3 DAYS IN LISBON, THE COMPLETE ITINERARY

Dreaming of a getaway to a city rich in history, charm, and delicious food? Look no further than Lisbon! The beautiful coastal capital of Portugal offers something for everyone, from ancient castles and vibrant neighborhoods to delicious food and stunning sunsets. But with only 3 days in Lisbon, how do you pack in all the must-sees and must-dos? don’t worry, this blog post is your one-stop guide to crafting the perfect 3-day Lisbon itinerary.

Unlike other European capitals with long lists of can’t-miss landmarks, Lisbon’s magic lies partly in its unexpected corners. While iconic sights deserve a spot on your itinerary, part of the city’s charm is simply wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere. 

Let’s be honest, this 3 days itinerary might just leave you wanting to see more of Lisbon. But at least you will have covered some of the must-see for a first-timer, even adding a day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra. To make your life easier, I also added some beautiful hotels for a comfortable stay and a few restaurants I enjoyed during my 3 days in Lisbon!

3 DAYS IN LISBON, THE PERFECT ITINERARY

Do you have time to spare after your 3 days in Lisbon? Why not organized some beautiful day trips, and discover Cascais, Sintra or Evora.

DAY 1 – BAIXA & ALFAMA DISTRICT, THE HEART OF LISBON

• Begin your exploration of Baixa from one of the grand plazas, Praca dos Restauradores before taking a short walk to bustling Rossio Square (5 min).
• On your way, stop by the beautiful Igreja de São Domingos. Behind a pretty unassuming facade lies a huge church devasted by a fire in 1959. The interior has only been partially renovated, giving the church a very raw and unique beauty!
• Walk down to the Santa Justa lift (3 min) and jump into the neo-Gothic ironwork masterpiece that will bring you 45 meters up to a panoramic terrace revealing beautiful views of the city’s terracotta rooftops.
• Continue to Calcada de Sao Francisco (5 min), a quaint little street where you can see the famous Tram 28. If you are hungry, stop by the popular Dear Breakfast. or walk further to the lively TimeOut Market.
• Walk to the stunning Praca do Comercio (12 min). Admire the bright yellow buildings and the Tejo Estuary view and go up the Arco da Rua Augusta for a stunning 360 view of the Baixa district.
• Finally, wander the bustling Rua Augusta with its open-air cafes, tourist shops, and a few traditional restaurants.

TICKETS & INFORMATIONS | BAIXA DISTRICT

Santa Justa Lift – Elevator: 5.30€ (return) | May to Oct: 7 am – 11 pm – Nov to April: 7 am – 10 pm

Arco da Rua Augusta – 3.5 € | 10am to 7pm
Book your ticket here

Quite the contrast to the architectural grandeur of the Baixa district, Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district is a hilly labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful houses, and azulejos facades. It is a great area to get lost and wander, even though the steep streets can make its exploration quite challenging. Here are some of the top sights to visit in the Alfama district:

• São Jorge Castle: Standing at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill is São Jorge Castle, one of the most iconic symbols of the city. Although there is not much to see at the castle, the view from the higher grounds over the city is beautiful! There are also a few stunning peacocks running around the place! There can be a HUGE queue to buy tickets on the spots, so consider buying it online before visiting.
• Only a few minutes away are the beautiful Santa Luzia Mirador & Portas do Sol Mirador. While the first one is a beautiful terrace with lush bougainvilleas, the second one has the best view!
• Finally head over to the beautiful Se Cathedral, Lisbon’s main religious sight. While there, you will surely see the iconic yellow Tram 28, which drives right in front of the cathedral.

TICKETS & INFORMATIONS | ALFAMA DISTRICT

Sao Jorge Castle: 15€ for adults, 7,50€ for young (13 to 25 yo), free under 13 years old
Mar – Oct: 9 am to 9 pm (last entry 8.30 pm)
Nov – Feb: 9 am to 6 pm (last entry 5,30 pm
Book your entrance ticket here

Se Cathedral – 5€ for adults, 3€ for 7 to 12-year-old children, free for under 12.
Nov – May: 10 am to 6 pm
Jun-Oct: 9.30 am to 7 pm
Closed on Sunday – Last entry 45 minutes before closing
Book your entrance ticket here

Looking for more informations on how to plan the perfect Portugal holidays.
Check out my 10 day Portugal itinerary & travel guide!

DAY 2 – BELEM DISTRICT, A SLICE OF LISBON RICH MARITIME HISTORY

Nestled along the banks of the Tejo Estuary, Belem was once the shipyard hub of Lisbon, the starting point of sea routes to Africa, India, and South America. Easily accessible via the E15 tram route, Belem is a great escape from Lisbon center and a journey through the city’s maritime legacy.

• Start with the famous Torre De Belem (Belem Tower), a little fort that has been guarding the Tejo Estuary since the 16th century. The fort can be visited, but most of the interesting architectural features are best appreciated from the outside.
• Continue alongside the river to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a more recent monument celebrating the famous Portuguese sea explorers. There is s viewing platform at the top that provides a stunning view over the Tejo Estuary.
• Nearby is the huge Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama’’s trip to India. Within the Monastery complex, don’t miss the splendid Church of Santa Maria that houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama, and the beautiful two-story cloister.
• Finally, a tour of Belem wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Pasteis de Belem where you can indulge in a warm custard tart perfected since 1837. The Pasteis de Nata there is delicious, yet not quite the best one I had in Lisbon! (Keep reading to find our the best ones!)

As you make your way back towards central Lisbon, stop by the LX Factory, a former industrial area now brimming with trendy shops, art galleries, an amazing library, and some cool cafes & restaurants. It is a great place to soak in some creative energy and find unique souvenirs and a must see in this Lisbon itinerary.

TICKETS & INFORMATIONS | BELEM

Torre de Belem : 8€ – Free the first Sunday of the month
Oct to April: 10 am to 5.30 pm (last ticket: 4.30 pm – last entry: 5 pm)
May to Sept: 9:30 am. to 6 pm (last ticket: 5 pm – last entry: 5.30pm)
Closed on Monday and some public holidays
Buy your entrance ticket here

Jerónimos Monastery
May to Sep: 9.30 am to 6 pm (last entry: 5.30 pm) | Oct to Apr: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (last entry 5 pm)
Closed on Monday and some public holidays
Book your entrance ticket here

If you only have 3 days to discover Lisbon, time is of the essence, so a guided tour might be a good option. I always book via Get Your Guide and only had great experiences. Check out some Lisbon options below.

DAY 3 – DAY TRIP TO MAGICAL SINTRA

This Lisbon itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a short day trip to the magical town of Sintra.

Sintra is like a real-life fairytale village, nestled in the hills, only 30 min outside of Lisbon. Kings, queens, and wealthy families used to vacation in Sintra and have left behind some of the most quirky and whimsical palaces and gardens I have ever seen! There is so much to see in Sintra that it is quite hard to fit it all in one day, so I narrowed it down to 4 places: Pena Palace, Quinta Da Regaleira, Montserrate Palace, and The Castello Dos Mouros.

Pena Palace: The most famous palace in Sintra is not your typical royal residence! With its bright yellow and red walls, gothic towers with gargoyles, a lush park, and epic views over Sintra, it is like a Disney castle came to life. The palace gets incredibly busy, so it is probably best to arrive early, before opening time, and with tickets booked online.

Quinta Da Regaleira: This 20th-century estate and UNESCO World Heritage is the most whimsical palace in Sintra. While the architecture of the Palace is beautiful, the magic lies in the surrounding garden, with its narrow pathways, hidden grottoes, waterfalls, and an explosion of flowers. The most famous site is the Poço Iniciático (Initiatic Well), which winds down 27 meters and is believed to represent a journey to the center of the earth. Much like Pena Palace, Quinta Da Regaleira gets incredibly busy, so head there early (and if you want your IG shot at the Initiatic Well, get there first thing at opening time!). Tickets available here

Monserrate Palace: Away from the crowd Monserrate Palace was my favorite! This 19th-century mansion defies definition, blending architectural influence from around the world. The villa itself is heavily influenced by Moorish architecture with intricate latticeworks and geometric patterns, while the stunning park feels like the English countryside! Bring a little picnic and enjoy the garden away from the crazy Sintra crowd!! Get your entrance ticket here.

Castello Dos Mouros; Completely different from the previous 3 palaces, these are the ruins of an ancient Moorish castle from the 8th century, overlooking the entire region. Go there for the view and the workout of walking up and down the fortifications. Find your tickets here.

It can be a bit tricky to get around Sintra on your own. Parking is very limited and often pretty far from the Palaces, with very hilly and narrow roads to navigate. Exploring Sintra via public buses is possible but it gets very crowded during peak seasons and of course, you will be dependent on the timetable, which might not leave you enough time to visit all of the above sights. In the case of Sintra, booking a tour might be one of the best ways to visit the town. Take a look at the many different tours organized by Get Your Guide.

WHERE TO STAY FOR 3 DAYS IN LISBON

We stayed slightly outside the city center at the beautiful H10 Duque de Loule. Set in a historical building, this boutique hotel is modern and elegant with traditional Portuguese decor and stunning hand-painted tiles. We booked a Double Room which was quite small, but elegant and super comfortable, with a stunning bathroom! Breakfast is a mix of buffet and a la carte items, with free-flowing bubbles (#mimosatime!). At the reception, a tray of Pasteis de Nata was waiting for us at all times! What else!! The beautiful Limão rooftop made me book this hotel in the first place and didn’t disappoint. It is the perfect place to end the day, with a cocktail and a snack, watching the sunset. I 100% recommend this hotel if you are willing to walk 15 min to the city center (via Avenida da Liberdade, the Champs-Elysee of Lisbon!)

If you are not convinced or prefer staying in other areas of Lisbon, here are a few other places that look great:

WHERE TO EAT IN LISBON?

I am usually quite good (if I can say so myself!!) at picking cozy restaurants, cool brunch places, and trendy rooftop bars but unfortunately, I didn’t do great in Lisbon, so the list is going to be short:

TIME OUT MARKET: I always love a Time Out Market, even if the Lisbon one is incredibly busy! We tried Cafe de Sao Bento and their popular steak sandwich and loved it!

DEAR BREAKFAST: A trendy breakfast place with several branches in Lisbon. We visited the one on Calcada de Sao Francisco, and the best thing about it was the yellow and red trams going up and down that street! We scored a table by the window and enjoyed our avocado toast & croissant. We waited around 15 min to get a table.

MANTEIGARIA: The best Pasteis de Nata in my opinion, a step above Pasteis de Belem. The most convenient location is at the Time Our Market. Please try them, and thank me later!

HOW TO GET AROUND LISBON?

• On foot: Lisbon city center is pretty compact and easy to explore on foot. During our 3 days in Lisbon, we visited everything walking, except when we took an Uber to Belem. Lisbon is pretty hilly though, with lots of cobblestone streets, and stairs, so consider wearing a comfortable pair of shoes!
• Public Transports: First, you shouldn’t miss hopping on Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams! These vintage beauties are a fun way to get around the city but can get crowded (especially the iconic Tram 28!) and not the most comfortable! But it is part of the experience! alternatively, Lisbon’s extensive network of buses and metro lines offers great flexibility to discover the city. Here are 2 easy options to pay for your trips:
  •  The Lisboa Card includes unlimited travel by public transport, free travel to Sintra and Cascais, free access to 26 museums and monuments, and discounts on visits, tours, etc. For 3 days in Lisbon, the card will cost you 54€ (30€ for children under 16 years old). There are options for 24h, and 48h too. You can buy the Lisboa card here.
  • Alternatively, you can purchase the Navegante Card (formerly known as Viva Viagem), at any metro station and authorized stores. The Navegante card costs 0.5€, and there are a few options to load it: A single journey ticket (1.5€), a 24-hour ticket (between 6.8€ and 10.8€) or you can load any amount (up to 40€), and deduct each trip as you go.
• Uber: For ultimate convenience, Uber is readily available in Lisbon. While more expensive than public transport, it’s ideal for late-night journeys or carrying heavy luggage. Uber is quite affordable: for example, we paid 8.5€ for a 20-minute drive to Belem.
• Self-driving: I would NOT recommend driving around Lisbon! The city center is mostly made of narrow and busy streets, and parking would be virtually impossible! If Lisbon is the first stop of your Portugal itinerary, only pick up your rental car at the time of leaving town.

WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN LISBON

Lisbon’s temperate climate and vibrant spirit make it a fantastic year-round destination. Yet, the “best” season depends on your travel priorities. Here’s a breakdown of each period:

Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-October): Probably the best months to visit Lisbon, as you should experience pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than in summer. Of course, there can be some occasional rain showers, and some of the attractions have slightly shorter opening hours than compared to peak season.

Summer (June-August):  Summer days bring warm sunshine, perfect for beach days and outdoor activities. This is the most popular season to travel to Lisbon, so expect places to be very crowded and accommodations to be pricier. We visited mid-June and the city was already incredibly busy!

Winter (November-February):  As the least touristic period in Lisbon, you will find great hotel deals, much fewer crowds, and a peaceful atmosphere. In December the Christmas markets and festive decorations also add to the charm of the city!

LOOKING FOR USEFUL RESOURCES TO ORGANISE YOUR TRIP TO LISBON?

From booking a flight to finding some beautiful cultural tours, or getting an e-sim ahead of your trip to stay connected, I have gathered here all the super useful websites I always use to organize my travels.

Did you know? If you purchase something through the links above I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me maintain this website and continue to provide valuable information, for free! Thank you for your support 🙂

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Here you go! With this itinerary, I am sure your 3 days in Lisbon will be a whirlwind of history, culture, and delicious food! From the narrow streets of Alfama to the stunning palaces of Sintra, there is really something for everyone in Lisbon. But Lisbon’s magic extends beyond these suggestions. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Bairro Alto, where hidden bars and lively fado music come alive at night. And of course, don’t be shy, eat all the Pasteis de Nata!!

Love, Emma