Lisbon is compact, hilly and easy to love. Three days is enough to see the essentials without rushing. Here is a relaxed plan you can adapt, with links to the places on the SPOTIQ map.
Day 1 — Alfama, Baixa and the viewpoints
1. Start in Alfama
Wander the narrow lanes of the oldest district on foot, ideally in the morning when it is quiet. Stop at a miradouro (viewpoint) for the view over the rooftops and the river, then walk down to Baixa for lunch.
See places in Lisbon →In the afternoon, cross Baixa and Chiado, browse the bookshops and cafés, and end the day at a viewpoint for sunset. Dinner with live fado is a classic, but book ahead as small venues fill up.
Day 2 — Belém and the riverside
Belém is a short tram or train ride from the centre. The monastery, the tower and the riverside promenade can be covered in a morning. Opening days and ticket rules change, so check the official sites before you go.
Come back for a slow afternoon: a coffee, a pastel de nata, and a walk along the river. In the evening, try the lively bars and restaurants of Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré.
Day 3 — A day trip to Sintra
2. Sintra, a fairytale hill town
Sintra is about 40 minutes from Lisbon by train. Its palaces and gardens sit on a forested hill, and queues can be long in summer. Start early, choose one or two sights rather than all of them, and wear comfortable shoes.
See places in Sintra →Lisbon has many steep streets: comfortable shoes matter more than anything else. Check opening hours, tickets and transport schedules on official sources before you travel.
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