The Best 3 Day Itinerary Lisbon: Explore the City Like a Local

Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Oliver

Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is easily one of my favorite cities in Europe. I first visited back in 2019, when it still felt like a bit of a hidden gem—fast forward to now, and let’s just say the secret is definitely out.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or as part of a full-blown Portugal itinerary, Lisbon just works. The food is unreal, the nightlife goes way too late (in the best way), and there’s always something new to discover around every corner. Plus, it’s one of the most budget-friendly cities in Western Europe!

If you’re visiting Lisbon for the first time, three days is the perfect intro—just enough time to get lost in the old streets, eat your weight in pastéis de nata, and maybe even sneak in a day trip. This 3 Day Itinerary Lisbon will cover all the must-see sights, along with a few local favorites. So, let’s get to it!

Get to Know Lisbon

Before we get to the itinerary let’s have a brief look at the city! Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe—older than Rome and London—which means it has stories to tell. From its days as a major maritime power in the Age of Exploration to surviving the massive 1755 earthquake that nearly wiped it off the map, this city has been through it all. And yet, it’s anything but stuck in the past.

Today, Lisbon is where old-world charm meets a laid-back, youthful energy. You’ll find historic yellow trams rattling through the streets, laundry hanging from colorful tiled buildings, and locals chatting over tiny espressos at all hours. But you’ll also find trendy rooftop bars, modern art spaces, and some of the best food in Europe.

Lisbon is effortlessly cool without trying too hard. It’s walkable, affordable (compared to most of Western Europe), and packed with viewpoints that will have you stopping every five minutes for a photo. Plus, with easy day trips to places like Sintra and Cascais, you get the best of both city life and beach town vibes.

Basically, if you like good food, great weather, and a city with soul, Lisbon is your kind of place.

💡If you’re all about incredible food, rich culture, and amazing wine, don’t miss my full guide to Porto!

The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary Lisbon

This itinerary covers the best of Lisbon in three full days, mixing history, viewpoints, and local experiences with plenty of time to soak in the city’s charm.

Day 1: Discovering Lisbon’s Historic Core

Start with a Walking Tour of the Historic Alfama District

The best way to start your day in Lisbon is with a walking tour. Since I was traveling solo, I stayed at Lost Inn Lisbon and took full advantage of their free breakfast and free walking tour—a solid budget traveler win.

Joining the tour was the best decision because it helped me get my bearings in the city while hitting the major sights like the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Castelo de São Jorge and soaking in all the history.

Lisbon’s layout can be confusing at first, but walking through the streets with a guide made it all click. Plus, the tours are tip-based, so you pay what you think it’s worth (and trust me, it’s worth it).

If you’re not staying at a hostel or hotel that offers a guided walking tour, no worries—you can still join one! Lisbon has plenty of great tours that will take you through the city’s history, culture, and iconic sights.

Here are a few of the best walking tours in Lisbon:

►Discover Lisbon Walking Tour of Alfama

►Guru Walk Lisbon Walking Tours: Food, History, and Culture

►Sandemans Original Walking Tour of Lisbon– I highly recommend this tour!

Iconic Landmarks & Food Markets

The walking tour usually takes about three hours, making it the perfect way to spend your morning in Lisbon. When I did mine, I made sure to ask the guide for lunch recommendations—they always know the best local spots, so you don’t accidentally end up in a tourist trap.

If you want an authentic experience, check out one of the local restaurants your guide suggests. But if you’re in the mood to try a little of everything, head to Time Out Market.

This massive food hall has over 50 stalls featuring some of Lisbon’s best chefs and restaurants. Usually, I try to avoid food halls when I travel because they tend to be a mix of overpriced and underwhelming, but Time Out Market was a game changer.

It’s perfect for solo travelers or groups since there are so many food options to choose from, and they’re all delicious. I grabbed some oysters and a white wine from Marisqueira Azul, and it hit the spot.

They also host loads of events, so check the calendar before you go—you might find a live DJ, a wine tasting, or a cooking workshop. At night, the market takes on more of a party vibe, making it a great spot to kick off your evening.

After lunch, take a few hours to wander through the city’s streets, especially in Baixa and Chiado. Lisbon’s charm isn’t just in its landmarks—it’s in the little alleyways, tiled facades, and unexpected viewpoints that pop up when you least expect them. Getting lost here is part of the experience, so take your time and enjoy it.

Snap a Photo of Tram 28

Tram 28 is one of those things that looks dreamy in pictures but is a whole different experience in real life. It’s an active public transportation line, which means it’s packed with both commuters and tourists, and honestly? I’ve ridden enough public transport to know what’s up.

That said, the iconic yellow tram winding through Lisbon’s narrow streets is still a sight worth seeing. Instead of cramming inside, I grabbed a shot of it rolling through Alfama—just as charming, zero stress. If you’re set on riding, go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst of the crowds. Otherwise, save yourself the hassle and enjoy the view from the sidelines.

Castelo de São Jorge: The Best View in Lisbon

If you’re looking for the best panoramic view of Lisbon, the São Jorge castle is the place to go. Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo serves as a key access point to the castle, though the entrance can be somewhat difficult to locate due to its position on the hills of Alfama.

This hilltop fortress dates back to 200 BC and has seen a little bit of everything—Moorish rule, royal residence status, and now, tons of visitors snapping pics of the city below.

It’s a bit of a hike to the top, but totally worth it. Inside, you can walk along the castle walls, and explore archaeological ruins. It costs €10 to enter, but if you’re into history or just want a 360-degree view of Lisbon, it’s worth it.

Pro tip: Go for sunset—watching the city light up from up here is next-level magical.

Experience Fado

If there’s one thing you absolutely need to experience in Lisbon, it’s Fado. This isn’t just music—it’s pure emotion packed into 15-minute sets that leave the whole bar silent. I squeezed into a tiny spot in Alfama, barely big enough for the handful of wooden tables crammed inside.

The lights dimmed, the room hushed, and then the singer’s voice filled the space—haunting, raw, and beautiful. It’s just a single voice and a Portuguese guitar, but the sound is enough to hit you right in the soul.

No one talks, no one moves, and for those 15 minutes, it’s like time stands still. Then, as soon as the set ends, the bar clears out until the next round. If you want an authentic Fado experience, find a tiny, unassuming bar rather than the bigger, tourist-heavy venues.

I recommend asking a local or your tour guide from the morning on where they would go to listen to Fado.

Nightlife in Bairro Alto

After that, it’s time for Bairro Alto, hands down one of my favorite districts in Lisbon—maybe even anywhere. During the day, it’s all charming cafés and hidden bookstores, but when the sun sets, the streets turn into one big, open-air party.

There’s no need to pick a single bar; just grab a drink from one of the many tiny spots, spill into the street with everyone else, and go with the flow. The sangria is strong, the music is loud, and somehow, every corner of this neighborhood feels like the place to be.

And if you’re still standing by the end of the night, make your way down to Pink Street. This is where the party refuses to die, with neon lights, packed clubs, and enough energy to keep you dancing until sunrise.

After a night of Fado and bar-hopping through Bairro Alto, you’ve officially had a full Lisbon experience. Whether you called it a night after a soulful Fado performance or danced your way down to Pink Street, Day 1 was all about immersing yourself in Lisbon’s history, food, and nightlife.

Get some rest—Day 2 is packed with iconic landmarks, riverside views, and some of the best food in the city.

Day 2: Landmarks, Pastries & Trendy Neighborhoods

Pink Street

I randomly stumbled across Pink Street on my way to Belém on my second morning. The chairs were stacked, and store owners were sweeping away the evidence of last night’s party—which, honestly, I think I was there for. That’s when I realized it was the perfect time to grab a photo.

Once Lisbon’s red-light district, Rua Nova do Carvalho was transformed into Pink Street in 2011 as part of a revitalization project. Now, it’s home to some of the city’s best bars and nightlife.

By night, the street is absolutely packed with locals, tourists, and anyone looking for a good time. So if you want that clean, empty shot of the iconic pink pavement, go early before the party restarts.

A Trip to Belém

The Belém District is about a 10-minute train ride from the city center, and honestly, this is where I fully fell for Lisbon. It’s just so easygoing—people biking, strolling along the Tagus River, or kicking back with a sangria in hand. The whole place just feels alive.

Before you dive into the history, start your morning at Pastéis de Belém. I know you’re already planning to eat your weight in pastel de nata, so why not get one from the place that started it all?

This bakery has been making the famous custard tarts since 1837, and yeah, there’s a line—but trust me, IT IS WORTH IT. The flakey, gooey goodness is straight-up life-changing.

Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to explore Belém’s famous landmarks:

• Belém Tower – A fortress turned postcard-perfect landmark, sitting right on the water.
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos – A sail-shaped monument honoring Portugal’s legendary explorers. Climb to the top for an amazing view.
• Jerónimos Monastery – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful buildings in Portugal, with intricate Manueline architecture.

As you wander along the river, keep an eye out for the Vasco da Gama Bridge in the distance. Stretching an impressive 17 kilometers, it’s the longest bridge in Europe and a symbol of Portugal’s modern engineering. Even in a district packed with history, it’s a reminder that Lisbon is always looking forward.

Take your time wandering along the river, and if you need a break, grab a seat at Mister Tapas. A glass of sangria here, paired with some meats and cheeses, is the perfect way to soak it all in.

LX Factory

If you’re into artsy fartsy things like me, then you’re going to absolutely love LX Factory. This former industrial complex is now a hub for creativity, with dozens of galleries, shops, and restaurants all housed in the old factory buildings.

There’s always something going on at LX Factory, whether it’s an art exhibition, live music performance, or food festival. It’s also a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs or gifts from local designers and artists.

One of my favorite stops was Ler Devagar, a massive bookstore with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a flying bicycle suspended in the air. It’s pretty sick if you’re into that kind of quirky stuff.

If you’re hungry, LX Factory has endless food options. Grab a burger at Micro Burgers and Music, fresh seafood at A Praça, or, if you have a sweet tooth like me, the chocolate cake from Landeau Chocolate is to die for. This is the kind of place where you can just wander, snack, and soak in the atmosphere

If you’re still in the mood for more culture, the National Tile Museum is just a quick 10-minute ride away. Portugal’s iconic azulejos (ceramic tiles) are everywhere in Lisbon, but this museum dives deep into their history, showing how they’ve evolved over the centuries.

The building itself—a former convent—is just as stunning as the artwork inside, so even if you’re not a museum person, it’s worth a visit.

PARK Bar

After a day of exploring, it’s definitely time for a rooftop drink, and PARK is the move. It’s literally on top of a parking garage, which sounds weird, but trust me, it works.

By sunset, this place is packed, and for good reason—the views over Lisbon and the Ponte 25 de Abril (aka the “San Francisco Bridge” because it looks just like the Golden Gate) are unreal.

The vibe is solid, the music is good, and the drinks hit just right. I had the strawberry mojito and wow! It was exactly what I needed after a long day.

It’s a little pricier than most spots in Lisbon, but honestly, sometimes you just gotta treat yourself.

Pub Crawl

After that, I joined my hostel’s pub crawl, which was the best decision. We started as a small group, but along the way, we met up with other hostels, and suddenly, we had a whole squad.

It felt super safe, way more fun than wandering alone, and it was basically a built-in friend group for the night.

Bairro Alto turns into a massive street party, with bars spilling out onto the sidewalks and cheap drinks everywhere. The energy is unreal, and you can keep the night going as long as you want.

But if you’re traveling with others and just want to have a chill dinner instead, totally get it. Lisbon has no shortage of incredible restaurants where you can sit back, enjoy a bottle of wine, and soak in the city vibes. Either way, this city knows how to do nightlife.

Day 3: Day Trip Options

For your final day in Lisbon, it’s time to escape the city for a little adventure. Most people head to Sintra, but since I’m a summer/beach girl through and through, I went straight to Cascais. Both are amazing in their own way, so it just depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for.

Here are a few ideas on how to spend your third day in Lisbon.

Cascais: My favorite day trip from Lisbon

This is hands down my favorite little beach town I’ve stumbled across. The soft sand, hidden coves, and turquoise water make it the perfect spot to soak up the sun. It’s only a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon, but it feels like a whole different world.

I spent the whole day here solo, just wandering through the winding cobblestone streets, sipping on cheap sangria, and watching a random beach volleyball tournament unfold. The energy was so fun, with people just happy to be outside and enjoying life. If I had more time, I would’ve even stayed the night—it’s that good.

And let’s talk about Santini’s Gelato for a second. I know I say this a lot, but this is THE BEST gelato. Period. Do yourself a favor and grab a scoop (or three) before heading back to Lisbon. I got the limon and fresh mango, it was the perfect fresh combo for a hot day.

Keep in mind, the weekends are hectic! So I recommend trying to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Day Trip to Sintra

While I didn’t visit Sintra on my first trip to Lisbon, I have since gone back and totally get why this is the go-to day trip. Starting from central Lisbon, the train journey to Sintra feels like stepping into a fairytale, but with fewer princesses and more epic castles on cliffs.

I was blown away by how different it felt from Lisbon—misty forests, colorful palaces, and these winding little roads that make you feel like you’re in some medieval movie set. If you have a third day in Lisbon, this is an easy and worthwhile escape.

Getting There

The train from Rossio Station gets you there in about 40 minutes. It’s super easy, cheap, and runs all day, so no need to book ahead. Just make sure to grab a seat because once the train fills up, standing for the ride isn’t the vibe.

What to See

First up: Pena Palace. If you’ve ever seen a picture of Sintra, it was probably this place. It’s bright, quirky, and honestly looks like a cake. But the real highlight is the view—on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean. Definitely book your tickets ahead of time unless you enjoy waiting in line with a hundred other tourists.

Then there’s the Moorish Castle—it’s basically a giant stone fortress draped over the cliffs. The views? Unreal. It’s a bit of a climb, but if you’re down for some light hiking, it’s 100% worth it.

By this point, I was starving, so I wandered into the town center and grabbed a travesseiro—a flaky almond pastry that’s somehow both crispy and gooey at the same time. Absolute magic. If you need something more substantial, there are plenty of cozy cafés serving traditional Portuguese dishes.

After refueling, head to Quinta da Regaleira. This was my favorite part of Sintra. It’s got underground tunnels, secret passageways, and the famous Initiation Well, which looks straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. I spent way too much time getting lost in the gardens and climbing through hidden staircases—it’s just one of those places that makes you feel like a kid again.

Pro Travel Tips

• Go early—Sintra fills up fast, and you want to get ahead of the crowds. I recommend catching the train around 8 in the morning to arrive in Sintra around 9!
• Wear comfy shoes. The hills here are no joke.
• Pre-book Pena Palace tickets unless you’re into waiting in lines.
• If the weather looks foggy, keep expectations in check. The mist can make everything extra moody and mysterious, but it can also block the views.

Lock in your tickets before you go and thank me later when you breeze past the ticket lines.

• Pena Palace & Park – Book here
• Moorish Castle – Book here
• Quinta da Regaleira – Book here

If you want to skip the hassle of doing it all yourself, this tour to Sintra covers all the highlights—Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais—without the stress!

Final Night in Lisbon

After a packed three days, your final night in Lisbon is the perfect time to soak it all in—whether that means one last epic dinner, a rooftop cocktail, or just strolling through the city one more time.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll already be thinking about when you can come back. Lisbon is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. At first, it’s cool, but by the time you’re leaving, you’re fully obsessed.

So, whether you spent your last night sipping sangria in Bairro Alto, watching the sunset from a miradouro, or crashing early after an exhausting day, just know—you did Lisbon right.

Where to stay in Lisbon

$ Lost Inn Lisbon Hostel// This is where I stayed and loved it!

Lisbon has a ton of hostels and I’m sure the other ones are fine but i really loved this one and would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option with a great location.

They have mixed and female-only dorms, as well as private rooms. The staff is super friendly and helpful and they have free breakfast every morning. Plus, the common areas are great for meeting other travelers.

$$ Chalet D´Ávila Guest House

If hostels aren’t your vibe but you still want something affordable and cozy, this guesthouse is a great option. It’s in a quieter, more local part of Lisbon, but still super accessible by metro.

The rooms are bright and clean, the staff is incredibly kind, and breakfast is included. It’s a solid mid-range choice if you want comfort without breaking the bank.

$$$ Toctoctoc Lisboa

For a boutique hotel experience, this place is a dream. It’s stylish, intimate, and feels more like staying in a beautifully designed home than a hotel.

The garden courtyard is a hidden oasis, and the attention to detail makes it worth the splurge. It’s in Príncipe Real, one of Lisbon’s coolest neighborhoods, with great restaurants and cafes just a short walk away. If you’re looking for a little luxury but still want that local charm, this is the spot.

Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Lisbon

If by the end of these three days you don’t need another vacation, you didn’t do Lisbon right. This city is all about long walks, late nights, and way too many pastéis de nata—but that’s exactly what makes it so special. I hope this 3-day Lisbon itinerary helps you plan an epic stay in the city of seven hills.

When I first came to Lisbon, I had no idea how much this city would get under my skin. I showed up solo, tagged along with hostel friends, danced in the streets of Bairro Alto, and somehow ended up drinking sangria by the river in Belém like I’d lived here forever.

Whether you’re here for the history, a food tour, or just to soak up the vibes, Lisbon has a way of pulling you in. Enjoy every hill, every bite, and every golden hour view—this city is something else. And if you end up extending your trip… well, I wouldn’t blame you.

Related Articles