Itinerary Lisbon

May is one of the best times to visit Lisbon: warm, sunny days (average 18-25°C), minimal rain, lively street life, and the city’s festival atmosphere coming alive—all before the main summer crowds arrive. Perfect for culture, food, and nightlife!

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	700 USD
🏨 Accommodations	1,150 USD
🧳 Gear	100 USD
🗺️ On-site	850 USD
Total	2,800 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇵🇹 Lisbon - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏰 Castelo de São Jorge ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Iconic hilltop Moorish castle—panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

• [ ] 📸 Alfama District ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Wander winding medieval lanes, traditional fado houses, colorful facades—best in morning light.

• [ ] 🏛️ Mosteiro dos Jerónimos ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • UNESCO-listed Manueline monastery in Belém—must-see for its architecture.

• [ ] ☕ Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Classic riverside fortress—iconic photo spot, close to Pastéis de Belém.

• [ ] 🎨 MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Striking modern art museum on the riverfront—unique architecture, rooftop views.

• [ ] 🖼️ Museu Nacional do Azulejo ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Stunning collection of Portugal’s famous tiling—set in a beautiful convent.

• [ ] 🌳 Jardim da Estrela & Basílica da Estrela ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Lush gardens and baroque basilica—local vibe, perfect lunchtime picnic.

• [ ] 🏙️ Baixa & Praça do Comércio ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Grand plazas, triumphal arch, shopping, riverside strolls—Lisbon’s elegant downtown.

• [ ] 🚊 Tram 28 ride ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Classic yellow streetcar through historic neighborhoods—great overview of the city.

• [ ] 🏝️ LX Factory ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Hip hub for dining, street art, indie shops, and galleries in a converted factory.

• [ ] 🏞️ Miradouro de Santa Catarina ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Popular viewpoint; best for sunset, live music sometimes.

• [ ] 🏰 Palácio Nacional da Ajuda ⭐ (~1h)

  • 19th-century royal palace—opulent interiors and crown jewels exhibition.

• [ ] 🏛️ Calouste Gulbenkian Museum ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Expansive collection from Antiquity to modern art; serene gardens.

• [ ] 🌷 Parque Eduardo VII ⭐ (~1h)

  • Grand city park at the top of Avenida da Liberdade—relax and enjoy city views.

• [ ] 📸 Bica & Gloria Elevators ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Funiculars with classic Lisbon photo-ops.

• [ ] 🏘️ Bairro Alto ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Bohemian quarter—cobbled lanes, old taverns by day, nightlife at sunset.

• [ ] 🗺️ Chiado ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Artsy, elegant district—cafés, historic bookstores, theaters.

• [ ] 💐 Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Foodie paradise—dozens of stalls by top Lisbon chefs.

• [ ] 🏞️ Day trip: Sintra (optional) (~5-6h)

  • Palatial architecture, gardens, fairy-tale castles—especially Palácio da Pena. (Short train ride)

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Park Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Rooftop bar with 360° views; sunset cocktails, trendy crowd—arrive early for good spots.

• [ ] 🎶 Fado in Alfama (Clube de Fado or Parreirinha de Alfama) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Classic live Portuguese fado music—soulful, moving, unique to Lisbon.

• [ ] 🍷 Foxtrot Bar ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Historic speakeasy with cocktails and retro glamour in Príncipe Real.

• [ ] 🎉 Lux Frágil ⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Lisbon’s legendary riverfront club—top DJs, open late (best Fri/Sat).

• [ ] 🍹 Pavilhão Chinês ⭐ (~1-1.5h)

  • Quirky bar-museum packed with retro curiosities—fun for a nightcap.

• [ ] 🌃 Cais do Sodré nightlife (Pink Street) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Hip bars, late dining, lively atmosphere—top spot after dark.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍰 Pastéis de Belém ⭐⭐⭐

  • The original custard tarts; always worth the queue (2 USD/piece)

• [ ] 🍽️ Cervejaria Ramiro ⭐⭐

  • Famous for grilled seafood and garlic shrimp, laid-back vibe (40-60 USD/person)

• [ ] 🥘 Time Out Market ⭐⭐

  • Food court with diverse options from Lisbon’s star chefs (15-25 USD/person)

• [ ] 🐙 Taberna da Rua das Flores ⭐

  • Traditional petiscos (Portuguese tapas), excellent octopus and cod (20-30 USD/person)

• [ ] 🧆 Mercado de Campo de Ourique ⭐

  • Local food market, less touristic—try bifana sandwiches (10-20 USD/person)

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Oceanário de Lisboa (~2h)

  • One of Europe’s best aquariums—great for a leisurely afternoon.

• [ ] 🏫 National Pantheon (~1h)

  • Impressive baroque monument with rooftop views.

• [ ] 🏖️ Day trip: Cascais (~4-5h)

  • Chic beach town, accessible by quick train from Lisbon.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇵🇹 Lisbon

• [ ] 🎬 Night Train to Lisbon (2013) — ⭐ 6.8 — Mystery through Lisbon’s poetic scenery — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 Lisbon Story (1994) — ⭐ 7.3 — Wim Wenders’ love letter to Lisbon’s music, light, and streets — MUBI
• [ ] 📺 White Lines (2020, S1E6-7) — ⭐ 6.6 — Stylish thriller, Lisbon/Algarve shoot locations — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 A Spell to Ward Off the Darkness (2013) — ⭐ 6.6 — Fragments of Lisbon life in this experimental docufiction — Vimeo
• [ ] 🎬 Capitães de Abril (2000) — ⭐ 7.2 — Film about the Carnation Revolution with Lisbon as backdrop — Apple TV

🍜 Local specialties

🇵🇹 Lisbon

• [ ] Pastéis de nata (custard tart)
• [ ] Bacalhau à Brás (salt cod scramble)
• [ ] Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams in garlic, cilantro, and wine)
• [ ] Polvo à Lagareiro (octopus with olive oil)
• [ ] Bifana (pork sandwich)
• [ ] Ginjinha (cherry liqueur)
• [ ] Sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines, seasonal in May/June)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇵🇹 Lisbon

1. 🌤️ Castelo de São Jorge
2. 🌙 Clube de Fado / Park Bar
3. 🛍️ LX Factory
4. 🏨 Hotel Lisboa Plaza (example)
5. 🍽️ Pastéis de Belém

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Lisbon (direct, ~2h50m)
• [ ] (No internal city-to-city transfer required)
• [ ] ✈️ Lisbon → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Lisbon	5	Hotel Lisboa Plaza (4★)	1,150 USD
Total	5 nights		1,150 USD