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Let’s talk about Lisbon. The eclectic and incredibly charming capital of Portugal is really having its moment lately… and it deserves it! Lisbon’s sloping, tiled alleyways capped with clay rooftops are both beautiful to see and affordable to stay amidst. Clearly, word has gotten out, as the city has seen a large influx of travellers over the past few years and tourism continues to grow.

I would describe Lisbon as a hip and colourful fishing town with a lot of fascinating history. The city is packed full of trendy restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and miradouros (lookouts) where you can have a drink and take in views of the city.

Its streets are lined with buildings faced with coloured clay tiles (a cheap building material when times were tough). Its history includes a time as one of the world’s most prosperous port cities built on an income from exploration and trade, and its subsequent tragic destruction by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and tsunami.

Everything about this city is just plain interesting. Full stop.

If you’re considering a getaway to a city that’s a little less boring than a grey concrete jungle, this is the place for you. So let me teach you how to plan a perfect 3 days in Lisbon.

Quick tips for visiting Lisbon, Portugal

Eat local seafood

Have a pastel de nata (or 3) for dessert

Drink Port wine and Ginjinha (cherry liqueur)

Wander the streets of the Alfama

Ride a tuk tuk or tram (or both!)

Visit Jeronimo’s Monastery and Belem Tower

Visit Castelo Sao Jorge

Where to stay? We stayed in Baixa/Chiado, which I would highly recommend as an area that's close to it all. You can find chic, modern apartment rentals in this burrough, like this gorgeous, 1 bedroom flat with a terrace, or this well-priced, trendy apartment. Our top preference would be staying in Bairro Alto / Chiado or the Alfama.

What about the language barrier? If your native language is English, don't worry! English is widely used throughout the city.

My heart belongs in little fishing towns. And if there’s one thing Lisbon does well, it retains the feel of a fishing community despite its growth. But my has it grown! If you have 72 hours in the city, I recommend visiting the following four neighbourhoods…

Baixa

Baixa translates to downtown in English. This district encompasses a variety of squares that stretch down to the central waterfront. Consistently busy for the time we were visiting, it’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a great place to shop for fashionable clothes and accessories along Avenida da Liberdade, and grab a bite to eat.

Praca do Comercio

The main square of downtown Lisbon offers views of the waterfront. It is a lively place, where something is always happening. Street vendors set up tables around the perimeter. Bus tours come and go. Interestingly, this square is where the Royal Palace of King Manuel I once stood until it was demolished by the earthquake of 1755.

Rossio

Once you are finished exploring the waterfront, you can wander from Praca do Comercio to Rossio Square via Rua Augusta (just look for the massive stone arch). Rossio is another central Lisbon square worth seeing for its interesting tilework in a wave-like pattern.

This is also where you can find the local train station servicing day trips to Sintra, a mountainous region of castles and palaces.

Alfama

East of the Baixa, the Alfama is a beautiful district to get lost in. It best represents the Lisbon of days gone by. Its narrow streets and alleyways wind uphill, eventually leading you to a grand castle. It is arguably the prettiest neighbourhood in Lisbon.

Castelo Sao Jorge

Perhaps the most obvious can’t miss stop in Lisbon, Castelo Sao Jorge overlooks the city from its hilltop perch. Lisbon is affectionately nicknamed “the city of seven hills”. Take this nickname seriously! Pack your runners and prepare for a lengthy walk uphill to reach the castle.

The walk is well worth the effort, as its miradouro (or lookout) provides what I would argue is the best view in the city. I highly recommend going at sunset and bringing your camera.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

There are many popular miradouros scattered throughout the city. We loved each and every one we visited, but a personal favourite was Portas do Sol, which offers a beautiful view of the water with palm trees swaying. It also has a bar and cafe tables, making it a great place to relax after climbing Lisbon’s hills.

Bairro Alto & Chiado

Two of the more trendy districts, Bairro Alto and Chiado sit side by side to the west of the Baixa. This area is an excellent place to find a cheap and modern Airbnb. It is also where the best nightlife in the city can be found.

For a quick bite, visit Time Out Market which showcases some of the tastiest foods the city has to offer. For a sit down meal, this neighbourhood has some amazing restaurants.

Pink Street

The home of Lisbon’s most popular bars and clubs is Pink Street, which looks exactly as the name suggests.

Elevador da Bica (Cable car)

Lisbon’s cable cars have become somewhat of a symbol of the city. As such, they are great to find for photo ops. The three cable cars are; Elevador da Gloria, Elevador da Bica and Elevador do Lavra. We stumbled upon Elevador da Bica quite by accident just on the edge of the Chiado.

Carmo Convent

Another remnant of the 1755 earthquake, the Carmo Convent is a sight you have to see. What’s most interesting about Carmo Convent is what it is missing…. a roof!

Despite countless attempts at restoration of this building over the years, it still remains roofless (save for a museum in the back that is also worth the wander). It serves as a constant reminder of Lisbon’s history and is fascinating to see.

Restaurants and Pubs

We found some amazing restaurants and pubs in this area.

• A Cevicheria is the cutest spot for ceviche and they make a killer pisco sour that you can enjoy as you wait for a table (no reservations allowed here).

• Dear Breakfast does brunch with a hip vibe and serves excellent food with pink cappuccinos

Belem

Belem is located far to the west of downtown Lisbon. You can travel there by cab, train or tuk tuk. I highly recommend setting aside a full day to see this neighbourhood, as there is a lot to see and do.

Belem Tower

A remnant of Lisbon’s past days of exploration, Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its original purpose was to defend Lisbon and the mouth of the Tagus River. Built in the 16th Century, it is a pristine example of Manueline architecture that is predominant in Belem. The tower consists of five floors with a dungeon, later used as a jail, in its basement.

Tours of Belem Tower require a ticket. Be aware that the line for both the Tower and Jeronimos Monastery can become very long very early in the day. Your best bet is to join the Belem Tower line and purchase tickets for BOTH attractions from the vendor there.

Pasteis de Belem

I’ll leave it to you to determine who makes the best pastel de nata in Lisbon. It’s something we had such a fun time debating as we sampled pastries from around the city. However, I will highly recommend both Pasteis de Belem and Manteigaria for two differing but AMAZING recipes.

As Pasteis de Belem boasts they are the original creators of pastel de nata and are still serving the original recipe, its factory store is VERY popular. Join the lineup and walk away with a box of fresh, yummy goodness.

Jeronimo’s Monastery

If you’ve followed my advice, by the time you get to Jeronimo’s Monastery, you’ve already got your ticket. So skip the line and stroll right in.

This sanctuary is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful example of architecture I’ve seen to date. Also constructed in Manueline style, its arches appear adorned with delicate lace. I could post so many photos of this place that I have to restrain myself!

Maybe one more for good measure.

And that wraps up this summary of my favourite attractions to see in 3 days in Lisbon! As always, any questions are welcomed in the comments.

For an excellent day trip from Lisbon, continue on to my guide to a day in Sintra.

And for a complete guide for a two week vacation in Iberia, check out my Spain and Portugal itinerary.

Até mais tarde!

Hill XO

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