Welcome to Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal! With its charming narrow streets, colourful tiles, and delicious food, Lisbon is the perfect destination for travellers who want to experience a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. In this 10-day itinerary, we will take you on a journey through the city’s most famous landmarks, picturesque neighbourhoods, and hidden gems, while also providing you with some of the best lunch and dinner recommendations to try along the way.
From exploring the winding streets of Alfama to savouring a pastel de nata in Belém, to visiting the historic town of Sintra and enjoying a sunset cruise on the Tagus River, this itinerary will allow you to discover the best of Lisbon and create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, put on your comfortable shoes, and get ready to explore this amazing city!
Day 1: Explore the Alfama District
Start your day in Lisbon by exploring the Alfama District. This historic neighbourhood is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque alleyways, and traditional Portuguese architecture. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol for stunning views of the city.
The Alfama District is within walking distance from downtown Lisbon, but if you prefer public transportation, you can take the metro to the Santa Apolónia station and then walk for about 10 minutes to reach Alfama.
For lunch, try a traditional Portuguese dish such as bacalhau (salt cod) or cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese stew) at a local restaurant in Alfama. For dinner, head to Taberna da Rua das Flores for delicious tapas and wine.
Day 2: Discover Belém
Belém is a picturesque district that is home to several historic landmarks. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Discoveries Monument. Don’t forget to try a traditional pastel de nata at the famous Pasteis de Belém.
To reach Belém, you can take the train from Cais do Sodré station to Belém station. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes.
For lunch, stop by Casa Pasteis de Belém for a traditional pastel de nata or enjoy a seafood dish at one of the restaurants along the riverfront. For dinner, try Restaurante Ponto Final, a hidden gem located on the other side of the river with a beautiful view of Lisbon.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is a beautiful town located just outside of Lisbon. It is home to several stunning palaces, castles, and gardens. Visit the Pena Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle.
To visit Sintra, take the train from Rossio station or Oriente station in Lisbon to Sintra station. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. From Sintra station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the different sights within the town.
For lunch, try a traditional queijada (pastry) or a savory pie at Casa Piriquita in Sintra. For dinner, head back to Lisbon and try A Cevicheria, a trendy restaurant that specializes in ceviche and other Peruvian dishes.
Day 4: Visit the Gulbenkian Museum and Parque Eduardo VII
The Gulbenkian Museum is one of the best art museums in Lisbon. It features a collection of European and Asian art from the ancient to the contemporary. After your visit, head to Parque Eduardo VII, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city.
The Gulbenkian Museum and Parque Eduardo VII are both located in the city center, and you can reach them by metro or bus. The closest metro stations are São Sebastião (Blue and Red lines) and Parque (Blue line).
For lunch, grab a sandwich or salad at Nicolau Lisboa, a cozy cafe with healthy and delicious options. For dinner, try the famous grilled fish at Ramiro, a popular seafood restaurant in the city center.
Day 5: Explore Chiado and Bairro Alto
Chiado and Bairro Alto are two neighbourhoods known for their charming streets, shops, and cafes. Walk around and explore the historic buildings, or take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at a traditional Portuguese cafe.
Chiado and Bairro Alto are located in the city center, and you can reach them by metro or bus. The closest metro stations are Baixa-Chiado (Blue and Green lines) and Rossio (Green line).
For lunch, stop by Confeitaria Nacional, one of Lisbon’s oldest pastry shops, for a delicious sandwich or pastry. For dinner, try Cantinho do Avillez, a restaurant that serves modern Portuguese cuisine with a creative twist.
Day 6: Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It is home to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and sea otters. Don’t miss the giant central tank, which holds over 1 million liters of water.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in Parque das Nações, which is in the eastern part of Lisbon. You can take the metro to Oriente station (Red line) or take a taxi or bus to reach the area.
For lunch, enjoy a seafood lunch at Marisqueira Uma, a local favourite in the Parque das Nações area. For dinner, try Pharmacia, a restaurant that serves Portuguese-inspired cuisine in a quirky and fun atmosphere.
Day 7: Take a Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River
End your day by taking a sunset cruise on the Tagus River. Admire the city from a new perspective and watch as the sun sets over Lisbon.
There are several companies that offer sunset cruises on the Tagus River. You can book a tour in advance or buy tickets on the spot. The starting points for the tours are usually at Cais do Sodré or Belém.
For lunch, try a sandwich or salad at LX Factory, a trendy artsy complex with lots of food options. For dinner, head to Time Out Market, a food hall with dozens of food stalls featuring the best of Portuguese cuisine.
Day 8: Explore the Baixa District
The Baixa District is Lisbon’s downtown area, filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Walk along Rua Augusta and visit the Praça do Comércio, a historic square located near the Tagus River.
The Baixa District is located in the city center, and you can reach it by metro or bus. The closest metro stations are Baixa-Chiado (Blue and Green lines) and Rossio (Green line).
For lunch, grab a delicious sandwich or salad at Cafe Tati, a cozy and charming cafe in the heart of the Baixa district. For dinner, try Casa de Pasto, a restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist.
Day 9: Visit the National Palace of Ajuda
The National Palace of Ajuda is a stunning neoclassical palace located in Lisbon. It is home to a collection of furniture, art, and decorative objects from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The National Palace of Ajuda is located in the Ajuda neighbourhood, which is in the western part of Lisbon. You can take the tram (number 18) or a taxi to reach the palace.
For lunch, try a traditional dish such as feijoada (bean stew) or arroz de pato (duck rice) at Restaurante O Pitéu in Ajuda. For dinner, try Prado, a restaurant that serves local and organic ingredients in a beautiful and minimalist space.
Day 10: Relax at the Beach in Cascais
Cascais is a beautiful coastal town located just a short train ride from Lisbon. Relax at the beach, take a walk along the seaside promenade, or visit the town’s museums and historic landmarks.
To reach Cascais, you can take the train from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. Once you arrive in Cascais, you can take a bus or walk to the beach.
For lunch, stop by Mar do Inferno, a seafood restaurant located by the beach in Cascais. For dinner, try Dom Dinis, a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in a historic building with a beautiful terrace overlooking the town.
Bonus: A 3-day itinerary to visit nearby cities from Lisbon
Day 1: Sintra and Cascais
Take a day trip to the nearby towns of Sintra and Cascais, both located along the coast. Start your day in Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its fairy-tale castles and palaces. Visit the colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira. For lunch, stop by Tascantiga, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese dishes. In the afternoon, head to Cascais, a charming seaside town known for its beaches and elegant mansions. Take a stroll along the promenade, visit the Cascais Fortress, and enjoy a seafood dinner at Mar do Inferno.
Day 2: Évora
Take a day trip to the historic city of Évora, located about 1.5 hours east of Lisbon. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals, and Renaissance palaces. Visit the Temple of Diana, the Cathedral of Évora, and the Chapel of Bones. For lunch, stop by Fialho, a traditional restaurant that serves Alentejo cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Almendres Cromlech, a prehistoric megalithic site that dates back to 5000 BC.
Day 3: Óbidos and Nazaré
Take a day trip to the charming towns of Óbidos and Nazaré, both located along the coast. Start your day in Óbidos, a medieval town known for its narrow streets and white-washed houses. Walk along the town’s walls, visit the castle, and stop by the famous Ginjinha bar to try a traditional cherry liqueur. For lunch, head to Tasca Torta, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious Portuguese dishes. In the afternoon, head to Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village that is famous for its big wave surfing. Take a stroll along the beach, visit the Nazaré Lighthouse, and try some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Bonus 2: A 3-day itinerary to visit the beautiful Algarve region from Lisbon
Day 1: Faro and Ria Formosa
Take a morning train from Lisbon to Faro, the capital of the Algarve region. Upon arrival, head to the charming old town and visit the Faro Cathedral, the Municipal Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. For lunch, try some traditional Algarve dishes at the cozy restaurant, Vila Adentro. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a stunning coastal lagoon that is home to a variety of bird species and marine life. In the evening, head to the marina area and enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Day 2: Lagos and Sagres
Take a morning drive to Lagos, a beautiful town located on the western Algarve coast. Visit the Lagos Castle, the Santo António Church, and the Ponta da Piedade cliffs, which offer breathtaking views of the coastline. For lunch, stop by the restaurant O Camilo, which serves delicious seafood and local Algarve cuisine. In the afternoon, drive to Sagres, a small town located on the southwestern tip of the Algarve. Visit the Sagres Fortress, which was built in the 15th century to protect Portugal’s coast, and take a stroll along the scenic Cape St. Vincent. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants that serve fresh seafood.
Day 3: Albufeira and Vilamoura
Take a morning drive to Albufeira, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Albufeira Old Town and the Praia da Oura beach. For lunch, try some traditional Algarve dishes at the local restaurant, Os Arcos. In the afternoon, drive to Vilamoura, a luxurious resort town that is famous for its marina and golf courses. Take a stroll along the marina, visit the Cerro da Vila archaeological site, and enjoy dinner at one of the upscale restaurants in the area.
After your 3-day trip, you can either return to Lisbon or continue your journey along the Algarve coast.
