Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Lisbon
Wander the hilly, cobbled streets of Lisbon, a sun-kissed coastal capital offering historic ruins, soulful Fado music, and delicious pastéis de nata.
Lisbon is served by its international airport and by train from Madrid and Porto. Trams, Metro, and funiculars help with the hills; the centre is walkable but steep. Spring and autumn are sunny and comfortable; summer can be hot. Book Belém’s attractions, Fado shows, and popular restaurants ahead. Don’t miss Tram 28, the viewpoints (miradouros), and a day trip to Sintra. Allow time for pastéis de nata, markets, and neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. Comfortable shoes are essential for the cobbles.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Lisbon.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
Spring
20°C / 12°C
Sunny and comfortably mild
Summer
28°C / 18°C
Hot and dry, brilliant blue skies
Fall
22°C / 15°C
Warm and pleasant, great for exploring
Winter
15°C / 9°C
Mild and occasionally rainy
Day 1
Belem Tower
Landmark medieval fortified tower on tiny river island with rooftop terrace offering estuary views.
Morning activity: Belem Tower.
Pasteis de Belem
Large, airy bakery cafe offering Portuguese baked goods including tarts & breads.
Lunch nearby: Pasteis de Belem.
Jeronimos Monastery
Late Gothic Manueline-style monastery housing archaeology & maritime museums in its wings.
Afternoon sightseeing: Jeronimos Monastery.
Time Out Market
Dinner in the area: Time Out Market.
Live Fado Show
Evening experience: Live Fado Show.
Day 2
Alfama District
Morning activity: Alfama District.
Tram 28
Classic yellow trams retaining original 1930s features like brass dials & polished wood interiors.
Lunch nearby: Tram 28.
Sao Jorge Castle
11th-century, hilltop Moorish castle & royal residence with palace ruins & archaeological museum.
Afternoon sightseeing: Sao Jorge Castle.
Cervejaria Ramiro
Relaxed, informal 3-floor seafood and beer drinking eatery established in the 1950s.
Dinner in the area: Cervejaria Ramiro.
Bairro Alto
Evening experience: Bairro Alto.
Day 3
Pena Palace Sintra
19th-century, Romanticist palace on a high rock & former monastery site, surrounded by parkland.
Morning activity: Pena Palace Sintra.
Azenhas do Mar
Lunch nearby: Azenhas do Mar.
LX Factory
This historical industrial complex houses an array of arty retailers & unique restaurants.
Afternoon sightseeing: LX Factory.
Ponto Final
Snug, homey choice with a rustic, waterfront patio offering classic Portuguese plates & wine.
Dinner in the area: Ponto Final.
Pink Street
Evening experience: Pink Street.