Lisbon
Lisbon is stupidly affordable for Western Europe — a pastel de nata costs €1.20 and a solid lunch with wine runs maybe €12–15. The city is built on seven hills, so your calves will burn unless you take the iconic Tram 28 (buy a Viva Viagem card, €1.65 per ride vs €3 cash). Alfama is the old Moorish quarter with narrow alleys, fado music pouring from tiny bars, and some of the best seafood you'll eat anywhere — grilled sardines and bacalhau are non-negotiable. Time Out Market is overhyped and overpriced, but the surrounding Cais do Sodré area is genuinely fun at night.
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Lisbon travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Lisbon?
3–4 days hits the sweet spot. Day 1: Alfama, São Jorge Castle, get lost in the alleys and eat grilled fish for lunch. Day 2: Belém — the monastery, the tower, and the original Pastéis de Belém bakery (go before 10am or the line is insane). Day 3: Bairro Alto, LX Factory, Tram 28 (ride it early morning to avoid standing room only). Day 4 is perfect for a day trip to Sintra — trains leave from Rossio station every 30 minutes, €2.25 each way.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon?
Baixa/Chiado is the most central and walkable — you're right between everything. Alfama is atmospheric and charming but very hilly and can be noisy with late-night fado bars. Bairro Alto is the nightlife district — great if you're a night owl, not great if you want quiet. Príncipe Real is a bit trendier and calmer, good cafes and shops. Avoid staying too far out in Parque das Nações unless you're there for the Oceanarium — it feels disconnected from the city center. Budget-wise, Lisbon Airbnbs are still reasonable compared to Barcelona or Paris.
What are the best day trips from Lisbon?
Sintra is the obvious one — fairytale palaces on misty hilltops, 40 minutes by train from Rossio (€2.25). Get the Pena Palace + Moorish Castle combo ticket and start with whichever has fewer crowds when you arrive. Cascais is a beach town 30 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré (€2.25) — good for a relaxed afternoon by the ocean. If you have a car, the drive to Óbidos (1 hour) is worth it — a tiny walled medieval town famous for ginjinha (cherry liqueur) served in chocolate cups. Don't try to do Sintra and Cascais in the same day — Sintra alone takes a full day if you do it right.