Start your day exploring the historic district of Alfama, with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and stunning views. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral, one of the oldest and most important buildings in the city, and the São Jorge Castle, a Moorish castle with panoramic views of Lisbon. End your day with dinner and drinks at a local Fado restaurant, where you can experience the soulful music of Portugal.
Take a tram to the district of Belem, where you can visit the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Tower of Belem, an iconic symbol of Portugal. Don't miss the chance to taste the famous Pastel de Belem, a custard tart that's been made since the 19th century. In the evening, head to Bairro Alto, a lively neighborhood with many bars and restaurants.
Take a day trip to the fairy tale-like town of Sintra, where you can visit the Pena Palace, a colorful 19th century palace that's straight out of a storybook, and the Quinta da Regaleira, a magical estate with gardens and hidden caves. End your day with a relaxing walk along the picturesque Cascais beach before returning to Lisbon.
Most tourist attractions in Lisbon are easily accessible by tram, bus, or metro. A 24-hour public transportation pass costs €6.40, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around €15-25 and takes about 20 minutes.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby town of Cascais or taking a boat tour along the Tagus river. If you have less time, skip the day trip to Sintra and spend more time exploring Lisbon's many neighborhoods.
Lisbon Airport (LIS), also known as Humberto Delgado Airport, is located 7 km north of Lisbon's city center. It's the main international gateway to Portugal and one of the busiest airports in Southern Europe, serving more than 29 million passengers in 2022.