How to Plan a Perfect Lisbon 3 Day Itinerary for First-Timers

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This perfect Lisbon 3 day itinerary is jam-packed with tons to see, tips for where to stay, how to get around, and more!

Lisbon is a charming mid-sized city famous for golden sunsets, hilly cobblestone neighborhoods, and oh-so-cute yellow trams that cruise the streets. It’s also the land of pastel de nata (delicious egg tarts) and is often considered one of Europe’s most affordable travel destinations Plus, there are so many great photo spots in Lisbon.

I’d heard so many wonderful things about Lisbon previously, and as I had had a lovely trip to Porto in the fall (and flights were cheap), I went for it! Although I went solo and visited Lisbon in the winter, I found that the crowds were small, and the accommodation was even cheaper than average. Plus, the weather was still a pleasant 65°+F and sunny – it was a dream!

I came home feeling so refreshed and inspired that this Lisbon itinerary blog post pretty much wrote itself! So, without further adieu, here’s how to see Lisbon in 3 days.

Read more: All You Need to Know About Solo Travel in Lisbon, Portugal

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Lisbon 3 Day Itinerary Table of Contents

How to Get Around Lisbon
The Lisbon Card
Where to Stay in Lisbon + Best Hotels
Lisbon 3 Day Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 in Lisbon
Day 2 in Lisbon
Day 3 in Lisbon: Sintra Day Trip
Day 3 in Lisbon: Second Option
Lisbon Travel Tips

How to Get Around Lisbon

The best way to get around Lisbon is by waking and taking public transportation (the metro, trams, and buses). Taxis are also a convenient way to get around the city, and shouldn’t be too expensive since you likely don’t need to travel far. And, Lisbon is pretty affordable in general.

To take the metro, you’ll need to buy a ticket, which you can grab before you ride at the metro station. I recommend getting a 24-hour pass for use on all modes of public transport. The passes are called Viva Viagem cards, and you must tap the cards when you get on and off public transport.

You can also buy a single-use ticket at machines in the metro, from the driver in cash on the old school trams/buses, or via a machine on the newer electric trams. Exact change is best.

When you first arrive in Lisbon, I recommend taking the Airport bus line 1 direct from the airport to downtown or the Lisbon metro (red line to Alameda station, transfer to the green line to downtown stops). It’s convenient, affordable, and easy to use.

Is the Lisbon Card worth it?

The Lisbon Card is a travel card that provides free entrance into 35 different Lisbon attractions like the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. It also provides free transportation on most modes of transportation, even the Carris lines between Lisbon and Sintra.

The card is purchased by how many days you’d like to use it and is available in 24, 48, and 72 hours, perfect for three days in Lisbon. 

The cards cost about €30,00 to €50,00 with a 5% discount if purchased online in advance, and you must pick up the card at the Ask Me Lisboa Desks.

I recommend first planning your itinerary and its associated costs to see if the Lisbon Card is worth it. Everything in Lisbon is so cheap and walkable that I decided not to buy it.

Where to Stay in Lisbon + Hotel Recommendations

The best place to stay in Lisbon is definitely in or near the city center. But thankfully Lisbon is a pretty walkable city and is well-connected by public transportation. So, you can’t go wrong with any of these best districts in Lisbon. 

Baixa: Lisbon’s City Center

Baixa / Rossio is the very center of the city and conveniently in the middle of many of Lisbon’s top attractions. Additionally, the Rossio metro and train station offers an easy route between the airport to downtown and Lisbon to Sintra. 

Hotel recommendation: Browns Central Hotel (stylish, great location)

Alfama Neighborhood

Alfama is Lisbon’s old quarter nested immediately to the east of downtown. It’s famous for Fado music, charming narrow streets, and pretty lookout points. Much of the neighborhood is at a steep incline which means lots of walking up hills.

Hotel recommendation: Memmo Alfama Design Hotel (design, excellent city views)

Bairro Alto Neighborhood

Bairro Alto / Chiado is Lisbon’s higher-end district that has great eateries and is close to the city’s best shopping. It’s located immediately north of downtown.

Hotel recommendation: The Lumiares Hotel & Spa (luxury, modern)

Read more: 12 Best Cheap Lisbon Hotels + Hostels

Lisbon 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick rundown of this perfect Lisbon itinerary to give you an idea of what you can expect each day!

A Perfect Lisbon Itinerary: How to See Lisbon in 3 Days 

This 3-day Lisbon itinerary can be completed in any order and clusters Lisbon attractions close to one another for efficiency. 

While this is technically a guide for how to spend 3 days in Lisbon, I’ve included a bonus fourth day that you can swap in if you find it more exciting or wish to travel at a slower pace. 

Day 1 in Lisbon: Famous Attractions Downtown

Praça do Comércio + Arco da Rua Augusta ↠ Santa Justa Elevator ↠  Carmo Convent ↠  Praça Dom Pedro IV ↠  Castelo de São Jorge ↠  Lisbon Cathedral ↠  Alfama + sunset overlook

Stop 1: Grab breakfast or brunch at Nicolau Cafe

Obviously, you’re free to grab breakfast at the restaurant of your choosing! But I thought I’d recommend Nicolau, a trendy cafe that serves breakfast dishes all day from 8:30am – 10pm and has become known as one of Lisbon’s best brunch spots. 

One look at their Instagram, and your mouth will immediately begin watering! 

Stop 2: Smell the ocean air at the Praça do Comércio

The Praça do Comércio is a large public square on the ocean that features a famous statue of King José I of Portugal. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic white Arco da Rua Augusta arches surrounded by yellow wings. 

For a small fee, you can climb into the arches for a view of the central city streets. You don’t need much time here, but I recommend taking a moment to sit and enjoy the ocean views.

Stop 3: Take the Santa Justa Elevator for your first glimpse of the city

The Santa Justa Elevator is about a 9-minute walk from the Praça do Comércio. 

This urban elevator connects Baixa with the upper Bairro Alto district. It features a filigree design made from cast iron that is truly beautiful to see. 

You can ride the elevator to the top for a small fee and take in sweeping views of Lisbon. If you want to skip the long line and paying for the elevator ticket, you can walk up to the viewing platform and pay just for the top observation deck.

Stop 4: Visit the Carmo Convent

The Carmo Convent is a two-minute walk away from the Santa Justa Elevator’s top platform. 

In 1755, the gothic church was hit by an earthquake and suffered severe damage. However, the stone walls and rooftop arches were left intact, and today has been turned into a beautiful archaeological museum.

You must first walk through the eye-catching roofless courtyard to the museum’s interior. Various displays showcase mummies, old libraries, ancient engraved tombs, and more.

Stop 5: Stroll through Rossio Square + Praça da Figueira

Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV in Portuguese) is a pretty square in the center of Baixa known for its wavy pattern laid in brick, a towering column memorial, and historic fountain. From the square, you have a pretty cool view of the Carmo Convent and Bairro Alto neighborhood above you.

Praça da Figueira is another square one block over that sits right outside the Rossio Metro. This square is home to Confeitaria Nacional, a beautiful pastry shop that I recommend stopping by for some local sweets.

The square is just a 4-minute walk from the Carmo Convent.

Stop 6: Grab lunch or an afternoon snack at As Bifanos do Afonso

Surely at this point, you’ll be tired and hungry for lunch! I recommend stopping at As Bifanos do Afonso on your walk to the castle. This hidden gem is small but can be easily recognized by the long line of people waiting to place their orders. And it was cheap!

Bifanas are a traditional Portuguese sandwich made up of thinly sliced pork marinated and cooked to perfection. The juicy meat is served on a soft white roll and can be topped with mustard and other sauces.

Stop 7: Visit the Castelo de São Jorge and take in soaring city views

The São Jorge Castle is a historic castle with origins that date back to the 8th century BC! Various groups have occupied the castle grounds over the years, including the Romans, Moors, and eventually the Portuguese. 

Today, the grounds offer a unique glimpse into the past and features ruins you can climb, an exhibit of artifacts, an archaeological dig, and some pretty fantastic city views. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. 

Lisbon’s pretty and old-school Tram 28 takes visitors up the castle grounds instead of walking. Otherwise, it’s about a 10-minute walk uphill from the bifanas restaurant.

Stop 8: Eat a pastel de nata (or two) from Pastelaria Santo Antonio

After your visit to the castle, I recommend popping into the Santo Antonio shop for a classic pastel de nata or Portuguese egg tart. It’s located just down the street from the castle entrance. 

Their egg tarts are super cheap, and they were one of my favorites I had in the city. They’re sweet, warm, and gooey – a real treat! 

Stop 9: Climb up into the Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral is unique because it features different architectural styles. Originally built back in the mid-1100s, it’s been hit by numerous earthquakes over the centuries and has required many restorations and repairs, resulting in its unique look.

But remarkably, the church continues to stand, and visitors can enter the ground level for free or pay to climb up into the church to see various exhibits and look out at the mid-level viewing deck.

The Lisbon Cathedral is less than a 9-minute downhill walk from the castle.

Stop 10: Wander the narrow streets of Alfama to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia

If you’re up for even more walking, I recommend taking the time to explore the narrow streets of Alfama while on that side of the city. Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its tightly packed homes and beautiful lookout points.

From the cathedral, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is just a 6-minute walk and offers a spectacular view of the city, especially at sunset. There’s also a small cafe stand where you can take a rest with a coffee or glass of wine.

Stop 11: Have dinner in Alfama and/or catch a Fado show

While in Alfama, I recommend planning a dinner stop at Ramiro. This well-known family-owned joint has been open since the 1950s and serves up some pretty delicious seafood in a relaxed environment. It’s also often touted as one of the best seafood restaurants in Lisbon. 

Alternatively, you can venture to Clube de Fado for dinner and a Fado show. Recommendations are a good idea for both spots. Here are other best restaurants in Alfama for more options.

Day 2 in Lisbon: Sightseeing in Belém + Cais do Sodré

Torre de Belém ↠ Padrão dos Descobrimentos ↠  Jerónimos Monastery ↠  Pastéis de Belém Bakery ↠  Ler Devagar bookstore + Village Underground OR Museum of Art Architecture and Technology ↠  Time Out Market

Day two in Lisbon requires a bit of travel as we’re venturing to the Belem district! Hop on the 15E Tram, a direct route that picks up in Praça da Figueira and drops you off near the Torre de Belem on a 35-minute ride. 

But first…breakfast!

Stop 1: Grab a bite to eat at Dear Breakfast or Basílio

Dear Breakfast and Basilio are other trendy cafes that serve healthy and delicious dishes. Dear Breakfast has many locations around the city, which works well because you may have one near your hotel! 

Basílio on the other hand has one location, and it’s near the Praça do Comércio.

Stop 2: Marvel at the Torre de Belém set by the seaside

The Torre de Belém is a medieval tower that sits right off the edge of the ocean shore. It dates back to the 16th century and has become an iconic landmark for Lisbon. 

Visitors can go inside and marvel at the incredible architecture up close while soaking up ocean and city views from the top. The tower doesn’t open until 10:00am and requires an advance ticket purchase. 

Stop 3: Walk to the nearby Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos can be found an 8-minute walk from the Belem Tower on the way to the Jerónimos Monastery. 

This carved memorial tower looks out onto the ocean and was built to recognize Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Portuguese Empire. This massive monument has a viewpoint and exhibit inside that you can see for a small entrance fee. 

Stop 4: See the Jerónimos Monastery and Museu Nacional de Arqueologia

The Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was a former monastery for the Order of Saint Jerome. Its design is a prime example of the Portuguese late gothic. Visitors need about two hours to see the grounds, which feature gardens, a courtyard of cloisters, tombs of historical figures, and an ornate church interior.

The monastery is about a 10-minute walk from the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument.

Housed on the same grounds as the monastery is the National Archaeological Museum. You must pay an additional entrance fee, but the museum is worth it for history buffs. Ancient artifacts from all over the world are on display inside.

Stop 5: Grab a baked good and a coffee from Pastéis de Belém Bakery 

Pastéis de Belém is the birthplace of the pastel de Belem or the famous Portuguese custard tart. The cafe’s interior is super old-school, and they serve up many different types of baked goods and hot drinks.

The bakery is a short walk from the monastery and usually has a long line. 

And conveniently, the bus stop for Tram 15E / other buses is right out front, ready to pick you up and take you to the next stops on this three day Lisbon itinerary!

Stop 6: Check out the Ler Devagar Bookstore + Village Underground

The Ler Devagar Bookstore has become a popular spot for photographers thanks to its towering floor to ceiling bookshelves and colorful interior. There is also a cafe inside where you can grab a coffee and take in the sights of the surrounding books.

Around the corner from the bookshop, you’ll find the Village Underground Lisboa. This unique cultural spot is a place for creatives to work and meet and features art and recording studios, a restaurant, and various events. The grounds are made up of repurposed buses and shipping containers painted in vibrant graffiti. 

OR Head to the Museum of Art Architecture and Technology

If Insta spots aren’t your thing, I recommend visiting the MAAT or the Museum of Art, Architecture, and technology. This museum is housed in an old river power station and has various electricity-focused exhibits inside.

It’s located about a 15-minute walk from the Monastery or two stops on public transport.

Stop 7: Have dinner at Time Out Market Lisbon 

The Time Out Market Lisbon is a modern space that houses various eateries. From traditional Portuguese to Asian dishes and all the sweets you can imagine, there’s something for everyone at this market. 

I grabbed some Portuguese tapas and wine from the Miguel Castro e Silva stand and a donut for dessert from Crush Donuts. It was all delicious!

It’s also housed in the same building as a traditional Portuguese market, which I recommend strolling through if it’s still open when you arrive.

Day 3 in Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra (Option 1)

Park and National Palace of Pena ↠  Castelo dos Mouros ↠ Quinta da Regaleira OR Monserrate Palace

Taking a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon is a must. Sintra is one of Portugal’s most beautiful attractions, and is super easy to reach. Here’s how to have a great day in Sintra.

Stop 1: Take the 8:41am train from Lisbon to Sintra

The train leaves every hour, but I recommend the 8:41am train so you can get there right when the palace opens. I paid €5.10 for a round trip ticket from Rossio Station, although the price may have gone up thanks to inflation.

Once you arrive in Sintra, you’ll need to hop on the 434 Bus from Sintra Train Station to Pena Palace. There are people there selling tickets who can help you. They sell an unlimited hop-on, hop-off bus ticket for about €15, or you can buy single-ride tickets.

Stop 2: Marvel at the beauty of the Palace of Pena

Thanks to its colorful facade and eye-catching Romantic architecture, the National Palace of Pena is the most popular place to visit in Sintra. And it can get super crowded – especially in the summer! But you can attempt to skip the bulk of the crowds by either taking a private tour, getting there right when it opens or visiting in the winter!

You can pay for admission into the park grounds or for both inside the park and palace. The classic courtyard view is included in the basic park ticket if you’re not interested in going inside. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or once you arrive, but visitors are set on a timed visit, so I recommend buying in advance. 

Stop 3: Wander the pretty grounds that surround Pena Palace

After visiting the palace courtyards and/or inside, I recommend wandering around the palace grounds which double as the national park. The national park is pretty big and features various points of interest scattered around the grounds. 

We walked to the High Cross, greenhouses, the Fonte dos Passarinhos, and the Valley of the Lakes before leaving and walking to the Castelo dos Mouros. The Chalet of the Countess of Edla is also a worthy stop. 

Stop 4: Follow the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros with spectacular views

From the Valley of Lakes National park entrance, the entrance to the Castelo do Mouros is just a 6-minute walk.

This medieval castle was a pleasant surprise and exceeded my expectations. The castle is set on two towering peaks that look out onto the surrounding countryside and have views of the Pena Palace. Walking the walls was really cool!

Stop 5: Head to Sintra Town for lunch

After the castle, I decided to walk to town, following the hiking trails marked by yellow and red lines and signposts. The walk was all downhill and took about 25 minutes.

I made a friend on my visit, and we stopped at Hambúrgueria da Ferraria for a juicy burger and delicious sangria. We picked this spot because it had a fantastic view of the Sintra National Palace – another thing to do in Sintra if it tickles your fancy!

Stop 6: Be amazed by the unique grounds of the Quinta da Regaleira

After lunch, I ventured to the Quinta da Regaleira and made it there around 3:00pm. The Quinta was a 15-minute walk from our lunch spot in town.

This unique palace was built in the early 20th century and is famous for its ornate buildings, lush gardens, and underground walkways and caves. Its most famous landmark is the Initiation Well, a tower with an incredible spiral staircase leading to the underground tunnels.

Last entrance to the palace grounds was around 5:30pm, which was the case for most Sintra landmarks.

OR take the bus to see the glittering and ornate Monserrate Palace or any of Sintra’s other attractions

The Monserrate Palace is another popular thing to do in Sintra, thanks to its glittering facade and gorgeous Romantic and Moorish revival architecture. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit this spot on my Sintra day trip, but I wish I had.

The Monserrate Palace is far from many of the main attractions, so you’ll need to take a bus or Uber to get there.

Other popular Sintra attractions include the Sintra National Palace, the oceanside walkways of Cabo da Roca, Palácio Nacional e Jardins of Queluz, and the rocky shores of Praia Beach.

Recommended tour: From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour 

If you’d rather skip the hassle of figuring out how to get between Lisbon and Sintra and wish to have the expertise of a local guide, I recommend booking an organized day trip to Sintra. It’s a super convenient way to see Sintra, and with a guide/private bus, you can pack more into your day.

Google Maps doesn’t show the hiking trails between some of these landmarks, and buses are required for the main roads

Day 3 in Lisbon: See the Other Things to Do in Lisbon (Option 2)

I tend to travel at a fast pace and pack my days with a lot of sightseeing, which I understand is not an enjoyable way to travel for everyone. 

Although I tried to keep the above itinerary recommendations doable, I thought I’d include an extra day in Lisbon for those who wish to skip Sintra and see the city at a slower pace.

Some other things to do in Lisbon that could be added to your itinerary include:

• Go on a guided Lisbon food and wine tour and sample traditional Portuguese dishes.
• Shop along Rua Augusta and Rua do Carmo.
• Make a point to visit Lisbon’s many museums like the Museum of the Orient or National Azulejo Museum.
• See more of Lisbon’s diverse churches like the ornate Igreja de São Roque and the National Pantheon, where many famous figures have been buried. 
• Take a Lisbon Tagus river cruise to see the Belem Tower from the water and other landmarks.
• Check out more of Lisbon’s lookout points known as Miradouros that you can easily find on Google Maps.
• Partake in Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife and visit a rooftop bar or club.

Lisbon Travel Tips

Here are some random but helpful travel tips while seeing Lisbon in 3 days!

• Most of the city’s museums and famous landmarks are closed on Mondays.
• Lisbon is pretty walkable, but you can purchase an all-day pass for public transportation from the metro stations, which includes unlimited metro, buses, trams, etc.
• Watch out for pickpockets. They’re common on public transportation. 
• Lisbon is very safe for solo female travelers, I would know – I went there solo 😉
• Lisbon is home to some of the world’s best-ranked hostels. If you’re a budget backpacker, I recommend taking advantage of them!
• The city was very credit card friendly, and most businesses preferred card over cash if you didn’t have exact change.
• Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is also very cheap. I paid only €1 for 1.5 liters or €0.60 for a small bottle.

There you have it! My comprehensive Lisbon 3 day itinerary. Have anywhere to add or recommendations to share? Comment below!