Wake up, finish packing and check travel documents (passport, insurance, train/bus & flight e-tickets). Have a quick breakfast at home or grab a takeaway from a nearby cafe — try a sausage roll and coffee from The Exploding Bakery in Exeter for something fast and local.
Leave for Exeter St David's station if taking the rail/bus combo; otherwise head to Exeter Airport (EGTE) or take a coach to a budget airport hub. If choosing cheaper multi-modal routing, board the National Express coach to Bristol or London (booked in advance for best fares).
Arrive at transfer hub (Bristol Coach Station or London Victoria) — use this time to stretch, grab a coffee (Costa or Pret) and confirm next connection. If you booked a train instead, arrive at Bristol Temple Meads or London Paddington, using an advance Megabus/National Express split to keep costs down.
Board budget flight from Bristol Airport or London Stansted/Gatwick to Lisbon (Humberto Delgado Airport/LIS). Aim for a mid-morning low-cost carrier like Ryanair, EasyJet or Wizz Air — check in online 24 hours prior and have printed/phone boarding pass ready.
In-air / travel time. Use this hour to relax, download an offline map of Lisbon (Google Maps), and review the plan for arrival — pre-select a transit option into central Lisbon (Metro Red Line, Aerobus or a budget airport shuttle).
Arrive at Lisbon Airport. Pass through arrivals and collect any checked luggage. Buy a Viva Viagem rechargeable transit card at the subway station ticket machines for easy travel around the city.
Take the Metro (Red line to Alameda, change to Green line) or Aerobus to Praça do Comércio / Baixa-Chiado area depending on your accommodation. If you prefer a direct option and your budget allows, take an easy Metro + short taxi/Uber ride to your lodging.
Check into budget-friendly accommodation in Baixa or Alfama — recommended options: Lisbon Destination Hostel (central, affordable dorm/private options), My Story Hotel Rossio (budget boutique), or The 7 Boutique Guesthouse. Drop off bags and freshen up.
Light late lunch/early snack at Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata in Baixa — try a warm pastéis de nata with a bica (Portuguese espresso). Walk toward Praça do Comércio to enjoy the riverside views and stretch your legs after travel.
Take an easy orientation walk through Baixa and up to Rua Augusta Arch; stroll along Rua Augusta, admiring the tiled facades, and pop into Brasileira Café in Chiado for a quick coffee and a look at the historic interior if time permits.
Head to Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama for sunset views over terracotta roofs and the Tagus River — it's a gentle uphill walk from Baixa and a perfect introduction to Lisbon's steep, scenic streets.
Dinner at a traditional yet budget-friendly restaurant: try Tasca do Chico (Bairro Alto) for inexpensive petiscos and live fado on some nights, or Cervejaria Ramiro for seafood if you're willing to splurge a little on a famous local spot (expect queues).
After dinner, wander through Bairro Alto's narrow streets for a glimpse of Lisbon nightlife — stop for a ginjinha at A Ginjinha if you want a local cherry liqueur taste. Keep it low-key tonight to recover from travel.
Return to your accommodation by foot or a short taxi/Uber. Review tomorrow's plan (Alfama & Baixa full day) and set alarms. Charge devices and prepare clothes for sightseeing in cooler January weather (layers and a light waterproof recommended).
Lights out — get a good night's rest to maximize your first full day exploring Lisbon tomorrow.
Wake up and have breakfast near your accommodation — try a bica and a pastel de nata at Pastelaria Versailles or Pastelaria Aloma to fuel up for a full day of walking.
Walk to Praça do Comércio and enjoy the morning light on the Tagus River; take a few photos of the Arco da Rua Augusta before heading into the Baixa neighbourhood.
Stroll up Rua Augusta, popping into local shops and the Rua Augusta Market (closed days permitting) and then visit Elevador de Santa Justa for panoramic views (buy tickets on-site or use Lisboa Card if you have one).
Explore Rossio Square and the nearby National Theatre D. Maria II; pause for a coffee at Café Nicola or Brasileira in Chiado to soak up historic Lisbon café culture.
Head toward the start of Alfama via Largo do Carmo, then take tram 28 for a scenic, budget-friendly ride through old Lisbon up into Alfama (board early to avoid crowds).
Disembark in Alfama and begin wandering the maze-like streets — pop into the Fado Museum (Museu do Fado) to learn about the music and culture that shaped the neighbourhood.
Climb slowly up to Miradouro de Santa Luzia to enjoy sweeping views over terracotta roofs and the river; browse local tile and craft stalls nearby for small souvenirs.
Continue uphill to the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) for a quick visit to the Romanesque cathedral and its cloisters, taking time to admire the architecture and calm interior.
Lunch at a traditional tasca in Alfama — try Pois Café or Tasca do Jaime for hearty, budget-friendly Portuguese dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Walk toward Castelo de São Jorge and explore the castle grounds and ramparts (buy a combined ticket if you plan to visit the archaeological site and viewpoint areas).
Descend from the castle through Alfama's alleys, stopping at Miradouro das Portas do Sol for another excellent photo opportunity and a moment to enjoy a street musician or two.
Take a break with a pastel and coffee at Pois Café or Manteigaria (Baixa branch if you return there), then wander back into Baixa to browse local shops and the artisan stalls on Rua da Prata.
Visit the Church of São Domingos near Rossio to see its striking interior, then head to the nearby Conserveira de Lisboa to shop for canned fish souvenirs and Portuguese delicacies.
Return to your accommodation to rest briefly and freshen up, or if energy allows, take the short walk to Chiado for late-afternoon window shopping and people-watching at Praça Luís de Camões.
Early evening aperitif at A Brasileira or Café da Garagem (up on Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara) for sunset views over the city and a relaxed pre-dinner drink.
Dinner in Alfama or Bairro Alto — for authentic, budget-friendly Portuguese food try Tasca do Chico (for petiscos and occasional live Fado) or Taberna da Rua das Flores (small plates, book early or expect a queue).
If you're interested in music, attend a short Fado performance at Clube de Fado or A Baiuca in Alfama (check schedules and arrive early for best seats); otherwise, stroll the lit streets of Alfama enjoying the atmosphere.
Take a relaxed walk back toward Baixa or call a short taxi/Uber to return to your lodging; reflect on the day's highlights and make note of any spots you'd like to revisit.
Wind down at your accommodation, charge devices and lay out clothes for tomorrow's Belém excursion; get a good night's rest for another busy day in Lisbon.
Wake up and have a hearty breakfast near your accommodation — try a bica and a tosta mista or pastel de nata to-go so you can make the most of the morning. Double-check your Viva Viagem card balance and bring a compact umbrella or light jacket for January weather.
Take tram 15 or the Carris bus from Praça do Comércio / Cais do Sodré toward Belém; boarding early helps avoid queues and gives you a seat for the riverside ride. Enjoy the short journey along the Tagus, noting the gradual shift from city center to the wide open riverfront.
Arrive in Belém and stroll the riverside Avenida Brasília to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument — snap photos of the statues and the river panorama before crowds build. Spend a little time reading the plaques about Portugal's Age of Discovery.
Head across to the Torre de Belém and walk the perimeter of this iconic 16th-century fortress; the low winter light makes for great photos and a quieter visit than high season. If you want to enter, buy tickets on-site or online for faster access.
Visit the nearby Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) and admire the Manueline architecture; allow time to see the church interior and the cloisters. Consider a combined ticket if you plan to visit the Maritime Museum nearby.
Walk a short distance to Pastéis de Belém — join the (often long but fast-moving) queue for the original pastéis de nata and watch bakers through the service window. Sit inside or take your pastries to the riverfront benches and savor them warm with a coffee.
Pop into the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia or the Museu Coleção Berardo (modern art) depending on your interests — both are within easy reach along the Belém waterfront. Spend about an hour exploring select highlights rather than trying to see everything.
Lunch at À Margem or Darwin's Café (Belém LX Factory area option) for river views and simple, budget-friendly Portuguese dishes. Alternatively, try the snack stalls near the Cultural Centre of Belém for quick petiscos.
Visit the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) to see temporary exhibitions and the striking modern spaces; check if there are any concerts or performances scheduled. Explore the sculpture garden and the auditorium's exterior architecture.
Walk or catch the tram back toward the LX Factory area for a different, creative vibe — browse independent shops, bookstalls and street art. Stop for a mid-afternoon coffee at Wish Slow Coffee House or Ler Devagar bookstore café if you'd like a quieter break.
Return toward central Belém and visit the Museu da Marinha (Maritime Museum) to learn about Portugal's seafaring past, or climb the terraces near the river to watch the light change on the Tagus. This is a good moment for souvenir shopping — canned fish, ceramics, and local ceramics make great finds.
Catch tram 15 or the bus back toward Baixa/Chiado, timing it to arrive before sunset for golden-hour photos along Rua Augusta or Praça do Comércio. Use the journey to rest your legs and look over photos from the day.
Arrive back in Baixa; freshen up at your accommodation and consider a quick walk to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for elevated city views as dusk falls. Enjoy a light snack or pre-dinner drink at Café da Garagem if open.
Dinner at A Cevicheria (reservations advised) for a modern Portuguese twist, or head to Time Out Market for a budget-friendly choice with many stalls and local specialties under one roof. Try grilled sardines, bacalhau à brás, or a petisco selection if you prefer sharing.
If you're in the mood for music, seek out a nearby Fado house in Alfama or Bairro Alto for a short set, or enjoy a relaxed post-dinner stroll along the riverfront to digest and reflect on the day's monuments and pastries. Keep evenings flexible — January nights are quieter and perfect for a peaceful wander.
Return to your accommodation, review notes and photos from Belém, and make a short plan for tomorrow's day trip to Sintra or Cascais. Charge devices and prepare warm layers for an early start if you choose Sintra's hilltop sites.
Lights out — rest well after a full day exploring Lisbon's riverside history and tasting its most famous pastry.
Wake up and pack a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, and layers — January mornings are cool and can be damp in the hills. Grab a takeaway bica and a pastry (try Pastelaria Versailles if open) to eat on the way to the station.
Walk or take a short tram/taxi to Rossio or Cais do Sodré station depending on your choice: Rossio for Sintra (direct CP trains) or Cais do Sodré for Cascais (line to Cascais via Estoril). Buy return tickets or top up your Viva Viagem card at the machines.
If choosing Sintra: board the CP train from Rossio toward Sintra (approx 40-45 min). If choosing Cascais: board the suburban train from Cais do Sodré toward Cascais (approx 40 min) and enjoy the coastal scenery en route.
Arrive in Sintra or Cascais. In Sintra, start with a short bus or tuk-tuk ride up to Pena Palace to beat the main crowds; in Cascais, stroll the marina and Boca do Inferno cliffs to take in fresh Atlantic views.
Sintra option: explore the colorful terraces and gardens of Palácio da Pena and its panoramic viewpoints, spending time on the terraces and the palace interior. Cascais option: walk the seafront promenade toward Praia da Rainha and the historic center to grab maps and local recommendations.
Sintra option: head down toward the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) for rugged ramparts and sweeping views over Sintra's forested hills. Cascais option: visit Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães for a quick cultural stop and check out the nearby Casa das Histórias Paula Rego if modern art interests you.
Lunch in Sintra at Tascantiga (tapas-style petiscos) or Cantinho Gourmet for affordable Portuguese dishes; in Cascais choose Mar do Inferno for seafood or House of Wonders for vegetarian-friendly plates with a view. Enjoy relaxed pacing — these towns reward lingering.
Sintra option: visit Quinta da Regaleira's mystical gardens, Initiation Well and ornate chapels; allow at least an hour to wander its tunnels and terraces. Cascais option: rent a bike or continue walking the coast toward Estoril for a different seaside perspective and historic casino facades.
If in Sintra, descend to the historic centre to browse tiny shops, try travesseiros at Piriquita pastry shop, and walk the main square. If in Cascais, stop for coffee and a pastel de nata at Pastelaria Garrett or a seaside café to rest and people-watch.
Begin returning to the train station: in Sintra, you can visit the National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) near the station if time allows; in Cascais, take a last stroll through the marina and pick up small souvenirs like canned fish or local ceramics.
Board the afternoon train back to Lisbon (Rossio or Cais do Sodré). Use the journey to relax, sort photos, and enjoy the changing light as you approach the city — trains run frequently but check the timetable for exact departures in January.
Arrive back in Lisbon and return to your accommodation to freshen up; if you chose Sintra, you'll appreciate warming up after the hilltop chill. Drop off any larger purchases and change into warmer layers for the evening.
Head to Chiado or Bairro Alto for early-evening drinks — try Foxtrot Bar for a cozy cocktail or Café A Brasileira for a classic atmosphere and a pre-dinner espresso. Enjoy sunset views from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara if the sky is clear.
Dinner at a nearby restaurant: for a budget and authentic meal try Taberna da Rua das Flores (arrive early or expect a short wait) or Bairro do Avillez (Time Out Market is another flexible option if you want many choices). Sample regional dishes like bacalhau à brás or grilled sardines.
If energy allows, enjoy a gentle post-dinner walk through Bairro Alto's streets, stopping for a ginjinha or a nightcap at Pavilhão Chinês for a quirky, atmospheric drink. Alternatively, return to Alfama for a short Fado set if you missed one earlier.
Return to your accommodation by foot or a short taxi/Uber and lay out plans for the next day's neighbourhood explorations. Charge devices and back up photos from your day trip while winding down.
Lights out — rest after a full day exploring either Sintra's fairy-tale palaces or Cascais' breezy coastline, ready for another Lisbon day tomorrow.
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at Pastelaria Versailles (or a nearby café) — try a bica and a tosta mista to fuel a day of strolling through Chiado's elegant streets.
Walk to Praça Luís de Camões and soak in the morning light while people-watching; pick up a printed map or check your offline map to plan the neighbourhood loop for the day.
Browse the historic shops of Chiado, starting with A Brasileira — pop in for a quick photo under the Fernando Pessoa statue and admire the café's classic interior.
Visit Bertrand Bookshop (Livraria Bertrand) on Rua Garrett, the world's oldest operating bookstore, and wander through independent bookshops and small galleries nearby for local discoveries.
Stop by Conserveira de Lisboa for a quirky souvenir — sample or purchase canned sardines and other preserved fish in colourful tins as authentic gifts to take home.
Head up to the Carmo Convent ruins (Convento do Carmo) and explore its atmospheric roofless nave and small archaeological museum for a quiet, photogenic taste of Lisbon's past.
Take the short walk to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for panoramic views over the city and Castelo de São Jorge — enjoy street musicians and capture wide-angle photos of Lisbon's rooftops.
Drop into the Museu do Chiado (National Museum of Contemporary Art) if modern Portuguese art interests you, or continue wandering boutique shops like Luvaria Ulisses for handcrafted goods.
Lunch at Taberna da Rua das Flores (arrive early to avoid a wait) or, for a casual option, head to Time Out Market (Cais do Sodré) for many budget-friendly stalls and regional specialties.
After lunch, explore the side streets around Chiado to find hidden tile workshops and artisan stores; seek out Pois Café for a relaxed interior if you need a coffee and a seat away from the crowds.
Descend toward Bairro Alto and visit small galleries and concept stores along Rua da Misericórdia; stop at A Vida Portuguesa for classic Portuguese design items and nostalgic products.
Take part in a short guided tile (azulejo) workshop or demonstration if available — many small studios around Chiado/Bairro Alto offer brief hands-on experiences for a modest fee (book ahead if possible).
Enjoy a late-afternoon pastry at Manteigaria (Baixa branch) or Fabrica Coffee Roasters to warm up, then wander to Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor) for views over the river and a chilled local vibe.
Explore Bairro Alto's quieter streets now that the daytime crowds have thinned — discover street art, small bars, and the eclectic Pavilhão Chinês facade as you meander toward Principe Real.
Stroll through Príncipe Real gardens and visit the Saturday (if applicable) or regular antique and organic markets nearby; stop at Embaixada concept store housed in a 19th-century palace for unique shopping.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up and rest briefly before the evening; review the next day's plans and charge devices while you relax.
Dinner at Bairro do Avillez (Chiado) for a modern take on Portuguese flavours or at Taberna do Bairro for a more casual petiscos experience — both offer good-value options in the neighbourhood.
Experience Bairro Alto's nightlife: hop between small bars like Pavilhão Chinês for atmosphere or Foxtrot for cocktails, and stop for a ginjinha at A Ginjinha for a sweet local tipple.
If you prefer music over bars, catch a late Fado set in a nearby intimate house such as Clube de Fado or Casa de Linhares in Alfama (short taxi/Uber away), or simply enjoy the lit streets and viewpoints.
Return to your accommodation by foot or taxi/Uber, reflect on the neighbourhood discoveries and favourite finds, and lay out plans for your travel day back to Exeter tomorrow.
Lights out — rest well after a full day sampling Chiado's culture and Bairro Alto's hidden gems, preparing for your departure the next morning.
Wake up and finish packing; confirm transport reservations (coach/train times, flight details) and check in online for any flights. Have a quick bica and a pastel de nata from the nearest pastelaria (Manteigaria or Pastelaria Aloma) to eat before you leave.
Check out of your accommodation in Baixa/Alfama and load bags into a pre-booked taxi or Uber to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) or to the selected coach/train departure point (Sete Rios or Oriente depending on routing). Keep your Viva Viagem card and passport handy.
If flying: arrive at Lisbon Airport, drop off any checked luggage and pass through security; use any remaining time to buy snacks or a final souvenir at the airport shops. If taking a multi-modal budget route: board the early Rede Expressos coach or train (to Porto, Vigo or a UK-bound transfer hub) following your booked itinerary.
If flying: wait at the gate and use this quieter morning window to relax, read or download final photos; have breakfast at the airport café (Pastelaria in departures offers decent options). If on coach/train: settle in for the longer transit leg and use the time to charge devices and review connecting departure times.
If your routing includes a budget flight from Lisbon to a UK hub (Bristol, Stansted, or Gatwick), this is likely your departure window — board and store carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. If you routed via Spain/Portugal overland to a low-cost UK departure airport, aim to arrive at the transfer hub with ample connection time.
In the air / en route: have a light meal or snack and hydrate; use this travel time to organise travel documents and confirm onward coach/train times from your arrival airport to Exeter. If you're on a long coach/train leg, use this time to stretch legs during scheduled stops.
Arrive at your UK arrival airport (for flight routing) or at your chosen rail/coach hub (for multi-modal routing). Collect any checked baggage and pass through arrivals/customs as needed; if arriving by coach/train, confirm local National Express or Great Western Railway connections to Exeter St David's.
If arriving by plane at Bristol or London and continuing by coach: board your pre-booked National Express coach toward Exeter (check luggage tagging at the airport coach desk). If arriving at a rail hub, purchase or validate advance train tickets to Exeter and head to the appropriate platform.
Coach or train leg back to Exeter: relax, review photos and notes from the trip, and enjoy a final snack from the onboard cafe or station kiosk. Make sure you have a phone charger and offline maps ready for any local transfers in Exeter.
Arrive at Exeter St David's station (approximate depending on routing) or at Exeter Airport if you selected a flight-into-exeter option; collect luggage and call a local taxi or use local buses to get home. If you arrive into Exeter by coach, the coach station is a short walk from the city centre.
Home arrival: unpack essential items, hang up layers used for travel, and set out fresh clothes. Prepare a simple dinner at home or pick up a comforting local meal from a favourite takeaway (try The Exploding Bakery or a local pub) to welcome yourself back.
Relax and unwind: review your Lisbon photos, make a quick list of highlights (best pastéis de nata, favourite viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia), and note any items you want to research for a future trip. Back up phone photos to cloud or a laptop.
Final tasks: unpack fully, wash travel clothes if needed, and set reminders for any follow-up (expense tracking, sending postcards, or leaving a review for a favourite Lisbon restaurant like Tasca do Chico or Pastéis de Belém).
Wind down for the night: enjoy a hot drink, reflect on the week (Belém pastries, Alfama walks, the Sintra or Cascais day trip), and plan any rest needed before returning to your regular routine tomorrow.
Lights out: get a good night's sleep after your budget-friendly Lisbon return journey, knowing you maximised savings without missing the city's highlights.