Weekend: Visit Lisbon in 3 days

• Morning
  Begin your trip to Lisbon with breakfast at Café Nicola on Rossio Square. Then, set off to discover the heart of Lisbon: the grid-patterned Baixa district, completely rebuilt by the first Marquis of Pombal after the 1755 earthquake. Stop at Praça do Comércio to watch life go by from the terrace of a café.
  For lunch, head to a restaurant in the Baixa district.
• Afternoon
  Continue your tour at a leisurely pace by taking the Santa Justa lift up to Chiado. Visit the São Roque Church before taking a break at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. Then, head to the elegant Praça do Príncipe Real neighbourhood for some window shopping along Rua da Escola Politécnica, where you’ll find designer, fashion, and interior decor boutiques. Next, make your way down one of the narrow streets of Bairro Alto to Luis de Camões Square, where you’ll find a statue of the poet, before strolling through the streets of Carmo and Garrett, lined with old shop fronts. Finally, visit the MNAC, the Chiado’s contemporary art museum, and conclude with a sunset at the viewpoint.
• Evening
  Dine in a restaurant in Chiado before going for a drink and continuing the evening in the lively Bairro Alto district.

• Morning
  Start the day with a visit to Lisbon Cathedral (Sé Patriarcal) before climbing up to São Jorge Castle, a 5th-century building perched on a hill. From there, admire the view of the River Tagus, the suspension bridge and the neighbourhoods on the left bank from one of the castle towers. Then, treat yourself to a stroll through Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, known for its maze of medieval streets and picturesque atmosphere. Step inside the Fado Museum to discover this musical genre through audio-visual displays and a collection of objects, including the famous 12-string Portuguese guitar.
• Lunch
  Take a lunch break in a small restaurant in Alfama or head to the cruise terminal to sample the cuisine inspired by Zunzum Gastrobar from its terrace overlooking the River Tagus.
• Afternoon
  Take tram 28E to Graça, a popular residential neighbourhood with excellent views of the city. After exploring the São Vicente de Fora Monastery and the National Pantheon, wander down to Santa Apolónia Station and take the bus to the fascinating National Azulejos Museum, which traces the history of the famous decorative tiles from the 15th century to the present day.
• Evening
  Dine at the Alcântara docks, at the LX Factory, or near Cais do Sodré, at the Mercado da Ribeira. Extend your stay with an evening of Fado in Bairro Alto.

• Morning
  Your third day in Lisbon continues with a trip to Belém. Early in the morning, take tram 15E from Praça da Figueira. Once there, you’ll discover two gems of Manueline art: the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.
• Lunch
  Have lunch in Belém; sample traditional Portuguese flavours in a classic yet modern setting at Feitoria Restaurant, or opt for a simple picnic in the garden opposite the monastery or on the banks of the Tagus. And for dessert, don’t miss out on a pastel de nata from the Antiga Confeitaria!
• Afternoon
  Still in Belém, get your fill of contemporary art at the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) or the CCB (Contemporary Art Centre). Then take a taxi to one of the capital’s most prestigious museums: the National Museum of Ancient Art, south of the Lapa district, with its collections of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the 12th to the 19th century, or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, with its impressive collection of Oriental and European art.
• Evening
  Check the cultural calendar for a concert at the Gulbenkian Foundation or a show at the São Carlos National Theatre. Have dinner in Mouraria, one of Lisbon’s most typical neighbourhoods.

Other must-see sites await you in Lisbon and the surrounding area.

In Lisbon, spend the morning visiting the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, a complex of terraces and gardens decorated with azulejos. In the afternoon, explore the northeast of the city in Parque das Nações, the site of the 1998 World Expo, which has become a popular place for walking and entertainment, featuring bars, restaurants, and gardens. Don’t miss the fascinating Oceanarium just next door.

Taking the train from Rossio station, you can also spend your fourth day visiting Sintra and trying to unravel some of its mysteries. There, you can admire the National Palace, stroll through the enchanting Pena Park, which is dotted with fountains and water features, and climb up to Cruz Alta for an exceptional view of Lisbon. There’s also the surprising Quinta da Regaleira and its esoteric trail.

Prefer the ocean? Head to Cascais, a seaside resort located about 30 kilometres from Lisbon, via the N6 road that runs along the coast. Once there, discover the natural beauty of Boca do Inferno and treat yourself to some relaxation or a surfing session at Praia do Guincho, undoubtedly the most beautiful and unspoilt beach on the Riviera, located about ten kilometres north of Cascais.