Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2023
02 Jun 2023
Image by Cristina Macia from Pixabay
Are you planning a trip to Portugal? Well, then you need this Lisbon 3-day itinerary in your life!
If you’re looking for a city that blends stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, then Lisbon should be at the top of your list. There’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant destination.
Imagine strolling through colourful streets lined with traditional houses, listening to the sounds of fado music, and indulging in delicious seafood dishes. It’s the perfect combination of history, culture, and modernity that will leave you wanting more.
So, are you ready to explore Lisbon in just 3 days? Let’s begin!
Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary
Whether you’re planning on only exploring Lisbon or integrating this Lisbon 3-Day itinerary into a longer trip while you’re travelling around Portugal, you can expect an action-packed 3 days that’ll leave you wanting to come back to this city again and again!
Day 1: Baixa/Alfama
Morning
The Baixa neighbourhood is located in the heart of Lisbon and is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Praça do Comércio, also known as the Commerce Square.
This magnificent square is surrounded by beautiful yellow buildings and is the perfect place to start your day with a coffee and a pastel de nata, a delicious Portuguese custard tart.
From there, explore the surrounding streets of the Baixa district, which are filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll find a variety of traditional and modern stores, selling everything from souvenirs to designer clothing.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Elevador de Santa Justa, a stunning wrought-iron elevator that takes you to the top of the city’s hill. Although it is a popular tourist attraction so be prepared for some queues.
As you wander the streets of Baxia, take in the beautiful architecture, with its intricate details and colourful tiles. And when you’re ready for a break, stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat.
Afternoon
No trip to Lisbon would be complete without exploring the charming and historic Alfama neighbourhood. Spend your afternoon wandering through the winding streets, taking in the stunning views of the city and the Tagus River.
As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, Alfama is home to many beautiful and historic buildings, including the Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle that offers breathtaking views of the city. Make sure to also check out the Se Cathedral, a beautiful gothic church that has stood in the heart of Alfama since the 12th century.
As you wander through the neighbourhood, you’ll hear the sounds of traditional Portuguese fado music wafting through the air from the many bars and restaurants. Make a stop at a local restaurant to try some of the region’s delicious seafood dishes or sip on a glass of vinho verde, a refreshing ‘green wine’ that pairs perfectly with the local cuisine. I’ve tried it myself and I’m usually a big white wine fan but I enjoyed this!
Be sure to take your time and get lost in the maze of streets that make up Alfama. You never know what hidden gems you might discover, whether it’s a beautiful viewpoint or a cozy cafe tucked away in a corner.
Evening
In the evening, make your way back to Baixa. You’ll find a variety of bars and clubs, playing everything from traditional Portuguese fado music to the latest international hits.
Not only is it likely that this is where you’ll be staying due to the great accommodation options but the Baixa district also comes alive in the evenings with a vibrant nightlife scene. There are plenty of affordable accommodation options in the area which is handy if you’re on a budget or travelling Lisbon solo.
Image by Waldo Miguez from Pixabay
Day 2: Chiado/Barrio Alto
Morning
On your second day in Lisbon, head to the neighbourhoods of Chiado and Barrio Alto for a day of exploring some of the city’s trendiest and most vibrant areas.
Start your day in Chiado, a lively and upscale neighbourhood known for its elegant architecture and fashionable boutiques. Stop for a coffee at one of the many charming cafes in the area before hitting the shops.
From high-end fashion boutiques to independent bookstores, Chiado has something for everyone. There are also some great art galleries, such as Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea, to check out in the area too if that’s your thing!
Afternoon
As you make your way towards Barrio Alto, be sure to stop by the Carmo Convent, a great medieval building that was left in ruins after the devastating earthquake of 1755. The ruins have been preserved and are now a fascinating museum.
Once you arrive in Barrio Alto, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and bohemian atmosphere. One of the best ways to experience Barrio Alto is to simply wander its narrow streets and alleys, taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling neighbourhood.
You’ll find plenty of unique shops selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants serving up delicious Portuguese cuisine so it’s a fab place to grab some lunch if you haven’t already eaten.
If you’re a fan of street art, be sure to keep an eye out for the many murals and graffiti pieces that adorn the walls of buildings throughout the neighbourhood. For those interested in history, Barrio Alto is also home to several important landmarks, including the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the city.
Evening
In the evening, Barrio Alto truly comes alive with a bustling nightlife scene so be sure to stick around. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar or a lively club, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. It’s a great place to grab some dinner too.
Image by Oleg Shakurov from Pixabay
Day 3: Sintra
Morning
On your final day in Lisbon, take a day trip to Sintra. Located about 40 minutes away by train, Sintra is a picturesque town known for its fairytale castles and palaces. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightfully so.
The trains run every 15 minutes or so, making Sintra very easy to get to from Lisbon. You can also catch the bus but this may take longer depending on which bus you catch and the number of stops. Alternatively, you can book an organized tour for your day trip to Sintra, then you don’t need to worry about transport and can just relax on your last day knowing everything is taken care of for you.
You’ll want to start your day early to make the most of it. If you’re travelling by train, catch this from Rossio Station in Lisbon to Sintra. Once you arrive, head straight to the Sintra National Palace, which is hard to miss due to its striking appearance. The palace was once a royal residence and has some stunning architecture. Tickets into the palace cost 10€ for adults.
Next, make your way to the Quinta da Regaleira, a magnificent estate that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts a unique palace with Renaissance features, as well as beautiful gardens. If you aren’t doing an organized tour and visiting yourself, it might be worth purchasing an audio guide so that you can learn about the rich history. There are 30 different listening points spread across the Gardens, Chapel, and Palace. It costs 4€ on top of the entry ticket price.
Afternoon
After that, you can visit the Pena Palace, which is the most popular attraction in Sintra and is known for its striking red and yellow colour. This Romanticist castle stands atop a hill and is an eclectic mix of architectural styles. The interior is just as fascinating as the exterior, with intricate carvings, colourful tiles, and ornate furniture.
Finally, end your day with a visit to the Monserrate Palace and Gardens. This palace is a blend of Romantic, Gothic, and Moorish styles and features extensive gardens with plants from all over the world. It’s a tranquil and beautiful place to relax after a long day of exploring.
Evening
When you’re done exploring Sintra, make your way back to Lisbon. No doubt you’re probably exhausted by the time evening rolls around so have an early night in at your accommodation in preparation for leaving Lisbon.
Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary
Lisbon is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, this city has it all. A Lisbon 3-day itinerary is the perfect way to get a taste of everything this vibrant city has to offer. If you have an extra day or two up your sleeve you could always add on a day trip to Porto from Lisbon.
From exploring the charming Baxia district on day one to taking a day trip to Sintra on day three, there is no shortage of things to do in Lisbon. And let’s not forget about the stunning Alfama district, the bustling Chiado neighbourhood, and the lively Barrio Alto area.
You’ll soon see why this city is such a popular destination!
One of the best things about Lisbon is that it’s a very walkable city, which makes it easy to see a lot in just a short amount of time. And with so many charming neighbourhoods to explore, it’s easy to get lost in the winding streets and alleyways for hours on end.
So if you’re looking for a quick getaway that’s full of culture, history, and fun, then Lisbon is the perfect choice.
Sammy Green
Sammy Green is the Founder of My Blonde Bucket List. She is a travel blogger from New Zealand who has travelled to 20 countries (and counting). She spent 6 weeks living in Portugal while volunteering at a hostel.
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