Get ready to discover the best of Portugal’s capital in this 3 days in Lisbon itinerary. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon blends historic neighborhoods with modern life, often side by side along its patterned stone streets.
If you’re short on time, you can also follow our one day in Lisbon itinerary for a highlights-focused visit. Prefer a slower pace? Simply choose the stops that match your interests.
Planning group travel, incentives, or a corporate stay in Lisbon? The city offers excellent group hotels and venues, and our local team can assist with hotel selection, logistics, and tailored programs.
🚇Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon is a highly walkable city, and many major sights are located close together. Walking allows you to fully enjoy the city’s details, from colorful azulejo tiles and narrow side streets to traditional shopfronts and local life.
For longer distances, Lisbon’s public transportation is reliable, affordable, and easy to use. The Viva Viagem Card is required for buses, trams, metro, and trains and can be reloaded as needed, making it a convenient option for travelers planning to see a lot in a short time.
- Recommendation: Lisboa Card 50+ attractions + Public transport
Day One in Lisbon: Historical Day in Alfama
Where better to start than in the heart of the historic quarter? This first day of your 3 days in Lisbon focuses on historic neighborhoods, viewpoints, and local culture. It’s a rich route with many highlights, but you’re not expected to see everything. Choose the stops that match your pace, interests, and energy level. (spoiler alert, the Romans were here).
🌊 Riverside Start & Entrance to Alfama
1. Praça do Comércio
Start the day at Lisbon’s grand riverside square Praça do Comércio, historically the city’s main gateway. Before the 1755 earthquake, this area was home to the Royal Palace.
- One of Lisbon’s largest and most impressive squares
- Ideal starting point between the river and city center
2. Rua Augusta Arch
Just steps away, the Rua Augusta Arch marks Lisbon’s rebirth after the earthquake. You can ride the elevator to the top for a clear view over Baixa and the river.
- Panoramic viewpoint over downtown Lisbon
- Natural transition point into the historic center
3. Café Martinho da Arcada
Located on the square, this historic café was once a favorite of Lisbon’s literary circles. It’s a good place to pause before heading uphill.
- One of the oldest cafés in Lisbon
- Ideal for a coffee or light lunch
At this point, you can either follow the Tram 28E route uphill on foot or hop on for part of the climb. Walking allows you to stop freely, while the tram offers a classic Lisbon experience through narrow streets.
🏰 Core Alfama Landmarks
4. Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Your first major stop inside Alfama is Lisbon Cathedral (Se Cathedral), instantly recognizable by its twin towers. Built in 1147, it reflects centuries of reconstruction after earthquakes.
- Lisbon’s most important church
- Free entry with archaeological remains on site
5. São Jorge Castle
Continue uphill to São Jorge Castle, the city’s most prominent hilltop landmark. From here, you’ll get some of the best views over Lisbon’s rooftops.
- Founded around 200 B.C.
- Walk castle walls and gardens
- Popular stop for families
🌅 Viewpoints, Culture & Local Atmosphere
6. Santa Luzia Viewpoint
Just below the castle, Santa Luzia Miradouro offers one of Lisbon’s most classic postcard views. Azulejo panels add historical context to the scenery.
- Overlooks Alfama’s rooftops and the river
- Quick but rewarding stop
7. Church of Santa Luzia
Beside the viewpoint stands the Church of Santa Luzia, covered in traditional tile murals. It’s a small but meaningful cultural pause.
- National monument
- Historic azulejo panels
8. Fado Museum & Alfama Restaurants
One of the highlights of Alfama is experiencing traditional Fado music, often performed during dinner in local Alfama restaurants. To better understand this deeply emotional music style, you can also visit the Fado Museum nearby.
- Authentic evening experience
- Learn about the origins of Fado
- Optional stop for music lovers
9. Palácio dos Azurara
Further along the route, Palácio dos Azurara showcases Portuguese decorative arts in an intimate setting.
- Exhibits from the 15th to 19th centuries
- Calm cultural stop away from crowds
10. Portas do Sol Viewpoint
End the Alfama walk at Portas do Sol, one of Lisbon’s most popular viewpoints. This is a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Wide views over Alfama and São Vicente de Fora
- Kiosk nearby for a drink
- Often accompanied by street music
Popular Ticket Options for Alfama:
- Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour
- Best of Lisbon Walking Tour: Rossio, Chiado & Alfama
- Lisbon: Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner (Recommended)
- Lisbon: National Pantheon E-Ticket & Audio City Tour
- Segway Medieval Guided Tour of Alfama
- Ticket overview for São Jorge Castle
- Combo: 24-hour hop-on hop-off tour of Lisbon + tickets to St. George's Castle
- Ticket for Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
🎨 Alfama’s Artsy Neighbor: Graça Highlights
From Alfama, the route continues naturally uphill into Graça, a more residential neighborhood with fewer tourists. The climb is steep, but the atmosphere is calmer and more local, with notable street art and murals by artists such as Shepard Fairey and Vhils.
11. Graça Viewpoint (Miradouro da Graça)
At the highest point of the neighborhood, this viewpoint offers one of the widest panoramas in Lisbon.
- Views of São Jorge Castle, Baixa, Estrela Basilica, and the 25 de Abril Bridge
- Café on site, popular with locals
- Artists often sketch under the pine trees
12. Igreja da Graça
Next to the viewpoint stands one of Lisbon’s oldest churches, dating back to the 13th century.
- Gilded chapels and baroque details
- Quiet interior contrasting with the busy miradouro
13. Tejo Bar
End the day at this intimate local bar known for its bohemian, relaxed atmosphere.
- Frequent live music
- Self-service style with a local crowd
- Often open late
Day Two in Lisbon: The Post-Earthquake Pombaline Center
Day two of your 3 days in Lisbon focuses on the city rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. This route explores Baixa Pombalina and nearby neighborhoods, where wide boulevards, grand squares, and uniform architecture reflect the planned reconstruction led by the Marquis of Pombal.
Expect flatter walking, historic cafés, cultural landmarks, and elegant avenues that show a very different side of Lisbon from Alfama.
🏛️ Baixa & Rua Augusta
1. Rua Augusta Arch
Begin the day at Rua Augusta Arch, the ceremonial gateway into Baixa and a symbol of Lisbon’s post-earthquake reconstruction. The arch leads directly into the city’s pedestrian-only shopping street axis.
- Optional elevator to the top
- Views over Baixa and the river
2. Rua Augusta
Walk along Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, pastelarias, and hotels set on traditional black-and-white calçada portuguesa pavement.
- Central shopping street
- Constant city atmosphere
3. Bertrand Livraria
Stop at Bertrand Livraria, the world’s oldest bookstore, founded in 1732 and long associated with Portuguese writers and intellectual life.
- Historic literary landmark
- Still operating as a bookstore
4. Santa Justa Lift & Viewing Deck
Pass the Santa Justa Lift, which connects Baixa and Chiado, and access the upper viewing deck without riding the elevator.
- Free access from above
- Alternative entry via Rua do Carmo
⛪ Chiado & Carmo
5. Carmo Convent
From the top of Santa Justa, walk to Carmo Convent, once Lisbon’s largest church and now one of its most striking ruins.
- Destroyed in the 1755 earthquake
- Carno Archaeological Museum on site
6. Chiado Neighborhood
Explore Chiado, an elegant district known for theaters, historic cafés, bookstores, and upscale shopping at the cultural heart of Lisbon.
- Refined atmosphere
- Central cultural area
7. A Brasileira Café
Pause at A Brasileira Café, a historic early-20th-century café once frequented by poet Fernando Pessoa, now honored with a statue outside.
- Iconic Lisbon café
- Good coffee stop
🏙️ Rossio & Restauradores
8. Rossio Square
Head downhill to Rossio Square, one of Lisbon’s most historic gathering places, recognized by its wave-patterned pavement and surrounding landmarks.
- Central meeting point
- Rossio Train Station nearby
9. Café Nicola
Visit Café Nicola, an 18th-century café historically popular with writers, offering a relaxed spot for pastries and a short rest.
- Traditional interior
- Good people-watching
10. A Ginjinha
At the edge of Rossio, stop at A Ginjinha to sample Lisbon’s traditional cherry liqueur at the city’s oldest ginjinha bar.
- Quick local experience
- Standing-room only
11. Restauradores Square
Continue to Restauradores Square, where classical architecture and art-deco buildings mark the transition between Baixa and Lisbon’s northern districts.
- Grand façades
- Historic monuments
12. Palácio Foz & Eden Theatre
Notice Palácio Foz and the Eden Theatre, two prominent landmarks reflecting Lisbon’s aristocratic past and early entertainment history.
- 18th-century palace
- Historic cinema building
13. Glória Funicular
See the Glória Funicular climbing toward Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s oldest funicular lines still operating today.
- Scenic uphill route
- Alternative to walking
🌳 Avenida da Liberdade & Parks
14. Avenida da Liberdade
Walk along Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most elegant boulevard, known for wide sidewalks, luxury shops, and tree-lined promenades.
- Calm contrast to Baixa
- Parisian-style avenue
15. Praça Marquês de Pombal
Reach Praça Marquês de Pombal, a large roundabout honoring the man responsible for Lisbon’s post-earthquake reconstruction.
- Central city landmark
- Major orientation point
16. Eduardo VII Park
Beyond the roundabout lies Eduardo VII Park, a large green space with walking paths and elevated city views.
- Open lawns
- Viewpoint at the top
17. Estufa Fria
Next to the park, visit Estufa Fria, a set of connected greenhouses featuring plants from different climates around the world.
- Peaceful environment
- Unique botanical stop
18. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum & Gardens
Art lovers may enjoy the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, paired with landscaped gardens and a tranquil lake.
- International art collection
- Relaxing garden walk
🌙 Evening in Cais do Sodré
19. Cais do Sodré
End the day in Cais do Sodré, a lively riverside district known for dining, nightlife, and excellent transport connections.
- Near the river
- Wide choice of venues
20. Pink Street
Just nearby, Pink Street is famous for its bright pavement and energetic nightlife scene.
- Popular bar-hopping area
- Iconic photo spot
Day Three in Lisbon: The Cultural Riverside District of Belém
Day three of your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary takes you west along the river to Belém, a district shaped by Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Expect monuments, museums, gardens, and scenic riverside walks.
🚆 Getting to Belém
Reach Belém by coastal train from Cais do Sodré station. Purchase a one-way ticket to Belém station for a quick and convenient ride along the Tagus River.
🧭 Belém’s Historic Monuments & Museums
1. Monument to the Discoveries
Begin in Belém at the Monument to the Discoveries, built to honor Portugal’s Age of Exploration and Henry the Navigator.
- Elevator access to the top
- Views over the river and monuments
2. Belém Tower
Walk along the river to Belém Tower, Lisbon’s most iconic riverside monument and a former defensive outpost.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Historic river entrance point
3. Berardo Collection Museum
Across from the river, the Berardo Collection Museum showcases modern and contemporary art inside the Belém Cultural Center.
- International artists
- Large, modern exhibition space
4. Jerónimos Monastery
Continue to Jerónimos Monastery, one of Lisbon’s most important landmarks and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Connected to Vasco da Gama
5. Tropical Botanical Garden
A short walk from the monastery, this historic garden preserves exotic plants from former Portuguese territories.
- Quiet green space
- Originally showcased in the 1940 World Fair
6. Belém Town & Pastéis de Belém
Enter the small historic center of Belém, home to cafés and lunch spots, including the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
- Established in 1837
- Famous pastel de nata recipe
7. National Coach Museum
Visit the National Coach Museum to see an extensive collection of royal and aristocratic horse-drawn carriages.
- Lavish historic vehicles
- Unique cultural museum
🌊 Riverside Walk & Modern Lisbon
8. Riverside Walk toward Lisbon
After the museums, walk back along the wide riverside path with open views of the Tagus River.
- Views of the bridge
- Cristo Rei visible across the river
9. MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Stop at MAAT, a striking modern building offering exhibitions and one of Lisbon’s best sunset photo spots.
- Rooftop river views
- Family-friendly attraction
10. LX Factory
End your final day at LX Factory, a former industrial complex turned creative hub filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Trendy social atmosphere
- Ideal dinner spot
FAQ - 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
With 3 days in Lisbon, you can explore the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Graça, walk through the Pombaline city center, visit Belém’s riverside monuments, and enjoy viewpoints, museums, and local food. This timeframe allows for a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxed city exploration without rushing.
Yes, Lisbon is absolutely worth 3 days. It gives you enough time to experience the city’s main highlights, different districts, and cultural landmarks while still allowing for slower moments like café breaks, scenic walks, and evening dining.
The best time to visit Lisbon is spring (March–May) and fall (September–October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter. Summer offers lively energy but higher temperatures, while winter is quieter and still suitable for sightseeing.
You’ve now completed your 3 days in Lisbon itinerary and explored the city’s most important neighborhoods, landmarks, and cultural highlights. From historic Alfama to the grand avenues of the city center and the riverside monuments of Belém, this guide is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of Lisbon.
If you have more time in the city, continue exploring with our list of 50 Things to Do in Lisbon and discover even more experiences beyond this itinerary.