Lisbon, Portugal has an intriguing past and soulful vibe, but it took us awhile to warm up to the city. Now we are completely under its spell. From distinct neighborhoods to magnificent sights, Lisbon captivates us time and time again.
Called the City of Seven Hills, Lisbon has been shaped by royalty, religion, the Age of Discovery and the devastating 1755 earthquake. The fascinating history can be found in the architecture, traditions and unique Portuguese food.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
We believe spending 3 days in Lisbon is just enough time to get acquainted with the city. Based on our personal experiences, we have created a perfect 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary that highlights exactly what to see and do.
Planning 3 Days in Lisbon, Portugal
On our first trip in 2010, we booked three days in Lisbon as part of a longer Portugal Itinerary.
We had a guidebook that outlined Lisbon must-see sights, but otherwise we made little effort to plan our vacation. When we arrived, we struggled – really struggled – to understand the love and hype of Lisbon.
The hills were steeper than we anticipated. The weather was hotter than we anticipated. And our sightseeing Lisbon guidebook was far less helpful than we anticipated.
While we loved our time in Porto, we departed the country feeling far less affection for the capital city.
Four years later, we returned to Lisbon with open minds. We had obviously missed something, because fellow travelers continued to rave about the city.
This time we had two weeks in Lisbon and an actual plan. We saw the city through new eyes and it wasn’t long before we were swooning. We have since returned to Lisbon a number of times, exploring deeper on each visit.
While reminiscing about our first-trip debacle, we felt compelled to create a 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary that shows the best of the city.
It is a day-by-day plan for what to do in Lisbon in 3 days. In fact, it’s the itinerary we wished we had for our first trip!
About Our Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary
To help you make the most of your time, we have packed our 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary with top activities and experiences.
Each day is organized with adventures for the morning, afternoon and evening. Plus, we offer suggestions for places to eat for both lunch and dinner.
At the end of the article, we have included a helpful Lisbon map that pinpoints the attractions we feature in the outlined trip plan.
In addition to our advice about what to do, we also share tips regarding logistics – like where to stay and how to get there.
3-Day Itinerary: Lisbon, Portugal
This itinerary features the best things to see in Lisbon in 3 days – from exploring the different Lisbon neighborhoods to sightseeing beyond the city center.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Lisbon, Portugal Travel Itinerary to plan your trip!
DAY 1: Get Acquainted with Lisbon
Spend the first full day getting to know the lay of the land. Start in the heart of the city and then wade your way into the famous Alfama District. Finish off with a traditional meal and a night of Fado.
Morning: Discover Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto
Kick off your 3-day trip on a city center walk. Stroll through three iconic neighborhoods using our Free, Self-Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon!
See landmark sights, revel in the history and enjoy the sumptuous vistas that extend over the city’s rooftops.
Legendary churches (like Igreja de Sao Domingos and Sao Roque) and the best squares (including Rossio, Largo do Carmo and Praca Luis de Camoes) are not to be missed.
The city center also hosts phenomenal Lisbon Viewpoints. Find a perch – atop the Santa Justa Lift and at Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara – to marvel at the scene.
Our outlined walk navigates to top attractions, but for a personal introduction to the events that shaped the city, you could also join this highly rated tour.
End your tour in the elegant Praca do Comercio, where restaurants spill from the yellow, arcaded buildings onto the plaza. We suggest finding a seat on the outdoor patio of Ministerium Terrace for lunch.
The menu offers a fantastic first taste of Portuguese cuisine with small plates for sharing. Order delicious dishes like Pica Pau (beef with pickles), Codfish Fritters, Piri-Piri Chicken Wings and Octopus Salad.
Budget Tip: For a cheap midday meal, pick up inexpensive items from the nearby Pingo Doce grocery store and enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverside!
Afternoon: Alfama Exploration
The Alfama District is a fascinating tangle of narrow lanes. Home to many Lisbon top sights, the charm of the enclave really comes alive on the atmospheric backstreets.
Our Alfama Free Self-Guided Walking Tour takes you from the Se Cathedral to the St. George Castle to the National Pantheon. The route passes by amazing Lisbon Churches and stunning viewpoints, like Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol.
Next, challenge yourself to get off the beaten path by roaming with no set agenda. The maze of Alfama alleys lead to quaint squares, small churches, hidden cafes and secret lookout points.
While exploring Alfama, you are certain to catch a glimpse of women gossiping with neighbors as they hang laundry to dry.
You will also spot the famous Lisbon trams rambling down tracks on streets that are barely wide enough for the carriage.
Take note of the traditional azulejo tiles (and evocative street art) that decorate the residences. When you stumble upon a café with delectable pastries and inexpensive wine, take a seat and savor the ambiance of Alfama.
Top Tip: Alfama is known for its hilly terrain. Consider hiring a tuk tuk for a less strenuous experience. You can also opt to tour Lisbon on an electric bike with a guide.
Late Afternoon: Lisbon Museum
We could spend days wandering Alfama, but if you want to squeeze a cultural institution into your 3 Day Itinerary of Lisbon, now is a prime time to do it.
Our top pick is the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo). Located northeast of Alfama (but easy to reach by bus or Uber), the museum is housed in an ancient monastery.
Here, you can learn about the history of the artistic ceramic tiles that are famous all throughout Portugal. During your visit, the dazzling gilded chapel is not to be missed.
Alternatively, stay in Alfama and visit the Fado Museum (Museu do Fado). The small venue features interactive displays that trace the music’s history.
Evening: Fado in Lisbon
Speaking of Fado, some say it was born on the streets of Alfama. The musical genre is well-known as being melancholy, heartbreaking and stirring.
For us, listening to live Fado in Lisbon is an absolute must during a Portugal trip. There are many places that offer Fado experiences. From amateurs to professionals, the performers and prices vary.
For an excellent first night in Lisbon, we recommend pairing dinner with a Fado performance. You will definitely want to book ahead for any of the Fado restaurants in Alfama.
Sr. Fado de Alfama and Parreirinha de Alfama are top rated establishments. Alternatively, join a guided experience that includes a tour, dinner and live Fado.
DAY 2: Adventure around Lisbon
On the second day of your Lisbon Three-Day Itinerary, experience areas beyond the center.
Travel by tram to Belem and then continue to the seaside town of Cascais by train. Be back in central Lisbon by early evening, allowing plenty of time for fun!
Morning: Belem
The riverside town of Belém is just 4 miles from the center of Lisbon, but it feels a world away. It’s one of our favorite places to visit – and we’ve outlined the Top Things To Do in Belem.
Well-connected by public transport and even a riverside walking path, it’s an easy trip to Belem from Lisbon.
Once there, see the Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and tour Jeronimos Monastery (get your ticket in advance). Also, the picturesque Tagus River shoreline is stunning and a great place for a stroll.
Before leaving, a stop at Pasteis de Belem for a taste of the most famous Portuguese custard tart is an absolute must!
Afternoon: Cascais
Hop on a westbound train from Belem to Cascais, an idyllic seaside resort city. Once there, settle in for a superb lunch.
We recommend making reservations at Taberna Clandestina. Everything here – from the Truffle Pasta to the Ze Povinho Pork Cheeks Focaccia – is absolutely delicious.
After a long and leisurely lunch, set off to see the Sights of Cascais. Waltz through the main square, Praca 5 de Outubro, see the seafront Citadel and tour the 19th century Palace of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes.
Visit the picturesque lighthouse at Miradouro Casa de Santa Maria and follow the coastline all the way to Boca do Inferno, a geological gem of crashing waves.
Late in the afternoon, work your way back into the center of Cascais. Wind through the Old Town toward the train station and catch the train back to Lisbon.
Alternate Afternoon Option: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
Cascais is positively beguiling – and it shouldn’t be skipped. That said, you might opt to visit Cascais as part of a Sintra Tour on Day 3.
If that’s your plan, stay in Belem and visit the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda. The Royal Family Palace, now a museum, boasts poshly decorated rooms and hosts a vast collection of artistic works.
On your way, stop at Mestrias Tasca Nova for a fabulous lunch of local dishes. The Bacalhau a Bras is one of my favorite Portuguese Foods – and they do it exceptionally well!
Dinner: Time Out Market or LX Factory
Time Out Market Lisboa is a foodie haven – and a great place to sample an array of eats. Historically known as Mercado da Ribeira Velha, its origins can be traced to the 1100s.
Today, the main hall boasts 40 restaurant stalls manned by some of Lisbon’s top chefs. At the market, guests dine on traditional and innovative Portuguese cuisine while sitting at communal tables.
We recommend the Francesinha sandwich from Miguel Castro e Silva. Alternatively, go for the Plate of the Day from Marlene Vieira.
We love Time Out Market and think it’s a must for your Lisbon in 3 Days Itinerary – but the space can get extremely crowded.
For a different vibe, venture to LX Factory for dinner. In fact, the Alcântara – Mar Station on the way back from Cascais and Belem.
The urban, creative retail space features street art murals, boutique shops, lively cafes and restaurants.
1300 Taberna is a top pick (so book ahead), but Cantina LX is solid backup. The fresh fish and pork dishes we ate here were excellent.
Evening: Cais do Sodre
The once-seedy Cais do Sodre district has seen a significant transformation. Chic restaurants and fashionable clubs have saturated the neighborhood, making it a go-to spot in Lisbon at night.
Those who want to party until dawn should check out the clubs on Pink Street. At the very least, have a sugary cocktail at the infamous and quirky former brothel, Pensao Amor.
Other top spots for cocktails is the rooftop at Java or O Bom O Mau e O Vilao, where they also feature live jazz.
Craft beer aficionados will want to head to the local Lisbon brewery’s MUSA da Bica location and wine enthusiasts should check out By the Wine.
DAY 3: Lisbon Day Trip or More City Sights
On the last day of your 3-Day Itinerary for Lisbon, you will need to decide if you want to discover more neighborhoods or explore further afield.
Option 1: Sightseeing in Lisbon
Take a ferry to see the Christ Statue on the opposite bank of the Tagus River, then spend the afternoon in the Estrela District.
Morning: Cristo Rei
Hop on a ferry for a ride across the Tagus to visit the dominating 92-foot-tall Cristo Rei statue. We outline everything you need to know about Visiting Cristo Rei.
Officially called the National Sanctuary of Christ the King, the statue is reminiscent of Christ Redeemer that stands over Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Built in the 1950s, the Lisbon monument is just one sight in the complex. Discovering the attractions at the statue is one of the Best Free Things To Do in Lisbon.
The places to visit at Cristo Rei include a chapel, sanctuary, Stations of the Cross, gardens and galleries.
Visitors can also ascend to the top of the 269-foot-tall platform for incredible views back to Lisbon (ticket required).
Afternoon: Lapa and Estrella in Lisbon West
Back across the river, hop on a westbound Tram 25 at Cais do Sodre. It will take you into the heart of atmospheric Estrela – one of our favorite areas of Lisbon.
Ride to the end of the line (Prazeres) and go to Campo de Ourique Market for lunch. Similar to Time Out, it’s far less crowded and far more local.
If you have a sweet tooth, pop into the World’s Best Chocolate Cake next to the market for a slice of their decadent signature cake.
After lunch, set off to discover the Top Things To See in Estrela. Stroll through the beautiful Prazeres Cemetery, visit the gorgeous Estrela Basilica and wander around Estrela Park.
If time allows, walk along the pretty streets – like Rua Sacramento a Lapa – and get lost in the lush Tapada das Necessidades Park.
If you are enjoying the less crowded side of Lisbon, consider staying for dinner. Leziria Casa de Petiscos is a true gem (reservations are a must) and Cascavel is fun and friendly for drinks.
Otherwise, head back via Tram 25 or an Uber and have dinner in Bairro Alto (we share some suggestions below).
Option 2: Sintra Day Trip
If an adventure into the mountains sounds more appealing, then plan a full-day excursion to Sintra to wrap up your 3 Day Itinerary in Lisbon.
Highlighted by colorful palaces and whimsical gardens, Sintra is a top day trip destination. The top things to see are the National Palace of Pena, the Moorish Castle, the Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira.
We outline how to make the most of your day in our detailed DIY Lisbon-to-Sintra Guide. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that whisks you to Sintra, Cabo Roca and Cascais.
If you have already visited Cascais, consider this full day trip that allows for some free time in Sintra.
There’s also this highly-rated private Sintra Half-Day Tour that would leave you a few hours to relax or shop in Lisbon before dinner.
More Day Trips from Lisbon
Looking for other excursions when you visit Lisbon in 3 days? Here’s a few of our ideas!
Porto Day Trip: Take a journey to the north coast of Portugal with a private driver on an all-day tour from Lisbon to Porto. Find out more!
Setubal Wine Tour: Sip local wines while visiting two wineries and a spirit producer. Get the details!
Evora Day Trip: See renowned Roman ruins, plus lunch, an Alentejo vineyard and the Arraiolos Castle. Book it!
3 City Tour: Travel through the countryside to visit three historic Portuguese towns – Fatima, Nazare and Obidos. Read reviews!
Evening: Watch a Lisbon Sunset
When you return to Lisbon city center, scout out a spot to watch an amazing sunset. We suggest finding a place along Ribeira da Naus or navigating to Miradouro de Santa Catarina or the Graça Viewpoint.
You could also go to Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara. From here, you won’t watch the sun actually set, but it’s a sublime spot to see the orange-tiled rooftops and Sao Jorge Castle glow.
Another option is to set sail for a relaxing cruise along the river on a Sunset Sailing Tour. While gazing at the shoreline monuments, sip on regional wine and enjoy the setting sun.
Dinner: Bairro Alto Nightlife
In the evening, Bairro Alto changes from a trendy shopping district to a buzzing nightlife destination. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with small restaurants and cozy bars.
Graze on an evening meal of typical Lisbon petiscos – which are small plates for sharing (similar to tapas) – at Leve Leve or Tapa Bucho. If you skipped Fado in Alfama, check out Tasca do Chico.
For a traditional meal, try your luck at Taberna da Rua das Flores (they don’t accept reservations) or plan ahead and make a booking at our favorite neighborhood spot, Toma La Da Ca.
Want to make sure you don’t miss a single bite of Lisbon fare? Join a food tour that features typical Portuguese dishes and the history of the local cuisine.
Lisbon Map of Sights
View our map that includes all the sights we recommend seeing on your 3-day trip to Lisbon. The sights are color-coded by day; 1 = Teal, 2 = Navy, 3 = Blue. 
Travel Tips for your 3 Days Lisbon Trip
With the sightseeing tips in our outlined itinerary, you are well on the way to planning your perfect Lisbon getaway.
Before booking your travels, we have some additional advice that will help you easily plan your vacation to Portugal. In addition to these suggestions, be sure to read all our Lisbon Travel Tips!
Lisbon Card Sightseeing Pass
In our outline of what to do in Lisbon for 3 days, we mention several attractions that require an entry fee. If you intend on entering these, consider buying the Lisboa Card.
It can provide significant savings and covers all public transportation (including the Santa Justa Lift and trains to Sintra and Cascais).
Additionally, the pass provides free or reduced admission to many museums and top Lisbon sights – like St. George Castle, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belem, the National Pantheon and the Tile Museum.
Getting Around Lisbon
Do not rent a car for your 3-day Lisbon trip; it’s much easier to use public transit! The system consists of trams, trains, buses, subways and ferries. Find ticket info and routes on the official website.
The Lisbon Sightseeing Bus can also be useful (especially considering all the hills and the scorching summer sun). The Hop On Hop Off Lisbon Bus makes stops at all the top sights – including routes to Belem.
For travel beyond Lisbon, there is a good network of regional trains. That said, if you want a vehicle to explore more freely, use our tips for getting the best car rentals before you make a reservation.
Where To Stay in Lisbon
During our many trips to Lisbon, we have stayed at a variety of accommodations in different locations – from charming Airbnb apartments, to luxury hotels as well as house sitting.
Determining the ideal place to stay in Lisbon for your trip will depend on your budget and style. That said, with only 3 nights in Lisbon, you will likely want to stay in the city center.
A solid choice is the My Story Hotel Augusta. Located right in the heart of the city, they offer comfortable rooms at fair rates. This Lisbon hotel also gets rave reviews for cleanliness and an excellent breakfast.
The fashionable Felix 10 B&B in Estrela is another one of our favorite Lisbon hotels. We love the unique space, the outdoor breakfast nook and the rooftop lounge.
Those looking for a luxury stay outside the Lisbon city center should consider the posh Altis Belem Hotel and Spa. We stayed here on our first trip to Lisbon and loved the modern decor, river views and private balcony.
Getting To Lisbon
Most travelers to Portugal will arrive at the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Located about 20 minutes north of the city, we usually grab an Uber to get to our accommodation.
Use our Tips for Booking Flights – then start your search for cheap tickets to Lisbon on Skyscanner.
Depending on your itinerary, you may arrive or depart Lisbon by train or bus. Just bear in mind that there are several stations that serve specific destinations.
What To Pack for Lisbon, Portugal
Our final tips cover what you will need to pack for your Lisbon 3 Days Itinerary. So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Portugal!
Durable Shoes: Lisbon is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes for all those hills!
Proper Camera: Upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.
Day Pack: Carry a zippered day bag that’s big enough to stow everything you will need…and deter pickpockets.
Trip Insurance: Plans can change, people get sick, planes get delayed and luggage can get lost. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Travel Planner: As you make decisions about what to do in Lisbon, Portugal for 3 days, you will need to keep track of the details. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner so nothing falls through the cracks!
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top Portugal Destination Guides
Use the honest advice in our Portugal guides in conjunction with our 3 Day Itinerary Lisbon to plan your epic vacation!
- Best of Portugal in 10 Days
- What To See in Porto
- Madeira Island Itinerary (and our Foodie Guide)
- Top Reasons To Visit Braga, Portugal
- Sao Miguel Azores Itinerary (including great hikes and amazing viewpoints)
- Aveiro Sights To See
- How To Plan a European Vacation
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
