Lisbon

Lisbon · Suggested itinerary

3-Day Lisbon

Historic Belém, Alfama's lanes and modern waterfront Lisbon in a perfectly paced first-timer trip.

1. Day

   1

   Theme

   Historic Lisbon

   Belém's monuments, riverside culture and a golden-hour cruise on the Tagus.
   • Morning9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

     Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery

     • Belém Tower — the iconic Manueline fortress at the mouth of the Tagus
     • Jerónimos Monastery — late-Gothic cloisters and Vasco da Gama's tomb

     Belém Tower≈ €10Jerónimos Monastery≈ €10
   • Lunch12:45 PM – 2:00 PM

     Pastéis de Belém & riverside cafés

     • Warm custard tarts at the original Pastéis de Belém bakery
     • Riverside café lunch overlooking the Tagus

     TryPastéis de BelémCafé InglêsRestaurante O Pedrouços
   • Afternoon2:15 PM – 5:30 PM

     MAAT & Time Out Market

     • MAAT — contemporary art and architecture on the Belém waterfront
     • Time Out Market — tasting stalls from Lisbon's best chefs and producers

     MAAT≈ €5–11Time Out Market tastings≈ €15–25
   • Evening6:00 PM onwards

     Tagus River Boat Cruise

     • Sunset cruise along the Tagus with views of Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge
     • Dinner in Belém or a riverside restaurant

     Tagus River Boat Cruise≈ €20–35

     TryRestaurante A Travessa do FadoCais da PedraBom Jardim

   HighlightsBelém Tower riverside viewsJerónimos Monastery cloistersPastéis de Belém tartsMAAT architectureSunset Tagus cruise

   Walking

   ≈ 5 km · 1 hr 15 min walking

   Comfortable walking shoes — flat riverside paths and cobblestones in Belém.

   Sightseeing

   ≈ 9 hours sightseeing

   Family

   Couples

   Transport tips

   • Belém

     Tram 15E / Bus 728

     Direct stop between the tower and monastery.

   • Cais do Sodré

     Train / Metro

     Pick up the tram or train to Belém.

   • Terreiro do Paço

     Metro Blue line

     Short walk to the Tagus cruise piers.

   Estimated daily budget

   Budget traveller

   €60–€90

   Mid-range

   €150–€220

   Luxury

   €400+

   Travel tip

   Arrive at Belém Tower at 9:30 AM to beat the queues; combine the ticket with Jerónimos Monastery.

   Money saver

   Buy the Lisboa Card if you plan to visit several museums and use public transport often.

   Best photo spot

   Belém Tower from the riverfront promenade at low tide for reflection shots.

   Best time to visit

   Early morning for the monuments; sunset for the river cruise.

   Book ahead

   Book Jerónimos Monastery and the Tagus cruise online in advance in summer.

   Transport tip

   Tram 15E is the scenic route to Belém but can be crowded; bus 728 is a faster alternative.

   Food recommendation

   Pastéis de Belém has a separate takeaway queue that moves quickly.

   Rainy day alternative

   MAAT and the Maritime Museum are excellent indoor alternatives near Belém.

   Alternative option

   Instead of the river cruise: Walk along the Belém waterfront to the Monument to the Discoveries for panoramic views.

   Packing tips

   • Refillable water bottle
   • Comfortable walking shoes
   • Sunscreen
   • Sunglasses

   Accessibility

   • Belém Tower has limited step access
   • Jerónimos Monastery has step-free ground floor and cloisters via ramp
   • MAAT and Time Out Market are fully accessible

   Today's highlights

   • 5 major attractions visited
   • ≈ 9 hours sightseeing
   • ≈ 5 km on foot
   • Mid-range budget ≈ €150–€220
   • Evening around Belém / Cais do Sodré

   End the day around Belém / Cais do Sodré

   View on Google Maps
2. Day

   2

   Theme

   Old Lisbon

   Alfama's maze, São Jorge Castle, vintage tram 28 and a private tuk tuk tour after dark.
   • Morning9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

     Alfama & São Jorge Castle

     • Wander Alfama's narrow lanes, tiled facades and hidden miradouros
     • São Jorge Castle — 11 towers and panoramic views over the city

     São Jorge Castle≈ €15
   • Lunch12:45 PM – 2:00 PM

     Traditional Portuguese restaurant

     • Lunch in Alfama or near the castle gates

     TryA Tasquinha d'AdelaideO AlpendreRestaurante Santo António de Alfama
   • Afternoon2:15 PM – 5:30 PM

     Tram 28 & Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

     • Ride vintage tram 28 through Graça, Alfama and Baixa
     • Miradouro da Senhora do Monte — the highest viewpoint in Lisbon

     Tram 28≈ €3 per ride24h Carris/Metro pass≈ €6.80
   • Evening7:00 PM onwards

     Private Tuk Tuk Tour

     • Private electric tuk tuk tour through the seven hills and viewpoints
     • Dinner in Alfama with live fado music

     Private tuk tuk tour≈ €50–80

     TryClube de FadoMesa de FradesParreirinha de Alfama

   HighlightsAlfama alleywaysSão Jorge Castle viewsVintage tram 28 rideMiradouro da Senhora do Monte sunsetTuk tuk hill tour

   Walking

   ≈ 6 km · 1 hr 30 min walking

   Comfortable walking shoes or trainers — steep cobblestone hills.

   Sightseeing

   ≈ 9 hours sightseeing

   Family

   Couples

   Transport tips

   • Martim Moniz

     Tram 28E

     Start of the iconic tram route.

   • Largo das Portas do Sol

     Tram 28E

     Stop for São Jorge Castle and Alfama views.

   • Graça

     Tram 28E / Bus 734

     Closest stop to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

   Estimated daily budget

   Budget traveller

   €50–€80

   Mid-range

   €130–€200

   Luxury

   €350+

   Travel tip

   Board tram 28 at Graça or Estrela rather than Martim Moniz to avoid crowds and pickpockets.

   Money saver

   The €6.80 Carris/Metro 24h pass includes tram 28 and the Santa Justa lift.

   Best photo spot

   Miradouro da Senhora do Monte at sunset for the best skyline over the castle and river.

   Best time to visit

   Morning for the castle; late afternoon for the miradouro and evening tram light.

   Book ahead

   Book fado restaurants and the private tuk tuk tour in advance.

   Transport tip

   Tuk tuks can reach viewpoints that trams and buses cannot — ideal for steep hills.

   Food recommendation

   Alfama fado dinners often require reservations; arrive early for the best tables.

   Rainy day alternative

   São Jorge Castle has limited cover; the Lisbon Cathedral and Fado Museum are nearby indoor options.

   Alternative option

   Instead of the tuk tuk tour: Walk up to Miradouro da Graça for a free sunset view with the city lights below.

   Packing tips

   • Refillable water bottle
   • Comfortable walking shoes
   • Light jacket for evening
   • Portable charger

   Accessibility

   • Alfama has steep cobblestone lanes — challenging for limited mobility
   • São Jorge Castle has some accessible areas but uneven ground
   • Tram 28 is not wheelchair accessible; adapted trams run on some routes

   Today's highlights

   • 5 major attractions visited
   • ≈ 9 hours sightseeing
   • ≈ 6 km on foot
   • Mid-range budget ≈ €130–€200
   • Evening around Alfama

   End the day around Alfama

   View on Google Maps
3. Day

   3

   Theme

   Modern Lisbon

   Ocean wildlife at Europe's largest aquarium, a waterfront park and a fado farewell dinner.
   • Morning9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

     Oceanário de Lisboa

     • Visit one of Europe's largest aquariums with four marine habitats
     • See sharks, rays, penguins and the central ocean tank

     Oceanário de Lisboa≈ €19–25
   • Lunch12:45 PM – 2:00 PM

     Parque das Nações waterfront

     • Lunch overlooking the river in the modern Parque das Nações district

     TryBifanas de Vendas NovasHá Tapas no MercadoRestaurante Casino Lisboa
   • Afternoon2:15 PM – 5:00 PM

     Free time for shopping or relaxing

     • Stroll along the Vasco da Gama Bridge views or the riverfront promenade
     • Optional shopping at Vasco da Gama shopping centre
   • Evening7:00 PM onwards

     Fado dinner in Alfama

     • Return to Alfama for an authentic fado dinner experience
     • Listen to traditional Portuguese fado while dining

     TryClube de FadoMesa de FradesParreirinha de Alfama

   HighlightsOceanário central tankParque das Nações waterfrontVasco da Gama Bridge viewsTraditional fado dinner

   Walking

   ≈ 4 km · 1 hr walking

   Casual walking shoes — flat waterfront and modern district.

   Sightseeing

   ≈ 8 hours sightseeing

   Family

   Couples

   Transport tips

   • Oriente

     Metro Red line / Train

     Direct station for Parque das Nações and the Oceanário.

   • Terreiro do Paço

     Metro Blue line

     Change to Red line for Oriente or tram to Alfama.

   • Alfama

     Tram 28E / Bus 734

     Return to Alfama for the fado evening.

   Estimated daily budget

   Budget traveller

   €55–€85

   Mid-range

   €140–€210

   Luxury

   €380+

   Travel tip

   Visit the Oceanário at opening for the quietest experience and best views of the tanks.

   Money saver

   The Vasco da Gama shopping centre food court offers affordable lunch options near the waterfront.

   Best photo spot

   The Oceanário's central tank viewed from the upper walkway for a full ocean panorama.

   Best time to visit

   Morning at the aquarium; evening for fado dinner in Alfama.

   Book ahead

   Book fado dinner restaurants in advance; the Oceanário can be booked online.

   Transport tip

   Metro Red line from Baixa to Oriente takes about 15 minutes.

   Food recommendation

   Parque das Nações has many waterfront restaurants with outdoor terraces in summer.

   Rainy day alternative

   The Oceanário is fully indoors; the Vasco da Gama shopping centre is nearby.

   Alternative option

   Instead of shopping: Visit the Knowledge Pavilion (Pavilhão do Conhecimento) for interactive science exhibits.

   Packing tips

   • Refillable water bottle
   • Comfortable walking shoes
   • Light jacket

   Accessibility

   • Oceanário is fully wheelchair accessible
   • Parque das Nações promenade is flat and step-free
   • Alfama fado venues vary in accessibility — call ahead

   Today's highlights

   • 4 major attractions visited
   • ≈ 8 hours sightseeing
   • ≈ 4 km on foot
   • Mid-range budget ≈ €140–€210
   • Evening around Alfama

   End the day around Alfama

   View on Google Maps

Travel times and prices are approximate. Please check the official airport and transport websites for the latest schedules and fares before travelling.