Lisbon is one of those cities that instantly captures your heart. With its colorful buildings, vintage trams, delicious food and ocean breeze, the city has that European charm that makes it feel both exciting and relaxing. This is the perfect 3 days in Lisbon itinerary that balances relaxation while seeing all the best sights. Let’s dive in!
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Lisbon, Portugal is a beautiful blend of old-world history and modern culture. Whether you’re wandering down cobblestone streets or sipping wine in a cafe, Lisbon is the perfect vacation destination.
In just 3 days in Lisbon, you can explore ancient castles, stand in historic squares, taste the city’s famous custard tarts, and enjoy a rooftop sunset over the water. From iconic viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia to buzzing neighborhoods like Baixa and Alfama, you can slow down and soak it all in without feeling rushed.
👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? This is the best food tour of Lisbon, and the best day trip to Sintra.
3 day Lisbon itinerary: what to do on day 1
3 days in Lisbon is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to hit the highlights, try local favorites like bifanas and pastel de nata, and even take a day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra. Whether it’s your first time in Portugal or just your first time in Lisbon, this 3-day itinerary is the perfect way to experience the city’s best sights, sounds, and flavors.
Are you so ready to dive in?! Lisbon is a large city, so this itinerary is set up to make the most of your time.
Morning: Castelo D S. Jorge & Se de Lisbon
A large castle in the heart of the city and atop Lisbon’s highest hill, Castelo D S. Jorge is a must-see when visiting Lisbon for 3 days. It reminds me of visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro, one of the best things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Anyhow, you’ll want to check out this spot for the history and views!
This 11th-century castle is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. You can walk the grounds and explore within the walls of the castle. Just imagine what live was like over 1,000 years ago!
After exploring the castle, wander down the hill to explore the Lisbon Cathedral – Se de Lisbon. This huge church has been around since 1147, and is a popular stop on this three days in Lisbon itinerary.
The cathedral has survived several earthquakes, which is a feat in itself. In some places, you can see the difference between the areas that have been renovated and the original structure. It’s truly a sight to see in real life!
Afternoon: experience Alfama (a favorite on this 3 days in Lisbon itinerary)
Next up, the fun, winding, picturesque streets of Alfama!
Check out the one of the best viewpoints of the waterfront, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, with the famous blue tile, Praca Julio de Castilho.
The Fado Museum is a step back into the history of Fado, a Portuguese music style that’s still recorded and respected today.
If you’re up for walking a bit further, head on over to the National Pantheon. This site was originally a church, which was then transformed into the National Pantheon, home to the tombs of prominent figures of Portugal.
With a large dome resembling what you’d find in Rome, the building sticks out in the Lisbon landscape. It also provides great views of the city from inside!
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Evening: sunset on the waterfront & Praca do Comercio
As the day winds down, it’s time to slow down a bit. I recommend visiting the Praca do Comercio, which is a large city square along the riverfront. It’s great for people watching and enjoying the fresh air.
You can sit along the shore and enjoy the water.
There’s also a few restaurants there to enjoy the sunset and bridge scene.
Day 2 in Lisbon Portugal
Okay, so the second day you’re in Lisbon, I highly recommend a day trip to Sintra. It’s a charming city full of castles and Portuguese eateries, perfect for spending the day.
Day trip to Sintra
If you only have 3 days in Lisbon to experience this region of Portugal, it wouldn’t make sense not to talk about visiting Sintra.
It’s really easy to take a tour and see the sights of this magical city. Located about 45 minutes to an hour away from the heart of Lisbon, it’s totally worth the day trip.
When you book a tour, they’ll handle the itinerary, but here’s the highlights…
National Palace of Pena
This place truly feels like a fairytale! Bright, vivid colors on the exterior and a lot of detail preserved on the interior and whimsical architecture pulls you in to a modern-day castle.
The palace reflects a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences, making it a symbol of Portugal’s artistic and cultural revival during the Romantic period. Today, it’s a stunning example of 19th-century Romanticism in Europe and one of the top tourist spots in the country.
Take as much time soaking in the sights as you can at Pena Palace, but just know that it’s always busy here!
Moorish Castle
Historically significant and impressive in an entirely different way, at the Moorish Castle, you’ll see the “great wall of Portugal” as it’s been nicknamed. This incredible castle and landscape has been around for hundreds of years, and the history and energy of the place is incredible!
Strategically perched on a hilltop centuries ago, the castle served as a military outpost, offering sweeping views of the surrounding region and acting as a key defense point. Its crumbling stone walls and towers now tell the story of Portugal’s early battles and cultural shifts.
Quinta da Regaleira
One of my favorite (and most unexpected) stops on this 3 days in Lisbon itinerary, I loved this castle!
This magical castle gives off an eerie feeling in the grounds, but is incredibly beautiful! Quinta da Regaleira is a 20th-century estate with a mysterious and symbolic past. Built by a wealthy Portuguese businessman with a fascination for secret societies, the property is filled with hidden tunnels, mystical symbols, and architectural marvels.
Get lost in the landscape, explore the towers and walk through the Palace. Definitely visit the Initiation Wells, which is a super mysterious and intriguing experience. Another spot in Sintra to learn about history from another angle!
Lisbon 3 days itinerary – what to do your final day
Hanging back in Lisbon for the day, your third and final day in the city is a bit slower, seeing the last of the best spots around the city.
Morning: Belem Tower & LX Factory
This is a great time to head over to the Belem Tower. This area of Lisbon is quite a bit further than the Ciado or Baixa neighborhoods, so I’d recommend getting a taxi or rideshare to get there.
Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, and it looks like it came straight out of a storybook! this 16th-century tower was once a defense post to protect the city from invaders arriving by sea. With its turrets, balconies, and stone carvings, it’s a beautiful example of Portugal’s unique Manueline architecture.
If you’re into street art, trendy cafés, cute shops, and picture-worthy corners, LX Factory is your spot. This old industrial complex has been turned into one of Lisbon’s coolest hangouts. It’s full of local boutiques, bookstores, rooftop bars, coffee shops, and food trucks.
You can spend an hour or a whole morning here, just exploring the creative energy and colorful murals that cover the walls.
Lunch: famous Portuguese lunch
There are so many great places to eat in Lisbon, but if you want to try the world-famous bifanas, then head to As Bifanas Do Afonso. You’ll probably encounter a line around the corner, which is typical.
Bring cash, and it’s just a few Euros to enjoy a traditional pork sandwich!
After – if you haven’t had the famous Portuguese Pastel de Nata yet, you can head on over to Manteigaria to try one of theirs. Voted best in Lisbon, the delicious custard tart is affordable and delightful.
Afternoon: Rossio Square & Santa Justa Lift
Rossio Square is a typical European city square, with shops and restaurants lining it. This is a great spot for people watching, or experiencing a market if there is one during your stay in Lisbon.
Shops line this square and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for souvenirs from Lisbon, this is a great place to find them.
Another popular attraction is the Santa Justa Lift. It has fun views of the city. It’s basically just a large, old elevator that takes you up above the buildings in the area.
Pro tip: you don’t actually have to pay to go up the lift! There are free steps that you can take to get to the top. To find them, go on the street past the entrance of the Santa Justa Lift.
It’s literally right behind the lift, so it’s hard to pass. You’ll see a set of stairs going up between businesses. Take those and continue following them up. You’ll turn right, then more stairs. Walk just past the church to get to the top for the same views without paying and waiting in line!
Evening: Pink Street
Before it gets dark for the day, make your way over to Pink Street. I’ll be honest, it’s sort of a tourist trap, but it’s also fun to see. You can grab a cocktail or dinner along the street, or just walk through it.
It’s a quick stop, but is nice and relaxing, a great way to end this 3 days in Lisbon itinerary!
Tips for your 3 days in Lisbon Portugal
Here are a few tips before diving into this amazing itinerary!
- The city is very walkable and this three day itinerary in Lisbon will have you walking a lot! One of the best tips for traveling to Portugal is to have the right shoes for comfort. I loved my Vessi’s during my time in Portugal!
- There are a LOT of hills in Lisbon. Keep it in mind when you’re walking from place to place that it might take longer to get where you’re going. Or, consider breaking up your day by taking a tuk tuk (which reminds me of my time in Bangkok), which is a fun experience, too!
- Do not rent a car for Lisbon. Even if you’re planning to travel to another location in Portugal, rent the car only for the day you’ll need it. There’s very little parking in the city and you just don’t need it.
What to pack for your 3 day itinerary Lisbon Portugal
Real quick, let’s go over a few things that will help your trip go smoothly! The weather definitely is a factor, so be sure to pack for the season and check the weather the weeks leading to your trip.
- Comfortable shoes. You’ll do a lot of walking, and the town is cobblestone, which can be slick. Bring comfortable shoes. I loved my Vessi’s during my time in Portugal!
- Seasonal layers. Summer is hot, winter is chilly, and the between seasons require layers. The weather can change throughout the day, so be sure to check it each morning you’re there and pack layers for comfort.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, hat, and mineral sunscreen are essentials for Lisbon! It’s HOT in Lisbon in the summer!
- Umbrella or rain jacket. In the cooler months, rain is common, so be prepared.
- Portable charger: you’ll be taking lots of photos and using GPS, so keep a battery handy to recharge.
- Shoulder bag or backpack: carry around your essentials like water, money, charger, sunblock and more in a small yet comfortable day bag. Just keep in mind to use one with locked zippers or keep it on the front of you to avoid pickpocketing.
- US-Europe adapter plug. If you’re from the USA, you’ll need an adaptor to charge anything. I love this two-pack because it can charge all my items easily.
3 days in Lisbon – a recap!
Can you believe this fun city?! Experiencing Lisbon is unlike anywhere else. With so much history, activities and certainly a foodie’s haven, you’re sure to have a great time!
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