3 Days in Lisbon: A Lisbon Itinerary For First Timers

Lisbon is a city that blends old-world charm with modern energy. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder Portugal’s capital is becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations. It’s now become one of my favorite places to travel to, which is why I’m so excited to share exactly how to spend 3 days in Lisbon. It’s THE perfect Lisbon itinerary for first timers! 

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3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

In this 3-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Lisbon and beyond. From fairytale castles in Sintra to the golden beaches of Cascais, from iconic landmarks to charming medieval villages, this guide will help you make the most of your long weekend getaway in Portugal’s capital. 

Get ready for a trip filled with adventure, history, and of course – amazing food!

Day 1: Sintra & Cascais – Fairytale Castles & Coastal Beauty

Morning:

Start your first day in Lisbon by heading to the beautiful Pena National Palace. I booked this tour which starts out very early so make sure to rest well the night before for a full day ahead. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I truly enjoyed exploring this colorful hilltop palace!

If you’re not able to book a tour and you’d prefer to drive, hop in your car (or train) and drive to Quinta da Regaleira. Here, you’ll be able to wander through the mystical gardens, underground tunnels and check out the famous initiation well. The tour I mentioned also includes Quinta da Regaleira if you’d prefer to see it all at once instead of driving.

If you are hungry, be sure to make a pit stop at Casa Piriquita to try one of their delicious pastries! It’s a local and tourist favorite (and now a favorite of mine). I tried their almond cake (ladybugs) and their cheese pudding which is sprinkled with cinnamon in the video below.

3 Days in Lisbon Continued

Afternoon:

Continue westward until you hit the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo Da Roca. The cliffside views here are unmatched and it’s the perfect place for a picnic with a view. 

If you are able to pull yourself away from the breathtaking view, hop back in your rental car and drive South until you reach Cascais. This relaxed seaside town is a perfect place for a leisurely walk along the Cascais to Estoril promenade. There are many seaside cafes, restaurants and bars along the walk. I stopped for lunch at Aqafarina. I was served fresh bread with my pasta Amatriciana (pasta with red onion, guanciale, fresh tomato, and black pepper).

Here’s an awesome tour you can go on if you’re not interested in driving.

Evening:

The day isn’t over yet, return to Lisbon for a night of shopping, street art, and delicious food. LX Factory is home to over 50 stores and restaurants so there’s surely something for everyone!

I personally loved the appetizers I sampled at Dragon Inn pictured below. So good! 

Or, if you are craving some authentic Portuguese dishes, you could check out O Marques instead for dinner. It’s quite the hidden gem! I tried their grilled cod with boiled potatoes in hot oil.

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Day 2: Lisbon Highlights – Historic Neighborhoods & Iconic Landmarks

Morning:

Hopefully you were able to get a good night’s sleep last night, because day 2 is equally as exciting. Start your morning by discovering one of the most popular stops in all of Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery!  

Just down the road, you’ll find the equally famous, Belém Tower. This 500-year old tower once protected Lisbon’s harbor and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once inside, you’ll be able to take the steep spiral staircase to the rooftop for 360 views of the river and city. 

It’s recommended to purchase your tickets for both in advance. You can easily do so here!

After your morning of exploring, stop to get a quick breakfast at Pastéis de Belém, a short distance from the tower. I enjoyed this stop as well, in fact it was so delicious I went back and waited on the line for more! I tried their traditional Portuguese custard tart and Chamuças (meat pastry). If you’re a foodie like me, definitely take this tour to sample more goodies.

Lisbon in 3 Days

Afternoon:

You can’t visit Lisbon without taking a ride on a funicular! There are three to choose from, Elevador do Lavra, Elevador da Glória, and Elevador da Bica. All three were designed by the same engineer and cost the same. 

Although each funicular serves the purpose of helping locals and tourists climb steep slopes that connect two towns, the Elevador da Glória is the most popular and leads to the best viewpoint. 

Then, wander through Lisbon’s oldest district Alfama. I took a tuk tuk tour reminiscent of the tuk tuk’s I traveled in when I visited Thailand. This tour covers many different neighborhoods which is perfect when on a time crunch. Keep in mind, this ride will be bumpy, but it’s all a part of the attraction.

After the tour, check out São Vicente de Fora, a beautiful historic monastery! 

Evening:

If you aren’t quite ready for dinner yet, or have some extra time to spare, you can do some window shopping in downtown Lisbon. Baixa and Chiado are some of the most vibrant neighborhoods. After a busy day of sightseeing and walking, I was pretty tired so I ordered room service for my dinner that night.

Day 3: Day Trip to Fátima, Nazaré & Óbidos – Culture & Coastal Wonders

Morning:

I’m sure by now, you’ve completely fallen in love with all Lisbon has to offer. BUT, the fun is not over yet. Day 3 starts with a bit of a road trip! Drive North until you reach Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. It’s a major pilgrimage site known for its religious significance. You can also book this tour which will cover all three locations if you’re not interested in driving.

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Afternoon:

After visiting the sanctuary, continue on your road trip until reaching Nazaré. It’s a charming surf town known for its record-breaking waves and beautiful beaches. It was very overcast the day I went but I still enjoyed it.

Day 3 in Lisbon Continued

After watching the surfers for a bit, head out to the cobblestone streets to find a cute restaurant of your choosing. I ate lunch at a restaurant called Sitiado pictured below.

On your way back to your hotel in Lisbon, you should make one more stop in Óbidos. It’s one of my favorite villages in all of Portugal as it feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Spend an hour or two taking in this charming medieval village by window shopping, sampling goodies (more on this in a little bit), and admiring the Óbidos Castle.

Lisbon Itinerary

Since I went in Winter during the tail end of the Christmas season, I was able to experience the Christmas market and see the village lit in Christmas lights. Speaking of which, remember the goodies I mentioned earlier? I couldn’t help but try their cherry wine served in a dark chocolate cup, churros, and hot chocolate. I would highly recommend you also do the same.

Evening:

Head back to Lisbon for Dinner at McDonald’s. Yep, you read that right…McDonald’s! For a fun local twist, try the unique Portuguese menu items. FYI: I also tried the McDonalds in Italy too lol. I actually find this fun and a way to sample items you won’t find back home. It definitely tasted a lot less greasy with better ingredients. I tried their chicken nuggets and fries (I know, I know basic) but it still hit the spot. Give it a shot!

Afterwards, head back to your hotel to relax and reflect on your amazing 3-day Portugal adventure!

Bonus: Day 4 in Lisbon

So I know this is a 3 day guide, but I did spend an extra day. If you have additional time, here’s what I’d recommend doing: Make sure to visit Lisbon Cathedral, take a boat tour on the Tagus River, and book a photoshoot for memories.

The boat tour and photoshoot were truly an unforgettable experience and many of you know by now it’s something I ALWAYS do.

Lisbon FAQ’s for First Timers

Where should I stay for 3 days in Lisbon?

For this particular itinerary, I recommend grabbing a hotel right near downtown Lisbon. This way, you’ll be central for each day’s adventures! The Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods offer easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?

In my opinion, there’s no bad time to visit Lisbon. The experts will say the best time to visit Lisbon is Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower than in peak Summer. However, Summer is great for beaches and festivals but can be hot and crowded. 

But, my personal favorite is Winter as it offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it a budget-friendly option.

How Do I Get Around Lisbon?

Since this 3-day Lisbon itinerary includes day trips, it would probably be best if you rented a car. 

However, if you don’t feel comfortable driving in a different country, Lisbon also has an efficient public transportation system. This includes trams, buses, and the metro. 

The Viva Viagem card offers unlimited daily travel at an affordable price, making it the most convenient option for tourists. Then, you could join group tours for the day trips which is what I did in addition to Uber which was affordable. Viator and GetYourGuide are my favorite websites to use when booking day trips. 

What Language is Spoken in Lisbon, and Will I Need to Know Portuguese?

Lisbon’s official language is Portuguese, but don’t worry, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

From my experience, most locals, particularly younger people and those in hospitality, are fluent in English and happy to help. That said, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases like obrigado/a (thank you) and bom dia (good morning) is always appreciated!

What Should I Wear When Visiting Churches or Religious Sites?

There’s no strict dress code, but it’s best to dress modestly when visiting religious sites like the Jerónimos Monastery or Lisbon Cathedral. Covering your shoulders and knees is recommended, especially in more traditional places. If you’re visiting during the hot summer months, bringing a light scarf or shawl to throw over your shoulders is a good idea.

Is Lisbon Safe for Tourists?

Yes! Lisbon is known for being a safe and welcoming city for visitors. I felt very safe as a solo female traveler during my stay. 

That said, like in any popular tourist destination, pickpocketing can be an issue in busy areas like Tram 28, Praça do Comércio, and crowded attractions. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid carrying valuables in easy-to-reach pockets, and be aware of common scams. 

At night, Lisbon is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to stick to well-lit streets and be mindful of your surroundings.

3 Days in Lisbon Recap

I hope you found this detailed Lisbon itinerary extremely helpful in planning your next dream vacation. I’m confident that you will fall in love with this city as much as I did! 

If you’ve already visited Lisbon, is there anything else you would add to this 3 day itinerary? I’d love to hear it in the comments below! 

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Final Thoughts

Lisbon is not only a beautiful destination, but extremely safe as well. I can’t wait for my return trip! Would you travel to Lisbon? Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here. 

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Photo Credit

Thank you to Lukas Bato for the photo of the Belém Tower, 777 S for the photo on Quinta da Regaleira and Benjamin Pazdernik for the photo of Alfama. I discovered their work from Unsplash.com. Please check them out!

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Disclosure

This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission. This commission comes at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling. 

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