Three days in Lisbon give you plenty of time to explore the historic center and the Belém district, and to enjoy a day trip to the surrounding area. We tested this itinerary firsthand and believe it offers a good balance of culture, cuisine, and the great outdoors. Follow our guide to plan your trip so that everything goes smoothly.
With our itineraries, we’ll guide you through Lisbon. Make the most of your trip and form your own opinion about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lisbon in 3 Days
What can you see in Lisbon in 3 days? Is that long enough?
In our opinion, you can cover the highlights in three days: the historic center, Belém, and a day trip to a nearby area, such as Sintra or Cascais. Of course, three days isn’t enough time to see everything in the Portuguese capital. If you’d like to stay for a shorter or longer period, check out our other itinerary articles: 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, 5 days, and 1 week in Lisbon.
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you follow along as you read our itinerary below, here is our map of Lisbon’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Lisbon
Lisbon is a hilly city, built on seven hills, and the historic center is best explored on foot—provided you wear sturdy shoes. We alternated between walking, taking the subway, and riding the tram to give our legs a break in the steepest neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. Tram 28 connects several historic neighborhoods and remains a convenient way to save time. You can also take a Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which stops at the main attractions. We highly recommend the Lisboa Card, which provides access to public transportation (metro, bus, tram, Santa Justa Elevator) as well as free or discounted admission to many tourist attractions—a real bonus for a three-day visit!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips
Where to Stay in Lisbon
For a three-day trip, it’s best to choose a centrally located place to stay, in Chiado or Baixa, so you can quickly reach the various stops on the itinerary. Find all our recommendations and tips by neighborhood in our comprehensive article on where to stay in Lisbon. Here are three places we recommend:
- Montebelo Vista Alegre Lisboa Chiado Hotel: Housed in a renovated historic building, this cozy hotel showcases Vista Alegre porcelain in its elegant decor, right in the heart of Chiado. See prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel Lisboa Pessoa: a hotel with a literary flair, paying tribute to the poet Fernando Pessoa, where we enjoyed the tranquility, comfort, and spa, right in the heart of the historic center. See prices, photos, and availability.
- Hôtel Hotel Hotel Member of Design: a contemporary-style hotel featuring an outdoor pool nestled in lush greenery—a rare find in Lisbon—near the Rato metro station. Check photos and availability.
WHERE TO STAY IN lisbon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The Baixa neighborhood in the heart of Lisbon –
Hotel da Baixa – See prices, photos and availability
Dare Lisbon House Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Alfama neighborhood, the oldest and most charming –
Hotel Poussada Alfama – See prices, photos and availability
The Chiado neighborhood, the most elegant—
Art Legacy Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Our Ideal Itinerary: 3 Days in Lisbon
Day 1: The Historic Center
Day 1 – 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.: São Jorge Castle and Alfama
Start your stay early at São Jorge Castle, perched on the hill in Alfama. We were captivated by its imposing ruins, its slender towers, and its shady gardens where peacocks roam freely. Built in the 5th century, this Moorish castle has stood the test of time before becoming a Portuguese royal residence. From this vantage point, you can admire the red-tiled rooftops and the Tagus River as it winds its way through the city. The castle’s camera obscura—an optical device that projects a moving image of Lisbon onto a concave mirror—amused us greatly. Then take a leisurely stroll back down through the narrow streets of Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes for the castle and its gardens
- Challenges: steep terrain, elevation changes in Alfama
- Access: minibus 37 or streetcar 28
- Price: €15 for a full-price ticket
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 9pm (closes at 6pm in winter)
- Don’t wait—book your ticket with an audio guide today!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Day 1 – 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Sé Cathedral and miradouros
On your way back down toward the city center, stop by the Sé Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Lisbon. Built in the 12th century, it combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, reflecting its successive reconstructions. We found the interior to be quite simple yet steeped in history, with its gilded altarpieces and colorful stained-glass windows. Then continue your stroll to the nearby miradouros, those viewpoints so typical of Lisbon. The Santa Luzia Miradouro, with its azulejos and colonnades, struck us as one of the most pleasant in the area, as did the Portas do Sol Miradouro, a little further on.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: 30 minutes to 1 hour for the cathedral; allow an additional 30 minutes for the miradouros
- Directions: Take tram 28, which drops you off right in front of the cathedral
- Price: €5 full price for the cathedral; free admission to the miradouros
- Hours: The cathedral is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Day 1 – 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) or Museum of Design and Fashion (MUDE)
Before lunch, you can take a cultural break by choosing between two museums that are fairly close to each other. The National Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a former convent in the Chiado district, features Portuguese works ranging from the late 19th century to the present day. We think this is a great spot for anyone who wants to round out their visit with a glimpse of the local art scene. The Museu do Design e da Moda, located in the Baixa district, is housed in a former bank building and features collections dedicated to 20th-century design and fashion.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: 1 hour for either museum
- MNAC: located on Serpa Pinto Street, in the Chiado district
- MUDE: located on Augusta Street, in the Baixa district
Day 1 – 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch in Chiado or Baixa
For lunch, head to Chiado or Baixa. We really liked the Prado Restaurant. The decor is understated and chic, and the kitchen puts a modern spin on traditional Portuguese dishes using seasonal ingredients. In addition, the wine list is worth checking out. The restaurant also offers vegan dishes. Another option we recommend: Restaurant Com Certeza, a traditional restaurant with picturesque decor, located near the MUDE museum, which serves traditional Portuguese cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Practical advice
- Prado Restaurant: TV. das Pedras Negras 2, reservations required here
- Com Certeza Restaurant: near the MUDE Museum, in the Baixa neighborhood
- Restaurants generally open at 12:30 p.m. or even 1:00 p.m. for lunch
FUN around Lisbon: activities
Lisbon by E-Bike
Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon
Dolphin watching
Kayaking in Arrabida
Surfing in Cascais
Day 1 – 2:00–3:30 p.m.: Chiado and Bairro Alto
The afternoon began with a tour of Chiado and Bairro Alto, two iconic neighborhoods that we found to be very lively. You’ll come across street musicians, squares shaded by purple jacaranda trees, and many shops. Be sure to stop by the Carmelite Convent, whose church lost its roof in the 1755 earthquake. We were struck by the beauty of these open-air ruins, which also house a fascinating archaeological museum. End this stop withthe Santa Justa Elevator, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, which offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire area
- Rates: tram and elevator included with the Lisboa Card
- The Baixa Chiado metro station is ideally located for accessing these neighborhoods
Day 1 – 3:30–4:00 p.m.: Tram 28
Next, take tram 28, one of Lisbon’s landmarks. We had fun testing out this little bright yellow train car with a wooden interior, which dates back to the 1930s. It winds through the city’s narrow, steep streets, passing through legendary neighborhoods such as Alfama and Chiado. It’s also a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery in the late afternoon.
Practical advice
- Challenges: Expect long lines during peak season
- Hours: The tram runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Find the schedules and stops here
Day 1 – 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: Waterfront and Time Out Market
End your afternoon with a stroll around Cais do Sodré, along the banks of the Tagus. We enjoyed stopping by the Time Out Market, a large indoor market featuring dozens of stalls offering Portuguese and international specialties. Each member of the group can choose whatever they like in a lively, yet informal atmosphere. It’s also a great option for a snack break before the evening.
Practical advice
- Time Out Market: located near the Cais do Sodré train station
- Hours: Open daily until midnight
Day 1 – 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: dinner and Fado show
End this first day with dinner in Alfama or Chiado, followed by a Fado performance—traditional Portuguese music. We really enjoyed this musical interlude, which delves into the city’s melancholic soul, in the neighborhood’s small, traditional restaurants.
Practical advice
Day 2: Belém and the banks of the Tagus River
Day 2 – 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Tour of Belém and pastéis de Belém
We’re heading to the Belém neighborhood for this second day. We recommend starting with a sweet treat at the Pastelaria de Belém, where the pastéis de nata are said to be made according to a secret recipe passed down from the monks at the nearby monastery. Next, we’re heading to the Belém Tower. Built in the early 16th century by King Manuel, this fortress is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were fascinated by the carved details on its turrets, particularly the figures of rhinoceroses, which are believed to be the first depiction of this animal in European art.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: 1 hour for the tour, 30 minutes for the pastéis break
- Challenges: Long lines at both locations
- Directions: Tram 15E or buses 727, 728, 729, 751, 760
- Price: €8 for a full-price ticket to the tower
- Free admission with Lisboa Card
- Book your tickets for the tower online to save time!
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Day 2 – 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Jerónimos Monastery
Next, head to the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 16th-century Manueline building made a deep impression on us. Built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s return from India, the site houses the tombs of several famous kings and personalities. Its magnificent cloisters and spectacular church will transport you to the atmosphere of medieval Portugal.
Practical advice
- Estimated duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Opening hours: open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Free admission with Lisboa Card
- Book your ticket now to save time!
Day 2 – 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Lunch in Belém
For lunch, head to one of the restaurants in the Belém neighborhood. We recommend Restaurant O Frade, which serves specialties from the Alentejo region—flavorful, traditional, and bistronomic cuisine. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere!
Practical advice
- Book in advance here
- Restaurants generally open at 12:30 p.m. or even 1:00 p.m. for lunch
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
Day 2 – 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Museu Nacional dos Coches
The Museu Nacional dos Coches houses a collection of royal carriages considered one of the finest in the world. We were impressed by these vehicles, with their gilding, relief carvings, and painted decorations. The museum is housed in a large, modern building near the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, making it an easy stop to combine with the rest of your morning.
Practical advice
- Estimated duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays
- Price: €15, free for children under 12
- Discount with the Lisboa Card
Day 2 – 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: MAAT Museum and the waterfront
End the afternoon with a visit to the MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology. Its undulating structure, clad in glossy ceramic, and its rooftop observation deck offer a beautiful view of the river. We enjoyed the industrial atmosphere of the nearby Centrale Tejo, a former red-brick thermoelectric power plant that is part of the same site.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: 1.5 to 2 hours for both buildings
- Directions: Tram 15E, Buses 728 and 729
- Price: General admission tickets starting at €16
- Book your ticket now!
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Day 2 – 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: Sunset cruise on the Tagus River
End the day with a cruise on the Tagus River, preferably at sunset. We enjoyed this different perspective on the city, with the Belém Tower, the MAAT, and the 25 de Abril Bridge passing by as we cruised along the river. Some private cruises offer a Portuguese wine tasting, which makes for a particularly enjoyable way to end the day.
Practical advice
- Estimated duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the package
- Departure from the piers near Belém or Cais do Sodré
- Book your cruise here
Day 2 – 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: dinner
To wrap up this second day, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner. We really enjoyed the vegetarian, Michelin-starred Restaurant Encanto for the sophistication of its cuisine. Boubou’s Restaurant is another great option for a special evening out.
Practical advice
- Book in advance: Encanto Restaurant here, Boubou’s Restaurant here
- Restaurants generally open at 7:30 p.m., not before
Day 3: Day trip from Lisbon
Day 3 – 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: A day in Sintra or Cascais
Spend your third day on a day trip. Sintra, a 40-minute drive away, is undoubtedly the most popular day trip from the capital. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to palaces of great architectural splendor, from the romantic Pena Palace to the mysteries of the Quinta da Regaleira. If you prefer the seaside, Cascais charms visitors with its lively waterfront and well-preserved historic center—just a 40-minute train ride away.
Practical advice
- Estimated time needed: a full day for either destination
- Sintra is very hilly, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes
- Book your guided tour of Sintra
- Book your guided tour of Cascais
Day 3 – Alternative: Sesimbra and the Arrábida Natural Park
If you prefer a more rugged setting, the Serra de Arrábida Natural Park, about an hour from Lisbon, offers coves with remarkably clear waters. The region also includes Sesimbra, whose castle overlooks the fishing village. We were surprised to find such a natural setting so close to the capital.
Practical advice
- Estimated duration: one full day
- Book your trip to Sesimbra and Arrábida
Day 3 – Return and Bistronomic Dinner in Lisbon
When you return to Lisbon at the end of the day, enjoy one last dinner in the city center before wrapping up your trip. Why not give Arkhe Restaurant a try? The cuisine there is refined and very delicate. We thoroughly enjoyed a truly refined meal.
Alternative 1: with more museums
If you’re more of a museum lover, feel free to adapt our itinerary by replacing the afternoon of Day 1 with a visit to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which houses a unique and extensive collection spanning from antiquity to the early 20th century. The Azulejo Museum, dedicated to Portuguese painted tiles, is another option we recommend. Check out all our cultural spots in our article on the best museums in Lisbon.
Option 2: With children
If you’re traveling with your family, we recommend replacing part of Day 2 with a visit tothe Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, or the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, a fully interactive science museum. The Parque das Nações cable car will also be a big hit with the kids. Check out all our ideas in our article on things to do in Lisbon with kids.
Option 3: with another excursion
For Day 3, you can also choose the tour to Fátima, Nazaré, Batalha, and Óbidos—four major destinations in central Portugal that can be visited in a single day. Fátima is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world; Batalha is home to a UNESCO-listed monastery; and Óbidos charms visitors with its ramparts and white-washed streets. The Alentejo region and its main city, Évora—a 1.5-hour drive away—are another option for immersing yourself in rural Portugal. Find details about these outings in our article on the best day trips from Lisbon.
What You Need to Know for Your Stay in Lisbon
The Weather in Lisbon
Lisbon enjoys a pleasant climate for much of the year. We found spring and fall to be particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures ranging from 17 to 24°C depending on the month. In the summer, temperatures can exceed 35°C in July and August, while in the winter temperatures remain moderate, around 12 to 15°C, with plenty of sunshine.
The Crowds in Lisbon
The peak season runs from April through October. We’ve noticed that the lines get significantly longer at the most popular attractions during this time, particularly at the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. The Festas de Lisboa, held in June, also draw large crowds throughout the city. For a more peaceful visit, plan your trip for spring or fall.
Adjusting Your Itinerary When It Rains
In case of rain, replace the outdoor stops on our itinerary with visits to museums such as the MAAT or the Museu do Azulejo. A Fado show or a visit to the Lisbon Aquarium are also good options for continuing to enjoy your stay despite the bad weather.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Portugal
- Best of
Best attractions in Portugal
The most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Portugal’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Portugal
Driving tips
