Lisbon
Lisbon (Lisbola) Portugal Guide
What to do in 3 days in Lisbon, Portugal + Sintra
Getting There:
British Airways (aka BA) - you’ll wine and dine the whole way there (even in Economy) with full course meals, free booze and in-flight entertainment. Bonus a quick stop for a proper British breakfast in London!
TAP Airlines - The Portuguese airline with direct flights from a few U.S. cities
Eat & Drink:
Iberian Cheese, Wine and Port (and wine!) - so yummy and affordable! I ate (and drank) it with almost every meal!
Tapisco - Spanish style tapas by a well-known chef, Si Por Favor!
Foxtrot - a little hole in the wall cocktail bar (walking distance from dinner) must ring a bell to get in and then have the most epic drinks in a dive bar setting.
LX Factory - a big marketplace with casual and upscale dining and art + shopping.
Pastels de Belem - a Lisbon MUST (like Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans) an establishment since 1837, be prepared to stand in line for the infamous pastries but worth the wait!
Hotel Mundial rooftop bar - epic views of the city, a little overpriced drinks but worth it for the incredible birds eye views! Recommend going at sunset to see the skyline at day and night.
Taberna Moderna - a recommendation and reservations required, your table will have your name on it and everything is sharable (as is most everything in Portugal).
Sisudo - local place in the coast town, we stopped here on our Airbnb tour - $15 for amazing 4 course meal (includes carafe of wine and dessert).
Timeout Market - we didn’t eat here but was on many lists (and is in many cities) a great way to experience the local food scene in a big marketplace to grab and go.
Ramiro - a 3 level seafood restaurant that’s legendary (a la Anthony Bourdain) -- get a number and wait (with a pour your own beer vending machine in the outdoor waiting area). Get the crab legs and dip the break into the most delicious garlic butter you’ve ever had (from the Shrimp). Seems like a diner but feels more upscale. Another Lisbon staple and worth the wait (and hype).
Bairro do Avillez - three restaurants in one by a famous Portuguese chef, we had lunch there the last day before heading home but probably need reservations for dinner.
Do + See:
Architecture - soak in the sights of a relatively new European city that was rebuilt after fires and earthquakes nearly destroyed the city and surrounding areas. Be prepared to walk as it’s very hilly and called the “city of 7 hills”.
maat - museum of art and technology, we didn’t go in (other than to the gift shop) but the building itself is beautiful and you can go on to the roof for views of the water.
Shop - the Portuguese are known for pottery and tile, stop in Cerâmicas na Linha for an amazing selection of souvenirs to bring home.
LX Factory - more of a foodie destination, they had a popup art show when we were there (and some shops too) so check the schedule for other events.
Ride the Tram - the 28 line is the famous one that takes you through the city, board from Square Martim Moniz in Baixa (the city centre) where the route begins otherwise you’ll be lucky to squeeze in a spot. Another pro tip: go early/late (we took it to dinner one night). It’s 3 Euros and worth every penny for the experience.
Fado - this Opera like music is all over the Bairro Alto and Alfama districts and singers serenade you as you eat. There are some fancier spots that require reservations but we went to a more casual spot and had dessert and sat outside on the patio. So romantic and spiritual.
Day trip to Sintra - Do not plan a trip to Lisbon without including a full day in this magical area about 45 minutes northwest of town. There are several ways to get out there but you’ll need transport once in the area as everything is pretty spread out. The roads are VERY narrow so driving is not recommended. So the best way to experience the mountain town is by tour. We did an Airbnb experience and can’t recommend it enough. There are dozens to chose from but people raved about these guys (and for good reason). They’re locals, native to the area and are so fun and knowledgeable. Plus you’ll be cruising around in an old school topless Jeep. Unfortunately, it was raining the day we went so we were in a hardtop version. But, being in a 4-wheeling car they’ll take you off the beaten path (literally) and a Safari-like ride to the coast and westernmost point of Europe. There’s a touristy spot but he took us to a secret location only accessible by off-roading and it was worth the trip to Portugal alone for those views and secrets he shared along the way (including the Sisudo restaurant mentioned above). There are several castle-like mansions to pick from and you spend a few hours there so the tour we did was of one of the more classics the Quinta da Regaleira. It’s partly guided and then you have time to explore on your own. It’s small (6 max) so very intimate and you’ll even get a treat at the end. It includes pick up from Lisbon but you’ll take a train back (ticket not included but very affordable). Do this trip and you won’t regret it! Link: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/324178
Stay:
AirBnb - this is the only way to experience Lisbon in my opinion. So many gorgeous (and cheap!) spots it was hard to pick one but we ended up at the most perfect place with a pool to ourselves, breathtaking views, a huge balcony, kitchen and living room. The location couldn’t have been better (2 blocks from 2 metros) and right in the city center. There’s even a lift and bag storage (which we used on the last day so we could check out and still explore before catching our flight). There are several rooms to pick from (sort of like a micro-hotel) but ours was the biggest and best (did I mention it was only $85/night!).
Lisbon Map
Here’s everything we did (or wanted to do) mapped out so you can get a sense of where everything is!
