Three Days in Lisbon: The Perfect 72-Hour Itinerary for Portugal’s Enchanting Capital

Are you planning to spend three days in Lisbon and wondering how to make the most of your time? Look no further! As Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon offers an intoxicating blend of historic charm, culinary delights, and cultural experiences that make it perfect for a weekend getaway or a short visit. This comprehensive Lisbon 3-day itinerary will guide you through the city’s most iconic attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.

Lisbon captivates visitors with its sun-drenched hills, vintage trams, intricate tilework, and melancholic fado music. Despite being one of Europe’s oldest cities, it maintains a refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere that welcomes travelers from all walks of life. With just 72 hours in Lisbon, you’ll need a strategic approach to experience the city’s essence without feeling rushed. I’ve carefully crafted this guide based on my multiple visits to help you navigate the seven hills and discover why this coastal gem continues to enchant travelers worldwide.

Day 1: Historic Lisbon – Exploring Alfama and Baixa Districts

Your first day in Lisbon should be dedicated to discovering the city’s historic heart. These neighborhoods not only represent some of the must-see attractions in Lisbon but also provide an excellent introduction to Portuguese culture and history.

Morning: Alfama’s Winding Streets. Three days in Lisbon

Begin your Lisbon adventure in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood that miraculously survived the devastating 1755 earthquake. This labyrinthine district is best explored on foot, despite the steep inclines. Start early to avoid both crowds and the midday heat.

Make São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) your first stop. Arriving early helps you beat the crowds at this 11th-century Moorish fortress. From its ramparts, enjoy panoramic views of the city’s terra-cotta rooftops cascading toward the Tagus River—a perfect introduction to Lisbon’s geography.

As you descend from the castle, lose yourself in Alfama’s narrow, winding streets. This is Lisbon at its most authentic—laundry hanging from balconies, elderly residents chatting on doorsteps, and the distant sounds of Fado music echoing through the alleys. Don’t worry about following a specific route; the joy of Alfama lies in spontaneous discovery.

Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the city’s oldest church dating back to 1147. With its imposing Romanesque facade and Gothic cloister, it represents the perfect starting point for understanding Lisbon’s religious heritage.

Afternoon: Baixa and Chiado

After lunch, head to Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown district rebuilt in a grid pattern after the earthquake. The contrast between Alfama’s medieval maze and Baixa’s organized streets is striking.

Begin at Praça do Comércio, the magnificent waterfront square that once welcomed ships from Portugal’s colonies. Walk through the triumphal arch into Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian shopping street, and take the elevator up the Arco da Rua Augusta for another spectacular city view.

Continue to Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV), the traditional gathering place for Lisboetas for centuries. Admire the wave-pattern cobblestones, ornate fountains, and the neoclassical National Theater.

For the late afternoon, ascend to the elegant Chiado neighborhood, Lisbon’s historic shopping and theater district. Visit the ruins of Carmo Convent, left partially destroyed as a memorial to the 1755 earthquake. End your day at Miradouro de Santa Catarina, where locals gather to watch the sunset over the Tagus with a refreshing ginjinha (cherry liqueur) in hand.

Evening: Fado Experience in Alfama

Return to Alfama for dinner and your first authentic Fado experience. This melancholic music genre, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, expresses Portugal’s concept of “saudade”—a deep longing or nostalgia.

Make reservations at a traditional Fado house like Clube de Fado or Parreirinha de Alfama, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine while talented fadistas perform throughout the evening. This immersive cultural experience perfectly caps your first day exploring historic Lisbon.

Day 2: Cultural Highlights and Belém’s Treasures

On your second day of three days in Lisbon, venture slightly further to explore the historic district of Belém, home to some of Portugal’s most significant monuments, while also experiencing more of Lisbon’s cultural offerings.

Morning: Belém’s Monuments

Take tram 15E from downtown Lisbon to Belém, a journey of about 20 minutes along the Tagus River. This district is intrinsically linked to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and houses several must-see attractions in Lisbon.

Your first stop should be the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), a breathtaking example of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, this 16th-century masterpiece features intricate stone carvings incorporating maritime elements and discoveries from the New World.

Just a short walk away stands the iconic Tower of Belém (Torre de Belém), another UNESCO site. This defensive fortress, built between 1514 and 1520, once guarded Lisbon’s harbor and symbolized the gateway to the Atlantic. The combination of Gothic and Moorish elements makes it one of Portugal’s most recognizable landmarks.

No visit to Belém would be complete without seeing the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a modern tribute to Portugal’s explorers. If time permits, take the elevator to the top for spectacular views of Belém and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Afternoon: Museums and Cultural Experiences

Before leaving Belém, make an essential culinary stop at Pastéis de Belém, the original bakery that has been making Portugal’s famous custard tarts (pastéis de nata) since 1837. Their secret recipe produces what many consider the best version of this national treat.

Spend the afternoon at one of Lisbon’s outstanding museums. Art enthusiasts should visit the Berardo Collection Museum, showcasing modern and contemporary art, or the National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches), housing the world’s most significant collection of historical royal carriages.

Return to central Lisbon and visit the Gulbenkian Museum, one of the city’s cultural treasures with its exceptional collection spanning 5,000 years of art from ancient Egypt to the 20th century. The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat from urban exploration.

Evening: Bairro Alto Nightlife

For your second evening in Lisbon, experience the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto. This neighborhood remains quiet during the day but transforms after dark when its countless small bars, restaurants, and Fado houses come alive.

Begin with dinner at one of the area’s traditional tascas or more contemporary restaurants. After dinner, join locals and tourists alike who spill onto the narrow streets with drinks in hand, creating a unique street party atmosphere. The neighborhood offers everything from traditional Fado venues to jazz clubs and bars playing electronic music.

For spectacular night views, visit the Santa Catarina viewpoint or take the famous Elevador da Bica, one of Lisbon’s historic funiculars. If you’re still energetic after midnight, head to the clubs along the riverfront in Cais do Sodré, particularly around the Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho), where the party continues until dawn.

Day 3: Day Trip Options or Lisbon’s Modern Side

For the final day of your three days in Lisbon itinerary, you have two excellent options: take a day trip to one of the beautiful destinations near Lisbon or explore the city’s more modern districts and attractions.

Option 1: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra, located just 30 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station, offers a fairy-tale landscape of lush forests, exotic gardens, and romantic palaces. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been a royal sanctuary since the 14th century and became a favorite retreat for aristocrats and artists during the 19th century.

Begin at the colorful Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena), one of Portugal’s most recognized landmarks. This Romanticist castle sits atop a hill and features vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements, and mythological statues. The surrounding park, with exotic trees and hidden pathways, is worth exploring as well.

Visit the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, an estate featuring Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance elements. Don’t miss the famous Initiation Well, a subterranean tower lined with stairs that was used for secretive ceremonies.

If time permits, see the well-preserved Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) with its panoramic views, or the National Palace of Sintra in the town center, recognizable by its distinctive twin chimneys.

For lunch, enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine in Sintra’s historic center before taking the bus to Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point, for dramatic Atlantic views.

Option 2: Modern Lisbon – Parque das Nações and LX Factory

If you prefer to stay in Lisbon, spend your third day exploring the city’s contemporary side. Start at Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), the ultra-modern district developed for the 1998 World Exposition.

Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa), one of the world’s largest aquariums, housing a remarkable diversity of marine species in environments that replicate their natural habitats. The central tank, visible from different levels, creates the illusion that all ocean creatures coexist in one massive ecosystem.

Stroll along the riverside promenade with its contemporary architecture, including the striking Vasco da Gama Bridge and the soaring Vasco da Gama Tower. The cable car ride offers an excellent overview of this redeveloped area.

In the afternoon, head to LX Factory in Alcântara, a revitalized industrial complex now home to creative businesses, unique shops, cafés, and restaurants. This hip cultural hub occupies a 19th-century textile factory and exemplifies Lisbon’s urban renewal. Don’t miss the Ler Devagar bookstore, housed in a former printing press, and climb to the rooftop of Rio Maravilha for panoramic views.

Evening: Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Regardless of which daytime option you choose, end your three days in Lisbon with a memorable sunset. Head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon’s highest viewpoint, located in the Graça neighborhood. This less-visited spot offers the most comprehensive panorama of the city.

Watch as the setting sun bathes Lisbon’s hills, the castle, the river, and the 25 de Abril Bridge in golden light. This tranquil moment provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on your Lisbon experience.

For your final dinner, consider splurging on contemporary Portuguese cuisine at a restaurant like Belcanto (with two Michelin stars) or the more accessible yet excellent Taberna da Rua das Flores. Alternatively, head to Time Out Market, where you can sample dishes from some of Lisbon’s best chefs under one roof.

Where to Stay During Your Three Days in Lisbon

Choosing the right neighborhood for your accommodations is crucial when planning a weekend trip to Lisbon. Each area offers a different atmosphere and advantages for your three-day visit.

Baixa and Chiado: Central Convenience

For first-time visitors spending just three days in Lisbon, staying in the central Baixa or Chiado districts offers maximum convenience. These neighborhoods put you within walking distance of many major attractions and provide excellent public transportation connections.

Baixa offers primarily larger, international hotel chains with reliable service, while Chiado features more boutique hotels in historic buildings. Both areas provide easy access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, making them ideal for visitors who want to maximize their limited time.

Alfama and Mouraria: Historic Charm

For travelers seeking an authentic experience, consider staying in the historic districts of Alfama or Mouraria. These neighborhoods offer charming guesthouses in renovated traditional buildings, many with stunning views.

Be aware that these areas feature steep, cobbled streets and fewer public transportation options, which may challenge travelers with mobility issues or heavy luggage. However, the atmospheric setting, with Fado music drifting from local establishments and laundry hanging from balconies, provides an immersive experience of traditional Lisbon.

Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré: Nightlife Hubs

If enjoying Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife is a priority during your 72 hours in Lisbon travel guide experience, consider accommodations in Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré. These areas host numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that remain lively until the early morning hours.

The trade-off is potential noise, particularly on weekends. However, many hotels and apartments in these areas feature good soundproofing, and you’ll appreciate the short walk back after enjoying Lisbon’s nightlife.

Príncipe Real and Estrela: Upscale Tranquility

For a more relaxed stay, consider the elegant residential neighborhoods of Príncipe Real and Estrela. These areas offer upscale accommodations in quieter settings while remaining within reasonable walking distance or a short tram ride from major attractions.

These neighborhoods feature beautiful gardens, antique shops, and some of the city’s finest restaurants, making them perfect for visitors seeking a more refined experience during their three days in Lisbon itinerary.

Getting Around Lisbon During Your 3-Day Visit

Navigating Lisbon efficiently is essential when you have just three days in Lisbon. Understanding the city’s transportation options helps maximize your limited time while experiencing some of Lisbon’s most iconic features.

Public Transportation: A Practical Approach

Lisbon’s public transportation system includes metros, buses, trams, funiculars, and elevators—all accessible with a reloadable Viva Viagem card. Purchase this card at any metro station and load it with individual tickets or a 24-hour pass that covers all public transportation.

The metro provides the fastest way to cover longer distances, with four lines connecting most areas of interest. However, many historic districts and top sights in Lisbon for short visits aren’t directly served by metro stations, requiring additional walking or transfers.

Historic Trams: Transportation as Attraction

Riding Lisbon’s vintage trams ranks among the city’s quintessential experiences. Tram 28 is particularly famous, winding through historic neighborhoods including Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Graça, passing many major attractions.

While charming, be aware that Tram 28 often experiences long queues and crowded conditions. Consider riding early in the morning or evening for a more comfortable experience. Alternatively, Trams 12 and 24 follow less touristy routes while still providing scenic views.

Walking: The Best Way to Experience Lisbon

Despite Lisbon’s famous hills, walking remains the best way to experience the city’s charm when spending just three days in Lisbon. Many attractions cluster in walkable areas, and the most authentic discoveries often happen while wandering between destinations.

Wear comfortable shoes with good traction for the slippery cobblestones and consider planning downhill routes. When facing a particularly steep ascent, utilize the public elevators and funiculars that Lisboetas have used for generations, including the Gothic-inspired Santa Justa Elevator connecting lower Baixa with Carmo Square.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Convenient Options

For longer distances or late-night returns to your accommodation, taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient and relatively affordable options. Official taxis are cream-colored or black with a green roof and operate on meters. Uber, Bolt, and Free Now also operate throughout Lisbon.

These services prove particularly useful when traveling to or from the airport, accessing attractions in more distant neighborhoods like Belém, or returning after a night out in Bairro Alto.

Where to Eat During Your 72 Hours in Lisbon

Portuguese cuisine remains one of the highlights when spending three days in Lisbon. From traditional taverns to contemporary restaurants, Lisbon offers exceptional dining experiences at notably lower prices than other European capitals.

Traditional Portuguese Eateries: Tascas and Cervejarias

For authentic Portuguese dining, visit local tascas (small, family-run restaurants) or cervejarias (seafood-focused establishments). These unpretentious venues often serve the most genuine versions of Portuguese classics.

Try Cervejaria Ramiro for outstanding seafood, including garlic shrimp, percebes (goose barnacles), and giant tiger prawns. For traditional meat dishes, A Casa do Bacalhau specializes in Portugal’s beloved salt cod, prepared in dozens of different ways.

Don’t miss trying petiscos—Portuguese tapas served in small portions—ideally at a local taberna. Petisqueira Ideal in Bairro Alto offers an excellent selection of these shareable plates in a lively atmosphere.

Must-Try Dishes for a Short Visit: Three days in Lisbon

With limited time during your Lisbon 3-day itinerary, prioritize these essential Portuguese dishes:

• Bacalhau (salt cod): Try it as bacalhau à brás (shredded with potatoes, eggs, and olives) or bacalhau com natas (with cream)
• Fresh seafood: Grilled sardines or polvo à lagareiro (octopus with olive oil and potatoes)
• Pastéis de nata: Custard tarts best enjoyed at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria
• Bifana: Simple but delicious pork sandwich, perfect for a quick lunch
• Caldo verde: Traditional kale soup with chouriço sausage
• Ginjinha: Cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups at A Ginjinha or Ginjinha Sem Rival

Contemporary Portuguese Cuisine: Modern Interpretations

Lisbon’s culinary scene has evolved dramatically, with talented chefs reinterpreting traditional flavors in creative ways. For a more refined experience, consider Alma or Belcanto, both helmed by acclaimed chef José Avillez and holding Michelin stars.

For approachable contemporary Portuguese cuisine, visit Local, where chef Hugo Gouveia transforms traditional recipes with modern techniques, or Taberna da Rua das Flores, offering innovative small plates in a historic setting.

Food Markets and Food Halls: Three days in Lisbon

For variety during your short stay, visit Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, housing over 40 restaurant concepts, many from renowned Lisbon chefs. This provides an excellent opportunity to sample multiple Portuguese specialties in one location.

The Mercado da Ribeira, in the same building as Time Out Market, operates as a traditional food market in the mornings, offering fresh produce, seafood, and other ingredients perfect for observing local food culture even if you’re not cooking during your stay.

Shopping and Souvenirs: What to Buy in Lisbon

Make your three days in Lisbon memorable by bringing home authentic Portuguese treasures. Lisbon offers distinctive shopping experiences, from traditional crafts to contemporary designer goods.

Traditional Portuguese Products: Three days in Lisbon

Azulejos (ceramic tiles) represent Portugal’s most iconic craft. While you shouldn’t remove historic tiles from buildings (a serious problem in Lisbon), you can purchase new hand-painted tiles from workshops like Sant’Anna Ceramics, operating since 1741.

Portuguese textiles make excellent souvenirs, especially items made from traditional materials like linen and cork. A Vida Portuguesa stores stock a curated selection of classic Portuguese products, including Bordalo Pinheiro ceramics featuring cabbage designs and the famous sardine patterns.

Vista Alegre porcelain, established in 1824, offers high-quality Portuguese ceramics, while handmade soaps from Claus Porto, beautifully packaged in art deco wrappers, make perfect gifts.

Shopping Districts and Markets: Three days in Lisbon

For diverse shopping during your three days in Lisbon, explore these distinctive areas:

• Baixa and Chiado: Major shopping streets including Rua Augusta and Rua do Carmo, featuring international brands and traditional Portuguese shops
• Príncipe Real: Independent boutiques, design stores, and concept shops like Embaixada, housed in a 19th-century palace
• LX Factory: Creative hub with unique stores selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothing
• Feira da Ladra: Lisbon’s oldest flea market, held Tuesdays and Saturdays in Alfama, perfect for antiques and curiosities

Edible Souvenirs: Three days in Lisbon

Food items make excellent souvenirs from your Lisbon 3-day itinerary. Consider bringing home:

• Conservas (tinned fish): Beautifully packaged sardines, tuna, and other seafood from shops like Conserveira de Lisboa
• Portuguese wines: Especially Port, Madeira, or wines from regions like Alentejo and Douro
• Ginjinha: Cherry liqueur sold in decorative bottles
• Portuguese olive oil and flor de sal (sea salt)
• Pastéis de nata: Many shops offer vacuum-sealed versions that travel well for short periods

Frequently Asked Questions About Spending Three Days in Lisbon

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Three Days in Lisbon

As your three days in Lisbon come to an end, you’ll likely feel you’ve only scratched the surface of this multifaceted city. Lisbon’s blend of historic charm and contemporary energy, traditional values and forward-thinking creativity, makes it one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.

This carefully crafted Lisbon 3-day itinerary balances must-see attractions with authentic experiences, allowing you to develop a genuine connection with the city. From the ancient streets of Alfama to the monumental grandeur of Belém, from traditional Fado performances to contemporary culinary innovations, your brief visit provides a comprehensive introduction to Portuguese culture and history.

Remember that Lisbon’s true character emerges in the spaces between major attractions—in neighborhood cafés where locals gather, in miradouros where the city reveals itself at sunset, and in spontaneous moments of discovery as you navigate its seven hills. Embrace the Portuguese concept of “desenrascar” (making do with what’s available) and allow flexibility in your plans.

Whether you’re climbing cobblestone streets, savoring pastéis de nata with cinnamon-dusted espresso, or watching the sunset paint the Tagus River golden, Lisbon’s sensory richness creates lasting memories. The city’s unhurried pace and welcoming atmosphere provide a refreshing alternative to more frenetic European capitals.

As you plan your three days in Lisbon, remember that this itinerary serves as a framework rather than a rigid schedule. Adapt it to your interests, energy levels, and unexpected discoveries. And when you inevitably fall under Lisbon’s spell, begin planning your return visit to explore all the places you couldn’t fit into your first three days.

Lisbon doesn’t merely welcome visitors—it embraces them, inviting them to participate in its ongoing story. Your brief stay represents just the beginning of your relationship with this extraordinary city, where ancient traditions and modern innovations coexist in perfect harmony.