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3 days in Lisbon: What to see, where to eat and how to move around
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Joanna Horanin
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Last updated at 11/11/2025, 11:30
Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.
Are you going to Lisbon? Do you only have three days and want to see the city without rushing? This article will show you exactly how to do it. It includes a detailed itinerary, places worth seeing, transportation options, restaurants, and practical advice. See the capital of Portugal, discover its most beautiful places, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this city.
I have been living near Lisbon for years. I got to know it slowly, without rushing, because I have time for that. My friends and family have less time when they visit me. For those who come here for the first time, I always have a plan that shows them the most important parts of the city. Below you will find it described step by step, along with maps and addresses. You don’t have to look anywhere else. In this post, you will find a detailed route, links to attractions and places worth visiting – and which I have actually checked out myself.
Visiting Lisbon – Your plan for 3 days at a glance
Day 1
- The classic Lisbon – the most important sights: Alfama, the Tram 28, view points
Day 2
- Belém – a cruise on the river, Time Out Market
Day 3
- Modern Lisbon – LX Factory, Chill
Bonus
- Less known places
Day 1 – The classic Lisbon – All the important sights
Start with a good breakfast in the city center. There are many options here. You can do as the Portuguese do and eat a sweet, buttery croissant at one of the roadside bars or in a family-run café. Wash it down with a galão – coffee with lots of milk. Many locals drink hot milk, which you can order in such cafés. I recommend Padaria do Bairro. If it’s not on your way, just walk along the nearest street to find a café. Want your breakfast to be a little higher quality? Head to the popular brunch spots – Nicolau or Fauna & Flora.
In the city center, start your tour with two squares – Rossio and Praça do Commercio. The latter is crowned with the Augusta Arch, built to commemorate the great earthquake of the 18th century – an event that changed Lisbon forever. You can get to the top of the arch. The entrance is located just after the passage from the square to Rua Augusta, on the right-hand side.
Lisbon is located on hills, and everywhere here is uphill. However, this allows you to admire the city from above. There are many beautiful viewpoints around the center. On the first day, go to Miraduro da Graça, which is also in the beautiful Graça district. Here you will find many small streets that you can explore slowly and peacefully.
Pro Tip: The best way of visiting the city is on foot and by public transport. Before you go, buy Lisbon Card, which will make it cheaper and easier to use the metro, trams and buses.
Once you have seen the Graça neighborhood, head to Lisbon’s oldest district, Alfama. On the way, stop at the beautiful viewpoints of Miraduro da Santa Luzia and Miradura das Portas do Sol. I like the kiosk that stands next to the latter viewpoint. I order a coffee or wine and sit at a table overlooking the port and the river. It’s often crowded here, but you can usually find a free table.
An additional attraction along the way is the Sé Cathedral. It is a beautiful 12th-century Romanesque building. The interior is very modest, but I personally like the exterior very much. It is a nice place to take photos, especially since the yellow tram passes by it.
Right next door is the Church of St. Francis. In the courtyard in front of the church, you will find installations in honor of the saint. They change depending on the season and accompanying festivals.
Alfama is a beautiful old district which, under Moorish rule, was the very center of the city. When the center was moved to neighboring Baixa in the 12th century, Alfama became home to the lower classes. Today, it is a tourist destination, but it has not lost its charm. You can spend the whole day wandering through its streets and alleys.
At the bottom of the hill, you will find the Fado Music Museum, which is very interesting. It is worth spending an hour or two here to learn more about Portuguese culture.
In the afternoon, catch a tram. Tram 28 is the most popular and busiest. Its first stop is at Martim Moniz Square.
Pro Tip: The tram 28 is always packed. Instead, to avoid crowds, catch the tram number 12, which also goes through nice spots.
Where to have dinner? I highly recommend visiting one of the traditional tasec restaurants. I have my favorites, which I highly recommend. Click here and choose yours.
Day 2 – Belém, river cruise and Time Out Market
Belém is a historic district of Lisbon. Here you will find beautiful architectural wonders. You can spend most of the day in this very small area.
You can get there by bus number 732 from the city center or by train from Cais do Sodré.
Start your tour at the Jerónimos Monastery. It is a huge monastery complex, built in the 16th century. Its construction was started by Manuel I in 1502. The monastery was intended as a thanksgiving for Vasco da Gama’s successful expedition. It is not only a visually stunning building but also an important place for the Portuguese. Kings, Vasco da Gama, and writer Luis de Camiões, along with another Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, are buried here.
Pro Tip: The entrance to the convent is usually crowded. It’s good to buy your tickets before. Book them here.
Across the street, in a small park, there is a small Thai pavilion. It is an important place for me because I love Thailand and when I miss it, I like to go back there, sit on a bench and just look at the crystals glistening in the sun. The park is a good place for a short rest before you move on.
The Monument to the Discoverers is over 50 meters high and resembles a caravel in shape. At the very front is Henry the Navigator, leading other explorers—Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Diogo Cão, and others. The entire monument is made of concrete and covered with pink stone from Leiria. It blends beautifully with the blue water and green hills nearby. Visiting the monument is free, but you can also go inside. It is worth buying a ticket online in advance.
A little further on, you will find Torre de Bélem – a tower standing in the water. The building itself is very austere and not as beautiful as what you will see earlier, but it looks great, especially when the tide is in. You can also enter the tower.
For dessert, head to Pasteis de Belém. This is where the famous pastel de nata cakes were invented. You can buy them individually or in packs. You will see long queues outside, but don’t be discouraged, as the service is very fast.
Take a tram, bus, or train to Cais do Sodré and visit Time Out Market. Try Portuguese specialties, cheese, snacks, and wine. If you can’t get enough of pastel de nata, buy another portion at Mantageria. In my opinion, they are much better than in Belém. I recently tried them in the city center, and the pastry around the custard was extremely crispy and slightly salty, which I had not experienced before.
Time Out Market is about 10 minutes from Terreiro do Paço. This is where ferries depart for evening cruises. You can choose from those with snacks, dinner, or even a party and unlimited drinks. Some time ago, I went to see the sunset and it was really beautiful. Check out your cruise options here.
For dinner, I recommend seafood. Ramiro is very popular. However, you need to book a place and a table in advance. It is also quite a touristy restaurant. Not far away is A Marisqueira do Lis. It is a very local place that offers similar options to Ramiro.
Day 3 – Modern Lisbon
Lisbon also has a very interesting and cool side. There are many artistic places here, somewhat different and newer. LX Factory is an area of former factories that were closed down long ago. The empty spaces have been turned into a lively place filled with shops, stalls, bars, and art workshops. Check out the Livraria Ler Devagar bookstore, which has also been converted from a factory.
You can have a good lunch at LX. The prices here are a bit higher, and the food is a little less local. However, I recommend 1300 Taberna for its interesting decor, Mex Factory if you like Mexican food, and good sushi at Sushi Factory. If you want to eat something really local, you will find the O Golfinho tavern nearby.
After lunch, head towards the river. It’s worth taking a look at the MAAT art gallery. The building is beautiful. It also has a terrace from which you can see the surrounding area and the river. MAAT often has additional special exhibitions, which often cost €10 for admission. In my opinion, the price is not worth it. The gallery is very small and the exhibitions occupy 2-3 rooms.
From here, you can easily walk under the 25 de Abril Bridge. Right next to it, there is also a nice promenade with cafés where you can sit down for a drink.
The best way to get back to the city is by Uber or Bolt.
I recommend going to see the sunset. You can see it for free, for example, from the coast at Cais do Sodré or from one of the viewpoints. If you want to have a cocktail and sit on a nice terrace, I recommend Park Rooftop or Entretanto Rooftop Bar at Hotel Chiado.
Bonus – Less known places in Lisbon
If you have a little more time, your 3-day sightseeing plan for Lisbon can also include these hidden gems:
Palacio do Grilo – a small palace on the outskirts of Lisbon, where interesting things happen after dark, over dinner and candlelight.
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga – a very large museum with beautiful collections. It will take you a long time to explore it. That’s why I only recommend the garden at the back of the museum with a viewing terrace.
Casa do Alentejo – beautifully decorated rooms of an association of people from the Alentejo region.
8 Marvila – former port warehouses, where you will find shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Alfama – if you want to experience the unique atmosphere of the city. Prices are slightly higher here. Avoid June, when street parties are held every day in Alfama. Recommended places:
- Casa Aurora – bairro típico a minutos do Terreiro
- Portugal Here I come, Alfama
- Apartamento Visto Rio Tejo
Bairro Alto – if you care about nightlife and easy access to bars and restaurants. Note – it can be noisy and crowded. Recommended places:
Cais do Sodre – good location, close to the river.
FAQs
Is three days in Lisbon enough?
Lisbon is a large city, and three days is enough to see the most important sights. If you want to visit Sintra or Cascais, which are located outside Lisbon, you will need to spend more time in Lisbon.
Which tickets are worth buying in advance?
It is definitely worth buying the Lisbon Card, which gives you access to various attractions. You can also use it to travel on public transport. With this card, you no longer have to worry about admission fees, but it is always worth checking if you need to buy anything else. Avoid queues by booking your tickets online, e.g. through Getyourguide.
How to get from the airport to the city center?
The cheapest way to get from the airport is by subway. Exit the terminal and you will see the station right in front of you. From the airport, take the red line to São Sebastião, where you will need to change to the blue line, which goes to the city center.
A more expensive option is, of course, Uber. The Uber and Bolt stop is in the parking lot. After leaving the baggage claim hall, turn left towards the parking lot.
If you want even more comfort and a piece of mind, book a private transfer. DayTrip provides carefully vetted drivers, clean and very comfortable cars and really great customer service. I have recently travelled from Porto station to Valongo and it was amazing. The car was perfect, the driver was extremely helpful and nice and I felt like a queen! Book your car here and enjoy the best possible drive to the centre of Lisbon.
Check here for detailed information on public transportation in Lisbon.
What is the best way to get around Lisbon?
The best way to get around Lisbon is on foot. If you are fit and energetic, forget about the car. The Portuguese capital is not designed for cars, and traffic here is heavy. On foot, you will see more and have the opportunity to really feel the atmosphere of the city.
Hiring a guide is also a good idea. You can choose from Polish-speaking guides, who are easy to find on Google, or you can take advantage of GetYourGuide tours, which I recommend.
Read more about how to get around Lisbon and how to explore it best.