A Perfect Day in Lisbon

9.00am

Start the day

Breakfast on coffee and pastries at a laid-back café in Alfama, Lisbon's steeply inclined, characterful Moorish district that is topped by the Castelo de São Jorge.Then slowly saunter around the corner to Lisbon's cathedral.The Sé is a handsome, defensive-looking place of worship dating from the 12th century, and forms a contrast to the web of narrow Alfama lanes.

11.00am

Castle views

From here it's a picturesque meander through alleys splashed with vibrantly colourful azulejos (tiles), up the steep incline to the Castelo de São Jorge, with sweeping panoramic views over the city and the Tagus river.

1.00pm

Lunch

Time for a lazy lunch of grilled sardines or bacalhau (salted cod). In one of the family-run restaurants in the backstreets of Alfama.

2.30pm

Tram ride

Take a trip on Lisbon's most picturesque tram ride, no. 28, and head down to the Baixa district, an appealing grid of old-fashioned streets. Have a wander around the Praça do Comércio, whose proud colonnades overlook the Tagus, before taking a bus westwards along the waterfront to Belém, Lisbon's monumental district.

3.30pm

Belém

Visit the fantastical Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a frenzy of elaborate carving that's somehow otherworldly in its magnificence, and the Torre de Belém, nearby, Portugal's classic landmark.

5.00pm

Custard tarts

Follow these curious sights in Belém with one of Lisbon's finest custard tarts (pastéis). Pastéis de Belém, which sells well over 10,000 pastéis a day, is just the place to sample these delicious, warm-from-the-oven confections of delight. Head back to your hotel to relax and perhaps have an aperitivo before heading out again for dinner in Alfama.

8.00pm

Dinner in Alfama

Dine at Restô do Chapitô in Alfama, perched just below Castelo de São Jorge.The dining room is wrapped by windows on all sides, and the lights of the city sparkle below. It's a fantastic way to top off a perfect day in Lisbon.

10.00pm

Fado experience

To experience traditional Portuguese soul music, try a tiny, out-of-the-way place nearby in Alfama, where locals are not averse to giving their all in rendering Portugal's songs of life and loss.

11.30pm

On the town

By this time the bar scene at Bairro Alto is just getting going. Ensure you are ready to party and head back into town to see the bar-lined streets take on a carnival, street party vibe. Bar hop until you drop, or head off to Lux, Lisbon's finest club on the waterfront.You can party on from here and watch the dawn of a new day from the terrace.