Three Days in Lisbon

Sunny Portugal, with its appealing climate and stunning natural scenery, is consistently listed as a top tourist hotspot. The coastal capital city of Lisbon is the second oldest in the world after ancient Athens, meaning that there is plenty to see and do. The city boasts plenty of opportunities for hill-top photographs, relaxing on the beaches, and visits to the many UNESCO world heritage sites dotted about. Here’s a guide to a quick city break to soak up some sun and some history.

Day One – Ancient Alfama

After checking into your hotel, start at the beginning of Lisbon’s rich history with a visit to Afama, the ‘Old Quarter’.  The land on St. George’s Castle has been in use since the Iron Age, but the castle dates back to the early 12th century, and is strikingly well preserved for its age, and enjoy a beautiful view of the whole city from the camera obscura. The Sé Romanesque Cathedral eclectically mixes many dates and styles of architecture, following several repair and rebuild attempts since its original construction in 1150 AD – be sure to visit the on-site architectural dig to learn about the processes of uncovering these incredible sites. For dinner, pop into a nearby Tasca for some delicious tapas.

Day Two – Tram 28

Famous for its vintage styling, Lisbon’s original tramline 28 has been serving locals and visitors alike as part of the city’s public transport since 1914. The hour-long route takes you through the centre of the city’s narrow streets, from the shopping district of Baixa through to Campa de Ourique. A 24 hour pass costs just $6, so stop off and visit anything that takes your interest as you explore the centre of town. After dinner, grab a tram to the boho Bairro Alto for a sample of Portuguese nightlife – a pub crawl up the Rue Atalialia is a great start.

Day Three – Beautiful Belém

The city has been the starting point for many of Portugal’s famed global explorers, and has a strong maritime history – start off at the Torre dé Belem, a 16th century gothic fortress erected during Portugal’s ‘Age of Discovery’. At lunchtime, sample a custard tart and have a picnic visiting the aristocratic Tropical Garden. To learn more about Portugal’s seafaring and colonial past, snap a photo of the Discoveries Monument and head to the Maritime Museum before heading home.