Before You Start

Wear comfortable shoes 
This itinerary involves a lot of walking between attractions and Lisbon is a city famously built across seven hills. Many streets are steep and covered with cobblestones, which can become surprisingly slippery when wet, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take care. 

Book in advance
I actually missed out on a few experiences because I didn’t book them early enough. To avoid disappointment, I’d recommend booking these well in advance:

• Jerónimos Monastery
• Pastel de Nata Class
• Sintra Day Tour

Stay in Baixa or Chiado
I’d recommend staying in Baixa or Chiado if you’re following this itinerary. Both neighbourhoods are centrally located, well connected by public transport and within easy walking distance of many of Lisbon’s main attractions.

Consider buying the Lisbon Card 
I didn’t purchase the Lisbon Card for my own trip because I visited Belém on a Monday when the main attractions were closed. However, if you’re planning to visit Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle while also using public transport, the card can save you money.

Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s Historic Centre

Spend the morning exploring Lisbon’s historic centre, wandering through Baixa and Chiado before enjoying one of my favourite cheap eats in the city for lunch. In the afternoon, head up São Jorge Castle for panoramic views over Lisbon before exploring the streets of Alfama. Finish the day by learning to make your own pastéis de nata.

Morning

Praça do Comércio

Start your morning at Praça do Comércio, if you’re staying in Baixa or Chiado then it will only be a 5–10 minute walk from your accommodation. 

Allow around 15 minutes here to wander the square, admire the grand yellow buildings and photograph the impressive Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch). 

It is possible to visit the terrace at the top of the arch. Although, it doesn’t open until 10am, so I’d recommend returning later in the day if you’d like to go up. Book your ticket to the Rua Augusta Arch.

Rua Augusta

From Praça do Comércio, continue beneath the Rua Augusta Arch and follow Rua Augusta until you reach Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square).

Rua Augusta is one of Lisbon’s busiest pedestrian streets, lined with retail stores, restaurants and cafes. You can wander along and soak up the atmosphere of the city. It’s always busy as it connects many of the main attractions. 

The walk takes around 10 minutes, although allow a little longer if you browse for souvenirs or stop for a coffee.

Praça do Rossio

Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square), is a large square known for its iconic black and white mosaic wave patterned pavement that inspired the famous Copacabana Beach promenade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Spend around 10 minutes here admiring the tall statue of King Pedro IV and the bronze fountains that appear at either end.

Santa Justa Terrace Viewpoint

Although the Santa Justa Lift is currently closed for maintenance and a safety review (As at August 2026), you can still get the same panoramic views over the city and São Jorge Castle from another hidden terrace viewpoint nearby. 

To reach the viewpoint, navigate to the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo. Then take the passageway to the right (Tv. Dom Pedro de Menezes) where you’ll find a small terrace and rooftop at Casa Portuguesa Pastel De Bacalhau. 

Once you’ve enjoyed the view, continue into Chiado where you’ll find your next stop, Livraria Bertrand.

Livraria Bertrand

The next stop is Livraria Bertrand, the world’s oldest operating bookshop, as recognised by the Guinness World Records. 

I spent around 15–20 minutes here browsing the shelves. While most books are in Portuguese, there’s also a selection of books in English. 

If you buy a book, don’t forget to ask for the commemorative stamp inside the cover certifying that it was bought at the oldest operating bookshop in the world. 

From the bookshop, it’s around a 5 minute walk to Bifanas do Alfonso for lunch.

Eat a Traditional Bifana

After spending the morning wandering the historic centre, it’s time to enjoy a bifana for lunch from Bifanas do Alfonso. They claim to have the best bifana in Lisbon and I have to agree. 

A bifana is a traditional Portuguese pork sandwich served in a crusty white roll. It’s a delicious and inexpensive lunch. 

You can choose to dine in or it’s even cheaper if you order from the window to take it away, but be sure to bring cash as the window is cash only.

Afternoon

São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)

Your first stop this afternoon is São Jorge Castle. Sitting high on a hill in Alfama, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views across Lisbon before exploring the historic streets below.  

I’d recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance as there can be long queues at the ticket office, especially during peak season. If you’ve purchased a Lisbon Card, entrance to the castle is included.

Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore the castle grounds and viewpoints. Once you’ve finished, it’s around a 10 minute downhill walk to your next stop, Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia has a landscaped garden, vine-covered pergolas and bright bougainvillea, making it one of the prettiest viewpoints in Lisbon. 

Allow around 10 minutes to enjoy the views over Alfama and the Tagus River. 

It can also be one of the busiest miradouros in the city, so if it’s too crowded, walk just a few minutes to Miradouro da Portas do Sol, which offers the same impressive views over the city with a little more space.

From here, continue downhill into the narrow streets of Alfama.

Wander the Streets of Alfama

One of the best things to do in Alfama is to simply wander. Let yourself get lost in Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood while exploring the narrow streets, hidden staircases and quiet squares to see what you might find.

One of my favourite discoveries was Soul of Alfama, a permanent street exhibition featuring photographs and stories of local residents printed onto limestone. 

If you would like a little guidance, navigate to Chafariz d’El-Rei on Google Maps. This will take you downhill through the heart of Alfama. The historic mansion is also worth a quick stop to admire its beautiful facade.

Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon

From Chafariz d’El-Rei, it’s around a 10 minute mostly flat walk to Saint Anthony Church.

You can enter the church free of charge, including the crypt beneath the church. I found it very interesting that this is believed to be the birthplace of Saint Anthony and that the church was built on the site of his former family home.

After visiting the church, don’t miss the colourful flower wall that’s set up just outside. It’s a perfect photo opportunity before continuing around the corner to Lisbon Cathedral.

Lisbon Cathedral

Right around the corner you’ll find Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. 

If you’re short on time or travelling on a budget, I’d choose just one church to go inside. I opted for St Anthony Church because entry is free, then admired Lisbon Cathedral from the outside.

If you’d like to visit the interior, you can purchase tickets at the entrance or you can buy them in advance here.

Miradouro da Graça

To reach your next stop you have two options, you can walk uphill for around 15 minutes or catch the iconic Tram 28 if you’d rather rest your legs. 

Miradouro da Graça was one of my favourite viewpoints, with a perfect view of São Jorge Castle and the city below. 

Right beside the viewpoint is the Church of Our Lady of Grace, a historic church and convent. It’s worth stopping to admire and was one of my favourite photo spots in Graça. 

There’s also a small café with outdoor seating if you’d like to stop for a drink while enjoying the view. 

If you’re ready to have dinner before heading back into the city centre, Graça has some excellent restaurants. I ate at Sant’Avó and would definitely recommend it. The food was delicious and the portions were generous.

Ride Tram 28

Now it’s time to head back into the city centre on Lisbon’s iconic Tram 28. 

The tram does get incredibly crowded during the day, often with long queues. That’s why I’ve saved it for the end of the day, so hopefully you’ll enjoy a more relaxed ride.

A single ticket costs €3.30, or it’s even cheaper if you buy a Navegante Card. If you’ve purchased a Lisbon Card, your fare is included.

Board the tram at R. Escolas Gerais, ride five stops and get off at R. Conceição, where you’ll be back in the city centre ready for your evening Pasteis de Nata class.

Evening

Pastel de Nata Class

From R. Conceição, it’s just a 5 minute walk to Nat’elier for your Pastel de Nata masterclass.

Learn to make Portugal’s famous custard tarts in a traditional bakery with a pastry chef before enjoying them warm straight from the oven.  

Be sure to book well in advance. Unfortunately, I left it too late and the class was fully booked for my trip, don’t make the same mistake I did! 

The class lasts for around two hours, making it the perfect way to finish off your first day in Lisbon.

Day 2: Visit Belém and Tagus River

Spend the first half of your day following a self guided walking tour through Belém visiting iconic landmarks including Belém Tower and the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery. In the afternoon, head to LX Factory, a creative hub filled with independent shops, cafés and street art. Finish the day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the Tagus River before wrapping up the evening at Time Out Market.

Planning Tip: Plan day 2 of this itinerary for Tuesday to Sunday if you’d like to go inside Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, as they are both closed on Mondays.

Morning

Belém

Spend the morning exploring the historic neighbourhood of Belém. It’s just over 7km from the city centre and is easy to reach by tram, train or bus. I actually chose to take an Uber because it was almost twice as fast, giving me more time to explore.

Unlike much of Lisbon, Belém is almost completely flat, making it an easy area to explore on foot.

I’ve put together a detailed self guided walking tour covering all of the must-see attractions, including Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and of course, Pastéis de Belém. Follow the guide for the first half of the day before heading to LX Factory for the afternoon.

Afternoon

LX Factory

After enjoying a pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém, make your way to LX Factory for the afternoon. From the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop and catch a tram or bus to Estação Sto. Amaro, then walk three minutes to the entrance.

LX Factory is a unique destination, set up in a converted textiles factory now home to independent boutiques, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and colourful street art. 

If you’re starting to get hungry, this is a great spot for a late lunch or early dinner before heading to your Tagus River cruise.

Evening

Tagus River Cruise

Make your way to Alcântara Dock for your Tagus River Cruise. From LX Factory, it’s about a 20 minute walk, or save time by taking an Uber. 

A river cruise is one of the best ways to see Lisbon from a different perspective. You’ll pass by landmarks such as Belém Tower, the 25 de Abril Bridge and Praça do Comércio.

Most cruises will last around 1.5–2 hours. It’s a nice way to relax after a full day of walking around Belém and LX Factory. Once you’re back on land, head into the city centre for dinner or drinks at Time Out Market.

Time Out Market

Finish the day with a late night snack or drinks at Time Out Market. The easiest way to get there from the marina is by Uber. 

Time Out Market is a large food hall with a wide range of local and international dining options under one roof. It’s the perfect kind of place to visit with a group when everyone wants something different.

I’d recommend taking a lap of the market first to narrow down your options as you’ll be spoilt for choice. I ended up ordering the bao buns from Asian Lab, and they were delicious. 

From the market, it’s around a 15 minute walk back to most accommodation in Baixa or Chiado, making it a convenient way to end the day.

Day 3: Take a Day trip to Sintra

No first trip to Lisbon would be complete without taking a day trip to Sintra. Home to colourful palaces, hidden gardens and hilltop views, it ended up being one of the highlights of my time in Portugal. 

Visiting Pena Palace had been on my bucket list for years, so it was one of the first things I planned in my Lisbon itinerary.

I spent a long time researching the best way to visit Sintra, whether to explore independently by train or book a guided tour, and I’ve compiled everything into a detailed guide. It covers your options, what to expect and exactly how to plan your day. 

Depending on which option you choose, you’ll visit highlights including Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira as well as Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

A full day in Sintra is well worth adding to your Lisbon itinerary. If you’re still undecided, you can also read my guide: Is Sintra Worth Visiting?

Budget Breakdown: 3 Days in Lisbon

If you’re wondering how much it costs to spend 3 days in Lisbon, here’s a budget breakdown based on my recent trip, detailed research and suggested attractions in this itinerary.

Accommodation

These prices are based on accommodation in central Lisbon, around Baixa and Chiado. Expect to pay more during the summer months and around Christmas and New year, while winter is the cheapest time to visit. 

I stayed 3 nights in an 8 bed dorm at Living Lounge hostel for €113 in June 2026.

Food

If you follow this itinerary, expect to spend around €30-70 per day on food depending on where you choose to eat and if you include extras like drinks or desserts.

Transport

I mostly walked around the city centre and used the trams or Ubers for longer journeys. If you are planning to use public transport, fares are cheaper if you get a reloadable Navegante Card or included free with the Lisbon Card.

Attractions

Experiences

Sintra

Estimated Cost for 3 Days in Lisbon

The below table gives a realistic estimate of how much you can expect to spend over 3 days in Lisbon, excluding flights.

I travelled budget to mid-range, staying in a hostel dorm room, eating a mix of takeaway meals and at restaurants, and splurging on a small group guided tour to Sintra. 

If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, you could visit Sintra independently and skip some of the paid attractions. If you’ve got more to spend, upgrading your accommodation or adding experiences like the Tagus River cruise or Pastel de Nata masterclass are great ways to make the most of your trip.

3 Day Lisbon Itinerary FAQs

Is 3 days in Lisbon enough?

3 days in Lisbon is enough time to experience the main attractions, explore neighbourhoods like Alfama and Belém, and even take a day trip to Sintra. If you’re staying longer or looking for even more ideas, check out my guide to the best things to do in Lisbon.

What is the best month to visit Lisbon?

I visited Lisbon in June, the month the city comes alive during the Festas dos Santos Populares (Popular Saints’ Festivals) as they set up local food stalls, hang colourful decorations and hold parties in the streets. However, June also brings peak crowds and hot summer temperatures. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally considered the best times to visit Lisbon for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Should I buy the Lisbon Card?

If you’re following this itinerary and plan to visit Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle while using public transport, the Lisbon Card can save you money. You can check prices and buy a Lisbon Card here.

Is Sintra worth visiting?

Sintra is well worth visiting and was one of the highlights of my time in Portugal. The colourful palaces, beautiful gardens and incredible views are unlike anywhere else. If you’re still deciding whether to include it in your itinerary, I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you decide: Is Sintra Worth Visiting?

Can you walk everywhere in Lisbon?

I spent the majority of my time exploring Lisbon on foot, although you should be prepared to walk some steep hills. Many of the city’s attractions are located within walking distance of one another and you can use the well connected public transport when your legs need a break from the hills.