The Perfect Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary: From Pastéis de Nata to Fado
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Lisbon… oh, how you stole my heart in just three short days! Portugal had been on my radar for years and when my mom and I were planning our trip to Paris for New Year’s, the idea sparked to add a few days in Lisbon to our travel plans. I became a fan of TAP Air Portugal when flying with them to Barcelona years prior and I remembered that they offer free stopovers in Lisbon as well as discounted hotel rates when you do so. This was all I needed to add 3 days in Lisbon to our trip!
If you’ve never been to Lisbon, you’re in for a treat! Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating other European capitals like London, Paris, and Rome. The city is rich with over 20 centuries of history with influences from the Phoenicians, Celts, Greeks, Romans, Moors, and more. There is beautiful architecture, design, color, hills (lots and lots of hills to walk!), amazing food & music. It’s also home to the oldest bookstores in the world! Most natives speak English and everyone we encountered was very friendly.
Yes, I would’ve loved to have more time to explore outside of Lisbon and I am planning on returning at some point. But if you have limited time, Lisbon itself can be explored in three days and it’s a fantastic destination option if you’re short on time. We'll cover the best things to see and do, how to get around the city, where to stay, plus day trip options if you have extra time. Read on for the ultimate Lisbon three day itinerary and travel guide.
Why Visit Lisbon
Lisbon is a vibrant, historic capital city that offers visitors beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating culture. As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon boasts medieval castles, cobblestone streets, stunning churches, and picturesque plazas around every corner.
Some highlights of Lisbon include:
- The architecture - Lisbon is known for its pastel-colored buildings, intricate tilework, and grand archways. The Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are stunning examples of the Manueline style of architecture. I immediately became obsessed with the beautiful tiles!
- The food - Portuguese cuisine features fresh seafood, meat, olive oil, and lots of garlic. Specialties to try in Lisbon include bacalhau (cod), Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts & my absolute favorite), and alheira sausages. The Time Out Market is a top spot to sample different Portuguese dishes. I also loved the custard tarts so much that I took an online cooking class during Covid and make them at home from time to time with this traditional recipe.
- The culture - Lisbon has a lively arts scene, from Fado music performances to avant-garde galleries. The city also has great nightlife, centered around the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre neighborhoods.
- The attractions - Top attractions include Saint George's Castle with panoramic views, the Belem district home to monuments like the Tower of Belem, and the Carmo Convent. If you love bookstores, you have to visit Bertrand, the oldest bookstore in the entire world!
Praça do Comércio in January
How Many Days Do You Need in Lisbon?
Most travelers will find that three full days is the ideal amount of time to properly see Lisbon's top attractions. This allows enough time to explore highlights like the Alfama district and Belem while also leaving room for leisurely strolls, lingering at cafes, and just absorbing the ambiance.
If you’re looking to explore some of the surrounding areas or go at an even more leisurely pace, you may want to extend your Lisbon vacation to 4 or 5 days. This provides more flexibility for a slower-paced vacation and allows time to take day trips to nearby towns like Sintra, Cascais, and Evora. There are also enough museums, palaces, and parks within Lisbon itself to fill additional days for those who want an even more immersive experience.
Overall, Lisbon can be seen enjoyably with just 3 full days in the city. Anything beyond 3 days gives time for side excursions, leisurely dining, and repeated visits to your favorite Lisbon neighborhoods and museums - or more custard tarts!
Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary
Lisbon has so many incredible sights and neighborhoods to explore that planning your visit can feel overwhelming. In just 3 days, you can see the top attractions and experience the best of Lisbon's food, culture, and charm. Here's a perfect 3-day Lisbon itinerary.
Day 1: The Best Walking Tour in Lisbon
No matter where I go, I typically spend day one trying to get my bearings and a lay of the land. The easiest way I’ve found to do that is by taking a walking tour or a sightseeing bus tour. Because the streets of Lisbon are so narrow a walking tour was the only option. Start your day with a free two-hour walking tour with Sandeman’s. This company offers free walking tours in many other countries as well as tours that are not free so be sure to check them out before your next vacation. Our guide was amazing, knew the answers to all of our groups’ questions, and was full of fun facts.
The free walking tour begins at Praça Luís de Camões and covers the majority of the Bairro Alto neighborhood in central Lisbon. I love these tours because you’ll learn the history of the city from a local guide and no two tours are alike.
During our tour, we went to Santa Justa Lift, which is an elaborate elevator that you can pay to ride to the top where a lookout point is. This attraction usually has pretty long lines, but our guide took us a back way where we were able to go up to the lookout deck for free without riding in the actual elevator. We also stopped at Bertrand, the oldest recorded bookstore in the world founded in 1732, so we of course had to buy a couple of books. It was such a cool hidden gem and the cashier will even stamp the inside of your book!
The morning tour ends right around lunch time and we loved our guide so much that we ended up going on his afternoon tour of Belem as well! Belem is a 15-20 minute train ride from central Lisbon and is where you can find Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. The first stop on this walking tour was Pastéis de Belém. I had been anticipating tasting the wildly popular custard tarts for months leading up to our trip and these did not disappoint. This specific bakery is one of the most well-known for Lisbon’s famous tarts and rightfully so, as they use the oldest recipe for the pasties. Make sure you get a sleeve or two when you stop in!
Next, we visited Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries where we heard more about the history of Lisbon. The Monument of Discoveries is where our tour ended. If you’re in Belem, you’ll want to see Belem Tower and if interested, there’s also a National Coach Museum not far from Pastéis de Belém that houses royal carriages dating back to the 16th century.
Day 2: The Carmo Convent & City Viewpoints
Your second day is all about exploring new neighborhoods and soaking up the views. Start your morning by touring the Carmo Convent. In my opinion, this is one of the must-see things in Lisbon. This 14th-century Catholic convent was forever changed after the earthquake in 1755. Imagine standing beneath sky-high arches inside ruins with no ceiling. In addition to the ruins, there is a small museum where you can learn more about the earthquake and the history of the convent. The entry price is less than $10 and you can purchase tickets at the entrance. I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning or in the evening for less crowds and also the best lighting for pictures. If you’re looking for a unique nighttime experience, the Carmo Convent has an immersive experience at night called “Lisbon Under the Stars” that’s really neat.
Next, make your way to the Alfama neighborhood to Saint George's Castle. The entrance is located on Rua de Santa Cruz and can be a little tricky to find so give yourself some extra time. It took us about 20 minutes to finally find the entrance and we weren’t the only ones looking lost on the hill after following the signs. São Jorge Castle, or as the locals call it, Castelo de São Jorge sits perched atop one of Lisbon's highest hills. This majestic castle offers not just stunning views of the city and the Tagus River, but a walk through history itself. Dating back to the 6th century, it started as a small fortress built by the Romans, and then it was expanded by the Moors in the 10th century. Spend a few hours here listening to the audio guide or just wandering through the castle grounds.
As you make your way back down the hill when you leave the castle, make a couple of pit stops at nearby viewpoints Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia. You can get a really great view of the city and the sea from both of these viewpoints. There’s even a little café next door to Portas do Sol called Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia with an upstairs terrace where you can have wine and lunch while soaking in those amazing views.
Afterward, walk down the Avenue of Liberdade which is full of boutiques and cafes. If you're staying in Bairro Alto, you can catch the famous tram 28 back to your hotel. You haven't truly experienced Lisbon until you've hopped on one of its delightful yellow trams, trust me. These charming little streetcars zigzag through the city like cheerful sunbeams on rails. These trams debuted in 1901 and are one of the city’s most iconic symbols. As with any city, try to avoid taking public transportation during rush hour. This is when locals are commuting to and from work and public transport will be crowded making it not as enjoyable for you - both you and the locals will appreciate it. Pick a tram line (like tram 28), hop on, and ride the entire line. You’ll see different neighborhoods while resting those feet!
End day two with dinner at Bastardo. Our hotel recommended this restaurant to us and it was our favorite of the entire trip! The food, drinks, and service were amazing! If you’re looking for great food in Lisbon at a place that also has a fun atmosphere you have to check it out.
Day 3: TimeOut Market & a Sunset Cruise
Spend day three tasting some of the best local cuisine, shopping locally, and watching the sun go down on the Tagus River. First on the agenda is a little shopping. If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir from Lisbon, head over to XVIII - Azulejo & Faiança in Alfama or Sant'Anna in Chiado. Both of these companies produce stunning handmade tiles and ceramics where you can find the perfect authentic souvenir to bring home with you. Sant’Anna also offers guided tours where you can get a firsthand look at their production process and learn more about the history of these beautiful tiles.
Next, make your way to Time Out Market but before you get there, make a stop at Lisbon’s Pink Street where the street is literally painted pink! This used to be Lisbon’s red light district and now you can find tons of bars on both sides of the street and there’s currently an umbrella installation overhead. Walk a little further and you’ll reach the main food market in Lisbon, Time Out Market. Make a lap first to survey all of the yummy options and then make your decision on where to order food. There are over 25 food stalls inside the market along with 8 bars and several shops. We had the best steak sandwich from Café de São Bento and picked up more trinkets from one of the main shops inside called A Vida Portuguesa. Of course, I had to get more of the addictive pastéis de nata from the Manteigaria stall. I got a few slips to take back to share and also eat for the next couple of days since they’ll last a few days (these also make for a great plane snack).
End your last day in Lisbon with a two-hour sunset cruise on a vintage sailboat. Sail along the Tagus River with your loved one or friends and reflect on the most amazing trip you just had - complete with traditional Portuguese snacks and a glass of wine!
Travel Tip: Get a Lisbon Card for Your Visit
The Lisboa Card is a sightseeing city pass that offers savings on Lisbon's top attractions, free public transportation, and other discounts. The card comes in 24, 48, and 72-hour durations and is an easy way to save money while seeing the city's highlights.
Some of the top attractions offered on the Lisboa Card include:
Jerónimos Monastery
São Jorge Castle
Belém Tower
Lisbon Cathedral
National Coach Museum
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte Viewpoint
National Museum of Ancient Art
National Azulejo Museum
The card also includes free use of buses, trams, funiculars, and the metro system. This makes getting around the hilly city effortless. You can hop on and off all forms of transport as needed, which is extremely convenient for sightseeing!
The Lisboa Card takes the stress out of planning and budgeting during your visit. With one upfront cost, you can enjoy Lisbon's best sights while riding public transit for free. It's an easy way to maximize your time and money in Lisbon. Order it online and pick it up at one of the many tourism offices throughout Lisbon.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can get very hot, with temperatures frequently climbing above the mid 80’s. The winter months tend to be rainy, which is not ideal for sightseeing, although I visited in January and didn’t experience any rain and the temperature was moderate the entire time.
The peak tourist season runs from June through August. During this time, prices of accommodation and attractions rise significantly. The weather is hot and sunny, with daily highs around 80-88°F. However, the crowds and humidity can be overwhelming.
For comfortably warm weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists, aim to visit Lisbon in May, September, or October. The average daily temperatures during these months range from 68-77°F. Rain is less often, and the summertime crowds have not yet arrived or have already passed.
The winter months of November through February bring a fair amount of rain. Temperatures drop to an average of 50-60°F during the day. If you don't mind wearing a jacket and carrying an umbrella, you'll find discounted hotel rates and minimal crowds at major sights.
Getting Around in Lisbon
Lisbon is a very walkable city, especially in the historic center areas like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado. Wandering the winding cobblestone streets, steps, and plazas is part of the Lisbon experience! However, the hilly terrain can make walking tiring, so make use of public transportation to visit the landmarks and neighborhoods that are a little further out of the city center.
The metro system is fast and efficient, with 4 lines that converge on the Baixa-Chiado and Rossio stations in central Lisbon. Buy reusable Viva Viagem cards and save money over single journey tickets.
Historic trams still run on 3 lines in Lisbon. Tram 28 is the most famous route winding through Alfama and other central neighborhoods. Ride tram 15 for scenic views crossing the 25 de Abril bridge. Tram 12 is a convenient east-west route.
Don't forget to get a Lisboa Card for unlimited use of Lisbon's metro, buses, trams, elevators, and funiculars. The card also provides free or discounted admission to museums and attractions.
Day Trips from Lisbon
If you have some extra time in Lisbon, consider taking a day trip to explore the surrounding areas. Many people visit both Sintra and Cascais in the same full-day group tour, but each is unique and you could easily spend a day in each place. Here are some top recommendations:
Sintra
The picturesque town of Sintra should be at the top of your list for day trips from Lisbon. I really wanted to go but it wasn’t in the cards for us. Located just 30 minutes by train, it's easy to reach and makes for an idyllic escape from the city. Wander the storybook streets and visit highlights like the 19th-century Pena Palace perched atop a hill. Don't miss trying the traditional travesseiros pastries.
Cascais
For a lovely seaside getaway, head to the coastal town of Cascais, about a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon. Stroll the lively marina area, relax on the sandy beaches, and soak in the resort-town atmosphere. Check out Boca do Inferno, a beautiful cliff area with crashing waves. Or visit the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum dedicated to the artwork of Paula Rego.
Évora
The medieval city of Évora requires more time (about 90 minutes by train or car) but is worth a full-day trip. With roots dating back to Roman times, Évora is brimming with history. Follow winding cobblestone lanes past sites like the 12th-century cathedral and Roman temple. For a taste of Portuguese wine, visit wineries in the surrounding Alentejo region. Don't leave without trying alheira, a traditional Portuguese sausage.
With its wealth of fascinating sights and scenery, the areas around Lisbon offer plenty to fill any extra days you have on a Portugal itinerary.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. When choosing where to stay, the neighborhood is an important consideration. We stayed in the Bairro Alto and found the area to be a perfect home base as it’s within walking distance of almost all major sites.
Alfama
This charming district is the oldest part of Lisbon. With winding streets, authentic Fado bars, and proximity to top attractions like the Castle of St. George, Alfama is a great place to immerse yourself in Old World Lisbon. Recommended hotels include Memmo Alfama with gorgeous views and Solar Do Castelo located right near the castle and they even have peacocks in their courtyard.
Chiado
This sophisticated downtown neighborhood offers high-end shopping and lively nightlife. Staying in Chiado puts you right in the heart of the action. Luxury hotels like Hotel Valverde and modern boutique options like Santiago de Alfama are excellent choices.
Bairro Alto
Stay in this picturesque hilltop district for a lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. This is where we stayed and we loved it! Our hotel was Dear Lisbon - Charming House and it was perfect for two people. Other top options include Memmo Príncipe Real and Duo Hotel Lisbon.
Belém
This riverside area is home to major attractions like the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery. Great accommodation options include Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel, a sleek contemporary hotel, or the charming heritage building of Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
With Lisbon's efficient public transportation, staying in any district provides easy access to all the sights. Choose your neighborhood based on your preferred ambiance, budget, and proximity to top attractions.
I hope that this has inspired you to visit Lisbon and I hope that you love it as much as I did. I can’t wait to go back and to also visit Porto in the North and Faro in the South. The laid-back, welcoming vibe this city gives off is one of a kind! Feel free to leave a comment with any of your favorite spots that I missed or if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
