LISBON IN 3 DAYS – THE ULTIMATE CITY GUIDE WITH 30 GREAT SIGHTS EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT
LISBON SIGHTS IN 3 DAYS
After our road trip from Lisbon to Porto, we had 3 days to explore Lisbon. If you want to explore all the Lisbon sights at your leisure, we recommend you plan at least 3 days as well. Then you also have time to see Sintra, Cascais and Belém.
The capital of Portugal attracts visitors with its mild climate, colorful festivals and numerous historical landmarks. With so many great sights to see, it’s really hard to make a choice.
That’s why we’ve put together a city guide with our top sights, tips and highlights that you can and should see in 3 days. Of course, it’s even better if you have 4 or 5 days to see the city. But where is that not the case?
Tip: Save stress and money with the Lisboa Card
Go directly to the Lisboa Card – for 24, 48 or 72 hours *Popular*.
The compilation should serve you as inspiration. Of course, you can also leave things out. The Christo statue and Cascais you can also do next time.
Because both are time-consuming and are further away. But the rest you can do easily – in combination with metro, streetcar, train and walking.
Some of the sights you can also check off relatively quickly, if you do not want to queue for a long time. Because we would like to mention: Lisbon is a beautiful city, but it is also incredibly touristy and crowded.
Nevertheless, it’s worth a visit, because Lisbon has a lot to offer and there is a lot to discover. And if you do it right, you can avoid the crowds. Have fun browsing!
Day 1 – Explore the most beautiful Lisbon sights and neighborhoods
You can explore the most beautiful sights of Lisbon wonderfully on foot, even if it is sometimes steep uphill and there are some stairs to climb. Also the cobblestones make your feet get tired in the evening. But otherwise you miss all the nice alleys and hidden highlights.
The streetcar and metro network lets you get from A to B quickly and the trains also run at a good pace to more distant corners. You can also get around quickly by Uber, cab or tuk-tuk.
We often used Uber. With cabs we had unfortunately already bad experiences, because they drove extra large rounds to collect more.
You can also explore the city very well with the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus. At the most beautiful sights there is actually always a station.
Book sightseeing bus ticket online in advance:
➜ Lisbon sightseeing: Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour *Popular*
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1. Elevador de Santa Justa – Lisbon attractions
The Elevador de Santa Justa passenger elevator has connected the Baixa and Chiado (Baixa-Chiado) districts for over 100 years. It was originally powered by steam engines, later by an electric motor, and overcomes the 8-meter height difference between the two places.
The elevator tower catches the eye with its neo-Gothic architectural style, and the elevator cars with wooden decorations and brass fittings exude nostalgia.
After you reach the upper level, you can continue on a spiral staircase and admire the elevator’s drive. Even further up is a café with a beautiful view.
Tip: Often the waiting time is 1 or 2 hours if you want to take the elevator from the bottom to the top. The other way around is much faster.
But you can also just take a picture and move on to the other sights instead of wasting time in the queue here. Because let’s face it, it’s a beautiful elevator, but it’s still “just” an elevator.
Elevador de Santa Justa is free with the Lisboa Card:
➜ Buy Lisboa Card online in advance: for 24, 48 or 72 hours *recommendation*
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2. Ride with streetcar line 28 (Eléctrico 28)
The little yellow streetcar with the number 28 is something of an institution in the Portuguese capital. Commissioned in the 1930s, it exudes nostalgic charm. You can take the streetcar on an all-day sightseeing tour and see many sights. If you can get a seat.
Streetcar line 28 goes from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique. One after the other, you’ll pass through the Estrela neighborhood with its Baroque basilica, past the Portuguese Parliament, and through the city’s bustling main square.
Travel tip: To avoid crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening. Boarding at the start or end stop increases your chances of getting a seat on the popular streetcar. At stops in between, the chance of getting on is zero. The streetcar is simply one of the most popular sights in Lisbon.
Again, don’t waste valuable time waiting, just take a picture if you can’t get a seat and move on to the next exciting Lisbon sight.
Alternative streetcars: You can also take other streetcars such as the No. 15 or the No. 12, both of which have great routes as well.
Book ticket for streetcar line 28 online in advance:
➜ Tram 28: City tour and ride on the streetcar 28
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3. Cathedral Sé de Lisboa (Catedral Sé Patriarcal) in Alfama
One of our Lisbon highlights in terms of architecture is the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral in the Alfama district. It is the main church and also the oldest place of worship in the city. The church was originally built in the Romanesque style, but also has Gothic and Baroque elements.
In the 20th century, the cathedral was restored because it still had damage from the earthquake 300 years earlier. You can see how far back the history of Sé de Lisboa goes in the eastern cloister. Remains of buildings from ancient times are exhibited there.
Book city tour online in advance:
➜ City tour: Lisbon city tour *Popular*
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4. Panteão Nacional – Igreja de Santa Engrácia
The National Pantheon in Lisbon, also called Panteão Nacional or Igreja de Santa Engrácia, is a baroque church from the 17th century, which was never used as a church.
Inside you can admire the gigantic arches and naves. You can also exercise your fitness by climbing up to the large dome.
Once at the top, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire city from the spacious terrace. A must-see for us.
Tip: If you have to decide between the cathedral and the Pantheon, we recommend you to visit the Pantheon. It is worth it!
Book your city tour online in advance:
➜ City tour: City tour of Lisbon *Popular*
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5. Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon attractions
Visible from afar is the Castelo de São Jorge, a castle built by the Moors and used as a royal seat for centuries. It is one of the oldest buildings in the capital and is one of the top Lisbon sights.
The castle offers you a magnificent view over all of Lisbon. High trees provide shade on hot days. A permanent exhibition inside informs you about the history of the city and through a camera obscura in one of the towers you can see a 360 degree image of Lisbon.
On two large squares you can play boules and dominoes, and for your physical well-being there is a restaurant and a café in the castle.
From up here you have one of the most beautiful views of the city. For this reason alone, it is worth the effort to climb the steep hill.
Tip: There are elevators in some places, by the way, with which you can shorten steep streets. Just keep your eyes open. For example, the Graffiti Carpark, a parking garage, offers such an opportunity.
Book your ticket for Castelo de São Jorge in advance online:
➜ Ticket without queuing: Castelo de São Jorge without queuing & with guide
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6. Stroll through Alfama – Lisbon Sightseeing
Alfama was once a neighborhood of Lisbon’s lower class. The district was hardly affected by the earthquake of 1755, so the maze of narrow streets and steps is still preserved today.
The only way to explore the labyrinthine streets of Alfama is on foot. It’s worth it, as this part of Lisbon has sights galore.
The Sé Cathedral was built in the 12th century on the remains of a Moorish mosque and is now Lisbon’s main church.
The Church of Santa Engrácia houses Portugal’s Pantheon and the final resting place of famous countrymen. The remains of a Roman amphitheater can be admired in the Museu Teatro Romano, and the Fado Museum tells the story of this typical Portuguese musical genre.
In the Museum of Decorative Arts, you can also see how Lisbon’s noblemen lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Tip: One of the best fado bars is in the Alfama district, the Mesa de Frades. You should eat something beforehand, though, and then come for the fado. The food is so-so.
Book Alfama city tour online in advance:
➜ Tour: Fado and Alfama tour with traditional dinner.
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7. Lisbon’s most beautiful panoramic views
Visiting the viewpoints, you can admire the most beautiful Lisbon sights from afar. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is located in a well-kept park with a view of the pine-covered castle hill and the Baixa district.
Less visited, but no less beautiful, is the viewpoint Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. From here you have a good view of the Castelo de São Jorge, the bridge of April 25 and can see as far as the Convento do Carmo on the other side of the Tagus.
You can also get particularly nice views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. They are both close to each other and offer great views of the red roofs of Alfama.
From the Castelo de São Jorge you also have a great view. However, this is not free of charge.
Book your city tour online in advance:
➜ City tour: City tour of Lisbon *Popular*
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8. Baixa District – Praça do Comércio & Arco da Rua Augusta
In the heart of Lisbon is the Baixa district, the actual city center. Destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, it was subsequently rebuilt with strictly geometric streets and squares.
Many visitors spend the night here, because Baixa has not only numerous sights, but also good transport connections to all other parts of the city.
Through the triumphal arch Arco da Rua Augusta you enter Praça do Comércio, the most magnificent square of Baixa. The equestrian statue of the Portuguese King José I is enthroned in the center.
Numerous small cafés can be found on Praça Dom Pedro IV, also called Rossio. The square catches the eye with its unusual mosaic pattern.
The ruins of the Igreja do Carmo commemorate the destruction caused by the Lisbon earthquake. In the preserved part of the church there is an archaeological museum.
You can walk up the triumphal arch, by the way. At the top, a viewing platform offers a nice panorama over the city.
Not so nice part of Baixa: At Praça da Figueira, or Mercado Baixa, we didn’t really feel comfortable, because we were accosted from all sides, if we wanted to buy drugs. And quite obviously and penetratingly. The police don’t really seem to care.
Book city tour online in advance:
➜ City tour: Lisbon city tour *Popular*
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9. Throw a coin in the book of St. Anthony
One of our Lisbon tips: Singles beware! It is said that whoever manages to throw a coin into the book held by the statue of Saint Anthony in front of the Igreja Santo Antonio will soon find a new partner.
The explanation for the unusual custom: Anthony is not only the patron saint of Lisbon, but also the patron saint of lovers.
So if you’re looking for the big love, you’ll have one more reason to visit the church with its ornate golden altar.
Tip: Save stress and money with the Lisboa Card
Go directly to the Lisboa Card – for 24, 48 or 72 hours *Popular*
10. Christus-Statue Christo Rei – Lisbon attractions
Lisbon’s highlights definitely include Christo Rei, a statue of Christ perched on a 75-meter-high pedestal. It is the seventh largest statue of its kind in the world, modeled on the larger Cristo Redentor figure in Rio de Janeiro.
Strictly speaking, the monument is not in Lisbon, but in neighboring Almada. The place can be reached by ferry and bus.
You can take the elevator up inside the monument and enjoy the panorama at one of the best viewpoints in the city. Especially the nearby 25th of April Bridge can be seen well from up there.
Tip: The way to the statue is time-consuming. It’s best to save it until the very end, if you still have time. Otherwise, visit it next time.
Book a boat tour along the Tagus in advance online:
➜ Lisbon: day/sunset/night sailing tour + drink *Popular*
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11. Chiado – Lisbon attractions
The Chiado neighborhood is located in the western part of the city. Once it was mainly intellectuals and booksellers who lived here, as Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookstore in the world, still testifies.
Today, you can visit classy boutiques in the shopping streets Rua Garrett and Rua do Carmo and enjoy an espresso in the famous Café A Brasileira. A visit to the opulent São Carlos Theater is also a must on your tour of Chiado.
At the Church of São Roque, you’ll get a glimpse of what Lisbon churches looked like before the 1755 earthquake. The church with its magnificent interior was only slightly damaged.
Book your city tour online in advance:
➜ City Tour: Walking Tour through Rossio, Chiado & Alfama
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12. Nightlife of the Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s upper town and is 8 meters higher than the Baixa business district. The district, which was hardly affected by the earthquake of 1755, changed over the centuries from the home of simple workers to the neighborhood for intellectuals.
Today, Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s bar district. Many of the city’s residents start their celebrations here. The streets are partially closed to traffic and are wonderful for strolling.
Here you will find tascas, traditional pubs where you can listen to fado music. There are also a large number of traditional and modern bars and restaurants.
Especially on weekends, Bairro Alto is a colorful mix of locals and tourists. There is always something going on here.
Book a city tour online in advance:
➜ City Tour: Walking Tour through Rossio, Chiado & Alfama
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Day 2 – Discover Belém and the West of Lisbon
To get to Belém, you can easily take streetcar number 15 or the train. With the Lisboa Card you can use the public transport for free. Before you go to Belém you should make a few other stops, such as the Time Out Market, the LX Factory and the Underground Village.
Get to Belém for free with the Lisboa Card:
➜ Lisbon: Lisboa Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours *recommendation*
13. Time Out Market – Lisbon attractions
Time Out Market is located right next to the main train station and is divided into a traditional market where you can get fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, sausages, cheese, fish and meat. The other part is a modern food court with many small restaurants, cafes and bars. The offer is rich and varied.
You can taste your way through Portuguese, Italian, Asian and many other flavors, eat fresh fish and drink a freshly tapped beer or an Aperol Spritz.
Time Out Market is now very touristy, but it’s still worth a visit if you’re hungry and want to try different things. The prices are on average higher than in the restaurants in the different parts of the city.
14. LxFactory (LX Factory)
From the market you can take streetcar 15 to the LxFactory, a cultural center. The LxFactory is a former industrial area where artists, hip restaurants and cafés have settled. In the old factory halls you will find many interesting stores.
You should definitely take a look at the Ler Devagar library. It is located in an old printing house, where the impressive printing machines are still standing. The other small galleries are also interesting. If you continue to stroll through the alleys, you will discover a lot of graffiti.
Tip: Save stress and money with the Lisboa Card
Click here to get the Lisboa Card – for 24, 48 or 72 hours *Popular*
In addition to numerous cafés, there is also a dance school and a multi-purpose hall where concerts and other events take place. Keep your eyes open for the program.
Book a street art tour online in advance:
➜ Lisbon: Street Art Tour *Popular*
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15. Underground Village – Lisbon attractions
Right next to the LxFactory is the Underground Village, a kind of co-working space with a café. It’s not really a “village”, but a small place with containers and buses stacked on top of each other.
Still, it’s worth a quick visit, as the place can be described as street art in itself. The containers are colorfully painted and the café is located in a double-decker bus placed on top of a container. A very interesting place as we find.
Unfortunately there is no direct access from the LxFactory and you have to walk once completely around the outside of the site. The Underground Village is located on the site of the Lisbon streetcar depot, of the Companhia Carris de Ferro de Lisboa. You have to walk past the gatehouse to get there.
If you have time and feel like it, you can also check out the Museu da Carris, the Tram Museum, right on the premises.
Book street art tour online in advance:
➜ Lisbon: Street Art Tour *Popular*
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16. The suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril
If you want a particularly beautiful view over the Tagus River, you should go over the Ponte 25 de Abril, one of the top Lisbon sights. The third largest suspension bridge in the world was inaugurated in 1966.
Ten years later, it was renamed the “Bridge of April 25” – a tribute to the Carnation Revolution that overthrew Portugal’s dictatorial regime on that day.
The bridge is a full 90 meters high and over 2 kilometers long. With its red paint, it is reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
A tip: If you drive out of town over the suspension bridge, you don’t pay a toll. Alternatively, you can take a boat under the bridge and experience the sheer size of this structure from a frog’s perspective.
Book a boat tour along the Tagus in advance online:
➜ Lisbon: day/sunset/night sailing tour + drink *Popular*
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17. Insider-Tip: Pilar 7 (P7) Bridge Experience – Lisbon attractions
Since 2017 there is the P7 Bridge Experience of the suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril. Here you can take an elevator in the bridge pier up to a viewing platform. You are then directly at the level of the cars heading towards Almada.
The platform has a glass floor, so it’s not for people who are afraid of heights. We found it exciting that during the experience you also see the real steel cable construction with which the bridge is attached.
Otherwise, we didn’t find the whole thing that interesting, even the platform at the top didn’t quite convince us. You’re too close to the bridge and don’t really have a good view of the bridge itself.
Conclusion: Too bad about the entrance fee if you don’t have a Lisboa Card.
Tip: A great view of the bridge is offered a few meters further and is free. You can walk along the N6 road at P7 to the pedestrian bridge and admire the bridge directly from the water. You can find the place here.
P7 Bridge is free with the Lisboa Card:
➜ Book Lisboa Card online in advance: Lisboa Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours *recommendation*
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18. Pasteis de Belém – The best Pasteis de Nata?
Pasteis de Belém is an institution in Belém. Here you can find the best Pastel de Belém of Lisbon, maybe even of Portugal. Pasteis are a Portuguese specialty. They are little tarts made of puff pastry, filled with cream pudding and they are simply delicious! Best still sprinkle with powdered sugar – delicious.
Of course, the place is now very touristy and despite the 400 seats, you’ll probably have to wait in line. But you can also just order some of the dessert tarts to go and just eat them later. Because on site it is very loud and hectic due to the large crowds.
Book the culinary tour online in advance:
➜ Tour: Culinary tour with food and wine *Popular*
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19. Hieronymuskloster, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – Lisbon attractions
In the Belém district stands probably the most impressive testimony to late Gothic architecture in Portugal. The Jerónimos Monastery, also known as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, was built at the beginning of the 16th century with revenues from the flourishing maritime trade. It survived the 1755 earthquake largely unscathed.
The 300-meter-long monastery, where numerous Portuguese kings are buried, impresses with its richly decorated facade and ornate mosaics. The ornate cloister inside is definitely worth seeing.
Ornaments and seafaring motifs in the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos recall Portugal’s heyday as a trading power. So it’s no surprise that you can also visit the tomb of the Portuguese seafarer Vasco da Gama in the Jerónimos Monastery. He discovered the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope to India in 1498.
Jerome Monastery is free with the Lisboa Card:
➜ Book Lisboa Card online in advance: Lisboa Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours *recommendation*
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20. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
On the banks of the Tagus River stands the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a massive monument commemorating the Age of Discoveries by sailors, writers, explorers, and astronomers.
An elevator takes you to an observation deck (you’ll have to climb the last few meters on foot) with a great view of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and a panoramic view of Belém and the Tagus River.
Note: The last admission is at 17:30 sharp.
Tip: Save stress and money with the Lisboa Card
Click here to get the Lisboa Card – for 24, 48 or 72 hours *Popular*
21. Torre de Belém – Lisbon attractions
One of the most important sights of Lisbon is the Torre de Belém. The tower is located in the eponymous district at the mouth of the Tagus River and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Built in 1515, the tower originally served as a lighthouse. In addition, enemy ships could be targeted from there in times of war.
Miraculously, Torre de Belém survived the earthquake of 1755, while its twin tower on the other side of the river was destroyed.
The gardens in front of the tower invite you to take a stroll, and from the 35-meter-high observation deck you can look far out over the sea.
Besides, inside the tower you will find the first representation of a rhinoceros made by a European artist.
Note: A visit is only possible until 5 pm. By the way, this is the case with many Lisbon sights.
Book your ticket for Torre de Belém online in advance:
➜ Lisbon: Tickets for Torre de Belém
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22. Relaxing at the beach – Praia da Torre & Costa da Caparica
Although Lisbon is popular with culture lovers, you will find beautiful sandy beaches for swimming in the surrounding area.
You can easily reach the Estoril coast by public transport. The beach of Praia da Torre is picturesquely located at the foot of the fort São Julião da Barra. Here you can enjoy a fine sandy beach and a warm seawater pool for swimming.
Less than half an hour away is the seaside resort of Costa da Caparica. In addition to golden beaches, you’ll find a promenade with restaurants and trendy bars.
If you’re looking for a pristine beach and have a rental car available, you can head to the south side of the Setubal Peninsula. The beaches have fine sand, crystal clear water and picturesque mountains in the background.
23. Cascais – Lisbons suburb
You can spend a whole day in Cascais. By train you can reach the town from Lisbon Central Station in 30-40 minutes. The train leaves every 20 minutes. With the Lisboa Card you can take the train for free.
Once in Cascais you have several options:
Relax at the beach
Cascais is a nice little town with some small beaches to relax. You have the choice to try one or all of them. Popular are Ribeira Beach Cascais, Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa.
Visit Cascais Sights
From the main train station in Cascais, you can take bus 427 and see all the sights in Cascais. One ride costs just one euro. So you can comfortably make a round trip and get on and off wherever you want.
One stop worth seeing is Boca do Inferno, a rock formation directly on the cliffs in front of Cascais. At high tide, the water rushes up several meters. A great natural spectacle.
You can also visit two lighthouses, the Guia Lighthouse. It is located a few stops before the Boca do Inferno. And the Santa Marta Lighthouse. This one comes after the cliffs.
Finally, you can see the old fortress Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais. However, the fortress has been turned into a modern hotel. So you can only visit the less spectacular fortress walls. However, from there you have a great view over the marina.
Stroll through the village
In Cascais there are many nice restaurants and small alleys. By chance we came across the café Galeria House of Wonders, which we would like to recommend.
The restaurant offers vegetarian food and homemade juices. The things are really delicious! And from the cozy roof terrace you have a beautiful view of the town.
Book excursion to Cascais online in advance:
➜ From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Day Tour *Popular*
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Day 3 – Take a day trip to Sintra
For Sintra you should definitely plan a half to full day, depending on how much you want to see on site. We spent a full day at the most popular attractions and didn’t get to see everything.
Located 25 kilometers from Lisbon, you can comfortably reach the city by train – and again, for free with the Lisboa Card. The town attracted vacationers in earlier times with its mild climate and picturesque pine-covered hills.
For its small area, the city on the hills of the Serra de Sintra has a surprising number of sights to offer. The best way to explore everything here is by bus 434, a TukTuk or an Uber.
We opted for the comfortable option with an Uber and even got away cheaper than with the combined bus ticket, which is offered locally.
Travel to Sintra with the Lisboa Card and save money:
➜ Book Lisboa Card online in advance: for 24, 48 or 72 hours *recommendation*
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24. Palácio Nacional da Pena – Lisbon attractions
For many, the colorful Palácio Nacional da Pena is one of the highlights of their visit to Sintra. No wonder, it is picturesquely located and surrounded by a large park that invites you to linger. However, its great popularity has one drawback – the rush of visitors is enormous. It is one of the top attractions here.
That’s what prompted us to get there as early as 08:45. So before the official opening time at 09:30. And of course a few others had the same idea. Nevertheless we were able to keep the waiting time in the ticket queue low.
You can also buy a skip-the-line ticket, but you still have to queue at the entrance, which is much faster. You only get around the queue to buy tickets.
Visit the Palace da Pena from the inside
Our recommendation if you want to visit the palace from the inside: Do it first when you go inside. It will be crowded outside, but at least you can avoid it a bit.
Inside, you push your way through the rooms with huge tour groups, it’s stuffy, noisy and cramped. We did not enjoy it at all. Really a pity that there is no better regulation here. Because the rooms of the palace are really beautiful and a lot of furniture is still original.
If you need some rest after the tour, we recommend a walk through the beautiful park that surrounds the palace. Here you will be partly alone and can enjoy the tranquility.
Book tickets online in advance:
➜ Ticket without queuing: Ticket with priority admission *Popular*
25. Castelo dos Mouros – Lisbon attractions
Within walking distance from the Pena Palace you will reach the Castelo dos Mouros. As the name suggests, the castle was originally founded by the Moors in the 8th or 9th century.
After it was reconquered by the Portuguese, it became increasingly dilapidated. From the ruins of the castle you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Tagus estuary.
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26. Sintra Old Town
From Castelo dos Mouros you can walk to the old town of Sintra in about twenty minutes. The other way around is quite strenuous, but downhill is no problem.
Before you reach the narrow streets of the old town, you can already have a look at the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. And you will pass a drinking water source where you can fill up your water supply.
The old town is small but invites you to stroll through the winding alleys. Here, too, it is correspondingly bustling, but we liked it anyway.
27. Palácio Nacional de Sintra – Lisbon attractions
One of the most important sights is the Gothic National Palace Palácio Nacional with its two prominent chimneys.
Its present form was created in the 15th and 16th centuries and its interior, clad in azulejos, must be well worth seeing.
We unfortunately didn’t manage to marvel at it from the inside, as we only had one day to spend in Sintra. If you have visited it, please leave us a comment how you liked it.
Book Palácio Nacional de Sintra ticket online in advance:
➜ Ticket without queuing: Ticket with priority admission *Popular*
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28. Quinta da Regaleira – Lisbon attractions
The estate impresses with its park and palace in Gothic style. It was built only at the beginning of the 20th century and was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini.
On the premises there is also a popular photo spot, the Inverted Tower or Initiation Fountain.
29. Park und Palácio de Monserrate
One of our personal highlights is the Palácio de Monserrate. Because it’s a bit off the beaten path, it’s not nearly as busy as the Pena Palace. And the architecture is simply beautiful, as is the park surrounding it.
The palace, or rather the palatial villa, combines Gothic, Indian and also Moorish elements. Inside, it is decorated all over with the finest ornaments. We felt like in a fairy tale of 1001 nights.
Unfortunately, Caro had a pretty bad cold and since we visited the Monserrate Palace last, she was already pretty knackered. Therefore we limited ourselves to the palace, for the park we have to come back again.
Sintra ticket book online in advance:
➜ Sintra: ticket with priority admission *Popular*
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30. Cabo da Roca – Lisbon attractions
From the Portuguese capital you can take a day trip to Cabo da Roca. This is the westernmost point of Europe. After that, there is only Atlantic Ocean until North America.
The coast around the cape with its steep cliffs is really dreamlike. However, here is quite a lot going on. We had no other time, so we were there at rush hour in the afternoon.
If you can arrange it, try to be there before ten o’clock or after six o’clock. Then most of the tour buses are still on the road or on the road again. Because Cabo da Roca is one of the most popular sights.
Book excursion to Cabo da Roca online in advance:
➜ From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Day Tour *Popular*
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Lisbon Attractions, Restaurants and Hotels:
More information about the Portuguese capital
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is located in the mouth of the Tagus River on the Iberian Atlantic coast. Founded by the Phoenicians, the city was first ruled by the Romans and then by the Moors in the early Middle Ages. In the 12th century it fell again under Christian rule.
After the devastating earthquake of 1755, there was an economic decline. Today it is the largest city in Portugal and the political, cultural and economic center of the country. Almost half of Portugal’s gross domestic product is generated there.
Several universities and European Union agencies are based in the capital. Culturally, Lisbon is especially significant thanks to its traditional fado music, which has been a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site since 2011.
Lisboa Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours – is it worth it?
We had bought the Lisboa Card for 72 hours in advance online and exchanged the email voucher for the card on site – pretty easy. The card was definitely worth it. Because you get free entry almost everywhere, some discounts (e.g. in Sintra) and you can travel for free on public transport (also to Sintra and Cascais).
The big plus is that many museums and attractions are free with the card. With the Lisboa Card you don’t have to stand in front of a ticket machine to buy a ticket and the entrance at the ticket office is much faster, because you only have to show your card.
The Lisboa Card is valid from the moment of the first use. The date and time of the 1st use must be entered. From then on the time runs. I.e. you can pick it up at the airport or in the city on the day of arrival and use it for the first time the next day. Pretty convenient.
The only thing that was a bit annoying: Almost nowhere is there a line just for the Lisboa Card. You always have to wait in line with people who don’t have a ticket yet. There is rarely a quick entry. Nevertheless, the card is worth it from our point of view!
Lisboa Card book in advance online:
➜ Lisboa Card: Lisboa Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours *Popular*
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Restaurant tips
After all the beautiful sights you are tired and hungry and thirsty. So the question always arises, where is the best place to eat? The city by the sea has excellent fish dishes and seafood, but also international cuisine. Here is our selection of restaurants that you should try.
Book your culinary tour online in advance:
➜ Tour: Culinary tour with food and wine *Popular*
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- Cantinho do Aziz – good african cuisine
- O Corvo – mega delicious daily specials and great terrace!
- Cervejaria Ramiro – long-standing traditional fish restaurant
- Restaurant Kanazawa – delicious Sushi
- Campo de Ourique – the best petiscos, the portuguese answer to tapas, you get here
- Pastéis de Belém – typical Portuguese dessert. Here the puff pastry tarts filled with custard are offered
- Esperanca da Se – good Italian Restaurant
- Time Out Market – here you get everything you want
- Boutique Taberna – pretty awesome bar
- Cantinho do Avillez – From one of the best chefs in Portugal
- Sinal Vermelho – portuguese and vegetarian
- Restaurante 1º De Maio – delicious portuguese
- Tágide Wine & Tapas Bar – Wine and tapas
- Casa do Alentejo – great atmosphere
- By the Wine – unusual bar – the wall is full of empty wine bottles
Somewhere you should also take the opportunity to try a glass of ginjinha – it’s a must do.
Book culinary tour online in advance:
➜ Tour: Culinary tour with food and wine *Popular*
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Best time to travel Lisbon
The most popular time to travel to Lisbon is between May and October. During this time there is little chance of rain. Although the temperatures are quite high, especially in July and August, the wind from the Atlantic Ocean provides cooling.
In addition, midsummer is a good time for a beach vacation, as the water off the coast has warmed up by then. In winter, more rain falls, but the temperatures are mild with an average of 8 to 15°C.
Means of transport
Exploring the city by car or camper is no fun. The streets are crowded and sometimes extremely narrow and steep. The city has a number of public transportation options that will take you anywhere you want to go.
The streetcar is not only reliable, but also passes the most beautiful Lisbon sights in the city center. If you like to hear information about the attractions on the way, a sightseeing bus with an audio guide is the way to go.
If, on the other hand, you’re in a hurry, take the metro, which is considered one of the best and cleanest in all of Europe. For places further away, like the airport, you can take public buses, cabs or Uber.
Our mode of transportation of choice was often a mix of walking, using the metro, and taking an Uber back home.
Book sightseeing bus ticket online in advance:
➜ Sightseeing of Lisbon: Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour *recommendation*
➜ Sightseeing of Lisbon: 3-in-1 Hop-On/Hop-Off tour by bus & streetcar.
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Annual festivals in Lisbon
There are not only Lisbon sights to marvel at, but also plenty of festivals to celebrate. The highlight of the festive calendar is the feast of St. Anthony from June 12 to 13, which is celebrated with a solemn procession. June is the month of popular saints.
Throughout the month there are street festivals with dances and music. One custom is to barbecue sardines on all street corners – a reminder of St. Anthony, who, according to legend, supplied a hungry village with fish.
The Feast of St. Anthony is also a popular time to get married. If you’re Sé Cathedral on June 12, you can see a mass wedding with up to 15 couples.
Staying in Lisbon
We stayed in this cozy Airbnb apartment. The apartment is modernly furnished, very clean and located right in the center, in the Mouraria neighborhood.
We have never experienced such good communication with the owners at an Airbnb. Margarida just took care of everything and they gave us countless tips for Lisbon, which we pass on to you here in the article.
Lisbon hotels & accommodations:
➜ Our top recommendation: Sonniges Apartment im Zentrum
➜ Guesthouse: Flores 105 Guesthouse
➜ Guesthouse: The Sky Lofts Lisbon – Guesthouse
➜ Top Hostel: Lisbon Sé Dreams
➜ Ferienwohnung: Biti’s Nest
➜ Top Apartment: Casa do Arco LX Factory
Lisbon Travel Guide:
- Becker, Kathleen (Author)
- Nöldeke, Renate (Author)
Lisbon Activities & Tour Tips:
➜ Lisboa Card: Lisboa Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours *recommendation*
➜ Sintra & Cascais: Day tour to Sintra and Cascais *recommendation*
➜ Guided City Tour: Guided City Tour of Lisbon *recommendation*
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Looking for more Portugal travel tips and inspiration? Here you will find everything about Portugal. Also check out our road trip article from Lisbon to Porto.
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