What to see in Lisbon in 3 days: itinerary, where to eat and where to sleep

Tall statue on a white pedestal stands in a sunny plaza, flanked by pastel buildings and red-tiled roofs in Lisbon.

We had already fallen in love with Portugal thanks to our week in the Algarve a few years ago, and if you missed that one you can find it here 👉 [ALGARVE ARTICLE].

This time, however, we wanted to dedicate all our time to her: Lisbon. Three full days, city only, to try and truly understand it — and in this article we are taking you with us day by day, through what to see, where to eat and where to sleep.

We were there at the beginning of June and, if you are wondering, it is probably one of the best times to go. During the day temperatures peaked at 28°C, though on several days it stayed around 25°C: the ideal climate for walking from morning to evening without melting (and in Lisbon, with all its hills and cobblestones, you walk a lot 😅).

The one constant across all three days? The wind. But nothing like what you get in the Canary Islands: here it is pleasant, light and refreshingly cool. Never annoying. In the following paragraphs you will find our itinerary stop by stop, the places where we ate (with our yeses and our nos, as always), and the area to stay in to get everywhere on foot. 🇵🇹

How to get from Lisbon airport to the city centre?

From the airport the cheapest option is the metro: take the Red Line from the “Aeroporto” station and in 20-30 minutes you will be in the city centre, with a ticket costing €1.90.

We, for convenience, chose Uber: around €8-9 and it dropped us right in front of our hotel.

The metro works very well and is affordable, but we preferred to use the trams (which are an experience in Lisbon, so it is actually a pleasure to take them) or Uber in the evenings when we were tired.

Where to sleep in Lisbon? Recommended neighbourhoods and hotels

Lisbon is one of the European capitals that in my opinion has the best value for money when it comes to hotels: compared to a city like Paris (HERE you can find my dedicated Paris article) you spend almost half the price for excellent, centrally located and well-reviewed accommodation. From this point of view it is a fantastic destination, where even on a mid-range budget you sleep well and in a convenient location.

In Lisbon we stayed in different places, but I am also leaving you a couple of alternatives we have been keeping an eye on: similar price range, central location, great reviews.

Where we stayed

Numa Lisbon Rato (Link HERE) — our favourite of this trip. An apartment with a small kitchen, which for us was invaluable: we made our own breakfasts and the occasional quick dinner to avoid eating out every single time (we travel a lot, every now and then we have to, sadly). It is about 900 metres from the centre, so very close but in a quieter area, and it is clean, spacious and well-kept. The bonus: the external gym included (about a 10-minute walk away — a real gym, not just a corner with two dumbbells). When I stay in a city for more than a week it is almost a requirement for me 💪

Hotel Gat Rossio (Link HERE) — where I stayed the very first time I visited Lisbon. A very central location but on a quiet street behind Praça dos Restauradores, practically above the metro stop. Very handy for getting around on foot and for heading back in the evening without any hassle. A reliable choice.

Other options we are keeping an eye on 👀 

Ibis Styles Lisboa Centro (Link HERE) near Parque Eduardo VII, often with breakfast already included in the price: handy if you want to set off in the morning without having to look for a café. Well reviewed and well located
Empire Marquês Hotel (Link HERE) right in the city centre, 3 stars at a great price with excellent reviews. One of those “safe bet” choices if you are looking for quality without spending too much.

Mirror selfie of a tattooed woman with blonde hair, wearing a gray sleeveless top and light pants, in a modern bedroom with a kitchenette in the background.
Numa Lisbon
Man in a black sleeveless shirt and shorts, wearing sunglasses, leaning against a yellow corner building beside a steep, tram-lined street in a sunny town.
Blonde tattooed woman leans on a yellow railing, overlooking a sunny cobblestone street with shops and tourists.
Powered by GetYourGuide

DAY ONE: the city centre on foot

On the first day we dedicated ourselves to the heart of Lisbon, entirely on foot and mostly downhill!

We set off from our apartment, the Numa, and walked along Avenida da Liberdade: the most elegant tree-lined boulevard in the city, full of luxury brand shops. Even just for the views it is worth the walk — they call it the “Champs-Élysées of Lisbon” — and it slopes gently downhill towards the centre, so the walking is a pleasure.

You arrive at Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro IV), one of the city’s most iconic squares: dominated by the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II and two twin baroque-style fountains.


Quick practical tip: right here is Rossio Station, where trains depart for day trips outside the city. This is where you take the train to Sintra (I will tell you more about that below).


As you stroll on you reach the Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon’s most famous vertical lift. When we were there it was closed for works, but even if it were open, I would not waste time and money going up: Lisbon is full of viewpoints (free and more beautiful).


Then get lost in Chiado, and this is where the sweet stop of the day happens: Manteigaria (corner of Praça Luís de Camões), where whenever the bell rings out on the street it means a fresh tray of pastéis has just come out of the oven 🔔. Walking down towards the river you will come across the yellow Bica funicular (a postcard-perfect view) and, in Baixa, the Arco da Rua Augusta.

Once you reach the river, lunch at the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) — a large food hall with dozens of stands, including some of the city’s best chefs. Quick and perfect at midday (in the evening it gets packed). Right next door, a short stroll down Pink Street: calm and photogenic during the day, the heart of the nightlife in the evening.

Just steps away is Praça do Comércio, the largest and most dramatic square in the city, opening directly onto the Tagus. Sit down, enjoy the cool breeze and catch your breath. 🇵🇹


For dinner I recommend Taberna Anti-Dantas, in the centre near Avenida da Liberdade: walls covered in vintage newspaper clippings and traditional Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Must-tries: the savoury pastéis filled with bacalhau, the sardine toasts and the cod as a main course!

Sunny square in front of Teatro Nacional de Maria II, a neoclassical theatre, with people walking; a woman with a tattooed arm stands at a railing in the foreground beside a street lamp.
Rossio
Narrow Lisbon street with outdoor cafes, a red-and-yellow tram in the foreground, pedestrians walking, and a tall iron elevator tower in the background.
Elevador
Elaborate stone triumphal arch with statues and carvings, crowds beneath in Lisbon's Arco da Rua Augusta on a sunny day.
Arca da Rua Augusta

DAY TWO: Belém, pastéis de nata and LX Factory

On the second day we dedicate ourselves to Belém, the monumental riverside neighbourhood, home to the Torre de Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery and the original pastéis de nata. In the afternoon we move on to LX Factory, the former industrial area that has become the creative heart of the city.

How to get to Belém from Lisbon city centre?

Belém is about 6-7 km west of the centre. The most convenient way is tram 15E from Cais do Sodré (about 30 minutes, it drops you right next to the Monastery). We took Uber — comfort first!

The Torre de Belém is the symbol of the city: a 16th-century fortress rising out of the water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I had also asked my Instagram community about it and they confirmed that the exterior is the most striking part (and the best photo is taken from outside), while the interior is small and not particularly impressive — up to you whether to go in.

Nearby is the Jerónimos Monastery, in my opinion even more impressive: the carved cloisters are pure wonder. 🤍

⚠️ Both are closed on Mondays and on certain public holidays (including 13th June, the feast of Saint Anthony, Lisbon’s patron saint — watch out if you are going in early June like we did!). In high season the queue can reach 2 hours: the Monastery ticket costs €18 in 2026 (the church alone is free). You can buy tickets in advance on the official website HERE.


Just steps from the Monastery is the unmissable stop: Pastéis de Belém, the pastry shop that since 1837 has been baking the original pastéis de nata, using a secret recipe. Yes, there is almost always a queue, but it moves very quickly — and eating them still warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon is a completely different experience from the ones you find elsewhere.

👉 That said, our favourite pastelaria remains Manteigaria (the one we told you about on day one, in Chiado and at the Time Out Market). For us, it wins. Try both and let us know which side you are on! 😄

From Belém we head towards Alcântara, beneath the great Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, where you will find LX Factory: a former industrial complex transformed into a maze of vintage shops, concept stores, street art, cafés and restaurants. You explore it on foot and at every corner there is something to photograph.

The highlight is Livraria Ler Devagar, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world according to the Financial Times and the Daily Mail: set inside a former printing works, with books from floor to ceiling, the old printing press on the upper floor and the famous bicycle suspended in mid-air. On Sundays there is the LX Market, with even more vintage finds and crafts — so if you happen to be there on a Sunday, don’t miss it.


One more sweet stop — for what many consider the best chocolate cake in the world. Inside LX Factory you will find Landeau Chocolate, famous for doing one thing and doing it divinely: its chocolate cake, considered by many to be the best in the world — dense, moist, intense, very little flour and high-quality dark chocolate. I already showed you everything in a reel about this cake 👉 [LANDEAU REEL LINK] — trust me and try it. You can also find a branch right in the city centre near Pink Street.

Stone coastal fortress tower with crenellated battlements rising from the water, viewed from the shore; a person with tattoos stands in the foreground.
Torre de Belem
Two Portuguese egg tarts on a white plate at a cafe counter with a caramelized top.
Pasteis de Belem
Sunlit cobblestone street in a village, with a flower stall on the right and people strolling toward a cafe in the distance.
LX Factory
Overhead view of a two-level bookstore with shelves full of books and a large white mechanical sculpture hanging from the ceiling on the upper level.
Livreria Devagar

DAY THREE: tram 28, from Estrela to Alfama

We start at a relaxed pace at the Jardim da Estrela, a lush and peaceful park in front of the white Basílica da Estrela: a perfect quiet corner to begin the day. An 18-minute walk brings you back towards the central areas — if you fancy a small hidden gem off the usual routes, there is Rua Verde (Rua da Silva), a little alleyway full of plants and lanterns: nothing unmissable, but lovely if you are passing by. 🌿

From here you can hop on tram 28, those vintage yellow carriages that rattle their way across the whole city, from west to east all the way to Alfama: an experience in itself. Take it early or outside peak hours, because it gets very crowded — and watch your belongings! We bought our tickets directly on board. To get a seat, board at one of the terminus stops. Along the route you also pass in front of the Sé, the cathedral located in Alfama.

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood: a maze of alleyways, hanging laundry, staircases and azulejos. The best thing to do is get lost. The two viewpoints that won us over are right next to each other:

Miradouro de Santa Luzia: the terrace with its vine-covered pergola and azulejo panels, with views over the red rooftops all the way to the river.

Largo das Portas do Sol: just steps away, with the statue of São Vicente (the patron saint, holding a caravel) and once again that breathtaking view over the Tagus.

Is it worth going up to the Castelo de São Jorge?
We did not go up, but it is right there above you: if you have time, the Castelo de São Jorge is an 11th-century Moorish fortress on the highest hill in the city, with a panoramic view over Alfama and the Tagus, and peacocks in the gardens. The ticket costs around €15 in 2026 — better to buy it online in advance!

A woman with blond hair in a light dress and backpack walks toward a grand stone cathedral with domed towers and ornate arches, behind a black wrought-iron gate on a sunny street.
Jardim de Estrela
Facade of a large stone church with two square towers, a rose window, and a central arched doorway against a clear blue sky.
Cathedral Lisbona
Street musicians perform on a sunny terrace with a sea-view town in the background; a bassist in a blue suit plays as a guitarist and drummer accompany him.
Alfama

Sintra: the perfect day trip (if you have an extra day)

If you have an extra day, Sintra is the day trip not to be missed: about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon (Rossio station), it is a fairytale village of colourful streets and palaces and castles nestled in the green hills of the Serra. It is wonderful simply to stroll and get lost among the streets of the centre, but the real highlights are its many palaces — and there is something for every taste.

How to get to Sintra from Lisbon

Take the train from Rossio station to Sintra: about 40 minutes, frequent and affordable. Once you arrive, however, the palaces are at the top of the hill: do NOT walk up unless you are very fit (from the centre it is about 50 minutes uphill 😅).

Palácio da Pena: tickets and how to get up

The most famous and photographed is the Palácio da Pena, the brightly coloured yellow and red palace that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. Two important things about tickets, which you can also buy online on the official website HERE:

Gardens (this is what I bought, €12 — gives access to the gardens, panoramic terraces and the palace exterior, but not the interior).

Palace (interior): around €20, with a 30-minute time slot entry. Note that you must be in front of the palace at least 15 minutes before your slot.

We went up by tuk-tuk and came back down on foot with a little “trek” through the park — and after seeing that uphill stretch I was very happy not to have done it on the way up. So, if like me you are not a fan of steep climbs and tiny steep steps, go up by tuk-tuk (they depart from the centre of Sintra) or take bus 434, the tourist shuttle that runs from the station up to Pena. The walk down, if you feel like it, is more manageable.

Something else that everyone on Instagram recommended to me is the Palácio de Monserrate, with its romantic palace and botanical gardens. I did not go, but if you have time it seems to be one of the most beautiful and least crowded.

Person with blonde hair in a bun, back to camera, under a stone archway overlooking a valley and the sea.
Palacio de Pena
Colorful Pena Palace on a bright day with yellow domes, gray stone towers, and yellow walls against a blue sky; visitors exploring the castle grounds.
Palacio de Pena
Woman with tattoos and a crossbody bag walks along a sunlit cobblestone street past a yellow storefront selling clothes.
Sintra

Conclusions: are 3 days in Lisbon worth it?

Absolutely yes, and three days are more than enough to explore the heart of Lisbon at a relaxed pace: the city centre, Belém, Alfama — and if you want to add Sintra, factor in a fourth day.

Lisbon is a city that is very easy to get around on foot, but fair warning: it puts your legs to the test. Between the hills, cobblestones and staircases, you feel it all by the end of the day 😅. Nothing dramatic, but wear comfortable shoes and avoid flat soles — the cobblestones can be slippery.

The weather in early June was ideal: 25-28°C, perfect for walking all day long. And the wind, our constant companion across all three days, was never annoying — if anything, it cooled things down just right.

The real plus point for me is the value for money: the food is divine (the pastéis de nata are addictive) and you sleep well spending far less than in many other European capitals. It is touristy in some spots (tram 28, the queues at Pena), but a bit of planning and booking ahead and you can really enjoy it properly.

In two words: intense, uphill at times, but absolutely worth it. And if you combine it with a week in the Algarve like we did 👉 [ALGARVE ARTICLE LINK], you have the perfect Portugal: city and sea, all in one go.

What to pack for Lisbon (the things that saved us)

Person wearing black and white athletic sneakers rests feet crossed on a wooden floor, laces tied.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes — absolute priority: between the hills and cobblestones you walk a lot. (Click on the photo to find out which ones I wear)
Purple portable power bank held in a hand, with a white wrist strap attached and visible ports on the bottom edge.
🔋 Power bank— between Uber, Google Maps and photos, your battery drains fast. (Click on the photo to see the one I use)
Blonde woman with a bun and tattooed left arm stands by a canal railing on a city street, wearing a brown tank top and carrying a small bag.
👜 A comfortable, lightweight crossbody bag.(Click on the photo to see the details of my beloved Kipling)

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon (FAQ) and summary

How many days do you need to visit Lisbon?

Three days are ideal for exploring the historic centre, Belém and Alfama at a relaxed pace. If you want to add the trip to Sintra, factor in a fourth day.


How do you get from Lisbon airport to the city centre?

The cheapest way is the metro, Red Line: 20-30 minutes and a ticket costs €1.90 (plus a one-off €0.50 for the Navegante card). Alternatively, Uber or a taxi (around €8-15) will take you directly to your hotel.


What is the best area to stay in Lisbon?

The most convenient areas are Baixa, Chiado and the Avenida da Liberdade/Marquês de Pombal area: central, well connected and within walking distance of everything. On top of that, Lisbon offers excellent hotels at lower prices than many other European capitals.


When is the best time to visit Lisbon? What is the weather like in June?

Early June is one of the best times to go: 25-28°C, ideal for walking all day, with a pleasant breeze that cools you down without being a nuisance.


Is tram 28 worth it?

Yes, it is an iconic experience. But during the day it is extremely crowded: take it early or outside peak hours, board at a terminus stop to get a seat, and keep an eye on your belongings.


Where can you find the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon?

The most famous and historic are the Pastéis de Belém (since 1837), but our absolute favourite is Manteigaria. Special mention for Nat’elier, known for its creative versions: we tried the vegan ones and the apple and cinnamon ones and both were delicious. The only one that did not win us over is Castro: for our taste, too buttery compared to the others.


Is the trip to Sintra worth it and how do you get there?

Yes, if you have an extra day. You get there by train from Rossio station in about 40 minutes. The most famous palace is Pena: book your tickets in advance and go up by tuk-tuk or bus 434.


Where to eat in Lisbon? Our recommendations for breakfast, brunch and dinner

For breakfast and brunch our choice is Fauna & Flora (several locations around the city, a green plant-filled atmosphere, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too). For dinner, Taberna Anti-Dantas — traditional Portuguese cuisine with a twist. For lunch, the Time Out Market is convenient and quick.

continue reading...