Begin your first day in Lisbon by exploring the city center. Start with a visit to the iconic Lisbon Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city, followed by a stroll through the historic Alfama neighborhood. Stop for lunch at a traditional Portuguese tavern and try the famous Bacalhau com Natas dish. After lunch, visit the trendy Barrio Alto district to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, taste wine and listen to Fado music.
Start your second day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Take a tour of the tower's various levels and take photos of the impressive architecture. Afterwards, explore the surrounding gardens and head over to the Monastery. Admire the beautiful Manueline architecture, the tombs of Vasco da Gama and get a closer look at the intricate designs of the cloisters. Tip: Try the famous pastéis de Belém, a delicious Portuguese custard tart, at nearby Antiga Confeitaria de Belém.
Take a day trip to the enchanting town of Sintra, located on the foothills of the Sintra mountain range. Visit the Pena Palace, a colorful and whimsical palace that resembles a fairytale castle. Take a stroll through the lush Pena Park and enjoy the stunning views of the region. Afterward, visit the Moorish Castle, a historic fortress located on the summit of the mountain range.
Spend the day exploring the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Get up close with different species of marine life from all over the world, including penguins, sharks, rays, and sea otters. With four different oceanic habitats to explore, the Oceanarium is an ideal destination for families, couples or solo travelers.
Start your day by visiting the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, home to over 6,000 works of art. Discover the collection of European artworks, including important pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet. Afterward, wander the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum. The landscaped gardens are an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city: the perfect place to enjoy the Portuguese sunshine and refreshments.
Take a day trip to the medieval city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to Roman times. Stroll through the charming cobbled streets and visit the famous Roman Temple of Évora. Afterward, visit the eerie Chapel of Bones, a small 16th-century chapel decorated with human skeletons. Explore the city's wine cellars and taste the famous Alentejo wines vineyards and regional cuisine.
Discover the street art scene of Lisbon with a guided tour of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Visit graffitis, muralistic and street artist studios, galleries, and stores selling art. Make sure to check-out the LX Factory and its warehouses with industrial decor, trendy cafes, art projects, events or second-hand markets. Finish your day with a glass of wine at one of the many bars or cafés nearby.
Visit Lisbon's Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views of the city. Explore the castle's various levels and take pictures on the ramparts. Walk down to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, to enjoy one of the city's most beautiful views. Next, visit the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a stone-paved terrace adorned with taylor made tiles. Finish your evening with dinner in the bohemian neighborhood of Graca.
Learn how to make the famous Pastel de Nata, a custard-filled tartlet at one of Lisbon's pastry schools. Afterward, visit the Mercados de Lisboa, describing as modern markets with fresh fish, fruits, and meats or visit local producers nearby. Cider, cheese and wine tastings are available in some of them. Lastly, explore the famous TimeOut Market and taste Portuguese specialties such as seafood, meat and wine.
Visit Lisbon's wildlife park, Lisbon Zoo, which has over 2000 different animals including a Giant Panda in its natural habitat. As well as seeing animals, you can get up close and personal with the wildlife such as colobus monkeys, parrots, and reptiles. Afterward, explore the tropical botanical gardens surrounding the zoo. Enjoy scenic waterfalls, streams, and old trees. Have a picnic, rest or take a seat in one of its natural viewpoints.
See the city from a different angle with a sailing trip along the Lisbon coastline. Pass by the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, before heading towards Carcavelos Beach or Cascais Port. On board, enjoy a local wine or cocktail and listen to a local sailor's explanations about Lisbon's history from the sea. Swim stops or possible icebox available in some boating companies. Lunch may be included depending on the tour.
Begin your day with a visit to The Lisbon Story Center, a multimedia museum that tells the city's history and evolution. Next, walk within the Baixa Pombalina, the heart of Lisbon's city center. Stroll through the Commercial Square, a majestic plaza surrounded by traditional Portuguese architecture. It was destroyed by the earthquake in 1755 and later rebuilt, with attention to its intended grandeur. Try the famous Ginjinha in a small bar in the neighboring streets.
Take a day trip to the charming coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril. Once the summer residence of Portuguese royalty, Cascais is now a cosmopolitan town with trendy boutiques and stylish beach clubs. Stroll along the coast and admire the beautiful landscapes. Estoril, on the other hand, is known for high-quality golf courses and its beautiful architecture. Don't miss the beautiful villas and hotels, the Casino Estoril or the Tamariz beach.
Finish your adventure in Lisbon by experiencing its vibrant nightlife. Start at the famous Pink Street in Cais do Sodré, where you can find bars, restaurants and live music venues. Visit the Casa Independente, a former palace turned into an arts center, hang out in its garden, drink delicious cocktails or enjoy some music. Afterward, head to the Bairro Alto for a taste of the traditional Fado music or enjoy a late-night drink in a rooftop bar.
Travelers can easily navigate Lisbon via the city's efficient public transportation system. The metro system is cheap and easy to use, and the buses and trams cover the entire city. Travelers can purchase a Lisboa Card which provides access to all public transportation, as well as discounts at many attractions. Taxis and Uber are also widely available. Expect travel costs to range between 1-2€ for a single journey, depending on the zones crossed by Lisbon's metro or bus system.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby destinations such as Porto or the Algarve region. If you have less time, focus on the city center and its main attractions, such as the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. Don't forget to take comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Summer can be very hot, so plan outdoor activities accordingly. Finally, make sure to try the local cuisine and wine, especially the famous Pastel de Nata and vinho verde.
Lisbon is served by Portela Airport (airport code LIS), located about 6 km north of the city center. The airport is a hub for many airlines and offers domestic, European and international flights. There are several public transportation options to get to and from the airport, including the subway, bus and taxi, with journey times averaging 20-30 minutes.