1 MOSTEIRO SAO VICENTE DE FORA

The centre of Lisbon isn’t large – even including its suburbs, the city’s population is only 600,000 – but it is hilly, and can get crowded with visitors. To make the most of your time, consider booking a guide – insidelisbon. com is good, with tours ranging from two hours to day trips outside the capital.

Use public transport to save your feet – the metro is excellent but the trams are best, taking you to Belem (your third stop), or from Baixa all the way to Campo de Ourique, passing through the historic districts of Graca and Alfama and making light of the hills (tram 28). If you are staying longer, the Lisbon card (¤18.5 for 24 hours) offers discounts on attractions as well as covering your travel.

You can catch the 28 tram after your first stop, the Mosteiro Sao Vicente de Fora. Founded in 1147, this monastery houses the remains of several Portuguese kings, as