The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
3 days in Lisbon; the best local itinerary tips
There is a lot to see and do in Lisbon, and three days are perfect for getting to know the city. But what can you see, and what are some must-see locations? Should I go to Sintra, or where should I sleep and eat? All questions you might have, and I will happily answer!
I came to the city for the first time in 2019 and was doing all the research back then. But I loved Lisbon so much, and now, I am a local Lisboeta! I will happily share some insider info in this blog post about making the most out of Lisbon for 3 days! Including hidden gems!
What to expect from this 3 days in Lisbon itinerary
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
Day 1 of your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary
With a hotel in the city centre, many sights are within walking distance of each other. Public transport also works well in the city, and there are metro stations near the famous sights. Other areas are well connected by the iconic yellow trams or by bus.
Arco da Rua Augusta
Start your morning on Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Square, to find the famous Lisbon arch. Arco da Rua Augusta was built after the 1755 earthquake to commemorate Lisbon’s reconstruction. At the square, you can enjoy a Tagus river view from Cais das Colunas or take a closer look at the statue of King José I.
Many people don’t know that you can climb to the top of Arco da Rua Augusta to enjoy a stunning view of the city centre! For only € 4,50, you can take the elevator up halfway. You’ll discover a short exhibition before heading to the top. Besides the view over the Baixa district, you’ll see the beautiful statues from up close.
Santa Justa Lift
Elevador de Santa Justa is only a short walking distance from the arch. Follow Rua Augusta until you see a huge cast iron structure! The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the most famous landmarks in the city centre, and you can ride the elevator to the top of the 45-meter-tall structure.
The downside: the queue is LONG! Officially, it’s part of the public transport system, but nowadays, only tourists ride the Santa Justa Elevator. Don’t want to wait? Take the escalators at the Baixa-Chiado metro station to climb this hill with some help! It will save you a lot of time and money.
Carmo Convent
Once on top of the Santa Justa Lift, take a moment to enjoy the view. You’ll have an incredible view over Lisbon, but also at the former Carmo Convent. The church was severely damaged in 1755 and was never fully rebuilt.
Nowadays, the roofless convent is home to the Carmo Archeological Museum. Enjoy the architecture from the outside, or pay a visit to this unique landmark!
Explore in Chiado & Bairro Alto
After visiting the convent, it’s time to explore Lisbon’s shopping district. But you can also find some points of interest, such as the oldest working bookstore in the world: Livraria Bertrand. When you buy a book, they will even stamp it for you. And at Praça Luís de Camões, you’ll find one of my favourite spots to try a pastel de nata: the pastry shop Manteigaria.
From there, you can discover one of the most lively neighbourhoods: Bairro Alto. Bairro Alto is quiet during the day, but at night, you can visit many bars in this area. If you like going out, you can come back here later!
One of the most iconic spots in Bairro Alto is the bright yellow cable tram at Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. Take some photos on the top before enjoying the view from the nearby viewpoint of Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Time Out Market
You can go to Time Out Market when it’s time for lunch. In the morning there is a fantastic market where you can buy fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. Next door, you’ll find a food court with tons of food stalls. They serve great food, and you can enjoy some fabulous local wines. Try Croqueteria, Marlene Vieira or Sea Me, for example.
Like some other famous places on this Lisbon itinerary, Time Out Market gets busy. If you prefer a quieter spot, enjoy the many restaurants on the street nearby. Café Janis, Honest Greens, and Javá Rooftop are some fabulous places. After lunch, you can have a look at Pink Street nearby before heading to the historic quarters of Alfama.
Lisbon Cathedral
One of the main sights in the Alfama district is the Lisbon Cathedral. It is the oldest church in the city centre, and you can visit the Sé de Lisboa from the inside! Construction of the Lisbon Cathedral started in 1147, and it has been a national monument since 1910. During your visit, you’ll explore the main church and the treasury with religious exhibitions.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
A short walk uphill from the cathedral leads to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city: Miradouro de Santa Luzia! In the summer, the massive bougainvillaea blooms, and the viewpoint is filled with azulejo tiles.
Please take a moment to soak in its beauty and the views. The historic tram 28 also passes by the cathedral and the viewpoint, offering some great photo opportunities.
Tip!
When visiting Lisbon, you can discover many more viewpoints! They are great settings for a sunset, and many sights are near the viewpoints.
Book a photoshoot with me during your three days in Lisbon!
Complete your Lisbon itinerary with a fantastic souvenir! I offer photoshoots in Lisbon, and most of the time, I am in the Alfama district. The narrow streets and colourful houses make the perfect backdrop for your pictures. This includes many viewpoints and the cute area around São Jorge Castle.
Photoshoots are a great way to create lifelong memories whether you visit Lisbon alone, with your partner or with family. There are 30-minute mini-sessions available or 1,5 to 4-hour photo walks. In a few hours, I will show you many sights in the city centre and take your pictures.
Photoshoot Details
Contact me for bookings or find out more about the photography services!
São Jorge Castle
You can either walk the steep hills up, take a taxi, or take bus 737 from the city centre to reach Castelo de São Jorge. São Jorge castle is located on top of Alfama Hill, overlooking the whole city and the Tagus River. Visiting Castelo de São Jorge later in the day is a great idea, as it is much quieter. In summer, the castle is open until 9 PM!
São Jorge Castle is also great to visit with children, as many peacocks live here! You can also walk along the castle walls for even better views. Discover the remains of the Royal Palace, enter São Jorge Castle by footbridge, and look at the camera obscura. There are 11 towers between the castle walls, and you can visit the archaeological site with a guide at specific times.
End day 1 with a Fado dinner
After a long day of walking, you can enjoy the last part of the first day. The Alfama district has some incredible Fado restaurants where you can have dinner. LX Bohemia offers excellent meals and beautiful performances, for example. You’ll sit down for dinner, and a Fado performance will take place from time to time.
It’s a great way to learn about Portuguese culture and try some traditional dishes. The Fado singer is accompanied by someone playing guitar and someone on the traditional Portuguese guitar. Many Fado houses will explain more about the songs and the tradition.
Day 2 of Lisbon 3 days
On day 2 of 3 in Lisbon, it’s time for a day trip! Sintra is a magical place with many palaces, castles, rugged coasts, and coastal towns. Some of the most famous places are Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle. Before heading out, knowing how you want to travel to Sintra and what you want to see is important.
Many tourists enjoy a day trip with a guide, as everything is included. You’ll have transport included from Lisbon and visit places like Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca (the most western point of mainland Europe), and the coastal town of Cascais. You can simply relax and learn a lot from the tour guides.
You can also reach Sintra by train or taxi. The journey takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where you are going. When travelling independently, you can decide what you would like to see. You can easily spend the whole day in Sintra, and you can see 2 to 3 landmarks. Here are some ideas:
- The UNESCO World Heritage site Pena Palace was once the summer residence of the royal family. The colourful palace is the most visited and is busy! Booking tickets upfront is a must all year round. It is located high on a steep hill, which you can reach by bus, tuk-tuk, or taxi. A visit will take 2-4 hours. Remember to visit the gardens!
- Next to the stunning Pena Palace, you can visit the old walls of the Moorish Castle. The views over Sintra town and the surrounding mountains are incredible! Your visit will take 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Quinta da Regaleira is famous for its well and stunning gardens. It gets busy, too, as getting to from Sintra town is easy. An audio guide or guided tour is recommended to learn more about the symbolism hidden in this place! It takes 2-3 hours to visit!
- Biester Palace is still a hidden gem, located right next to Quinta da Regaleira. The movie The Ninth Gate with Johnny Depp was filmed here, and Biester Chalet reopened in 2022 after extensive renovations. Including beautiful gardens! You’ll need 1 to 2 hours for a visit.
- Sintra National Palace is located in the heart of Sintra and is the oldest palace in Portugal! The rooms are gorgeous, and the place oozes history. The two white chimneys make the building a true Sintra landmark. You’ll need 1 to 2 hours to visit.
- My ultimate favourite is Monserrate Palace. The Moorish-looking villa is gorgeous, and the gardens are even more so! There are ponds, unique trees and plants and an overgrown chapel. A visit will take 2-3 hours, and you can reach the palace by bus or taxi. There is also a small car park.
- The most hidden gem of all is the Convent of the Capuchos. Where the Sintra palaces shine in all their glory, the former monastery is sombre and entirely made from cork, moss and rocks. You’ll need 1 to 1,5 hours for your visit, and there is a car park.
- Another gem often overlooked is Queluz Palace. It’s between Sintra and Lisbon and is easy to reach by train, taxi, or bus. The rooms are wonderful, and the gardens are well worth visiting. Schedule 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a visit.
Day 3 of your 3-day itinerary in Lisbon
LX Factory
On the third day, you can start your adventure at the LX Factory. The former industrial space is a favourite spot for shopping and eating. If you are here on a Sunday, you can enjoy one of the fantastic Lisbon markets. You can buy fresh produce and secondhand items. It’s also an excellent spot for breakfast or a delicious lunch.
The shops at the LX Factory are great, too, and one of the highlights is the bookstore Ler Devagar. You’ll find floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a three-story old printing press! Other shops at LX Factory sell clothes, souvenirs, and home decorations.
Discover Belém
Belém is another district in Portugal’s capital, and there is a lot to do in this area! Art lovers can visit the MAAT Museum and explore the latest exhibitions. The modern museum also offers incredible views from the rooftop! Next door, you can visit the repurposed power station Central Tejo. You can still see the machines from back then, and the structure is incredible!
Most people come to Belém to visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Both have stunning Manueline-style architecture and are some of the most visited landmarks in the beautiful city. Expect long lines, and buying a ticket upfront is a must!
When visiting Belém, the Lisbon Card will be handy. You can use the Lisbon Card to take advantage of free public transport, but you can also enter the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery for free! You also have entrance to the Discoveries Monument and the National Coach Museum! There is so much to do in Belém that you can easily spend the entire day here.
🌟 Discover whether it’s worth buying the Lisboa Card for your trip!
Try the original pastel de nata
It’s a great idea to have a break between the sights. And there is no better place than Pastéis de Belém! It’s the original recipe, and the custard cakes are often still warm. The pastel de nata originates next door to Jerónimos Monastery, and the pastry shop has a beautiful interior.
The line often moves quickly, but you will most likely have to wait a bit. In addition to pastel de nata, they offer hot and cold, sweet and savoury snacks—perfect with a cup of coffee or a soft drink! If you want to have a moment in nature in Belém, make a short walk next to the pastry shop and visit the Tropical Botanical Garden!
Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tagus River
End your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary with a boat tour on the Tagus River! Most boats depart from the harbour in Belém with several options. For example, you can step onboard a sailboat and enjoy a glass of wine. The catamaran cruise is also popular, and a DJ will play tunes while you enjoy some drinks.
Kids and nature lovers favour the dolphin-watching tours, but they often leave early in the morning. During a boat ride on the Tagus River, the local guides will tell you a lot more about the city and its surroundings. From the water, you have a whole different perspective of the city!
Discover some hidden gems in Lisbon for 3 days
Many of the sights mentioned can be pretty busy, especially in summer. They are all fantastic, and many tourists want to get a glimpse of the Portuguese heritage! But more and more people, myself included, are also interested in discovering some lesser-known places!
I noticed many places are less busy but just as beautiful. Take Ajuda Palace, for example! The former royal palace has gorgeous rooms and very detailed decorations. The Basilica of Estrela and the Estrela Garden is also beautiful.
Or visit the stunning Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora near Alfama, which is way quieter than the Jerónimos Monastery. Instead of Cascais, you can visit the coastal city of Setúbal. Or discover cities like Santarem and Tomar.
How to get around in Lisbon in three days?
Lisbon has many ways of transport, and most sights are very easy to reach. Renting a car is unnecessary unless you want to explore nearby towns and nature reserves. When you arrive at Lisbon Airport, you can take a taxi, bus or metro into the city centre.
By foot
How about transport during your 3 days in Lisbon? There are plenty of options. First of all, the city centre is very walkable, and many sights are within walking distance of each other. The narrow cobblestone streets often have uneven pavements and can be slippery. Please wear comfortable shoes with a grip, especially when it rains.
Public transport for 3 days Lisbon
Public transport is also well organised, and you can use the bus, metro, tram, train, and ferry! You can purchase a navegante occasional card at the metro and train stations. This card costs only € 0.50. You can top it up whenever necessary. Single ticket prices also drop, or you can buy a day ticket.
Transport is free with the Lisbon Card, and this ticket also gives you free entrance to sights such as São Jorge Castle, the National Tile Museum, the Belém Tower and the Jerónomios Monastery. If you plan on visiting these sights as in the suggested itinerary, you’ll save a lot of money!
Taxis
Compared to other European destinations, taxis in Lisbon are pretty affordable. A regular cab is often the most expensive, but Bolt and Uber are also widely available in central Lisbon. Are you new to Uber? Then, you will get a juicy discount with code rfc9urafg6qp!
Tuk-tuks in Lisbon
Lisbon is built on seven hills, and some slopes are steep! If you’re short on time and want to see as much of your Lisbon itinerary as possible, consider booking a tuk-tuk tour. You can pick one up at a central location in the city, but booking a tuk-tuk in advance is even better.
This way, you can get a better price and book even themed tuk-tuk tours! Enjoy a street art tour or combine an excursion with a food and wine tasting! The tuk-tuks are often not suitable for very small children, but some are. There are also many guides who speak languages other than English and Portuguese.
Hop-on-hop-off bus
The hop-on-hop-off bus in Lisbon is another great way to visit Lisbon and see a lot in a few hours. There are several routes, depending on which landmarks you want to see. There are tickets for 24 hours, but also 2 or 3 days in Lisbon, and you’ll receive several discounts. An easy way to discover this fantastic city!
Where to eat in Lisbon?
The Portuguese kitchen is loved by many, and there are some incredible restaurants to try during your three days in Lisbon. You’ll find many fish dishes on the menu, such as bacalhau and sardines. But there are also meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Here is a list of some of my favourite restaurants in Lisbon:
Favorite Places to eat in Lisbon
Tip!
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
Hotels in Lisbon
Searching for a hotel for 3 days in Lisbon might be overwhelming. There is so much to choose from! If you’re looking for a central location, I recommend the area around Avenida da Liberdade or anywhere in the Baixa district. As Bairro Alto also has many bars, this area and around Pink Street might be noisy at night. Alfama is also beautiful, and you can stay near the Castelo de São Jorge or Lisbon Cathedral. I highlighted 3 options for you below, too, or you can use the easy help to find the best hotel!
📍 Perfect for budget travellers: The Lisbon Garden Boutique Guest House in Arroios is great for saving some money. You stay in a private room with a shared bathroom, and a garden and a terrace are outside. You have instant access to the metro to easily discover Lisbon for three days!
📍Mid-range option: The Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel is centrally located near Avenida da Liberdade. This boutique hotel is the perfect location for a romantic getaway! Breakfast is served daily (at an extra cost), and there is a bar and restaurant.
📍Book a luxury stay: Do you want to stay in a palace in Lisbon for three days? At Torel Palace, it is possible! The hotel is located centrally but on a hill, offering some of the best views over the city. It has three stunning buildings, including 19th-century mansions, a garden, and a pool.
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
Is 3 days enough to see Lisbon?
If you want to see the main sights, three to five days in Lisbon is ideal. You can spend two days in Lisbon and then take a day trip to a nearby place, such as Sintra. Three or more days will also be suitable if you want to visit some less-visited places and beaches.
Should I go to Sintra for 3 days in Lisbon?
Within your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary, you can definitely schedule a day trip to Sintra. You can reach Sintra by train or taxi or even book an organised tour. You can explore the city centre for the other two days in Lisbon.
Where to go in Lisbon in 3 days?
Lisbon, Portugal, offers a lot to see in three days! Some highlights include the Cathedral Sé de Lisboa, Castelo de São Jorge, the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the National Tile Museum, and the Carmo Convent. Make time to explore neighbourhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado, too!
Conclusion
I hope you will find many good resources in the 3 days in Lisbon itinerary so you can plan your trip better. There is a lot to see in the city, and in three days, you get a good overview of it. You can easily spend all your days in Lisbon, visiting all the sights! Wear comfortable walking shoes, and you can see a whole lot in three days!
Every season is different, too, and there are often incredible festivals and events. Spring is beautiful with blossoming flowers, and you can enjoy the party Festas de Lisboa in June. You can combine a city trip in summer with the many nearby beaches. During Christmas, Lisbon is beautifully decorated with lights and trees.
Your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary can definitely include a day trip. Enjoy visiting Sintra or another nearby location such as Tomar, Cascais, Óbidos or Évora to explore more in Portugal. What are you looking forward to the most when you visit Lisbon?
Also read:
Pin to read later!
