When I first planned my Lisbon 3 days trip, I didn’t realize how much this city would surprise me. I had read about the famous yellow trams, the tiled façades, and the soulful sound of Fado, but being there in person was something else entirely. Lisbon felt warm, colorful, and alive.

In this article, I’ll share my personal itinerary for three days in Lisbon, covering the main attractions, delicious food I tried, where I stayed, and some tips I learned along the way. If you are preparing your own trip, this guide will help you make the most of your Lisbon 3 days adventure.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Lisbon

Morning: Baixa and Rossio Square

I started my first day in Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown district rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1755. Walking through Rossio Square, I admired the black-and-white wave-patterned pavement and the elegant buildings around me. The square was buzzing with life—locals sipping coffee, tourists taking pictures, and street performers filling the air with music.

From Rossio, I walked toward Praça do Comércio, one of the most iconic squares in Europe. Facing the Tagus River, the square was grand and inviting, framed by yellow arcades and the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta. I climbed up the arch for a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops.

Afternoon: Alfama District

In the afternoon, I wandered into Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. Its narrow streets and staircases felt like a labyrinth, but every corner offered something beautiful: laundry hanging from balconies, azulejo-covered walls, and little taverns playing Fado. I made my way up the hill to the Castelo de São Jorge, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. From the castle walls, I had sweeping views of Lisbon’s rooftops, the Tagus River, and the famous 25 de Abril Bridge. Walking through its towers and gardens felt like stepping back in time, and it gave me a deeper sense of the city’s history and resilience.

I visited the Sé Cathedral, one of Lisbon’s oldest monuments, and then made my way up to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. From there, I had one of the best views of Alfama, with the river in the background and red rooftops cascading down the hill.

Evening: Fado Dinner

For dinner, I wanted to experience something traditional. I chose a small Fado restaurant in Alfama. As I ate grilled sardines and a glass of vinho verde, I listened to singers perform songs full of longing and emotion. It was one of the highlights of my Lisbon 3 days trip.

Day 2: Belém and the Riverfront

Morning: Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

On the second day, I took a tram ride to Belém, an area that celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. My first stop was the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once defended the city from invaders. Standing by the water, the tower looked like something out of a fairytale. From there, we continued along the riverside until we reached the Monument to the Discoveries, an impressive structure shaped like a ship’s prow, honoring Portugal’s great explorers. Looking up at the statues of Henry the Navigator and other historical figures, I felt immersed in the spirit of adventure that once defined this nation.

A short walk away was the Jerónimos Monastery, another architectural masterpiece. Its cloisters were breathtaking, with carved arches and details that seemed endless. I could feel the grandeur of Portugal’s maritime history in every stone.

Afternoon: Lunch and Pastéis de Belém

For lunch, we stopped at a lovely restaurant right in front of Vasco da Gama Garden, where the food was delicious and the atmosphere calm. As a big fan of codfish, I made sure to try it in different places during my trip. Here, I started with a bolinho de bacalhau (codfish fritter) as an appetizer and then ordered a pasta negra with bacalhau as my main dish. Both were flavorful and perfectly prepared, making this one of my favorite meals in Lisbon.

After the meal, it was finally time to try the much-anticipated custard tarts. Nearby, there is the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, known for its long lines. However, following the recommendation of our friends who live in Lisbon, we went to Manteigaria instead. The pastéis de nata were truly outstanding—crispy, creamy, and simply unforgettable.

Evening: Sunset at Parque Eduardo VII

Back in the city center, we chose to watch the sunset from Parque Eduardo VII, one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Lisbon. From the top of the park, the view stretched all the way down to Praça Marquês de Pombal and the Tagus River in the distance. As the sun went down, the sky turned shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the city. The atmosphere was calm, with locals jogging, families strolling, and couples sitting on the grass. It felt like the perfect way to end the day, surrounded by nature but still in the heart of Lisbon.

Day 3: Culture, Shopping, and Modern Lisbon

Morning: LX Factory and Street Art

On my last day, I went to LX Factory, a creative hub set in an old industrial complex. The area was full of street art, trendy shops, and cafes. I browsed through a concept store, stopped at Ler Devagar (one of the most beautiful bookstores I’ve ever seen), and had a cappuccino in a cozy café.

Afternoon: Parque das Nações

In the afternoon, I explored a completely different side of Lisbon: Parque das Nações. Built for Expo 98, this modern neighborhood felt futuristic, with glass buildings, sculptures, and a riverside promenade. I visited the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, where I spent hours watching marine life.

Photo by @VisitPortugal

Evening: Chiado and Bairro Alto

For my last evening, I returned to the heart of the city and explored Chiado and Bairro Alto. Chiado was elegant, full of historic cafes and theaters, while Bairro Alto was lively, known for its nightlife. Along the way, I couldn’t resist stopping for gelato at Amorino. Their gelatos were so good that I became completely hooked during my stay in Lisbon—the creamy texture and rich flavors made it impossible to have just one.

Later that night, I kept my codfish tradition alive with another delicious dish: bacalhau à brás, perfectly paired with a glass of Portuguese wine. It was the ideal way to end my Lisbon adventure.

Where I Stayed

During my Lisbon 3 days trip, I stayed in a charming guesthouse in Baixa. It was close to public transportation and within walking distance of many attractions. The room was simple but comfortable, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. For travelers, Lisbon offers options for every budget: from affordable hostels to luxury hotels with rooftop views.

Food Highlights in Lisbon

Food was a huge part of my experience. Besides the bacalhau, pastéis de nata and gelatos, I also tried grilled sardines, bifana (a pork sandwich), francesinha portuguese (a Portuguese sandwich with meat, melted cheese, and spicy sauce), and several local wines. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable compared to other European capitals.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

From my experience and what locals told me, the best time to visit Lisbon is spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is pleasant, not too hot, and the city is less crowded than in July and August. I visited in May, and it was perfect—sunny days, cool evenings, and plenty of daylight to explore.

Tips for a Lisbon 3 Days Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes: Lisbon is full of hills and cobblestone streets.
• Buy a transport card: The Viva Viagem card made it easy to use trams, buses, and the metro.
• Try local pastries: Pastéis de nata are everywhere, but don’t miss the original ones in Belém.
• Watch the sunset: Lisbon has many miradouros (viewpoints) with spectacular views.
• Take it slow: Three days may seem short, but Lisbon is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

Take a Guided Tour to Enhance Your Lisbon 3 Days Itinerary

If you’d rather not navigate Lisbon on your own every step of the way, there’s a fantastic guided tour that covers all the must-see attractions in one day, giving you a stress-free way to see the city with expert commentary. One example is the “Lisbon City Tour: All Must-See Attractions with Expert Guide” from GetYourGuide, a 7-hour tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Lisbon, skip-the-line access, and a professional English-speaking guide.

On this tour, you’ll visit a wide variety of highlights: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Castelo de São Jorge, Sé de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio, and multiple miradouros (city viewpoints), among others. Because it uses a comfortable vehicle and a flexible schedule, you don’t have to worry about figuring out public transport or getting lost—everything is organized for you.

For me, having this option in mind is reassuring. On days when I’m tired or want a richer historical narrative than I could piece together myself, a guided tour like this would be ideal. It balances comfort, context, and coverage, and gives you breathing room to soak in the atmosphere rather than stress over logistics. I also love this idea because one of my dreams is to take my mother to visit Lisbon, and I know this kind of tour would be the perfect choice for her—comfortable, informative, and worry-free.

Conclusion

Spending Lisbon 3 days was enough to fall in love with this city. From its historic neighborhoods to its vibrant modern districts, from soulful Fado to mouthwatering food, Lisbon has a charm that is impossible to resist.

I left with memories of tiled streets, sunsets over the Tagus, and flavors I’ll never forget. I know I will return one day, because three days were just the beginning of my connection with this city.

If you’re planning your own Lisbon 3 days itinerary, I hope my experience helps you create unforgettable memories. Lisbon is waiting for you.

And for those dreaming of exploring beyond Portugal, take a look at our Italy Travel Guide: 5 Days in the North for more inspiration.