Lisbon

A 21-day itinerary in Lisbon sounds like a dream! With its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, you’ll have plenty to explore at a relaxed pace. Let’s dive into your itinerary, keeping in mind your preferences for safety, comfort, and beautiful scenery.

Week 1: Exploring Lisbon

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

• Check into a cozy hotel or Airbnb in the Alfama or Bairro Alto neighborhoods.
• Take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood to get your bearings.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with Fado music for a taste of Portuguese culture.

Day 2: Alfama District

• Morning: Explore the narrow streets of Alfama, visiting the Lisbon Cathedral and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Pantheon and enjoy lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Relax at a wine bar and try some Portuguese wines.

Day 3: Belém

• Morning: Head to Belém to visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a Pastéis de Belém (custard tart) at the famous bakery.
• Evening: Walk along the riverfront and have dinner at a restaurant with a view.

Day 4: Sintra Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Sintra (about 30 minutes by train).
• Visit the colorful Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.
• Enjoy lunch in the town center and explore the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira.
• Return to Lisbon in the evening.

Day 5: Bairro Alto and Chiado

• Morning: Explore the Chiado district, visiting the famous Livraria Bertrand (the world’s oldest bookstore).
• Afternoon: Head to Bairro Alto for lunch and explore the vibrant street art.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Day 6: Cascais

• Take a train to Cascais (about 40 minutes).
• Spend the day at the beach, exploring the coastline and enjoying fresh seafood for lunch.
• Return to Lisbon in the evening.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect

• Spend the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit a local spa or take a yoga class.
• Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try.

Week 2: Culture and Nature

Day 8: Museu Nacional do Azulejo

• Morning: Visit the National Tile Museum to learn about Portugal’s famous azulejos.
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Graça neighborhood and visit the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
• Evening: Dinner at a local tavern.

Day 9: Day Trip to Évora

• Take a train to Évora (about 1.5 hours).
• Visit the Roman Temple, the Chapel of Bones, and the beautiful cathedral.
• Enjoy lunch in the town square before returning to Lisbon.

Day 10: Parque das Nações

• Explore the modern side of Lisbon at Parque das Nações.
• Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa (aquarium) and take a cable car ride for views of the river.
• Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Day 11: Lisbon’s Markets

• Morning: Visit Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) for breakfast and local delicacies.
• Afternoon: Explore the LX Factory, a trendy area with shops and street art.
• Evening: Attend a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Portuguese dishes.

Day 12: Day Trip to Arrábida Natural Park

• Rent a car or join a tour to explore the stunning beaches and landscapes of Arrábida.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
• Return to Lisbon in the evening.

Day 13: Shopping and Relaxation

• Spend the day shopping in the Avenida da Liberdade area.
• Treat yourself to a spa day or a massage.
• Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local bistro.

Day 14: Cultural Immersion

• Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in the morning.
• Afternoon: Take a guided walking tour focusing on Lisbon’s history and culture.
• Evening: Enjoy a performance at the São Carlos National Theatre.

Week 3: Further Adventures

Day 15: Day Trip to Óbidos

• Take a bus to the charming medieval town of Óbidos (about 1 hour).
• Explore the castle and cobblestone streets, and try the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.
• Return to Lisbon in the evening.

Day 16: Lisbon’s Gardens

• Spend the day visiting some of Lisbon’s beautiful gardens, like Jardim Botânico and Estufa Fria.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the parks.
• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the sunset.

Day 17: Explore the Local Neighborhoods

• Visit the trendy neighborhood of Príncipe Real, exploring its shops and cafés.
• Afternoon: Head to the Estrela Basilica and relax in the nearby Jardim da Estrela.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 18: Day Trip to Nazaré

• Take a bus to Nazaré (about 1.5 hours).
• Enjoy the beach and watch surfers tackle the big waves.
• Have lunch at a seaside restaurant before returning to Lisbon.

Day 19: Lisbon’s Historic Tram

• Take the iconic Tram 28 through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
• Stop at various points of interest, including the Castle of São Jorge.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.

Day 20: Last Day in Lisbon

• Spend your last day revisiting your favorite spots or doing some last-minute shopping.
• Consider a visit to the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian if you haven’t yet.
• Enjoy a final sunset at a miradouro.

Day 21: Departure

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll through the streets of Lisbon.
• Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you beautiful memories of your time in this enchanting city.

Tips for Solo Female Travelers:

• Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid empty streets.
• Use reputable transportation options like Uber or public transport.
• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Engage with locals; they can provide great insights and recommendations.

This itinerary balances exploration with relaxation, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Lisbon and its surroundings at a comfortable pace. Enjoy your adventure! 🌍✨