3 Day Itinerary for Lisbon: The Only Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Running through Sea-Tac International Airport on a rainy winter February morning, heaving, panting and masked up, we had no idea what kind of magic Portugal had in store for us. From the moment we landed, Lisbon surprised us with its warm energy, colorful tiles, historic trams, and soul-stirring views. It quickly became one of our favorite cities in the world. If you’re planning a quick trip and wondering how to make the most of your time, this 3 day itinerary for Lisbon is packed with our personal recommendations, local gems, and must-see highlights. (And in case you have another day, we also shared a 4 day itinerary for Lisbon below.)

Tip: If you are looking for other European places to visit in the winter, check out our blog on Why December is the best time to go to Spain!

Where to Stay in Lisbon and How to Get Around

During our 3 day itinerary for Lisbon, we based ourselves in Martim Moniz, a wonderfully central neighborhood that put us within walking or quick Uber distance of all the major hotspots. From here, it was easy to access Chiado, Alfama, Bairro Alto, Baixa and Principe Real – each with its own personality and charm. If you’re wondering where to stay in Lisbon, Martim Moniz is a solid option, especially for first-timers who want convenience without breaking the bank.

As for getting around, Uber was hands-down the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore the city. It saved us a ton of time, especially when navigating the steep hills and winding alleys that Lisbon is famous for. Public trams are also a fun and iconic way to see the city. While Tram 28 is the most popular, we recommend hopping on Tram 24 or 12 if you want a more relaxed experience without the tourist crowds. These routes pass through stunning areas like Baixa, Alfama, Chiado and Graca, giving you a scenic intro to Lisbon’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Since we were working remotely during our visit, we explored the city at a slower pace. But if you’re visiting purely for leisure, you can comfortably soak in the highlights with this 3 day Lisbon itinerary. Now, let’s dive into the best places we explored across the city!

Tip: Grab a bica (similar to an espresso) and the iconic pastel de nata (egg custard) and walk around the cobbled streets to soak in the city’s unique charm.

3 Day Itinerary Lisbon

Day 1: Trams, City Views & Historic Lisbon

Our first major stop was Castelo de São Jorge, perched dramatically on a hilltop. Walking through the stone pathways and lookout terraces of this medieval fortress, we were treated to jaw-dropping views of Lisbon’s red rooftops, the Tagus River, and both the Ponte 25 de Abril (which looks like SF’s Golden Gate) and the sleek Ponte Vasco da Gama (Ponte is a bridge). It was here that we had our first “wow” moment, seeing Lisbon in full panorama, dotted with colorful tiles, trams and historic charm. Also, peacocks! Yes, they strut around the castle gardens like royalty, adding an unexpected burst of color and delight.

From there, we wandered into Baixa-Chiado, the beating heart of Lisbon. We walked through Arco da Rua Augusta, then headed to the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa lift) but instead of waiting in the tourist queue, we took the hidden staircase behind it. This shortcut not only saved us time and money but led us to Carmo Convent, the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a Gothic church. It felt surreal standing in a roofless nave, surrounded by arches open to the sky, while also enjoying one of the best views of the elevator from above.

To wrap up the day, we made our way to Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Miradouro is a viewpoint) just in time for golden hour. This laid-back viewpoint has a local vibe, and we loved it even more after grabbing drinks at Noobai Café, perched right at the edge. Sipping sangria while overlooking the river felt like the perfect way to wind down our first day in Lisbon.

Day 2: Alfama, Belem & Wine with a View

Since we were also working remotely during our Lisbon trip, we moved at a slower pace which gave us time to really immerse ourselves. Day 2 was all about soaking in the soul of Lisbon.

We started with a walking tour of Alfama and Graca, booked through Airbnb Experiences. These neighborhoods are some of the oldest in the city, and honestly, some of the most charming. Every cobblestone street seemed to tell a story, and the narrow alleyways felt like a trip back in time. Miradouro de Santa Luzia was one of the highlights, framed by blue-and-white azulejos (tiles) and flowering vines, it’s postcard-perfect and surprisingly tranquil despite its popularity.

After the tour, we walked up to Miradouro da Graça, where we had a truly Lisbon moment: sipping Vinho Verde (known as green wine which is basically a young white wine) with a panoramic view of the city. We bought a bottle of Gazela, a green wine our guide recommended, and loved it so much we searched for it back home. From the hills of Alfama, we headed down to the riverside to catch a tram to Belem.

Top Things to see in Belem

• The Torre de Belem, jutting out into the river like something from a fairytale
• The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a massive stone tribute to Portugal’s Age of Exploration
• And the Jerónimos Monastery, where you can easily spend an hour admiring the intricate Manueline architecture

We ended the evening on Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s answer to the Champs-Élysées. We walked the elegant boulevard, stopped at one of the many Banana Cafés for a quick bica (Portuguese espresso), and finally made our way to the Red Frog Speakeasy. It was our first-ever speakeasy experience, and they nailed the vibe: vintage interiors, jazz on the speakers, and seriously creative cocktails.

Tip: Wine lovers should check out ByTheWine where you have the chance to taste and savour wines from various regions of Portugal, each with its own distinct flavour profile.

Day 3: Local Gems, Rooftop Dining & Cacilhas

On our last day in Lisbon, we explored two of our favorite local neighborhoods. Started our day in Principe Real, Lisbon’s hip, stylish district full of indie boutiques, quiet parks, and trendy restaurants. We loved Gin Lovers Bar for its massive gin menu and laid-back ambiance, and later had dinner at La Paparrucha, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views and some of the best seafood we had in Portugal. We still dream about that view while enjoying our wine and fresh-grilled octopus.

Next, we walked down to Cais do Sodré and caught a ferry to Cacilhas, a small town across the river. Most visitors miss this, but it ended up being one of the most peaceful, scenic parts of our trip. The promenade here is perfect for a slow stroll with a view of Lisbon’s skyline across the water. Eventually, we made our way to the Sanctuary of Christ the King, a towering statue inspired by Rio’s Christ the Redeemer. From the top, the view of Lisbon is truly awe-inspiring – a perfect full-circle moment to end the trip.

And for our final stop: the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum). If you love art, culture, or just beautiful things, don’t skip this. The tiles are incredible, storytelling in ceramic form and give such insight into Portugal’s history.

Tip: Zenith is a trendy eatery is renowned for its delectable cuisine and stunning aesthetics. We came here multiple times – brunch as well as dinner and we just couldn’t get enough of it.

4 day itinerary Lisbon

In case you find another day to spend in this wonderful city, we would highly recommend adding Sintra in your 4 day itinerary for Lisbon. We will cover the details in another post, but you cannot go wrong with visiting Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Moorish Castle. Not to mention, it is a short train ride away.

Final Thoughts

Lisbon truly captured our hearts with its mix of old-world charm, soulful neighborhoods, and laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re sipping vinho verde at a hilltop miradouro, riding a tram past tiled façades, or indulging in brunch at a rooftop café, the city invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

This 3 day itinerary for Lisbon only scratches the surface of what this vibrant city has to offer but it’s the perfect starting point for first-timers looking to blend history, food, culture, and a touch of spontaneity. If you’re planning your own trip, we hope our journey inspires you to not just see Lisbon but to feel it. Because once you do, you’ll find it hard to leave.