It does sound a little strange in to have a fourth day on a only 3,5 days itinerary, doesn`t it? Well, this is simply because I counted the half-day after arriiving as the first day, so dont get confused abuot it. When it actually is the third entire day we had in Lisbon.
Actually, we even had the morning after (so technically a fifths day in lisbon ) when we did this itinererary, but we merely had a super nice and long breakfast in our favourite bakery as well as a last short look off the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, as this was only 2 minutes to walk from our accommodation, before we then went off to the airpot that day and had to say good bye to the beautiful city.
So, now let`s get going with our plan for the day: First stop for today is the Parque Eduardo VII. You can of course reach it easily by tram. This park is more like a formal garden that actually sits on a hill and leads down into the city centre. Up at the top is a fountain with incredible views, the Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII. From up here we continued downhill walking next to the lawn and looking at the giant column we were walking towards. We also passed by several hotels that are located around here. Pretty much all the expensive city hotel brands one knows have their buildings around here in Lisbon as this is a great place to go shopping and dine out.
Once we arrived a the bottom, we only had to cross a huge roundabout to get onto the Avenida de Liberdade, the luxury shopping street in Lisbon. It actually felt a bit strange walking on this very wide street with only very few other people around us. A few minutes further down the road we were properly in the city centre again and stood on the plaza around the Monumento aos Restauradores. In this area there are thousands of little shops and Portuguese restaurants as well as a little market that we uncovered once we went to the Praca dom Pedro IV, also known as Rosso. This is a really beautiful place to spend a few minutes on a bench looking at the fountains and enjoying the sun in your face.
Once you grabbed a lunch in one of the restaurants or at one of the stalls on the market, head towards the Convento do Carmo. This is an old church that no longer has its roof. You can go inside, or just marvel at it from the outside. Even from here you can see the exposed gothic arches that once carried its roof. The architecture around here is very confusing with plenty of little roofs everywhere and also the alleys are quite a labyrinth which actually is quite fun to explore. From the Convento you can actually directly reach the top platform of the Elevador de Santa Justa. Obviously, you don`t have the elevator ride, but it is only 20 seconds and you need to pay for it, so I recommend skipping this one.
On top of the Elevador you can actually see quite some of the Miradouros all around on the hills in the city. And you will be able to spot the next point you are heading towards: The Arco de Rua Augusta. In order to get there you will walk down the accordingly named street which is very wide with plenty of restaurants. All the way you will be able to see the waterfront through the arch at the en of the street. Once you have reached it, right before it on the left is the entrance to go to the top. It is very cheap and up there it is pretty quiet. you can overlook the entire street you have just walked down. see all the Miradouros, roofs and other sights. And if you turn around a look towards the water you see the Praca do Commercio. This is the biggest plaza in Lisbon framed by cafes and restaurants and at the front the water. After you have spotted all the places you have visited so far and took plenty of pictures with roofs, the bridge and the water in the background, you can head back down to explore the Praca do Commercio.
This square is actually huge! In the middle is again some fountain and the buildings around mostly have the iconic yellow colour. On the water front there are steps to sit down, see the waves, feel the wind and watch the seagulls. It is an absolutely relaxing place!
Now we managed to get all te way down until the water. From here, catch a bus or tram, which both depart right at the northern edge of the Praca do Commercio to get to the LX factory. A truly special name! Let me show you what is hidden behind it!
Arriving at the LX factory, your first impression is probably rather hesitation than astonishment. But as soon as you entered and saw some of the shops, restaurants and ateliers you will agree with me: It is one of the coolest and most unique things in Lisbon! It is technically an old industrial are converted into some commercial centre/market. It is very authentic with lots of small stores and cafes and such unusual things as a Drag Dining! Spend some time strolling through here and enjoy a coffee in one of the tiny shops. It is also particularly interesting for all those with a passion for art, crafting and handmade treasures as on the first floor almost all the spaces are filled with ateliers which you can perfectly look into!
Depending on how much time you would like to spend here and whether you wish to have dinner in one of the fantastic restaurants, you can either stay here under the iconic red bridge Ponte 25 de Abril and watch the sunset from here. Or you jump on the public transport once again ( I know, it is an unusual amount of public transport today) and head towards the Miradouro de Graca, which is very popular. Up here you can see the Bairro Alto laying in what looks like a little valley, the water and the Alameda coast. It is a beautiful view to have the sun disappear behind the hills on the other side of Lisbon with the entire city laid out in front of you. A perfect last evening!
Great, now you know all the most important highlights of the city and can go on a perfectly planned LIsbon trip yourself without having to organise for yourself!