Discover the best way to see Lisbon in just a few days with our complete 3 day Lisbon itinerary. From iconic sights and charming neighborhoods to tips on getting around and where to stay, this guide will help first-timers make the most of Portugal’s vibrant capital.
Planning your first trip to Lisbon can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to see, do, and taste in this vibrant city!
Our perfect 3-Day Lisbon itinerary for first-timers breaks it all down, giving you a day-by-day guide to the city’s highlights, helpful tips on getting around, where to stay, and even a free map to make exploring a breeze.
Whether you only have three days, or a bit more, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Portugal’s capital city.
Lisbon Itinerary Contents
- Our experience in Lisbon
- How many days in Lisbon; Is 3 enough?
- Lisbon itinerary overview
- Lisbon itinerary map
- Extra time: more things to do in Lisbon
- Best time to visit Lisbon
- How to get around Lisbon
- Where to stay in Lisbon
Our experience in Lisbon
Confession: I’m not usually a huge fan of big cities.
But I absolutely loved Lisbon. It exceeded all of my (very high) expectations and I am already dreaming of going back.
We visited Lisbon for the first time in late-May at the start of our dream Portugal road trip. The weather was beautiful and the streets weren’t too overcrowded with tourists for the high season just yet.
And as an added bonus, we overlapped with our TWS team member, Amanda, who was based there for 6 weeks and had lots of great insider tips.
See our experience come alive by watching our highlights below…
How many days in Lisbon is enough?
We think 3 days is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of Lisbon—enough to explore its charming neighborhoods, ride the iconic trams, and sample plenty of pasteis de nata.
That said, you could easily spend even more time here soaking up the city’s laid-back vibe, taking day trips to nearby gems like Sintra or Cascais, or simply lingering at a few extra rooftop bars and viewpoints. If you have more time, we’ve got you covered with an entire section of more things to do below…
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon!
We left the morning pretty open for you to fly in, make your way to your accommodation and settle in.
Transportation from the Lisbon airport
Rideshare (Uber/Bolt):
- follow signs for Uber pick up lot
- Cost: expect to pay €10-15 to get into the center
- Time: about a 30 min ride
- taxis will be more expensive
Metro train:
- take the Aeroporto–Saldanha line (Red Line) from the airport, transfer to other lines depending on where you’re staying
- leaves every few minutes
- Cost: €1.80 + €0.50 for a metro card
- Time: 20-45 min ride depending on your stop
Depending on what time you arrive you can either drop off your bags (request this if you arrive early) or freshen up and settle in at your accommodation.
Our advice: In order to get acquainted with the new time zone, get outside and move!
Lunch
Grab a late lunch at As Bifanas do Afonso—this tiny bifana sandwich shop makes all the top foodie spots in Lisbon lists.
Bifana is a traditional Portuguese sandwich made with marinated or pulled pork.
Tip: Order one with cheese and add the hot sauce that’s on the counter.
Our opinion: It’s cheap and just the right amount of food, but the bifana from Casa Guedes Tradicional in Porto is much better!
Alternative: If there is a long line, you could give it a miss. Instead, head to Nicolau Lisboa which is right around the corner and serves healthy cafe fare, which might just hit the spot after a long flight.
Afterwards, grab yourself a fancy popsicle treat at POP Bar.
Alternative: If ice cream is more your vibe, Gelateria La Verde is nearby and had lots of interesting flavors.
Castelo de São Jorge
Visit the Historic Moorish castle perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. It’s a nice spot to visit 1-2 hours before sunset for a stroll around the walled perimeter. You’ll also see lots of peacocks roaming around.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- €15 per person, children under 12 are free
- Purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line
Rooftop drinks for Golden Hour
Lisbon is famous for its stunning views, so it’s no surprise there is a booming rooftop bar scene.
Sip a cocktail while watching the colorful buildings and terracotta rooftops glow under the warm hues of Golden Hour, just before the sun dips below the horizon. It’s the perfect time to unwind, snap some photos, and take in the views of the city.
Here are some rooftop bars we recommend for your first night in town:
- Topo Chiado: it’s a bit of a maze getting here, but drinks are reasonably priced, nice views, and no reservations are needed!
- Ruby Rosa – Lisbon Art Stay: this is a more intimate rooftop bar with great cocktails
Portuguese dinner
Have a casual dinner with Portuguese fare after the sun has set. Here are our top choices (neither of which require reservations!):
- Bonjardim: spit-roasted chicken with famous piri-piri sauce. There’s sometimes a wait, but it’s worth it!
- Uma Marisqueira: this restaurant really only has one thing on the menu—seafood rice—and it’s delicious! There’s sometimes a wait, but they have 2 locations & will try to get you seated asap.
Day 2: Lisbon sights and food tour
Today you will explore a trendy market, savor local bites on a food tour, and toast with sunset views.
Belém (optional)
If you are feeling ambitious and get an early start, you could go to Belém first thing in the morning to see Belém Tower, try the famous Pastéis de Belém, and check out Jerónimos Monastery.
Just be sure you watch the time if you are doing the food tour today!
LX Factory
Housed in a former industrial complex, LX Factory is now one of Lisbon’s trendiest creative hubs. You’ll find street art, boutique shops, design studios, and a wide range of cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great spot for browsing, grabbing a coffee, or enjoying the lively daytime or nightlife scene.
How to get there: 35 minutes via the metro and train from Alfama. Buy 24-hour transit pass from a kiosk at a metro station.
Notable stops:
- Ler Devagar: whimsical bookstore in LX factory, famous for its towering bookshelves, art installations, and creative vibe. They have a bunch of graphic posters for sale.
- Pop into whatever other shops strike your fancy
- Breakfast in our around LX Factory
- Parioca café: great coffee, toasties, friendly vibes, local spot
- oui oui galette: sweet & savory crepes
- Restaurante Selllva: brunch in LX Factory
- Landeau Chocolate: trust me and order the chocolate cake here; you’ll thank us later!
Afterwards, head back to your hotel to freshen up before the food tour.
Lisbon food tour
Taste your way through Lisbon’s Alfama district with 18+ traditional dishes and drinks, guided by a passionate local host.
We love doing food tours on our travels and had so much fun on this one. Our toddler was the star of the show and our guide was so impressed that she scarfed down a sardine without question and tried everything on offer.
Quick info:
- Time: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: €107 per person
- Meeting point: Miradouro das Portas do Sol (beautiful views of the city)
Sunset views
After the tour ends, head to Miradouro da Graça for stunning panoramic views of Lisbon while the sun is beginning to set. Like many of the miradouros in Lisbon, there is a kiosk here selling drinks and lots of tables for customers.
Jardim da Cerca da Graça is worth a visit while you’re up there. There is also a church you can visit with parts that are free entry.
How to get there: You can take the Funicular da Graça, but we recommend walking up the hill from Alfama to get the blood pumping after all that food you just ate.
After sunset drinks
Post sunset, stop for a glass of wine at Graça do Vinho, which is just down the street. We really enjoyed their house vinho verde.
Day 3: More highlights of Lisbon
Experience some more of the most iconic sights in Lisbon city center along with a few hidden gems.
Sunrise at Miradouro de Santa Luzia (optional)
If you are feeling ambitious enough to get up really early, sunrise at Miradouro de Santa Luzia is an absolute stunner. This east-facing lookout features beautiful azuelos (traditional blue tiles) that perfectly frame the rising sun over the sea.
Tip: You could also save this for the following morning if you have a midday departure.
Breakfast in Alfama
Enjoy a nice breakfast at LUDO’S in Alfama. This is a popular brunch spot, so come early! (Aim to arrive by 9 a.m.)
The “Royal Breakfast” is the way to go. It was enough food for the two of us. We also got a smoothie bowl.
Wander Alfama
Afterwards, stop at Miradouro do Recolhimento, which has a nice view of the city (right around the corner from LUDO’s) with a playground.
More spots in Alfama:
- Ceramic shop that’s good for souvenirs
- Casa São Miguel: picture-perfect bakery with pastel de nata
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia beautiful viewpoint, but this one is special because it has azulejo tiles
Take the iconic yellow Tram 28E to see the Bica Fanicular. The tram comes every 10 minutes and will be around a 15-minute ride. The closest stop to LUDO’s cafe is Largo das Portas do Sol (there shouldn’t be a line at this stop).
Walk over to this spot where you can watch the iconic Bica Funicular climb up the steep street with the Tagus River in the background. It makes a great photo!
Tip: Grab a beer or cocktail at one of the small shops to enjoy while you wait for the funicular on the stairs.
Lunch on Green Street
Green Street is a lush urban oasis with greenery and fauna hanging from balconies and window sills. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the last stop.
Pop into A Obra for lunch; a cozy restaurant on Green Street serving Portuguese dishes.
Alternative: Walk a little ways to Boa-Bao, a popular Asian restaurant open for lunch between 12 pm to 3:30 p.m.
After lunch, stop in for a treat at Manteigaria. This small pastry shop is known to have the best pastel de nada in the city (and possibly all of Portugal!). They will likely have a line at this location, but it moves pretty fast and is definitely worth the wait.
Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, connecting the lower Baixa district with the hilltop neighborhood of Bairro Alto. It was built in 1902 by a designer who was said to be an apprentice of the Eiffel Tower creator.
Lift cost: €6.10 per person, for a 2-way ride; or free with your 24-hour metro pass!
If there’s a long line to enter the lift or you don’t want to pay to ride, you can walk to the top of the lift and enter the top level observation deck for free.
Carmo Archaeological Museum
This roofless Gothic Church was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. Now preserved as a museum, you can enter to see the vaulted arches that once held up the church roof, now open to the sky.
Quick info:
- Google maps location
- Cost: €7 per adult, children ages 0-14 are free
- Hours: open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter)
Dinner options
- Grab a pre-dinner drink at TimeOut Market (no reservation needed). This open hall has tons of food and drink options. It’s very touristy, but still cool to see. We’d personally recommend coming for a drink and snack before dinner somewhere else.
- Rooftop drinks & dinner at Javá (reservations recommended). This trendy rooftop bar has amazing views at golden hour and the food is great too, so plan to have dinner here.
- Take the ferry across the river to Restaurante Ponto Final for dinner with a view (reservations recommended). This restaurant was featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil, and also has a beautiful view of the sunset. Jump down to see more info on how to get there.
Fado show (optional)
Depending on what you choose to do for dinner, and if you have the energy, you could catch a traditional Fado performance after dinner.
Quick info:
- Time: 8 – 9 p.m.
- Cost: $23 USD per person
- Meeting point: Google maps location
Cocktails and dessert (optional)
The Midnight Espresso is a charming little spot that serves high teas, cocktails (try their espresso martini), and incredible desserts. Make reservations (children under 5 are not allowed).
Lisbon itinerary map
Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our interactive Lisbon & Porto map. It’s filled with custom pins of everything on this itinerary, plus our favorite sights, activities, restaurants and more in both Lisbon and Porto!
Have more than 3 days in Lisbon? Here’s what to do…
You could certainly add an extra day or two in Lisbon and not get bored. Below are some more things to do in Lisbon that we didn’t get the chance to do in our short time, but that we think would make great additions to this itinerary.
(Photos are from our TWS team member Amanda, whom has spent a lot of time in Lisbon over the years and gave us a bunch of great tips!)
1. Take a ferry across the river for dinner
- Ferry route: Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas
- 10 minute ferry ride
- Departs every 15 minutes, after 7p.m. every 30 minute
- Restaurante Ponto Final: restaurant with a beautiful sunset view featured on Somebody Feed Phil
- Make a reservation via email: pontofinalrest@gmail.com (do this ASAP as they book out well in advance!)
- Try to reserve a table 1 hour before sunset for the best lighting
- If you don’t get a reservation, you can still come (early) and wait for a table
- What to order: all the seafood!
- Pop over to Jardim do Rio River Garden for great views of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge
2. Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar
As we already mentioned, there are tons of rooftop bars in Lisbon to choose from. Here are a few that look great (reservations are recommended for all):
- Javá: trendy rooftop bar with great food too
- Lumi Rooftop: pretty rooftop bar, food is actually decent
- The V rooftop bar: chic terrace on top of The Vintage Hotel with lush decor, creative cocktails, and panoramic views of São Jorge Castle
- Art Inn: stylish terrace with drinks, live music, Italian food, and panoramic city views
3. Experience Fado
Fado is a traditional style of Portuguese music, often performed with soulful vocals and guitar, that expresses deep emotions of longing, love, and saudade (a sense of nostalgia).
You can experience a performance at special Fado restaurants or establishments. Here are our top picks:
Top-Rated Fado Show (our top pick!)
Highly-rated Fado performance in a magical medieval setting with a glass of wine included
- Shows are every day at 5pm, 6:30pm, and 8pm
- $23 per person (only ages 6 and up allowed)
- Reserve tickets (free cancelations)
Jardim da Amália (best choice for families)
Family-friendly Fado in a quaint garden
- 5pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- €20 per person
- Get tickets here
O Corrido – Casa de Fado (excellent food & show)
Highly-rated Fado and dinner
- €60 per person, drinks not included
- Every day starting at 7:30 pm
- Reserve your table here
A Tasca do Chico (casual & spontaneous)
More casual fado experience, visited by Anthony Bourdain
- Tapas and other Portuguese traditional foods
- No reservations, but expect long queues
- The singers aren’t the most elite, so it’s likely not going to be a top-notch performance
4. Hang out at Jardim do Torel
Get an amazing view of the city at this peaceful hilltop park. Offering great views over the city, this space is perfect for a quiet break away from the crowds.
5. Shop the best flea market in the city
Mercado de Santa Clara is a major flea market where you can find an eclectic mix of clothing, antiques, & more. Open Tuesdays & Saturdays.
6. Marvel at the National Tile Museum
This 16th-century monastery-turned-museum has some incredible azulejo tiles and is a great place to learn more about their history and cultural importance.
7. Spend the evening in a lesser-known market
LX Factory and Time Out Market both get all the attention of tourists (and for good reason because they’re both worth checking out!), but if you prefer hidden gems, 8 Marvila is a great pick. It can be pretty quiet during the day, but becomes lively at night, mostly with locals.
8. Explore a tropical garden
Estufa Fria is a tropical garden inside a greenhouse. This can be a good activity on a rainy day and often has fewer crowds than a lot of other popular spots in town.
- Cost: €3.60 per adult
9. Explore Belém
Getting to Belém from central Lisbon takes about 20–30 minutes. While we personally decided to skip this, it’s one of the city’s most iconic areas and worth adding if that matters to you.
Below are the top sights in Belém:
- Belém Tower: once a fortress guarding the Tagus River, this is more or less a photo spot. You can pay to go inside the tower, but we’ve heard from many people that it’s not worth the money.
- Jerónimos Monastery: this ornate monastery is worth a visit for architecture lovers, as it is stunning. (Closed Mondays)
- Tip: Aim to be there when they open at 9:30am or near closing time to avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Pastéis de Belém: this is where you can try the original custard tarts. We’ve heard many people say these are good (and worth trying if you’re in the area), but nearly all research we did pointed to Manteigaria being the best, and we absolutely agree.
- Tip: the takeaway line is much quicker than sit-down service.
Tip: Pair Belém with a visit to LX Factory since it’s in the same direction.
10. Do a free walking tour
One of our favorite ways to acquaint ourselves with a new city is to take a free walking tour. We always see things we never would have on our own. There are several tour companies in Lisbon, but our recommendation is Discover Lisbon. They have free walking tours of Alfama and Barrio Alto.
Psst! Remember to tip your guide!
Alternatively: If you want a private tour of the city, we recommend doing a hidden gems tour with Isabel from Withlocals.
Best time to visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder seasons—spring (April to June) and fall (September to October)—when the weather is warm and sunny but the city isn’t overrun with summer crowds. You’ll have more breathing room at popular sights, easier restaurant reservations, and better hotel rates.
Visiting Lisbon during the summertime is a whole different experience. For one, the summer heat takes hold and air conditioning isn’t as common in this European city.
During the entire month of June, the city celebrates its annual Sardine Festival, taking to the streets for loud and crazy parties every weekend and sometimes during weekdays. If this is your vibe you’ll love it! However we recommend not staying anywhere central (Barrio Alto, Chiado, Alfama) during this time unless you want to be in the center of the action.
We personally visited Lisbon in late-May (and returned for a quick overnight in early-June) and found the weather to be perfect. The city was setting up for Sardine Festival, but the streets weren’t too crowded yet.
How to get around Lisbon
Lisbon is very hilly, and what looks close together on the map may take a long time to walk because of steep inclines/declines.
Insider tip: When looking at Google Maps, turn on the “terrain” layer so you can see if the streets you’re taking are on an incline.
The public transportation system is good and efficient. We recommend purchasing a 24-hour pass from a kiosk in any metro station. And if you are feeling extra lazy, rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are common in Lisbon as well.
Where to stay in Lisbon
- Alfama: We personally loved staying here and would highly recommend it as it is very beautiful and peaceful. Plus, it’s pretty convenient for visiting most of the top sights.
- Chiado: This area is pretty central, just make sure you are staying closer to the coast if you don’t want to walk up major hills.
- Principe Real: This is the area most expats stay as it has a more local feel. Just know it’s at the top of Barrio Alto so there will be lots of walking up and down hills to get to the center.’
Where to avoid staying: Barrio Alto
- This neighborhood is where all the bars and street parties are located. Staying here means you’ll likely have lots of noise and foot traffic at all hours of the night.
Hotel and Airbnb recommendations
Alfama Apartment: We personally stayed here and loved it!
- Perfect location in a quiet square in Alfama (a wonderful base)
- Very reasonably priced for Lisbon
- Lovely city views
- Completely refurbished in 2016
- Private terrace right in the heart of historical Alfama
- Full kitchen, bathroom with a tub and in-unit laundry
- Fully restored apartment in the historic district with views over the red rooftops and river
- Full kitchen and eating area
- Well decorated
Upon Lisbon Prime Residences: We personally stayed here before flying out of the Lisbon airport the next day.
- Close to the airport for convenience
- Nice rooftop pool and onsite restaurant
- Pull out couch to sleep 3 (plus crib for baby)
Plan your trip to Portugal
From vibrant cities to seaside escapes, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect Portugal adventure—from city guides and road trip itineraries to food tips and hidden gems! Start with our Portugal homepage or dive into some of our favorite articles below…
- More articles coming soon!!
Perfect Portugal itinerary
Want the perfect Portugal trip planned for you?
From the colorful streets of Lisbon to the storybook castles of Sintra, the medieval charm of Óbidos, and the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley—Portugal is overflowing with beauty and culture. But planning the perfect route can be overwhelming (trust us, we’ve been there!).
That’s why we created our done-for-you Portugal itineraries—each one crafted from our own travels, plus countless hours of research and insider tips from locals.
We have a 2-week road trip itinerary that takes you through Lisbon, Sintra, Óbidos, Monsanto, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Porto, the Douro Valley & more, a Lisbon & Porto itinerary for those short on time, and a Madeira itinerary for the ultimate island adventure.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll get a complete, stress-free plan packed with expert advice, and local recommendations, so you can simply show up and enjoy the adventure!
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What did you think of our Lisbon itinerary? Are you planning a trip to Portugal and have more questions? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to get back to you!