Start your first day in Bairro Alto, one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. Admire the colorful buildings and enjoy a coffee at one of the street-side cafes. Then, walk to the Praça do Comércio, also known as the "Commerce Square," and admire the grand statue of King Jose I. Next up, visit the historic Belem district where you can see famous landmarks such as the Tower of Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Start your day at the National Tile Museum, a unique museum that showcases the art and craft of tiles. Next, visit the Sao Roque Church which is home to stunning Baroque masterpieces. Afterward, take a tram ride to Alfama and explore the charming labyrinth of streets and alleys. In the evening, head to a Fado house and enjoy the traditional Portuguese music over dinner.
On your final day, take a day trip to Sintra, a charming town just a short train ride away from Lisbon. Visit the Pena Palace, a brightly colored palace perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Afterward, stroll around the town's historic center and visit the Gothic-style National Palace of Sintra. End your trip with a visit to the charming Cascais seaside town, the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Most of Lisbon's city center can be explored on foot. For longer distances, consider taking public transportation such as buses, trams, or metro. A day ticket for public transportation costs around €6. If you plan to take a day trip to Sintra, it's recommended to take a train from Rossio Station. The train ride takes about 40 minutes and costs €3.50 each way.
If you have more than 3 days, consider visiting the modern Parque das Nações district, home to the Oceanarium and several museums. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the historic town of Evora or explore the nearby Estoril coast. If you have less than 3 days, skip the day trip to Sintra and focus on exploring Lisbon's city center and cultural attractions.
Lisbon's main airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), located just 7km from the city center. The airport is well-connected to the city center via metro and bus, and a taxi ride takes around 20 minutes and costs €15-20. Another option is Faro Airport (FAO), located around 275km south of Lisbon. From Faro, you can take a train or bus to Lisbon, which takes around 3 hours and costs €20-25.