![\"If](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lisbon-in-3-days-2.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal tip:<\/strong> Buy a Viva card<\/a> from the machines inside the metro. Top it up by purchasing single trips or using zapping, a method of buying in bulk starting at \u20ac3. These convenient cards work in the metro, on the buses, and on the trams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Start your incredible trip in Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio. This is known as the “doorway to Lisbon,” after all. Historically, it is where ships docked and commercial trade happened. Known as Lisbon’s largest square, it is surrounded by bright yellow buildings, government offices, restaurants, and museums. Snap photos, and then, sit at a terrace with a coffee before moving on. This sunny spot faces the iconic Tagus River to one side. After your coffee, walk through the Rua Augusta Arch and continue into the heart of the city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio is the biggest square but Pra\u00e7a da Figueira near Rossio may be the busiest. Peruse the caf\u00e9s, pop into Confeitaria Nacional<\/a> (perhaps Lisbon’s oldest pastry shop), and go window shopping. Taste ginjinha<\/a><\/em> in the neighborhood where it was first sold. And, since you are exploring Lisbon in 3 days, there is time to go back for more later on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Dive into history with a visit to Alfama<\/a>, the city’s oldest quarter. It is characterized by a labyrinth of medieval, cobblestone alleys lined by time-worn buildings. You may feel like you’ve been transported back through time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It’s as good a time as any to tackle the hills. Climb the stone stairs (or take the tram) to the Castelo de S\u00e3o Jorge<\/a> at the top of Alfama. The castle served as a military fortress and as the Royal Palace for a short time. Once you pass the stone entrance, you will enjoy some of the best views in Lisbon. There is also an archeological museum and a caf\u00e9 where you can stop for a water. The doors to the castle’s entrance close at 6 p.m.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Since you need to experience the best of Lisbon in 3 days, look for a fado restaurant on the walk downhill. Garlic, bacalhau<\/em><\/a> (salt cod), and\/or pork may lead your nose to a nearby choice. You can also check these recommendations (many are in Alfama)<\/a>. Sipping on wine while listening to the haunting melodies of fado after a hearty meal is a truly Portuguese way to end your first day in Lisbon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Wake up early and start your second day in the Bel\u00e9m district, the birthplace of past\u00e9is de nata<\/em><\/a>. The Past\u00e9is de Bel\u00e9m<\/a> pastry shop is a minute walk from the 16th-century Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery<\/a>. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is responsible for developing Lisbon’s favorite secret recipe for custard tarts. No one will blame you, however, if you already tried past\u00e9is de nata<\/em><\/a> somewhere else first. You’re trying to see as much as you can of Lisbon in 3 days.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Bel\u00e9m is a great place for history-lovers. After sinking your teeth into custard tarts, visit the Bel\u00e9m Tower<\/a>, a 16th-century riverside military fort. Then walk the short 5-minutes along the river to the Padr\u00e3o dos Descobrimentos<\/a>, a 20th-century monument built to commemorate nationally-important periods and figures through the country’s history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n After a day of history and architecture, make your way to Bairro Alto<\/a>. As evening approaches, this eclectic neighborhood turns into “the” place to be. You will find a wide range of restaurants<\/a> and bars, some offering live music. Notice the bars transition from party to chic as you continue to Pr\u00edncipe Real<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Your Lisbon vacation is almost over, but there is still time for a truly magical experience. A train at Rossio Station<\/a> will take you to the fairytale town of Sintra<\/a> in 40 minutes. Set amidst a small mountain range and surrounded by dense forest, some people consider it one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. Portugal’s royalty once vacationed in Sintra, and it is now a treasure trove of magnificent palaces and exotic gardens. Three main locations to visit are the mystical Quinta da Regaleira<\/a>, the colorful Pena Palace<\/a>, and the ancient Castelo dos Mouros<\/a>. Of course, there are more palaces to explore (possible for a second trip?).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Local tip<\/strong>: In Sintra, stop for something sweet at Casa Piriquita<\/a>, a pastry shop that was founded in 1862. It is best known for its travesseiros<\/em> (rectangular pastries filled with egg cream and almonds) and queijadas<\/em> (small cakes made with cheese).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMorning\/afternoon, Day 1: Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio and Rossio<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Afternoon\/evening, Day 1: Alfama, Castelo de S\u00e3o Jorge, fado restaurant<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"One](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lisbon-in-3-days-Alfama-1.jpg\")
Morning\/afternoon, Day 2: Bel\u00e9m<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"When](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lisbon-in-3-days-Discoveries-Monument-view-2.jpg\")
Afternoon\/evening, Day 2: Bairro Alto and Pr\u00edncipe Real<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Morning\/afternoon, Day 3: Sintra<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"When](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lisbon-in-3-days-Sintra-1.jpg\")
Afternoon\/evening, Day 3: A rooftop terrace<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"After](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lisbon-in-3-days-Goodbye-drink-1.jpg\")