Why Lisbon Now
Lisbon is Europe's most affordable capital. A beer costs €2.50. A tram ride is €1.50. The sun shines 290 days a year. I spent 3 days here in March 2024 and totaled €460—flights from New York included. You can do the same.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). TAP Air Portugal and Ryanair have direct flights from major US and EU hubs. From the airport, take the metro (€1.50) or a 66 bus (€2.00) to the city center. Buy a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) and load it with €10 for 3 days of unlimited metro, buses, and trams. Uber is cheap—€5 to €8 for most rides.
Where to Stay: Alfama vs. Baixa
Skip the pricy Chiado. Stay in Alfama for authentic fado and winding alleys. I booked a private room on Airbnb for €45/night near the São Jorge Castle. Baixa is central but louder—hostels start at €20/night. Book 2 weeks ahead for summer. Prices double in August.
Day 1: Hills and Pastéis
Start at Praça do Comércio (free). Walk up to the Santa Justa Lift (€5.30 for the view—skip it, walk 5 minutes to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for free). Lunch at Manteigaria for pastéis de nata (€1.50 each). Dinner at Time Out Market (€12 for a seafood platter). Total day cost: €25.
Day 2: Belém and Beyond
Take tram 15E to Belém (€1.50). Visit Jerónimos Monastery (€10, free on Sundays before 2pm). Eat a pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belém (€1.50). Walk along the Tagus River to the Monument to the Discoveries (free from outside). Lunch at a tasca—try bacalhau à brás for €8. Dinner in Cais do Sodré for €10. Total: €30.
Day 3: Sintra Day Trip
Take the train from Rossio station (€2.50 each way, 40 minutes). Visit Pena Palace (€14, book online to skip lines). Walk the Moorish Castle (€8). Skip the crowded bus—hike the 2-mile trail between sites. Pack a picnic from the Sintra market (€5). Return to Lisbon for €10 dinner. Total day: €39.50.
Money-Saving Secrets
Eat at tascas (small family restaurants) for €8–€10 mains. Buy a Lisboa Card (€20 for 24 hours) if you plan 3+ museum visits—otherwise skip it. Drink at the Miradouro da Graça for sunset with a €2.50 beer from a corner shop. Book flights on Tuesdays for 20% lower fares. Total 3-day budget: €460 including flights and accommodation.