If you are trying to figure out the best way to spend 3 days in Lisbon, you are in the right spot.
Our family spent 10 days in Lisbon during our 5-week trip to Portugal, the summer of 2022.
Lingering allowed us to wander through Lisbon's neighborhoods, take day trips from Lisbon, and hit up lots of sites.
I am excited to share with you the places we found ourselves going back to and the experiences that made our time in Lisbon so special.
Traveling to Lisbon with kids?
We traveled to Lisbon with our two kids, ages 7 and 9. Because of that, you won't find many museums or churches on our list of favorite things to do in Lisbon. And yet, I left feeling like we truly experienced Lisbon.
I am excited to share with you the best things to do during your 3 days in Lisbon.
How Many Days in Lisbon?
Trying to decide how many days in Lisbon is the right amount? That all depends on how much time you have.
Our family spent 10 days in Lisbon during our 5-week family holiday in Portugal. But the whole point of such a long trip was to linger. Plus, when we travel with kids, we try to avoid hopping around too much.
In my opinion, if you have about 10 days in Portugal, 3 days in Lisbon is a great starting point. However, depending on where else you are traveling and how much time you have, you can add or subtract from there.
3 Days in Lisbon: Itinerary
I'm sharing with you a 3 days in Lisbon Itinerary. But I will also show you how to flex to 2 days in Lisbon, 4 days in Lisbon, 5 days in Lisbon, and even a quick 24 hours in Lisbon.
Feel free to plug and play any of the activities mentioned. These things to do in Lisbon don't have to be enjoyed in this order. Though I have put them together in a way that flows.
The good news is this. You can pack a lot into just 3 days in Lisbon. Yay!
Within the 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary, I link to details of each of my favorite activities below where I share the 20 Things To Do in Lisbon.
Day 1: Lisbon
Explore Castelo de Sao Jorge (our favorite landmark to visit in Lisbon)
Castelo de Sao Jorge sits at the top of Alfalma.
When you leave Castelo de Sao Jorge, you can easily meander down the narrow and windy streets of Alfalma.
Head over to the Time Out Market to grab lunch.
It should take you about 30 minutes to walk from Castelo de Sao Jorge to the Time Out Market, though plan on some extra time for stopping to soak it all in.
Hop on a Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon and enjoy the views of the city
Just outside the Time Out Market are loads of TukTuks. After lunch, walk outside, find a driver that speaks your language, take the opportunity to rest your legs while you explore the city in the back of a tuktuk.
Engage with your tuktuk driver! They can share lots of fun facts about Lisbon.
Day 2: Lisbon
Take a Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
Choose 1-2 sights to see, my recommendations would be Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace
This will take much of your day, but you will still have your evening to enjoy Lisbon
Day 3: Lisbon
Take a walking food tour of Lisbon
We loved the Taste of Lisboa's Lisbon Roots, Food and Cultural Walk
You'll get the chance to eat typical Lisbon food, drink typical Portuguese wine, and enjoy the delicious Pastel de Nata.
This will take your full morning but well worth it.
Intentionally climb lots of steps in Lisbon
The steep hills and endless stairs are part of the charm of Lisbon.
If you haven't already climbed steep steps in Lisbon, wander around Lisbon and be sure to go out of your way to climb lots of steps on your final day.
2 days in Lisbon Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon
Castelo de Sao Jorge sits at the top of Alfalma.
When you leave Castelo de Sao Jorge, you can easily meander down the narrow and windy streets of Alfalma.
Head over to the Time Out Market to grab lunch.
It should take you about 30 minutes to walk from Castelo de Sao Jorge to the Time Out Market, though plan on some extra time for stopping to soak it all in.
Hop on a Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon and enjoy the views of the city
Just outside the Time Out Market are loads of TukTuks. After lunch, walk outside, find a driver that speaks your language, take the opportunity to rest your legs while you explore the city in the back of a tuktuk.
Engage with your tuktuk driver! They can share lots of fun facts about Lisbon.
Day 2: Lisbon
Take a Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
Yes, Sintra is worth a day trip, even if you only have 2 days in Lisbon
Choose 1-2 sights to see, my recommendations would be Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace
This will take much of your day, but you will still have your evening to enjoy Lisbon
4 days in Lisbon Itinerary
Lots to do in Belem depending on your interests
We loved the Joronimos Monastery, Monument of Discoveries, never made it to the Belem Tower, but it was on our list.
5 days in Lisbon Itinerary
3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary, 4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary, plus
Actually, I would make time for this even if I had just 3 days in Lisbon or 4 days in Lisbon.
Slow down a bit
Enjoy a Leisurely Breakfast in Lisbon (or brunch in Lisbon)
If you haven't already, be sure to take time to slow down and enjoy a proper breakfast/brunch in Lisbon.
Check out the Best Breakfast in Lisbon for recommendations
If you travel with kids, be sure to find the little strip of beach in front of Praca do Comercio, grab a bottle of wine, and just enjoy some slow moments
24 Hours in Lisbon
Lisbon makes a great long layover. Getting to and from the airport is rather easy. And you can pack a lot into 24 hours in Lisbon and get the essence of the city.
Castelo de Sao Jorge sits at the top of Alfalma.
When you leave Castelo de Sao Jorge, you can easily meander down the narrow and windy streets of Alfalma.
Head over to the Time Out Market to grab lunch.
It should take you about 30 minutes to walk from Castelo de Sao Jorge to the Time Out Market, though plan on some extra time for stopping to soak it all in.
Hop on a Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon and enjoy the views of the city
Just outside the Time Out Market are loads of TukTuks. After lunch, walk outside, find a driver that speaks your language, take the opportunity to rest your legs while you explore the city in the back of a tuktuk.
Engage with your tuktuk driver! They can share lots of fun facts about Lisbon.
20 Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
1 - Explore Castelo de Sao Jorge
Castelo de Sao Jorge was our favorite landmark in Lisbon.
Wandering through Castelo de Sao Jorge is super special. You can climb the towers. Walk the allure. Peer through loopholes.
Plus, the view from Castelo de Sao Jorge is the best in the city, IMO.
When you enter the Castelo de Sao Jorge grounds, you will walk into a large cobblestone plaza. The story goes that nobles would mingle in this plaza.
You'll find sprawling views, looking down on the city from almost all angles. You will find vendors selling snacks and wine. And cafe style tables and chairs, offering the opportunity to rest your feet and enjoy the views.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the resident peacocks! There were tons of baby peacocks wandering around when we visited.
The castle is very cool, the whole experience is even cooler.
NOTE - There is often a line to get tickets. But you can skip the line and buy your tickets online.
BONUS - If you are traveling with kids, be sure to grab my free EXPLORE: Portugal! Scavenger Hunt for Kids which includes my Castelo de Sao Jorge Scavenger Hunt!
2 - Wander Through Alfalma
Alfalma is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood. In fact, it was the original city of Lisbon.
The Alfalma district is a maze of narrow, cobbled, windy streets on a steep hill. And just like so many other things in Portugal, it is super special. You can't help but grin as you walk through.
If you view Alfalma from afar, you will see it is a big hill within Lisbon. Castelo de Sao Jorge is at the top of Alfalma.
My recommendation is to visit Castelo de Sao Jorge, and then wander downhill through the narrow streets of Alfalma until you reach the Tagus River.
3 - Take a Walking Food Tour
We took the Taste of Lisboa Walking Food Tour. And it was so much more than a food tour. It offered a real look into the culture of Lisbon.
We chose the Lisbon Roots, Food, and Cultural Walk.
The tour is led by a local. It began in a local's neighborhood (Campo de Ourique), which we never would have ventured to if it weren't for the food tour.
The food and the wine were great. But the stories from our guide, her connection to the community, and the conversation with the other travelers taking the tour made it a truly wonderful way to spend our morning.
Plus, the tour ended with the best pastel de nata we had on our entire 5 weeks in Portugal. I am still dreaming about it.
Whether you are a foodie or not, I would highly recommend taking a Taste of Lisboa walking tour when in Lisbon.
4 - Learn to Make Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is the most loved and popular Portuguese pastry. And for good reason.
Pastel de Nata are warm, custard tarts with a crispy pastry cup. They are a Portuguese delicacy. And they are so, so good.
What's even more special than enjoying Pastel de Nata while in Portugal? Learning to make Pastel de Nata!
The Lisbon Time Out Market offers Pastel de Nata cooking classes!
The cooking classes are held right in the Lisbon Time Out Market. They are hands on, and you will cook and enjoy your own Pastel de Nata.
The best part? When you head home from your travels you can cook your own Pastel de Nata and share a special piece of Portugal with your family and friends.
5 - Watch Sunset and Drink Wine at the Beach
Grab yourself a bottle of wine and head to the little strip of beach in front of Praca do Comercio.
It is a lovely spot to watch the sun set over the Tagus River. In fact, we ended many evenings here, per the kids request.
It is hard to find good playgrounds in Lisbon. One day, we landed here to let the kids play a little.
My husband grabbed a bottle of wine from a local vendor. The kids played in the sand. They ended up in their underwear, jumping in the waves. The adults sat on the ledge, drank vinho verde, and had adult conversation.
The kids begged to come back every day after that. And we did.
If you travel with kids, you know moments like these are bliss.
6 - Hop on a TukTuk Tour
Lisbon is SO very hilly. Which makes it a little challenging to wander to all the popular tourist spots. Especially in the summer when it is hot. Even more so if you have kids in tow.
Taking a TukTuk tour is a fun way to see the highlights of Lisbon, hear a little history, and check out the amazing views of the city. And do this all rather quickly.
You can easily see many of the churches, buildings, and lookout points in an hour or so. Which leaves you more time for special experiences like visiting Castelo de Sao Jorge, taking a food and culture tour or a pastel de nata cooking class.
We actually took a tuktuk tour twice. We had two great, and different experiences.
You will find TukTuks all over. But your best bet for finding a TukTuk is to look in touristy plazas.
Be sure you driver speaks a language you understand to make it the best experience possible.
7 - Enjoy the Views of Lisbon
Lisbon is a city on a hill. So, naturally, there are loads of great lookout points in Lisbon.
My recommendation? Hop on a tuktuk tour and ask for some good views.
As you wander around Lisbon, however, you will likely find yourself near some of the below lookout points.
Best Lookout Points in Lisbon
Castelo de Sao Jorge (map link) - my favorite
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara (map link) - comes alive at night!
Miradouro das Portas do Sol (map link)
Miradouro de Santa Luzia (map link)
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (map link)
Cristo Rei (map link) - view from the other side of the Tagus River
8 - Catch a Football Match
Catching a football match is always on our list.
Lisbon has two primary football teams, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
Both Benfica and Sporting's stadiums are about 20 minutes from the center of Lisbon, and just 2 km from each other.
Going to a local football match is one of our favorite ways to hang with the locals. And it's always a great time.
Head to the Official Sporting Portugal and Official Benfica websites for schedule and to buy tickets.
9 - Take a Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon (and visit Quinta da Regaleira)
Sintra is a charming Portuguese town situated in the hills of the Serra de Sintra Mountains.
Sintra is a very worthwhile day trip from Lisbon. In fact, even if you only have 2 days in Lisbon, I would spend one of those days taking a Sintra Day Trip.
This town in the mountains is full of beautiful and whimsical palaces and castles. So much to see.
Sintra's history is long, dating back to the 5 BC. It is full of lots of conquering, as most of history goes. However, in more recent history, Sintra became the summer destination for Portuguese royalty, aristocrats, and millionaires.
Sintra is an easy 50-minute train ride from Lisbon's Rossio train station.
I'd suggest choosing two sites in Sintra for your day trip. Get your day started early and visit one attraction in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you are super ambitious, of course, you could squeeze more in.
Popular Sintra Day Trip Attractions
Save yourself time standing in ticket lines and purchase your tickets ahead of time online (links in list above).
Keep reading for my notes on Quinta de Regaleria.
BONUS - If you are traveling with kids, be sure to grab my free EXPLORE: Portugal! Scavenger Hunt for Kids which includes my Sintra Scavenger Hunt!
Quinta da Regaleria
Quinta da Regaleria is a neo-gothic mansion. But the real attraction is the gardens with its secret passages, wells, and towers. And it is magical.
Quinta da Regaleira is a must visit. Especially if you are traveling with kids.
Spend a few hours getting lost in the gardens. Seriously.
Within the gardens be sure to find
Initiation Well
Tunnels
Waterfall (within the maze of tunnels)
Chapel
Gate of the Guardians
Tower of Regaleira
Grottos, sculptures, fountains
Our kids rated Sintra (and our visit to Quinta da Regaleria) as their favorite day trip from Lisbon AND of our entire 5-week trip to Portugal.
10 - Take a Day Trip to Cascais
Cascais is a popular beach resort town frequented by Lisbon locals (and tourists) during the summer.
We were told by many locals that, if taking a day trip to the beach from Lisbon, Cascais is the beach town to hit up.
There is plenty to do in Cascais. I found this article by Globe Guide super helpful when planning our day to Cascais.
However, the day we went to Cascais, the kids were anxious to have a true beach day. So, we found a beach close to the train station (Praia da Ribeira de Cascais), rented some seats, and set up shop for the day.
The kids played on a water obstacle course conveniently set up at our beach and built sandcastles. We had food from the beach club (convenient). And had a wonderful beach day.
The beach was busy, but it was also an extremely hot week in July.
If I were going to Cascais again, or without kids, I would have loved to bike along the coast or check out the hikes Back Packer shares in his article. Next time!
11 - Ride the Funicular
Potentially unpopular opinion. Skip the cable car/tram ride around town.
The cable cars are packed. And you often have to wait in long lines for the opportunity to cram into a full tram, with standing room only.
If you happen upon an empty tram, by all means, hop on and enjoy the nostalgic experience. Lisbon Guru's Lisbon's Trams, Funiculars and Lift: Where They Go, Which One to Ride is a great reference.
Do take a ride on the funicular though!
They can also be packed. But it's a short ride. And it is a fun experience.
Try to position yourself at the front of the tram for best viewing.
Funiculars in Lisbon
Ascensor da Bica (map link)
Lisbon's most picturesque funicular
Take the funicular when coming from Cais do Sodre (close to the river and a couple blocks from the Time Out Market)
Funicular takes you to the Bairro Alto and Bica neighborhood
Ascensor da Gloria (map link)
Busiest funicular, especially on weekends
From Praca dos Restauradores (big plaza at start of Avenue de Liberdade) to Bairro Alto
Ascensor do Lavra (map link)
Least touristy funicular
Take funicular when coming from Avenue de Liberdade to Jardim do Torel
Offers great views of Baxia
12 - Climb Lots of Steps in Lisbon
Lisbon is a city on a hill. You can't leave Lisbon without climbing what feels like a stairway to heaven. Quite literally.
You won't have to go out of your way to climb lots of steps in Lisbon. But resist the urge to get a cab or bus or tram every time.
Climbing the hills, or stairs, in Lisbon is part of the fun.
The above picture (map link) is when we were walking from Riverfront Chaido (Cais do Sodre) to Bairro Alto. Near Ascensor da Bica.
12 - Look for Azulejos Everywhere
Azulejos (colorful Portuguese tiles) are everywhere in Portugal. And Lisbon is no exception.
The story goes that a long time ago, a Portuguese King traveled to Spain where he found colorful tiles. He loved them so much he brought thousands back to decorate his palaces.
Portuguese people wanted them too so Portuguese artists started making them for people.
You will find azulejos everywhere. Azulejos cover the outside of buildings and homes. They decorate the walls inside many churches, train stations, and municipal buildings. You will even find azulejos in relatively mundane places like on a random set of stairs inside a building.
Azulejos are a very iconic part of Portugal indeed.
14 - Visit Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara at Night
A lively plaza in Bairro Alto that really comes alive at night.
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara (map link) has food and drink vendors, music, people and beautiful views of Lisbon.
If you are in the area, be sure to meander through and slow down enough for a drink or a bite to eat.
15 - Explore Belem
Belem is a district in Lisbon, about 3 miles to the west of Lisbon's city center. Belem sits on the Tagus River, just before it opens to the Atlantic Ocean.
We spent an afternoon in Belem which was the perfect amount of time IMO.
Quick itinerary of our afternoon in Belem.
Tram to Belem - Belem is easily accessible by tram. We took the tram n 15 which runs along the Tagus River. Note, this is a modern tram, not one of the old wooden ones.
Walked through the park - There are a few parks to walk through when you get off the tram, kids loved the opportunity to run around a bit
Lunch next to the Monastery - We stopped and had lunch La Follia de Belem, a delicious pizza place right next to Joronimos Monastery.
Joronimos Monastery - Next we visited Joronimos Monastery. You can spend about an hour wandering through the beautiful church and cloisters. BONUS - Be sure to grab my free Lisbon Scavenger Hunt which includes things for the kids to find in the monastery
Monument of Discoveries - Finally, we walked over to the Monument of Discoveries. We viewed it just from the outside, but the kids really enjoyed the big marble map of the world on the pavement showing lands discovered by Portuguese explorers.
If we had more time - The kids were tired by this point, so we headed back to our Air BnB for some rest time. But if we had a bit more energy, I would have loved to climb the Belem Tower.
What To Do In Belem
Joronimos Monastery (map link)
Church and monastery that stretches for over 300 yards along the Belem waterfront. Built as a "thank you" by King Manuel for the discoveries made by early Portuguese explorers.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The cloisters and the church are both stunning, and worth a walk through, IMO
Note - Be sure to skip the ticket line and buy tickets online
Monument of Discoveries (map link)
In 1960, the city of Lisbon honored the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator by rebuilding this giant monument, which had originally been constructed for the 1940 world's fair.
For us, the highlight was the marble map of the world in the pavement, just in front of the Monument of Discoveries. Map shows lands discovered by Portuguese explorers
You can also pay to go inside the monument, take an elevator to the very top for views of the monastery, bridge, river and, and Cristo Rei.
Belem Tower (map link)
The Belem Tower once protected Lisbon's harbor. It now celebrates the voyages made from Lisbon.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
You can pay to go inside the monument, take an elevator to the very top for a view of the bridge, river and, and Cristo Rei.
National Coach Museum (map link)
The story goes that in 1905, the queen of Portugal realized that cars would soon replace horse-drawn carriages as a form of transportation. She decided then to preserve her collection of royal coaches. This collection i s now on display in the National Coach Museum.
Maritime Museum (map link)
Museum of historic ships and navigational tools
Fills the west wing of the Joronimos Monastery
BONUS - If you are traveling with kids, be sure to grab my free EXPLORE: Portugal! Scavenger Hunt for Kids which includes my Joronimos Monastery Scavenger Hunt!
16 - Enjoy a Leisurely Breakfast in Lisbon
Our favorite part of the day. Breakfast in Lisbon. Seriously.
During our 5 weeks in Portugal, we were intentional about starting the day in a relaxed, go-with-the-flow way. A must do when traveling with kids. Especially for such a long period.
This turned into a leisurely breakfast nearly every day. I'm not sure how we got here, but I think it was mostly because the breakfast spots in Portugal were spot on.
Sharing our favorite spots for breakfast in Lisbon, because nothing says vacation like a leisurely breakfast. Plus, you must fuel yourself for the day.
Best Brunches in Lisbon
Dear Breakfast (map links - Chiado, Alfalma, Bica)
17 - Eat at Time Out Market
The Time Out Market in Lisbon is home to 26 restaurants, 8 bars, 12 shops, and some of Lisbon's best known market vendors (meat, fish, fruit, flowers).
One place to go, many of Lisbon's most loved vendors to experience.
Fun fact: The concept of the Time Out Market was created from scratch in Lisbon in 2014. There are now 7 Time Out Markets around the world, and 2 more Time Out Markets on deck to open in the next couple years.
I have to be honest (as I always am). At first, I was overwhelmed by the Time Out Market. There were people everywhere. It was hard to walk around. It felt super touristy.
We were in Lisbon for 10 days, however. By the end of the trip, I was encouraging the kids to come back here for lunch or dinner.
Why do I recommend eating at the Time Out Market?
The food is really good. Like, all of it.
If you travel with kids, you know there is real beauty in everyone being able to find food that thy want. All in one spot.
No reservations needed, so you can eat whenever you want. A big win when sightseeing all day. Or when kids are suddenly hangry.
There was sometimes a live DJ which offered a fun vibe.
What made me fall in love with the Time Out Market the most? Some smaller, more personal moments. Keep reading.
My son, a very selective eater, tried sushi for the first time at the Time Out Market, and loved it. Thank you Confraria for the mango sushi. He continues to be disappointed with every other sushi place we eat at since no one else has mango sushi.
One night, we were passing by the Time Out Market, the kids begged for gelato. We turned into the market, and as I waited in line for gelato, they made some friends. And played games with them of the next half hour. While I talked with the adults. I love any scenario that allows for connection with others. And a market full of travelers is a great place for that indeed.
Cooking Workshops at Time Out Market
I also LOVE the cooking workshops they offer. Especially the Patel de Nata workshop.
Be sure to check out their calendar of workshops during your time there.
18 - Take Ferry to Cristo Rei
Cristo Rei is a huge 330-foot monument of Christ overlooking the city of Lisbon.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed our visit to Cristo Rei.
At face value, visiting Cristo Rei offers amazing views of Lisbon from the other side of the Tagus River. Enjoy the view from the balcony or take the elevator to the top of the statue.
However, visiting Cristo Rei also served as a reprieve.
There is something spiritual about stepping away from the hustle bustle of the city. And looking down on day-to-day life from afar. With a nice breeze and beautiful views.
Views of the man-made city. And all the cooperation that goes into coexisting with so many others. Views of natural beauty, of the Tagus River and the hilly terrain that Lisbon is built on.
Certainly, there are religious ways to appreciate Cristo Rei. Daily services include Mass and Confession. You can check the Cristo Rei website for the schedule.
Getting To Cristo Rei From Lisbon
Take The Ferry - We took the ferry from Cais Do Sodre Station to Cacilhas. Go ahead and order an Uber as soon as you get there. We waited a long time for the 101 Cristo Rei bus and/or a cab to show up. Eventually we ordered an Uber and regretted being so patient. Perhaps it was just the day we were there.
Taxi - It can be expensive to catch a cab from Lisbon to Cristo Rei due to bridge tolls. Plus, taking the ferry is party of the experience.
Car - If you have a car, either for a day trip from Lisbon, or on your way to your next destination, you could easily swing by Cristo Rei. It makes most sense to do this on your way to/from the Algarve or Evora.
Cristo Rei History
Cristo Rei was initially inspired by a similar monument in Brazil.
The funding and approval for Cristo Rei came at a time when much of the world was at war.
The monument took on greater meaning when the Portuguese Bishops announced that their approval of Cristo Rei came as a form of gratitude from the Catholic Church to the Portuguese people. For living in peace when so much of the world was at war.
It also served as a request from them to restore social faith in the face of much atheism.
19 - Wander into Churches and Old Buildings
There are many beautiful churches in Lisbon. We wandered into a few of them as walked past. I just can't tell you which ones were which.
A compromise when you travel with kids. Less museums. Less tours. Less time appreciating churches and buildings. And yet, I left Lisbon feeling like I knew the city.
If you are into architecture and art, you will likely want to be much more intentional about viewing the churches in Lisbon.
However, if you are short on time and hoping to get the essence of Lisbon, I think you will find that wandering into the churches and buildings you happen to pass by will give you just that.
Best way to view a bunch of beautiful churches, buildings, and look out points in Lisbon is to hop on a tuk tuk tour.
20 - Cheers with Vinho Verde Wine
Vinho Verde, the Portuguese wine you want to drink all summer long.
You will find it all over Portugal. And you should drink it all over Portugal.
Vinho Verde is light, refreshing, and we never had a bad Vinho Verde.
Best Restaurants in Lisbon (Our Favorites!)
We were in Lisbon for 10 days, so we ate at a lot of restaurants in Lisbon. This mama doesn't cook on vacation.
Just another amazing thing about Portugal (to add to your list of Amazing Things About Portugal)? Food prices in Portugal are very reasonable. Which made it doable to eat out two to three meals per day during our entire 5 weeks in Portugal.
Typically, we ate a big breakfast and big dinner, and had something small during the day to hold us over.
I mentioned before, breakfast is our favorite meal of the day. There is something that says VACATION about having a leisurely breakfast.
There are lots of great breakfast spots in Lisbon, but these were the ones we found ourselves going back to.
Best Breakfast in Lisbon
Dear Breakfast (map links - Chiado, Alfalma, Bica)
Best Restaurants in Lisbon
We also ate at a lot of great dinner spots in Lisbon. They are not Michelin star restaurants. They are just really great food.
A Little Travel Tip. When traveling to a new city, we like to make a list of restaurants that are recommended (by blogs, word of mouth, friends, other travelers). Once we have an idea of where in the city we will be during dinner, we can reference our list of restaurants rather than scrambling to find a place with good reviews.
Be sure to these restaurants to your list.
Neighborhood: Bairro Alto (map link)
Legit, really yummy pizza
Neighborhood: Cais do Sodre (map link)
Really great Indian food
We ate here three times during our 10 days in Lisbon, the kids favorite restaurant in Lisbon
Neighborhood: Bairro Alto (map link)
Traditional Portuguese tapas and wine
Owner (little old man) served us which added to the charm
Neighborhood: Cais do Sodre (map link)
Asian restaurant, with traditional Thai, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Japanese, Malaysian cuisine
Great food, we sat outside and watched the tram go by, kids played soccer across the street with local kids while we waited for food
Best Playgrounds in Lisbon
If you are traveling with kids, you know that playgrounds are lifesavers for both parents and kids alike.
Playgrounds around the world are really a window into local life. Kids play with other kids. Somehow communicating, even without sharing a language. Parents sit back and experience a small glimpse into what life must be like for a local. Sitting where local parents sit. Finding time in the day to slow down and let the kids be kids.
Throughout Lisbon, we mostly saw playground for toddlers. Lisbon does not have a ton of playgrounds for older kids. We did find a couple good playgrounds though.
Our favorite playgrounds in Lisbon (listed in favorite order by the kids)
Jardim da Estrela (map link)
Great park for older kids, lots of locals
Bonus: cafe in the park where adults can have a drink while the kids play, perfection
Jardim Teofilo Braga (map link)
Great playground
Next to a local market
Jardim do Torel (map link)
Neighborhood:
Be sure to bring swim suits on a hot day, there is a public pool/splash area
What You Need to Know When Visiting Lisbon
Portuguese Sayings
This will save you a few days of trying to figure out common Portuguese sayings and pleasantries.
To hear how the word is pronounced in Portuguese, click on the (pronunciation) link and find the megaphone icon.
Hello - Ola (pronunciation)
Bye - Tchau (pronunciation)
Depending on where in Portugal you are and/or who you are speaking with, you may also hear people say adeus (pronunciation) which, I was told by a local, is a more formal/permanent goodbye, like you won't ever see the person again
Good morning - Bom Día (pronunciation)
Good evening - Boa Noite (pronunciation)
Please - Por Favor (pronunciation)
Thank You - Obrigada/o (pronunciation)
If you are a female, you say obrigada, no matter who you are talking to
If you are a male, you say obrigado, no matter who you are talking to
Thank you very much - Muito obrigada/o (pronunciation)
You're Welcome - De Nata (pronunciation)
Sorry - Desculpe (pronunciation)
Excuse Me - Licenca (pronunciation)
One, Two, Three - Um, Dois, Tres (pronunciation)
Check - Cheque (pronunciation)
Getting Around Lisbon
Walkable
Lisbon is quite hilly, but walkable for sure. In fact, walking the steep hills and endless stairs of Lisbon is such a special part of the experience.
We walked much of the time during our 10 days in Lisbon. But the heat + hills + kids combo had us splurging on cab rides quite regularly as well.
Taxi/Uber
If you are going from one part of Lisbon to the other, or your legs are just done for the day, taxis and Ubers are cheap and accessible.
Taxis seemed to be out and about and were quite easy to flag down.
Ubers are easy to order and great for when you are not near a main street.
Metro
We used the metro a few times during our time in Lisbon. However, it was reserved for our day trips to Sintra, Cascais, and Belem.
There is a pretty extensive metro system in Lisbon, however. And trams are also an option.
I found this website helpful for information on the Lisbon Metro.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
We stayed in both Cais do Sodre and Bairro Alto during our 10 days in Lisbon. Unfortunately, due to last minute itinerary changes, we stayed in a total of FOUR Airbnb's. Phew.
All that to say, I am excited to share our experiences and our favorite neighborhood to stay in Lisbon.
Cais do Sodre/Chiado - Our Favorite
IMO, Cais do Sodre and Chiado are where you want to stay in Lisbon.
We stayed in three Airbnb's in Cais do Sodre during our 11 nights in Lisbon. Each in different parts of Cais do Sodre. And we enjoyed all of them.
Cais do Sodre is at the bottom of the hill(s) in Lisbon, by the Tagus River. It is rather easy to connect to any neighborhood in Lisbon from Cais do Sodre. With a walk along the (flat!) streets a couple blocks in from the Tagus River, you can ascend from here to all major neighborhoods in Lisbon (Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baxia, Alfalma) or hop on a tram to Belem.
Cais do Sodre, on the west side, ascending up to Chiado, feels like Lisbon's uptown. Put together and trendy.
IMO, Cais do Sodre doesn't get enough credit. It is clearly going through many changes. Seemingly positive in our experience. We stayed here with kids and never felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
There is good energy in Cais do Sodre. There are, indeed, sections of Cais do Sodre that are party centric, like Pink Street. But most of Cais do Sodre quiets down enough at night that you don't feel like you are in the middle of a frat party (like in Bairro Alto).
Depending on where you stay in Cais do Sodre, you may have beautiful views of Cristo Rei, the Tagus River, or even the 25 de Abril bridge.
Bairro Alto - For Nightlife
We stayed in Bairro Alto for 4 nights of our 11 nights in Lisbon.
We really enjoyed Bairro Alto as a home base during the day.
Bairro Alto is a great jumping off point for exploring Lisbon. You can easily connect to much of Lisbon from Bairro alto (Baxia, Chiado, Cais do Sodre). Bairro Alto has some great viewpoints (like Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara). We ate at a few great restaurants in Bairro Alto.
However, Bairro Alto at nighttime is like a frat party. And it goes all night long.
If you are hoping to party in Lisbon, Bairro Alto is a great fit for you. Otherwise, choose another neighborhood.
Baxia - Central
Baxia is central to much of the sightseeing in Lisbon.
Main plazas, trolly's passing by, shops, street musicians. The whole thing.
Lisbon's main train station (Rossio) is in Baxia. If you are in Lisbon for a short period of time, the convenience of easy access to the train station is a major bonus.
Alfalma - Charming
Alfalma is charming and romantic, with its narrow alleys and small plazas. Fado music playing. Tons of history.
Alfalma is a great place to stay for the ambiance. However, it is a bit harder to get in and out of than the other neighborhoods of Lisbon. Though certainly not a deal breaker, just something to consider.
So, I leave you with this.
If you are planning a trip to Portugal, Lisbon is (obviously) a must. Lisbon is full of character, plenty to see and do, and has great day trips.
A wonderful 10 days in Portugal could look like 3 days in Porto, 4 days in Lisbon (including day trips to Sintra and Obidos), and 3 days in Lagos.
But if you are lucky enough to linger in Lisbon like we did, a week in Lisbon is not too long.
If you have been to Lisbon, tell us, what were your favorite things to do? Comment below!
Welcome! We are the Ramirez family. Just your average family, based in Nashville, with a love of culture, togetherness, and making memories. Oh, and international travel.
We are here to document our family travel adventures. To share our stories and our travel experiences. And, perhaps inspire others, who find joy the same way we do, to take the trips. I don't think you will regret it.
Thank you for checking out our blog. Please reach out to say hello and share your stories!
Cheers,
Katie (mom), Roberto (dad), Roberto (2013), and Veronica (2015)
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