Lisbon in 3 Days: Historic Tram 28, Miradouros & Sunset in Alfama

1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal

💡 Arrive early to capture photos of the monumental Rua Augusta Arch and the open riverside plaza before the heavy mid-morning crowds arrive.

Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Wait outside for a few minutes to capture the iconic shot of the vintage yellow Tram 28 rattling past the cathedral's formidable, fortress-like façade.

R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the queue at the entrance; once inside, walk along the Moorish ramparts for unmatched, 360-degree views of the city centre.

Costa do Castelo 7, 1149-079 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Schedule a dedicated sit-down lunch here to enjoy elevated Portuguese cuisine alongside a spectacular, sweeping view over the terracotta rooftops towards the river.

Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Relax under the bougainvillaea-draped pergola and admire the beautiful azulejo (blue and white tile) murals depicting the city prior to the 1755 earthquake.

Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 The queues can be extensive even with a pre-booked ticket, so arrive promptly for the 09:30 opening to admire the breathtaking Manueline architecture of the cloisters in relative peace.

R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Do not be intimidated by the long takeaway queue outside; walk inside to the massive seating area to order warm pastéis de nata (custard tarts) dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar.

Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Take a moment to examine the massive marble compass rose embedded in the pavement in front of the monument, which maps the routes of Portuguese explorers.

Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 View this iconic 16th-century fortification from the riverside walkway; unless you have a deep interest in military history, the exterior photo opportunities are often more rewarding than the cramped interior climb.

Mercado da Ribeira, Av. 24 de Julho, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Settle in for a late, casual lunch at this bustling food hall; grab a prized seat at the communal tables and sample high-end regional dishes curated by the city's top chefs.

R. de Santa Justa, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Instead of queuing at the bottom to ride up, walk up the hill via the Carmo steps to access the top viewing platform for just a couple of euros without the long wait.

Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Wander beneath the exposed gothic arches of this roofless, ruined church—it was intentionally left unrestored as a striking memorial to the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

R. Garrett 120 122, 1200-205 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Stop for a mid-morning bica (espresso) at one of the city's oldest cafés; take a photo with the bronze statue of celebrated Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa outside.

R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1250-238 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Stroll through this multi-tiered, landscaped terrace garden for one of the most perfectly framed views of the Castelo de São Jorge perched on the opposite hill.

R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

💡 Sit down for an unforgettable lunch beneath the giant octopus installation; they do not take reservations, so arriving just before the peak 13:00 rush ensures you can enjoy their legendary pisco sours and pure ceviche.