01

Day 01

Baixa, Alfama & the Castle

Downtown squares, the Se cathedral, an Alfama tram ride, and Sao Jorge Castle.

1. Morning

   Praca do Comercio & Rua Augusta

   Start at the riverfront Praca do Comercio and walk under the Rua Augusta Arch while the streets are quiet. It's the ideal orientation point for a first full day downtown.

2. Late Morning

   Se de Lisboa

   Devote an hour to Lisbon's fortress-like Romanesque cathedral, the city's oldest church, an easy uphill walk from the Baixa grid.

3. Lunch

   Alfama tascas

   Lunch in one of Alfama's tiny family-run tascas, a scenic pause among the tiled lanes before the afternoon climb to the castle.

4. Afternoon

   Tram 28

   Ride the historic Tram 28 through Alfama's steep, winding streets for the definitive introduction to old Lisbon, rattling past churches and miradouros.

5. Late Afternoon

   Castelo de Sao Jorge

   Climb to the hilltop castle and walk its ramparts. Late-day light and clear skies reward you with sweeping views over the city and the Tagus.

6. Evening

   Fado dinner

   Close the day with Lisbon's signature fado in an Alfama or Mouraria fado house, booking early as the best rooms fill their evening seatings quickly.

02

Day 02

Belem & the Riverfront

The monastery, the tower, and the Discoveries monument along the Tagus.

1. Morning

   Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

   Begin with this Manueline masterpiece and its intricate cloister, resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. Arriving at opening helps you outpace the day's tour groups.

2. Late Morning

   Torre de Belem

   Walk to the riverside Torre de Belem, a 16th-century fortress guarding the harbour mouth. A timed entry ticket keeps waits short.

3. Lunch

   Pasteis de Belem

   Enjoy a casual lunch and then the original pasteis de nata, still baked to a secret recipe at this famous bakery near the monastery.

4. Afternoon

   Padrao dos Descobrimentos

   Walk to the Monument to the Discoveries and ride to its terrace for one of the best vantage points over the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

5. Late Afternoon

   MAAT

   Stroll west along the waterfront to the MAAT, whose sculptural white roof doubles as a riverside terrace overlooking the Tagus.

6. Evening

   Cais do Sodre dinner

   Dine near the Cais do Sodre and its Time Out Market, whose stalls and restaurants cover everything from seafood to modern Portuguese cuisine.

03

Day 03

Bairro Alto, Chiado & Principe Real

Viewpoints, tiles, boutiques, and celebrated independent dining on the hills.

1. Morning

   Elevador da Bica

   Ride the historic Bica funicular up the steep hillside, a picturesque yellow tram climbing between pastel houses toward the upper neighbourhoods.

2. Late Morning

   Chiado boutiques

   Explore the elegant shops, bookstores, and cafes around Rua Garrett and Largo do Chiado, including the historic Bertrand and the century-old A Brasileira cafe.

3. Lunch

   Bifana lunch

   Settle in for a classic pork bifana sandwich and a beer at a Bairro Alto counter, or choose from the neighbourhood's many casual eateries.

4. Afternoon

   Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

   Wander to this terraced garden viewpoint for a stylish, unhurried afternoon gazing across the valley to the castle on the opposite hill.

5. Late Afternoon

   Principe Real

   Continue uphill to leafy Principe Real, browsing its design shops and concept stores around the Praca do Principe Real garden.

6. Evening

   Bairro Alto dinner

   Head into Bairro Alto for dinner along its narrow lanes, home to some of Lisbon's most lauded independent restaurants and wine bars.

04

Day 04

Sintra Day Trip

A fairytale palace, a Moorish castle, and romantic gardens in the hills.

1. Morning

   Palacio da Pena

   Take the morning train from Rossio and spend it at the vividly coloured Pena Palace, exploring its Romanticist rooms and terraces, a highlight for all ages.

2. Lunch

   Sintra village cafes

   Grab lunch in the historic village centre, where cafes serve local queijadas and travesseiros pastries around the winding cobbled streets.

3. Afternoon

   Castelo dos Mouros

   Walk the ramparts of the 8th-century Moorish Castle, then descend toward the National Palace with its distinctive twin conical chimneys.

4. Late Afternoon

   Quinta da Regaleira

   Tour this Romantic estate to see its Initiation Well and grotto-laced gardens up close, an atmospheric wander worth booking ahead.

5. Late Afternoon

   Cabo da Roca

   If time and a car allow, drive out to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, for dramatic clifftop Atlantic views before heading back.

6. Evening

   Lisbon return dinner

   Return to the city by train and have a relaxed dinner near Rossio or Restauradores before the evening winds down.

05

Day 05

Alcantara, LX Factory & Parque das Nacoes

Creative warehouses, a modern riverfront, and Avenida shopping to close the trip.

1. Morning

   LX Factory

   Visit this converted industrial complex under the 25 de Abril Bridge, browsing its independent shops, the Ler Devagar bookshop, and street-art courtyards.

2. Lunch

   LX Factory eats

   Lunch in the lively blocks of the complex, from casual cafes to the restaurants and rooftop spots that fill its old warehouses.

3. Afternoon

   Oceanario de Lisboa

   Head east to the Oceanarium at Parque das Nacoes, one of Europe's largest, an easy, family-friendly pairing beside the riverfront.

4. Late Afternoon

   Telecabine Lisboa

   Ride the cable car along the Tagus and stroll the modern Expo waterfront for classic river-and-bridge photos.

5. Evening

   Avenida da Liberdade

   Finish shopping along the tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade, passing its designer flagships on the way down to Restauradores.

6. Evening

   Avenidas Novas farewell dinner

   End your trip with dinner in the Avenidas Novas district; reserve ahead for the city's marisqueiras and standout tables.