1. Welcome to Lisbon!
Welcome to Lisbon, the fascinating Portuguese capital! With its picturesque hills, colorful azulejos tiles, historic trams, and bohemian atmosphere, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Whether you have 2, 3, or 4 days, this city offers an endless wealth of discoveries.
Visiting Lisbon means exploring a city where medieval history meets modernity, where Portuguese traditions are lived every day, and where every street corner holds a surprise. From the majestic Belém Tower to the cobbled streets of Alfama, passing through UNESCO monuments and trendy neighborhoods, Lisbon will charm you.
This comprehensive guide presents the best ways to discover Lisbon depending on the time you have available, the must-see attractions, the neighborhoods to explore, and expert tips to maximize your experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
2. Why visit Lisbon?
A leading European destination
Lisbon is among the most visited tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Here’s why visiting Lisbon should be on your list:
Exceptional historical heritage:
- 2 UNESCO sites (Torre de Belém, Jerónimos Monastery)
- Medieval São Jorge Castle
- National Pantheon
- Manueline architecture unique in the world
Authentic atmosphere:
- Preserved historic districts (Alfama, Graça)
- Iconic yellow trams
- traditional azulejos
- Fado, authentic Portuguese music
Outstanding gastronomy:
- Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese pastries)
- Fresh seafood
- Renowned Portuguese wines
- Traditional and modern restaurants
vibrant nightlife:
- Traditional fado bars
- Trendy clubs
- Terraces with views of the Tagus River
- Ongoing cultural events
Accessibility and cost:
- Direct flights from most European capitals
- Moderate cost of living
- Efficient public transport
- A variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets
Pleasant climate:
- 300 days of sunshine per year
- Mild temperatures all year round
- Close to beaches and nature
3. Here are some itineraries depending on your travel duration.
Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage
- Morning: Belém Tower (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Lunch: Lunch with a view of the Tagus River
- Afternoon: Jerónimos Monastery (1.5 hours)
- Evening: Walk in Belém, Pastéis de Nata
Day 2: Alfama & City Center
- Morning: São Jorge Castle (2 hours)
- Lunch: Lunch in Alfama
- Afternoon: Alfama alleyways, National Pantheon
- Evening: Traditional Fado in Alfama
Total time: 2 days Target keywords: “Visit Lisbon for 2 days”, “Lisbon for 48 hours”
Day 1: Belém & Heritage
- Morning: Torre de Belém + Jerónimos Monastery
- Afternoon: Coach Museum
- Evening: Walk in Belém
Day 2: Alfama & Baixa
- Morning: São Jorge Castle
- Midday: Alfama and its narrow streets
- Afternoon: National Pantheon, Basilica da Estrela
- Evening: Fado in Alfama
Day 3: Modern neighborhoods & nature
- Morning: Eduardo VII Park
- Noon: Príncipe Real district (shopping, cafes)
- Afternoon: Sintra (day trip) OR Cascais
- Evening: Terrace with a view
Total time: 3 days Target keywords: “Visiting Lisbon in 3 days”, “Lisbon in 72 hours”
Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage
- Morning: Belém Tower (online booking recommended)
- Lunch in Belém
- Afternoon: Jerónimos Monastery
- Evening: Stroll along the Tagus River
Day 2: Alfama & Baixa
- Morning: São Jorge Castle
- Lunch: Traditional lunch in Alfama
- Afternoon: Cobblestone streets, National Pantheon
- Evening: Authentic Fado
Day 3: Sintra (full excursion)
- Morning: Train to Sintra (30 min)
- Day trip: Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira
- Evening: Return to Lisbon
Day 4: Cascais & Coast
- Morning: Train to Cascais (30 min)
- Day trip: Beaches, cliffs, Estoril
- Evening: Sunset in Cascais
Total time: 4 days Target keywords: “Visit Lisbon in 4 days”, “Lisbon 4-day itinerary”
4. Main attractions
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Belém Tower
- 16th century fortress
- Iconic Manueline architecture
- Panoramic views of the Tagus River
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Price: €15
- Don’t miss it!
Jerónimos Monastery
- Late Gothic masterpiece
- spectacular cloister
- Archaeological Museum
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Price: €12
Historical monuments that you absolutely must discover
São Jorge Castle
- Medieval fortress
- 360° views of Lisbon
- Integrated Museum
- Duration: 2 hours | Price: €10
National Pantheon
- Baroque Basilica
- Tombs of illustrious figures
- Impressive architecture
- Duration: 45 min | Price: €5
Basilica of Estrela
- Iconic white dome
- Baroque interior
- Adjacent garden
- Duration: 45 min | Price: Free
Museums and galleries
- Coach Museum : Historic Royal Vehicles
- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum : Ancient and Modern Art
- Azulejo Museum : Traditional Portuguese Tiles
- MAAT : Contemporary art with a view of the Tagus River
Authentic experiences
- Fado in Alfama : Traditional Portuguese Music
- Tram 28 : A historic journey through the city
- Mercado da Ribeira : Traditional Food Market
- Pastéis de Nata : Iconic pastries
5. Neighborhoods to explore
The Belém district is the tourist heart of Lisbon, dominated by its two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ideal for a full day.
To have :
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Coach Museum
- Belém Park
Food:
- Traditional Pastéis de Nata
- Restaurants with a view of the Tagus River
- Historic cafes
Recommended time: 1 full day
Lisbon’s oldest quarter, with its cobbled streets, colorful azulejos tiles and bohemian atmosphere. Heart of Portuguese fado.
To have :
To do:
- Traditional Fado in the evening
- Exploring the alleyways
- Photos of the azulejos
- Culinary tastings
Recommended time: 1-2 days
The city center rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, with its regular urban grid and majestic squares.
To have :
- Praça do Comércio
- Rua Augusta
- Santa Justa Lift
- Azulejo Museum
To do:
- Shopping on Rua Augusta
- Cafes and restaurants
- Urban walks
- Nightlife
Recommended time: 1 day
Other neighborhoods to discover
- Príncipe Real : Trendy neighborhood, shopping, cafes
- Graça : Spectacular views, local atmosphere
- Alcântara : Nightlife, modern restaurants
- Belém : Heritage and Museums
- Parque das Nações : Modern architecture, Oceanarium
6. Our practical advice
Best time to visit
- April-May & September-October : Ideal weather, fewer crowds
- June-August : High season, hot, very touristy
- November-March : Low season, cheaper, quieter
Transport in Lisbon
Public transport:
- Subway : Fast and efficient (€1.50 per journey)
- Tram 28 : Historical and touristy
- Bus : Complete network
- Viva Viagem Card : 7-day subscription (€39)
On foot:
- Lisbon is very walkable
- Good shoes recommended (hills)
- Time: 30-40 minutes between main attractions
Estimated daily budget:
- Accommodation : €50-150 (hostel to 3* hotel)
- Meals : €30-50 (local restaurants)
- Attractions : €20-40 (museums, monuments)
- Transportation : €5-10
- Total : €105-250/day*
Where to eat?
- Traditional restaurants : Alfama, Graça
- Mercado da Ribeira : Food Market
- Pastéis de Nata : Everywhere (1-2€)
- Seafood : Restaurants near the Tagus River
Security
- Lisbon is very safe
- Beware of pickpockets on public transport
- Avoid isolated areas at night
- Travel insurance recommended
Language
- Spoken Portuguese
- English understood in tourist areas
- Less common French
- Useful translation apps
