pharmacia is a quirky eatery with a pharmaceutical theme (it shares its building with Lisbon’s pharmacy museum).

Even if you’re only in Lisbon for a short time, if you want to book an extra special experience, you might consider booking a sunset cruise on a vintage sailboat. The boat will cruise along the Tagus River and included in the experience you’ll get a drink and a food tasting. Find out more details here.

Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel is a gorgeous five star property in the Ajuda region with fantastic reviews.

Hotel da Baixa is a great value place to stay, with a swimming pool and modern rooms.

Rodamon Lisboa is a friendly, modern and clean hostel in Lisbon centre.

If you have two or three days in Lisbon

For those who are opting to stay longer than 24 hours in Lisbon, there is a myriad of attractions and delights to be discovered in Lisbon itself and the surrounding region. If you want to discover more of Portugal away from the big city, then some of the best day trips from Lisbon include Fátima and Nazaré and to Sintra .

If port is the tipple to sample in Porto, then no doubt  ginjinha  is the drink of choice drink while in Lisbon. This strong cherry liqueur is served with or without the cherry and is a must-try while in the Portuguese capital and surrounding towns.

The Alfama area is a great place to grab a bite for lunch. Prado is a much-loved eatery serving fresh, local meals at an affordable price. It’s open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, Audrey’s is open from 7:30 am – 11:00 pm every day and is famous for its brunch options.  

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, the Ao 26 – Vegan Food Project is nearby and open for lunch. I definitely recommend visiting to try a vegan Franceschina, which is one of the most popular dishes in Portugal. It’s usually a meaty, cheesy sandwich but Vegan Food Project have their own plant-based twist to it! 

A walking tour of a city is always a great way to get a full overview of its past and present. And Lisbon has such a dynamic, fascinating history in an integral geographical position. It’s one of the most westerly capitals of the continent and one of the closest to North Africa, which has given it a dynamic and multicultural history throughout the centuries.

SANDEMANS offer a fantastic free walking tour of Lisbon at 2:00 pm (in the summer months). This takes three hours, so will take up most of your afternoon, but if you’re interested in history and want to get a great overview of the city it’s well worth it.

These free walking tours operate on a tips basis; at the end of the tour, you give the guide what you think the tour was worth. Planning, researching and guiding thes tours is a full-time job for most guides so tip generously!

If you only have one day in Lisbon, you might not want to spend three hours doing a walking tour. This is completely understandable – we’ve detailed a couple of other points of interest that you can visit if you don’t want to do the tour.

Alternatively, if you don’t mind paying for a tour, then you could book a food and wine tour like this one. Those who prefer to explore a new place via bicycle can book an electric bike tour like this one.

The Basilica da Estrela is a beautiful church with a sad story. In the 18 th century, Queen Mary I commanded it to be built to celebrate falling pregnant with a child. Tragically, Joseph, Prince of Beria, died of smallpox before the church was finished.

It stands today as an important religious centre for Lisbon. The exterior is beautiful – it was constructed in a baroque and neoclassical style and has a giant dome and arched windows.

It’s worth visiting the interior too, which has even more ornate details. It was the first church in the world to be dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There’s another Miradouro (Miradouro da Basílica da Estrela) by the Basilica.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Lisbon? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Claire Martin is a travel blogger and freelance writer who specialises in overland adventures. She’s drove around Australia, travelled from Bali to London without flying, lived in Mexico and has spent many months exploring Europe. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Claire’s Footsteps . 

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Lisbon in 3 days; a suggested itinerary and tour

Three days is the perfect length of time to fully discover Lisbon. Within these three days, you'll be able to explore all the main tourist attractions, experience the vibrant nightlife, sample some delicious foods and create wonderful memories of this amazing city.

This article provides a suggested three-day tour of Lisbon, which could be used for a city break or as part of an extended tour of Portugal. Note: This guide focuses only on the city of Lisbon and does not include the surrounding regions. There are many enjoyable day trips and beautiful beaches which could easily extend your stay within the Lisbon area to a week or even longer. Related articles: 1 week in Lisbon – Introduction to Lisbon – Lisbon's beaches

A suggested 3-day itinerary for Lisbon

The following itinerary has been specifically designed for visitors who are new to Lisbon. It provides a fantastic introduction to the city over your three-day stay and includes all of the main tourist areas. • Day 1 Morning – The Baixa district • Day 1 Afternoon – The Alfama district • Day 2 Majority of the day – The Belem district • Day 2 Afternoon – Lx Factory and the Alcantara district, or a ride on the 28 tram • Day 3 Morning – The Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real districts and the Avenida da Liberdade • Day 3 Afternoon – The Parque das Nações district • Friday or Saturday night - Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre districts

An interactive map for your three days in Lisbon is shown below. Day one is highlighted in green , day two in yellow and day three in blue . ( Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights of day one: 1) Praça do Comércio 2) Rua Augusta 3) Elevador de Santa Justa 4) Rossio 5) Praça dos Restauradores 6) Igreja de Santo António 7) Se Cathedral 8) Castelo de Sao Jorge 9) Portas do Sol viewpoint 10) National Pantheon Sights of day two: 11) Mosteiro dos Jerónimos 12) Padrão dos Descobrimentos 13) Torre de Belém 14) Pastéis de Belém 15) LxFactory Sights of day three: 16) Praça Luís de Camões 17) Convento do Carmo 18) Igreja de São Roque 19) Jardim do Príncipe Real 20) Avenida da Liberdade 21) Praça Marquês de Pombal 22) Parque das Nações 23) Oceanário de Lisboa 24) Torre Vasco da Gama Nightlife areas 25) Pink Street (Cais do Sodre district) 26) Bairro Alto

Insight: Many short trips to Lisbon include a day trip to Sintra, which could replace the suggestions for day 3. This article solely focuses on Lisbon, but for a full guide to Sintra, please click here.

Note: A car is not required for this itinerary, as Lisbon has excellent public transport and inexpensive taxis.

The following section looks at each day of the trip in more detail and provides links to further in-depth guides.

Day 1 Morning – The Baixa district

The Baixa district is the grand centre of Lisbon, comprising of magnificent plazas and bustling shopping avenues.

The district was completely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, and its reconstruction created the world's first grid layout. Today, Baixa is a vibrant and fascinating place, making it a joy to visit and an ideal starting point for your tour of Lisbon.

Insight: Baixa is the main tourist area of Lisbon, and you will probably be based close to it; if not, catch the metro to the Rossio or Terreiro do Paço metro stations.

Overlooking the Tejo Estuary on the southern side of Baixa is the grand Praça do Comércio plaza, which was the original trading centre of Lisbon. Leading from Praça do Comércio is the Rua Augusta , a delightful shopping street with open-air cafes and an eclectic mix of independent shops and restaurants.

Insight: Don't miss the amazing viewpoint at the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta.

Along the Rua Augusta is the Elevador de Santa Justa , a neo-Gothic styled lift that transports visitors up one of the steepest hills of Lisbon. At the north side of the Rua Augusta you will find Rossio plaza, which is fondly regarded by Lisbon's residents as the heart of their city.

Beyond Rossio is the Praça dos Restauradores plaza, with its distinctive pink Foz palace and obelisk monument. After a morning's sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of Ginjinha - a sweet cherry liqueur - from the A Ginjinha bar, the traditional home of the drink. Related articles: Baixa district guide - Praça do Comércio

The magnificent Praça do Comércio plaza

The Rua Augusta looking down to the Arco da Rua Augusta

Rossio plaza, as seen from the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa

Day 1 Afternoon – The Alfama district

In the afternoon, it is suggested that you explore the hills and characterful streets of the Alfama district.

Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon and offers a complete contrast to Baixa's grandeur and uniformity. It is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleyways, which follow the ancient medieval layout of the city. Historically, Alfama was Lisbon's poorest district, but today it has a trendy, artisan vibe, while retaining a pride in its rich heritage.

Found within Alfama are many of Lisbon's oldest buildings, including the Castelo de Sao Jorge , the Se Cathedral and the Igreja de Santo António - a church dedicated to the patron saint of Lisbon. Cutting through the centre of Alfama is the number 28 tram route with its cheery yellow trams.

There are many steep hills in Alfama, so a tour of the district can be physically demanding. However, the reward for reaching the top of these hills is some wonderful viewpoints, such as the Miradouro da Graça , the Portas do Sol or the view from the castle walls.

Alfama is the traditional home of Fado , a melancholic style of music that was historically sung by sailors' wives awaiting the return of their loved ones. Many of the small restaurants in the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts have live Fado performances during the evenings for you to enjoy. Related article: Guide to Alfama – Tram 28 guide

The number 28 tram passes the Se Cathedral

The Miradouro da Graça viewpoint overlooking Lisbon castle and the Baixa district

The battlements of the Castelo de Sao Jorge provide wonderful views over the Tejo Estuary

Have you booked your hotel yet?

During the peak season, there is very high demand for hotels and accommodation in Lisbon. It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation as early as possible to secure the lowest prices.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Lisbon. By altering the dates to suit your trip, the map will display current availability and prices:

Day 2 - The Belem district

Belem is a picturesque district to the west of Lisbon that lines the banks of the Tejo Estuary.

Historically, the shipyards of Lisbon were situated in Belem, and it was here that Vasco da Gama spent his last night before his epic voyage to India. Later, the vast riches earned from the 17th-century spice trade funded the construction of the impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos .

Today Belem celebrates its seafaring history, and is a delightful area boasting parks, tree-lined plazas and scenic riverside walks. Insight: The E15 tram connects central Lisbon (the Baixa district) to Belem.

Along the pretty waterfront of Belem is the imposing Padrao dos Descobrimentos monument, as well as the Torre de Belem fort, which once guarded the city against attacks by sea.

The main tourist sights of Belem can be seen within a half-day of sightseeing. However, visitors often stay longer to take a stroll along the scenic riverside or visit one of its fascinating museums, such as the Museu Nacional dos Coches , MAAT or the Coleção Berardo art gallery. Related articles: A guide to Belem - The Torre de Belem

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is the largest and most stunning religious building in Lisbon

The Torre de Belem fort

The Padrao dos Descobrimentos monument, with stone carvings of the key figures in Portugal's 17th century Age of Discovery

Day 2 Afternoon – Lx Factory or a ride on the 28 tram

For the latter part of the day, it is suggested to visit the Lx Factory, the artisan centre of Lisbon. Found within this converted factory building is a range of unique shops, restaurants, quirky stalls and artists' studios, along with intriguing displays of urban art. Insight: Lx factory is on the E15 tram route and is conveniently located to visit after Belem.

An alternative in the afternoon is to ride the number 28 tram on its scenic route from the Estrela district in the west to Alfama and Baixa in the east. The 28 tram passes through many of the historic quarters of Lisbon and is a wonderful way to view the city. Related articles : Tram 28 tram

The Lxfactory stands in the shadow of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge

The 28 tram passing the Basílica da Estrela

Day 2 Evening – A night out to Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre (Friday or Saturday)

There are two main nightlife areas to enjoy in Lisbon: Bairro Alto and Pink Street (in Cais do Sodre).

Bairro Alto is a warren of narrow streets and the home to a variety of Fado music restaurants and a wide variety of bars. On weekends, the socialising spills out onto the streets, with the whole district becoming one giant party.

The bars in Bairro Alto close around 2am, but the fun continues downhill in the Cais do Sodre district. Cais do Sodre was originally a red-light district, but today is the late-night heart of Lisbon, with many of the clubs situated along Pink Street.

Pink Street

Day 3 Lisbon morning – Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real

On the morning of the third day, enjoy a stroll through some of Lisbon's most interesting neighbourhoods; Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real and Avenida da Liberdade.

Bairro Alto is the nightlife hub of Lisbon, and you will likely already have seen parts of the district by night! However, by day you can take in the bustling Praça Luís de Camões plaza, the ruins of the Convento do Carmo and the exquisite interior of the Igreja de São Roque .

Príncipe Real is an affluent district, with grand 20th-century buildings and a distinctly Portuguese atmosphere. This is probably the most authentically Portuguese district you'll visit during your three days in Lisbon. At the centre of Príncipe Real is the Jardim do Príncipe Real , and on the eastern side you'll find the wonderful Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.

The Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon's most exclusive shopping street, lined with designer shops and unique boutiques. This wide avenue is lined with trees and formal gardens and is a pleasant place for a stroll, even if you're not here for the shopping. At the top of the Avenida da Liberdade is the Praça Marquês de Pombal and the Parque Eduardo VII. Related articles: Bairro Alto - Príncipe Real – Shopping in Lisbon guide

The Embaixada boutique shopping centre, in the Príncipe Real district, is housed in a former palace

Looking down to the Praça Marques Pombal from the Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII viewpoint

Lisbon Day 3 Afternoon - Parque das Nações

The Parque das Nações is the ultra-modern area of Lisbon that was constructed for the Expo 1998 world trade fair. The district is filled with striking modernist architecture, along with water-focused exhibits and gardens designed for the Expo.

Parque das Nações is a fantastic area of Lisbon to visit on a sunny day, offering scenic riverside walks, open spaces and a calming atmosphere.

The main tourist attraction is the magnificent Oceanário de Lisboa , one of Europe's finest aquariums. The area also boasts Lisbon's tallest building, Torre Vasco da Gama , as well as a cable car, casino, a modern shopping centre and a wide selection of restaurants. Related articles: Parque das Nações guide

The Torre Vasco da Gama and waterfront of the Parque das Nações

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A complete list of all of our Lisbon articles

Getting started

• Lisbon introduction
• How long in Lisbon?
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• Cost to visit Lisbon
• Lisbon's best museums
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Lisbon's districts

• Parque Nações
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Sightseeing

• Shopping in Lisbon
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• Torre de Belem
• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
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• Largo do Carmo
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Senhora do Monte
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Day trips from Lisbon

• Sintra introduction
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South Portugal

• Algarve introduction
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The best guide to Lisbon

• Visit Lisbon by bus
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Book your holidays in 3 clicks all over Portugal using the button below. I have created for you a page that gathers the best rated and most recommended English speaking tours and activities throughout Portugal as well as the luxury hotels or villas classified by the most sought after and appreciated criteria.

Visiting Lisbon by bus is probably one of the favourite activities of tourists in the capital. Some prefer something more personal like guided tours but for others who want to see as much as possible without getting tired and without knowing the city, the bus tour is an option that I recommend. Below you will find a selection of bus tours of Lisbon from a website specialized in this field and which have had the best feedback, an excellent way to choose well and not make mistakes.

Bus tours in Lisbon, a good idea!

A visit to Lisbon by bus is a very good idea as it is one of the best ways to get to know the city and where the important places or monuments are. These sightseeing tours have very good feedback and are very popular for several reasons:

• You don’t just walk through the city
• You have time to see the beautiful things of Lisbon properly…
• Your guide will give you information about the history of the place.
• The visit is motorized and therefore less tiring (Lisbon and made of ascents and descents)
• This type of visit requires less information and preparation: let yourself be transported.

Whatever your reason for booking a bus tour of Lisbon and whichever one you choose, it will allow you to travel all over the capital and discover the most popular corners.

Price of the visit to Lisbon by bus

A tour to visit Lisbon by bus has quite variable prices but among those I have selected, it ranges from 25€ to 44€. The price rarely exceeds 45€ and will vary according to the duration of the visit, the different places to visit, the stops planned or others. Many bus tours of the Portuguese capital offer additional things to spice up the visit:

• Multiple stops
• Segway Test
• Visit to Lisbon Zoo
• Half day visit
• Mix of visit by bus and boat or tram or tuk tuk in Lisbon
• And so on…

Each bus tour offers different things and I have tried to offer you at the top of the page the ones I find the most interesting. Even if I couldn’t do them all of course, the many positive comments tell me that I can propose them to you and that you can book them without any problem.

For your information, the Lisboa Card offers discounts on transport, tickets to monuments and even free entrance to some of Lisbon’s tours lasting 24, 48 or 72 hours. Find out all you need to know about the card by consulting the Lisboa Card guide , or click below to order it directly online.

Visit of Lisbon by bus by a Lisbon woman

If you still have any doubts about booking your bus tour in Lisbon, the following paragraphs will certainly help you to get an idea of the atmosphere that can prevail there. This is the feedback of a 26 year old Lisbon resident who wanted to try out Lisbon bus tours to see if she still had something to learn. The answer is of course no, which you won’t, but the bottom line is that she really liked the atmosphere and the experience.

“The Portuguese company also has historic tram routes, but the buses are the most emblematic models. Lisbon Bus Tours operate with boarding and alighting systems, meaning that passengers can get on and off the bus as many times as they like. It is like this for 24 hours. On the buses, all tourists are entitled to an audioguide in several languages.”

“I chose to take a tour that goes from downtown to the Parque das Nações. For an hour and 40 minutes I tried to find out if I still had something to learn about my city. Who knows, maybe the tourists are better informed about our history than we are. Okay, spoiler alert: they’re not.”

“The driver started the bus engine. For this tour, I had three American couples over 65 in front of me and behind me a couple with two children.”

“The system is very convenient. The audio-guide has 12 different languages, and the sound varies between Portuguese songs (there is more than Fado) and explanations of the places we see. It is simple, practical and extremely useful to satisfy all the people of different nationalities who choose to visit Lisbon .”

“I started my journey into the city. This was my favourite part: it was incredible to see from a different perspective – in other words, a little higher up – the streets I walked through every day. I confess I never understood the joke of open tourist buses, which I admit always seemed a bit silly, but the view is really privileged.”

“The bus to visit Lisbon has many advantages for tourists: free access to Carris trams and public transport, Aerobus (transport from Lisbon airport) and the Elevador de Santa Justa . The ticket also offers discounts on monuments, museums and activities in Lisbon . In addition, the hop-on, hop-off system is also incredibly useful, as is the number of languages available. For those who want to see the incredible views of Lisbon, the experience is perfect.”

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Essencial Portugal

Prepare your holydays in a few clicks: guided tours, transfers, hotels, villas, ticket purchase and information. A concentrate of the best services about Lisbon and its region.

Guided tours of Lisbon

Lisboa Card - Discounts

Guided tours of the region

Hotels in Lisbon

Luxury Villas

Transfers and transportation

Lisbon informations, monuments to visit.

• Lisbon Aquarium
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General informations

• Public Transportation
• Complete guide to visit Lisbon
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• Lisbonne Viewpoints
• Discovery of Fado
• Lisbon-Porto route
• Articles on Lisbon
• Articles on the Lisbon region

Discover the Region

• Visit Evora
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• Visit Cascais & Estoril
• Visit Sintra
• Visit Obidos
• Visit Fatima
• Visit Ericeira
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Due to the complexity of this process, I have found only one serious english speaking service provider to assist you with the registration of your vehicle in Portugal. This is a law firm based near Lisbon that will take care of the registration application + the ISV exemption application to the customs . The price of this firm is 2000€ per vehicle and does not include the costs of the technical inspection, the registration and the registration fee.

Please only fill in this form if you are ok with this price to avoid unnecessary exchanges with this provider. If you wish to do this yourself, you will find a lot of information below on the dedicated page.

Once this form has been completed, it will immediately be forwarded to the english-speaking service provider who will contact you.

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By validating this form, you authorise me to forward your request to an English-speaking company in Lisbon who will contact you to discuss your project. Nothing is automated, these are people I know personally, who are serious and qualified to help you with your project.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for death insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best death insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new death insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for boat insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best boat insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new boat insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for dental insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best dental insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new dental insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for motorcycle insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best motorcycle insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new motorcycle insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Subject * Your project / Your needs * Phone Send

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for life insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best life insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new life insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for car insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best car insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new car insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Subject * Your project / Your needs * Website Send

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for home insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best home insurance deals at the best prices. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new home insurance. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an insurance broker specialising in the Portuguese market who will offer you the best prices for a mutual insurance in Portugal.

Benjamin will contact you directly to discuss your needs and offer you the best health cover at the best price for you and your family. He will take care of proposing you several offers and of subscribing to your new health insurance. This is a precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking architect based in Lisbon who specialises in the study and support of construction or renovation projects in Portugal.

He will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and discuss with you its feasibility and the best way to accompany you. Study of the file, analysis of the feasibility with the town hall, constitution of the best team or coordination of the building site are all steps that will allow you to carry out your project. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone number * Subject * Your project * Comment Send

The form below will be forwarded to an English speaking company based in the Algarve and specialised in the purchase of new vehicles in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and will accompany you through the whole process of buying a vehicle in Portugal: proposal of the best prices found in Europe, import of the vehicle, registration and delivery. A precious help to make your car purchase project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last Email * Phone Number * Project and needs * Submit

The form below will be sent to an English speaking company based in Lisbon and specialised in company buy-outs in Portugal. A company takeover is a meticulous operation for which it is essential to be accompanied in the research, selection, visits, financial analysis, negotiations or even the signature to make sure that everything is done correctly and in accordance with the legislation in force in Portugal.

Experts in business acquisition in Portugal will contact you directly to discuss your project, your needs and the best way to accompany you to make it happen. Valuable help from English-speaking experts to make your plans for setting up in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss it.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Subject * Your project / Your needs * Email Send

The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in assisting with administrative procedures in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and accompany you through the process of obtaining your Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status in Portugal. They will accompany you to the authorities and will take care of the preparation and submission of your application. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

The form below will be forwarded to a firm of English speaking accountants based in Lisbon who specialise in all accounting activities for companies based in Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and how best to assist you with your personal or business accounting: bookkeeping, declarations, human resources, balance sheets, VAT recovery and other tasks essential to the smooth running of your Portuguese business.

Valuable English-speaking support for the development of your business in Portugal. You can indicate in your message when you wish to be contacted to discuss this.

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The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in property searches throughout Portugal. These property hunters can assist you in your search for a property, but also in the search for building land, agricultural land or even the search for a business to buy.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and will accompany you throughout the process of research, negotiation, signing, translation of documents, installation and administrative procedures. A turnkey search and a precious help to concretize your project of personal or professional installation in Portugal.

Please provide as much information as possible about your project and your search. You can also indicate in your message when you would like to be contacted to discuss it.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project, your needs and accompany you through the process of obtaining your NIF in Portugal. They will make an appointment at Finanças and accompany you to obtain your Portuguese tax number. A precious help to make your expatriation project in Portugal a reality.

You can indicate in your message when you wish to be contacted to discuss this.

The form below will be forwarded to a firm of English-speaking accountants based in Lisbon who specialise in business creation and accounting throughout Portugal.

They will contact you directly to find out more about your project and will accompany you throughout the entire process of setting up your business in Portugal: administrative procedures, assistance with financing, opening your bank account, declarations, drafting the articles of association and accounting. A precious help to make your business project in Portugal a reality.

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The form below will be forwarded to an English-speaking company based in Lisbon that specialises in property projects throughout Portugal.

Rui will contact you to find out more about your project and will accompany you throughout the entire property purchase process, from research to negotiation, translation of documents, installation, administrative procedures and even accompaniment to the notary’s office for the signature. A precious help to make your real estate project in Portugal a reality.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * First Last E-mail * Phone * Type of property required * House Villa Apartment Location * Approximate date of real estate purchase Period of presence in Portugal Budget * Interior area in m2 * Outside surface area in m2 Number of bedrooms * Number of bathrooms Small works possible Yes No Major work possible Yes No Your project / Your needs * Name Send

How Black travelers are reclaiming Portugal

Despite its role in the birth of the transatlantic slave trade, Lisbon is drawing Black Americans looking to escape racism at home.

In Lisbon ’s bairro das novas nações , the neighborhood of new nations, each street is named after a former Portuguese colony: Rua de Angola, Rua de Moçambique, Rua da Guiné, Rua de Cabo Verde.

“Ah, Cabo Verde,” I say to my guide, Djuzé Neves, “your homeland.” Though that’s not entirely accurate—Neves was born and raised in Lisbon—his parents hail from Santiago Island, the largest in the Cape Verdean archipelago. Climate refugees fleeing drought, they found solace in Lisbon’s embrace.

For Neves, this neighborhood embodies more than just geography; it’s a beacon of community-driven resilience. As a board member of Batoto Yetu , an organization nurturing African heritage among underprivileged youth, Neves invests his time in cultivating cultural pride.

I’ve come to Lisbon exactly for neighborhoods like novas nações, a liberating space to escape the rising tide of racial and political stress I’ve been experiencing in the United States. I’m not alone.

On social media, countless Black travelers share tales of feeling marginalized and impotent in the face of systemic racism and police brutality, prompting a surge in overseas travel in search of historical significance, cultural diversity, and a relaxed atmosphere.

It’s not new, this practice of African Americans traveling to foreign lands for a respite from the challenges and frustrations that come with being Black in America. In the 1920s and ’30s, the Soviet Union became an attractive place to visit and explore because it promised a raceless, classless society . In Lisbon and other cities such as Paris , Dubai , and Amsterdam , travelers find memorials and tours that acknowledge the trauma of the slave trade and programs that explore cultural heritage.

Where the slave trade started

I meet Madisyn Brown , a Black 22-year-old video essayist, on the flight from New York to Lisbon. She tells me that her great-great-grandmother was from Portugal. “But no one in my family has been to Portugal despite that connection,” she says.

On the final day of her trip, I reconnect with Brown for a drink on Avenida da Liberdade, a sun-drenched, tree-lined street with wide sidewalks featuring black, white, and sometimes gray limestones mosaics, called calçada Portuguesa . Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s version of Paris’ Champs-Élysées, London’s Regent’s Street, and Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive.

( Here’s how Black travel has evolved since the Green Book .)

Brown says her time in Lisbon has been magical. “I felt like a normal person walking through the world,” she says. “I never felt like I didn’t belong. I’m going to miss the positive energy here. America can be a really tough place to live.”

The irony isn’t lost on me—seeking solace in a city with ties to the very institution of slavery that shaped our history. We’ve learned to associate many European nations with colonialism, but Americans are not as familiar with Lusophone culture and history.

Many of us were unaware that Portugal was not just a participant in colonialism; it pioneered the trade in chattel slavery. In 1444, the small nation began transporting sub-Saharan Africans to Europe. In 1526, Portugal transported its first shipment of enslaved people to Brazil, effectively launching the transatlantic slave trade.

( Families are leading a new wave for Black travelers .)

Yet, perhaps our modern “return” to Portugal signifies a crucial step in healing, a reclaiming of collective joy and freedom.

Toby Thompkins, a recent ex-pat from New York, sees Lisbon as a place of reconciliation. “I think that’s what a lot of Black Americans are tapping into,” he says, adding there’s an openness to dialogue and a sense of infinite possibilities, reminiscent of America in the 1970s—a time of acknowledging and confronting racism.  

How to experience Lisbon  

To address its role in the slave trade, Lisbon’s government, in association with Batoto Yetu, has erected more than 20 historical street markers to honor the contributions of Africans and their descendants in 2024.  

Travelers can find the plaques near the riverside Terreiro do Paço , where enslaved people disembarked from the ships that carried them there from Africa, or in places such as Rossio Square , which, for centuries, has been a traditional gathering place for Black people in Lisbon. It is also the location of Igreja de São Domingos , the church where enslaved Africans were taken for their requisite baptism.

( Here’s why you see swallows everywhere in Portugal .)

In the Largo São Domingos neighborhood, which has a sizable African population, a stone bust was unveiled of Paulino Jose da Conceiçao, a formerly enslaved African who emigrated to Portugal from Brazil in 1832. Da Conceiçao, also known as Pai Paulino, was a social justice advocate and worked to improve the working and living conditions of Africans in Lisbon. Also in the works is a memorial to the victims of slavery, the first of its sort there.

In the coastal city of Lagos, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, about three hours by train from Lisbon, visitors can explore a small museum dedicated to the history of slavery in the town. The museum, Mercado de Escravos , Market of Slaves, is situated on the site where the very first group of enslaved Africans was sold.

Related Topics

• AFRICAN AMERICANS
• CULTURAL TOURISM

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Surprise! USA water polo team gets tickets to see the Eras Tour in Paris from Taylor Swift

A cold email with a big wish led to a once-in-a-lifetime night for 23 members of the U.S. women's water polo team .

"I don't know how I'm going to top this," says Ally Beck over Zoom. Beck, the operational manager, reached out to Taylor Swift's team earlier this year hoping to surprise her athletes with tickets to the Eras Tour .

"We've been preparing for the Olympics and got invited by France to do a test event in Paris," Beck says. When she looked for activities for the team to do, she noticed Swift would kick off the second year of her record-breaking tour in the French capital city. So she e-mailed the singer's team.

Weeks went by and while Beck was boarding the plane from Los Angeles to France, she got a reply that stopped her in her tracks.

"The audible squeal that came out of me on the plane," she says. "I was like, 'Oh, I'm sorry, everyone.'"

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Beck waited until the Wednesday before the concert to tell the team.

You can see the reaction in the video above.

"The girls just lost it," Beck says. "And from there, it was like, 'What are we going to wear?' We were squealing down the hallway."

'There is no amount of times to say thank you'

On Friday, 15 water polo athletes and eight staff members piled into the VIP floor section dubbed the "Red" lounge. Two of the biggest Swifties on the team are Denise Mammolito, the utility outside shooter, and center Ava Johnson. Mammolito's first concert was Swift's second era: "Fearless."

The Eras Tour added to an already amazing week for the team, after rapper Flavor Flav said he would help financially support the team's trip to the summer games in Paris.

Team captain Maggie Steffens took to Instagram with an inspirational post that read in part: "Some may not know this, but most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!) and most teams rely on sponsors for travel, accommodations, nutritional support, rent/lodging, and simply affording to live in this day and age. Especially female sports and female athletes."

Flavor Flav replied, "AYYY YOOO,,, as a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports - imma personally sponsor you my girl,,, whatever you need. And imma sponsor the whole team. My manager is in touch with your agent and imma use all my relationships and resources to help all y’all even more. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise."

Beck could not be more grateful to Swift and Flavor Flav for their generosity and kindness.

"There is no amount of times to say thank you," Beck says, "just seeing everybody light up, enjoy like the power that is Taylor and kind of getting to watch her in her element and then the extra layer of knowing she's rocking the La Défense arena and we're going to go for gold there in a couple of months, just the amount of inspiration we were able to draw from her is a whole other level."

The team will compete in the stadium at the end of July and beginning of August. They are poised to defend their three consecutive gold titles: 2012 in London, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and 2020 in Tokyo.

Swift continues her European leg of the Eras Tour in Sweden this weekend before heading to Lisbon, Portugal, next week.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.

Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

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Monaco to host the start of the 2026 Spanish Vuelta

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MADRID (AP) — The 2026 Spanish Vuelta will start in Monaco, organizers announced on Thursday.

The grand tour’s first stage will take place entirely in the tiny principality known for its iconic Formula 1 event. The second stage of the three-week race will also start in Monaco.

This year’s Vuelta which is scheduled to start in August will begin in Lisbon. The Portuguese capital was the first foreign city to host a Vuelta start back in 1997. The Vuelta has also had starts in the Netherlands and France.

This summer, Monaco will host the start of the final stage of this summer’s Tour, which will be held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics .

Monaco also provided the start of the 2009 Tour de France.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports