Located on the far-western edge of Europe, Portugal is one of the continent’s most beautiful countries, and its capital, Lisbon, is no exception. Despite being a capital city, Lisbon doesn’t feel like one. It has the charm of a collection of cute villages brought together in a single, culture-rich city. I’ve been to Lisbon a few times and my 3-day itinerary will guide you through all the must-see sights. But honestly, you could just as easily explore without a set plan, and allow yourself to get lost in the city and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and unique atmosphere. Just keep in mind that Lisbon is quite hilly, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you might get pretty hot in the afternoons.
When to visit Lisbon
Lisbon is a great destination year-round. When I first visited in February, the weather was at a comfortable 19°C, which was perfect for exploring (the hills will keep you warm!). I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October to avoid the summer heat and crowds, but Lisbon is lovely anytime of the year.
How to get to Lisbon
Lisbon is well-connected by air, with flights from numerous European cities and international destinations. From the UK, airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and TAP Portugal offer budget-friendly options. From the airport, you can reach the city centre via the Lisbon Metro in about 20 minutes for just €1.80.
Where to stay in (or near) Lisbon
Hotels in Lisbon can be quite expensive, but there are more affordable options like hostels or Airbnb. That said, if you’re looking for a unique experience, I’d suggest staying in Cascais, a charming beach town just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. The train ride only costs €2.10—cheaper than a tube ride in London! Accommodation in Cascais is much more affordable, and you can find lovely hotels with sea views for half the price of what you’d pay in Lisbon.
3 days in Lisbon itinerary
Day 1: Cascais
Whether you decide to stay in Cascais or not, it’s a must-visit destination. Just a short trip from Lisbon, it’s the perfect one-day getaway, offering a blend of beaches, museums, culture, and history.
Praia da Rainha
Cascais is home to several charming beaches, but my personal favourite is Praia da Rainha. This small beach is tucked between two cliffs, giving it the feel of a secluded cove, even though it’s located right in the heart of the town. While it can get crowded at times, it still maintains its charm. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around that offer beautiful views of the cove. Other beaches worth visiting include Praia do Duquesa and Praia da Ribeira.
Cascais Marina
For a more laid-back vibe, head to the Cascais Marina. It’s a little away from the busy town centre, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. There are some great bars and restaurants with a picturesque setting, and you can also hop on a boat tour to spot dolphins. The nearby citadel offers fantastic views as well.
Mirador Casa de Santa María
If you’re after that perfect Instagram shot, this is the spot. Overlooking the beautiful Praia de Santa Marta, it offers stunning views of the sea and the iconic lighthouse. It’s on the way to my next recommendation, Boca do Inferno, so be sure to stop by—you won’t regret it!
Boca do Inferno
Boca do Inferno is an incredible rock formation that arches above the sea. During high tide, the waves crash dramatically against the cliffs, creating a mesmerising scene. To get there, you can follow a nice little path along the sea, which is one of the things I love most about this place. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for sitting and soaking in the view, far from the crowds.
Day 2: Exploring Lisbon
Lisbon is a city full of life and charm, and while there’s so much to explore, here are some of my top favourite spots in the city.
Elevador da Bica
Located in the vibrant Bairro Alto, the start of this iconic funicular is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Lisbon. It’s a perfect place to snap a photo, but I personally wouldn’t recommend taking the ride itself. It tends to get crowded, and during the summer heat, it can feel quite stuffy inside. Instead, enjoy the view of the famous yellow tram from the outside.
Alfama
Lisbon’s oldest and most historic neighbourhood, Alfama is a maze of narrow, colourful streets that are a joy to wander. There’s no need to rush or have a plan—just get lost and discover the unique culture, stunning architecture, and hidden gems along the way. You’ll find local eateries, hear traditional Fado music, and catch glimpses of the iconic São Jorge Castle.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Lisbon is full of “miradouros” (viewpoints), but since you probably don’t want to climb to every single one of them, head to the most breathtaking one, Miradouro de Santa Luzia. From here, you’ll be treated to a stunning panorama of Alfama and the Tagus River, especially at sunset. The area is beautifully peaceful with the lush Jardim Júlio de Castilho and the elegant Santa Luzia church.
Praça Dom Pedro IV
Situated in the heart of downtown Lisbon, Praça Dom Pedro IV is one of the city’s most iconic squares. At the centre stands a statue of Dom Pedro IV, who was both Brazil’s first emperor and Portugal’s 28th king. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, charming cafés, and local shops, along with two beautiful fountains that add to its charm.
Praça do Comércio
As one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, Praça do Comércio is located right by the banks of the Tagus River. It’s one of the largest squares in Europe, and you can explore the magnificent Arco da Rua Augusta (climb it for a panoramic view of the square) and the equestrian statue of King José I. From here, you can catch the E15 tram for easy access to Cais do Sodré station, Ponte 25 de Abril, and Torre de Belém.
If you have some extra time, I also recommend visiting the Vasco da Gama Tower for incredible views of the city and river, or the Miradouro do Arboreto for a fantastic view of the Ponte Vasco da Gama.
Day 3: Sintra and Belém
Pena Palace
For anyone passionate about history or architecture, Pena Palace is an absolute must-visit. Perched atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Sintra is easily reachable by train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station. From Sintra Station, you can hop on a short bus or take a taxi to the palace. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, hiking to the palace through the lush Sintra forest is a scenic and rewarding experience.
We decided to take a Bolt from Cascais to the palace entrance and then back to Lisbon after our visit, as taxis are very affordable in Portugal. Tickets typically cost around €17 on the official website, but you can snag them for about €10 on Get Your Guide.
Keep in mind that the palace tends to get very crowded, so expect long queues even with a timed ticket. Personally, I find the crowds can detract from the experience, but if you manage to visit during the off-season, it could be one of the highlights of your trip!
Torre de Belém
One of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks, Belém Tower is a must-see. If you’re like me and enjoy walking, consider taking a stroll from downtown Lisbon to the tower. It’s about a 7km walk from Praça do Comércio (which might not be ideal in the summer heat), and all you need to do is follow the Tagus River. The walk is worth it for the views, and along the way, you’ll pass under the Ponte 25 de Abril. Entry to the tower itself requires a ticket, but you can freely walk around and photograph the monument without paying.
Jerónimos Monastery
Jerónimos Monastery is likely the most visited attraction in Lisbon. It’s best to visit just before closing, around 5:00-5:30 pm, to avoid the long queues (which can be hours-long!). The monastery is the final resting place of Vasco da Gama and is renowned for its incredible architectural style. The entry fee is €13, which I think is worth it given how stunning the interior is. However, there isn’t a whole lot to explore once inside, so it’s a fairly quick visit. The surrounding area is also lovely to walk around, and the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery is just a few minutes away. While the bakery’s pastéis de nata are well-known, I personally think it’s not necessary to wait in line there when you can find delicious ones all over Lisbon!
Final thoughts
I hope this 3-day itinerary helps you get the most out of your time in Lisbon! Of course, there’s so much more to explore in this amazing city. Have you visited Lisbon before? Share your top recommendation for first-time visitors!
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