The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
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📍Where to Stay in Lisbon: Best Neighborhoods & Hotel Recommendations
🛏️Best Hostels in Lisbon: For Every Type of Traveler
🚃Complete Guide to Lisbon Transportation: Getting Around the City
🍸Cocktail Lovers’ Guide to the Best Cocktails in Lisbon
🛍️Essential Souvenirs from Lisbon: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide
Day 1
Lisbon is made for walking, and that is what this itinerary will have you doing! So throw on your most comfortable walking shoes and get ready to dive in to Lisbon head first!
Day 1 will take you through several of Lisbon’s most famed neighborhoods and to many of Portugal’s capital city’s most iconic landmarks.
✨This itinerary can easily be adapted for those with mobility issues or that wish to mix up walking and transit options. Use the interactive maps for each day to gauge walking distance and public transit routes. For my complete guide to Lisbon Transportation, click here.
Breakfast
This Lisbon itinerary has you hitting the ground running, so be sure to start your day fueling up with a good breakfast! These are my favorite breakfast and brunch spots in Lisbon that are the perfect places to kick off your visit to Portugal’s capital city.
Take a Tour
With many unique neighborhoods and seemingly endless sites to see, it can be difficult to get your bearings in Lisbon and decide what to see and do. A tour is the perfect way to start your visit, as it will give you a feel of where everything is, provide you with some historical context, and often provides great recommendations for things to do, restaurants, day trips and much more.
Most tours will cover the (outside) main attractions in Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa, Alfama and Graça, and offer a bit of history in each neighborhood.
These are some great tour options to get yourself aquatinted with Lisbon and make navigating the rest of your stay easier.
Lisbon Walking Tours
I always recommend starting a visit to any new city with a walking tour. This is a great way to orientate yourself to the layout of the city, get some great recommendations and local perspectives.
In Lisbon, there are several options for walking tours to fit every budget and interest.
⭐If you or someone you are traveling with has mobility issues, go ahead and skip down to tuktuk tours or tram/bus tours
Free walking tours are my favorite way to start a visit to any city and Lisbon has some really great options. You can find several options for Free Walking Tours in Lisbon on GuruWalk.
👍Pros of free walking tours:
They are budget friendly (but be sure to tip your guide)
They are a great way to meet other travelers, especially for solo travelers
If the tour is not a good fit for you, you can leave at any time without losing money
👎Cons of free walking tours:
Some do not go as in depth as paid tours.
Groups can be very large (up to 20 people)
They can lack personalized attention
Private walking tours are a great option for travelers looking for a more personalized experienced. These walking tours of Lisbon can be customized to meet your interests, as well as abilities.
👍Pros of a private walking tour in Lisbon
These tours can be customized to your interests
Personalized experience and 1:1 attention allows more communication with your guide for personalized recommendations
Private tours can be customized to meet mobility needs
👎Cons of private walking tours
These are the most cost prohibitive walking tours.
Falling in between free walking tours and private tours are the option of small group tours. These are a great option for anyone looking for a mix of budget friendly, opportunity to meet other travelers, and being able to interact more with the guide. These tours generally cap at 8-10 participants, offer a bit more in depth information, and are still quite budget friendly.
👍Pros of a small group walking tour in Lisbon
More in-depth information
Opportunity to meet other travelers, while not being in a large group
Opportunity for individualized attention/interaction with the guide
👎Cons of small group walking tours
Cost can be prohibitive to some budget travelers
Pre-planned route, no room for customized experience
🛺Tuktuk Tours
Lisbon tuktuk tours have grown in popularity over the past few years and are very popular amongst travelers visiting Lisbon. While I believe the best way to get to know a city is on foot, Lisbon can be a difficulty city for those with mobility issues, or other accessibility concerns.
Tuktuk tours offer just slightly less access to the city than walking tours, and far more access than a bus tour or taking a car service.
📝Some notes on Lisbon tuk-tuk tours:
While there are a few classic tuk-tuks in Lisbon, the majority of “tuk-tuks” in operation in Lisbon are more golf cart style, meaning they are open vehicles. They drive in regular city traffic (and on a highway to Belem) and on the same streets as regular traffic.
👨🏽👩🏾👧🏻👦🏻Lisbon tuk-tuk tours with children: While some drivers will accept children of all ages (including infants and toddlers), tuk-tuks are generally not recommended for children under 8 years old. While some will allow car seats for young children, these vehicles are not made to properly fasten them in. It is entirely at your discretion to take young children on a tuk-tuk tour, but be sure to review safety and compliance with the guide.
🪪With so many tuk-tuks popping up in Lisbon, there have been a few issues with unlicensed operators and “guides”. Be sure to only work with licensed guides and tour providers. The best way to assure you are working with a reputable and licensed guide is to book in advance (as opposed to just picking up a ‘tour’ on the street').
🤰🏼If you are pregnant, or have a history of back problems, a tuktuk bay not by the best option, as the ride is quick bumpy due to cobblestone and uneven roads. Always best to consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding any type of activity.
🚃Lisbon Bus/Tram Tour
If a Lisbon walking tour or tuk-tuk ride aren’t for you, there are still plenty of ways to take a tour to get acquainted with the city.
🚋Lisbon Tram Tour
While many blogs, TikToks, influencers, etc will recommend using the Tram 28 to take a “tour”, I stand firm in saying this is not an ideal way to see the city or try to get acquainted with it. Tram 28 is public transportation, not a tour. It can get crowded, you are not guaranteed a seat or view, and there is no information provided. The line to get on the Tram is also absolutely insane during peak season and pickpocketing has become a big issue on this iconic Lisbon tram.
As a much more comfortable and informative option, take the Hills Red Tram Tour by Tram 28. You can purchase this 24 hour ticket and use the tram as a tour, hop-on-hop-off, or transportation to some of Lisbon’s most iconic sites for 24 hours. This tram tour gives you the classic tram feel, while being much more comfortable and providing information about the city and sites you pass.
🚏Lisbon Bus Tour
Similar to the Hills Red Tram Tour, the Lisbon Hop on Hop Off bus tour offers a comfortable way to get acquainted with the city, while being able to choose your stops (or just ride the full loop and decide what to return to), as well as get a historical overview of the city and sites.
Lunch
After getting acquainted with Lisbon on your tour, take a break and grab some lunch because there is still lots of exploring (and walking) to be done!
These are some of my favorite Lisbon restaurants.
Afternoon
After re-fueling, you are ready to explore more of Lisbon! Use the remainder of the afternoon to focus on some of Lisbon’s top attractions and sites.
If you have limited time in Lisbon, and want to focus on the most historical and popular sites, these are at the top of the “must see” list.
Most tours will (or can) end at Miradouro da Graça which is the perfect starting point to explore Lisbon, since everything is literally downhill from here. You can use the interactive map below to plan your stops and route.
I highly suggest starting at Miradouro da Graça, then working your way down to Miradouro das Portas do Sol for the sunset. This is the perfect endpoint to enjoy the view, a glass of wine and then head to one of the many amazing nearby restaurants for dinner.
This walkable route allows for some flexibility with time, stops along the way and varying paths to take.
If you opt to visit the interior of each of these suggested stops, budget €22 per adult.
Lisbon Day 1 Itinerary Map
Castelo de Sao Jorge
💶Adult: €15.00, Senior12,50, Child 7,50
🗺️R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
🕰️Open Daily March-Oct 9a-9p, Nov-Feb 9a-6p
🌐For more tickets and more information
Views on top of views, with a side of views… oh, and a castle.
Castelo de S. Jorge could easily be a quick visit or an entire afternoon spent wandering the grounds and castle. While this famous Lisbon castle is a site in itself, backed with history, the grounds are the real star of the show.
Many say the best views in Lisbon are from St Jorge Castle, and they may not be wrong. There are a few tables and chairs for a bite or sip overlooking Lisbon, and I highly recommend taking the time to stop and soak in the views.
⭐Advance purchase tickets are highly recommended to avoid the line
The castle is lovely and easy to explore on your own, but if you would like a guided tour, with history about the castle and expedited entry, I recommend this experience.
Lisbon Cathedral
🗺️Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisboa
🕰️Mon-Sat 10a-6p, Sunday - closed
💶Adult €7, kids €5, under 6 - free
🌐 Lisbon Cathedral (sedelisboa.pt)
One of the most iconic sites in Lisbon, the Lisbon Cathedral is a central point in the city and nearly impossible to miss on any trip to Portugal’s capital city.
The inside of this famous Lisbon cathedral is stunning, with ornate woodwork and details and the views from the top are gorgeous.
The ticket price covers the observatory, which requires a slight climb, but offers stunning views of the city.
Igreja de Santo Antonio - Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon
The Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon is a Roman Catholic church located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Lisbon. According to tradition, the church was built on the site where the saint was born, in 1195. The church is classified as a National Monument
🗺️LG de Santo Antonio da Sé, 1100-499 Lisboa, Portugal
🕰️Daily 10a-7p
💶Free
🌐 Church of St Anthony of Lisbon
Located just steps from the Lisbon Cathedral, you will pass the Church of Saint Anothony of Lisbon as you make your way down toward Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints. It is well worth stopping in to this historic Portuguese church to take in the architecture, ornate interior, and historical significance.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
🗺️Largo Portas do Sol, 1100-411 Lisboa, Portugal
Appearing in many images representing Lisbon, this striking viewpoint in the Alfama district, offers breathtaking views of the Alfama rooftops and the Tagus River. It's an excellent spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
This is also a great point to end your day of sightseeing. There is a kiosk here selling small bites, beer, sangria and cocktails. You will also often find performers and it is the ideal place to sit and enjoy a drink while watching the iconic Tram 28 pass by.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
🗺️Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa, Portugal
Also referred to as “The Romantic Terrace”, this viewpoint in the Alfama district offers sweeping views of the Alfama neighborhood and the Tagus River. The area is adorned with azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) and bougainvillea, adding to its charm.
You will almost always find vendors here selling paintings, jewelry, and other artisan works, as well as singers and performers adding to the ambiance of this stunning viewpoint.
For my complete list of Lisbon Attractions, click here!
Lisbon Itinerary - Day 2
Day 2 of this Lisbon Itinerary will take you down some of Lisbon’s most famed streets, Avenida da Liberdade and Rua Augusta, passing some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and historical statues.
🔃This itinerary can be flipped if you want to start your day in Belem, but I personally love early evening and sunset in Belém, with the riverwalk offering some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. You can also end your day with a sunset cruise, departing from Doca de Belém.
✨If time is limited: Skip LX Factory and commit more time in Central Lisbon or Belem.
Lisbon Day 2 Itinerary Map
Day 2 of this Lisbon itinerary starts at Marquês de Pombal Square (or just North of it in Parque Eduardo VII). From there, walk down one of Lisbon’s “5th Ave”, Avenida da Liberdade. This famed street is lined with high end stores, house in historic buildings, as well as hotels, cafes, coffee shops and many sights to take in.
At the end of Avenida da Liberdade, you will reach the beautiful Rossio Train station (where you will catch the train to Sintra tomorrow). Just past Rossio Station, you will find yourself in Rossio Square, the center of Lisbon.
Once you pass through Rossio Square, continue on to Rua de Santa Justa where you can take in the epic Santa Justa Lift.
After snapping some photos of the iconic Eiffel inspired Santa Justa Lift, continue on to Rua Augusta and through the stunning Arco da Rua Augusta.
Once you pass through Arco da Rua Augusta, you will be in front of Praça do Comércio, where you will catch the 15E Tram towards Belém.
If you want to add a stop between Lisbon City Center and Belém, these are two great options:
LX Factory
Lisbon’s trendiest, boho, neighborhood is a great stop, a little more than halfway between Lisbon City Center and Belem, via the 15E tram. Here you will find tasty options for brunch or lunch, or an al fresco coffee or cocktail before wandering through trendy shops, modern art galleries, and taking in the architecture of this rehabbed factory.
Here you will find my complete guide to Lisbon’s LX Factory.
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
If a trendy, boho vibe isn’t what you are looking for, and you’d prefer a more historic option the National Palace of Ajuda is a great stop on your way to Belem.
This is one of my favorite sites and remains a bit of a Lisbon hidden gem. Packed with history, ornate decor, and all things glitter and gold (so much gold!), Ajuda National Palace rivals any or the most popular sites in Lisbon, but without the crowds.
You can either take a 20-minute Uber/Bolt from Praça do Comércio or hop on the 760 Bus (which will take about 35 minutes), from there, to Belem is about 8 minutes by car.
Belém
Belém is an absolute must in my opinion, and if there is one “outer” neighborhood to put on your Lisbon itinerary, it should definitely be this one.
Easy to get to from Central Lisbon by Tram (15E), bus, or Uber/Bolt, Belém is the perfect place to spend half a day (or entire day if time allows) exploring historical landmarks and sites like The Jerónimos Monastery & Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém, Belém Tower, The Monument of The Combatants, visiting unique museums like the Coaches Museum, and just strolling the historic streets of this beautiful Lisbon neighborhood.
For my Complete Guide to Belém, including how to get there, top sights and attractions, and where to get the famed Pasteis de Belem, click here!
⚠️Belem Tower is currently under renovation and covered in scaffolding ⚠️
⚠️Museu Nacional de Arqueologia is currently closed for renovation ⚠️
If visiting Belem in the afternoon in to the evening, I highly recommend a sunset boat tour. A Lisbon sunset boat ride will give you unparalleled views of Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, Christ the King, Alfama, and Commerce Square, all while sipping local wines and enjoying local snacks and getting a historical overview of each site.
I did a sunset boat cruise from Belem when a friend came to visit and it was one of my favorite experiences in Lisbon.
Principe Real
After exploring Belem, head back to the heart of Lisbon (either by tram or Uber/Bolt) and check out Principe Real to take in the views of Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, located in Principe Real, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon.
Here you will find some of the best bars and restaurants Lisbon has to offer, as well as artisan shops, bookstores, and gorgeous architecture.
This is the perfect area to eat, have a sip, and unwind before getting a good night’s rest before heading to Sintra.
⭐Principe Real can also be incorporated into your route from Marquês de Pombal Square to Praça do Comércio, if you want to end your day after Belem. Refer to map for route and directions.
Lisbon Itinerary - Day 3
Sintra
A day trip to Sintra is a must for nearly every traveler visiting Lisbon, and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a truly magical day trip and is within just 40 minutes of Lisbon City Center.
There are many ways to see Sintra, from a guided tour starting in Lisbon, to a tuktuk tour starting, to an entirely self-guided day taking the train from Lisbon to Sintra and back.
How ever you opt to see Sintra, you will not regret committing a day to this historic city.
Use my Complete Guide to Sintra to help you determine the best way to see Sintra, which sites to prioritize, and budget for your day.
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