3 Days in Lisbon

Lisbon, the city of light, awaits you with its seven hills, its melancholic fado, and the aroma of freshly baked pastel de nata. In just 3 days, this vibrant and historic capital will seduce you with its decadent charm and bustling modernity. From the labyrinthine alleys of Alfama to the majesty of Belém, passing through the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto, Lisbon is a melting pot of experiences that will leave you wanting more. Prepare for a journey that will awaken your senses, where every corner reveals a century-old tile, every viewpoint a panoramic vista, and every dish an explosion of flavor. Ready to fall in love with Lisbon in 3 days? Keep reading and discover the perfect itinerary!

Is Three Days enough to visit Lisbon?

Three days are sufficient to experience Lisbon’s highlights, though a week would allow for deeper exploration. A 3-day itinerary requires an active pace, especially with day trips to Sintra or Cascais. While 3 days are perfect for a quick overview, travelers seeking a slower, more immersive experience might prefer 4-5 days. However, a well-organized 3-day plan, like the one proposed, ensures a memorable and maximized visit to Lisbon.

Lisbon Three Days Itinerary

Day 1

The first day we will immerse ourselves in the soul of Lisbon, exploring two of its most emblematic and contrasting neighborhoods: Alfama, the historic and labyrinthine heart, and Baixa, the elegant area rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

Morning

Alfama: Start the day with an impressive panoramic view of Alfama and the Tagus River from this charming viewpoint. A beautiful tile panel decorating the place represents Lisbon before the earthquake. It is the perfect place to orient yourself and begin to feel the magic of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood.

Lisbon Cathedral: Descending from the viewpoint, you will come across the imposing Lisbon Cathedral, the “Sé”. This fortress-like church, with its austere Romanesque style, is the oldest in the city and a witness to centuries of history. Do not miss its Gothic cloister and the possibility of climbing its towers to enjoy another perspective of Alfama.

Charming walk: After visiting the Cathedral, get ready to get lost, literally, in the narrow and cobbled streets of Alfama. This neighborhood, which survived the earthquake, retains its medieval essence, with its colorful houses, balconies full of flowers, and the sound of fado that emerges from some hidden restaurant. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere, discover small traditional shops, and savor the authenticity of Lisbon.

Lunch

After the morning exploring Alfama, it’s time to recharge. Alfama offers a wide variety of typical restaurants where you can taste authentic Portuguese cuisine. Look for a charming restaurant, perhaps with live fado music, and try dishes such as bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with scrambled eggs and potatoes), grilled sardines (in season), or a good seafood rice. For a more informal option, try a bifana (marinated pork sandwich) in a traditional tasca (small restaurant).

Afternoon

Praça do Comércio: Start your tour in the majestic Praça do Comércio, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Europe. Formerly known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Yard), it was where the Royal Palace was located before the earthquake. Admire its imposing Arco da Rua Augusta, its yellow facades, and its maritime atmosphere, open to the Tagus River.
Rua Augusta and Arco da Rua Augusta: Cross the Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta and enter this pedestrian street, the main artery of Baixa. Full of shops, cafes, and street performers, Rua Augusta is perfect for strolling, observing Lisbon life, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the center.
Elevador de Santa Justa: You cannot miss the Elevador de Santa Justa, an architectural jewel of wrought iron designed by a disciple of Eiffel. Ride this historic elevator to enjoy unique panoramic views of Baixa, São Jorge Castle, and the Tagus River. At the top, there is a viewing platform and a cafe to relax and contemplate the landscape.
Carmo Convent: End the day with a visit to the Carmo Convent, an impressive open-air Gothic church, another victim of the 1755 earthquake. Its evocative ruins, with their pointed arches rising towards the sky, create a magical and melancholic atmosphere. The convent houses a small archaeological museum with interesting pieces.

Day 2

The second day we will move to Belém, the monumental area of Lisbon, witness to the Age of Discoveries, and contrast with the modernity and alternative atmosphere of LX Factory.

Morning

Jerónimos Monastery: . Start the morning with a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline style and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monastery, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s return from his voyage to India, impresses with its rich decoration, intricate cloisters, and majesty. Do not miss the church and the tombs of historical figures such as Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.

Belém Tower: . On the banks of the Tagus, rises the iconic Belém Tower, another symbol of Lisbon and also a World Heritage Site. This fortress tower, originally located in the middle of the river, defended the city and served as the gateway to Lisbon. Climb to its terraces to enjoy views of the river and the coast, and explore its different levels to learn about its history.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos: . A short distance from the Belém Tower, is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a modern monument that commemorates the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. Shaped like a caravel, it represents the main figures of this era, from navigators like Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama, to cartographers and missionaries. Climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Belém and a world map on the ground showing the routes of Portuguese discoveries.

Pastéis de Belém: . No visit to Belém would be complete without trying the famous Pastéis de Belém. Since 1837, this traditional pastry shop has been making these delicious custard pastries according to a secret recipe. Prepare to queue, but I assure you the wait is worth it. Accompany them with coffee or a galão (coffee with milk) and sprinkle them with cinnamon and icing sugar.

Lunch

After the monumental morning in Belém, you can choose from several restaurants for lunch in the area. Belém offers options for all tastes, from restaurants with river views to traditional tascas. You can try fresh fish and seafood dishes, or continue tasting Portuguese gastronomy in a charming restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore LX Factory: . Stroll through LX Factory and discover its designer shops, original bookstores, stylish industrial cafes, restaurants with innovative proposals, and urban art galleries. It is a perfect place to instagram, enjoy a coffee, have something different to eat, or simply soak up the cool and bohemian atmosphere of this unique space in Lisbon.

Day 3

For the third day, I propose a choice that will depend on your tastes: immerse yourself in the romantic magic of Sintra, declared a World Heritage Site, or enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Cascais and Estoril. Both options are perfect day trips from Lisbon and will allow you to experience other facets of the region.

Option 1

Pena Palace: Pena Palace is the icon of Sintra and a must-visit. This colorful and eclectic palace, located on top of a hill, seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. Explore its different architectural styles, its luxurious interiors, its terraces with panoramic views, and its lush gardens. Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially in high season.

Quinta da Regaleira: Quinta da Regaleira is an enigmatic and fascinating place, full of symbolism and mystery. Explore its labyrinthine gardens, its underground caves, its hidden lakes, and its famous Initiation Well, an inverted tower that descends into the bowels of the earth. Let yourself be carried away by the magical atmosphere of this unique place.

Moorish Castle: For spectacular panoramic views of Sintra and its surroundings, climb the Moorish Castle, an ancient Arab fortress located on a mountain ridge. Walk along its restored walls and enjoy the views that span from Pena Palace to the Atlantic Ocean.

Option 2

Beaches of Cascais and Estoril: Cascais and Estoril are known for their golden sandy beaches and calm waters. In Cascais, Praia da Conceição, Praia da Rainha, and Praia do Guincho (more wild and for surfers) stand out. In Estoril, Praia de Tamariz is the most famous. Enjoy the sun, take a dip in the Atlantic, stroll along the promenades, and relax on the beach.

Boca do Inferno: . Do not miss Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), an impressive rocky cliff where the sea crashes forcefully, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. There are trails for walking in the area and enjoying panoramic views of the coast.

Fishing Village: Cascais Village. Explore the charming village of Cascais, with its marina, its old town with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, its fish market, and its maritime atmosphere. Stroll through the port, visit the Cascais Fortress, and enjoy an ice cream or a meal with sea views.

Tips and Recommendations for Your Trip

Best time to visit Lisbon: Lisbon is a pleasant destination throughout the year, but the best time to visit is usually spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is mild and sunny, temperatures are pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than in summer. Summer (June-August) is high season, with more tourists and higher temperatures, although it is also a vibrant time with festivals and events. Winter (November-March) is cooler and rainier, but prices are usually lower and the city is quieter.

Is the Lisboa Card worth it? The Lisboa Card may be interesting if you plan to visit many museums and monuments, and use public transport frequently. It includes free access to numerous tourist attractions, unlimited travel on public transport (metro, bus, tram, funiculars), and discounts on other services. Analyze your planned itinerary and calculate if it is economically worthwhile to purchase it. If you are only going to visit a few monuments and prefer to walk or use Uber/taxi, it may not be essential.

Comfortable shoes: Essential. Lisbon is a city to walk and explore on foot, with cobbled streets, hills, and stairs. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking for hours. Forget about heels or new shoes that may cause blisters.

Safety in Lisbon: Lisbon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as in any tourist city, it is important to take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Watch your belongings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and do not leave valuables in parked cars in sight.

Tipping: In Portugal, tipping is not mandatory, but it is a common custom if you are satisfied with the service. In restaurants, it is common to leave 5-10% of the total amount of the bill, if the service is not included. It is also customary to tip taxi drivers and waiters in cafes and bars, especially if the service has been good.

Local Gastronomy: Get ready to enjoy the delicious Portuguese gastronomy! Try cod in its thousand ways (à brás, à Gomes de Sá, com natas…), pastéis de nata, seafood rice, grilled sardines (in season), cataplana (seafood and meat stew), francesinha (hearty sandwich), Portuguese wines (especially vinho verde and vinho do Porto), and licor Beirão. Explore gastronomic markets such as Time Out Market Lisboa to try different culinary proposals in one place.

To round off this comprehensive guide and ensure your Lisbon experience is even more complete, consider complementing these walking and public transport itineraries with a fun and original option for getting around the city: eco-friendly tuk-tuks! After days thoroughly exploring neighborhoods and monuments, a tuk-tuk ride can be the perfect finishing touch, allowing you to rest your legs while continuing to discover charming corners in a different and sustainable way. If this idea appeals to you and you’d like to explore tuk-tuk tour options to optimize your time and enjoy a unique perspective of Lisbon, don’t hesitate to visit Ecotuktuk Lisbon to discover the routes and experiences they offer. You’re sure to find the ideal option to complete your Lisbon adventure!

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