Lisbon offers something special for every type of traveler, whether it’s your first visit or one of many. Its charm and vibrant atmosphere make it a fantastic choice for a short trip.

This guide lays out a simple 3-day itinerary packed with some of the best sights and experiences the city has to offer. Let’s dive in and help you plan an unforgettable Lisbon adventure!

Where to Stay in Lisbon

If it’s your first time in Lisbon, neighborhoods like Baixa, Alfama, and Cais do Sodré are great starting points. They’re walkable, full of charm, and well-connected by public transport.

For a quieter stay with a more local feel, areas like Estrela or Campo de Ourique are worth checking out. They’re not far from the city center but have a calmer pace. Use filters when searching accommodations to prioritize walkability, public transit access, or kitchen access if you’re traveling on a budget.

Getting Around Lisbon for 3 Days

Lisbon’s public transportation is super efficient—and affordable. You can get around using trams, buses, and metro lines. Consider grabbing a 24-hour public transport pass if you’re hopping around a lot.

Walking is also a big part of exploring Lisbon. The city is hilly, but if you’re up for it, you’ll discover the best little bakeries and viewpoints on foot. Taxis and ride apps are available, but they tend to be more expensive and unnecessary for most central travel.

Having data access helps when navigating new transit lines. An eSIM can make that easier to sort out before you arrive.

Start your day in Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown core. It’s flat, grid-like, and easy to navigate—perfect for easing into your trip. Walk through Praça do Comércio, the massive waterfront square that opens up to the Tagus River. It’s a great spot to take photos and just soak in your first views of Lisbon.

From there, head up Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and bakeries. Grab a coffee and a pastel de nata from a local bakery (try Fabrica da Nata) and check out the Arco da Rua Augusta—you can even go to the top for panoramic views if you’re up for it.

If your legs are ready for Lisbon’s hills, walk uphill into Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. If not, hop on the famous Tram 28, which winds through narrow streets and gives you a vintage tour of the city.

Once in Alfama, take your time exploring. The maze-like streets feel like something out of a storybook. Wander past hanging laundry, tiled buildings, and hidden cafes.

Make your way to Castelo de São Jorge, perched on a hill with unbeatable views of the city and the river. The castle itself is fun to explore, especially if you like climbing towers and walls. But even just relaxing in the garden with a view is worth it.

Wrap up your day with dinner in Alfama—many restaurants offer live Fado music, a melancholic, soulful style of traditional Portuguese singing. It’s one of those uniquely Lisbon experiences that hits different when you’re hearing it live in a small tavern. (This is also a great time to use offline maps or a local data plan to navigate those winding streets!)

Start early and head to Belém, either by Tram 15 or a short suburban train. It’s a quieter, more spacious area along the river with major cultural landmarks.

Your first stop? The Jerónimos Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is jaw-dropping with its intricate Manueline architecture. Spend time in the cloisters—they’re peaceful, beautifully detailed, and perfect for slowing down.

Right next to the monastery is the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery. Yes, the line is long—but it moves fast. Order your custard tarts warm with cinnamon and sugar, and grab a coffee too.

After your sweet stop, walk along the riverside to see the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower. Both offer a deep dive into Portugal’s Age of Exploration. The area is very walkable and scenic, especially with the breeze off the water.

Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) 
If you enjoy modern art or architecture, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) is nearby and makes for a cool contrast after visiting older sites.

If you’d rather take it easy, grab lunch from a nearby café and relax at the grassy park by the river. This area feels different from the core of Lisbon—more spread out and airy.

You have a few options here. Either:

• Head back to the city for dinner in Cais do Sodré (the food options are endless),
• Or catch a sunset ferry ride across the Tagus to Cacilhas for a more off-the-beaten-path dinner.

📸 Suggested photo spots for today: Jerónimos Monastery cloisters, riverside walk, Belém Tower, sunset by the ferry docks.

Begin your final day in Chiado, one of Lisbon’s artsier districts. It’s a blend of boutiques, bookstores, bakeries, and historic cafés. Visit Livraria Bertrand, the oldest operating bookstore in the world, or stop by A Brasileira, a café with ties to Portuguese poets.

Then head uphill to Bairro Alto, which feels like a completely different world in the morning than it does at night. It’s quiet, full of viewpoints like Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and scattered with little artisan shops.

Make your way down to the Time Out Market, Lisbon’s iconic food hall. It’s popular, yes—but for good reason. Dozens of vendors offer everything from seafood to vegan plates to traditional Portuguese dishes.

If you’re looking for a quieter option, the traditional market side (Mercado da Ribeira) is still very much a local shopping spot.

Take a tram or walk to LX Factory, a creative hub inside a former industrial complex. It’s filled with street art, rooftop cafes, indie bookstores, design shops, and weekend pop-ups. Great for souvenirs or just wandering aimlessly.

End your trip with a relaxed dinner at a cozy restaurant or café. Neighborhoods like Bairro Alto or near Avenida Liberdade offer great spots where you can enjoy delicious food while taking in beautiful views of the city and the river. Watching the sun set over Lisbon’s rooftops is a peaceful way to wrap up your 3-day adventure.

Extending Your 3 Days in Lisbon

Got extra time? Lisbon is well connected for day trips.

• Sintra: A fairytale town with palaces and castles, just 40 minutes by train.
• Cascais: A relaxed seaside town perfect for a beach day.
• Évora: A historic city full of Roman ruins and slow charm.

🚆 Booking train tickets online in advance can help avoid lines, especially for day trips out of Lisbon.

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FAQ About Visiting Lisbon in 3 Days

Lisbon is a city full of charm, history, and unforgettable moments. With its vibrant neighborhoods, stunning views, and rich culture, three days here can give you a wonderful taste of what makes this place so special. Take your time exploring, soak in the atmosphere, and don’t be afraid to wander down a side street or two — some of the best experiences happen when you least expect them.

No matter how you spend your time, Lisbon will leave you with memories worth cherishing. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your adventure!