Travel

Lisbon in 3 days – A journey through colour and culture

Posted by Niranjan on

5 min read…

Lisbon took us by surprise with its colors and vibes. We quickly realized that there’s no need to hunt for tourist spots in this city – the true magic lies in simply soaking up the unique atmosphere. With this 3-day itinerary, you’ll get to explore the best of Lisbon and even take a fun day trip to Sintra.

Where to stay in Lisbon?

Since you’ll be spending most of your time in Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Chiado, it’s a great idea to pick a hotel in one of these neighborhoods. Baixa is the top choice – you can easily walk to many of Lisbon’s top attractions and be close to some of the best restaurants in town.

What to eat in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a European capital filled with new-wave Portuguese cuisine and bustling street markets. We loved the seafood, port wine, and their most famous Pastel de Nata. From canned fish at Miss Can to Bifana Sandwiches, you can’t go wrong if you’re a foodie.

The city is also dotted with charming cafés and pastelarias where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a “bica” (a strong espresso) or a “galão” (a coffee with milk).

Check out our Instagram video showcasing the best eats in Lisbon!

3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

There’s so much to see just by strolling around Lisbon that even if you miss most of the highlights, you’ll still soak up its vibrant charm. We tweaked this itinerary from Earthtrekkers to fit our needs and suggest using it as a great starting point to create your own.

There are a lot of viewpoints (Miradouro) in Lisbon that you can find one in every turn.

Day 1 in Lisbon: Alfama, Baixa, Chado, and Bairro Alto neighbourhoods

  • Morning: Tram 28, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Sao Jorge Castle
  • Afternoon: Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta
  • Evening: Santa Justa Lift, Miradouro do São Pedro de Alcântara

Grab a hearty breakfast because Lisbon’s terrain is no joke! Built on seven hills, this city offers stunning views and a fun workout as you roam its charming streets. The traditional cobblestone pavements, or “calçada”, give Lisbon its unique flair. Despite the hills and countless stairs, it remains pedestrian-friendly with trams, funiculars, and the Santa Justa Lift. So, get ready for an adventure and soak in the picturesque beauty of Lisbon’s enchanting streets!

PRO TIP – Hop on Tram 28 early to skip the long lines. The same goes for São Jorge Castle – buy your tickets online and arrive early to beat the crowds.

Catch the highlights from our first day on Instagram!

Day 2 in Lisbon

We’ve visited many aquariums, but the Lisbon Oceanarium stands out as one of the largest and most impressive! With a huge central tank simulating the open ocean and four habitats representing the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans, it’s a must-see for anyone fascinated by marine life and sustainability. Get the combo ticket to the aquarium and cable-car.

Time Out Market is a food hall that brings together some of the city’s best culinary offerings under one roof. You can savor everything from fresh seafood and gourmet burgers to artisanal pastries and craft cocktails.

Similar to the flamenco show in Seville, there’s a live Fado show where you can experience traditional music as Portuguese guitars and classic guitars accompany the singers. Fado music has quickly become one of our favourites.

Catch the highlights from our second day on Instagram!

Day 3 in Lisbon

Take a guided tour to Sintra and Cascais to discover Sintra’s magic and Cascais’ charm. You’ll also visit the romantic Pena Palace, perched high on a hill with jaw-dropping views of the countryside.

Here’s some useful information

  1. Grab an Airalo e-sim for easy local internet.
  2. Everyone speaks English, but knowing a few Portuguese greetings is a plus.
  3. Tram 28 and São Jorge Castle get crowded later, so go early to skip the lines.
  4. Fado show seating is first-come, first-serve. Arrive 15-20 minutes early for the best seats.
  5. Lisbon’s hilly terrain is a workout, so be ready to walk a lot!

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