Ultimate 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
Planning a trip to Portugal and not sure how to spend 3 days in Lisbon? This guide will walk you through a well-balanced and thoughtfully designed Lisbon itinerary for three days, packed with travel tips to help you get the most out of your visit.
Lisbon is full of character, history, and charm. With 3 days in Lisbon, you’ll have enough time to explore major landmarks and also uncover a few lesser-known spots along the way. With the right plan, it’s absolutely possible to see the best of Lisbon in just a few days.
This Lisbon 3-day itinerary is quite full, but that’s often what makes it worthwhile. If you’re looking to make the most of your time in the city, this schedule won’t disappoint. Of course, it’s flexible, so feel free to skip anything that doesn’t match your interests.
Ultimate 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1 of Your Lisbon 3 Day Itinerary: Alfama, Views, and Photo Spots
Let’s start early, I promise it will be worth it. Head to Praça do Comércio at sunrise and see the Rua Augusta Arch glowing in the warm morning light with barely anyone around. This is one of those moments when you’ll fall in love with Lisbon.
From there, walk uphill to Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral). The road will take you all the way to Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, two of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon.
Now you have two options. You can dive deeper into Alfama and visit the Church of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon, or climb through the steep streets to reach the famous Castelo de São Jorge.
If you’re not up for walking, hop on the famous Tram 28 from R. Conceição to the Church of São Vicente de Fora. But even if you take it early in the day, it might still be packed with tourists.
After, take a well-earned break and enjoy lunch. You’ll need to recharge before heading into the afternoon. In Alfama, I can recommend Lisbon Tu e Eu, Farol de Santa Luzia, Taberna Sal Grosso, Sardinha, and Breakfast Lovers in Alfama.
In the afternoon, we’re heading to Pink Street and Time Out Market. While I don’t recommend having a full meal here, it’s still worth seeing. You can grab a coffee and a pastel de nata, but for a proper food experience, I suggest waiting until later.
Pink Street is on R. Nova do Carvalho and is known for its bars and nightlife, but it also makes for a fun daytime stop. Right nearby is Pensão Amor, an erotic-themed bar, one of the most unique spots in Lisbon.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the famous Elevador da Bica, the iconic yellow lift and one of the best photo spots in Lisbon. Even if you are not planning to ride it, the street itself is beautiful and still worth a visit.
At the top of the Bica street, you’ll arrive in Bairro Alto, a district known for its nightlife. But it’s also nice during the day, with its narrow streets and charming atmosphere. It’s a great place to walk around and maybe grab a drink.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more elegant, this would be a great time to visit Palácio Chiado and end your first day with style and good food. Another great alternative in the area is Peixola.
Day 2 of This Lisbon Itinerary: Belém, Monuments, and Hidden Gems
For another early start, head to Belém Tower at sunrise. Afterward, reward yourself at Pastéis de Belém. This is the original place where the famous custard tarts were born. Only the ones made here using the secret recipe are called Pastéis de Belém.
Right around the corner is the impressive Jerónimos Monastery. I highly recommend going inside. You’ll need more than an hour to explore, but it’s one of the most important landmarks in Lisbon. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before opening time to secure your spot.
After your visit, you can walk along the promenade for views of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, or grab a taxi and head straight to LX Factory. The highlight here is Ler Devagar, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.
2025 update! Belem Tower is currently under construction and not accessible to the public, so you can easily remove it from your 3-day Lisbon itinerary.
After LX Factory, head back to the city center and start your walk along Rua Augusta, beginning at the Arch. You’ll pass some nice shops and see the iconic Santa Justa Lift from below.
If you are ready for a quick snack, stop at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau or Fábrica da Nata. I recommend Terraço Editorial for amazing views or Floresta das Escadinhas for a local experience.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Rossio Square, where you can admire the stunning train station building on one side.
Just a few minutes away is one of Lisbon’s hidden gems: Casa do Alentejo. Step inside and you’ll find a beautiful tiled courtyard where locals come to relax and escape the crowds.
If you still have energy left, finish your day by visiting Elevador do Lavra. This is another small yellow tram, often forgotten by tourists. It’s mostly used by locals, so you’ll likely find it empty.
From there, stop by the Jardim do Torel for some unique Lisbon views and walk to the Calçada Santana, one of the most picturesque streets in Lisbon. If you can time it right, try to visit during sunset for the best light.
Need dinner ideas? Black Pavilion Restaurant, 2Monkeys Restaurant, Capitulo, or Zé dos Cornos. You can also check out my Lisbon food guide and discover other amazing restaurants in Lisbon.
Day 3 of Your 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary: Trams, Views, and History
On the third day of your Lisbon itinerary, take it slow. You’ve earned a slower morning after two busy days. Today is all about soaking up the city and seeing Lisbon from a different angle.
Start at Martim Moniz Square, where you can take a classic Lisbon tram ride. Tram 28 is famous, but you’ve already explored the best part of its route. That’s why I recommend Tram 12 instead. It’s quieter, shorter, and offers a unique loop through Lisbon’s historical center.
Get off near Graça, which is a perfect place to get lost and explore. But don’t miss Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro da Graça, some of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. If you missed the National Pantheon on Day 1, this is the perfect time to visit.
You can either refer to Alfama lunch options or eat at Sant’Avo in Graça. This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Lisbon, and I can’t recommend it enough. O João nearby is an amazing budget option, but it’s almost impossible to get a table there.
Now it’s time for the Carmo Convent. You can get there via the Santa Justa Lift or take a short walk from A Brasileira, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most iconic coffee shops. Personally, I think the lift is overrated, and the walk from A Brasileira is more charming.
The Carmo Convent is unlike any other church in Lisbon. Standing under the open sky inside the ruins feels surreal. The roof was never rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, and it serves as a reminder of that event.
After your visit, head to Calçada do Duque, a scenic street with a view of Castelo de São Jorge in the distance. From here, you can either walk downhill and take the Glória Funicular, or keep walking up to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
This is where I want you to end your trip. Sit down, take in the view, listen to live music, and watch the sun set over the rooftops. It’s the perfect ending to your 3 day Lisbon itinerary.
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In conclusion…
This is the end of the ultimate 3 day Lisbon itinerary and I am sure you are impatient to hit the road. What do you want to see the most?
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
Pin it for later and save the best itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon!
Lasma, your photos are stunning!!! Also love this Lisbon itinerary. So sad that I missed several amazing places you recommended, especial the Jeronimos Monastery.
Sounds like you need to go back to Lisbon haha! And thank you so much ❤️
First of all, I love your pictures!!! I have been to Lisbon a few years ago but I have been very unlucky with the weather (it was raining for three days straight). So, I will surely use your itinerary to have a great time next time I will be there!
Thank you once again, Valentina! That’s unfortunate, but I really hope you can go back and enjoy Lisbon with some sunshine ❤️
Finding itineraries for places I want to go to is so helpful. You did a great job. You really need to make a post about where you get your dresses.
Thank you so much!! That’s actually a good idea, maybe once I’m done with all my travel itineraries haha!
I loved Lisbon!! Every little street and panoramic point were simply amazing!! This is such a great guide. Very useful for those planning a trip!
Thank you, Laura! It’s hard not to love Lisbon haha
Totally loving the architecture! I can see why you feel like it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets!
Right?! 😍
This is the perfect guide to visiting Lisbon! I love all the colorful tile and buildings. We are hoping to visit Portugal in the next year or two. Saving and pinning this article for later. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I hope it works out and I’m sure you will have a wonderful trip ❤️
I have been wanting to visit Lisbon. This is such a detailed itinerary , I certainly will look back at it when I visit. Lots of great ideas for places to visit.
Thank you so much, Karen! ❤️
I didn’t have enough time to visit Lisbon so I opted for Sintra. I love the Moorish architecture and the food in Portugal was great (so I’d love to try some of the specialties in LIsbon.)
Hope you can manage to come back, but Sintra is amazing as well! ❤️
This is such a great itinerary! We’re hoping to visit Lisbon in May so I’ll definitely be saving this.
That’s exciting! I’m sure you will love it… and I believe this guide will help you make the most of your time ❤️
What a fabulous itinerary! You managed to do so much in three days. I think a tram ride would be such a fun & awesome way to see the city. Your photos are so lovely. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Brittany!
I’m saving this for my Portugal trip next year. Thank you. I’m also unhealthily obsessed with that cream dress! It is gorgeous…
Haha thank you so much! And I’m sure you will have an unforgettable trip! ❤️
This is a great itinerary! I am especially interested in the Carmo Convent. It looks so beautiful.
Thanks! And it really is, very unique place to visit!
This truly is the perfect guide to Lisbon. Portugal has been on our list so I am definitely saving this. I especially appreciate all the embedded links of your previous posts.
Thank you so much! I hope this information makes your planning easier… and I’m sure you will enjoy it!
What a great itinerary. Now I know how to spend my time in Lisbon when I visit. And I love your dresses!
Thank you so much, Sharyn! That’s so nice of you ❤️
Your photos are absolutely stunning! I’m hoping to visit Lisbon this year, so I’ll definitely be looking to your itinerary for inspiration!
Oh yaay, makes me so happy to read that! ❤️
Beautiful photos! I’ve wanted to go to Lisbon for awhile now – this itinerary is perfect! Thanks 🙂
Always happy to share! And glad you liked ❤️
Lisbon is high on my list of cities I’d like to visit. Your itinerary gives me so many terrific ideas for a future trip.
Yay! And hopefully you can make these ideas a reality! ❤️
absolutely stunning photos! You’ve inspired me to add Lisbon to my travel list
Oh! Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Now I want to go to Lisbon! Saving this for a future trip – all your tips look so helpful.
Sorry not sorry haha! And I’m sure you will love it ❤️
This is the best three-day itinerary for Lisbon, Portugal. A great resource created by a local’s recommendations is awesome.
Thank you so much! Means a lot ❤️
Perfect itinerary for 3- days in Lisbon! I have not been here yet but it is very much in my bucket list. Your images are truly stunning! I love the architecture of Casa do Alentejo and Carmo Convent. Belem tower by the water looks lovely. Bookmarking your blog post. 🙂
Yay, very happy to read your feedback! Looks like you could really enjoy Lisbon and that doesn’t surprise me, so hopefully you can visit soon! ❤️
I absolutely Love Lisbon. Thank you for such a comprehensive list. I definitely learned of a new places to visit and see the next time I’m able to return to Portugal.
Same here! And glad to hear that you found something new… thanks ❤️
Libon looks incredible! The flowers, the architecture, the cobblestone roads… a photographers dream! Looking forward to visiting someday.
You are right, it’s so easy to take beautiful photos in Lisbon ❤️ and hopefully soon!
Ah, I absolutely adore Lisboa and you’ve created the perfect itinerary for this special city.
Aww thank you so much, Daniella ❤️
Beautiful photos and a great 3-day itinerary! I’ve never been to Libson but it’s very high up my list. Will be saving for when I visit! 🙂
Yay! Very happy to read that and I’m sure you will love it ❤️
What a great itinerary! Portugal isn’t definitely on the shortlist. I’ll be saving this 🙂
Thank you so much! Glad to hear that ❤️
Such a great guide. I have never really given Lisbon much consideration before but having read this I think I need to bump it up the list. Your photos and outfits are brilliant by the way! They really compliment your fantastic writing!
Thank you so much! Your feedback is so kind ❤️ I hope you can visit, it’s a wonderful city!
These are all great suggestions especially the tram ride. I had a layover in Lisbon and was able to try the pastries in the airport which were delicious. I can’t wait to go back and visit to really explore this beautiful country!
Thank you! You really should go back and spend some more time in Lisbon ❤️
Wow, the Carmo Convent looks amazing. Your photo really shows off the architecture well too. I hope to visit it one day! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like it, Erin! Thank you so much ❤️ Fingers crossed!
You have captured Lisbon beautifully. Your photos are incredible 🙂 I’d love to visit again, an amazing city!
Thank you so much! It really is, so it wasn’t that hard haha!
Beautiful photos and great post! When I go back to Europe I will definitely go to Lisbon. As I can see 3 days is a perfect time to see many beautiful places 🙂
Thank you so much! If you have more time, you can visit Sintra as well ☺️
Great article! Thanks for all the information! Can’t wait to go to Lisbon now…
Thanks once again! I’m sure you will love it! ❤️
Your pictures are so on point! The Casa de Alentejo looks incredible. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!
What a lovely itinerary! The architecture in Lisbon is amazing. I love the Moorish details of the Casa do Alentejo. Lisbon has been on my bucket list for a while, I’ll have to move it up a few notches!
Thank you Lisa! Sounds like a good idea, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed ❤️
Lisbon looks like such a beautiful city! I’d love to take a ride on a tram and admire the beautiful tiled buildings! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you so much, Hannah! I’m sure you would love it, Lisbon is waiting for you ❤️
So the question is, do you travel with a variety of dresses or choose one for the day? Love all of the photos and having an itinerary from someone who is familiar with the area gives so much more depth to things to see and do.
Depends! I sometimes bring extra dresses for roadtrips or longer day trips, but since I lived in Lisbon, I had way too many photoshoots there 😀 thank you, I’m glad you appreciate it ❤️
We are headed back to Lisbon this month. So your post was timely to help us plan. I will definitely have to check out your guide on where to eat! But we sure won’t miss Pasteis de Belem! We will definitely not miss the Gloria funicular on this trip.
Yaay! Glad to hear that.. and a bit jealous as well haha! But I’m sure you will love Lisbon. And Portuguese food is another love story of mine ❤️
First of all I love all your photos and kinda want all of those pretty dresses!! But aside from that I also really want to visit Lisbon, it looks like a beautiful city, one I’ve been looking at for a while so I’m really glad to read so much about it from someone who has lived there. Amazing ideas, and it seems like a great place that you can get a lot done even on a shorter trip
Thank you so much, Emma! I have a passion for photography, so means a lot to me ❤️ and you are absolutely right, Lisbon is such a cool and affordable destination and has something for everyone – teenagers, couples, solo travelers, backpackers and even those who love luxury! Hope you can visit soon❤️
I would love to go to the castle and get those great views! It’s nice that you can take a tram and see so much while taking a little break!
Sounds like you are ready to visit Lisbon! And yes, that tram is a life saver for steep streets of Lisbon 😍
This is the perfect itinerary for a short trip of Lisbon! 3 intense days made of good food and wine, art, beautiful views and picturesque corners! Lisbon is absolutely an amusement park for photographers 🥰
Thank you Flavio! And you are absolutely right about Lisbon ❤️