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Is it even possible to soak up Lisbon’s charm in just three days? The answer is “yes”, and we’re here to show you how!
After several trips to Portugal’s gorgeous capital city, we’ve devised the perfect 3-day Lisbon itinerary. Our guide takes all of the guesswork out of planning and balances must-see sights with local flavors and hidden gems—and a creamy pastel de nata (or two), of course. We’ll make sure you get to explore the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, eat all the best food, and tick off the must-see sights.
Ready to plan an unforgettable adventure? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Lisbon was go on this walking food tour. We explored hidden gems, learned all about the city’s culture and history, and tasted incredible dishes at cozy, local spots!
Day 1
Breakfast – The Folks Сhiado
The Folks Chiado is a small, cozy, and super trendy spot that has just as much substance as it does style! Honestly, I always struggle choosing what to order here because everything is just so good. But if you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, the tiramisu latte and raspberry pancakes will definitely set you up well for the day.
The cafe is a 5-minute walk from the meeting point for the e-bike tour, or a 15-minute walk from where the tuk tuk tour meets. However, the tuk tuk tour is private, so you can have your guide meet you right at the café. Happy days!
It opens at 8 am, and we suggest getting here early because lines start to form by mid-morning. Oh, and just a quick note about transport for today: Lisbon’s historic center is very walkable, but Ubers are affordable for longer journeys.
The metro is also super easy to navigate, and the historic trams are a fun way to get around. Really, they’re a bit of a tourist activity in themselves these days!
Morning – Explore the city on an e-bike or tuk tuk tour
Lisbon is famously built on seven hills, so exploring on foot can turn into a serious workout. That’s why we recommend a sightseeing tour on wheels this morning.
Private tuk tuk tours are a super popular way to explore Lisbon, especially in the hillier neighborhoods! It’s not surprising, because it’s a really enjoyable way to see the city without much effort involved. You can book the tuk tuk tour from 9 am onwards, and it lasts for 4 hours.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, we suggest opting for a 3-hour e-bike tour instead. It’s an amazing way to cover plenty of ground without breaking too much of a sweat. The tour starts at 10 am and gives you the freedom to stop and take breaks whenever you like.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll see a huge amount of the city—and have a blast doing it!
E-bike tour
This e-bike tour is a fantastic way to get acquainted with Lisbon, and we had so much fun zooming up and down the city’s seven hills without completely destroying our calf muscles!
Our guide, Adi, took us cycling through the Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto districts, which are Lisbon’s most charming Bohemian neighborhoods. We also got to visit my favorite viewpoint in Lisbon, the Miradouro de Graça, which offers amazing views of the São Jorge Castle.
And as if all of that weren’t enough, we cruised past the magnificent Lisbon Cathedral, caught a glimpse of the grand National Pantheon, and rolled right by the stunning São Vicente Monastery — it felt like a sightseeing jackpot around every corner!
The e-bikes allowed us to cover so much ground in just a few hours, and even climbing up hills felt super easy. Book this tour for 10 am and you’ll wrap up around 1 pm, just in time for a hearty lunch.
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation options!
Tuk tuk tour
This tuk tuk tour is a fantastic introduction to Lisbon, and there’s no effort involved! If you book it for 9 am, you can spend 4 hours cruising around the city in style and then be done in time for lunch at 1 pm.
We had a blast on this tour and got to see so much. We even visited the Jerónimos Monastery, which was a huge bonus because it’s a little outside the city center, and it would take ages to get there on foot. However, it didn’t take us long at all in the tuk tuk!
We also visited two gorgeous viewpoints over the city and explored some of the city’s coolest and most historic neighborhoods, including the postcard-perfect Barrio Alto. This neighborhood is super hilly, with winding streets, so we were happy to be driven around.
Our driver, Pinto, even took us to the famous Belem bakery, where we bought some of their renowned pasteis de nata for ourselves—yum!
This is such an easy and fun way to explore Lisbon, especially if you’re not super confident on a bike. It’s also incredibly popular and often sells out, so we definitely recommend booking your spot early!
Book this tour with over 4,000 5-star reviews here!
Lunch – Bifanas do Afonso
Both tours wrap up at 1 pm, so after you’re done, head to Bifanas do Afonso for the best pork sandwiches in Lisbon! This tiny, no-frills spot is takeaway only, and there’s often a queue, but trust me, the juicy, flavorful bifanas served on soft bread are absolutely worth the wait. Plus, they only cost €3 each!
This spot is cash-only, but there’s an ATM located right across the street if you need it. Oh, and make sure to add the mustard and spicy chili oil to your sandwich after you get it because it really takes it to the next level. I honestly wish I could eat these sandwiches every day!
Afternoon – Wander through Almfa, Baxia, and Chiado
You probably cruised through these neighborhoods earlier on your bike or tuk tuk tour, but now’s the time to slow down and really soak them in. These districts are all fairly close to each other, so you can take your time winding through the narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and charming little plazas on foot. Honestly, I think I could wander around Lisbon forever and never get bored!
Here are a few landmarks to look out for along the way:
- Livraria Bertrand – A bookshop in Chiado that’s thought to be the world’s one in the world!
- Santa Justa Lift – An iron elevator that takes you from Baixa up to the Carmo Convent ruins. As you can imagine, the views from here are absolutely epic.
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol – This is one of Lisbon’s best viewpoints, and it offers postcard-perfect views over the Tagus River and the rooftops of Alfama.
- São Jorge Castle – A historic fortress perched high above the city, offering panoramic views and a fascinating glimpse into Lisbon’s Moorish past.
- Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s iconic riverside square surrounded by grand yellow buildings. It’s a great place to sample a little taste of Lisbon’s culture, with cafes, shops, and amazing river views all around!
Evening – Food tour of the city
This food tour is the best thing that we’ve ever done in Lisbon! But it’s very popular, so make sure to book it well in advance. And book it for 5 pm, so that you have plenty of time to work up an appetite while exploring in the afternoon. The meeting point is in the northern part of Baixa, so make your way here as you explore.
We ate so much delicious food on this tour, and I felt like we really got to know the city. We visited five different restaurants to try delicious local food! Our guide, Catrina, taught us about religious influences on the food here, which was super interesting.
Meanwhile, the tastings were next level! We got to enjoy flaming chorizo, octopus salad, deep-fried green beans, and Portuguese samosas, to name but a few dishes. And as if that weren’t enough, we got to wash it down with local beers, some of Portugal’s famous green wine, and ginjinha, a local cherry liqueur.
The tour wrapped up with a world-famous pasteis de nata at one of Lisbon’s top-rated spots.
I’m not at all surprised that this tour has THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews. It’s a must-do in Lisbon, so don’t hesitate to book.
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!
Day 2
Breakfast – Grab on the go!
Today’s tour to Sintra and Cascais departs at 8 am from the Hard Rock Cafe. Since there aren’t many great breakfast options near the meeting point, we recommend grabbing a bite at or near your hotel before you head out.
It’s a long (and exciting!) day of sightseeing, and although there’s a lunch stop in Cascais, it comes a little later in the afternoon, so you’ll definitely want to fuel up beforehand. Trust us, it will make today’s palace-hopping and coastal adventures even more enjoyable!
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Sintra and Cascais
By far the most popular day trip from Lisbon is to Sintra and Cascais. In fact, it’s a must-do while you’re in the city, and this full-day tour makes it so easy. We initially tried to plan a trip ourselves, but it was a bit of a headache, so we opted for a guided option, and we’re so glad we did. All we had to do was show up and enjoy our day!
The tour departs at 8 am, and we started our day by exploring the leafy trails and viewpoints of Sintra’s Pena Park. Then, we enjoyed a tour of the gorgeous red-and-yellow Pena National Palace. If you’ve ever Googled Lisbon, I’m sure you will instantly recognize it!
Later, we visited the Roca Cape, which is the westernmost point of Europe. And finally, we enjoyed a relaxed afternoon with some free time for lunch (at our expense) in the beautiful, coastal town of Cascais before heading back to Lisbon. You should get back at around 4 pm, so you’ll have a bit of time to relax before dinner.
We highly recommend this tour because we saw everything we wanted, and we never felt rushed. And you don’t just have to take our word for it—read almost 5,000 5-star reviews here!
Reserve this popular tour now before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Floresta das Escadinhas
For dinner tonight, make your way to Floresta das Escadinhas for an authentic Portuguese meal. We recommend going back to your hotel to freshen up after the tour, then heading out for your evening meal. It’s typical to eat dinner around 7 or 8 pm, so do as the locals do!
This restaurant is simple but sleek, and there is ample seating, so it doesn’t feel overcrowded. I recommend booking a table in advance—just to be safe. They specialize in seafood, and everything looked amazing, including the octopus! I highly recommend trying some of Portugal’s famous salted cod or sardines. A true taste of the coast!
Related Read: Want even more ideas? Check out our list of 10 exciting things to do in Lisbon to help you make the most of your trip!
Day 3
Breakfast – Breakfast Lovers Alfama
Start off your final day in Lisbon on the right note at Breakfast Lovers Alfama! The first time we came here, we just popped in because we were staying nearby, and it turned out that we had happened upon one of Lisbon’s best-loved breakfast spots—yes, really!
With its exposed brick arches and Portuguese plates decorating the wall, it feels really authentic and homey, and the food is just incredible. The eggs Benedict will definitely fill you up for the day, or for sweet tooths like me, I highly recommend the huge stack of French toast.
We won’t be staying in Lisbon’s historic center today, however. So once you’ve finished eating, we suggest hopping in an Uber or catching a bus to our next stop.
Mid-morning – LX Factory
LX Factory is a must-visit creative hub in Lisbon, just an 8-minute Uber ride or a 16-minute bus journey from this morning’s breakfast spot. It used to be an industrial warehouse complex, but today, it’s a dynamic arts and culture district with a lot going on.
We suggest spending 2–2.5 hours here so you have plenty of time to enjoy all the galleries, cafes, and bookstores. Speaking of which, make sure to visit the Ler Devagar Bookstore, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world!
The walls here are covered with colorful murals by some of Portugal’s top street artists, giving the whole area a creative, energetic vibe. If you’re around on a Sunday, don’t miss the weekly market, where you’ll find everything from locally made goods to vintage clothing. We love coming to this vibrant area because there’s always something new to discover, so take your time and enjoy exploring.
Afternoon – Explore Belém
Belém is Lisbon’s historic seaport. It’s packed with must-see landmarks, so we suggest spending the whole afternoon exploring this charming area. Oh, and make sure that you grab a pastel de nata for lunch at the famous Pastéis de Belém. These are the original custard tarts, and you won’t find a better one anywhere!
Belém Tower
This iconic landmark once guarded the entrance to the port of Lisbon and is one of the city’s oldest buildings, having survived the 1755 earthquake. It sits right on the edge of the Tagus River, and it’s actually connected to the mainland by a bridge. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, as the line can get long, but the views from the top are totally worth it!
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a tribute to the explorers who helped shape Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It actually marks the very spot where ships set sail to chart new territories. It’s a pretty quick spot, but worth checking out.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
This beautiful monastery is straight out of Harry Potter! In fact, it’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it actually withstood the 1755 earthquake, so it’s another of Lisbon’s oldest buildings.
Church of Santa Maria de Belém
This church is adjacent to the monastery. It’s a glorious white church that serves as the final resting place of many prominent figures from Portuguese history.
Petiscos on the waterfront
This evening’s tour doesn’t start until 7 pm, and we suggest eating dinner afterwards, in true European fashion. To keep you going, we suggest you grab some petiscos—aka Portuguese tapas.
The waterfront has a thriving piscine culture, and there are lots of cute restaurants along the water that serve drinks and appetizers. Find one that you like and enjoy some petiscos (and perhaps an aperitif or two) before your sunset cruise. Mister Tapas is our favorite!
Evening – Enjoy a sunset cruise
A sunset cruise is a must while in Lisbon—it would be rude not to in a city built along such a stunning river. This 2-hour cruise departs just a 6-minute walk along the river from Mister Tapas. It leaves at 7 pm, so you’ll get back to the port around 9 pm.
I loved this cruise because it’s a fantastic way to take in the sights, including the Belém Tower and the Ajuda National Palace. Gliding along the Tagus River with the city unfolding around us felt like the perfect ending to a busy day of exploring.
Seeing Lisbon bathed in golden light was just magical, and I loved sailing underneath the famous 25th of April Bridge. You really get a sense for just how beautiful the city is from out on the river, because you can see all of the old buildings piled on top of each other on the hillside. It’s quite a sight to behold!
Meanwhile, the crew were super friendly and we loved the fact that this was a small group cruise, rather than a big party boat. It had a really nice, relaxed atmosphere on board, so I think that this is the perfect way to spend your final evening in Lisbon.
Book this popular sunset cruise here, before it sells out!
Dinner – O Rio Marisqueira
Cap off a fantastic trip to Lisbon with dinner at O Rio Marisqueria. It serves some of the tastiest seafood in the city, so reservations are a must! The prawns and octopus starter is a standout, and I could eat the seafood rice all day, every day. The staff also gave us some fantastic wine recommendations to match our order. If you’re a seafood lover, this place absolutely belongs on your Lisbon itinerary.
Related Read: Planning more time in Lisbon? Check out our guide to the 4 best areas and hotels in Lisbon to help you find the perfect place to stay!
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Now that you have the perfect Lisbon itinerary planned, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! If you’re only in Lisbon for a few days, then I highly recommend staying centrally, because it’ll save you loads of time getting to and from all the main sights.
So, to help you out, I’ve put together three fantastic hotel options for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
The Ivens, Autograph Collection is a lovely hotel, located right in the heart of Lisbon. It’s pure luxury, encased in an ornate historic building, and the upscale rooms range from double rooms to king suites. Plus, it’s within walking distance from Lisbon’s top sights and best restaurants. It makes a great base for exploring the city – if you can ever bring yourself to leave, that is.
Rooms start around €400 a night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
I love the Madalena by The Beautique Hotels because it offers a boutique stay that won’t break the bank. The modern rooms are super clean and comfy, and there’s a fantastic restaurant on site. Best of all, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Rossio Square and other popular sights.
Prices range from €150 to €300 and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
This Is Lisbon Hostel is an amazing hostel. It’s nestled on a hillside, which does mean more work for your calves, but the views from the rooftop terrace make it more than worth it. It has a super friendly vibe and the staff even organize yoga classes and surf lessons, so you’ll never be bored staying here!
You can choose between dorms and private rooms here. A dorm bed starts around €25 per night, and private rooms are about €60 to €80 per night.
Check availability and book this room on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Lisbon here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most European countries drive on the right-hand side, except for the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, where you’ll drive on the left. Some countries also have unique road signs or rules, so it’s worth doing a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. Also, a compact car is great for narrow village roads or tight city parking. With Discover Cars, it’s super easy to filter for exactly what you need, whether that’s an automatic, a diesel engine, or extra luggage space.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days might not feel like enough in a city as lively and beautiful as Lisbon, but with this itinerary, you’ll leave feeling like you truly experienced it. From historic palaces and colorful neighborhoods to cozy petiscos bars and unforgettable sunset cruises, we’ve packed in the perfect mix of highlights and hidden gems to help you fall in love with Portugal’s capital, just like we did.
If Lisbon is just one stop on your Portugal adventure, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty more inspiration coming your way. Check out our other Portugal travel blogs, or we’ve listed some of our other favorites below, and start planning where to go next!
10 Best Things to do in Albufeira, Portugal