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Find the perfect itinerary for you
Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods appeal to every type of traveler, from the solo adventurer seeking culture and connection to families looking for fun and educational experiences. The following sections outline three distinct 3-day itineraries tailored to solo travelers, families, and history buffs. Whether you are here for the vibrant nightlife, kid-friendly museums, or deep historical dives, these plans utilize the Hop-on Hop-off network to ensure you see the best of Lisbon effortlessly.
For solo travelers
For families
For history buffs
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Pois Café in Alfama, a relaxed, book-filled cafe perfect for solo diners. Try their scrambled eggs and homemade lemonade to kick off your day.
Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle)
A Moorish castle sitting on the highest hilltop, offering 360-degree views of the city and the river. This is the cradle of Lisbon’s history.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Castelo S. Jorge
- City Sightseeing: Martim Moniz (requires walk/tram connection)
Highlights:
- Walk the medieval ramparts for the best panoramic photos of Lisbon’s red rooftops.
- Visit the Camera Obscura in the Tower of Ulysses for a unique real-time view of the city.
- Explore the archaeological site displaying ruins from the 7th century BC.
Pro tip: Arrive right at 9am to explore the ramparts in peace before the large groups arrive. The morning light over the Tagus is also unbeatable.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk or short bus ride down the hill.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Head to Taberna da Rua das Flores in Chiado. It’s a bustling and cash-only restaurant, but the small plates are perfect for one, and the communal vibe is welcoming.
Baixa & Chiado Districts
The heart of downtown Lisbon, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, features grand plazas, historic cafes, and elegant shopping streets.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Praça da Figueira
- City Sightseeing: Praça da Figueira / Rossio
Highlights:
- Ride the Santa Justa Lift for a stunning view over the Baixa grid.
- Stroll through the grand Praça do Comércio, facing the river.
- Browse the oldest bookstore in the world, Bertrand, located in Chiado.
Pro tip: Don’t wait in the long line for the Santa Justa Lift. Use the secret access path behind the Carmo Convent to reach the top viewing platform for free.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk or bus to Bairro Alto.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
A landscaped terrace in Bairro Alto offering one of the most iconic views across the city to the castle. This is a popular meeting point for locals.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Príncipe Real
- City Sightseeing: Restauradores (requires funicular or a walk to the top)
Highlights:
- Enjoy the sunset painting the castle on the opposite hill in golden light.
- Relax at the kiosk cafe with a drink and watch the city transition to night.
- Explore the nearby Príncipe Real garden and its giant cedar tree.
Pro tip: Take the Glória Funicular up from Restauradores to save your energy and arrive right at the viewpoint.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Stick around in the area for dinner.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dine at Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) near Cais do Sodré. It’s ideal for solo travelers with countless high-quality food stalls. Try the steak sandwich or fresh seafood.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Indulge at Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of the famous custard tart. Pair a warm tart (or two) with a galão (milky coffee).
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic symbol of the Age of Discoveries, this fortified tower sits right on the water's edge.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém
- City Sightseeing: Belém Tower
Highlights:
- Admire the intricate Manueline architecture, featuring rope motifs and exotic animals.
- Visit the dungeons that were once used as a prison.
- Stand on the bastion terrace for a close-up view of the Tagus estuary.
Pro tip: Buy a combination ticket that includes the Jerónimos Monastery to skip the separate ticket queue there later.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk along the river.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Eat at Pão Pão Queijo Queijo in Belém for some of the best and most generous baguette sandwiches in the city. You’ll have a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch experience.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
A striking modern building with a wave-like form that allows visitors to walk over its roof. It focuses on the intersection of contemporary life and technology.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: MAAT
- City Sightseeing: MAAT / Electricity Museum
Highlights:
- Walk across the undulating roof for a unique perspective of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
- Explore the renovated Central Tejo power station next door (Electricity Museum).
- Enjoy the riverside promenade, which connects Belém to the city center.
Pro tip: Even if you don't enter the exhibitions, the rooftop walk is free and offers one of the best architectural photo ops in Lisbon.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride to Alcântara.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
LX Factory
An industrial complex turned creative hub, filled with funky shops, street art, restaurants, and a unique bookstore.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Alcântara / LX Factory
- City Sightseeing: Alcântara
Highlights:
- Visit Ler Devagar, a stunning bookstore with a flying bicycle sculpture and printing press.
- Hunt for street art murals hidden in the alleyways of the complex.
- Shop for unique Portuguese Cork products and handmade crafts.
Pro tip: Head to the rooftop bar at Rio Maravilha within the complex for a sunset cocktail with a direct view of the bridge statue.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Stay for dinner.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Eat at Cantina in LX Factory, served in a rustic, industrial refectory setting. Their wood-fired dishes are excellent.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Neighborhood Coffee near Parque das Nações for excellent specialty coffee and avocado toast.
Oceanário de Lisboa
One of the world’s largest and most impressive aquariums, featuring a massive central tank that simulates the global ocean.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário
- City Sightseeing: Oceanário
Highlights:
- Marvel at the central tank housing sharks, rays, and sunfish all swimming together.
- See the adorable sea otters in the Pacific habitat.
- Walk through the tropical rainforest recreation on the upper level.
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the long queue, especially on weekends.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at D'Bacalhau on the waterfront, known for serving codfish in over a dozen different ways.
Parque das Nações (Park of Nations)
The futuristic district built for Expo '98 features modern architecture, cable cars, and open waterfront promenades.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Gare do Oriente
- City Sightseeing: Parque das Nações
Highlights:
- Ride the Telecabine Lisboa (cable car) for aerial views of the Vasco da Gama bridge.
- Admire the Gare do Oriente station, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
- See the Vasco da Gama Tower, the tallest building in Lisbon.
Pro tip: Walk towards the Vasco da Gama Bridge; the boardwalk underneath it is peaceful and offers an immense sense of scale.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride back to the center.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
National Tile Museum (Museu do Azulejo)
Housed in a former convent, this museum is dedicated to the art of azulejos (tiles), a defining feature of Portuguese culture.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Museu do Azulejo
- City Sightseeing: Museu do Azulejo
Highlights:
- See the 23-meter-long panoramic tile panel depicting Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake.
- Explore the ornate golden church inside the convent.
- Learn the evolution of tile styles from the 15th century to modern days.
Pro tip: Visit the museum café located in the winter garden for a quiet break.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Finish your trip at Casa do Alentejo in downtown. The Moorish courtyard interior is breathtaking, and the food is hearty and traditional.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: SeaTheFuture at the Oceanarium offers a kid-friendly menu and a relaxed atmosphere to start the day.
Oceanário de Lisboa
A magical underwater world that captivates children. It is spacious, stroller-friendly, and visually stunning.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário
- City Sightseeing: Oceanário
Highlights:
- Spot the Nemo (clownfish) and Dory (tang) in the tropical tanks.
- Watch penguins dive and swim in the Antarctic section.
- The Forests Underwater exhibit by Takashi Amano, which feels like a fairy tale.
Pro tip: Check the feeding schedule upon arrival. Watching the otters or penguins being fed is a highlight for kids.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Capricciosa in Parque das Nações is a great family choice. It's a pizza spot right on the water with plenty of space.
Pavilion of Knowledge (Pavilhão do Conhecimento)
An interactive science museum designed specifically for children, with hands-on exhibits that encourage touching and playing.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário
- City Sightseeing: Oceanário
Highlights:
- Visit the Unfinished House area, where kids can build with giant foam blocks.
- Explore the T. rex exhibit or the current temporary interactive displays.
- Get on the high-wire bicycle that lets you safely pedal across a rope.
Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes for the kids as the water play area outside is irresistible on warm days.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Telecabine Lisboa (Cable Car)
A gondola lift that runs along the riverfront of the Park of Nations, offering a bird’s eye view of the Expo site.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário or Vasco da Gama Tower
- City Sightseeing: Parque das Nações
Highlights:
- Hop on the exciting aerial ride that isn't too high, making it safe but thrilling for children.
- Great views of the 17km-long Vasco da Gama Bridge.
- Spot the different flags of the world near the majestic Altice Arena.
Pro tip: Buy a one-way ticket and walk back along the waterfront promenade to burn off any remaining energy.
Suggested time to spend: 45 minutes
Time to next stop: Stay in the area for dinner.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Stay in Parque das Nações and eat at Honest Greens for healthy, kid-friendly options.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Pão Pão Queijo Queijo in Belém is fast and easy. Grab sandwiches here and head to the park.
Belém Tower Gardens (Jardim da Torre de Belém)
The wide-open green spaces around the tower are perfect for families to relax while admiring the history.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém
- City Sightseeing: Belém Tower
Highlights:
- Let kids run free on the large grassy lawns facing the river.
- See the amphibious Hippotrip buses entering the water nearby.
- Pose for photo ops with the tower without needing to manage the narrow stairs inside.
Pro tip: The line to go inside the tower is often unmanageable with small kids. The view from the outside, however, is often more enjoyable and stress-free.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Nosolo Italia in Belém offers familiar pasta and pizza dishes right by the water, with quick service for hungry families.
National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches)
Home to one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world, which look like real-life Cinderella coaches.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém / Museu dos Coches
- City Sightseeing: Belém
Highlights:
- Spot the Oceans Coach, an extravagant baroque carriage used by the Pope.
- Interactive screens explain how the carriages were built and used.
- The modern building provides plenty of space for strollers to maneuver.
Pro tip: The new building houses the main collection, but your ticket usually includes the old riding arena across the street. Don't miss it!
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Electricity Museum (MAAT Central Tejo)
Housed in an old red-brick power station, this museum shows old machinery in a way that fascinates curious young minds.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: MAAT
- City Sightseeing: MAAT
Highlights:
- Look for the massive boilers and furnaces that look like something from a steampunk movie.
- Take part in interactive science games explaining electricity and renewable energy.
- Walk through the old coal conveyor belts.
Pro tip: It is often less crowded than other Belém museums, making it a great spot to chill in during the late afternoon.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Stay in Belém or return to the center.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Trobadores in Baixa is a medieval-themed tavern where staff dress in costume and serve mead (and juice). This could be a fun adventure for your kids.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Confeitaria Nacional at Praça da Figueira is a grand and historic restaurant, where your kids will love their display of cakes.
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico)
A historic zoo with a focus on conservation. It features a cable car that goes over the animal enclosures.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Sete Rios / Zoo
- City Sightseeing: Zoo
Highlights:
- Visit the Dolphin Bay presentation, which is both educational and entertaining.
- The cable car ride provides a unique aerial view of the lions and tigers.
- Check out the Enchanted Forest free-flying bird presentation.
Pro tip: Plan your visit around the Dolphin presentation times (usually between 11am and 3pm) as it's the main event here.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride back to the center.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Picnic inside the Zoo or eat at one of the Zoo's family-friendly restaurants like Papa-Formigas.
Boat Tour
A Hop-on Hop-off boat ride on the Tagus can be a fun way to spend your afternoon. It’s a bus on water, giving kids a sense of adventure without the walking.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Boat: Terreiro do Paço
Highlights:
- Spot the Christ the King statue from the water.
- Marvel at the massive 25 de Abril Bridge as you pass underneath it.
- Feel the river breeze and see the city’s hills from a distance.
Pro tip: Sit on the open deck for the best views, but bring a windbreaker even in summer as it gets breezy on the water.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Dock at Terreiro do Paço.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Tram 28 (or Hills Tramcar Tour)
Board the famous yellow wooden tram. While the public 28 is crowded, the Hills Tramcar is a tourist version included in some Hop-on Hop-off passes.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Hills Tramcar (starts at Praça do Comércio)
Highlights:
- Squeeze through the incredibly narrow streets of Alfama.
- Ride a vintage vehicle from the 1930s.
- Hear the bell ring as the tram navigates tight corners.
Pro tip: If you have the Yellow Bus pass, use their specific Hills Tramcar to avoid the massive queues of the public Tram 28.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 5-minute ride away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Hard Rock Cafe in Restauradores is a reliable classic for families with a fun atmosphere and memorabilia.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Confeitaria Nacional (est. 1829) is where you need to get your breakfast if you want to experience the 19th-century charm and traditional pastries in one of Lisbon's oldest patisseries.
Castelo de São Jorge & Nucleo Arqueológico
The citadel that has guarded Lisbon since the Iron Age. It reveals layers of history from the Phoenicians to the Romans and the Moors.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Castelo S. Jorge
- City Sightseeing: Martim Moniz (requires a walk)
Highlights:
- Explore the archaeological site, showing three distinct periods of residence.
- Visit the permanent exhibition, displaying artifacts found on the hill.
- Marvel at Ogival House, with its five Gothic arches.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the Nucleo Museologico inside the castle grounds; many tourists skip it, but it holds the key to understanding the site's layers.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk down to the Cathedral.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: São Jorge Restaurant, located near the castle, serves traditional Portuguese cuisine in a building with original masonry features.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) & Roman Theatre
The oldest church in the city (1147) was built on a mosque, and the nearby museum is dedicated to the Roman theater of Olisipo.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Sé / Alfama
- City Sightseeing: Praça da Figueira (Walk up)
Highlights:
- Admire the fortress-like facade of the Cathedral, designed to withstand sieges.
- Visit the cloisters, where excavations have revealed Roman streets and Islamic structures.
- The Museum of the Roman Theatre showcases columns and inscriptions from the era of Emperor Augustus.
Pro tip: The ticket to the Cathedral cloisters is worth it for the excavation view alone. You literally walk over history.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional)
A baroque masterpiece that took nearly 300 years to complete. It houses the tombs of Portugal’s presidents, writers, and Fado star Amália Rodrigues.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Panteão Nacional
- City Sightseeing: Stops nearby in Alfama
Highlights:
- The immense central dome, which you can climb for a unique view of the Alfama waterfront.
- Spot the cenotaphs of explorers like Vasco da Gama (his actual tomb is in Belém; this is a symbolic one).
- Marvel at the inlaid marble floor creates a stunning geometric pattern.
Pro tip: Visit on a Tuesday or Saturday to catch the Feira da Ladra (flea market) right behind the Pantheon for some living history.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Stay in Alfama.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Clube de Fado near the Cathedral is where you should head if you want some authentic Fado music while dining in a historic setting with ogival arches.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Pastéis de Belém, founded in 1837, is the best place to break your fast before setting off for the day.
Jerónimos Monastery
The pinnacle of Manueline architecture, funded by the wealth of the spice trade, the monastery is the final resting place of Vasco da Gama.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
- City Sightseeing: Jerónimos Monastery
Highlights:
- Explore the South Portal, a complex tapestry of stone carving featuring saints and kings.
- Marel at the two-story cloister, widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Pay your respects at the tomb of Vasco da Gama, supported by stone lions.
Pro tip: Visit the Church first (it's free!) to see the tombs, then queue for the Cloisters if you have the time. The line for the church moves faster.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: O Navegador is a restaurant filled with nautical memorabilia and history, serving classic Portuguese dishes popular with locals.
Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
A massive limestone monument shaped like a caravel ship, honoring the Portuguese explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- City Sightseeing: Belém
Highlights:
- Admire the statues of 33 historical figures, led by Henry the Navigator.
- Discover the compass rose map embedded in the pavement, showing the dates of Portuguese global exploration.
- The view from the top (elevator access) looks straight down at the map and over to the Monastery.
Pro tip: The best view of the monument itself is from the breakwater wall extending into the river. Walk out there for the full profile shot.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha)
Located in the west wing of the Jerónimos Monastery, this museum holds the history of Portugal’s domination of the seas.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém
- City Sightseeing: Belém
Highlights:
- Admire the Archangel Raphael, the wooden figurehead that accompanied Vasco da Gama to India.
- Explore real royal barges and cabins from 19th-century yachts.
- Browse through the large collection of astrolabes and navigational maps.
Pro tip: The Galeota Pavilion across the courtyard houses the actual royal barges. Do not miss exploring this annex.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Stay in Belém.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Enoteca de Belém is a sophisticated spot to discuss the day's history over excellent Portuguese wine and modern petiscos.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Tartine in Chiado has the best pastries for you to feast on before heading east.
National Tile Museum (Museu do Azulejo)
Essential for understanding Lisbon’s aesthetic, this museum traces the history of tile-making from the Moors to contemporary artists.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Museu do Azulejo
- City Sightseeing: Museu do Azulejo
Highlights:
- The Great View of Lisbon panel (23 meters long) shows the city before the 1755 destruction.
- Admire the exuberant Baroque church of Madre de Deus inside the museum, covered in gold and tiles.
- Don’t miss the hunting scene panels, which give insight into 17th-century noble life.
Pro tip: The museum is slightly off the main track. The Hop-on Hop-off bus is the most reliable way to get to the doorstep without a taxi.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Taberna Sal Grosso is a short walk from Santa Apolónia, offering historical recipes in a communal, tavern-like atmosphere. Reservations are essential, however.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
A world-class private collection spanning 5,000 years of art history, from Ancient Egypt to Lalique jewelry.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Praça de Espanha / Gulbenkian
- City Sightseeing: El Corte Inglés / Parque Eduardo VII
Highlights:
- Visit the Egyptian Room, with its rare alabaster bowls and statuettes.
- Admire the collection of René Lalique jewelry, considered to be the best in the world.
- Browse through paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet.
Pro tip: The gardens surrounding the museum are a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Take 20 minutes to walk the trails.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Aqueduto das Águas Livres
An 18th-century engineering marvel that survived the earthquake. Its stone arches tower over the Alcantara valley.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Amoreiras
- City Sightseeing: Amoreiras
Highlights:
- Walk across the top of the aqueduct for dizzying views (65 meters high).
- See the Mãe d'Água (Mother of Water) reservoir nearby.
- Discover and understand the scale of infrastructure needed to bring water to the city.
Pro tip: Access is often limited or specific, so check opening times before setting off for the day. Alternatively, view it from the bus as you pass Campolide.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Versailles is a historic cafe in Saldanha with chandeliers and mirrors, serving classic Portuguese steaks and cod.