Planning your first trip to Lisbon? You’re in for a treat. This 3 day Lisbon itinerary will help you analyze Portugal’s charming capital without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
I’ve put together this guide based on real travel experience. You’ll find the best neighborhoods to wander, authentic food spots to try, and cultural highlights you shouldn’t miss. From historic Alfama to beautiful Belém, I’ll show you how to make the most of your time.
This itinerary covers everything: where to stay, how to get around, and even a magical day trip to Sintra. Three days is enough to fall in love with Lisbon’s colorful tiles, tasty pastries, and brilliant viewpoints.
Things to Know Before Your Trip
Three days works perfectly for first-time visitors. You’ll see the major sights and have time for a day trip without rushing.
Walking is your best friend in Lisbon. The city is built on seven hills, so wear good shoes for those slippery cobblestones. Use Uber, taxis, metro, and the iconic tram 28 for longer distances. Download offline maps before you go.
Spring and fall (April, May, September, October) offer the best weather without summer crowds. Summer brings heat and tourists. Winter stays mild but rainier.
Book popular restaurants like Belcanto weeks ahead. Buy attraction tickets online to skip lines.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Bairro Alto buzzes with nightlife and energy. Narrow streets lead to amazing city views, with bars and restaurants filling the neighborhood.
Chiado sits at the cultural heart of Lisbon. Cafes and boutique shops line the elegant streets. It’s central and sophisticated.
Baixa offers classic neoclassical architecture right in the middle of everything. Easy access to all major sights makes it practical for sightseeing.
Alfama charms visitors with historic character. Faded tiles, Fado music, and hilltop views define this authentic old district.
For hotels, try Memmo Alfama for modern comfort in a historic setting. Baixa House puts you right in the action. The Lumiares Hotel & Spa offers luxury in Bairro Alto with nightlife nearby.
3 Day Lisbon Itinerary
Here’s your day-by-day guide to exploring Lisbon’s best neighborhoods, food, and historic sites.
Day 1: Neighborhood Stroll & Food Market
Start at Praça do Comércio and walk through Arco da Rua Augusta. Stop at A Vida Portuguesa for traditional crafts and Cerâmicas na Linha for Portuguese ceramics. Grab coffee at A Brasileira or Fábrica Coffee Roasters.
Visit Sé Cathedral, then walk to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for views over Alfama’s rooftops. Lunch at Graça 77 for simple Portuguese food. Climb to Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views across the city.
End your day at Time Out Market. Try pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and tapas from Lisbon’s best chefs under one roof.
Day 2: Belém, History & Food
Take the tram to Belém. Visit Torre de Belém and climb for river views. Walk to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos to see brilliant Manueline architecture. Stop at Pastéis de Belém for the original custard tarts.
Head to LX Factory for quirky shops and street art. Lunch at 1300 Taberna. Visit Museu Nacional do Azulejo to see Portuguese tile art and history.
Book ahead for dinner at A Cevicheria in Príncipe Real. Chef Kiko serves creative seafood mixing Portuguese and Peruvian flavors.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra & Lisbon Highlights
Take the train from Rossio station to Sintra. Visit Pena Palace for colorful architecture, the Moorish Castle for history, or Quinta da Regaleira for mysterious gardens. Pick one or two sites based on your energy.
Return to Lisbon by early afternoon. Visit MAAT by the river, ride the 28 Tram through old neighborhoods, or see Panteão Nacional. End with rooftop cocktails at The V Rooftop Bar.
Finish with a memorable meal. Try Belcanto (two Michelin stars), Bairro do Avillez (casual vibe), or Cantinho do Avillez (simple and traditional). Book Belcanto weeks ahead.
Optional Day Trips from Lisbon
If you have extra time, these nearby destinations make excellent additions to your Lisbon trip.
Cascais: This seaside town sits just 40 minutes away by train. Sandy beaches and ocean views make it perfect for a relaxing day. The town center has shops and cafes to seek.
Trains leave regularly from Cais do Sodré station.
Évora: Travel 1.5 to 2 hours by train or bus to reach Évora. This UNESCO World Heritage town shows off Roman ruins and medieval architecture. The Chapel of Bones is hauntingly beautiful.
This works better if you have an extra day or two.
Comporta: Portugal’s trendy beach destination requires about 1.25 hours by car. White sand beaches stretch for miles. The vibe is relaxed and upscale.
You’ll need to rent a car for this one. Worth it if you want coastal time.
Travel Tips & Essentials
Pack smart and book the right resources to make your Lisbon trip smooth and stress-free.
- Bring comfortable shoes with good traction for cobblestones and hills. Pack a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the Portuguese sun.
- Book flights through Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices across airlines and dates.
- Reserve hotels on Booking.com or Expedia after reading recent reviews. Book tours and activities through Viator or Get Your Guide.
- Rent cars using find Cars if you plan day trips. They compare rental companies for the best deals.
- Get travel insurance through World Nomads or Safety Wing for peace of mind. Use Welcome Pickups for hassle-free airport transfers.
Conclusion
Three days in Lisbon gives you a real taste of this brilliant city. You’ll walk through centuries of history, eat incredible food, and soak up the laid-back Portuguese vibe. From the colorful tiles of Alfama to the grand palaces of Sintra, every moment adds to the experience.
I still remember my first pastel de nata in Belém. That warm custard changed everything. Take your time exploring. Don’t rush from sight to sight. The magic happens in the quiet moments between.
Ready to plan your trip? Drop a comment below with your questions or share your own Lisbon tips if you’ve been.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough time to see Lisbon?
Yes, three days covers the main neighborhoods and major attractions. You can even fit in a day trip to Sintra without feeling rushed.
What’s the best way to get around Lisbon?
Walking works for most areas, but uses trams, metro, and Uber for longer distances. The hills can tire you out quickly.
When should I visit Lisbon for the best weather?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer gets hot and busy.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Yes, especially popular spots like Belcanto and A Cevicheria. Book Michelin-starred places weeks ahead.
Can I do a day trip to Sintra without a tour?
Yes. Take the train from Rossio station, then use taxis between palaces. It’s cheaper and more flexible than tours.