Discover Portugal With The Best 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary

If you’re like me, then you’re already planning your travel for summer. And like so many of you, my attention is always drawn to planning a trip to Europe at this time of year because hellloooo euro summer 🇪🇺☀️🍹🦀🍷

But the question is — where are you going in Europe? Well the answer to that is easy. It starts with an L and ends with an N! YES, THE ANSWER IS LISBON PORTUGAL 🇵🇹

Plus, the city invented Pastel de Nata, which is reason enough on its own to book a trip imo 🤷🏻‍♀️

I recently spent some time in Lisbon and I think that three full days is the perfect amount of time to spend in the city. Any less and you won’t get the chance to enjoy everything that this European gem has to offer. In this article, I’ll show you the best 3 day Lisbon itinerary for first timers, with recommendations for where to stay and where to eat, as well as the top destinations and attractions to visit. So let’s get into it before those flight prices start to rise 👇

Read more on Portugal 🇵🇹

• Lisbon vs Porto: How To Choose Which City To Visit?
• A First-Timer’s Guide To The Best 2-Day Itinerary in Porto, Portugal
• The Ultimate 3-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Algarve, Portugal

This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where is Lisbon?

Good question! Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, sitting right along the coast of The Atlantic. Lisbon is actually one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, predating cities like Rome and London, with roots tracing back to the Phoenicians. Honestly, who knew there was a city older than Rome?

Despite being devastated by a massive earthquake in 1755, Lisbon rebuilt itself into the vibrant city it is today, known for its historic neighborhoods, iconic yellow trams, and blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture 💛

Is 3 Days in Lisbon Enough?

You already know the answer to this so why bother asking? Longtime readers of Discover Over There already know about my famously fast-paced international itineraries because hey — the majority of us weren’t born with trust funds and need to get back to work.

Which means YES! 3 days in Lisbon is more than enough time to stuff your face full of pastel de nata, wander along the Embarcadero, dine at one of José Avillez’s many restaurants, and zip around town on the iconic trams. (Lisbon is known as San Francisco’s sister city for a reason)

Best Time to Visit Lisbon For Your 3-Day Itinerary

Thanks to its location in southern Europe, you can enjoy decent weather in Lisbon all year round. Aka it’s a great getaway anytime of the year for us San Francisco folks. But there are definitely pros and cons to visiting at different times of the year so here are my thoughts on the best time to go to Lisbon.

Visiting Lisbon during Spring (March – May)

If you’re not keen on the summer heat or flight prices, then spring can be a great time to visit Lisbon. You’re looking at mild temperatures of around 59 – 72°F (15 – 22°C), with plenty of sunshine and trees and flowers bursting into bloom after winter. Lisbon’s famous outdoor cafes and restaurants are opening up and the riverfront promenade along the Tagus is springing into life. Best of all, the crowds are much lower since summer is right around the corner.

Just a heads up you’ll want to be mindful of Easter, as this brings higher prices and more crowds making the most of a long weekend in Portugal.

Visiting Lisbon during Summer (June – August)

As with most European cities, summer is peak season in Lisbon. On the plus side, this brings glorious 77 – 95°F (25 – 35°C) warmth and barely a drop of rain. Warm evenings allow for late night al fresco dining and the city’s culture comes to life with open air concerts and other events throughout the season. Nearby beaches such as Praia de Carcavelos are at their most attractive too 🌊

The downsides of visiting Lisbon in summer are all the usual suspects – huge crowds of American tourists, expensive flights, and children everywhere. You’ll still have an amazing time in the city, but popular areas like Belem and the historic Alfama district are going to be busy.

But also, euro summer is elite so just get TSA precheck, take a pair of earplugs, and book your trip now!!!

Visiting Lisbon during Fall (September – November)

Fall in Lisbon tends to be warmer than spring, which can make it the best season to visit Lisbon, especially if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. A summer-like warmth of 68 – 86°F (20 – 30°C) lingers well into September, while temperatures begin to come down in October. Rainfall starts to increase as winter approaches but overall, September in particular can be a really attractive month to visit the city. I remember flying to Lisbon all the time during fall as a flight attendant and it was always my favorite time for a layover.

Visiting Lisbon during Winter (December – February)

Like pretty much everywhere in the world, winter is low season so it’s not generally thought of as the best time to visit Lisbon. However, there are always perks to visiting any city during winter, but especially Lisbon since it sees much fewer visitors and therefore cheaper prices.

And the city doesn’t get particularly cold, with mild winters seeing temperatures hang around (46 – 63°F) 8 – 17°C, though you’ll want to pack for the odd shower. For exploring the city’s array of museums, winter can be a good time to visit Lisbon, and like all major European cities, a range of annual events such as Christmas markets draw visitors in for the festive season ☃️

Best Places to Stay in Lisbon For Your 3-Day Itinerary

If you’re looking for a great hotel for your 3 day Lisbon itinerary then check out these options. These hotels have all been vetted by yours truly and there’s something unique and beautiful about each of these design-forward accommodation options. I swear, Lisbon seriously does boutique hotels right.

Keep reading for some of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon for your 3 day itinerary 👇

• Memmo Alfama (Design hotels) — You already know if it’s a design hotel property, it’s going to be a top pick for me. Memmo Alfama is perched on a hillside in the oldest part of Lisbon and this boutique hotel boasts stunning views over the Tagus River. The hotel is housed in a restored 19^th century building and it still has that old-world European charm that I always love when I head over to Europe. Minimalist rooms are bright and many offer river views, while the rooftop terrace and pool area is the perfect place to enjoy a drink overlooking the red roofs of the city. It’s also conveniently located to some of Lisbon’s key sights, including the Sao Jorge Castle and Se Cathedral.
• Lisbon Wine Hotel — Designed with wine lovers in mind (aka me), this 4-star boutique hotel is inspired by Portugal’s winemaking heritage. Located in the city center, the hotel is wine-mad, with wine inspired décor, tastings and a restaurant menu serving regional dishes paired with the most suitable wine. Guest rooms are modern and equipped with all the usual amenities, including Wi-Fi, air con, coffee machine and smart TV. 
• The Vintage Hotel & Spa — This 5-star hotel is just a stone’s throw from the popular Avenida da Liberdade and each room is individually designed and furnished with bespoke furniture and bright colors. Some of the rooms even have their own cocktail station, which was enough to convince me to book! The rooftop bar is decorated with tropical plants and offers panoramic views over the city, while there’s an onsite bistro and a chilled Hangout spot, where you can enjoy a morning coffee or catch up on your emails. The 5-star Vintage Spa is perhaps the star of the show, open daily and offering a range of traditional Portuguese treatments, as well as a sauna and steam rooms, massages and body therapy. 
• AlmaLusa Baixa & Chiado — Another of the best hotels in Lisbon, AlmaLusa Baixa & Chiado is housed in a historic 18^th century building. This 4-star boutique hotel offers just 28 rooms and is located in the Praca do Municipio square. It boasts easy access to the city center, while inside there’s a focus on local, with Lisbon brands used where possible to stock the hotel. Fresh, regional flavors are served at the onsite restaurant, Delfina, while some of the hotel’s rooms and suites offer kitchenettes for those looking to self cater.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants For Your 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary

Ok, so now you know when to visit Lisbon, how many days to visit for, and where to stay. I usually jump into top attractions and things to do before showing you my favorite restaurants but the food scene in Lisbon is 💯 so I wanted to share my favorites first.

I know you thought you could survive on a diet of Pastel de Nata but unfortunately you can’t. And luckily for you, my main objective whenever visiting a new city is to find the best places to eat. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite Lisbon restaurants and other eateries from my trip.

Encanto by Jose Avillez ⭐️

Who knew a veggie focused Michelin-starred restaurant would be so life-changing? Encanto is a vegetarian restaurant located just a short walk from the Santa Justa elevator and the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and is right next to the Baixa-Chiado metro station. Boasting both a Michelin Star and a Green Michelin Star (awarded for sustainable practices), this high end restaurant offers a 12-course seasonal tasting menu, 100% vegetarian and using ingredients sourced wherever possible from small or local Portuguese farmers. Head chef Jose Avillez is described by the Michelin Guide as “one of the leading figures on the Portuguese gastronomic scene” and for a unique fine dining experience, this is one of the best Lisbon restaurants to try.

Time Out Market Lisbon

If you’re only spending 3 days in Lisbon and want to cram the city’s culinary scene into one excursion, then Time Out Market Lisboa gives you all the options. From sushi to pasta and local, traditional seafood, it’s all here. Not only does the market house local businesses and vendors, but some of Lisbon’s top restaurants and bars also have a presence here. Curated by Time Out Magazine, the vendors rotate every few weeks or months, so even if you’ve been to the market before, you can head back on your second Lisbon trip for an entirely different experience. The Time Out Market concept isn’t restricted to Lisbon, there are similar venues in Barcelona, Dubai, Chicago, Boston, Cape Town and Porto, to name a few – it’s clearly a popular idea! The market is a 5-minute walk from the Cais do Sodre metro station.

Santelmo Restaurant

I actually stumbled upon this restaurant one night when I was working late. I only had enough time for a casual sit down so I quickly found a restaurant around me. And it turned out to be one of the best restaurants in Lisbon. Santelmo is still a relatively new eatery housed in a former grocery store, and located along the popular Poco dos Negros street (which you can reach on the Tram 28 Route). It definitely definitely has a proper family feel to it, serving traditional Portuguese dishes with a comforting home-made quality to them. The Tapas menu is particularly popular, and seafood is something of a specialty, particularly the tuna steak and Lagareiro style octopus. The menu is inexpensive, you’re looking at €15-20 for a main course. You’re going to want to book in advance though, as the restaurant only has a few tables and is becoming more popular with locals and tourists alike. (I guess I’m partly to blame too since I’m writing about it on my travel blog but the octopus was incredible. There’s nowhere else in the world that gives you as much octopus as this place for under 20 euro!!!)

Pop Cereal Café

Yup, it’s a cereal bar. Fun fact, when I was a flight attendant — I looked over to my roommates one day and said wouldnt it be cool if there was a cereal bar where you get to try a bunch of different cereal from around the world with different types of milk? And my friends laughed at me. I’m still bitter about this because clearly it’s a brilliant idea 💡

For something different, head into Lisbon’s Bairro Alto district in the morning for a unique breakfast experience (or go in the evening, we all know cereal tastes better at night). Founded by three friends who came across a similar idea on a trip to London, Pop Cereal Café offers more than 100 different cereal varieties, many of which cannot be found on supermarket shelves.

The milk is served in cool little glass bottles and the décor of the café is really fun and modern, with vintage furniture and adapted cereal-themed movie posters. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (or bowl of cornflakes), but honestly for something a bit different and fun before a day of sightseeing, I’d recommend giving it a go. It’s also PERFECT if you’re traveling to Lisbon with kids.

Landeau Chocolate

Calling all chocolate lovers!! There are four Landeau Chocolate venues across Lisbon city center, and the most central is the one on Rua das Flores, a 5-minute walk from Baixa-Chiado metro station. The chocolate cake here is described as “legendary”, which is quite a statement but one that definitely holds up. Cakes and pastries are a huge part of Lisbon cuisine and Landeau have really raised the bar. The company started out in the LX Factory, but has been so successful that it has branched out, and is now something of a Lisbon institution. I mean, for a company to expand to four locations while selling literally one thing (ok there’s coffees and stuff too, but they only do one type of cake), it has to be good. If cake and wine is your thing, then you can wash your slice down with a glass of port, I’m not judging.

Top 10 Best Places to Visit & Things to do in Lisbon

Now that you’re full af, you probably need some activities to burn off all your meals. Three days is a good amount of time to spend in Lisbon, and you should be able to make a good go at getting around all the Lisbon attractions on this list (apart from Sintra, which may require some sacrifices!). Here are some of the top things to do and places to visit as part of your Lisbon travel itinerary.

Explore the city’s museums

You know me and my love for museums! (I travel solo quite a bit so I love to pass the time learning about the history and culture of any given destination). And Lisbon is home to loads of great museums, perfect if you’re visiting the city in winter or happen to catch a rainy day during your trip.

Some of the best museums in Lisbon include the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology and the Azulejo Museum, also known as the National Tile Museum. Displaying more than 300 incredible works of art, this is a great place to learn more about azulejo, a style of painted ceramic tilework sometimes compared to mosaic. For $10/person? I think it’s such a steal.

Other great options include Lisbon’s Fado Museum for those interested in this mournful art form, or the National Coach Museum, which displays a series of historic horse-drawn coaches once used by royalty and includes a fun audio guide tour.

Explore the LX Factory

I swear my dyslexia always thinks this is the “LV Factory” like Louis Vuitton. But I know that it’s not, and honestly I’m glad because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to visit. Once an industrial textile and printing factory, the LX Factory is today one of Lisbon’s hippest spaces, located in the popular Alcantara district. Home to boutique shops, award-winning restaurants and rooftop bars, it’s a great place to visit in the evening, after a day of exploring Lisbon. Highlights include the bookshop of Ler Devagar (pictured above), the Pequeno Jardim flower truck and the Ceramica Factory (a great stop for souvenir shopping). There’s also loads of really cool street art to discover, and the LX Market each Sunday sees a range of stalls pop up, selling everything from vintage clothing to local made products and artisan food.

See the Belém Tower in Lisbon

This attraction is definitely up there for anyone that likes to take photos!! Another of the Portuguese capital’s iconic landmarks, the 500-year-old Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located right on the banks of the Tagus estuary, close to where it meets the sea. Built to help protect Lisbon from invaders, it is a heavily armed bastion displaying the royal coat of arms. You can pay $16 to head inside the tower, where spiral staircases and cannons await, while the rooftop is another great place to soak up those Lisbon views. 

An interesting feature of the Belem Tower is the carving of a rhinoceros at the base of one of the turrets – a bit out of place, you might think? This carving commemorates the arrival of a rhino in Lisbon in the early 1500s, brought as a gift for the country’s ruler at the time, Afonso de Albuquerque. The rhino stayed in Lisbon for a year, before it sadly died in a shipwreck as it was being transported to Rome as a gift for the Pope.

Entrance to the Belem Tower is also included with the Lisbon Card, a €27 ticket that gets you in to more than 50 Lisbon attractions, including the Belem Tower, Castelo de Sao Jorge and the Azulejo Museum. It’s a huge saving if you’re planning to visit many of these attractions as part of your 3 day Lisbon itinerary. As always, I use GetYourGuide for all my tickets when I travel so you can purchase the Lisbon card via their website or app.

Ride the city’s trams

I love a tram – maybe it’s because I live in San Francisco but there’s also just something so classically European about them, and I instantly like any city that has a tram network. Again, because my little legs get tired sometimes yaknow?

Well, Lisbon’s is one of the best, those yellow trams as iconic to Lisbon as red telephone boxes are to London or yellow taxi cabs are to New York. Tram Route 28 is the one usually recommended to tourists, as it winds through some of the oldest parts of the city, including Alfama, Baixa and Chiado. It’s a really fun way to see the city, especially if you are on a tight schedule and haven’t got time to walk everywhere.

Riding the tram in Lisbon is easy, you can pay for your ticket onboard with a contactless bank card or cash, or can buy a day pass that gets you on all the city’s trams at any metro station or tourist information kiosk. Use a smartphone app such as Citymapper to get around on Lisbon’s efficient public transportation network.

Experience a Fado performance

The mournful, melancholic sounds of Fado won’t top the charts anytime soon, but this somber art form is native to Portugal and a performance at one of Lisbon’s many casas de fado is well worth experiencing. Your ticket (normally under $50/person) includes a traditional Portuguese dinner from a fixed menu and allows you to sit back and enjoy the performance. Fado lyrics are often about love and heartbreak, performed in dimly lit rooms and accompanied by traditional Portuguese guitar. Shows usually last for around an hour or just under, and are a truly authentic cultural experience in Lisbon, the city where Fado was born. 

Explore Castelo de Sao Jorge

Known in English as Saint George’s Castle, Castelo de Sao Jorge is located in the Santa Maria Maior area of Lisbon and is well renowned as one of the city’s highlights. It offers what I think is the best view of Lisbon, towering over the city skyline – you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tagus and the rows of terracotta rooftops that the city is so well known for. The history of the site is interesting too, with a fortress having been located here ever since Roman times and even further back. The castle as it is today dates to the 18^th century when it was destroyed by an earthquake, but was rebuilt to look as we think it would have done in the Moorish 11^th century. Top tip – book your ticket in advance, this is one of Lisbon’s main highlights and it gets busy, even in the low season.

Tuck into a Pastel de Nata

The #1 reason to visit Portugal? 👇

A crispy shell giving way to a warm, gooey custard filling, the Pastel de Nata is a Lisbon invention and a must-try for visitors to the city. This sweet treat is available all over Portugal, in cafes, restaurants and pastelarias (pastry shops), but the Portuguese capital serves the tastiest. Manteigaria, Pasteis de Belem and Pastelaria Aloma are some of the top rated pastelarias and I promise you won’t be disappointed if you make the journey to try any one of them. 

Ride the Santa Justa Elevator

This is another one to tick off early in the morning, as the lines build quickly, especially in the summer months. The Santa Justa Lift is part public transport, part tourist attraction, and was originally built to connect the Baixa neighborhood to Bairro Alto. It must be a pain in the backside for locals on the commute having to wait for all the tourists each day, I’m guessing there’s a roundabout route! That’s because the elevator has rapidly become one of Lisbon’s tourist highlights. Architect Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard based his design on the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the similarities are striking for those who have been up France’s most iconic attraction. There’s an observation deck at the top and tickets cost around €6 (a bit more to access the viewing deck).

Head out of the city center to Sintra

Visiting Sintra might be a bit of a struggle on a 3 day Lisbon itinerary but you should definitely dedicate a day of your itinerary to squeezing it in. You know I love my day trips!!! And it’s absolutely one of the best day trips from Lisbon. Located only a 33 minute train ride or about half an hour outside the city center by car, Sintra was once a royal retreat and is now a UNESCO-protected collection of historic palaces and castles. Sintra is spread across a hill, and you won’t be able to see everything in a day. 

I recommend starting at the top with the multi-colored Pena Palace, and working your way down. Buses, taxis and tuk-tuks make the journey downhill a bit easier, just make sure you agree a price before you get in, and haggle, as the drivers will try and pull a fast one on unsuspecting tourists. From Pena Palace, you can visit the reconstructed castle of Castelo dos Mouros and the grand country estate of Quinta da Regaleira, and make it back to Lisbon in time for a bacalhau a bras (traditional salted cod dish), a Pastel de Nata and a well-deserved glass of wine.

Find a bar and try a Ginjinha

What’s a trip to Europe without drinking?? Ginjinha is a typical drink in Lisbon and worth a try during the evening, perhaps after your meal. This traditional Portuguese liqueur is made from sour cherries, with added sugar and spices including cinnamon. It’s usually served in shot form with a small piece of fruit (usually a cherry) at the bottom of the glass. If doing shots isn’t your thing, you can buy Ginjinha infused chocolate in many spots around the city. Bottoms 🆙

Lisbon FAQ: Common Questions About Visiting Lisbon

To help you plan your 3 day Lisbon itinerary, here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to Lisbon, Portugal.

What is the currency in Lisbon and Portugal?

Portugal uses the common Euro currency 💶

Should I take cash and where can I get money in Lisbon?

Tap to pay card payments are widely accepted in Lisbon and across Portugal. I rarely take out any cash when I visit western Europe and just use Apply pay for pretty much everything. However, it’s always useful to carry some cash around. ATMs are available across the city and work with all major American bank cards (exchange rate fees may apply).

What language do they speak in Lisbon?

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, though English is widely spoken, especially in big cities such as Lisbon and Porto.

What’s the best way to get around Lisbon?

Public transport is the easiest way to get around Lisbon, as the city has an efficient and well-developed metro and tram system. Public buses can be confusing for visitors, but using navigation apps like Citymapper or Google Maps can make things easier. You can purchase pre-paid tickets for the public transport or us a contactless credit or debit card. Uber is also widely available in Lisbon which is what I used when my tired little legs didn’t want to walk up the hills anymore.

Hey, I’m from San Francisco. I do enough hill-climbing as it is.

What’s the best month to visit Lisbon?

In my opinion, the shoulder months of May and September are the best time to plan your Lisbon travel itinerary. They offer all the benefits of visiting in summer, but without the drawbacks of big crowds. And for those who aren’t good with the heat, temperatures are also more manageable at this time of year while still being pleasantly warm. If you’re going to make me choose one best month to visit Lisbon, I’m going with September, because it’s a bit warmer and offers that last bit of sun before winter arrives.

What plugs are used in Lisbon?

Lisbon and Portugal use the Type F electrical plug (the two round prong variety common in Europe). I always recommend traveling with a universal adapter though, so you’re always prepared with the correct plug and don’t have to deal with switching back and forth.

This is the exact $18 universal plug I use from Amazon.

Can I drink the tap water in Lisbon?

The tap water in Lisbon is perfectly safe to drink however I typically always just buy water when I’m abroad. It’s actually my biggest pet peeve that I have to pay for water when traveling. But better that, than getting sick.

Is Lisbon safe?

I swear everywhere is safe compared to San Francisco these days. So yes, Lisbon is generally considered a safe city, with no more risk to travelers safety than any other major European capital. Take all the usual precautions such as not walking around with your phone in your hand, not traveling around the city alone at night and being wary of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.

3 Days in Lisbon: Final Thoughts

Welp there you have it. 3 full days in the sunny and beautiful western capital of Portugal 🇵🇹

Now it’s time to head to the Algarve or Porto next 😈

Spending 3 days in Lisbon is truly the sweet spot for soaking up the city’s best sights like Belem Tower, the Santa Justa Elevator, and the mighty São jorge castle. And then what about an evening stroll along the Tagus while sipping an aperol spritz? Non-negotiable.

And if you’re not diving headfirst into Lisbon’s ridiculously good food scene, you’re doing it wrong. This 3 day itinerary has you bouncing around a bit, so getting the hang of the city’s public transport is worth it Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it looks to get around. Plus, riding Tram 28 is basically a free sightseeing tour in itself.

If you’re planning your 3 day Lisbon itinerary, then I hope this guide has been useful 😊

Did you get a chance to visit Lisbon? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting other parts of Portugal?

Check out my other travel guides on Portugal here.

Visiting other parts of Europe?

Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!