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NC500 Itinerary
17 September 2021
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I’ve just got home from an incredible 3 night / 2 day trip to Lisbon in Portugal and I can’t wait to share this no fuss Lisbon travel guide with you. This Lisbon travel itinerary provides everything you need to know to ensure your trip to Lisbon is fantástico! No matter how long you decide to go for, this Lisbon travel guide will give you a fantastic starting place to plan your own Lisbon itinerary. Before we get into the good stuff, why not subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow me on Instagram? Ok now you’ve done that, let’s start planning your Lisbon trip!
Flying to Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) is the most common way to reach Lisbon with flights from all over Europe, America, Canada, South America and Asia landing every hour. An alternative route is to consider is flying to either Porto (further North) or Faro (located in the Algarve). Lisbon can be reached by both of these cities with a relatively easy train ride and this would allow you to explore multiple cities on your Portugal trip.
There are multiple ways into the city centre depending on your budget and your urgency. You can easily grab a taxi from outside arrivals, expect to pay around 15-20 Euros and ensure the taxi meter is running. Some but not all taxis take credit/debit card so arrive with euros or use the ATM in the airport before jumping in the queue. The taxi queue can be longer in the busier summer months.
An Uber or Bolt may be cheaper than a taxi, however, you need to make your way up a level to departures to get picked up. You cannot get an Uber or Bolt from outside the arrivals area at Lisbon Airport.
The Lisbon Airport has a Metro (subway) station with a direct line to the city centre. The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line takes you to downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. The Metro network will allow you to move around the city at ease.
This option could save you a fortune if you’re in Lisbon for 72/96 hours. You can grab your hop-on / hop-off Lisbon ticket here!
In my opinion there are really only a few viable areas in Lisbon to consider when booking accommodation. With convenience and location in mind, these areas are Baixa, Alfama & Bairro Alto. If you stay within the area below you’ll be in a great location and can walk to most of the nearby sites and attractions no problem.
An incredible viewpoint giving sweeping views over the whole of Lisbon. Located in the northern part of Alfama, this is a must see location which you can pair with the other nearby attraction in Alfama to make a mini walking tour. Walking here does require some uphill roads and paths. A tuk-tuk or taxi to there may be worthwhile.
Just a 10 minute walk from the last viewpoint which offers an ideal cafe stop next to the beautiful ‘Igreja Paroquial da Graça’ which translates to ‘Church of Our Lady of Grace’ which is also worth popping in to check out (free entry).
This famous castle sites overlooking Lisbon and provides even more stunning views across the bay and city. To explore the grounds and castle itself requires an entry ticket. I would definitely book online via Get Your Guide to avoid the queues before you arrive. The grounds are really quaint with peacocks roaming around (one was quite aggressive so beware LOL). You can build all of these Alfama must sees into a mini walking tour, I will add a Google Map route further down if you can’t be bothered to do it yourself 😀
Entry costs 5 euros and will allow you to explore this historic church which happens to be the oldest in Lisbon. You can get an incredible photo from the road outside as the number 28 tram passes by, unfortunately I couldn’t be arsed to wait (totally forgot the trams run every 10 minutes). This is one of the last must see stops before you descend back towards Baixa.
It passes by most of the must see locations in Alfama and will allow you to see them at your own pace rather than having to queue on a cramped up tram. I’ve made a google map with some of the must see locations with a route (similar to the route I walked with my Dad on my recent Lisbon trip). You can actually grab a 72/96 hour hop-on / hop-off tram, bus and boat ticket which may save you some money and give you all the flexibility needed to get around Lisbon – buy it here.
This iconic Lisbon sqaure sits at the centre bottom of the Baixa district opposite the River Tagus and is home to the impressive Arco Da Rua Augusta and Estátua de D. José I. The Arco da Rua actually has a viewing platform is that’s something you’re intrested in. Either way, this must see square is essential as part of your Lisbon trip!
The giant Elevador de Santa Justa is Lisbon’s only public vertical lift. With an observation deck at the top, it gives a different view from Baixa looking up and around at the elevated parts of the city. The queue can be quite large in the summer months. It’s located just a 5-10 minute walk from Terreiro do Paco.
Located in the heart of Lisbon, this vibrant and colorful city square is the liveliest in Lisbon where people stop to sit and relax or drop in for a drink or food at many of the busy cafes. The square features two waterfalls and central monument.
Located one block away from Rossio Square, Praça da Figueira features a statue of King John I made from bronze. While you in Baixa it totally makes sense to stop by here and the nearby Rossio.
The ruined Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon’s most hauntingly beautiful sights. It was its greatest medieval building, but stands as a reminder of the devastating earthquake of 1755 that destroyed most of the city. Its roof collapsed on the congregation as it was attending Mass on that All saints’ Day, and was never rebuilt, but the Gothic arches still stand.
Yes this is a whole district but it’s hoem to art galleries, historic buildings and one of Lisbon’s busiest areas for nightlife. During the day this quaint part of town is worth a stroll to explore its narrow streets and boutique cafes, by night this place is packed with locals and travellers enjoying the countless bars.
Did you go to Lisbon without stopping at the time out market? Me thinks not! Also known as Mercado da Ribeira, the Time Out Market has the city’s best food & drink all under one roof. Choose from a number of incredibly tasty food stalls and enjoy on one of the many tables. This place is open from midday to midnight and is ideal to pass a couple of hours if it happens to rain. It’s located just around the corner from the famous ‘Pink Street’.
Rua Nova do Carvalho is the official name of Lisbon’s Pink Street and was once part of the red light district were sailors would come into the city to gamble, drink and get up to god knows what with a lady of the night. These days, the street is hip and has a load of awesome pubs and cocktail bars. The atmosphere at night is buzzing!
The most photographed funicular in Lisbon, due to the dramatic contrast between the steep route and the river in the background, this is one of the city’s greatest attractions. It connects Largo do Calhariz to Rua de São Paulo in a heady descent possible on foot but an ascent only suitable for the hardy.
One of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, another rainy day idea and highly rated. I didn’t visit here but I’ve heard some very good things. If you’re visiting Lisbon for a slightly longer time then this is a must do! While you’re down this part of Lisbon, you can jump on the ‘Telecabine De Lisboa’ the seafront cable car! Grab your ticket here!
Often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, this impressive suspension bridge was opened in 1966 and has become a landmark of the Portuguese capital city! You can get some great views of the bridge by walking or getting a bus along the seafront from Baixa or Cais Do Sodre.
A landmark medieval fortified tower on tiny river island with rooftop terrace offering estuary views.
These two towns are often visited as part of a day tip from Lisbon, a friend highly recommended hiring a scooter and driving to them (we didn’t get time) but I would have loved to! ‘With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its Unesco World Heritage–listed centre, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic’ – Lonely Planet. Cascais is a traditional Portuguese fishing town which has fastly become a must see destination with its cobbled historic streets, imposing fort and lively bars and restaurants. The beaches in and around Cascais are simply stunning, if you’re looking for a beach day, look no further! I would highly recommend this one day tour which will provide you with a guide, transport and all of the useful inside info!
Lisbon is packed with cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Try and avoid the tourist trap restaurants located in Baixa that have the typical ‘photo menus’ and overcharge just because of their location. Time Out Market is a great place to start with many delicious food options. A must try in Lisbon is the famous ‘pastel de nata’ which is basically a Portuguese Custard Tart – they are delicious and will last for a few days if you want to bring a box of 6 home for friends and family. Here are some of TripAdvisors highest rated places to eat in Lisbon…
Seventh Brunch Chiado, Augusto Lisboa & Brunch Cafe (we ate here 3 times so my Dad could get his fix of ‘English Breakfast’ – very cultured I know).
Il Mercato Pateo Bagatela, Restaurant Odaan & Rose Stupa Resturant.
Re’Tasco (very highly rated), Frade dos Mares & Tabernario do Bairro.
If you’re looking for a night out in any shape or form, head to Pink Street located a block in from the river or Bairro Alto which is packed full of bars, restaurants and clubs. You can see live bands, local jazz music, DJ’s and all pretty much anything that suits your taste.
From what I have been told by hotel staff, cafe staff and taxi drivers, Lisbon gets VERY VERY BUSY during the summer months. Therefore, it may be an idea to avoid the summer months where hotels will be cheaper, queues for attractions will be smaller and you may be able to enjoy yourself just that little bit more. On the other hand, the weather might not be so great!
If you want to do the famous Tram 28 (which costs 3 euros unless you have an unlimited metro card) then I would get there very very early or go late at night. This has to be one of the most popular things to do and queues can actually take hours. Trams come every 10 minutes but they are small so the queue will take quite a while (it took us about 1 hour during a Friday in March and we arrived to queue at 9am). The tram runs from 6am until about 10.30pm. Another option is to get a taxi or tuktuk to the last stop of tram 28 (Prazeres) and then catch the tram in the opposite direction.
There are many dodgey looking guys especially around Baixa and the main squares who are selling cocaine and weed so don’t be alarmed when you are approached. A friendly no thanks will do the trick unless of course you’re into that stuff. Be warned though, many of these sellers are reported to sell flour or bay leaves instead of the real thing.
To avoid / reduce queues, book tickets to attractions in advance especially during the summer months. It may be worth looking at purchasing a Lisboa Card which gives you free transport on the metros, trams & lifts plus free entrance into some of the cities attractions.
There is inevitably some walking involved in any city break, Lisbon is no different, however, if you book a hotel in Baixa or Alfama you can reduce your walking. You’ll still have to tackle a few hills in Alfama none the less so bring some trainers or comfy shoes.
Having some cash in Euros is handy for tipping and small stuff, everywhere generally takes credit / debit cards. If you bring a lot you might lose it or have it stolen. Some taxis take cash only.
Like all big cities, beware of pick pockets. I didn’t see or experience anything but I do keep my eyes peeled. Just don’t give them an opportunity, don’t leave your phone on the corner of a table when eating etc.
I hope this Lisbon Travel Guide will provide a great starting point for your 2023 Lisbon Trip! If you’ve enjoyed reading or get any value from it, please let me know via my YouTube channel or follow me on Instagram and let me know.
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide book writer. In 2022, I released 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller.
Hopefully you find some value in my videos & blogs, if there's something you want to ask me, fire away.
Don't forget to follow me on Youtube, Instagram & Facebook for the latest updates.
Don't forget to follow me on Youtube, Instagram & Facebook for the latest updates.
Rob, Staffordshire, UK
