3-Day Lisbon Weekend: Historic Alfama, Belém, Bairro Alto & Day Trip to Sintra

Day 1: Historic Alfama

Lisbon, Portugal on February 6, 2026

8:30am

Pastéis de Belém (breakfast alternative nearby: Manteigaria)

Start with famous Portuguese custard tarts — if you go to Manteigaria (Chiado) they open ~8:00; Pastéis de Belém opens 8:00 and is historic, iconic for a Lisbon morning treat.
EUR3, 0h30m

9:15am

Castelo de São Jorge

Explore the hilltop castle for panoramic views over Lisbon and the Tagus; it's a great orientation to the city's layout. Check opening hours (usually 9:00–18:00 in winter; confirm same-day).
EUR10, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk Alfama & Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)

Stroll narrow, winding streets of Alfama, visit Sé Cathedral and soak up Fado culture and local life; ideal for photos and light shopping at artisan stalls.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Cervejaria Ramiro (seafood) or Taberna da Rua das Flores

Ramiro is famed for fresh seafood (open typically noon–late); Taberna offers smaller Portuguese plates and is great if you want a cozy, local spot (check opening times and reserve if possible).
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Tram 28 ride through historic neighborhoods

Take the iconic Tram 28 route to experience Lisbon's hills and architecture—board early to avoid crowds; service runs throughout the day but can be busy midday.
EUR3, 0h45m

3:00pm

Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) & Baixa

Walk the riverside Praça do Comércio and explore Baixa's grid streets for shops, elevators like Santa Justa (opens ~9:00), and grand plazas.
EUR0, 0h45m

4:30pm

Museu do Fado or Time Out Market (depending on interest)

Visit the Fado Museum to learn about Portugal's music heritage (usually open 10:00–18:00) or sample varied Portuguese foods at Time Out Market (open late).
EUR6, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Bairro do Avillez or Laurindinha

Bairro do Avillez (Chiado) offers contemporary Portuguese dining (book ahead); Laurindinha in Alfama serves traditional dishes in a relaxed setting. Check dinner service times (typically from 19:00).
EUR35, 1h30m

9:30pm

Optional Fado show in Alfama or Bairro Alto

Experience live Fado in an intimate casa de fado—shows often start ~20:00–21:00; reserve in advance for best seats.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Belém & Chiado

Lisbon, Portugal on February 7, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — Pastéis de Belém (Belém)

Head to the original Pastéis de Belém to taste the authentic custard tart; they open around 8:00 and can get busy so arrive early.
EUR3, 0h30m

9:15am

Belém Tower & Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Visit Belém Tower (usually opens 10:00 in low season — check day-of) and the Discoveries Monument for riverfront history and photo ops; arrive early to avoid queues.
EUR6, 1h15m

10:45am

Jerónimos Monastery

Explore the UNESCO-listed monastery with ornate Manueline architecture; typical opening 10:00–17:30—book tickets online to skip lines.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — A Padaria Portuguesa or Restaurante Os Jerónimos

Casual lunch options near Belém include A Padaria Portuguesa for quick sandwiches or Os Jerónimos for local plates—both convenient before heading back to central Lisbon.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) or Berardo Collection Museum

Choose MAAT for contemporary architecture and exhibitions (check hours, often 10:00–18:00) or Berardo for modern art in the Cultural Center.
EUR9, 1h15m

4:00pm

Return to Chiado & Rua Garrett shopping

Walk back to central Lisbon, browse Chiado boutiques, bookstores like Bertrand (world's oldest) and enjoy coffee at a local café.
EUR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Elevador de Santa Justa viewpoint

Ride or queue for the Santa Justa lift to catch sunset views across Baixa and Carmo Square; it typically operates until late evening but verify seasonal hours.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Bairro Alto (Taberna Sal Grosso or Petiscos)

Enjoy petiscos (Portuguese tapas) in Bairro Alto or a lively dinner at Taberna Sal Grosso; Bairro Alto is vibrant at night—restaurants generally serve from 19:00–22:30.
EUR30, 1h30m

10:30pm

Nightlife — rooftop bar or live music

Finish the evening at a rooftop bar in Bairro Alto or a live music venue; many stay open late—check venue times and any entry cover.
EUR10, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sintra Day Trip

Sintra, Portugal on February 8, 2026

8:00am

Train to Sintra (Rossio Station)

Take the ~40-minute commuter train from Rossio to Sintra; trains run frequently from early morning—buy return tickets or a day pass.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:00am

Pena Palace

Visit colorful Pena Palace with fairytale terraces and park; opens around 9:30—arrive early or pre-book timed entry to avoid long lines.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

Walk the ancient ramparts for sweeping views over Sintra and the coast; it's adjacent to Pena and typically open mid-morning to late afternoon.
EUR8, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Tascantiga or Cantinho Gourmet

Enjoy hearty Portuguese fare in Sintra's historic center—Tascantiga offers petiscos and local dishes in a central spot (check opening midday).
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Quinta da Regaleira

Explore the mystic gardens, Initiation Well and ornate palace; often open 10:00–18:00—allow time to wander the estate's hidden tunnels and symbolism.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Sintra town for pastries (travesseiros)

Try Sintra's famous travesseiros at Casa Piriquita or local pastry shops before heading back to Lisbon; shops are typically open through late afternoon.
EUR4, 0h30m

5:00pm

Train back to Lisbon

Catch a return train to Lisbon (Rossio) and relax after a full day—trains run frequently into the evening.
EUR5, 0h45m

7:30pm

Final dinner — Taberna Moderna or Sea Me (Lisbon)

Celebrate the trip with contemporary Portuguese cuisine or seafood in central Lisbon; restaurants typically serve dinner starting at 19:00—reserve for a weekend evening.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed