Lisbon
Getting There
Lisbon is the main airport used when traveling into Portugal and is not far from the city center. If traveling from within Portugal or Spain, the city can be access by train or car as well.
Getting Around
Lisbon is a beautiful city, and many parts of it are walkable. Keep in mind the city is quite hilly and therefore may deter you from walking everywhere. Many of the main areas in Lisbon are close together, but one commonly visited area, Belem, is further away. Belem is most easily accessed by tram if traveling from the city center.
Accommodations
Since many of the attractions in Lisbon are within the same area, location is key. Try to stay in Baixa District, as it is centrally located and one of the liveliest neighborhood in Lisbon.
Fontecruz Lisboa
Marriott hotel which is part of the Autograph collection located north of Baixa District. It is not the most centrally located spot, but provides a nice hotel within reasonable distance of the main areas in Lisbon.
Things to do and see
Baixa District
Rossio Square
Central plaza of Lisbon
Praco do Comercio
The grandest of Lisbon’s plazas located right on the water and you can see the 25th of April Bridge as well as the monument called Christ the King across the water
Arco da Rua Augusta
Arc by Praco do Comercio
Elevador de Santa Justa
Elevator used to reach higher ground and avoid climbing the hills on foot
Carmo Convent
This is a museum, but inside you can see the remains of a church where the roof fell in during an earthquake. This can easily be done in a quick visit and is a unique attraction to see.
Alfama District
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Lisbon castle
Se Cathedral
Oldest church in the city
Saint Luzia
Beautiful viewpoint which can be accessed on foot if you are okay with a climb, or otherwise leverage the trams to reach the viewpoint.
Belem District
This is West Lisbon and is a hike if you choose to walk. Instead, take tram #15 and pick it up at Praca da Figuiera as this is the first stop so the tram is not too busy yet. Then take it until Mosteiro dos Jeronimos or another stop nearby.
Torre de Belem
Portuguese fort located on the water
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Monastery
Padrao dos Descobrimentos
Monument along the water
Day trip to Sintra
Sintra is a cute town located outside of Lisbon which makes for an easy day trip. Plan to spend 5-7 hours in the town depending on how many of the spots you decide to check out. Keep in mind the town is definitely a tourist destination so may get busy and filled with other travelers.
Catch the train at the Lisbon Rossio Train Station. Depending on the day and time of year will affect how many trains run per day. In late November, trains ran every hour. The train takes 40 minutes and take it until the last stop, Sintra. Once you get off the train and leave the area, go right and find the tourist information point. Here you can buy tickets for the sights you want to see to avoid lines later. The attendant can also point you to the bus you will want to take.
Catch the bus, #434, outside the tourist office (DO NOT try to walk up to the Pena Palace) and take it up to the Pena National Palace. This colors on this palace are unique and feel like a castle out of a fairytale. The views over the water and country are great up here. Plan for about 1-2 hours visiting the palace.
Then walk down to the Castelo dos Mouros and walk along the wall for views of both the Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra.
Catch the 434 bus down and get off at the National Palace of Sintra stop.
Then if you continue down the road, you can check out the Quinta da Regaleira, which is just another interesting spot in the town.
Food and Drink Recommendations
Barrio Alto is a great area to find a bite to eat. It is also a big going-out area so you’ll find a lot of the bars and clubs around here. The nightlife is Lisbon is similar to Barcelona and does not stop until the early hours of the morning.
Ha Piteu
Delicious and affordable Portuguese meal. You will need reservations to dine here and it is cash only.
A Gina
Authentic Portuguese food
11 Tapas
Tapas restaurant in Barrio Alto
Casa Pasteis de Belem
Original home of the cake
Other Notes
Duration
Visiting Lisbon can be done in a weekend. If looking to keep it a relaxed trip or do additional day-trips, some extra time can be added, but the city itself does not require more than about a day and a half.
Weather
The weather stays nice throughout the typically colder months. In November there was sunshine and temperatures around mid-60s.
Cost
Overall, Lisbon is a reasonably affordable city. When out for meals, be aware that in Portugal it is traditional for restaurants to bring out various appetizers for you (bread, cheese, sometimes even more). These are not free and if you choose to indulge, will be added to your bill.
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks