Day 1: Belem Tower,
located at the Tagus River, is a historic monument worth visiting. You can have a scenic walk near the river or grab some snacks at Pasteis de Belem, a famous pastry shop known for their custard tarts. Next, head to the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses tombs of famous Portuguese personalities. End the day with a visit to the MAAT contemporary art museum.
Day 2: Start the day exploring the charming narrow streets of Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon. Visit the Castle of Sao Jorge, perched on a hilltop with sweeping panoramic views of the city. Head down to the lively area of Baixa Chiado for some shopping and then make your way to Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. In the evening, catch a performance at the National Theater D. Maria II.
Day 3: Begin the day with a visit to the Time Out Market, a gourmet food hall with a variety of delicious Portuguese dishes. Head to the Gulbenkian Museum for some art appreciation and then make your way to Parque das Nacoes, a modern area with plenty of attractions, including the Lisbon Oceanarium and the cable car ride that offers stunning views. End the day by watching live fado music at the famous Clube de fado.
Time and Costs Estimates
Belem Tower (1-2 hrs, free)
Pasteis de Belem (30 mins, 5-10€)
Jeronimos Monastery (1-2 hrs, 12€)
MAAT (2-3 hrs, 10€)
Castle of Sao Jorge (1-2 hrs, 10€)
Lisbon Cathedral (30 mins, free)
National Theater D. Maria II (2-3 hrs, 10-20€)
Time Out Market (1-2 hrs, 10-20€)
Gulbenkian Museum (2-3 hrs, 10€)
Lisbon Oceanarium (2-3 hrs, 19€)
Clube de Fado (2-3 hrs, 15-20€)
Total Estimated Costs: 111-136€
Transportation
While most of the locations can be reached on foot, Lisbon has an extensive public transportation system with metro, bus, and tram. A daily transportation ticket costs 6,40€, and it provides unlimited access to all the public transport modes. For longer distances, you can take a taxi or download an app for a shared ride. Lisbon is a hilly city, so be prepared to walk up and down steep streets.
Useful tips
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its palaces and stunning scenery. Another option is to visit Cascais, a charming coastal town. If you have less time, you can skip some museums or performances, depending on your interests.
Airports
Portela Airport (LIS) is the international airport in Lisbon, located about 7 km from the city center. It has two terminals, and it's easy to get to the city by metro, bus, or taxi. Lisbon has an additional airport, Cascais Aerodrome (LCT), located about 20 km from the city and mainly used for private aircraft.