A modern city, but full of historical moments with a lot to tell – this “Lisbonita” (beautiful Lisbon) will delight anyone, anytime. And for those who don’t have a lot of time, then, we present a quick 3-day itinerary suggestion in Lisbon.
We guarantee that it is not enough time to discover all the charms or even to enjoy the many activities available in this city. On the other hand, they will be enough for you to get to know some of the most famous points of the Portuguese capital and, with that, feel the appetite to plan a next visit, perhaps with more time, even.
Here the sun shines almost the entire year and the temperatures are very comfortable, so even the arrival of the coldest weather is no reason to put these plans aside. As if that was not enough to convince you, we can assure you that this is a safe city, night and day and that you can stroll at your leisure.
And how about the food? Quite varied. It is easy to find many typical Portuguese restaurants, but also many others with halal food from around the world, so you will easily find something that will suit your personal tastes, without even having to spend a fortune. After all, the way of living in Lisbon, and in Portugal in general, is quite accessible.
3-day itinerary in Lisbon
Lisbon is famous for its hospitality, affinity and the familiar way of welcoming each visitor. An authentic city, teeming with culture, action, innovation and a pleasure to get to know, even if it is little by little. 3 days in Lisbon is enough if you are willing to do so. Take note!
Day 1: Downtown and Liberty Avenue (Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade)
Starting any trip through the heart of a city is one of the best ways to truly find the pulse of the place where you are and, therefore, these 3 days in Lisbon start precisely Downtown.
This area concentrates on some of the best restaurants and accommodation places so you can also easily start your journey from here and head, for example, to Chiado.
This neighbourhood was frequented in the 19th and 20th centuries by great figures of the Portuguese arts and literature, such as Fernando Pessoa or Eça de Queiroz. However, a large fire in 1988 destroyed 18 buildings, damaging an area equivalent to almost eight soccer stadiums. After that, the zone took on a new life. And what a life! There, you will find theatres, museums, historic stores and major international fashion brands, incredible viewpoints, and churches – resulting in a mixture of a cosmopolitan and elegant atmosphere that brings together the places of each person who visits them.
Then you can go to Rossio, the most central region of Lisbon. Officially the name is Praça Dom Pedro IV and represents the nerve centre of the city of Lisbon and also one of the liveliest areas, full of events, culture and places to have a good time.
And then head towards Avenida da Liberdade, one of the main roads in Lisbon. It is surrounded by trees on both sides and at its feet we find the beautiful and unmistakable Portuguese sidewalk, which we walk around to find luxurious stores, hotels and commercial buildings along its entire length.
Day 2: Nations Park, Lisbon Oceanarium and Alfama (Parque das Nações, Oceanário de Lisboa anda Alfama)
Nations Park is a more modern area and was prepared to host Expo 98, an event that opened the city’s doors to the world. In addition to being an area that allows long walks by the river and therefore relaxing in a peaceful way, it is also there that the famous Lisbon Oceanarium is located. It is certain that children will love this part of the trip, but not only that. After all, how many times do we have the opportunity to visit one of the largest aquariums in Europe and see sharks, rays, penguins and even a moonfish so closely. The circuit is made in order to also give you to know more about the conservation of the oceans. Both are didactic as it is poetic.
In the afternoon, you can visit Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood: Alfama. It is a veritable maze of cobbled streets and alleys, which follow the city’s medieval layout. Although historically it was located outside the city walls and, as such, an area considered to be the home of the poor and desperate, today the scenario is different. But the past is taken lightly and the people who live there are very proud of it because they are aware of being in an area that helped build and boost Lisbon.
Alfama is nearby several tourist attractions, such as São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, tram number 28 – which makes one of the most beautiful routes in the city – and Portas do Sol viewpoint.
Day 3: Belém
The last and third day in the city is spent in another equally beautiful place and worthy of your visit. That is Belém, an incredible area to discover more about the history of Lisbon, and, consequently, the history of the country itself.
Portugal is a country of valiant navigators, who left Tejo River towards the unknown. With that, they found new nations, new regions and cultures whose features are very present in Portuguese society. Belém is the cradle of all this.
The Belém Tower is a medieval defensive point, in Manueline style, where the city was watched. The Monument to the Discoveries is a tribute to the remarkable man who pushed the Discoveries, Infante D. Henrique. When you’re there, lower your eyes and look at the floor. There you will find the four cardinal points, which stretches in front of the monument and serves as a reference to where we are and where we want to go. Just like a reminder that anything is possible.
While in Belém a visit to Jerónimos Monastery is mandatory. The Gothic style monument evokes the greatness of Portugal in the 16th century and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay?
In Lisbon, you will find several hotels and other accommodation units anywhere in the city and for all portfolios. But the highlight goes to the MeraPrime Gold Design Hotel, a halal space, with exquisite decoration in golden tones and a personalized and differentiated service that allows each guest to feel as if they were at home. And yes, all the food served at this location is halal and alcohol is not served on the property.
Search for Halal accommodation here
