Welcome to our 3 day Lisbon Itinerary on how to spend 3 days in Lisbon Portugal!
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and charm. Situated on 7 hills offering numerous beautiful viewpoints (Miraduoros) overlooking the city and the scenic Tagus River. This gorgeous city is famed for its unique hilly, winding, cobbled streets lined with pastel-colored houses. We loved our trip to Lisbon so much, it became one of our favorite cities in the world.
In 1755, Lisbon was devastated by a massive earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires destroying most of the city. The city was rebuilt under the direction of the Marquis of Pombal, with innovative earthquake-resistant building techniques and a distinctive grid street pattern plan that you see today in many neighborhoods such as the central Baixa neighborhood.
In this 3 day Lisbon Itinerary we will tell you about the route we took each day, with our suggested things to do and see each day in Lisbon and our favorite restaurants.
Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, it is available at my Etsy shop.
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Lisbon Travel Guides
Before embarking on our 3-day Lisbon itinerary, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some key information about Lisbon. You can find detailed insights in our guides, including the best areas to stay in Lisbon, and the best time to visit in our Lisbon Neighborhoods Guide. Additionally, our Lisbon Transportation Guide provides comprehensive information on transportation options in Lisbon, such as the metro, trams, funiculars, and more, as well as guidance on the transportation cards best suited for use in Lisbon.
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s begin our 3 day Lisbon itinerary.
Our recommended 3 day Lisbon Itinerary
3 Days in Lisbon: Day 1 – Downtown Lisbon: Graca, Alfama, Chiado & Baixa
Graca
We will begin our 3 day Lisbon itinerary uphill at the Graca neighborhood and make our way down. Of course, it is the hilly Lisbon, so be prepared for some legwork on this day. If you are not staying in the Graca neighborhood, you will need to get up here. One of the more fun ways to get there, being an attraction in itself, is by Tram 28 which starts its route at Martim Moniz. However, there might be long queues to board it at the first station. We waited half an hour, gave up, and took a 734 bus (having a Lisboa Card gives you the freedom to use all public transportation) that got us uphill to Rua da Graca station, from where we walked.
A – MIRADOURO DA SENHORA DO MONTE – This beautiful viewpoint (miradouro) sits on a high hill and gives you panoramic views over the center of Lisbon. It was extremely busy during our visit, but it is quite large so you may find a nice spot to enjoy its vistas.
B – MIRADOURO DA GRACA – The next viewpoint is within walking distance, about 10 minutes. Miradouro da Graca is a small viewpoint located right behind the Church – Igreja da Graca which you can visit as well and even get up to its terrace for more Lisbon views.
Alfama
Next neighborhood on our 3 day Lisbon itinerary is the beautiful Alfama. This is one of the most charming and scenic neighborhoods in Lisbon, and wandering its streets is one of the best things to do solo in Lisbon. A few minutes of walking along Calcada da Graca and Rua Sao Tome will get you right to the heart of Alfama. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon. It reserved its original historic structure since it was not destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and the following tsunami thanks to its elevation.
C – MIRADOURO DAS PORTAS DO SOL – A beautiful viewpoint overlooking Easten Lisbon and Tagus River with views of the National Pantheon and Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora. We loved the area surrounding this viewpoint, a very lively and busy area with lots of cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the authentic Fado performances in local taverns and restaurants throughout the Alfama neighborhood:
D –MIRADOURO DE SANTA LUZIA – Another viewpoint, very close to Miradouro das Portas do Sol, about a minute’s walk and quite similar views, but to our opinion, the previous is better. As you probably noticed, Lisbon has many viewpoints, so we have put together the Top 10 Lisbon Viewpoints for your convenience, in case you have limited time in Lisbon or if for some reason you might not want to enjoy visiting them all 😊
E – CASTELO DE SAO JORGE – Sao Jorge Castle is a must-visit in Lisbon. The walk to the castle is just 400 meters from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, however, note that it is a steep incline uphill. The entrance is near the ticket office (Bilheteira do Castelo de Sao Jorge), through the Arco do Castelo.
This spectacular castle dates back to the 8th century BC and offers amazing views of the historic center of Lisbon. Castelo de Sao Jorge is an invaluable piece of history, as archaeological evidence has discovered traces of the presence of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors, confirming the human occupation of this area since very remote times. Only in 1147 during the Muslim rule it was conquered by the Portuguese as part of the siege of Lisbon, which brought control to new Christian power, the Kingdom of Portugal.
You can climb up and walk around the castle’s walls for impressive 360 views of the city of Lisbon. Also, there is a museum with artifacts such as tiles and pottery that were found within the castle over the many ages. There are many roaming peacocks (even some stunning albino ones) throughout the castle, which add beauty and color (literally!). It took us almost an hour to explore its grounds.
We recommend buying a ticket online at the official site, which costs €15 and is valid for 90 days after your purchase. It will save you time waiting in lines at the ticket office. If you have a Lisboa Card (read all the information about it in our Lisbon Transportation Guide) it was recently included for free, so just show the card at the ticket office and get your free ticket.
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour of the castle:
F – SE DE LISBOA (LISBON CATHEDRAL) – Next we will be headed back to Rua Augusto Rosa, with a 10-minute walk until we get to the Se de Lisboa, Lisbon’s Cathedral. This is the oldest cathedral in Lisbon, as it was only slightly damaged by the 1755 earthquake. Se de Lisboa is a Catholic cathedral, built in 1147 after the siege of Lisbon, when the Portuguese took rule from the Muslims, building it right on the site of the main mosque.
The entrance costs €5, beautiful from the inside just as from the outside. The highlight is the museum and the High Choir view over the cathedral from above with a small outdoor balcony that offers views over the city streets. You can get a close look over the big painted glass rosace which was destroyed by the earthquake and later restored in the 20th century.
Don’t miss one of the most iconic spots to photograph the historic Tram 28 with the views of Se De Lisboa. Read more about the unique trams in our Lisbon Transportation Guide.
Just across the street from Lisbon’s Cathedral, you will find Igreja de Santo Antonio de Lisboa. This beautiful Baroque Church is not as impressive on the outside as the Se de Lisboa but holds a major historical significance as Saint Anthony’s birthplace. It has free admission.
Chiado
Moving to the next neighborhood on our 3 day Lisbon Itinerary, the chic Chiado, where you will find many cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, and bookstores. We took the historic Tram 28 right near Igreja de Santo Antonio de Lisboa until we reached Chiado station (the photo below), with the next on our itinerary, A Brasileira, located just in front.
G – A BRASILEIRA – The iconic art deco Café A Brasileira, a popular historic café frequently visited by intellectuals and artists. This is the oldest café in Lisbon with a charming, historic atmosphere. Due to its popularity, it does get crowded so we had to wait a bit to be seated. But it was worth it, as we had a good coffee with delicious Pastel de Nata.
Next on our Lisbon Itinerary is the popular Santa Justa Lift. It is located right next to the CARMO CONVENT AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM which is worth visiting if you have enough time on this busy day. You will be able to see the ruins of the 14th century Gothic convent and church that were destroyed partially in the 1755 earthquake. The roof over the church collapsed and was never rebuilt, which remains a reminder of the great earthquake and adds to its uniqueness. The Archaeological Museum exhibits ancient artifacts found at the Convent and Church. An admission ticket costs €7 (€5 with a Lisboa Card).
Al night, Carmo Convent comes to life with a unique show “Lisbon Under The Stars”, a 45-minute show that takes you through the history of Lisbon through special visual effects:
H – SANTA JUSTA LIFT – A fun and very popular transportation way between the lower Baixa neighborhood to the upper Chiado. A must-do attraction in Lisbon! You will get amazing views of the historic center from the upper platform. it’s not for nothing that the photo below is the main picture of this 3 day Lisbon Itinerary! The ticket to ride up and down the elevator is €5.30, but it is free with one of the transportation cards we suggest purchasing at our Lisbon Transportation Guide.
Note that it is very popular and gets extremely busy with long waiting lines! But we will share a Pro Tip to skip the lines at the Santa Justa Lift: The lines at the lower Baixa station are much longer than at the upper Chiado station. You will find the entrance on the right of the Carmo Convent. See the photo below, we have marked the way with red markings.
Baixa
Now that we enjoyed our views over Baixa, we will ride down the Santa Just Lift to the heart of the central Baixa neighborhood, which is the last one on our 3 days in Lisbon itinerary. Baixa lies flat in the heart of Lisbons’ historic center, between the hills of Alfama and Bairro Alto. It is characterized by grand neoclassical buildings, wide boulevards, and cobblestone grid-like streets that imply the new reconstruction after being completely destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
I – ROSSIO SQUARE – Rossio Square is also called Praca Dom Pedro IV. This big plaza is lined with two water fountains, surrounded by beautiful architecture, restaurants, cafes, and shops. You get there within a few minutes walk after riding down the Santa Justa Lift.
J – ARCO DA RUA AUGUSTA & PRACA DO COMERCIO – From Rossio Square, we will walk south on the main shopping street in Baixa, Rua Augusta, a perfect spot for souvenirs to buy in Portugal. After about 10 minutes walk we will reach the main plaza in Lisbon, Praca do Comercio. This square is a must-visit destination in Lisbon. This beautiful square captures the vibrant culture and history of the city. Its stunning yellow-colored architecture, picturesque waterfront location on the scenic Tagus River, and many cafes create a charming relaxing atmosphere.
Its grand arch, Arco da Rua Augusta, marks the dramatic entrance to the plaza. It was built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. You can climb up to the top for amazing views from above. It costs 3.5€ but is free with a Lisboa Card. Mind that the last entry is 18:30.
Near Praça do Comércio, from the Estação Ferroviária do Sul e Sueste, you can experience Lisbon from a different angle by taking a cruise on the Tagus River:
This was our suggested itinerary for the first day of 3 days in Lisbon exploring its historic center. Another option is to take a guided walking tour or a guided tour with an electric bike:
3 Days in Lisbon: Day 2 – Belem, Cais Do Sodre & Bairro Alto
Belem
On the second day of our 3 days in Lisbon itinerary, we will make our way to the Belem neighborhood to explore its many attractions. The Belem neighborhood is located about 7 km from Lisbon’s center. The easiest way to get there is by Tram 15. It is a modern and long tram and not a historic tram. Tram 15 begins its route from Praca da Figueira near Rossio Square and passes through Praca do Comercio, so you can catch it from there as well. The ride will take about 50 minutes. Although we had a free tram ride with a Lisboa Card, we decided to save our time and got an Uber. From the center of Lisbon, it took us 25 minutes to get to Belem Tower, and cost us about 12€. So if you are tight on time, consider this alternative.
A – BELEM TOWER (TORRE DE BELEM) – The iconic Belem Tower is a must-visit, even if you are just having a long layover in Lisbon! Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 16th century by the architect Francisco de Arruda according to the plans of King D. Joao II. This Manueline Gothic style fort was built to defend Lisbon from enemy ships along with 2 more fortresses Cascais Bastion and S. Sebastiao da Caparica, and it served as a sailing point for Portuguese explorers.
It is a very popular attraction in Lisbon, so be prepared to wait in long lines to get inside! We advise arriving early, as it opens at 10:00. The entrance ticket costs 6€ but you get free entrance with a Lisboa Card. The ticket office has a fast track for Lisboa Card holders, which saved us valuable time. It is located in the garden and not directly next to Belem Tower.
For your convenience, we’ve attached a map (on the right) with the ticket office marked. Without a Lisboa Card, buy your tickets online. After getting your tickets, you need to join the line to the Belem Tower (unfortunately Lisboa Card does not save you time there). We came early and waited for about 20 minutes, half an hour later when we came out, the lines tripled.
You can admire its beauty from the outside for free without waiting in lines, but we recommend getting inside if the lines are not that long. There is not much to see except the canons, but we appreciated the great detail in its architecture. Also, as we explored each floor the views got better as we climbed. The panoramic views over the Tagus River with the 25 de Abril Bridge and Christo Rei on the other side are breathtaking. It took us half an hour to explore the tower, including the lines inside the Tower to get to each floor as the spiral stairs are tiny, allowing one person to pass each time.
B – PADRAO DOS DESCOBRIMENTOS – Next on our Lisbon itinerary is a huge impressive monument, Padrao dos Descobrimentos, which means, The Monument of the Discoveries. It is seen from Belem Tower, so just walk the coastline, and go around the marina until you reach the monument. It will take around 15 minutes to walk that 1 km.
The Padrao dos Descobrimentos was conceptualized in 1940 and constructed in 1960. It was designed by the architect Cottinelli Telmo and the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries, serving as a testament to the country’s impressive maritime heritage and adventurous spirit. Visitors have the option to climb to the top for stunning views. Additionally, there are big floor maps of the world showcasing vast territories explored and colonized by the Portuguese explorers. The entrance fee is 10€, but it’s free with a Lisboa Card.
C – JERONIMOS MONASTERY (MOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS) – From the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, find the underground passage to reach Jeronimos Monastery. Built at the beginning of the 16th century at the request of King Manuel I. Diogo de Boitaca was the architect behind this impressive Gothic Manueline style, rich with complex sculptural themes incorporating maritime elements and objects discovered during naval expeditions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site withstood the 1755 Lisbon earthquake without much damage.
The ticket office is across the street, in the garden, where you can get a free ticket with a Lisboa Card or buy one for €12. Alternatively, you can buy it online, after that, you need to join the line. Unfortunately, a Lisboa Card or buying an entry ticket does not allow you to skip the enormous lines.
There are two lines, from the left to the Cloister of the Jeronimos Monastery (a very long line), and from the right to the Church of St. Maria of Belem which is free (a shorter line). The wait for the Cloister could take hours (not kidding!) as only a limited amount of people are allowed to enter. You can see the unending lines in the photos, obviously, we were not willing to wait for hours.
The architecture from the outside is remarkable, and we are sure it is beautiful from the inside as well, so try to avoid those lines by going early in the morning before it opens or late in the afternoon. It opens at 9:30 and closes at 17:30 from October to April or at 18:30 from May to September (closed on Mondays).
D – PASTEIS DE BELEM – Now it’s time for a tasty break at the nearby famous pastry shop Pasteis de Belem! It is one of the oldest establishments in Lisbon, founded in 1837. Their Pastel de Belem was so creamy on the inside while crispy on the outside and it was not too sweet. It was one of the tastiest Pastel de nata we’ve tried, so it is definitely worth waiting in line to try them. The place is huge inside so the line goes quite fast.
E – MUSEO NACIONAL DOS COCHES – After Pasteis de Belem, within a few minutes walk along Rua de Belem we got to Museo Nacional dos Coches, which is the National Coach Museum. Now, we are not a fan of museums in general, but we’ve decided to give it a try since it was free with the Lisboa Card (without it costs €8) and we loved it! It was a ride back in time to look at all the historic carriages, a unique glimpse into the transportation of the past. It took us about 20 minutes to explore.
F – QUAKE (LISBON EARTHQUAKE CENTRE) – Now the next one is so unique and should not be missed in our opinion. The ticket cost around 30€, which is not cheap, but Quake is not a regular museum by any means! It is a highly interactive investigation of the history of the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. Each room you get in, you get a different interactive exhibit with audio, visual, and hands-on interactions, also you will experience live demonstrations of the magnitude of the quake. It took us 1:40 to complete and we had a fantastic experience! You can tell how much was invested in this place, with so much attention to each detail.
We didn’t buy online and had to wait a bit until the next time slot (as you get in groups). Sometimes the time slots get sold out, so we do recommend buying a ticket online, also you will get a 10% discount. You will get some photo opportunities as a gift, check out ours below.
Now that marks the end of our Belem visit, we will be getting back to Lisbon’s center. You can catch the E15 Tram back, as we did, and get down at Cais do Sodre Neighborhood, where there will be a few more stops as marked on the map below.
Cais Do Sodre
Right in front of the tram station, you will find Time Out Market for lunch opportunity.
G – TIME OUT MARKET LISBOA – We loved the excellent range of high-quality, tasty food. We have tried Croqueteria with a large variety of croquetes and Asian Lab for some Baos and everything was tasty.
H – BICA FUNICULAR (ELEVADOR DA BICA/ ASCENSOR DA BICA) – Next we’ll be headed to the most scenic Funicular in Lisbon with views over the Tagus River. It is located within a 5-minute walk from the Time Out Market Lisboa. Bica Funicular connects the Cais do Sodre neighborhood from Rua de Sao Paulo to the Bairro Alto neighborhood on Largo do Calhariz. Besides saving you from some tough elevations to climb, it is a great experience when visiting Lisbon and a must-do in our opinion.
Bica Funicular is one of 3 operation Funiculars in Lisbon, all began operating in the 19th century. A ticket ticket costs €3.80, and it is free with transportation cards. Check out more information about the funiculars in our Lisbon Transportation Guide.
Bairro Alto
Bica Funicular got us to the upper Bairro Alto Neighborhood, this is Lisbon’s bohemian quarter, known for its steep and narrow cobbled streets, colorful graffiti, and vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood exudes a laid-back and alternative vibe, with quirky boutiques, vintage stores, and independent art galleries lining its streets. We will be going to an amazing viewpoint, Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, located next to Gloria Funicular. A walk from the upper station of Bica Funicular will take about 8 minutes.
I – MIRADOURO DE SAO PEDRO DE ALCANTARA – A two-level beautiful terrace with gardens, a fountain, and a few restaurants, along with one of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking the city.
J – GLORIA FUNICULAR (ELEVADOR DA GLORIA) – You can use Gloria Funicular to get down and reach Restauradores Square on Avenida da Liberdade.
Bairro Alto neighborhood concludes the second day of our 3 day Lisbon itinerary. End the day by exploring Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife scene with a pub crawl:
3 Days in Lisbon: Day 3 – Sintra Day Trip
Moving on to our third and final day on our 3 day Lisbon Itinerary, which we’ve dedicated to Sintra. A day trip to Sintra is such a must that we have included it as a part of your 3 days in Lisbon. We have a whole page dedicated to our Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip with all the information you need before visiting Sintra, including how to get to Sintra and how to get around its castles. But we will do a brief introduction here to the main 3 castles we recommend visiting on a day trip to Sintra. You can make this day trip hassle-free with an organized guided tour:
Sintra is a 19th-century charming little town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within a hilly lush forest. Rich in history and dotted with the most beautiful and unique castles and palaces built in the European Romantic architecture style. Let’s review the best 3 castles in Sintra:
A – NATIONAL PALACE OF PENA – Pena Palace is the highlight of Sintra and therefore the most visited castle in Sintra. It is known for its unique architecture and vivid colors, standing high up on a mountain above Sintra Town. For more information about the Pena Palace, its prices, how to get to it, and important tips, read our Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip.
B – MOORISH CASTLE (CASTELO DOS MOUROS) – The Moorish Castle is a medieval castle, built during the 9th century during the period of the Moors under Islamic rule. The walls of the Moorish Castle resemble the Chinese Great Wall. Be prepared for a lot of steps and be careful while walking as there are no guard rails.
C – QUINTA DA REGALEIRA – A luxurious 4-hectare estate built in the spirit of romanticism at the end of the 19th century. You will find the majestic Regaleira Palace and the mysterious gothic spiral staircase, the Initiation Well.
Well, this was a very brief introduction to Sintra, do not miss our full page with all the information about the Sintra Day Trip. If you have more days in Portugal, consider adding Cascais and Algarve Coast to your itinerary.
Now we will finish our 3 days in Lisbon with our recommended hotel and restaurants.
Our recommended Hotel in Lisbon
We chose BessaHotel Liberdade on Avenida da Liberdade and absolutely loved it! It is a 4-star hotel, modern and luxurious with a big bonus of an indoor pool. We took the Executive Double, a beautifully designed, spacious room with a Juliette balcony and a view of Avenida da Liberdade. The location was perfect, conveniently close to Restauradores and Rossio metro stations and to Rossio train station.
You can see in the video on the right the view of Avenida da Liberdade from our room’s balcony.
Our recommended restaurants in Lisbon
Il Mercato Pateo Bagatela – This Italian restaurant is located a bit far from the center, but we definitely recommend getting there. We had an amazing dinner here! Michael had the Spaghetti Carbonara Alla Romana and I had the delicious Tagliatelle ai Funghi Porcini. These were some of the best fresh pasta we have ever eaten!
Solar 31 da Calçada – Centrally located Seafood Restaurant. Michael had the Octopus and I had the Crab, both were amazing dishes and the service was great.
Porter Bistro – We had such a great time at this amazing restaurant! A nice atmosphere, delicious food, unique cocktails, and excellent service. Michael had Mushroom Risotto and I had beef tenderloin with a strawberry dessert. We loved our dinner there, it was a reasonably priced great luxury dinner.
So this is it! It was our ideal 3 day Lisbon itinerary, and we hope it will help you plan your 3 days in Lisbon.
