3 days in Lisbon

We spent 5 nights in Lisbon last April and loved it! We did a daytrip to Sintra, which is worth it. However, you have very little time in Lisbon so I'm not sure I would go to Sintra. It all depends on what you want to see in Lisbon. I prefer to see as much as possible. I don't really travel somewhere just to get a little taste. Are you arriving in Lisbon from Madrid? If so, then you won't have jet lag. Are you heading home late on the 24th and have to catch a flight? If so, you won't have much time for sightseeing that day.

What to do in Lisbon depends on your interests. Do you like museums? If so, I highly recommend the Gulbenkian Museum. It was one of our favorite sights in Lisbon. The museum houses the Founders collection and Modern Collection. The Founders Collection is an amazing collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic and Asian art (ceramics, bowls, Chinese vases, etc.) and European paintings, such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Renoir. The Modern collection consists of paintings, sculptures, and historical photographs. We also liked the Coach Museum, but the Gulbenkian is definitely more impressive and varied. There is also a Tile Museum we didn't have time to visit.

Our favorite day was the day we visited Sao Jorge Castle and then wandered through the Alfama. Some people consider the Alfama touristy, but that is only true near the castle. We followed Rick's walking tour. The Alfama is a neighborhood where people live. It's the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. We saw laundry hanging to dry on balconies; heard radios and tv's coming from open windows; children riding their bikes on the few flat areas. We saw an elderly lady sitting under a shade tree with a small table selling gingrinja (the sour cherry liquer). Once we got into the heart of the Alfama, we saw very few tourists.

We also enjoyed Belem, where we visited the Jeronimos Monastery. The cloisters are beautiful with its Manueline architecture. I suggest getting there before it opens to buy tickets. Our line was short, but we still had to wait an hour to get our tickets because they let the tour groups in first. We didn't go to the Belem Tower for views because of long lines; instead, we took the elevator to the top of the Discoveries Monument. There were no lines there, and the views of the river, the docks, and the monastery are gorgeous.

Make sure you visit the various miradouros (viewpoints) for stunning views of Lisbon and the river. There are cafes at the miradouros so you can relax with a drink and soak in the views.

If you like fresh fish and seafood, I highly recommend Cervejaria Ramiro, which is recommended by the late Anthony Bourdain. They serve everything from gooseneck barnacles to langoustines, enormous oysters and many varieties of shrimp and crabs. This was our most expensive meal at 86 euros for 2 of us, including wine and dessert.

We also liked the roast chicken at Bonjardim. The restaurant is small and plain, nothing fancy, but the food is tasty and inexpensive. And the Time Out Market is a fun place to eat, too. You have many food stalls and small restaurants to choose from under one roof.

Sintra is very nice, too, with many different palaces to visit. We really like the quirky Pena Palace. The exterior is so unusual and fun, but we thought the interior was a little boring. I'm just not sure if you have time for Sintra. it all depends on how much you want to see in Lisbon. I suggest buying some guidebooks if you haven't already done so.

I will leave the site seeing to others to comment, and I will give you a restaurant recommendation. Ponto Final. Check out the Lisbon episode of "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix. He eats there. The setting, and the food, are incredible! Worth the short ferry ride across the river... Was a highlight of our trip. Our table was in the extreme corner of the jetty. Awesome seafood.