Lisbon is a city of hills, tiles, and long lunches. Three days is enough to see the core well if you stay central and walk. Here's how I'd spend them.

Where to stay

Base yourself in Baixa or Chiado — flat, central, and walkable to most of the old city. Alfama is gorgeous but the hills and cobbles get old when you're hauling bags. Expect mid-range doubles from around $110–$160 a night in spring and fall.

Where to stay: Find hotels in LIS

Day 1 — Alfama and the viewpoints

Start early in Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. It's a maze on purpose; let yourself get lost. Climb to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte before 10am for the best light and the fewest people. Work back down through the Sé (cathedral) toward the river.

For lunch, skip the fado-with-dinner tourist traps and eat where the taxi drivers do — a tasca with a paper-menu and grilled fish. A plate of grilled sardines and a glass of vinho verde runs about $12–$15.

Day 2 — Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto

Walk the grand grid of Baixa, take the Santa Justa lift (or skip the queue and reach the same viewpoint free via Carmo), and browse the bookshops and cafés of Chiado. Pastéis de nata at Manteigaria are hotter and better than the famous Belém queue, in my opinion.

Come evening, Bairro Alto wakes up — narrow streets, tiny bars, drinks spilling onto the pavement. It's loud and fun and cheap.

Day 3 — Belém, then a day trip

Spend the morning in Belém: the monastery, the tower, and the original pastéis de Belém. Then make the afternoon a day trip.

  • Sintra (40 min by train from Rossio): fairy-tale palaces in misty hills. Go early; it's crowded by noon. Buy palace tickets online in advance.
  • Cascais (40 min from Cais do Sodré): a relaxed beach town if you'd rather swap palaces for the Atlantic.

Airport transfer: Book a transfer from LIS

Getting there

Lisbon's airport (LIS) sits inside the city — a 15-minute metro ride to the center. Fares from the US East Coast swing widely by season; shoulder months (April–May, September–October) are the sweet spot for weather and price.

Search this route: Compare flights NYC → LIS

Practical tips

  • Trams 28 and 12 are scenic but pickpocket magnets — front pocket only.
  • Tap water is fine to drink.
  • Most places take cards, but keep €10–20 in cash for the smallest tascas.
  • Tip modestly — round up or leave 5–10% for good service.