Last Updated on 2026-10-21 by Claudia Bastos
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital, largest city, and main cultural and economic centre. To understand Portugal and Portuguese culture, you should spend at least a few days in Lisbon. We recommend spending at least three days in the city, and we’ve created this [Lisbon 3-day itinerary] to help you plan your visit. We’ll also share advice on the best time to visit Lisbon and where to stay in Lisbon.
The Portuguese capital has always been an extraordinary city to live in and visit, but lately, it’s thriving. Lisbon is a very lively city, where something is always happening during the day and night.
Best things to do in Lisbon in 3 Days
We have organized this itinerary by day, and each day is dedicated to a different area of Lisbon. You’ll always return to Downtown Lisbon (Baixa), the true city center!
Day 1 – Lisbon Itinerary
The first day of this 3-day Lisbon itinerary takes you to the city’s heart – the historical center. There’s so much to see and do here that you may need to cut off a few things or return the next day.
Downtown Lisbon (Baixa Pombalina)
The heart of Lisbon is downtown, which the Portuguese usually call “Baixa Pombalina.” This area is very easy to recognize in Lisbon as it’s the only part of town organized with long straight parallel streets forming a grid pattern.
Baixa is known for its wide avenues, magnificent neoclassical buildings, and elegant squares. It is worth noting that this part of the city was almost completely destroyed by the devastating events of 1755, when an earthquake, a tsunami, and several fires struck the Portuguese capital.
Some of the highlights of downtown Lisbon include Rua Augusta, with its impressive arch, Praça do Comércio, and Rossio Square. Today, this part of Lisbon is lively, with locals and tourists alike strolling around and enjoying the city.
With plenty of accommodation options, cafés, restaurants, and shops, downtown Lisbon is one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon. It’s our top recommendation if you’re visiting Lisbon for the first time or have limited time to explore the city, such as three days or less.
Alfama and Mouraria
Alfama and Mouraria are two neighbourhoods located east of downtown Lisbon. They stand out from the rest of the city because they are among Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods and still preserve traces of their Moorish past. What really makes Alfama and Mouraria unique, however, is their maze of narrow, winding streets, inherited from the city’s Moorish influence, where it’s easy to get lost after just a few turns.
Both districts are full of restaurants and some bars. It’s an enjoyable place to roam around and discover new corners and streets. However, we strongly suggest you take a guided tour of these districts – you’ll be taken to the best spots and learn a lot about their history.
You should note that these districts comprise several Lisbon hills, meaning this is steep terrain. On the other hand, we’ve got to spend the calories of all those custard tarts…
Tram Number 28
Trams are a useful way to get around central Lisbon and one of the most popular attractions for tourists, particularly Tram 28. Why? Because riding it feels like stepping back in time, with its wooden interior, horns ringing to warn pedestrians, and the undeniable charm of the neighbourhoods it passes through.
These quaint yellow trams travel along the narrow streets of Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. You can enjoy the sights while travelling between landmarks, making it a unique two-in-one experience.
Lisbon’s trams are an institution, a popular tourist attraction, and a practical means of transport for locals and visitors alike. However, you should know that they can get very crowded during the high season. Visiting Lisbon in March, or during any other winter month, can offer a much more relaxed experience.
São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
São Jorge Castle is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit on any trip to the city. Located in the Alfama district, on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, it offers some of the best views in the city.
Lisbon is an ancient city, one of the oldest in Europe, and fortifications have stood on this site for at least 2,000 years. The first fortifications date back to the 1st century BC, and the site has been rebuilt several times by different peoples throughout history, acquiring different names along the way.
Today’s castle has a medieval appearance, but much of its current structure, including its walls and towers, was restored or reconstructed during the 20th century. The site had not been properly preserved over the centuries, and extensive restoration work was needed to give it the appearance we see today. Despite this, it’s still enjoyable to explore the castle, walk along its walls, and admire the magnificent views of the Tagus River.
The castle also offers interesting guided tours, particularly of its archaeological site. Here, you can discover evidence of Lisbon’s different historical periods, from pre-Moorish settlements to remnants of the Moorish era and the later Christian period.
Lisbon Cathedral
Located in Alfama, in the heart of Lisbon, the Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, ordered its construction shortly after conquering Lisbon from the Moors. However, much of what we see today is the result of successive reconstructions, particularly following the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and fires of 1755, which struck on All Saints’ Day.
Due to its various stages of construction and reconstruction, the cathedral features several architectural styles. The exterior is predominantly Romanesque, with its imposing façade and large rose window, while the interior includes Gothic elements, particularly its beautiful arches.
National Pantheon
Portuguese standards, that’s a long time! In Portugal, when we want to describe something that seems to take forever to finish, we say it’s like the works of Santa Engrácia.
The National Pantheon is the final resting place of some of Portugal’s most important historical figures. Among them are writers Aquilino Ribeiro, Almeida Garrett, and Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen; former presidents Manuel de Arriaga and Óscar Carmona; and the famous fado singer Amália Rodrigues and footballer Eusébio.
The building also houses cenotaphs honouring Luís de Camões, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Nuno Álvares Pereira, Henry the Navigator, Afonso de Albuquerque, and Vasco da Gama. These are symbolic tombs, meaning that their remains are not actually buried there.
The National Pantheon occupies a privileged position overlooking the Tagus River. You can climb to the upper level to enjoy the panoramic views, making it a lovely place to take in the scenery. The building itself is also an impressive landmark, visible from many parts of the city and an unmistakable feature of Lisbon’s skyline.
Feira da Ladra (if it’s Saturday or Tuesday)
Behind the National Pantheon, in Campo de Santa Clara, you’ll find Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s famous flea market. You can find all sorts of interesting things here, particularly antiques and collectibles. It’s a fun experience, and we really enjoy browsing the stalls in search of unique finds and bargains.
Visiting Feira da Ladra is free, and the market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm.
Carmo Convent and Church
Carmo Convent was built by the Portuguese hero Constable D. Nuno Álvares Pereira. He donated his entire fortune before entering religious life. However, on the terrible All Saints’ Day of 1755, the church was destroyed by the earthquake and the fires that followed, and was never rebuilt.
Today, you can visit the ruins of what was once considered one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Lisbon.
The convent is located in the Chiado neighbourhood, on a hill overlooking Rossio Square, with views towards São Jorge Castle. If you enjoy exploring ruins (we certainly do!), you’ll love this attraction.
Bairro Alto
Finally, we have Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s traditional bohemian quarter. This is an area best visited at night, when it really comes to life. During the day, it’s very quiet, and you’d never imagine how lively it gets after dark.
In Bairro Alto, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, great bars, and famous fado houses. If you’d like to experience a fado performance, this is a great place to do so. Every night of the week, but especially at weekends, you’ll find thousands of people in Bairro Alto, enjoying dinner or having a drink with friends.
Day 2 Belém – Lisbon 3-day Itinerary
On the second day of your three days in Lisbon, we suggest visiting Belém. This neighbourhood is home to some of Lisbon’s best attractions. Here are the ones you shouldn’t miss on a 3-day itinerary in Lisbon.
Fun fact: Belém in Portuguese means Bethlehem (yes, like the Palestinian City)
Jeronimos Monastery – “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos”
We recommend starting your day with a visit to Jerónimos Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 16th century and is one of the finest examples of the Portuguese Manueline style, a variation of Late Gothic architecture. One could even argue that Jerónimos Monastery is the most beautiful building in Portugal.
During the 19th century, the church became the final resting place of some of Portugal’s most famous explorers and poets, including Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. More than just a church or a monastery, Jerónimos has become an integral part of Portuguese history and culture.
For all these reasons, it is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Lisbon in 3 days.
Pastel de Belém (the original Portuguese egg tarts)
Visiting Belém without trying a Pastel de Belém is just weird! The Pastel de Belém originated at the monastery, but the recipe was almost lost when the religious orders were abolished. Luckily, someone from the monastery opened a pastry shop right next door, and these delicious pastries soon became known as Pastéis de Belém.
To try an authentic Pastel de Belém, head to Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, right next to Jerónimos Monastery. Even if the place looks a bit crowded, don’t worry! The staff works quickly, and there are plenty of large rooms inside. We also strongly recommend trying at least one fresh from the oven, while it’s still warm, as that’s when they taste best. You can always take a few more away with you! 🙂
The pastry shop is open every day from 8 am to 11 pm, so you should have no trouble fitting a visit into your Lisbon itinerary.
Belem Tower
Very close to Jerónimos Monastery, you’ll find Belém Tower, strategically located on the banks of the Tagus River. This architectural jewel was built in the early 16th century in the Manueline style. When it was first built, the river was much wider, and the tower stood in the middle of the river rather than on its banks.
Belém Tower was built as a defensive structure to protect the city from attacks coming from the river or the sea. Today, it is a symbol of both the Age of Discoveries and Portugal itself. On the other hand, it also reflects the extravagance and wealth enjoyed by Portugal during that period.
Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is a much more recent landmark than Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. It was first built as a temporary structure for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940. It was later rebuilt in a permanent form in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.
The monument is located about 500 metres from Belém Tower and very close to Jerónimos Monastery, on the banks of the Tagus River. It’s one of the most popular spots for visitors to take beautiful photos and is particularly Instagram-friendly.
The monument was designed to be a highly symbolic landmark. Shaped like a Portuguese caravel, it features Henry the Navigator at the front, followed by 32 other prominent figures from the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, including navigators, warriors, cartographers, missionaries, chroniclers, and artists.
MAC/CCB (Museum of Contemporary Art)
The MAC/CCB (Museum of Contemporary Art) is also located in this area and is a great option for art lovers, particularly those interested in modern and contemporary art. It has been described as one of the most visited museums in Portugal.
The museum explores the different art movements of the 20th century and features works by many renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Paula Rego, Max Ernst, Piet Mondrian, Joan Miró, Andy Warhol, and many others.
National Coach Museum (Museu do Coche)
The National Coach Museum is also located in the Belém district, and we really enjoyed visiting it. It houses one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world and is one of the most visited museums in Lisbon.
Some of its most impressive exhibits are carriages dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, which illustrate how these vehicles evolved over time. Among the highlights are the coach used by King Philip II of Portugal (Philip III of Spain) during his travels between Portugal and Spain in 1619, and the lavishly decorated gold coach presented by King John V to Pope Clement XI in 1715.
Day 3 – Lisbon in 3 days
On your last day in Lisbon, we suggest doing things a little differently by exploring two different areas, one of them across the river. We recommend crossing the Tagus in the morning to visit Cacilhas and the Cristo Rei statue, then heading to the Parque das Nações (Expo area) in the afternoon.
Alternatively, if you feel you can’t fit everything into the first two days, you may want to skip one of these suggestions and spend more time exploring Baixa instead.
Cacilhas
Cacilhas is on the other side of the Tagus River, so you’ll need to cross the river to get there. Simply head to Cais do Sodré and catch a ferry. The journey is quick and easy, and ferries run frequently.
Cacilhas is a small town best known for its many seafood restaurants. We suggest going early and taking a walk along the riverside when you arrive. We find this walk really enjoyable, with few tourists and beautiful views of Lisbon. The path leads to a lift that takes you up to the old town of Almada. From there, you can walk to the Cristo Rei statue or take a bus or taxi.
Christ the King Statue – Cristo Redentor
The location and the size of this statue are what really make it so majestic. Christ the King is 28 meters high but placed on a huge pedestal of 82 meters. The Christ Redeemer obviously inspired it in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and isn’t as impressive as the original, but it’s still worth the visit.
You can climb to the pedestal with an astonishing panoramic view of Lisbon and the 25th of April Bridge. It’s probably the best lookout in Lisbon.
Before returning to Lisbon, don’t forget to head back to Cacilhas and have a wonderful seafood lunch/dinner. It’s really worth it and not very expensive. Or at least it’s cheaper than seafood anywhere else in Western Europe.
Expo – Parque das Nações
The second part of this day is dedicated to visiting the Expo area, Lisbon’s newest part. This area is usually called the Expo (or Parque das Nações) because it was born with the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition.
This is a different side of Lisbon, a modern one, but it isn’t less interesting. The most famous attraction here is clearly the Oceanarium. Lisbon’s Oceanarium has about 8000 aquatic species, including penguins, sharks, otters, rays, and sea dragons, making it the biggest indoor aquarium in Europe.
But besides the Oceanarium, you can also visit Tower Vasco da Gama and walk the boardwalk all the way from the Marina to the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Taking the cable car and enjoying a new perspective while resting is also possible. This area is very popular among Lisboners for jogging or running along the river.
Today, Parque das Nações is popular as it is the location of the famous Web Summit that usually occurs in November in Lisbon.
If you have more time or want to skip one of the days above, we suggest taking a day trip to Sintra. Sintra is an amazing destination on its own, but it can be easily visited from Lisbon by train or on a tour.
Where can you stay in Lisbon for three days?
Lisbon is a big city, but if you stay there for only three days, you want to stay close to the action and avoid having to make long, unnecessary commutes every day. Thus, we believe that downtown and the surrounding area are the best places to stay in Lisbon for three days.
Chiado, Baixa, Alfama, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Rossio are all good options. The closer to Baixa, the more expensive hostels tend to be. If you travel to Lisbon during the high season, you may have to book a little further away in Graça or Belem.
Check here our detailed article about where to stay in Lisbon! It has all the best areas, and our hotel suggestions are for each one.
When should you go to Lisbon for three days?
As mentioned above, Lisbon is now a very popular destination. Tourists come to Lisbon all year round, but June to September are the most crowded months. The weather tends to be warmer and drier during these months. During winter, the city tends to be calmer, but it has plenty of tourism even then.
We believe the best time to visit Lisbon is in April, May, and October. During these months, nice weather (though not beach weather) is still possible, and you won’t have to deal with huge crowds.
Lisbon in June is also particularly fun because it combines the fabulous weather with the Santo Antonio festivities. If you like parties and don’t mind crowded places, it is probably the best time to visit the Portuguese capital.
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