3-Day Lisbon Itinerary

We know that organising a school trip is a burden that falls mainly on the teachers who will accompany the school group. At Natuaventura we want to do our bit to help with the planning, which is why we are proposing a possible itinerary for visiting the city over 3 days on your school trip to Lisbon — extra excursions included!

When travelling in large groups it is extremely important to have the itinerary clearly (very clearly) mapped out. If the route is uncertain or there are too many unnecessary detours, the pupils can become bored and tired — and that does nothing for the school trip. If you follow our itinerary to the letter, your visit to Lisbon is guaranteed to be a success.

Day 1. Lisbon’s Neighbourhoods

We begin the tour in the traditional neighbourhood of Alfama — the most authentic and oldest in the entire city. For a truly genuine experience, you’ll need to hop on tram 28 to head up there. Once you arrive, you can visit viewpoints such as the Santa Luzia Miradouro, the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), and the famous Castle of São Jorge. The Casa dos Bicos and the National Pantheon are also located in this neighbourhood, high up in the city. If you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, don’t forget to take a look at the Feira da Ladra — the city’s largest flea market. Alfama is a fishermen’s neighbourhood, with peeling façades and a magical, faded charm, so we recommend strolling without rushing and wandering the lanes at will to make the most of it. For lunch, the best option is to stay in the area and eat at one of the typical (and affordable) restaurants in this neighbourhood.

In the afternoon, we change the atmosphere and head to Baixa — the most commercial and touristy area of the city. A good starting point is the Praça dos Restauradores, where you will find the magnificent Eden Hotel building. This square marks the beginning of the Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most important avenue, which ends at the Praça do Marquês de Pombal, where the Historic Centre gives way to modern Lisbon. Nearby is the Praça do Rossio with the National Theatre — one of the liveliest squares in the city. Further along, we reach the pedestrianised Rua Augusta, which leads through a Triumphal Arch into the famous Praça do Comércio.

Evening in Chiado and Bairro Alto

To reach these neighbourhoods, the best option is to take the Elevador de Santa Justa or the Elevador da Glória, located at the Praça dos Restauradores itself. First we visit the bohemian Chiado neighbourhood, rebuilt after the famous fire of 1988, with its cafés, museums, and the well-known Largo do Carmo square. One of the most celebrated spots is the Café A Brasileira, outside which a sculpture depicts Fernando Pessoa.

Our final stop is Bairro Alto, reached via Rua Misericórdia. Here you will find the liveliest atmosphere in the city, with its many bars and restaurants as well as antique shops. It is the city’s trendiest neighbourhood and, together with Alfama, probably the best place to hear traditional fado music.

Day 2. Visit to Belém and the Park of Nations

We continue with our 3-day Lisbon school trip itinerary. Today it’s best to buy a Lisbon daily transport pass, as we’ll be moving outside the historic centre. First stop: the neighbourhood of Belém, the most spectacular in Lisbon, home to two of the city’s treasures — the Jerónimos Monastery, with its unmissable Church and Cloister, and the Tower of Belém. These monuments alone justify a trip to Lisbon. The advantage of visiting Belém on a Sunday morning is that many of its attractions are free of charge. You can get to Belém from the Praça do Comércio on tram 15.

After this visit, the ideal next step is to head to the Park of Nations, visit the Lisbon Casino, and explore the area where the 1998 World Exposition was held. There you can also admire the monumental Vasco da Gama Bridge and, if time allows, pay a visit to the Oceanarium. The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. It was designed by architect Peter Chermayeff as part of Expo 98.

Day 3. Excursion to Sintra

For day three, we’re heading out on a day trip! Sintra is one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a natural park just half an hour from Lisbon. This city, full of palaces and gardens, is a must-visit if you are spending more than 48 hours in the capital, so we recommend planning your timings well in advance to make sure you don’t miss anything.

The most visited and celebrated monument in this small city is the Pena Palace, perched atop a hill, its varied architecture reminiscent of a fairytale. Columns, chimneys, colourful façades… If you want this to be one of the highlights of your school trip, buy tickets in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. After exploring the interior, you can stroll through the outer gardens down to the Vale dos Lagos, taking in the natural landscape. Other important sights to see in Sintra include the Palace of Monserrate, the Convent of the Capuchos, and the National Palace of Sintra.

You also cannot leave without visiting the Quinta da Regaleira — a wonderful place where lush greenery, fairytale towers, and numerous hidden corners take centre stage. The history, secrets, and mysteries concealed within the Quinta da Regaleira make it a fascinating and unique monument.

Extra! Excursion to the Lisbon Coast: Cascais

With this itinerary, your 3-day school trip route to Lisbon would be practically complete… except for one important element still missing: a visit to the coast. Pupils love spending some time on the beach — walking along the seafront, taking photos, swimming, relaxing with friends and classmates. That is why, as a bonus stop, we recommend a visit to the fishing village of Cascais, less than half an hour by train from Lisbon.

It is a grand, manor-house-lined town, with an abundance of palatial residences and luxury hotels. Its town beach and harbour are two of the liveliest spots in this small city — perfect for a stroll and a relaxing day along the coast. You could even hire bicycles from one of the local outlets and ride the entire seafront promenade. The top tourist sights to visit in Cascais are:

  • The historic Pousada de Cascais fortress
  • Cascais harbour
  • King Carlos I statue
  • Santa Marta Lighthouse
  • Condes de Castro Guimarães Palace
  • Town Hall Square
  • Cascais Village Market
  • Guincho Beach

Guide to organising your school trip to Lisbon

If you are thinking about organising your school trip to Lisbon, you have come to the right place — this guide brings you all the information you need before and during the trip: accommodation, gastronomy, transport, possible itineraries, excursions, and more.

Plan your school trip to Lisbon with Natuaventura: we offer as many possibilities as you can imagine, along with a team of group leaders with over 15 years of experience in school trips. Don’t miss a thing!

For more information about your school trip to Lisbon, you can contact us at info@natuaventura.com or by calling 91 714 06 36.