3 Days in Lisbon: The Definitive Itinerary + Invaluable Tips

Straddling seven hills and full of ornate architecture and deep-rooted traditions topped with a bohemian flair, Lisbon is a bonafide tour de force on the Iberian peninsula. When spending 3 days in Lisbon you’ll definitely want to experience its intriguing architecture, storied history, rich culture, quirks, and delectable cuisine. Here’s our lowdown on the best things to do in Lisbon over a weekend 🙂

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Why You Should Spend 3 Days in Lisbon

Being one of the oldest cities in the world, which in fact served as a starting point for many famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Lisbon is as rich in culture as a city can possibly get. It’s no wonder that the city is so popular with tourists and is one of the most visited cities in Southern Europe.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most visually distinctive capitals with rambling old quarters and the waterfront that runs along the Tagus River to the Atlantic Ocean.

Lisbon is delightfully laid-back and the locals are genuinely friendly so you feel very much at home here. It is also a culinary mecca with a wide array of seafood options and mouth-watering pastries.

Most of all, it is blessed with pleasant year-round weather which makes it ideal for sightseeing even during the winter.

Is 3 Days in Lisbon Enough?

You can easily fill a whole week or more in Lisbon if visiting for the first time, enjoying the plethora of attractions, dining out, and exploring like a local. However, if you are short on time, 3 days in Lisbon will ensure you see the best of the city and get a real taste of what is on offer!

Getting To Lisbon

If you’re traveling to Lisbon by air, you’ll be flying to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), formerly known as Portela Airport. The airport is located 7 km (4 miles) north of Lisbon’s city center.

The easiest and quickest way to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center is by taking the metro (Aeroporto – Saldanha line), which takes you to downtown Lisbon in 20 minutes. A single ticket costs 1.65 EUR with the ‘Viva Viagem’ electronic travel card (0.50 EUR).

The Carristur-operated AeroBus departs from outside the arrivals hall roughly every 20 minutes from 7:00–23:00. It stops at major points in the city center via Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, Restauradores, Rossio, and Praça do Comércio to Cais do Sodré (25 to 35 minutes). Tickets cost 3.60 EUR and can be purchased on board.

Several bus lines (705, 722, 744, and 783) stop at the Lisbon Airport arrivals terminal, taking you to different parts of the city. However, the maximum baggage size allowed in these buses is 50x40x20cm. If your baggage exceeds this size, you must take the Aerobus. Tickets cost 2 EUR.

A taxi into central Lisbon from Libon Airport should cost around 15 EUR, plus additional luggage/pet fees depending on the driver. Taxis can be found outside the departures and arrivals terminals. Make sure the taxi meter is turned on at the beginning of the journey and always ask for a receipt.

Probably the most comfortable way to get to and from Lisbon Airport and the city center is by taking a private/shared transfer which will take you directly to/from your Lisbon hotel.

• Click here to book a private/shared transfer to/from Lisbon Airport

How to Get Around During Your 3 Days in Lisbon

Wandering on foot remains the best way to explore Lisbon’s neighborhoods and stumble upon hidden gems. Despite being located on seven hills, Lisbon is a pedestrian-friendly city and you will truly appreciate its charm by walking.

However, as Lisbon is quite spread out, walking the whole city is not recommended. The best way to get around Lisbon is by the well-functioning public transportation system, especially if you have only 72 hours in the city.

Thus, for this three-day Lisbon itinerary, we recommend both walking and using public transport.

The fastest and cheapest way to get around Lisbon using public transport is by the metro (Metropolitano). Metro stations are signposted with a red “M”, and the service operates from 06:30 to 01:00 every day.

Buses have the most extensive network, while trams offer good sightseeing opportunities. The only downside is that both are prone to delays due to heavy traffic congestion.

Three historic funiculars (Glória, Bica, and Lavra) can also be used to go up some of Lisbon’s steepest hills.

Single-trip paper tickets for buses (2 EUR), trams (3 EUR), and funiculars (3.80 EUR/2 trips) can be bought upon boarding.

However, the most practical option for using public transport in Lisbon is to buy an electronic smart card called the Viva Viagem Card on which tickets are loaded.

Viva Viagem cards cost 0.50 EUR and can be purchased from ticket vending machines at metro stations, ticket offices at major stations in the Lisbon metropolitan area, and some railway stations, shops, and newsagents.

Once you have the Viva Viagem Card, you can load a single ticket or a 1 day (24-hour) ticket on it. A single ticket costs 1.65 EUR and is valid for unlimited journeys on public transport for 60 minutes following the first validation.

A 24-hour public transport ticket in Lisbon costs 6.60 EUR. Both the single ticket and the 1-day ticket can be purchased at ticket machines.

Make use of the very useful intermodal Journey Planner for getting around Lisbon with public transport.

Taxis are also another option as they offer the swiftest way to get around. The minimum charge is 3.25 EUR during the day and 3.90 EUR at night. Prices increase at around 50 cents a kilometer. Always insist on the taximeter as it is required by law.

Just be careful not to get ripped off as scams are quite common. Uber also has a significant presence in Lisbon and can be another alternative to get around.

Lisbon is by no means a very bicycle-friendly city due to its cobbled streets, hilly terrain, and the paucity of dedicated bike lanes. However, you can always get an e-bike, and routes along the waterfront are mostly flat and largely traffic-free.

In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Lisbon on bike, check out this excellent Lisbon E-Bike Tour.

If you’re not up for a long walk or cycle around Lisbon, you could also get around on a segway, which can cover a larger area than a walk-around. In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Lisbon on a segway, check out this fantastic Lisbon Segway Tour.

Since Lisbon is so hilly, tuk-tuks are a convenient and fun way to see the city. If you’re interested in seeing the top sights of Lisbon on a tuk-tuk, check out this wildly popular Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour.

For those craving an audio guide and extra comfort, you can also get around the city with Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.

Is the Lisbon Card Worth it for 3 Days?

The Lisbon Card is an all-inclusive city card that gives you free entry and discounts to more than 30 of the top attractions and museums in Lisbon. The Lisbon Card also includes unlimited free travel unlimited travel by public transport (buses, trams, metro, elevators, and funiculars).

When spending three days in Lisbon, it would be a good idea to invest in the Lisbon Card, especially if you’re planning on going inside the sights we’ve listed.

Your 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

For this ‘3 days in Lisbon’ itinerary, I have decided to give you a good mix of popular sights and off-beat corners. It is also possible to follow this itinerary if you are spending a weekend in Lisbon.

I’ve divided the itinerary in such a way that it gives you a multifaceted view of the city. For your convenience, this post includes a free map that highlights the main points of interest in Lisbon for three days.

You can find the addresses of the attractions by clicking on the icons in the map. I understand that everyone travels at a different pace so feel free to choose the destinations according to your own pace.

The earlier you start your day the more time you’ll have to see the attractions. Below I have compiled a list of the best things to see (or eat) in Lisbon over the course of three days:

Day 1 in Lisbon

Day one of our ‘3 days in Lisbon’ itinerary will cover the sights around the Belém district, inextricably linked with Portugal’s golden Age of Discovery. Today, Belém is a spacious, relatively green suburb with many museums, parks, and gardens.

1. Pastéis de Belém

Kick off your 3 days in Lisbon by heading to the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery. It is famous for concocting the pastel de nata, a creamy, flaky egg tart pastry filled with custard that is dusted with cinnamon.

Pastel de Nata is found all over Lisbon but according to us and legions of Lisbon natives, the original and best version is found at the Pastéis de Belém bakery. The tarts sold here are known as Pastéis de Belém, all others are imitations, so they say.

Pastel de Nata’s history is interlaced with the Belém neighborhood in which it emanated. Monks from the nearby Jerónimos Monastery originally sold the treat at a local sugar refinery in the 18th century.

In 1837, the pastry began to be produced at Pastéis de Belém using the same recipe that is still used today. It is dangerously YUMMY and you have to try it while you’re in Lisbon!

In addition to the pastries, one other reason to love Pastéis de Belém is the lovely blue-white azulejos inside.

Pastéis de Belém is open daily between 08:00-20:00. Given its lofty reputation, there’s always a long queue at Pastéis de Belém. Once inside, make your way to the rear so it will be easier to get a table.

2. Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Lisbon. It is not only the most glorious monument in Lisbon but is also a national icon.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1502, was constructed in the Manueline style of architecture and blends ostentatious Gothic and Moorish influences with elements of nascent Renaissance. I reckon it’s the most ambitious and impressive example of Manueline architecture that I’ve ever seen.

Built to honor Vasco da Gama’s epic 1498 voyage to India, Jerónimos is as much a symbol of the wealth of the Age of Discovery as it is a house of worship. During this time it was a symbol of wealth and power and it is sure to leave you impressed even today.

The monastery was cared for by the Order of St Jerome (Hieronymites) until 1834 when all religious orders were disbanded.

Look out for the south portal in the exterior of the building, which dazzles with its exuberant carvings of the Virgin of Bethlehem surrounded by angels, rich floral details, and scenes from the life of St. Jerome.

The breathtaking sense of space inside the church of Santa Maria makes it one of the wonders of European Gothic.

The marvelous vaulting in the church is held aloft by slender octagonal pillars, entwined with characteristic Manueline carved ropes and exotic flora. The 19th-century tomb of the legendary navigator Vasco Da Gama is carved with armillary spheres and other seafaring symbols.

For us, the highlight of the interior was definitely the cloister which features delicate tracery and richly carved Manueline motifs of ropes, foliage, exotic animals, and navigational instruments that adorn the arches and balustrades.

The delicate twisting divisions within the arches lend a wave-like, rhythmic motion to the whole place. The refectory is also worth seeing and its walls are tiled with 18th-century azulejos.

Jerónimos Monastery is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-17:30 (October-April) and 09:30-18:00 (May-September). The entrance costs 10 EUR.

I highly recommend buying the skip-the-line ticket as the queues at the Jerónimos Monastery are extremely long and you will save precious time.

3. Centro Cultural de Belém

Situated in Lisbon’s historic Belém district, the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) is a multidimensional cultural venue that plays a key role in the city’s contemporary art scene.

This sprawling complex, known for its distinctive architecture and its position near the Tagus River, is home to the MAC/CCB Museum, several performance spaces, exhibition areas, and a conference center.

Designed by Italian architect Vittorio Gregotti and Portuguese architect Manuel Salgado, the Centro Cultural de Belém complex features bold, geometric forms and expansive, light-filled spaces.

At the heart of the CCB lies the MAC/CCB Museum (formerly known as the Berardo Collection Museum), which houses one of Europe’s most esteemed collections of modern and contemporary art. With over 900 works on display, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the major art movements from the 20th to the 21st century.

Visitors can admire significant pieces from movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and more. The museum boasts works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Francis Bacon, among others.

The Berardo Collection Museum is often lauded for its thematic organization, which allows visitors to journey through the evolution of contemporary art chronologically.

Some notable highlights of the Berardo Collection Museum are:

• Tête de Femme by Pablo Picasso
• Brillo Box and Campbell’s Soup by Andy Warhol
• Picture Emphasising Stillness by David Hockney
• Le Gouffre Argenté by Rene Magritte

Apart from the MAC/CCB Museum, the CCB houses several performance spaces, including a large auditorium known for hosting concerts, theatre productions, and ballet performances. The smaller rooms often host film screenings, lectures, and workshops.

The MAC/CCB Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:30). The entrance to the museum costs 5 EUR with free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

4. Monument to the Discoveries

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is one of the most notable points of interest in Lisbon and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The 52-meter tall monument is dedicated to some of Portugal’s most famous explorers, who truly shaped the country’s history by playing a vital part in the development of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

This landmark structure was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

The monument is designed in the shape of a caravel, with Portugal’s coat of arms on the sides and the sword of the Royal House of Avis rising above the entrance. Henry the Navigator stands at the prow with a caravel in hand.

The two sloping lines on either side of the monument feature a wonderful frieze of statues of the most prominent luminaries, Vasco da Gama and Fernão de Magalhães, among others.

There is a map of the world in multicolored marble on the floor in front of the memorial, with the dates of the discoveries set in metal.

The Monument to the Discoveries is open daily from 10:00-18:00 (October-February) and 10:00-19:00 (March-September). For a cost of 10 EUR, you can take the elevator to the rooftop from where you will also have a wonderful view over the River Tagus.

5. Lunch

There are several great eateries in the Belem district. Try Os Jeronimos or O Pedrouços for some great local seafood.

6. Belém Tower

Only about a kilometer from the Discoveries Monument near the mouth of the river Tagus, you will find Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), a truly majestic Portuguese tower that serves as an emblem of Portugal’s amazing Age of Discovery.

The Belém Tower is arguably the most symbolic of all of Lisbon’s historical monuments. It was initially built in 1515 as a fortress that guarded the entrance to Lisbon harbor, and therefore Lisbon in general. It then served as a starting point for the navigators who set out to discover the trade routes,

This valuable and iconic monument is justifiably protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just like Jerónimos Monastery, it is an example of the lavish Manueline style of architecture whose ornate façade is enhanced with fanciful maritime and floral motifs.

Adorned with rope carved in stone, the picturesque tower has openwork balconies, Moorish-style watchtowers, and distinctive battlements in the shape of shields. The Moorish influence is very strong in the delicately arched windows and balconies.

It is worth exploring the interior of the Belem Tower, especially seeing the elegant arcaded Renaissance loggia. You can also see the armory and former dungeon here.

Belem Tower is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-17:30 (October-April) and 09:30-18:00 (May-September). The entrance costs 6 EUR. Consider buying the skip-the-line ticket in order to save some time.

7. National Coach Museum

The National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches) was one of our favorite things to do in Lisbon.

This wonderful museum contains one of the finest and largest collections of coaches and ceremonial vehicles in the world. The collection of vehicles dates from the 17th to the 20th centuries and is a real treat to witness.

Made in Portugal, Italy, France, Austria, and Spain, the historic royal carriages range from the plain to the ostentatious. The most sumptuous ones are lined with red velvet and gold interiors, while their exteriors are carved and decorated with allegories and royal coats of arms.

Watch out for the three massive Baroque coaches that are embellished with life-size gilded statues.

The National Coach Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30). The entrance costs 8 EUR.

8. Christ the King Statue

My first glance at the Christ the King Statue (Cristo Rei) prompted me to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn’t in Rio.

Inspired by the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this impressive 28-meter tall figure of Christ, mounted on an 82-meter pedestal, overlooks the shores of the Tagus River from the small municipality of Almada.

To get there, you can simply catch a ferry to the port of Cacilhas which is paid for just like a metro ride. From here you can take a short bus ride up the hill to the foot of the statue. The views from here are absolutely spectacular.

For a fee (8 EUR), you can also go to the statue’s viewing platform, but it really isn’t necessary. We ourselves were more than pleased staying put and taking in the view for free.

9. LX Factory

Cap off the first day of this ‘3 days in Lisbon’ itinerary by heading to the LX Factory, Lisbon’s creative hub. The complex opened in the 19th century as a textile factory, then housed a variety of industrial companies before being abandoned in the 1980s.

During the economic crisis of 2008, it became a haven for young artists and designers, who metamorphosed it into one of the most important creative centers in Lisbon. Do not miss out on the LX Factory as it is one of the best offbeat things to see when spending a weekend in Lisbon.

Young creatives and trendsetters fill the fashionable bars, clubs, design shops, and galleries that surround the streets here. An eclectic dining scene features everything from trendy restaurants to artisan coffee shops.

We recommend checking out Rio Maravilha, an amazing rooftop gastropub that has a mosaic statue of a woman imitating the Cristo Rei on the other side of the river.

You don’t have to be a hipster or an art connoisseur to appreciate this place. The atmosphere is really chill and no-nonsense. LX Factory has managed to stay out of travel guides so it hasn’t been inundated with tourists which is advantageous.

The brick buildings here are full of graffiti that seems to reflect social criticism. The best place for us here was the cavernous Ler Devagar Bookstore whose walls are filled with books up to the ceiling and has flying bicycles suspended from its ceiling.

Day 2 in Lisbon

Day Two of this ‘3 Days in Lisbon’ itinerary will take you through the main sights in the Alfama, Baixa, and the Barrio Alto districts. This is the most touristy part of Lisbon and thus it will be a long day.

1. Check out the Viewpoints

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without making the trek to one of the numerous cinematic viewpoints (miradouros) scattered all over Lisbon that stem from the city being built over seven hills.

Some of the best viewpoints In Lisbon are Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte and Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

The views from the top are great and offer astonishing angles over the red rooftops and the pastel-colored houses. You can also admire the bustling urban mosaic of pedestrianized streets, the ubiquitous Castle of St. George, and the River Tagus.

2. Carmo Convent

The Carmo Convent (Igreja do Carmo) is a semi-ruined medieval convent that now functions as an archaeological museum. This was one of my favorite things to see in Lisbon.

The convent was once considered the largest church in Lisbon until it was flattened by the earthquake of 1755. Reconstruction began a year later but stopped in 1834 after the religious orders in Portugal were abolished.

The naves, transept, and chapels were never fully rebuilt so now it has a roofless nave. I think it is perhaps even more beautiful as a result and looks pretty funky! The Gothic ruins now serve as evocative reminders of the devastation left by the earthquake.

Nowadays, the main body of the church houses a small museum showcasing a small, but very eclectic collection of books, coins, mosaics, a 16th Century Peruvian mummy, and an Egyptian sarcophagus! Photography is prohibited though, so you’ll just have to go there yourself to check it out.

The opening hours of the Carmo Convent are Monday-Saturday, 10:00-18:00 (October-April) and 10:00-19:00 (May-September). The entrance costs 5 EUR.

3. Santa Justa Lift

The Neo-Gothic Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) is one of the most eccentric landmarks in the Lisbon skyline.

Santa Justa Lift was built at the turn of the 20th century by the French architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a protégé of Gustave Eiffel. It is Lisbon’s sole vertical street lift and was steam-powered until 1907.

It is made of iron and embellished with lovely filigree motifs. Passengers can travel up and down the innards of a latticework iron tower to a viewing platform.

4. Rossio Square

Rossio Square, officially known as the Plaza Don Pedro IV, is one of the most charming places and notable things to see in Lisbon.

Rossio Square used to be the focus of major city events for 500 years, until the 18th century. This was where citizens gathered to enjoy carnivals and bullfights or to witness public executions.

It still exudes the old grandeur of Lisbon and is a popular meeting point among the locals. The unusual wave-like mosaic pavement, which alternates between lighter and darker stone, left me dizzy with appreciation.

Also to be found in the square are two Baroque fountains depicting mythical figures as well as a monument of Dom Pedro IV, a former Portuguese king and the first emperor of Brazil.

Rossio Square is lined with many fantastic cafes. In fair weather, grab a chair and sit on the terrace and people-watch while sipping a coffee or Mojito.

You can do your Lisbon shopping fix here as Avenida da Liberdade is just around the corner and home to numerous upmarket fashion stores.

Don’t forget to quickly take a peek at Rossio Station (Estação do Rossio), which lies to the northwest of Rossio Square. A gorgeous neo-Manueline building with horseshoe-shaped arches and swirly turrets, Rossio Station resembles a lavishly-adorned palace than a station.

5. Rua Augusta

Make your way down Rua Augusta Street which leads down to Commerce Square. Rua Augusta is one of the best-known and most important shopping streets in Lisbon. The street runs from Rossio Square to Commerce Square.

In addition to a number of large international stores, there are also numerous catering establishments and a few shops here that are unique to Lisbon.

The entrance to Commerce Square is formed by the Arco da Rua Augusta. This triumphal arch was built in memory of the 1755 earthquake. I loved how vibrant this street was with its many terraces, street artists, and music.

6. Commerce Square

Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is the largest and most famous square in Lisbon. It was rebuilt in the eighteenth century, after the cataclysmic 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, and was previously called the Palace Square since it housed the royal palace.

There are plenty of great photo opportunities in this scenic square such as the monumental triumphal arch and a towering statue of King José I on horseback in the center.

Some great cafes and restaurants line the square including Café Martinho da Arcada, Lisbon’s oldest cafe, which used to be a popular hang-out of the city’s literati. Commerce Square leads elegantly down to the banks of the Rio Tejo, a great place for strolling, reading, or sipping coffee.

You can explore the riverfront and marvel at the square’s 18th-century arcades and Pombaline architecture. Today, the vast open space of Commerce Square is used for cultural events and festivals.

7. Conserveira de Lisboa

We weren’t aware that tinned fish is a big deal in Portugal. Luckily we got the scoop about this just before we left from one of our Portuguese friends, a Lisbon native herself, who swore by it and told us that we would have to check it out.

Conserveira de Lisboa is an iconic shop in Lisbon that has specialized in tinned fish since the 1930s. The shelves in the shop are stocked with endless rows of fish treats.

The Instagrammable retro packaging of the colorful tins is adorable. You can get a wide variety of seafood such as cod, eel, mackerel, octopus, sardines, and tuna here. It is gobsmackingly good!

These make for a great souvenir option as well so you might want to pick up some. They cost between 2-3 EUR depending on the variety of fish.

8. Lunch

The Lisbon downtown area is home to several great restaurants. However, there are lots of tourist trap joints around here that look inviting but the food quality is mediocre.

Some good places in this area are Taberna Moderna – an authentic Portuguese restaurant and India Gate – a lovely Indian restaurant.

9. Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral (Sé Catedral) is a must-see attraction when sightseeing in Lisbon. The cathedral is the oldest religious edifice in the city and holds great architectural significance.

It was founded in 1150 to commemorate the defeat of the Moors three years earlier and stands on the site once occupied by the city’s main mosque.

Over the course of its history, it has been altered a few times, so it reflects a mishmash of architectural styles, including Gothic, Neoclassical, Romanesque, and Rococo.

The church facade resembles a medieval fortress as it is dominated by two large crenelated towers and an intricately carved massive rose window.

There are several notable tombs inside. Little remains of the original cathedral beyond the renovated nave which further leads onto a chancel enclosed by an ambulatory, a 14th-century addition.

The Sé is also an important archeological site, with new finds made regularly beneath the cloister.

Lisbon Cathedral is Monday-Saturday from 09:30-19:00 (June-October) and 10:00-18:00 (November-May). The entrance costs 5 EUR. Definitely worth visiting!

10. National Tile Museum

The Portuguese have had a lasting love affair with azulejos – painted ceramic tiles – ever since they first set eyes on those imported from Seville in the 15th century. Azulejos are an integral part of Portugal’s architectural heritage featuring in everything from cathedral cupolas to wine bodegas.

The splendid National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is a wonderful museum that pays homage to azulejos and traces the history of oil painting in Portugal.

Jacky really loves azulejos so she was completely in awe of the museum’s vast collection of tiles and panels, which span the early 15th century through to the 20th century.

Decorative panels and individual tiles trace the evolution of tile-making from its introduction by the Moors, through Spanish influence and the development of Portugal’s own style up to the present day.

The standout here is the gorgeous 36-meter, 1300-tile panel depicting the Lisbon cityscape before the calamitous 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

As impressive as the collection is inside, the building itself is an architectural gem, constructed in the Manueline style symbolic of the Portuguese discoveries period.

The museum itself is installed in the church and cloisters of Madre de Deus, a former convent dating from 1509. The church of Madre de Deus is a stunning blend of gilded woodwork, blue-and-white Dutch azulejos, and superbly painted walls and ceilings.

The National Tile Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:00. The entrance costs 5 EUR.

11. Wander the Alfama District

No three days in Lisbon would be complete without taking a saunter in the Alfama district.

Nothing screams Lisbon as much as the Alfama, the city’s oldest district. The Romans and Visigoths occupied the area in the early 4th century followed by Moors in the 8th century.

Due to its position on sturdy bedrock, Alfama is the only area that escaped the wrath of the 1755 earthquake which annihilated Lisbon. You’ll notice that the neighborhood still shows signs of the city’s Moorish past.

Alfama’s Arabic-sounding name and layout are a testament to its past as an important district of Moorish Lisbon. Despite the fact that no Moorish houses still remain, the quarter retains its kasbah-like layout.

Yes, Lisbon is a rather large city, but believe me, if I say, you will easily forget that in the narrow alleys of Alfama. Compact houses line cobblestoned streets and stairways, their facades strung with washing.

One of the most notable buildings in Alfama is the Casa dos Bicos. It dates from the early 16th century and is faced with sharp pyramid-shaped stones.

Whitewashed walls, steep streets, lavish Azulejos,…oh the list could go on and on and on. Keep your eyes, ears, and nose open.

It is hard to grasp that this humble neighborhood was once the most sought-after quarter of Lisbon.

Alfama is a place for all the senses – between the melancholic sound coming from the many Fado bars and a distinct fish fry sizzle reaching you from restaurants and private homes, you will fall in love. No wonder it remains our favorite neighborhood in Lisbon.

In case you’re interested in getting an inside scoop on the Alfama and discovering secret corners, check out this amazing Alfama District Walking Tour.

12. Castle of St. George

The Castle of St. George (Castelo de São Jorge) is one of the most notable attractions in Lisbon.

The castle can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city and serves as an apt and romantic reminder of the capital’s ancient roots. It is nearly as old as the city itself, with its oldest parts dating back as early as the 6th century.

It served the Romans, Visigoths, and the Moors as a base for further conquests. The castle a the Moorish royal residence until Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, took control over it in 1147.

Except for a short period, it served its time as a barracks and prison until 1938, when it was freed from any official duties.

All that is left now are walls, 10 towers and the remnants of the palace, the shaded gardens, and fountains. Overlooking the city, today it is a small oasis of calm, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Take a stroll around the medieval fortress and step back into the history of Lisbon.

Visitors are mostly content to admire the spectacular views from the observation terrace that offers an uninterrupted panorama of the city, the River Tagus, and the distant Atlantic Ocean.

Climbing the towers and walking along the reconstructed ramparts of the castle walls is one of the highlights of visiting the castle. Check out the castle museum which contains a collection of artifacts excavated from the hilltop, such as Iron-Age cooking pots and 15th-century tiles.

Around the Castle of St. George, you will also find several small shops which sell more than your average fridge magnet. We ourselves bought a beautiful little watercolor which now rests comfortably on our bookshelf 🙂

The Castle of St. George is open daily from 09:00-21:00 (March-October) and 09:00-19:00 (November-February). The entrance costs 10 EUR.

• Click here to book a Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with a 15-minute guided introduction

13. Sao Roque Church

If time permits, I highly recommend going to see the Sao Roque Church (Igreja São Roque), one of the best things to see in Lisbon. It is one of those churches whose austere facade belies a pompously opulent interior.

The church was founded at the end of the 16th century by the Jesuit Order. Its interiors are embellished with agate, alabaster, amethyst, precious marble, gold, silver, and mosaics.

The coffered ceiling has been painted to give a beautiful trompe l’oeil effect, and the eight chapels are all individual works of art. There are notable azulejos dating from the mid-16th century.

The Sao Roque Church is open from 10:00–18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday). The entrance is free.

14. Dinner at Time Out Market

After a long day’s sightseeing, you deserve a good meal. In order to get your taste buds galvanized make your way to the Time Out Market. This is a foodie paradise and one of the best things to do in Lisbon.

It is the first market in the world where everything has been chosen and tested by an independent panel of city experts. There are over 40 stalls here from top chefs with different brands of local products as well as more international options.

So, if seafood, steak sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers, sushi, chocolate, and desserts are what you crave you can find it all under one roof here. There is also a good selection of wine and beer.

Time Out Market is open daily. It is open from 10:00-24:00 (Sunday-Thursday) and 10:00-01:00 (Friday-Saturday). Do go there!

Day 3 in Lisbon

The final day of this ‘3 days in Lisbon’ itinerary will cover some of the outer-lying sights and an iconic tram ride. These places are easily accessible by bus or metro from the city center.

1. Tram 28

Kickstart your final day by taking a ride on the iconic tram 28, one of the best things to do in Lisbon. Trams (eléctricos) are one of the most idyllic ways of sightseeing in Lisbon and Tram 28 is the pick of the lot.

Running between Martim Moniz Square and Campo de Ourique (near Prazeres Cemetery), Tram 28 is one of the only three charming, pre-World War I models that still operate in the city. The small yellow carriages of Tram 28 are known for their polished wooden interior and brass dials.

The tram trundles and clanks its way along the cobbled streets of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods of Lisbon like Baixa, Chiado, Graca, and of course, Alfama. You will be treated to a splendid vista of many of Lisbon’s renowned gardens, churches, and monuments.

Tram 28 runs daily from about 05:45-23:00. On average, Tram 28 runs every 10-12 minutes, and the full ride lasts 45-60 minutes. Tickets are 3 EUR for a single trip (free if you have a Lisbon Card or the 24-hour public transport ticket).

2. Gulbenkian Museum

Gosh! Where to begin? The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is simply one of the best museums I’ve seen and is one of the must-see attractions in Lisbon. It is quite frankly one of the greatest private collections ever amassed.

The entire collection was bequeathed to the city of Lisbon by the Armenian oil magnate, Calouste Gulbenkian. The Gulbenkian Museum houses about 6,000 pieces of mostly ancient artifacts and artworks.

The collection is divided into two sections: one part is dedicated to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian, Islamic, and Asian art, and the other to European acquisitions. The collection is so rich in quality!

The exhibits, which span over 4,000 years from ancient Egyptian statuettes, through translucent Islamic glassware, to Chinese porcelain and Art Nouveau motifs are displayed in spacious and well-illuminated galleries.

Some of the standout pieces in the Classical art section are a magnificent red-figure Greek vase and 11 Roman medallions, found in Egypt.

We immensely enjoyed the exhibits from the Far East such as the exuberantly decorated porcelain and the Kangxi biscuit ware of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Oriental Islamic section houses a fine collection of Persian and Turkish carpets, textiles, costumes, and ceramics.

Some of the individual highlights of the Gulbenkian Museum that you shouldn’t miss are:

• Portrait of an Old Man by Rembrandt
• Boy Blowing Bubbles by Édouard Manet
• Yuan Dynasty Stem Cup
• Diana Statue

If there’s one museum to visit in Lisbon, it is undoubtedly the Gulbenkian Museum.

The Gulbenkian Museum is open Wednesday-Monday from 10:00-18:00. The entrance costs 10 EUR. Free admission on Sunday after 14:00.

You could spend half a day here so cherry-pick from each section.

If you have time, relax outside for 10-15 minutes in the gardens of the Gulbenkian Museum, which are a lush mix of greenery, water features, and some splendid sculptures.

3. Lunch at Laurentina

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without sampling the city’s culinary delight, cod – which is preserved in salt, and locally known as bacalhau. There are rumored to be 365 different ways of cooking it, one for each day of the year.

Being seafood lovers, we ate cod on at least two occasions in Lisbon. There are plenty of places to get good cod over the city.

One of the best places to eat cod in Lisbon is Laurentina, recommended to us by our friend and Lisbon native Mariana. At Laurentina, a lot of variations of this classic food are served and the quality is impeccable.

Three of the best varieties are bacalhau à brás (salted cod, scrambled eggs, onions, and shredded potatoes); bacalhau à Conde de Guarda (salt cod creamed with mashed potatoes); and bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish balls, which is a very popular hors d’oeuvre).

You can also try other famous Portuguese food like feijoada (a paprika-spiced stew of beans, vegetables, and cured meat) and favas à Portuguesa (fava beans with blood sausage and chopped pork ribs).

In case you want to savor the flavors of Portuguese food like a local, I strongly recommend taking this highly-rated Lisbon Food & Wine Tour.

4. Park of the Nations

Truly, nobody can resist Lisbon’s old-world charm, but the city has far more to offer than just that. If you want to cut yourself a slice of modern Lisbon, head out to Park of the Nations (Parque das Nações). Most of it was constructed for the World Expo 1998.

You will most likely have to take the metro to get here, and it is certainly one of the offbeat things to see in Lisbon.

A pulsating amusement park and trade-fair center by day, by night the park becomes a concert and events venue, with a thriving nightlife scene and a casino. There’s also an ambitious residential development.

Oriente Station and the Vasco da Gama Shopping Mall will provide you with a bit of “fresh air” if you like. After all, we live in contrasts.

We recommend taking the short ride on the cable car that runs most of the length of the Parque above the riverside and gives an overview of the area and good views of the Vasco da Gama bridge, one of the world’s longest bridges.

If you are having a little bit of a lazy day or you are perhaps traveling with children, make a stop at the Lisbon Oceanarium, Europe’s second-largest aquarium (also one most the most crowded ones).

The Oceanarium has hundreds of aquatic species organized by habitat and viewed on two levels. The main attraction is the vast central tank with a dazzling variety of fish, large and small, swimming round and round.

Along the river, you will also find a plethora of bars and restaurants for you to dine and relax at.

5. Fado

A perfect way to spend your final evening in Lisbon would be by watching a fado show, Portugal’s version of the blues.

Originating in the early 1800s, fado is melancholic by nature and includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista crooning poetic lyrics related to the sinister side of romance, death, and sorrow.

Similar to the blues, flamenco, and tango, it was music that grew out of hardship and poverty but became the defining soundtrack to a nation.

Fado music owes much to the concept known as Saudade, meaning a longing both for what has been lost and for what has never been attained. There are in excess of 40 fado houses spread throughout Lisbon’s cobblestoned streets in the city’s Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods. 

Many Fado shows take place in restaurants so you can enjoy a meal while enjoying this touching music. You will pay slightly more than at normal restaurants, but it’s all about the fado.

Two of the best places to witness a live fado performance in the city are O Corrido and Sr. Fado, both of which are in the Alfama district.

We were a bit skeptical about whether the fado would be worth the money but those thoughts we quickly dispelled. It was a pretty enjoyable experience!

6. Bairro Alto & Chiado

However, if you still feel that Fado is too somber for you, you can explore a bit of the atmospheric Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods and maybe do a pub crawl if you’re up for it.

The hilltop Bairro Alto is one of the most scenic districts of Lisbon that is laid out in a grid pattern. Its small workshops and family-run tascas (cheap restaurants) make it the epicenter of Lisbon’s nightlife.

Chiado is an elegant commercial and shopping district that was formerly a haunt of writers and intellectuals.

Lisbon natives are known for partying hard, usually starting quite late at night and many staying out until the sun comes up. Bairro Alto and Chiado are home to a cornucopia of bars and clubs. The bars here are quite small so you’ll see people spilling out onto the narrow streets.

To discover the nightlife scene of Lisbon with local guides, you can sign up for a Pub and VIP Club Crawl.

This creates a wonderful atmosphere where people socialize on the streets while chugging down the booze. Porta Largas, The Old Pharmacy, and PARK are some of the best bars around here.

In case you’re interested in getting an insider’s perspective of Bairro Alto and Chiado and learning about Lisbon’s intriguing history, check out this popular History, Stories, and Lifestyle Walking Tour.

More Than 3 Days in Lisbon?

Although 3 days in Lisbon is a good amount of time to get well acquainted, you may want to stay a little longer to explore more of the city and some of its offbeat attractions.

Lisbon is a beautiful city with plenty to explore but it is also worth exploring further. A number of the top attractions in Portugal are only a very short distance from Lisbon making it the perfect springboard for taking one (or more) day trips.

Though there are plenty of options, some of the best day trips from Lisbon are:

• Sintra Highlights Full-Day Tour: The most popular day trip from Lisbon involves taking in the magical, palace-dotted landscape of Sintra (including the Pena Palace), which often feels like it has sprung from a storybook.

• Fatima, Obidos, Batalha, and Nazaré Full-Day Tour: Another popular day trip from Lisbon involves venturing into the region of Central Portugal and visiting Fátima – a major center of global Catholic pilgrimage; Obidos – a picturesque walled town known for its whitewashed homes; Batalha – home to a famous UNESCO World Heritage medieval monastery; and Nazaré – a popular seaside resort.

• Évora Full-Day Tour: You can also take a day trip to the medieval city of Évora, whose historic center (including the famous Roman Temple) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Knights Templar Full-Day Tour: An exciting day trip from Lisbon involves traveling to the villages of Constância and Tomar to discover the castles and history of the Knights Templar, the holy order of warrior monks.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

It’s handy to stay in the downtown districts of Bairro Alto, Baixa, or the Alfama as they are a good base for sightseeing. There are plenty of good options here for all budgets.

Hostel: Home Lisbon Hostel, a great choice right in the heart of downtown

Budget: Hotel Gat Rossio, a solid option near Rossio train station

Mid-range: LX Boutique Hotel, within 2 minutes of the Cais do Sodre train station in the downtown

Splurge: Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel, a sumptuous top-choice pick in the Alfama district.

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Now, what do you think? What would you recommend seeing during 3 days in Lisbon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!