Lisbon in 3 Days

Lisbon is undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with amazing traditions, culture and food, packed with fascinating landscapes, incredible monuments and places you don't want to leave.

Thanks to its proximity to Spain, it is a very easy country to visit, for a complete route around the country we recommend that you do it in your own car and organized by you, it is not necessary to rent a car from an agency (as in others countries that may be a more recommended option). Although you can also go by plane and rent a car there if you prefer. What we are clear about is that it is ideal to have your own vehicle to tour the country.

Day 1

Terreiro do Paço

On the first day in the city, you can visit the Commerce Square or Praça do Comércio which is the 18th century large harbour-fascinating squre in Lisbon filled with symmetrical buildings and arcades facing the River Tejo, for a stroll and enjoy the sculture and beautiful works of art. Also known as Terreiro do Paço, is also the home to the oldest café in the city, Martinho da Arcada established in 1782 and centred by the equestrian statue of King Dom José, surrounded by eighteenth century symmetrical buildings with arcades I who survived the destruction of the 1755 earthquake, and put Marquês de Pombal in charge of Lisbon’s reconstruction.

^{Photo: João Reguengos}

Recently repainted in their original yellow colour, the buildings are nowadays occupied by ministries and other government offices. It's a nice place to try out some of the traditional Protuguese food like egg custard tart, Bifana (pork sandwich), Shellfish and Sardines.

Alfama

You can take a famous classic tram 28 to visit the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, Alfama from the Terreico do Paço. Be careful of the pickpockets and make sure you belongings are closer to you while travelling in the tram.

_{Photo: João Reguengos}

Alfama is a district with ancient houses and cobbled streets leading up to Castelo de São Jorge, the St George's castle.

Popular tourist attractions in Alfama include:

- A ride on the number 28 tram as it rattles and screeches through the district - The Portas do Sol viewpoint, for its fantastic views across Alfama - The Castelo de Sao Jorge, the 1st century BC castle that sits above the city - The Sé de Lisboa cathedral, for its Gothic towers and massive fortifications - The Igreja de Santo António, constructed on the birthplace of Lisbon's patron saint - The maze of medieval maze of streets to wander in Alfama

You can visit its viewpoint of Portas do Sol, stroll through the beautiful Alfama neighborhood until you reach the banks of the Tagus River.

Day 2

Then it is time to discover the Lisbon Cathedral or La Sé, built in 1147 is the oldest ROman Catholic church in the city as well as one of the essentials of the city and you can walk its most commercial street Rua Augusta, where you will find hundreds of shops and pastry shops to fully discover the culture of this place.

This is a lively pedestrian street with outdoor cafés, mosaic pavements, street artist, and international shops, and the terrace at the top with 360 degree views over downtown.

_{Photo: João Reguengos}

Popular tourist attractions around Rua Augusta include:

- Avenida da Liberdade, main avinue of the city

- Conceição Velha Church, the church that survived the Great Earthquake.

- Comercio Square, a monumental riverside square.

- Rossio Square, Lisbon's elegant main square.

- Figueira Square, busy square and transporation hub.- Municipal Square, the home of the City Hall palace.

- Restauradores Square, a large busy square.

- Rossio Station, a monumental train station.

- Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, a pedestrian street lined with seafood restaurants.

- Santa Justa Elevator, an Eiffel Tower-like landmark with views over the city.

- São Domingos Church, a church marked by tragedy.

Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, another essential in Lisbon, declared a World Heritage Site.

_{Photo: Frank Nürnberger}

Finally, go up to the Monument to the Discoveries, to ascend its 52 meters high and get incredible views.

Day 3

Start the morning going up to the Castle of San Jorge, a castle from the 5th century, located on the highest hill in the city, a must see, the price is around €8.50.

After visiting the El Castelo neighborhood, visit the National Pantheon that stands out for its large white dome.

Later, go up at the Voz do Operário stop, to catch tram 28E, famous for being the historic Lisbon tram, which runs through the most important points of the city.

Get off at the Martin Moritz stop, to discover some emblematic buildings such as the National Theater of Doña Maria II, with a neoclassical façade or the Santo Domingo Church.

To finish off the tour, go to the Garden of San Pedro de Alcántara to say goodbye to the day with a beautiful sunset.

_{Photo: Klaus Graf}

Top Recommended Activities in Lisbon

In addition to all the destinations mentioned, a great idea is to take some organized tours of these places, knowing in more detail the most important cities and corners of Lisbon.

You can start with Free Tour of Lisbon for the first contact with the capital and discover all its secrets.

At night this Night Tour with dinner and typical show, where you can enjoy the gastronomy of the country in addition to knowing its typical dances.

Costs

Hotels: Double room an average price of €80 per night.

Food: €30 per person, lunch and dinner, per day in a mid-ranged restaurant

Car rental: from €12 per day.

Lisbon is relatively a cheap destination, ideal to visit and enjoy beautiful cities and paradisiacal beaches.