In this post I share 3 Days in Lisbon, follow my guide. This is the Lisbon that we’ve all dreamed about. I’m old enough to have visioned The Russian House film with Michelle Pfeiffer and Sean Connery a spy story set in Russia where both protagonists are finally free to meet each other in Lisbon. You’ve got this gorgeous view of Lisbon’s Alfama rooftops at the end of the movie. You can get that view and the Sè cathedral from the tram. Jump off the tram at Largo Das Portas do Sol to make the most of the panorama over the old town.
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Estrela
As the tram climbs higher to Estrela, located halfway up the hill between São Bento and Campo de Ourique, it’s home to a beautiful landmark, the domed BasÃlica da Estrela. Trail your way around the area to discover cafe rimmed squares and gentrified streets.
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Bairro Alto
Make way to Bairro alto at night time to enjoy the magical vibe of a night out in Lisbon with late-night bistros and hole in the wall bars serving Mojitos and Margaritas. In contrast, you want a conversation with your friends under the city’s starry night and the crowded streets.
Day two
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Marquês de Pombal & Saldanha
On the Northern side of the city. This is the modern area of Lisbon with some of the finest restaurants and designer boutiques. Plan to visit art galleries and enjoy the beautiful gardens of the contemporary art museum Centro de Arte Moderna.
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Parques Das Naçoes
This area of Lisbon was transformed for the 1998 Universal exhibition with Europe’s longest bridge, high rising buildings and progressive architecture.
Day Three
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Belem
You can spend an entire day just dedicated to Belèm. Travel back into Portugal’s age of discovery, the 15th and 16th century by navigating the streets of Belèm with grandiose nautical monuments, and boats gliding along the Tagus. First, plan to visit Santa Maria de Belèm, a medieval church built in the Gothic style between 1492 and 1528. The tombs of Vasco de Gama and Lagos Henriques are located at the back of the church. The main altar combines gilt marble and beautiful artwork. After the church visit, walk to the Northern bank of the Tagus River to Pradao fos Descombrimentos, a monument erected to celebrate Portugal’s 15th and 16th century most famous navigator’s and adventurers.
There is a lot to explore in Lisbon, and three days will not be enough, but it will give you a good grasp of what the city has to offer and hopefully help you plan another trip to Lisbon.
Share in the comments what is your favourite area of Lisbon.
Where to Eat and stay
I stayed at Hotel Brown Central it’s a boutique hotel on Rua Dos Sapateiros. It’s very central and the perfect location to walk to Alfama area and take the 28 tram. They also have a lovely bar where you can hang out and they will serve you welcome drinks. The room are big, functional, modern and beautifully decorated I loved the black and white photography on the walls.
For one of the best view over Lisbon have a light dinner a Lumi roof top bar in Bairro Alto, they serve tapas for one or to share, have a very stylish restaurant and outdoor area located on the 5th floor. Do not miss the beautiful view over Lisbon’s roof tops.