3-Day Lisbon Exploration: Historic Sights, Local Flavors, and Scenic Views

Day 1: Historic City Center

Lisbon, Portugal on May 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café A Brasileira

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese breakfast with a bica (espresso) and a pastel de nata at this iconic café located in Chiado, open from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:00am

Explore Baixa and Rossio Squares

Walk through Lisbon's downtown squares, admire the Pombaline architecture, and visit the impressive Praça do Comércio by the Tagus river.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Santa Justa Lift

Ride the historic elevator offering panoramic views over the city center; it's a unique piece of Lisbon's urban history.
EUR5.30, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Savor authentic Portuguese tapas in a cozy atmosphere; well known for fresh ingredients and local recipes. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk through Alfama District

Explore the narrow, winding streets of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, filled with historic charm and fado music culture.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit São Jorge Castle

Tour the castle ruins and enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon; castle open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chapitô à Mesa

Dine with spectacular views of Lisbon in a unique artsy setting; offers well-curated Portuguese dishes, open from 7:00pm onward.
EUR30-40, 1h30m

Day 2: Belém and Riverside

Lisbon, Portugal on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Try the original Pastéis de Nata at this famed bakery that opens at 8:00am; a delicious start to a day of sightseeing.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:30am

Jerónimos Monastery

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage monasterial complex representing Manueline architecture; open 10:00am to 5:30pm, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:15am

Discover Belém Tower

Walk along the Tagus river to the historic Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries; open 10:00am to 5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Doca de Santo Amaro

Enjoy fresh seafood with views over the marina at a cluster of restaurants open by midday, perfect to relax and refuel.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)

Explore contemporary exhibitions in an iconic waterfront building; open from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Tagus Riverside

Stroll the scenic riverside promenade and enjoy views of the 25th April Bridge and Discoveries Monument.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at A Cevicheria

Taste Peruvian-inspired dishes with a Portuguese twist at this trendy restaurant in Principe Real; open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR30-45, 1h30m

Day 3: Sintra Day Trip

Sintra, Portugal on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Sintra

Take the train from Rossio Station to Sintra (approx. 40 minutes); trains run frequently from early morning.
EUR5 return, 0h40m

9:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore the colorful Romanticist palace on the hilltop with stunning views, open 9:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR14, 2h

11:30am

Explore Sintra National Palace

Tour the historic royal residence with its distinctive twin chimneys; open 9:30am to 6:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Delight in traditional Portuguese snacks and dishes in a charming local eatery located in Sintra village center.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Discover a mystical estate with gardens, grottoes, and the famous initiation well; open 10:00am to 6:30pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Take the train back to Lisbon from Sintra station.
EUR5 return, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Time Out Market Lisboa

Enjoy a variety of food stalls offering Portuguese and international cuisine in a lively market atmosphere, open until midnight.
Varies, 1h30m