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Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, even older than Rome, London, and Paris. It’s the place where vibrant culture, captivating history, and breathtaking scenery converge to create an unforgettable travel experience. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey through the winding streets of this coastal gem, exploring the top things to add to your itinerary to make sure you get the most out of your trip!
How to get to Lisbon
Being a capital city Lisbon’s airport is very well connected to European, North American and South American countries. If you are already in Portugal you will have no issue getting a bus or a train to the vibrant capital. Our favourite website when trying to get around Europe by bus or train is Omio.
Getting around Lisbon
The airport is very close to the city centre and you can simply take the metro from just outside of the airport. *
Good to know: the metro station is at Terminal 1 so if you land on Terminal 2 you will have to take the transfer bus to get to the metro.* To use the metro you will need to buy a transport card that costs 0.50 euro. Keep this card and recharge it anytime you need to. One journey costs 1.65 euros and you can use the same card for buses or trams. If you run out of journeys on your transport card, you can also pay cash to the bus driver. You can find metro tickets dispensers inside the metro station and you can also buy a transport card from them.
Day 1 - Lisbon
1. Santa Justa Lift
Start your day going up the Santa Justa Lift for some spectacular views from the observation deck. It stands at a height of approximately 45 meters (148 feet) and was built to connect the lower streets of the Baixa district with the higher Carmo Square. *
Good to know: the entry costs €5.30 and they only take cash*
2. Walk around Bairro Alto
From the Santa Justa Lift take a 10-minute walk to Bairro Alto. Bairro Alto is a central district of the city of Lisbon. Start your exploration with a stroll along the winding cobbled streets, admiring the vibrant street art and traditional Portuguese architecture. Stop by the iconic Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. Explore the historic churches such as the Church of São Roque, known for its stunning interior and intricate tile work. Discover local art galleries, boutique shops, and quaint cafes tucked away in the neighbourhood’s labyrinthine alleys. As the sun sets, Bairro Alto transforms into a nightlife hotspot, with its myriad bars and clubs pulsating with music and laughter so you can always come back here in the evening. *
Tip: if you find the walk up to Bairro Alto too steep you can take Elevador da Glória up there from Baixa.*
3. Bica Funicular
From Bairro Alto take a walk down to the famous Bica Funicular. Inaugurated in 1892, it is one of Lisbon’s most iconic attractions. Tickets can be bought onboard from the driver and cost €3.80 each way.
4. Time Out Market
After you take the funicular down to Rua de S. Paulo, make your way to Time Out Market for lunch. With over 40 stalls, the Time Out Market in Lisbon is a bustling culinary hub where foodies and travellers alike can indulge in a feast for the senses.
5. Pink Street
Just a short walk from the market you will find the instagrammable Pink Street. Once an infamous red-light district, the Pink Street has transformed into a trendy hotspot, lined with eclectic bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
6. Praca de Comercio
Praca do Comercio, also known as Commerce Square, stands as a majestic symbol of Lisbon’s rich history and grandeur. As you step onto the vast cobblestone plaza, you’re greeted by the impressive Arco da Rua Augusta and the iconic statue of King Jose I.
7. Se de Lisboa
Se de Lisboa also known as Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city dating back to the 12th century. The church is open to the public daily from 10 AM to 6 PM and entry costs €5.
8. Alfama District
The Alfama District is the oldest and most picturesque area in Lisbon. Wander around its winding narrow streets and discover the colourful houses and charming squares bustling with activity. Be sure to catch the sunset from one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon, Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Stop at one of the many restaurants in the area, enjoy a nice dinner and relax after a full day of exploring the city.
Day 2 - Sintra
9. Explore Sintra
Spend the day exploring this fairytale location located just 40 minutes away from Lisbon. To get to Sintra you will have to take the train from either the Rossio or Oriente station. Do not miss breathtaking locations such as Palacio Nacional da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta de Regaleira and many more. *
Read more: For a full-day itinerary in Sintra check out our post: Sintra - Day trip from Lisbon.*
Day 3 - Lisbon
10. Belem Tower
Start your day by visiting the Belem Tower, an iconic symbol of Lisbon’s maritime history. Built in the 16th century as a fortress to guard the entrance to the city’s harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of Manueline architecture. Belem Tower isn’t just a monument; it’s a portal to Lisbon’s golden age of exploration, waiting to be discovered and admired by visitors of all ages. Tickets cost €8 and you can buy Belem Tower tickets online.
11. Padrao dos Descobrimentos
Just a short walk from Belem Tower you will find Padrao dos Descobrimentos, a magnificent monument celebrating Portugal’s Age of Discovery! Admire the towering figure of Henry the Navigator leading a procession of other notable figures from Portugal’s maritime history. The monument’s design evokes the prow of a ship, inviting visitors to embark on their own journey of discovery.
12. Jeronimos Monastery
Have a short walk through the Empire Square Garden and make your way to the majestic Jerónimos Monastery. Built in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a true architectural masterpiece. Jerónimos Monastery isn’t just a building; it’s a living piece of Portugal’s fascinating past, waiting to be explored and enjoyed by visitors from around the world. Entrance for the church is free.
13. LxFactory
Take the bus or a Bolt to LxFactory and stop here for lunch. The LxFactory is a dynamic cultural hub nestled in the city’s Alcântara district. Once an industrial complex, this lively space has been transformed into a bustling community of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs.
14. The 25 de Abril Bridge
For the next part of the day cross the impressive 25 April Bridge which connects Lisbon to the municipality of Almada. The bridge spans approximately 2.2 kilometres (about 1.4 miles) across the Tagus River. To cross the bridge there are several buses that you can take (3720, 3721, 4725 and others) which depart from Avenida de Ceuta. Don’t worry about taking pictures of the bridge for now, the best spots are on the other side.
15. Sanctuary of Christ the King
After crossing the bridge go up to the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Christ the King. Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, the statue is a symbol of faith and devotion standing tall at 110 meters (360 feet). From the sanctuary, if you go around and down toward the river you will get some really beautiful shots of the 25 April Bridge. Basically, you have to get to the road that’s just underneath the sanctuary.
16. Castelo de S. Jorge
Dating back over a millennium, this ancient fortress offers visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past. Explore its imposing walls, towers, and ramparts while enjoying panoramic views of the city below. Individual tickets cost €15 and you can buy them on site or online to skip queuing at the ticket office. I intentionally skipped this part of Alfama on the first day because Castelo de S. Jorge has one of the best sunset spots in Lisbon! So after you explore the castle end your trip with a magical sunset and reflect on all the beauty Lisbon has to offer.
Where should you stay?
Budget - Lisbon Destination -located in Lisbon’s central Rossio, inside the iconic Rossio Train Station.
Medium - Hotel Roma - located in Lisbon’s exclusive Alvalade district near many theatres and restaurants
High - Browns Central Hotel - set on an 18th-century building which was renovated according the new design trends.
