A three-day stay in Lisbon is an invitation to discover the varied character of the city, from the historic grandeur of Baixa to the traditional streets of Alfama. This timeframe allows for an immersive journey, providing a real sense of the capital’s past and present without the need to rush.

The itinerary is built around Lisbon’s defining experiences. Your visit could include a ride on the iconic yellow tram, offering a unique perspective on the city as it winds through ancient neighbourhoods. It also features an exploration of Castelo de São Jorge, the Moorish citadel that stands guard over the city, and a trip to the waterfront district of Belém, where the monuments speak of Portugal’s golden age of maritime exploration.

To help you navigate a city of many hills and distinct districts, this itinerary is thoughtfully organised by area. Each day is dedicated to a specific part of Lisbon, creating a seamless and logical flow. This approach allows you to fully absorb the atmosphere of each neighbourhood, ensuring a journey that feels both comprehensive and unhurried.

 

 

This itinerary outlines a route through Lisbon that dedicates each day to a distinct area of the city, creating a journey that is both logical and rich in variety.
• Day 1: The historic heart, exploring the grand plazas of Baixa and the ancient streets of Alfama.
• Day 2: The Tagus waterfront, from the maritime monuments of Belém to the artistic hub of LX Factory.
• Day 3: A study in contrasts, discovering the elegant Príncipe Real district and the modern architecture of Parque das Nações.
• Friday or Saturday night - The vibrant nightlife of the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré districts.

While this itinerary focuses on the city of Lisbon, the surrounding region offers numerous possibilities for day trips. The beautiful coastline and historic towns could easily provide reasons to extend your holiday to a week or longer.

The interactive map below illustrates this three-day journey. The route for day one is marked in green, day two in yellow and day three in blue. (Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights of day one: 1) Praça do Comércio 2) Rua Augusta 3) Elevador de Santa Justa 4) Rossio 5) Praça dos Restauradores 6) Igreja de Santo António 7) Sé Cathedral 8) Castelo de São Jorge 9) Portas do Sol viewpoint 10) Panteão Nacional
Sights of day two: 11) Mosteiro dos Jerónimos 12) Padrão dos Descobrimentos 13) Torre de Belém 14) Pastéis de Belém 15) LxFactory
Sights of day three: 16) Praça Luís de Camões 17) Convento do Carmo 18) Igreja de São Roque 19) Jardim do Príncipe Real 20) Avenida da Liberdade 21) Praça Marquês de Pombal 22) Parque das Nações 23) Oceanário de Lisboa 24) Torre Vasco da Gama
Nightlife areas 25) Pink Street (Cais do Sodré district) 26) Bairro Alto

Insight: Many short trips to Lisbon include a day trip to Sintra, which could replace the suggestions for day 3. This article solely focuses on Lisbon, but for a full guide to Sintra, please click here.

A car is unnecessary and not recommended for this itinerary. The city is best discovered on foot, complemented by an excellent public transport network of trams, buses, and metro lines. For direct journeys, ride-sharing services (such as Uber and Bolt) are readily available and affordable. Driving in the city is often challenging, and parking within the historic districts is extremely limited.

The first day is an immersion in the two contrasting districts that form Lisbon’s historic heart. The morning is for exploring the grand, orderly avenues of Baixa, while the afternoon is spent wandering the ancient, maze-like streets of Alfama.

Morning in the Baixa District
The day begins in Baixa, the elegant centre of Lisbon. Completely rebuilt on a grid plan after the devastating 1755 earthquake, its neoclassical architecture gives the area a distinct and stately character. The district is easily reached via the Rossio or Terreiro do Paço metro stations.

A natural starting point is the monumental Praça do Comércio, which opens onto the Tagus Estuary. This vast, arcaded square was once the commercial gateway to the city. From here, you can pass under the triumphal Arco da Rua Augusta; its viewing platform offers a superb perspective back across the plaza and the river.

The arch leads onto the Rua Augusta, the district's main pedestrian artery. This lively street, with its traditional tiled facades and open-air cafés, is ideal for a stroll. A short detour brings you to the Elevador de Santa Justa, an ornate 19th-century iron lift. More than just a means of transport between the lower Baixa and the upper Carmo Convent, its summit provides another fine viewpoint over the city’s rooftops.

Pro-Tip: The queue to ride the lift up is often over an hour long. You can access the same viewing platform with no wait by walking up the hill to the Carmo Convent and using the walkway at the top

Continuing north, the walk leads to Rossio, a bustling square that has been the social heart of Lisbon for centuries, known for its waving cobblestone patterns and bronze fountains.

The morning's exploration could conclude nearby with a taste of Ginjinha from a historic bar like A Ginjinha. The traditional order for this sweet cherry liqueur is a single shot, and you'll be asked 'com ou sem elas?' (with or without the cherries). For the authentic experience, try it with them.
Related articles: Baixa district guide - Praça do Comércio

The magnificent Praça do Comércio plaza

The Rua Augusta looking down to the Arco da Rua Augusta

Rossio plaza, as seen from the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa

The afternoon offers a complete change of character with an exploration of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest and most evocative neighbourhood. Having largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, it presents a fascinating contrast to Baixa’s structured grandeur. It is a dense and atmospheric maze of steep cobbled alleys, hidden courtyards, and colourful houses that cling to the hill between the Tagus River and the castle.

The best way to experience Alfama is to begin at its lower edge and wander upwards. Near the entrance to the district stands the imposing, fortress-like Sé Cathedral, the city’s oldest church. From there, the climb through the district’s narrow lanes reveals the true nature of the area. You will often see the iconic yellow number 28 tram rattling through the main thoroughfares, though Alfama's steepest and most charming sections can only be discovered on foot.

The ascent is rewarded with stunning views from its terraced viewpoints, known as miradouros. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a particular highlight, providing a classic postcard view over Alfama’s red-tiled roofs down to the water.

The journey culminates at the ramparts of the Castelo de São Jorge. From the walls of this ancient Moorish citadel, you have commanding panoramas across the entire city. As evening descends, Alfama reveals its musical soul. This is the traditional home of Fado, and its melancholic sounds drift from the doorways of small restaurants, offering an authentic way to conclude your first day in Lisbon.

For an unforgettable end to the day, a short walk from the castle’s exit leads into the neighbouring district of Graça. Here, the Miradouro da Graça offers a spectacular vantage point for sunset. From its pine-shaded terrace, you can watch the late afternoon sun illuminate the castle walls and cast a warm glow across the city. This viewpoint is also the perfect introduction to Graça itself, a genuine Lisbon neighbourhood with a proud, unpretentious atmosphere. It's an ideal place to find an authentic neighbourhood tasca for dinner, away from the main tourist crowds.
Related article: Guide to Alfama – Tram 28 guide

The number 28 tram passes the Sé Cathedral

The Miradouro da Graça viewpoint overlooking Lisbon castle and the Baixa district

The battlements of the Castelo de São Jorge provide wonderful views over the Tejo Estuary

Alternative Evening: Sunset on the Tagus River
For a truly memorable end to your first day, experience the sunset from the water on a Tagus River cruise. This offers a completely different and relaxing perspective on the city after a day of exploring on foot. As the boat sails from the docks, you can appreciate the scale and beauty of the city's waterfront as it is bathed in the warm light of the golden hour.

The typical two-hour route provides unparalleled views of Lisbon's most famous landmarks from the unique vantage point of the river. You will glide past the Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, sail beneath the magnificent Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and see the Cristo Rei statue watching over the city. The cruise culminates with a spectacular view of the historic skyline, including the Praça do Comércio and the colourful hillside of Alfama.

Numerous companies offer these excursions, often on classic sailboats, and most include a complimentary drink. As this is a very popular activity, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season.

Lisbon is a popular destination throughout the year, and demand for accommodation is consistently high, particularly during the peak season. To secure your preferred hotel and the most favourable rates, booking well in advance is strongly recommended.

The map below displays the location of hotels and rental apartments across the city. By entering your travel dates, you can view current availability and pricing to help you find the ideal base for your trip.

Booking.com

The second day is a journey to the historic waterfront of Belém, the district from which Portugal’s great explorers set sail during the 15th and 16th centuries. Located west of the city centre, this spacious and monumental area is defined by its connection to the Age of Discovery. The district is best reached via the number 15 tram, which provides a scenic route along the riverfront from central Lisbon.

The undisputed centrepiece of the district is the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This vast monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a uniquely Portuguese style of ornate carving funded by the spice trade. It was here that sailors, including Vasco da Gama, would pray before their voyages; his tomb lies just inside the church.

From the monastery, it is a short walk through landscaped gardens to the river's edge. Here you will find two iconic structures. The striking Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) juts out over the water, a tribute to the explorers, cartographers, and monarchs who shaped this era. A short walk along the promenade leads to the Torre de Belém, an elegant fortified tower that once served as both a ceremonial gateway to the city and a key part of its maritime defences.

No visit to Belém is complete without tasting the original custard tart from the famed Pastéis de Belém bakery, which has been using its secret recipe since 1837. The entire district, with its parks and wide-open spaces, offers a refreshing contrast to the dense neighbourhoods of the city centre. While the main sights can be visited in half a day, Belém’s appeal can easily extend to fill the entire afternoon, with excellent museums such as the modern art of the Coleção Berardo and the remarkable royal carriage collection at the Museu Nacional dos Coches.
Related articles: A guide to Belem - The Torre de Belém

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is the largest and most stunning religious building in Lisbon

The Torre de Belém fort

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument, with stone carvings of the key figures in Portugal's 17th century Age of Discovery

As the afternoon progresses, a short ride on the number 15 tram back towards the city centre brings you to the Alcântara district. Here, beneath the grand arches of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, you will find LX Factory.

This sprawling former industrial complex has been transformed into one of Lisbon's most dynamic creative hubs. The industrial-chic spaces now house a vibrant collection of independent boutiques, design shops, art galleries, and unique restaurants. It is an excellent place to browse, enjoy a coffee or a drink, and experience the contemporary, artistic side of the city.

Alternative: A Journey on the Number 28 Tram
For a more traditional sightseeing experience, the afternoon could instead be spent taking a dedicated journey on the famous number 28 tram. While you may have seen it in Alfama, riding its full, rattling route offers a remarkable cross-section of the city's older neighbourhoods. The tram climbs through the historic districts of Graça, Baixa, and Estrela, navigating incredibly tight corners and steep hills, and acting as a rolling viewpoint for the life of the old city.
Related articles: Tram 28 tram

The Lxfactory stands in the shadow of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge

The 28 tram passing the Basílica da Estrela

As evening arrives, Lisbon’s nightlife begins in the historic hilltop district of Bairro Alto. By day, a quiet residential area, the neighbourhood undergoes a nightly transformation as dozens of small, characterful bars open their doors. The district is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, and, especially on weekends, the lively atmosphere spills outside, with the entire area becoming a vibrant, open-air social gathering.

The energy in Bairro Alto typically lasts until around 2 am. From there, the night continues in the district of Cais do Sodré, located a short walk downhill towards the river.

Once the city's red-light district, with a reputation for serving sailors in its dockside bars, Cais do Sodré has been completely reinvented as Lisbon's late-night hub. The centre of the action is Rua Nova do Carvalho, famously painted a vivid pink and now known simply as Pink Street. This is where you will find many of the city’s most popular music venues and clubs, keeping the energy going well into the early hours of the morning.

The socialising spills into the streets on a Friday night in Bairro Alto

Pink Street

The final day explores the sophisticated side of Lisbon, moving from the hilltop neighbourhoods known for their daytime charm and panoramic views down to the city's grandest central avenue.

Morning in Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real
The morning begins back in Bairro Alto, a district that reveals a much calmer character by day than during its lively nights. A good starting point is the Praça Luís de Camões, a bustling square connecting the area to the neighbouring Chiado district. From here, you can explore two of the area's most remarkable sites. The roofless Gothic arches of the Convento do Carmo stand as a dramatic and poignant memorial to the 1755 earthquake. Nearby, the plain exterior of the Igreja de São Roque hides a breathtakingly opulent interior, famed for its gilded chapels.

Adjacent to Bairro Alto is the refined district of Príncipe Real. This affluent residential area is known for its 19th-century mansions, antique shops, and independent boutiques. The heart of the neighbourhood is the shady Jardim do Príncipe Real, a charming park centred around a magnificent, sprawling cedar tree. On the district's eastern edge, the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara provides one of the city’s finest panoramic views, looking across to the castle on the opposite hill.

The morning's walk can conclude with a descent along the Avenida da Liberdade. This wide, tree-lined boulevard, often compared to those in Paris, is Lisbon's most exclusive shopping street. Lined with designer stores and featuring intricate mosaic pavements, it is an impressive thoroughfare for a stroll, leading down to the large roundabout of Praça Marquês de Pombal and the expansive lawns of Parque Eduardo VII.
Related articles: Bairro Alto - Príncipe Real – Shopping in Lisbon guide

The Embaixada boutique shopping centre, in the Príncipe Real district, is housed in a former palace

Looking down to the Praça Marques Pombal from the Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII viewpoint

For the final afternoon, the itinerary presents a complete contrast with a visit to Parque das Nações. This futuristic district on the eastern waterfront of the city is best reached by the metro (Red Line to Oriente).

Originally a derelict industrial site, the entire area was spectacularly redeveloped to host the Expo '98 world fair. Today, it stands as a showcase of modern Lisbon, defined by bold contemporary architecture, public art, and expansive green spaces along the river. The atmosphere is open and calm, offering a different pace from the historic centre.

The star attraction is the world-class Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the finest aquariums in Europe, celebrated for its impressive central tank and innovative habitat design. The district's skyline is marked by architectural landmarks, from the soaring, sail-shaped Torre Vasco da Gama to the stunning vaulted canopy of the Oriente Station.

A ride on the Teleférico (cable car) provides excellent views as it glides along the waterfront, offering a full perspective of this remarkable urban space. With its wide promenades, gardens, and numerous restaurants, it is a relaxing and engaging place to conclude your three-day exploration of Lisbon.
Related articles: Parque das Nações guide

The Torre Vasco da Gama and waterfront of the Parque das Nações

For a completely different perspective on Lisbon, the afternoon could be spent exploring the southern bank of the Tagus river. This journey begins with a short and scenic ferry ride from the Cais do Sodré terminal to the town of Cacilhas, offering wonderful views of the city skyline from the water.

From Cacilhas, a local bus takes you up the hill to the base of the iconic Cristo Rei statue. Inspired by its counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, this monument offers one of the most commanding panoramas in the entire region. The viewpoint provides an unparalleled perspective of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, with the seven hills of Lisbon spread out beautifully behind it.

As the afternoon turns to evening, the journey continues to the atmospheric riverside at the base of the cliffs. The most scenic way to reach it is via the Elevador da Boca do Vento. This panoramic lift travels down the cliff face, offering wonderful views across the river as it descends to the waterfront below.

The elevator delivers you to the pier, a dramatic setting to watch the sunset directly behind the bridge and the city skyline. This is also where you will find one of the region's most famous dining experiences, the restaurant Ponto Final. Its highly sought-after tables are set on a stone pier directly on the water, making reservations essential, especially if you hope to dine at sunset.

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