Day 1 — Baixa, Alfama and viewpoints
09:00 — Rossio and Praça do Comércio
Start in Rossio, cross Baixa Pombalina via Rua Augusta and reach the riverfront. Continue to Sé before starting the climb through Alfama.
11:00 — Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol
Do this section on foot without rushing. After lunch, choose between São Jorge Castle or more time on the streets of Alfama; trying to do both quickly reduces the quality of the visit. Finish in Chiado or at a viewpoint.
Day 2 — Belém, heritage and banks of the Tagus
09:00 — Jerónimos Monastery
Arrive early and confirm visiting conditions in advance. Jerónimos and Torre de Belém are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After the monastery, cross the gardens and walk to Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
2:00 pm — Riverside area
Continue along the Tagus towards the Torre de Belém. The interior visit depends on the opening statusture and may involve waiting; the outside route is still worth it. Return to the center in the late afternoon.
Day 3 — Sintra with two main visits
08:00 — Train at Rossio
Use the urban train to Sintra and confirm times the day before. Go directly to the first monument using local transport.
09:30 — Pena Park and Palace
Entry to the palace is timed. Allow around 30 minutes between the park entrance and the palace and arrive early, as there is no tolerance for delay.
13:00 — Historic center and second visit
Have lunch in the village and choose only Quinta da Regaleira, the National Palace or the Castelo dos Mouros. Don't try to visit all four monuments on the same day.
Transport and effort
The Metro normally operates from 06:30 to 01:00. The first two days involve around 8km walking and several climbs; adjust the route to mobility and heat.