Lisbon · Portugal
3 Days in Lisbon
3 Days
- Trip length
- 3 Days
Day One- Baixa & Chiado
Arrival Day. Route starts after dropping off your bags at your accommodation.
- 01
Santa Justa Lift
photo stop and viewpoint
- 02
Praca do Commercio
Allow 30 minutes or more
Here you can people watch and admire the river. Spend longer by grabbing a table at a cafe.
- 03
Rua Augusta Arch
allow 30 minutes
Climb up to this optional viewpoint in Praca do Comercio or just admire from the ground.
- 04
Carmo Convent
Allow 15 minutes
- 05
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
spend as much time here as you like
End your afternoon here with a favorite beverage and an unbeatable view of Lisbon.
Day Two - Alfama & Belem
Lots of walking today. Wear good shoes.
- 01
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Allow 1:30 to 2 hours
Book Ahead - 02
Miradouro de Santa Luiza
viewpoint
My favorite miradouro in Lisbon.
- 03
Se de Lisboa
quick photo stop
If you love churches, go inside here and add a bit more time.
- 04
Ruins of Teatro Romano
allow 20 minutes
- 05
Travel to Belem
Take the train from Cais do Sodre station or call an Uber or Bolt. It's about 3 miles along the waterfront to Belem. Optional to walk on a nice day if your feet are not shot.
- 06
Pastel de nata stop!
Stop at Pasteis de Belem as soon as you arrive. Get your fresh pasteis to-go and find a place to sit nearby to enjoy al fresco.
- 07
Jeronimos Monastery
quick photo stop
In this itinerary we're only viewing the monastery from the outside. If you want to tour the inside, buy tickets ahead of time and allow for an hour or more.
- 08
Discoveries Monument
quick photo stop
- 09
Belem Tower
allow 30 minutes or more
Book AheadMy favorite site in Belem. If going inside you must book ahead.
- 10
Museum Break
Take as much time here as you'd like before returning to central Lisbon
There are a number of fantastic museums in Belem. Choose whichever appeals to you. I recommend the Coach Museum for something relaxed and a little different and I didn't need to book ahead.
Day Three - Sintra
Head to Sintra. You can get there on your own via train if you'd like but I highly recommend a guided tour for convenience and the guide's expertise. Exact stops and durations will be dictated by your tour guide but I'm including some approximations and most popular sites here. Most tours will take you to two sites plus give you some free time in Sintra Old Town.
- 01
Sintra Old Town
- 02
Quinta de Regaleira
Approx 2 hours
- 03
Pena Palace
Approx 2 hours
- 04
Moorish Castle
Approx 2 hours
- 05
National Palace of Sintra
Approx 1 hour
- 06
Evening in Baixa
Finish your trip back in the Baixa. Have dinner by the water, shop for souvenirs and have a last pastel de nata.
Where I Stayed
Hotel da Baixa
Where I Ate
EPUR for Michelin starred dinner with a view
Bar Terraco de Santa Luiza for snacks and drinks near Miradouro de Santa Luiza
Potato Project for a quick cone of Amsterdam-style frites
Sebastiao for traditional Portuguese in Baixa
Pasteis de Belem for the best pastel de nata in the city
Restaurante a Toca do Julio lunch outside Sintra
Getting Around
Lisbon is very walkable but hilly. There are trams, trains and Ubers/Bolts available as well. Itinerary is designed to be walked, except where otherwise noted.
Travel Tips
Lisbon is hilly and walking can take time. While itinerary stops are grouped together and designed to be easily mapped from place-to-place, expect plenty of commute time between sites.