Lisbon, Portugal is one of Europe’s lesser-known destinations, but this city packs a punch and has become a recent hot spot for foodies, couples, and small groups! Situated a short ~6-hour flight from the East Coast, Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest cities and is a must-see for all. Known for its food, nightlife, colorful buildings, walkability, and inexpensive nature, there is so much to see and do in Lisbon.
We recommend spending at least three days in this colorful, coastal city before traveling to another Portugal destination, or East towards Spain. Much of Lisbon can be seen on foot, but it is also easy to use public transportation as needed, including trams, buses, and historic elevators. With all of this in mind, we’ve crafted three days in Lisbon that brings you to all of the best, can’t-miss spots!
Day 1: Central Squares, City Views, and Tasty Pastries
Start at the Praca Marques de Pombal, Lisbon's Central Square. Walk, bus, or tram down Avenida da Liberdade!
Continue to Praca do Rossio via Restauradores Square to find cafes where you can stop for a beverage and to rest your legs
Stop at the Santa Justa Elevator for views of the city from up top
Hop on a bus or tram and head to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos for a guided tour.
Look for the Casa dos Pasteis de Belem and try their famous secret-recipe pastry!
Walk to the Padra dos Descobrimentos and stroll along the river to the Torre de Belem
Take the tram to Bairro Alto and enjoy dinner or the endless nightlife!
Day 2 - Walking, Shopping, Hiking, and (Club) Hopping
Start at Praca do Comercio, the beautiful central square by the river
Go through the Arco de Triunfo to enter Rua Augusta and explore the lively shopping street until you reach Praca do Rossio, another central square of the city
Walk to the Alfama neighborhood with a stop at Se de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), or take the tram to Alfama
Take your time on a leisurely (but hilly) walk through and up the famous and picturesque Alfama neighborhood
At the top, approach Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. Jorge Castle) and decide if you’d like to join a guided tour to see the archaeological site and city views
End the evening with a bus to Cais do Sodre for dinner and a lively nightcap! Snap a picture of the famous R. Nova do Carvalho (Pink Street)
Day 3 - Explore more at your leisure, or Sintra Day Trip
Enjoy this day at your leisure! Some additional ideas:
Rest your legs and fill your stomach at the Time Out Market Lisboa by the water
Re-visit Pink Street in the daytime
Check out LXFactory, an industrial complex housing restaurants
Venture outside of the city to Sintra for a day trip! Take the train to/from Lisbon’s central Rossio Station
Ready to see Lisbon for yourself? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and the ELx Travel team can make this itinerary a reality!
