Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Start at Castelo de São Jorge, allowing around 1½–2 hours for the ramparts, courtyards, and sweeping views across the Alfama rooftops and Tagus. The climb is steep and cobbled, so arrive by taxi or Bolt if you want to save your legs; the nearest practical drop-off is near Largo de Santa Cruz do Castelo, after which there is still a short uphill walk. Buy tickets ahead if possible—otherwise allow time for the ticket queue and security, and check the castle’s seasonal closing time before setting out. Entry is generally in the mid-teens per adult. From the castle, stroll downhill through Alfama’s narrow lanes to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, about 10–15 minutes away, for a relaxed half-hour beside the azulejo panels and bougainvillea.
Continue downhill to Sé de Lisboa, roughly another 10 minutes on foot. Give the cathedral around 45 minutes for its Romanesque nave, cloisters, and quiet interior, but check the posted schedule because services can restrict sightseeing and opening hours vary by day. Comfortable shoes are essential on these uneven streets. If you need a pause, the small cafés around Rua de São Miguel are better for a quick espresso than for a full meal; keep the main appetite for dinner.
Take the downhill walk toward Cais do Sodré—about 25–30 minutes—or use the tram/metro connection if your legs are tired, allowing extra time for crowds. At Time Out Market Lisboa, expect approximately €15–30 per person for a generous selection of Portuguese dishes; evening queues are common, so wander the stalls first and choose the shortest line rather than committing immediately. After dinner, walk uphill from Cais do Sodré through Bairro Alto, where the narrow streets become lively with bars, tiled façades, and locals meeting for drinks. Keep valuables secure in the busiest lanes, and use a taxi or Bolt for the ride back rather than walking alone up the steep streets late at night.
No packing list attached yet.