3 Days in Lisbon: The Ultimate Lisbon Travel Itinerary for First Timers

Sometimes we are strapped for time when touring a place. I’ve been to Tuscany several times myself and many times I could only wipe my tears away as I gazed off at a beautiful mountain-top town, walled and majestic in the light and all – and solemnly vow to travel there next time.

I checked my travel clocks and figured out a way you could visit and see all of Lisbon in just 3 days. The idea is to hit all the good spots, walk the best paths, eat the most iconic meals of Lisbon, and generally take home a good idea of what 3 days in Lisbon is like.

⬇️ Here’s a list of the things to do in Lisbon, Portugal ⬇️

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Saddle up, good walking shoes on, and read on on what 3 days in Lisbon feels and looks like!

3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Lisbon

The first of your 3 days in Lisbon MUST start with a dive into the city’s rich history. Timed and planned just right, you can hit both Baixa and Alfama over the course of one day of your 3 days in Lisbon.

Remember though, doing a speed run doesn’t have to be all work and no play. I factored in time to account for meals too!

1. Morning: Alfama District & Castelo de São Jorge

1. Time at site: 2 hours
2. We start the first day of the 3 days in Lisbon run in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most historic neighborhood. Alfama District sis known for its maze-like streets and Fado music. Basically, the fun entails a walk through the Alfama District’s quaint streets while taking in the authentic local life.
3. Next, visit Castelo de São Jorge, which dates back to medieval times, for great photos and the panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River you can get from this spot.
4. Transport: Walking within Alfama, as it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
5. Cost: €10 for the Castelo entry.
6. Tip 1: Start early to avoid crowds, especially in peak tourist season.
7. Tip 2: Make sure to have on good walking shoes or sneakers.

2. Late Morning: Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)

1. Time at site: 30 minutes
2. The idea here is to walk down to Sé de Lisboa, the city’s iconic Romanesque cathedral that was constructed in the 12th century after the city was recaptured from the Moors. The cathedral is a symbol of Lisbon’s Christian reconquest and its strong ties to history and the perfect way to remember your first of the 3 days in Lisbon.
3. Transport: Walking (10 mins from Castelo de São Jorge).
4. Cost: Free (if you want to visit the cloisters, it costs €2.50).
5. Tips: Don’t miss the Gothic cloister and the archaeological site under the cathedral.

3. Lunch: Alfama District

1. Enjoying lunch in one of Alfama’s traditional Fado restaurants seemed to be the norm. Many listen to the soulful Fado music while dining. Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) are a must-try, especially if you are only going for 3 days in Lisbon this time around.
2. Budget around €15-20 for this experience.
3. Tip: A Fado show during lunch is a good way to experience the music without paying extra for a dedicated show later in the evening.

4. Afternoon: Praça do Comércio & Rua Augusta Arch

1. Time at site: 1 hour
2. After lunch, head to the expansive Praça do Comércio, one of the grandest squares in Europe, located along the Tagus River. This historical square was the site of the royal palace before it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Some also climb the Rua Augusta Arch for a beautiful view of the Baixa district just outside. All in all, this trip was a highlight of my 3 days in Lisbon.
3. Transport: Walking (15 minutes from Alfama).
4. Cost: €3 for climbing the Rua Augusta Arch.
5. Tip: The square is an ideal spot for photos.

5. Late Afternoon: Elevador de Santa Justa

1. Time at site: 30 minutes
2. A short walk away, the famous Elevador de Santa Justa is a 19th-century iron lift that provides great views of the Baixa and Rossio Square just below. The ride is an excellent way to get a bird’s eye view of central Lisbon as you finish the first day of your 3 days in Lisbon.
3. Transport: Walking (10 mins from Praça do Comércio).
4. Cost: €5.30 for a ride up and down the lift.
5. Tips: Note that the wait time can be long, so go in the late afternoon when it’s less crowded.

6. Evening: Dinner in Baixa

1. Ending the day in Baixa with dinner at a traditional restaurant is the best idea I had as a way to close off the first of my 3 days in Lisbon. Look for seafood specialties like grilled sardines or amêijoas à bulhão pato (clams). Budget around €20-25 for dinner.
2. Tip 1: The Baixa area has great nightlife options too, so you can extend your evening with a stroll or a drink.
3. Tip 2: Try see if you can get a hook up or directions to the more famous roof-top bars.

Day 2: Belém & Modern Lisbon

On your second day of your 3 days in Lisbon, you’ll explore the western part of the city, including some of its most famous monuments and a bit of modern culture.

1. Morning: Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery

1. Time at site: 3 hours
2. Start your day in the Belém district, a district deeply connected to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site that protected the city’s harbor in the 16th century. Finally, we walk around the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, itself a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a tribute to Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India.
3. Transport: Take Tram 15 from Praça do Comércio to Belém (20 minutes, €3 round trip).
4. Cost: €6 for Belém Tower, €10 for Jerónimos Monastery.
5. Tip 1: Arrive early to avoid the long queues that typically form for these popular attractions if you don’t want to mess up your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary.
6. Tip 2: Good walking shoes.

2. Late Morning: Pastéis de Belém

1. Time at site: 30 minutes
2. You can’t visit Belém without stopping by Pastéis de Belém. This is where the famous Portuguese custard tarts originated and you should grab a few pastéis de nata and enjoy them with a coffee at least once during your 3 days in Lisbon.
3. Cost: €3-5 for a pastry and coffee.
4. Tips: The shop is extremely popular, so go early or expect a wait.

3. Lunch: Belém

1. After your sweet treat, get lunch at a nearby restaurant or café in Belém. Chef Lucia’s recommendations are Portuguese dishes like caldo verde (green soup) or grilled fish. Budget €15-20.
2. Tips: Many places around here cater to tourists, so feel free to venture a bit off the main road for a more local experience.

4. Afternoon: MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)

1. Time at site: 1 hour
2. A visit the MAAT gets you a dose of modern art and architecture. The museum’s futuristic design stands out along the riverside. As a stop over during your 3 days in Lisbon, the MAAT is a good decision among the many sites Lisbon has to offer because of the contrasts in art the museum offers.
3. Transport: Walking (10 mins from Jerónimos Monastery).
4. Cost: €5 for museum entry.

5. Late Afternoon: LX Factory

1. Time at site: 1.5 hours
2. Head to the LX Factory, a trendy area built in a former industrial complex. It is now filled with unique shops, art galleries, and cafes.
3. Transport: Bus 15E or 18 from MAAT (€2, 10-minute ride).
4. Cost: Free to explore, but budget around €5-10 for drinks or a snack.
5. Tips: Explore the street art and quirky independent shops. Set your back up against some and take home photos of the place as you will want to watch them sometime in the future. There are also regular events like pop-up markets and art exhibitions.

6. Evening: Sunset at Ribeira das Naus

1. Time at site: 1 hour
2. End your second day of your 3 days in Lisbon with a peaceful stroll along Ribeira das Naus, a riverfront promenade ideal for watching the sunset over the Tagus River.
3. Transport: Bus 728 from LX Factory to Ribeira das Naus (15 minutes, €2).
4. Cost: Free to visit.
5. Tips: This spot is perfect for photos and unwinding after a busy day.

Day 3: Sintra & Coastal Lisbon

Your last of 3 days in Lisbon will take you just outside the city, exploring the beautiful hills of Sintra and the scenic coastline.

1. Morning: Sintra – Pena Palace & Moorish Castle

1. Time at site: 4 hours
2. Do the half-day trip to Sintra, a fairytale town just 40 minutes from Lisbon. You are heading to the colorful Pena Palace that is perched on a hilltop with stunning views. Afterward, explore the nearby Moorish Castle that dates back to the 8th century and has panoramic views of the entire region from the ramparts.
3. Transport: Train from Rossio Station to Sintra (40 minutes, €5 round trip).
4. Cost: €14 for Pena Palace, €8 for Moorish Castle.
5. Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as both sites involve a bit of walking, especially the Moorish Castle’s stone steps.

2. Lunch: Sintra

1. Having lunch in Sintra at one of the charming restaurants can also firm u your future memories of when you did your 3 days in Lisbon. Sintra is known for its cozy ambiance, but the prices here can be quite higher due to the tourist appeal. Budget €20-25 for lunch.
2. Tips: Try local pastries like travesseiros and queijadas.

3. Afternoon: Cabo da Roca

1. Time at site: 1 hour
2. After lunch, head to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The views of the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs are breathtaking. Phones and cameras, lighting, action!
3. Transport: Bus 403 from Sintra to Cabo da Roca (40 mins, €4).
4. Cost: Free to visit.
5. Tips: Bring a light jacket—it can get windy here.

4. Evening: Cascais

1. Time at site: 1.5 hours
2. End your final day of your 3 days in Lisbon by visiting Cascais, a charming seaside town. Walk along the beach, explore the cobblestone streets, or relax in a café.
3. Transport: Bus 403 from Cabo da Roca to Cascais (20 mins, €4).
4. Cost: Free to explore.
5. Tips: Look out for a cozy spot to enjoy a glass of local wine or traditional ice cream.

5. Dinner: Back in Lisbon

1. Return to Lisbon by train from Cascais (40 mins, €3) and wrap up your 3 days in Lisbon Portugal with a final dinner in the lively Chiado or Bairro Alto districts. Budget €20-30 for dinner.
2. Tips: Chiado and Bairro Alto are bustling at night, so take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere one last time.

For more on hacking Lisbon like a boss, watch my YouTube videos PORTUGAL VIDEOS PLAYLIST. I share hacking tips and info on things like when to travel to Lisbon, what to know before traveling to Lisbon, things to see in Lisbon and lots of history of the places etc. Also, make sure to check out my advice on how you can travel safe and with ease even if you are traveling solo.

Tchau!

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