Everyone has been talking about Lisbon being one of the trendiest places to visit. Here’s to a city that lived up to the expectations of long sunny days, amazing food, quaint narrow alleys leading to breathtaking vistas and the friendliest of locals. Our 3-day itinerary will help you discover Lisbon and the best things to do in Lisbon.
DAY 1
Praça do Comércio or Commercial Square
Start your day at the Praça do Comércio, a mighty square located close to the banks of the Tagus river. And this location has proven very important as it was the place where all the trade happened in the past, given Portugal’s naval history and expeditions around the world.
The square is lined by ornately painted buildings on three sides, with pretty corridors to walk through.
We walked over to the pier along the river Tagus from where you can take in the sprawling city creeping over the hills, boats and ferries along the river and the iconic towering statue of Christ almost looking over the city from the other side of the river in Almada.
Rua Augusta
A very popular touristy street filled with restaurants where outdoor seating is a popular choice.
The street is packed with street performers, dancers, your typical souvenir thoroughfare and its just a great place to watch the world go by while you sip on a coffee with a pastel de nata – the humble Portugese custard tart.
Elevador de Santa Justa or Santa Justa Lift
The Elevador de Santa Justa dates back to the 1900s and the elevator can take passengers up to a viewing gallery which although isnt one of the highest points in Lisbon, looks over the Baixa district and the castle as well. The ticket to get to the top via the lift costs €1.50.
Rossio Square
When you are in Rossio Square, you will feel like you are smack in the middle of Lisbon. This square has existed since the medieval times and has witnessed so much history. There’s so much life here, with all sides of the square lined with restaurants, cafes and is just a great place to relax and people-watch.
Chiado
Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhood, Chiado, has so much going for it – with endless options of restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, shopping and it being so close to Bairro Alto for those bars and night outs.
Lisbon is also popular for its bright yellow trams, watch out for them here.
Tram 28
Tram 28 is a great way to see Baixa, Alfama and get to the Castello de San Jorge. The trams are full of the old-world charm with their wooden benches and they tend to screech and crawl at times. They just transport you to a different era. While the tram does not stop right outside Castello de San Jorge, it is short but steep walk to the castle from the closest tram stop.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
We got off Tram 28 at one of the viewpoints or Miradouros – Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which is a great vantage point to get vast views of Lisbon, especially of the Alfama district. This viewpoint is really close to Castello de San Jorge as well. Enjoy the orange tiled roofs contrasting bright against the blue waters of the river.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
After a short but steep walk from the miraduoro, you are greeted by yet another beautiful spot – this time a castle. Castello de San Jorge is a moorish castle steeped in Portugese history and sits overlooking Lisbon offering the best views of the city. Walk through the castle gardens, get greeted by the occasional peacock, have a cafe at the Cafe do Castelo, spot the cannons and just take your time here to take in Lisbon.
DAY 2
Belem is a great neighbourhood with so many of Lisbon’s popular tourist attractions. You can easily spend over half a day here with so much to see and do.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimo
Portugal has historically been associated to seafarers and their famous expeditions leading to the discovery of countries and sea routes. The Jeronimo monastery was funded by the 5% tax levied on the spice trade. Vasco da Gama and his seamen spent the last night at the monastery before sailing off on their expedition leading to the discovery of India.
Padrao dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is one of the most iconic and beautiful monuments in Portugal that was built to honour the great Portuguese sailors. Engraved on the monument are lifelike sculptures of seafarers and sailors on one side, while the other side has sculptures of the financiers enabling the expeditions. The white stone of monument stands out against the blue sea water and is a beautiful sight.
There is an observation terrace at the top of the monument from where you get extensive views of Belem. On the front of the monument is the map of the Portugueseinfluence around the world.
Torre de Belem
The Torre de Belem was built on the Tejo estuary as a defense against a sea attack. You can appreciate the elaborate architecture of the tower with its North African influences.
Jardim da Praça do Império
The Jardim da Praça do Império can be spotted from the top of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It is a beautiful plaza with symmetrical water gardens and is a great place to relax for a bit.
When in Belem, stop by Pastéis de Belem bakery which is famous for its Portuguese custard pastry – pastel de nata and a strong coffee.
DAY 3
Take a ferry to the other side of Tejo
To see the city of Lisbon from another vantage point, take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas – Almada which is on the other side of the river Tagus. There is a ferry every 10 mins or so. Cacilhas has a slower pace to it, with its restaurants along the riverside popular for its shell fish, seafood and beer. We ate right by the waterfront overlooking Lisbon – it was peaceful and the food was great – typical Portuguese thoroughfare.
National Tile Museum
After a leisurely lunch in Cacilhas, we took the ferry back to Lisbon and decided to visit the National Tile Museum. It was a hot summers day and we wanted to dodge the hot afternoon sun. The National Tile Museum is not very easy to get, but I was determined to visit as I love the Portuguese blue tile designs. We took a taxi to get there. Once we reached, we were presented with design after design of tile heaven. One of the best works of art was the 53 m long tile work design of what Lisbon looked like before the 1755 earthquake. This was surely an off-the-beaten path attraction is Lisbon and we would highly recommend it.
Alfama
Alfama is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, with its narrow colourful alleys, its just the place to get lost in.
Walk on cobble stone winding streets where locals go on with their lives, step into a local pastelarias to have a pastel de nata and and a strong coffee. You will spot washing hanging from balconies, a local carrying bread and groceries entering entering a door coloured red or blue or even yellow and tourists wandering about.
There are some really lovely bars that play Fado music and have Fado performances in the evenings. Alfama has so much character and you can easily spend the day here spotting colourful buildings and houses completely covered in artistic tiles.
See the National Pantheon in all its white stone imposing glory and go up to the viewing terrace to get 360° views of Alfama.
Go to a Fado Performance
Fado, Portugals melancholic, riveting and stirring music, must be experienced. It is deep and soulful and although you may not understand the language, you will be sure to feel the emotions. Head into Alfama to one of the many venues offering Fado for an evening well spent.
Cable Car ride at Parque das Nações
For everyone who loves cable cars, Lisbon’s got it very own and its done in style just by the sea. You can ride gently by cable car while taking in views of the Tejo estuary. There are some nice gardens with fountains and water bodies to cool off on those sunny days, and if you get hungry you will be satiated by the many excellent options to eat and drink.
Its a great place to go with children as the Oceanarium and the Pavilhão do Conhecimento – the science centre, are located here. Families can have a fun-filled day out in Lisbon.
You can easily spend a week in Lisbon with the abundance of things to do and see. If you feel like you’ve seen it all in Lisbon, then you could do some day trips such as Sintra and Cabo da Roca.
For a sunny-around-the-year, funfilled experience make Lisbon your next holiday. Are you ready to book then?
