Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Lisbon First-Timers

If you’re heading to Portugal for the first time, Lisbon is a must-see. This sun-drenched city combines historic charm with contemporary culture, making it the perfect destination for a short break. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable 3 days in Lisbon, complete with must-see attractions, dining spots, and tips to make your stay seamless.

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Day 1: Explore Historic Lisbon

• Morning: Alfama District & São Jorge Castle
  Start your day wandering the cobbled alleys of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Make your way to São Jorge Castle, perched above the city with panoramic views. Skip the line by pre-booking your ticket on GetYourGuide.
• Lunch: Fado & Local Cuisine
  Head to a local tasca (family-run restaurant) for grilled sardines and caldo verde soup. Check out Clube de Fado if you want music with your meal.
• Afternoon: Lisbon Cathedral & Baixa
  Visit the Lisbon Cathedral before walking through the Baixa district, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and now full of cafés, shops, and historic plazas.
• Evening: Ride Tram 28 & Dinner in Bairro Alto
  Hop on Tram 28 for a scenic city tour. Then dine in Bairro Alto, where you’ll find rooftop bars and traditional restaurants.

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Day 2: Belém, Culture & Pastries

• Morning: Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower
  Take tram or Uber to Belém. Visit the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. Book skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide.
• Snack: Pastéis de Belém
  Don’t miss the legendary custard tarts from Pastéis de Belém, served warm with cinnamon.
• Afternoon: MAAT & LX Factory
  Explore the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) before heading to LX Factory, a creative hub full of boutiques, street art, and cafes.
• Evening: Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River
  Book a sunset sailing tour via GetYourGuide and watch the city light up from the water.

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Day 3: Day Trip or Modern Lisbon

• Option 1: Day Trip to Sintra
  Take a guided tour or train to Sintra, a fairytale town home to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Booking a full-day Sintra trip on GetYourGuide ensures a smooth experience.
• Option 2: Parque das Nações
  If you prefer to stay in Lisbon, visit the Oceanário de Lisboa, ride the cable car, and stroll the riverside promenade.
• Dinner: Time Out Market
  Wrap up your trip at Time Out Market, where you can try dishes from some of Lisbon’s top chefs under one roof. Book a nearby hotel on Booking.com for easy access.

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Travel Tips For Lisbon

• Use a Viva Viagem card for public transport.
• Wear comfortable shoes – Lisbon’s hills and cobblestones are no joke.
• English is widely spoken, but learning a few Portuguese phrases adds charm.

Helpful Phrases

• Hello: Olá
• Thank you: Obrigado/a
• How much does it cost?: Quanto custa?
• Where is…?: Onde fica…?

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Plan Ahead

Booking in advance on GetYourGuide ensures you make the most of every minute. For accommodation, browse top-rated Lisbon stays on Booking.com.

Ready for your Lisbon adventure? Follow this itinerary and you’ll see the city like a local—while hitting all the musts!

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