Lisbon Itinerary: 3 Perfect Days Curated by a Frequent Visitor

With a vast menu to suit everyone, it’s a great place to fuel you up ready for your trip. For me, it’s always the savory French toast with green sauce.

Avoid the afternoon crowds on this popular route by getting out early to stroll along the river. Take the route from Praça do Comércio as far along as your legs will take you.

You absolutely must visit a traditional tasca to truly understand Portuguese cuisine, and this family-run spot is a local favorite. Opt for the “menu do dia” and let them do the choosing.

Lisbon’s national forest is the largest green space in the city, and home to stunning fauna and flora, including the eucalyptus trees that smell incredible. I love strolling without much purpose and seeing what I stumble upon.

Hear me out: an entire menu of pork. Owner Miguel is doing something totally unique with his nose-to-tail cooking, while keeping traditional Portuguese recipes and techniques alive and fresh—this is one of the restaurants I always recommend to first-time visitors.

Seeing Lisbon from the water is a special experience, particularly on a warm summer evening. When you’re done, hop off and follow the city’s post-sunset energy into the buzzy Bairro Alto.

If you think you don’t like port wine, this will change your mind. The charming sommeliers will talk you through tawny, ruby, and white ports until you’re debating how many bottles you can fit in your suitcase.

This hole-in-the-wall spot has become popular with tourists, but it’s still worth the wait. They specialize in just one dish—a pork bifana (sandwich)—and they do it perfectly.

The old town of Alfama is home to the cobblestone roads and terracotta roofs you’ve undoubtedly seen in pictures of Lisbon. This is a place of hidden gems, from family-run tascas to the 5th-century São Jorge Castle with stunning views of the city.

This cozy spot is undoubtedly one of the most popular restaurants in Lisbon. The young, fun chefs bring out dish after dish (mostly traditional, always inventive)—it’s best to bring friends and share the entire menu, but never skip the bacalhau à brás (salt cod with eggs).

The traditional, melancholic music drifts through the streets of Alfama each evening, and gives guests a deeper understanding of the heart of the city. There’s much debate about the best, but you won’t go wrong with Mesa de Frades, where fado singers go for inspiration.

This padaria is always doing something new—a recent favorite of mine was the matcha, coconut, and passionfruit choux bun.

This 16th-century fortress and UNESCO site is especially fascinating to see up close, while the nearby Mosterio de Jeronimos (monastery) is a great follow-up.

You can argue whether the pastel de Belém is better than the pastel de nata all you like, but there’s no denying that this traditional spot is worth the visit… if only so that you come home with an opinion.

This 16-mile stretch of beach is home to soft white sand, locals escaping the city, and endless cafés serving up fresh fish and salads.

I’m yet to meet a person who hasn’t had a great time at Ramiro. The most famous spot for seafood, here you’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and tourists alike as staff sling plates of garlicky prawns, fresh fish, and fat, juicy lobsters.

There’s often something fun going on here—a late-night party or food market—even if not, it’s the perfect place to grab a cold Super Bock from the quiosque (kiosk) as you watch the sun go down.