Lisbon & Sintra: A 3-Night Cultural Escape Full of Charm and History

Explore the best of Lisbon and Sintra in just 3 nights! From scenic tram rides in Alfama to magical palaces in Sintra, this travel guide covers everything you need—including how to get around, what to eat, and key tips to make your Portugal trip unforgettable.

✈️ Getting to Lisbon from Seville

For our journey from Seville to Lisbon, we opted for a short 50-minute flight instead of a train or bus. It was the most time-efficient and flexible option, especially with only 3 nights planned in Lisbon. The cost? Just $130 for two adults when booked in advance. While we weren’t sure about a bus option, the flight saved time and allowed us to arrive fresh and relaxed.

🏙️ Welcome to Lisbon: A City of Contrasts

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a captivating mix of old-world charm and vibrant modern life. While the newer areas hum with energy, stepping into the historic districts like Alfama feels like traveling back in time. Winding alleys, ancient architecture, and miradouros (viewpoints) offer a rich sensory experience that’s hard to forget.

🧭 Day 1: Alfama District & Classic Tram Ride

After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the Alfama district. Strolling through its narrow cobbled streets as the evening light hit the terracotta rooftops was nothing short of magical. We reached one of the miradouros to enjoy panoramic views of the city, perfect for sunset photos.

No visit to Lisbon is complete without riding the iconic yellow Tram 28. It was a bumpy and crowded experience (especially if you don’t get a seat), but totally worth it for the unique perspective it offers of the city’s layout and charm.

🏰 Day 2: A Full Day in Sintra

Sintra is like something out of a fairytale. Nestled in lush hills, this UNESCO World Heritage town is home to extravagant palaces, ornate gardens, and mystical forests. We dedicated an entire day to Sintra, with our main goal being a visit to the famous Pena Palace and Park.

🌈 Peña Palace: A Must-See Marvel

Pena Palace is a colorful dream perched high in the Sintra mountains. Its whimsical architecture, bright hues, and sweeping views make it one of the most visited places in Portugal—and for good reason. The palace combines Romanticism, Moorish, and Gothic styles and feels like something straight out of a storybook.

Important Tips:

• Book tickets online in advance. This is a top-demand attraction and often sells out.
• Shuttle transport is optional but worth it. The walk from the gate to the palace entrance is steep (10–15 mins uphill).
• Don’t miss the terrace views and the surrounding forest park, both offering endless photo opportunities.

🚉 Getting to Sintra from Lisbon

Getting to Sintra is simple and affordable:

• Take a direct train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra. It costs around €9 round trip per person and takes about 40 minutes.
• Once in Sintra, catch the Scotturb 434 shuttle bus right outside the station. It costs €13.50 per person and loops around key attractions including Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.

🚨 Pro Tip: The 434 bus gets very crowded, and seats are limited. Be prepared to stand—especially during peak hours. Uber or taxis cannot take you all the way up to Pena Palace; they stop halfway due to traffic restrictions, and the uphill walk from there is steep.

Visit here to get detailed bus routes: https://www.sintra-portugal.com/guides/sintra-bus-434.html

🏛️ Day 3: Exploring Baixa, Chiado & Belém

On our last day, we explored some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods:

🏙️ Baixa

This is the downtown heart of Lisbon, known for its grid-like layout and grand plazas like Praça do Comércio. It’s perfect for shopping, walking, and soaking in the architectural vibe of the city.

🎭 Chiado

Chiado is Lisbon’s artistic and cultural center. With its theaters, bookstores, and cafes, it felt like Lisbon’s answer to Montmartre in Paris. Don’t miss the bronze statue of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa sitting outside Café A Brasileira.

🌉 Belém District

This riverside district is packed with historic landmarks. We visited:

• The Belém Tower, an iconic maritime fortress.
• The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a striking monument honoring Portugal’s Age of Exploration.
• The grand Jerónimos Monastery, where we even stumbled upon a horse parade—an unexpected and delightful bonus!

🍛 Food & Restaurants We Loved

Lisbon is a melting pot of cuisines. Here are some spots that stood out during our visit:

• Indian Dosa House – Excellent South Indian breakfast with Idli, Dosa, Vada, and strong filter coffee.
• Cinnamon Indian Restaurant – Delicious North Indian dishes with rich curries and naan.
• Casa Nepalese – A hidden gem offering warm hospitality and authentic Nepalese fare.
• Sen Aurea Vietnamese – Perfect for vegan noodle bowls and flavorful fried rice.

🧳 Things to Know Before You Go: Quick Tips for Visiting Lisbon & Sintra

✈️ Getting There

• Flights from Seville to Lisbon are fast (50 mins) and affordable if booked early.
• Trains to Sintra are frequent, easy, and cost-effective (€9 round trip).

🚋 Getting Around

• Yellow Tram 28 is scenic but crowded. Ride during off-peak hours.
• Use a Viva Viagem card for discounted fares across trams, metro, and buses.

🗺️ Sintra Logistics

• 🏰 Book Pena Palace & Park Tickets (Official Site) in advance and consider shuttle add-on.
• Use the Scotturb 434 bus for easy hop-on, hop-off palace tours—expect standing room only during busy times.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• Spring (May) offers perfect weather and beautiful jacaranda blooms.
• Avoid Sintra on weekends to skip long lines and packed buses.

🍽️ Dining

• Explore a range of international cuisines in Lisbon—from Indian and Nepalese to Vietnamese and local pastries.
• Don’t miss the iconic Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém.

💡 Pro Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be walking on cobblestones and hills.
• Carry water, sunscreen, and a power bank for your phone and camera.
• Save your Sintra train ticket—it may be required on your return journey.

Ready to explore Lisbon and Sintra? This 3-night getaway proved to be rich in history, architecture, and culture—and definitely worth every step and tram ride.