3 Days in Lisbon: Hills, Pastéis & Fado
Lisbon will destroy your calves and steal your heart. Three days is enough to eat your body weight in custard tarts, get lost in the winding streets of Alfama, and watch the sunset from a viewpoint with a cheap beer in hand.
Day-by-Day Snapshot
The Old City
Alfama, Castelo de São Jorge, and finding the best miradouros (viewpoints).
Belém & River
Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belém, and eating Pastéis de Belém.
Bairro Alto & Chiado
Ride Tram 28 (early!), explore Chiado, and hit Bairro Alto for nightlife.
- •Wearing high heels or slippery soles on the cobblestones.
- •Paying for the Santa Justa Lift (you can walk up the back way for free).
- •Assuming the appetizers placed on your table are free (they aren't).
- •Taking Tram 28 at midday (too crowded).
May or September to avoid the extreme heat and summer crowds.
LX Factory for street art and hipster shops under the bridge.
- Chiado: Central, elegant, and flat (relatively).
- Alfama: Oldest district, charming, but be prepared for steep hills.
Getting Around
Walk, but be ready for hills. Use Bolt or Uber for cheap rides. The metro is clean and easy. Take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais if you want a beach day.
Where to Eat
Time Out Market is touristy but good. Cervejaria Ramiro for seafood (book ahead). Manteigaria makes better pastéis de nata than the famous spot in Belém.
Common Questions
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
No, most young people and hospitality workers speak excellent English.
Is it a good base for day trips?
Yes, Sintra is a 40-minute train ride away.
What is Fado?
Traditional mournful Portuguese music. See a show in Alfama, but book a reputable place.
Explore More Travel Trends
Looking for something more unique for your next trip?