Itinerary: How to Make the Most of 3 Days in Lisbon
I have prepared a detailed itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon to make your planning easier. On top of that, I was lucky enough to live in Lisbon for almost 4 years, so I have done and seen it all. Also, I used to offer photography services in Lisbon, so working with tourists was my daily life.
From my experience, most people choose to stay in Lisbon for 3 days and it is a good amount to see all the main things. However, be prepared to walk and explore a lot… you will rest when you are home. Just kidding, I will add some time to sit down, enjoy some Portuguese wine and something from their delicious cuisine!
In this travel guide, you will find your perfect itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon, Portugal. And it’s probably the best itinerary out there! I want you to use your 3 days in Lisbon wisely, so keep reading!
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Before we get to the best Lisbon itinerary, you need to find a place to stay, right? Since I used to live there, I never stayed in a hotel and can’t talk from experience, but I can help you with choosing the best area where to stay in Lisbon.
If you are looking for a strategic place that is well connected, choose a hotel or an apartment nearby Cais do Sodre. There is the train station, one of the most important metro stations, boat to the other side and you are walking distance away from Santos, Time Out Market, Bica, and Pink Street. But we will discuss these places later.
Alfama is one of the most iconic areas of Lisbon and it feels very authentic & local, but it also means a lot of steep streets and limited transport. It’s not the most practical, but certainly a joy!
Baixa & Chiado & Príncipe Real are very hip, alive, and pricey areas. A lot of luxury hotels and restaurants nearby. Easy taxi access to most of the areas. Great for those who want to splurge a bit.
If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you can check Alvalade, Roma, Alameda, Praça de Espanha, and Jardim Zoológico metro stations, but I don’t suggest staying further than that. Keep in mind that Lisbon is an affordable city, so highly recommended to stay central.
RELATED: 15 Incredible Hotels in Lisbon With an Epic View
Where to eat in Lisbon?
I have a food guide with the 25 best restaurants in Lisbon, so make sure you check it out and add your favorite places to this itinerary. In that article, you will find something for everyone – for every budget and every taste.
Some famous dishes that you shouldn’t miss include Sardinhas Assadas, Polvo à Lagareiro, Porco Preto, Arroz de Pato, endless cheese options, and of course pastel de nata. Did I mention Portuguese wine? I think I could write about this for hours, but let’s get to the next point.
Where to take the best photos in Lisbon?
If you read my blog long enough, you know that I have a passion for photography, so… Of course, I have a photo guide prepared for you. Click here to find the 20 best photo spots in Lisbon. We will cover a lot of these places in this itinerary, but I still think you should check that guide for some photo inspiration. Plus, maybe you find something new that you must add to your itinerary!
Oh, and it’s finally time to talk about your 3 days in Lisbon and the best itinerary for this magical city!
Itinerary for day 1 in Lisbon
I want you to wake up early and start around the sunrise for day one, but I promise, I will make it worth your time. When you arrive at Praça do Comércio and see Arco da Rua Augusta with warm sunrise tones and almost no one around, that’s where you fall in love with Lisbon. At least I did… every single time! You get a beautiful view of Tagus as well, so don’t miss Cais das Colunas.
After I want you to move up to Sé de Lisboa or Lisbon Cathedral. The road will lead you all the way up to Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. These are two of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon… and you certainly will want to take photos here.
From here you can two options. You can go deeper in Alfama and visit the Church of São Vicente de Fora and National Pantheon or climb the steep streets of Alfama and reach the famous castle of Lisbon – Castelo de S. Jorge.
If you don’t like walking, you can also take the famous tram 28 from R. Conceição to the Church of São Vicente de Fora. But even if you take the tram early, you might find it full of tourists.
If you choose to visit the castle, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view over Lisbon. The entrance fee is 10 euros per adult and it will take you around 2 hours to visit it.
We used to offer this itinerary as a photo walk and it was the most popular one. Once you complete it, you will understand why!
After you visit the castle, make sure you have lunch and recharge for a while. You certainly deserve it.
Afternoon
Later we are heading to Pink Street and Time Out Market, but I don’t advise eating here. You certainly should see it! Maybe take a coffee and Pasteis, but the eating experience is not the best here if you ask me.
Pink Street is located on R. Nova do Carvalho. It has some great bars and nightlife but deserves a visit during the daytime as well. Next to the Pink Street, you will find Pensão Amor – the most erotic bookshop/bar in Portugal… it’s a very unique experience that you don’t want to miss.
Nearby you will find the famous Bica – yellow lift that you have seen at least once when checking photos from Lisbon. Currently, it is not possible to take a ride in Bica, but the street certainly deserves a visit and you can still see the elevator at the top of the street.
Once you are at the top of the street of Bica, you have reached Bairro Alto. This area of Lisbon is famous for nightlife lovers, but it’s cool to visit it during the day, walk the tiny Portuguese streets, and maybe gran a drink.
If you liked Palacio Chiado, this would be a perfect time to visit and end your first day with a class and some tasty food!
Itinerary for day 2 in Lisbon
I have another early mission prepared for you and that’s Belem Tower. Seeing it with sunrise is just perfect. And later you can reward yourself at Pastéis de Belém – the place where tiny custard cakes started. In fact, only those that come from the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, following the original secret recipe, are Pastéis de Belém. Others are called Pastel de Nata.
Around the corner, you will find Jerónimos Monastery and I highly suggest you visit it inside. It will take you more than an hour, but it’s a must-see in Lisbon. It opens at 10 am and the entrance fee is 10 euro.
From here you can take a walk on the promenade and enjoy the views of Ponte 25 de Abril or grab a taxi and head to LX Factory. The main attraction of LX Factory is Ler Devagar bookshop. It introduced a new concept of a bookshop as a meeting place, a space for debating ideas, for reading, for the artistic experience, or even for taking a perfect photo. Nowadays it is considered one of the 20 most beautiful bookshops in the world, so trust me. It is worth the hype. And after snapping your photo, you can discover the coolest project in Lisbon and the rest of LX Factory.
Of course, you can alternate your time and you don’t have to be at the Belem Tower at sunrise. But highly recommended, because I want you to make the most of this trip and these 3 days in Lisbon.
Afternoon
Once you are done with LX Factory, I suggest you head back to the city center and take a walk on Rua Augusta starting from the Arch. You can enjoy some shops and see the Santa Justa lift.
On Rua Augusta, you will find Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau where they serve the tastiest Pastel de Bacalhau. Fábrica da Nata serves more Pastel de Nata if you can’t get enough of it and make sure you visit the second floor if you are there. The view of Rua Augusta is beautiful!
By the time you are done, you will find yourself in Rossio Square – take a look at the stunning train station on the side of it.
I want you to finish your day with a hidden gem and visit Casa do Alentejo. When you enter, you will find an outdoor courtyard where locals come to relax, enjoy the atmosphere and hide from tourists surrounding Rossio Square. Once a palace, it’s since been used as a school, casino, and now a restaurant (in a beautiful ballroom on the second floor).
If you still have energy, I suggest you visit Elevador do Lavra. It is yet another cute & yellow tram, but this one is always left behind and used mostly by locals. This means that you will always find it empty. From there you can go to Calçada Santana – it is a very charming street with a beautiful view. Especially if you can visit during the sunset.
Itinerary for day 3 in Lisbon
On the third day in Lisbon, I will let you sleep in and rest a bit more. Also, I want you to go on a tram ride so you can see Lisbon from your window. You should go to Martim Moniz square and take the tram there. You can choose between famous tram number 28 or hidden tram number 12. I would suggest 12 because we already have seen the best part of the tram 28 route.
Get off nearby Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, enjoy the Graça area, and visit National Pantheon if you missed it on the first day! In the afternoon I want you to visit one of my favorite places in Lisbon, so make sure you have a good lunch and don’t exhaust yourself.
Afternoon
In the afternoon head to Carmo Convent. You can get there by Santa Justa lift… Or you can visit A Brasileira coffee shop and walk from there. If you ask me, Santa Justa lift is overrated (as a ride!) and A Brasileira should win in this choice, but it is up to you.
The Carmo Convent is a unique location that certainly deserves a visit. It felt surreal to stand there. It was intentionally left roofless as a reminder of the earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755. The property now houses Carmo Archaeological Museum and the entrance fee is 5 EUR.
Once you are done, head to Calçada do Duque – it has a beautiful view of the castle. You can either walk down and take Glória Funicular or walk up until Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This is the last and final spot of this itinerary and you simply need to sit down, listen to the live music and enjoy the sun setting over the orange roofs of Lisbon.
In conclusion…
I hope this article helps you to plan your perfect itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon and make the most of your time.
Lisbon was one of the European best-kept secrets for years, but I’m glad to see so many visitors going to Portugal every year. After all, it is one of the best summer destinations in Europe. Go discover Lisbon and find out what’s so charming about it. I’m sure that this itinerary will help!
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 make sure you 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 ❤️