Okay, so I just got back from a quick trip to Portugal, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind! Three days, that’s all I had, but I was determined to make the most of it. And guess what? It was totally doable.
First things first, I landed in Lisbon. Now, I’d heard so much about this city, and let me say, it lives up to the hype. I’m not usually one for big cities, but Lisbon, it’s got this charm that’s hard to resist. I decided to spend all three days here, with a day trip out to Sintra, which is this fairytale town just a short train ride away.
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Day 1: Lisbon – Getting My Bearings
I started my day wandering through the Alfama district. That’s the oldest part of the city, with all these narrow, winding streets and cute little houses. I got lost, of course, but that’s half the fun, right? I stumbled upon some amazing viewpoints, overlooking the city and the Tagus River. It was like something out of a postcard. I spent the afternoon just soaking up the atmosphere, and it was amazing!
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Day 2: Sintra – Fairytale Land
I took an early train to Sintra. This place is seriously magical. I visited the Pena Palace, which is this colorful castle up on a hill. It looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. Then I explored the Quinta da Regaleira, which is this mysterious estate with gardens, caves, and secret passageways. I felt like I was in an Indiana Jones movie, uncovering hidden treasures. Then I got back to Lisbon in time for a nice dinner.
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Day 3: Lisbon – Tram 28 and Belém
I had to ride the famous Tram 28. It’s this old-school tram that goes through all the historic neighborhoods. It was a bit touristy, sure, but it was a fun way to see the city. After that, I headed to Belém, a district on the outskirts of Lisbon. I saw the Jerónimos Monastery, which is this huge, impressive building. And of course, I had to try the famous Pastéis de Belém, these delicious custard tarts. They were so good, I had two… or maybe three. Don’t judge me.
And that was it! Three days went by in a flash. Getting around was a breeze. I used the metro, buses, and trams, and they took me everywhere I needed to go. It was pretty cheap, too. I didn’t even think about renting a car. I had heard that Uber was an option, but the public transport was so good, I didn’t need it.
Honestly, three days in Portugal is totally doable, especially if you’re focusing on Lisbon. It’s a great city with so much to see and do, and it’s easy to get around. If you’re thinking about a quick getaway, I’d definitely recommend it!
