4-Day Lisbon to Sintra Loop: Historic Sights, Coastal Views & Pastéis

Day 1: Historic Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on March 1, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Manteigaria Silveira (Baixa)

Grab a freshly baked pastel de nata and espresso at this popular bakery to fuel a morning of walking; opens around 7:30am.
EUR3, 0h30m

9:00am

Praça do Comércio & Rua Augusta

Start at the riverfront plaza then stroll up Rua Augusta to admire city views, merchants and street performers — a quintessential Lisbon welcome.
EUR0, 0h45m

9:45am

Elevador de Santa Justa

Ride for panoramic views over Baixa and Chiado; arrives early to avoid queues (opens ~7:30am).
EUR5, 0h30m

10:30am

Alfama walking & Sé Cathedral

Wander narrow lanes up to Lisbon Cathedral and Miradouro de Santa Luzia for tiled facades and river outlooks; area is free to explore (cathedral donation optional).
EUR0, 1h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tasca do Jaime (Alfama)

Small family-run tasca serving authentic petiscos (small plates) and grilled fish; arrive by 12 to get a table (open midday).
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Castelo de São Jorge

Explore the hilltop castle, ramparts and sweeping views over Lisbon and the Tagus; site usually open 9:00–18:00 (check seasonal times).
EUR12.50, 1h30m

3:15pm

Chiado cafés & shopping

Stroll Chiado's theaters, bookshops and boutiques; stop at A Brasileira for a coffee and statue of Pessoa (cafés open all afternoon).
EUR5, 0h45m

5:00pm

Sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Enjoy an elevated, landscaped viewpoint for a relaxed sunset over the city and castle; free and popular at golden hour.
EUR0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Time Out Market (Cais do Sodré)

Choose from many high-quality stalls showcasing contemporary Portuguese cuisine — great for groups with varied tastes (open until late).
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Belém & Creative Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on March 2, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Try the famous original pastel de nata at the iconic pastry shop; opens early but expect lines — best to go shortly after opening (~8:00am).
EUR4, 0h30m

9:15am

Belém Tower & Monument to the Discoveries

Visit Lisbon’s riverside landmarks celebrating the Age of Discovery; Belém Tower usually opens 10:00–18:30 (check seasonal hours).
EUR8, 1h15m

11:00am

Jerónimos Monastery

Marvel at Manueline architecture and the church of this UNESCO site; entry to church and monastery has a fee and opens around 10:00.
EUR12, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at À Margem (riverside)

Casual riverside restaurant with fresh fish and views of the Tagus; a relaxing spot after museum visits (opens for lunch).
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

MAAT or Berardo Museum

Choose MAAT (modern art/architecture) or Berardo (contemporary art) for 1–2 hours of modern exhibits; both typically open 10:00–19:00 (verify exhibits).
EUR9, 1h30m

4:00pm

LX Factory

Industrial-chic complex of shops, galleries and cafés perfect for browsing independent stores and street art; many venues open until evening.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rio Maravilha (LX Roof)

Rooftop bar-restaurant with creative cocktails and views of 25 de Abril Bridge — reservation advised for dinner service (opens evenings).
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sintra Palaces

Sintra, Portugal on March 3, 2026

8:00am

Train to Sintra from Rossio Station

Take the 40–45 minute suburban train to Sintra (trains start early and run frequently); arrive early to maximize palace visits.
EUR2.25, 0h45m

9:00am

Palácio Nacional de Sintra

Begin at the historic national palace in the town center to avoid early crowds; opens around 9:30—check ticket times and combine passes.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Quinta da Regaleira

Explore the mystical gardens, Initiation Well and ornate palace — expect 1–1.5 hours; site opens ~10:00 but confirm seasonal hours.
EUR12, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga (Town Center)

Casual tapas-style plates and local wines close to Sintra’s main sights; good for a midday refuel (open lunchtime).
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Pena Palace & Park

Head high to the colorful Romanticist palace with panoramic views; purchase timed tickets and allow 2 hours for palace and park (opens 9:30).
EUR14, 2h

4:00pm

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

Short walk from Pena for historic ramparts and dramatic coastal vistas; open typically until sunset—ideal late afternoon visit.
EUR8.50, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Lisbon (or overnight in Sintra)

Catch an evening train back to Lisbon (last trains run regularly) or stay in Sintra village if preferring quieter evening.
EUR2.25, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Cantinho Gourmet (Lisbon or Sintra option)

If back in Lisbon, choose a neighborhood restaurant near your hotel; if in Sintra, select a cozy local spot offering regional dishes (most restaurants open evenings).
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 4: Modern Lisbon & Departure

Lisbon, Portugal on March 4, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Copenhagen Coffee Lab (Parque das Nações)

Start in the modern riverside district with quality coffee and pastries near the aquarium and river promenade; cafés open from morning.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:30am

Oceanário de Lisboa

Visit one of Europe’s top aquariums showcasing ocean ecosystems — best to book tickets in advance; typically opens 10:00 (check exact times).
EUR19, 1h30m

11:30am

Cable car & riverside walk

Short cable car ride along the riverfront and a relaxed walk on the promenade for modern architecture and views of Vasco da Gama Bridge.
EUR6, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at D'Bacalhau (Parque das Nações)

Enjoy a tasting of bacalhau (cod) specialties in a casual setting — close to transport links if you have an afternoon departure.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Return to central Lisbon: MAAT/Calouste Gulbenkian (optional)

If time permits, visit MAAT or the Gulbenkian collection for more art; check opening times (usually 10:00–18:00) before heading to airport or train station.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Final coffee & pastry near Rossio/Chiado

Grab a last espresso and pastel before departure; allows time buffer to collect luggage and reach airport or station (cafés open all afternoon).
EUR4, 0h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed