A well planned and organized 3-day Itinerary in Lisbon is the key to success for a school trip to the capital of Portugal. Of course, most of the organization of a school trip depends on the teachers and companions of the group.
This is why we want to do our bit, and show an itinerary or recommended schedule to enjoy the best of the city in just 3 days. This itinerary is perfect for end-of-year trips, which usually last between 3 and 4 days.
3-day itinerary for Lisbon.
Day 1. Visit Lisbon neighborhoods.
Since there is no better way to get to know a city than to walk through its neighborhoods, the itinerary starts in Lisbon’s neighborhoods. Starting in the oldest and most authentic neighborhood of the whole city: the Alfama.
If the school group wants a real experience, riding the streetcar 28 to Alfama is an excellent choice. The streetcar is an icon in the city, and well worth the experience. In the neighborhood you can head to the viewpoints, such as Santa Lucia and visit St. George’s Castle.
You can also enjoy the National Pantheon and the Casa dos Bicos which are located in the same neighborhood. Alfama is actually a fishermen’s neighborhood, where you can feel that magical and traditional air, recommended for a leisurely stroll and enjoy the atmosphere.
A good recommendation is to stay in the area to taste the typical dishes in the neighborhood restaurants, which are usually quite affordable in terms of price.
Afternoon tour.
On day 1 in the afternoon, you can move to the Baixa and change the mood. This area is more touristic and commercial, and you can visit the emblematic Restauradores Square and contemplate the building of the Eden Hotel.
Right in this place starts the most important avenue of Lisbon, that is, Avenida da Liberdade, which ends at the Marques de Pomba Square, where you will arrive at the Historical Center.
It is a good time to take a stroll through Rossio Square, one of the most popular squares in the city. The itinerary continues to another of the most famous squares in Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio.
Itinerary for Lisbon: Overnight on day 1.
The 3-day Lisbon itinerary continues to one of the best places to close day 1 with a flourish. The visit to the Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.
To get to these places quickly, the best option is to take another of the most striking tourist demands of Portugal: Elevador de Santa Justa or Elevador Da Gloria, located in the same Restauradores square.
It is recommended that the school group first visit the bohemian neighborhood of Chiado, characterized by its cafes and museums. Finally, they will make a stop in the Bairro Alto, where they will notice that it is the most lively area of the city.
In Bairro Alto, the school group and their companions will be able to choose among the numerous bars and restaurants for dinner. Of course, they will be able to buy souvenirs in the many antique stores and local stores.
Day 2. Visit to Belém and Parque das Nações.
3-day itinerary in Lisbon continues. This time to the outskirts of the historic center of Lisbon. The first stop will be the Belém neighborhood, considered one of the most spectacular neighborhoods in Portugal. It has the iconic Torre de Belém, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Lisbon.
The Belém neighborhood is best visited on a Sunday morning, since most of its visits are free.
Afterwards, the school group can continue the itinerary to the Park of Nations and visit the important area where the Universal Exposition was held in 1998. There they can also go to the Vasco da Gama Bridge and visit one of the most important attractions in Lisbon: the Oceanarium.
The Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, built by the renowned architect Peter Chermayeff. The visit to this aquarium will make the whole trip worthwhile.
Day 3. Excursion to Sintra.
The last day of the 3-day Lisbon Itinerary is for the school group and their companions to go on an excursion. And the best place to do this is Sintra, as it is one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal.
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located within a natural park, just 30 minutes from Lisbon. The city is full of gardens and palaces, and a visit is highly recommended.
Itinerary in Lisbon: Visiting the Pena Palace.
One of the most visited places is the Pena Palace, which is located on top of a hill. The place is characterized by colorful facades, chimneys and columns. However, it is important to know that you have to buy tickets in advance, as they run out very quickly.
After seeing the interior of the palace, you can stroll through the gardens to reach one of the most beautiful natural sites: Vale dos Lagos.
If you have a little more time, it is highly recommended to visit the Quinta da Regaleira in the city. It is a wonderful place, where you can see lush vegetation, towers and numerous hiding places. It is super demanded at the tourist level, and is perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
An extra: Lisbon Shore Excursion: Cascais.
The itinerary would be complete with a very important element: a visit to the coast. And it is a visit as important as the previous ones, because children love the beach.
Doing water sports, relaxing with their friends, taking pictures and of course enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Lisbon’s coastline is an unforgettable end-of-year trip experience that should be included in the itinerary.
A striking proposal is to visit the beautiful fishing village of Cascais, which is about half an hour by train from the capital. Therefore, it is very accessible to set aside some time to enjoy the beach at its best.
The most touristic and recommended spots for an end-of-year trip in Cascais are the following:
- Carlos I Statue
- Santa Marta Lighthouse
- Guincho Beach
- Port of Cascais
- Condes Castro de Guimaraes Palace
- The old fortress Pousada de Cascais
- Town Hall Square
- Cascais Village Market
With this itinerary, the school group will be able to visit the best of Lisbon in only 3 days. These activities, places, attractions and monuments will allow the students to fall in love with the capital of Portugal, and come back again with their classmates or family members.
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