Start early in Alfama, ideally arriving at Castelo de São Jorge around 9:00. From Baixa, walk uphill through the old lanes or take a short taxi if you would rather save your legs; the climb is steep and cobbled. Allow about two hours for the castle walls, courtyards, archaeological remains, and sweeping views toward the Tagus. Tickets are roughly €15, and advance booking is sensible, especially for a Friday morning, though your entry still depends on the selected time slot and current availability. Wear shoes with good grip.
Walk downhill to Sé de Lisboa, about 10 minutes away, for a quieter late-morning visit. Allow 45 minutes for the cathedral, cloister, and treasury; opening hours can vary around religious services, so check the official schedule before setting out. Continue a few minutes to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where the tiled panels, bougainvillea, and view over Alfama make this a lovely place to pause rather than rush through. A coffee or small pastry nearby is enough here—the main meal is better saved for later.
From Santa Luzia, walk downhill toward Baixa and continue to Cais do Sodré, or take a short taxi if the hills are tiring; allow 20–30 minutes on foot. Spend early afternoon at Mercado da Ribeira / Time Out Market Lisboa, budgeting €15–30 per person depending on how much you sample. It is busiest around 13:00, so arriving just before noon or after 14:00 gives you a better chance of finding seats. The market is convenient for trying several Portuguese dishes, but it is lively and touristy rather than a traditional neighborhood market—choose a few stalls and take your time.
After lunch, walk east along the river for roughly 15 minutes to Praça do Comércio. The broad square is best enjoyed slowly: pass beneath the Arco da Rua Augusta, look back toward the yellow façades, and stroll along the waterfront as the light softens. It is an easy final stop, with plenty of cafés around the surrounding Baixa streets if you want a drink before dinner. Keep a little flexibility in the schedule for Alfama’s viewpoints and lanes; the castle visit and the uphill-to-downhill walking are the day’s most demanding parts.
Take Tram 15E toward Belém around 8:00–8:30, ideally from Praça da Figueira, Praça do Comércio, or Cais do Sodré. The ride usually takes 25–35 minutes; a rechargeable Navegante occasional card is about €1.90 plus the card, while onboard tram tickets cost more. Get off near Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and begin at Pastéis de Belém. Order the pastries warm with coffee and allow roughly 45 minutes—go straight to the counter or interior dining room rather than waiting for takeaway queues. Expect about €5–12 per person.
Then walk a few minutes to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, allowing around two hours for the church and cloisters. Check the official calendar before traveling and reserve a timed ticket if available; queues can be substantial, especially on a Saturday, and the monastery’s opening arrangements can change. The church may have separate access or service-related restrictions, so arrive with some flexibility.
After the monastery, follow the riverfront west toward Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a pleasant 15–20-minute walk along Praça do Império and the waterfront. Spend about 45 minutes taking in the monument and broad views across the Tejo. Continue on foot toward Torre de Belém, with extra time for the riverside path and photographs. Set aside 1–1½ hours for the fortress, but confirm its opening status and ticket requirements beforehand; access can be limited by restoration work, weather, or crowd controls. If you need a break, the cafés around Jardim da Torre de Belém are more relaxed than the busiest pastry spots.
Finish at MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia, reached by walking east along the river for roughly 20–25 minutes. Allow about 1½ hours for the exhibitions, building, and rooftop views; the museum’s program and admission prices vary, so check the current schedule before setting out. The riverside route is especially good late in the day, when the light catches the museum’s tiled façade. From nearby Belém station, the urban train to Cais do Sodré takes about seven minutes, or you can return by Tram 15E if you prefer a slower ride; check the museum and transit closing times before committing to a late finish.
Begin at Convento do Carmo, reached from Baixa via the Elevador de Santa Justa area and a short walk through Chiado. The roofless Gothic nave is especially atmospheric in the morning light; allow about an hour, and check the current Sunday opening schedule before setting out, as cultural-site hours can change seasonally. From there, stroll down Rua Garrett to A Brasileira for coffee and, if you like, a pastry or light snack. It is touristy but still worth experiencing for the ornate interior and literary history—expect roughly €5–12 per person, and allow extra time if there is a queue.
Continue on foot to Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado, around 5–10 minutes away. Give the collection about 90 minutes, focusing on Portuguese modern and contemporary art rather than trying to see every room. Sunday hours should be verified before visiting, and admission is typically modest, often around €4–8 depending on exhibitions. For lunch, take a taxi or Bolt to Mercado de Campo de Ourique—about 10–15 minutes, traffic permitting—rather than spending energy on the uphill walk. The market is a relaxed place to browse several counters and settle in for Portuguese dishes or a shared meal; budget €15–30 per person.
After lunch, return toward Bairro Alto by taxi or Bolt, usually 10–15 minutes. Aim to reach Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in the late afternoon, when the light opens across São Jorge Castle and the eastern hills. Leave around 30 minutes for the view, but linger if the kiosk is open and the atmosphere is lively. From the overlook, wander slowly through the narrow lanes of Bairro Alto, especially around Rua da Rosa and Rua do Diário de Notícias, before choosing a small traditional tasca for dinner. Sunday evening can be quieter than Friday or Saturday, so eat around 19:30–20:00 and check whether your preferred restaurant accepts reservations; allow €25–45 per person, with some small places taking cash only.
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