3 Days in Lisbon: The Best Itinerary for First Timers
This 3-day Lisbon itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors that want to experience the city’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed.
Wondering how many days you need in Lisbon? Three days might not be enough to see absolutely everything, but with a bit of planning, it’s more than enough to explore the highlights, discover a few hidden corners and soak up the Lisbon culture.
We’ve broken it down day by day, with practical tips and suggestions based on our own trip so you can make the most of your Lisbon city break.
The Lisboa Card gives you unlimited access to public transport (buses, metro, trams, and trains to Sintra) and includes free entry to 50+ attractions featured in our itinerary, like Jerónimos Monastery, Sao Jorge Castle and the Arco da Rua Augusta.
It’s one of the easiest ways to save both time and money when exploring Lisbon.
Prices start from just €31. See full benefits and book your Lisboa Card here.
Day 1: Explore Historic Lisbon
Morning: Alfama & São Jorge Castle
The first day is all about exploring historic Lisbon, so we recommend heading early to the area of Alfama, the oldest part of the city. Take your time wandering through the maze-like cobbled streets and soaking up the charm of this neighbourhood. You’ll want to photograph every building covered in tiles!
The first stop is the Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa. This is the city’s oldest church and one of the few buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon. Its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture really stands out.
Afterwards, we recommend walking uphill to the São Jorge Castle, which sits high above the city. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, and while it’s a bit of a climb, the views from the castle walls over the city and the Tagus river are incredible and totally worth the effort. Inside, you’ll find peaceful gardens with peacocks, and even an archaeological site that reveals layers of Lisbon’s past.
Lunch in Alfama
There are lots of small, family-run spots in Alfama. We recommend finding a traditional tasca with outdoor seating for an authentic experience. Classic dishes to try include grilled sardines (especially in summer), caldo verde (green cabbage soup), bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes), and arroz de marisco (Portuguese seafood rice).
Afternoon: Baixa, Chiado & Santa Justa Lift
After lunch, head down to the Baixa district, Lisbon’s city centre, and walk through the grand Praça do Comércio. From there, make your way to the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch that celebrates the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. You can take the lift inside the arch to a panoramic terrace at the top. It’s not as well known as other viewpoints, so it tends to be quieter and offers great views over the square, the river, and downtown Lisbon.
From there, continue walking up Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops and cafés. If you fancy a coffee break, you’re just a few minutes away from Café A Brasileira, one of Lisbon’s oldest cafés, famous for being a gathering spot for writers and intellectuals in the early 20th century. Check out our best coffee in Lisbon page to explore other options.
We then recommend riding the Santa Justa Lift for more sweeping views of the city. This 19th-century iron elevator was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel and connects Baixa with the higher Carmo area. Once at the top, you’ll find the ruins of the Carmo Convent, one of Lisbon’s most atmospheric historical sites.
Evening: Sunset & Fado
There are several spots around Lisbon that are perfect for sunset views, and two of the closest to the Santa Justa Lift are Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. The first is just a short walk uphill through Bairro Alto and offers a classic view over downtown Lisbon. The second is a bit further but well worth the climb for one of the most panoramic views in the city.
In the evening, the best way to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture is with a live Fado performance over dinner. This traditional music is deeply emotional and often tells stories of love and longing. Combined with the rich flavours of traditional Portuguese cuisine, it’s an experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip!
Alfama is one of the best areas to experience it, with plenty of intimate venues tucked into its old streets. We tried this Fado show with dinner and we couldn’t recommend it more.
Day 1 Tickets & Booking Summary |
|
| Morning: Lisbon Cathedral & São Jorge Castle | |
Lisbon Cathedral |
Free entry to the main cathedral. Entry including the cloisters and archaeological area costs €7. 20% discount with the Lisboa Card |
São Jorge Castle |
General admission: €19 for adults, with discounts for children and students. Included with the Lisboa Card |
| Afternoon: Arco da Rua Augusta, Santa Justa Lift & Carmo | |
Arco da Rua Augusta |
Tickets from €4.50. Free for children under 6. Included with the Lisboa Card |
Santa Justa Lift |
No pre-booking available. The Santa Justa Lift costs €5.30 when paying at the lift. Included with the Lisboa Card |
| Evening: Dinner & Fado Show | |
Dinner & Fado Show |
Prices vary by venue, typically from €35 to €70 including a tasting menu with traditional Portuguese dishes. |
Day 2: Belém & Modern Lisbon
Morning: Monuments of Belém
Belém played a central role during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, so this day will be filled with monuments you really shouldn’t miss. It’s a beautiful riverside district that’s easy to explore on foot.
We recommend starting at the Jerónimos Monastery while it’s still early, before the crowds arrive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive examples of Manueline architecture in Portugal. Built in the 16th century, it’s where Vasco da Gama spent his last night before departing for India.
From the monastery, walk about five minutes to the Monument to the Discoveries, which pays tribute to Portuguese explorers and is shaped like the prow of a ship heading out to sea.
Another 7–8 minutes on foot along the river and you will reach the iconic Belém Tower, built to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour. Its location by the Tagus river and detailed stonework make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. However, please note that as of 2025, the tower is closed to visitors due to ongoing restoration work. You can still admire it from the outside, but sadly entry is currently unavailable.
You can’t leave the Belém area without a stop at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery. These creamy custard tarts have been served here since 1837, using a secret recipe from the monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. You’ll likely find a big queue but it moves fast and they’re absolutely worth the wait.
Lunch by the river
There are several casual restaurants near the river where you can eat with a view. We chose a place with outdoor seating and enjoyed some fresh seafood.
Afternoon: MAAT or LX Factory
You have two great options to spend the afternoon, depending on your interests.
If you’re into modern architecture and exhibitions, we recommend visiting MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), which showcases both Portuguese and international artists and interactive exhibitions. The contemporary building is located by the river, and even if you don’t go inside, the building and riverside walk alone are worth seeing.
The other option is to head to LX Factory, an alternative creative hub housed in a former industrial complex with a relaxed, artsy vibe. You will find independent shops, cafés, street art, and co-working spaces.
Evening: Time Out Market & Drinks in Cais do Sodré
Wrap up the day with dinner at Time Out Market. Time Out Market is located inside the old Mercado da Ribeira and brings together a wide mix of local food, from well-known chefs to smaller street-style dishes. It’s touristy but fun, and there’s a huge variety of food to try.
It’s not far from the bars nearby in Cais do Sodré if you are in the mood to grab a drink afterwards.
Day 2 Tickets & Booking Summary |
|
| Morning: Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Sights | |
Jerónimos Monastery |
General admission tickets cost €18 for adults. Children under 12 enter for free. Included with the Lisboa Card |
Monument to the Discoveries |
Advance booking is not available. Tickets can be purchased at the monument for €10. Included with the Lisboa Card |
Belém Tower |
Currently closed for renovations in 2025. |
| Afternoon: MAAT or LX Factory | |
MAAT |
Entry starts at €15 for adults. 15% discount with the Lisboa Card |
| Evening: Time Out Market | |
Time Out Market |
Free entry, food purchased individually. No ticket needed. |
Day 3: Day Trip or More Lisbon
Option 1: Day Trip to Sintra
You can’t finish your stay at Lisbon without a trip to Sintra. It’s about 40 minutes by train from Rossio Station, and feels like stepping into a fairytale. The town is surrounded by green forests and is known for its colourful palaces and romantic gardens.
Pena Palace is Sintra’s most well-known landmark, located above the town and offering wide views of the area. After visiting, head to the historic centre for lunch and explore Quinta da Regaleira, an estate with tunnels, spiral staircases, and symbolic details. If you have time, the nearby Moorish Castle is another spot with good views. Sintra involves a lot of walking and hills, so wear comfortable shoes and plan your day in advance. For more details, check our Sintra day trip guide.
If you’d rather skip public transport and enjoy a stress-free experience, consider booking a guided tour to Sintra from Lisbon.
Option 2: Hidden Gems in Lisbon
If you’d rather stay in Lisbon and take it slower, a great alternative is spending the morning in Parque das Nações, the modern part of Lisbon built for the 1998 Expo. The riverside promenade is ideal for a long walk and there are plenty of coffee places. If you’re travelling with kids, you can’t miss the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums.
You can also ride the Lisbon cable car, which offers panoramic views over the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. If you’re ready for a break or need a bite to eat, the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre is a convenient lunch stop with several casual restaurants and indoor seating.
Day 3 Tickets & Booking Summary |
|
| Option 1: Day Trip to Sintra | |
Pena Palace (Sintra) |
Tickets from €20. Children under 6 enter free. Booking in advance is highly recommended. 10% discount with the Lisboa Card |
Quinta da Regaleira (Sintra) |
Tickets from €21. 10% discount with the Lisboa Card |
Optional: Guided Tour from Lisbon to Sintra |
Visit both Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira for just €35. Discounts available for children. |
| Option 2: Hidden Gems in Lisbon | |
Oceanário de Lisboa |
Standard adult tickets from €25. Discounts available for children, seniors, and families. 15% discount with the Lisboa Card |
Cable Car (Parque das Nações) |
Round trip ticket for €10. |
Where to Stay in Lisbon
If you’re only spending 3 days in Lisbon, we recommend staying in central areas like Baixa or Chiado. They’re ideal for sightseeing and have a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
That said, staying in the centre can be more expensive, especially in high season, and the area can feel quite touristy. Still, you’ll likely save time and money by not needing public transport as much.
For a full breakdown of each neighbourhood, including quieter spots like Belém and modern districts like Parque das Nações, check out our detailed where to stay in Lisbon guide.
Top Tips for Visiting Lisbon in 3 Days
- Start your days early – Popular sights like Jerónimos Monastery or São Jorge Castle get busy quickly. Arriving early means shorter lines and better light for photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes – Lisbon’s cobbled streets and hills are beautiful but tough on the feet so chose your shoes wisely!
- Book ahead for top attractions – Spots like Pena Palace in Sintra or Jerónimos Monastery often have queues or timed entry. Booking online will save you some time.
- Consider the Lisboa Card to save time and money – The Lisboa Card covers unlimited public transport (metro, buses, trams, including the Santa Justa Lift) and free entry to many major attractions like Jerónimos Monastery and Sao Jorge Castle. If you’re planning to follow this itinerary, it’s often worth it.
- Try to stay central – Baixa, Chiado or Alfama make it easier to follow this itinerary on foot or by tram. It saves time and gives you the real Lisbon atmosphere. Just keep in mind that some streets, especially in historic neighbourhoods, aren’t accessible by taxi or Uber, so if you’re travelling with luggage, it’s a good idea to check this in advance.
- Carry cash for small purchases – Paying with card is widely accepted in Lisbon, but small cafés and local shops sometimes prefer cash.
- Tipping isn’t mandatory in Portugal, but it’s appreciated and rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common if the service was good.
- Expect a tourist tax at hotels and guesthouses in Lisbon. It’s usually around €2 per person, per night and is paid at check-in or check-out.
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