Planning a long weekend in Lisbon? You’re not alone. With the draw of colourful streets, historic neighbourhoods, vintage yellow trams, and scenic viewpoints, it’s no surprise that the Portuguese capital is one of the most popular city breaks in Europe.
This 3 day Lisbon itinerary has everything you need to plan your trip – from must-see sights and foodie favourites to practical info and insider tips. So sit back and enjoy while I take you to the best museums, on a day trip beyond the city, around the old town streets and to the city’s best miradouros. It’s the weekend trip of dreams.
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Is 3 days enough to see Lisbon?
3 days is a great amount of time to spend in Lisbon! On a long weekend, you’ll be able to see all the main sights of the city centre, visit nearby neighbourhoods, and even take a day trip to see the palaces of Sintra.
If you want to explore every corner of Lisbon and take multiple day trips, you could extend your trip to 4 or 5 days, but spending 3 days in Lisbon is more than enough to see the highlights.
How to plan a weekend in Lisbon
Planning a trip to Lisbon is fairly straightforward, but here are a few top tips for planning in advance that will really help.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
Lisbon is a prime example of when travelling in the shoulder season works well. The sunny southern European city sees hot weather and big crowds in the peak of summer, which is not ideal for a weekend trip. However, you can enjoy nice weather and slightly cooler temperatures, as well as fewer crowds if you visit in the shoulder season, which straddles the peak season.
So, the best time to visit Lisbon is from around March-May in the spring, and September-October in the autumn. You can visit outside of this time and still have a great trip, but keep in mind that during the winter the weather will be less favourable and some attractions may close out of season, and in the summer you’ll find the busiest crowds and highest prices.
How to get to Lisbon
Lisbon has an international airport with connections worldwide. It’s a popular airport hub that connects Europe with South America and other continents, and they fly to just shy of 150 destinations, meaning finding a flight to Lisbon should be a walk in the park.
Once at the airport, the easiest way to get to the city centre is by metro. It takes just 20 minutes and costs less than a couple of euros. You could also book a private transfer or check out other options online.
Lisbon travel passes
This Lisbon itinerary is pretty action-packed, as there are so many activities to fit into one weekend! To save time and hassle as well as money, you can book a travel pass for entry to attractions. The Lisboa Card offers entry to all of the paid attractions in this guide, and also includes unlimited public transport for the trams and funiculars.
Book your Lisboa card before your trip!
Travel cards aren’t for everyone, but even if you prefer to book your activities yourself, I highly recommend getting a local transport pass. The navegente card can be topped up with a 24-hour ticket for just €7, and can include local trains to Sintra and Cascais for just a few euros extra. This ticket covers all the funicular railways and trams in the city, which are attractions in themselves!
Where to stay on a weekend in Lisbon
For a short break in Lisbon, it’s best to stay central so you can easily explore. Luckily, there are options for every budget.
Here are some key neighbourhoods to stay in on a weekend in Lisbon:
- Baixa & Chiado are great for a first trip – close to major sights, restaurants and transport links.
- Alfama offers a more traditional feel, with cobbled streets, tiled buildings and Fado music.
- Bairro Alto is best for nightlife, with bars and restaurants on every corner (though it can get noisy).
- Príncipe Real is quieter and more local, with boutique shops, leafy streets and a relaxed vibe.
The best things to do with 3 days in Lisbon
With three days in Lisbon, you’ll have time to explore the city’s highlights and soak up the neighbourhood charm. Here are the best things to do in Lisbon, all included in this itinerary.
Explore the Alfama District
Wander through the tangled streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most charming neighbourhood. With colourful tiled houses, steep staircases, and the sound of Fado music drifting from hidden taverns, Alfama feels like a piece of history in the centre of the city. You’ll find centuries-old charm around every corner, from tucked-away chapels to open squares filled with locals chatting in the sun.
One of the best ways to explore Alfama is by hopping on Tram 28, which rattles up and down the district’s hills. It’s a fun way to get your bearings and see some of Lisbon’s prettiest corners, but make sure you hop off and explore on foot to discover the real magic of Alfama. Stop by a miradouro for picture-perfect views over the red rooftops and the Tagus River, then lose yourself in the maze of streets below.
Ride the trams and funiculars
Lisbon’s steep hills might wear out your legs, but luckily, the city has a charming solution – its historic trams and funiculars. The public transport system has become as much a tourist attraction as it is a useful way to get around, thanks to the colourful, vintage carriages and striking gothic elevators.
The most iconic is Tram 28, which winds through the city’s prettiest neighbourhoods, from Alfama to Graça and down through Baixa. It’s become one of the top things to do in Lisbon, so try to board early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You’ll also find traditional funiculars with charming yellow carriages that connect the upper and lower parts of the city. Check out Bica, Glória and Lavra (Bica is my favourite and the most central).
Lastly, don’t miss the Gothic Elevador de Santa Justa, best known for the incredible views over Lisbon from the top. The queues here can be long, so you can also easily head to the top for free and skip straight to the viewpoint.
Visit the Carmo Convent & Archaeological Museum
Once one of Lisbon’s most beautiful Gothic churches, the Carmo Convent (Convento de Santa Maria do Carmo) was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755 and was never fully restored. The ruins have been preserved as an open-air museum, so you can visit the hauntingly beautiful skeletal remains.
There’s also a small archaeological museum inside, housing sculptural pieces from the convent itself and other ruins, spanning from prehistoric to modern times.
Location | Website | Included in Lisboa Card
Check out some other museums
Lisbon is packed with fascinating museums, and with three days in the city, there’s plenty of time to dive into a few of them. For culture lovers, the Museu do Fado is a great way to learn more about Portugal’s traditional music genre. It’s located in Alfama, the spiritual home of Fado, and tells the story of this soulful music through recordings, instruments, and old posters.
The nearby Museu do Aljube offers a powerful look into Portugal’s recent past. Set in a former political prison, it explores the country’s fight against dictatorship and the resistance movement leading up to the 1974 revolution. It’s one of Lisbon’s most moving and thought-provoking museums. Or, if you’re in the mood for something more contemporary, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Chiado, where you’ll find Portuguese art from the 19th century to the present day in a peaceful, central setting.
Climb Belém Tower
On the edge of the Tagus River, a little outside of the centre of Lisbon, is Belém Tower, or Torre de Belém. The UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 16th century and was once a key part of Lisbon’s defence system. It has also been a prison, a lighthouse, and a customs house.
Perhaps most importantly, Belém Tower serves as a symbol of Portugal’s colonial history. During the Age of Discovery, many explorers set off on their voyages from the tower. You’ll see nods to the tower’s history inside, with cannons, stone carvings and maritime symbols.
Location | Included in the Lisboa Card | Note: currently closed for renovations
Take a day trip to Sintra or Cascais
The perfect way to spend the third day of your weekend in Lisbon is on a day trip – and there are two fantastic options. Head inland to Sintra to discover a magical town filled with palaces, castles and lavish gardens. There’s Pena Palace, known for its colourful architecture and hilltop views, and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its hidden gardens – plus so much more!
Or, if the weather is nice, hop on the train to visit the seaside town of Cascais – perfect if you’d prefer a more laid-back day trip. Explore the sunny streets of the old town, stroll along the beachfront promenade, or head straight to the sand for a day of sunbathing. You could also take a coastal walk to see the dramatic cliffs of the Boca de Inferno.
Want to see both Sintra and Cascais on your trip? Book a guided tour!
Find some miradouros
Lisbon is famous for its scenic viewpoints, or miradouros, and you’ll stumble upon a few in this Lisbon itinerary. Some of the most iconic to look out for are Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro da Graça, but there are spots all over the city to admire Lisbon’s hilltop views.
The miradouros are often lively spots, with street musicians, kiosks selling drinks, or even outdoor bars where you can enjoy drinks and snacks. So you can make a stop to admire the view and grab a photo, or chill for a while with a beer, it’s totally up to you! Plus, they are great places to watch the sunset over Lisbon.
Tour the Jerónimos Monastery
Step into the grandeur of Portugal’s past with a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. This magnificent building is a masterpiece of Gothic Manueline architecture, packed with intricate carvings, stone columns, and maritime motifs. Built in the 16th century, the monastery honours famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, and remains one of the city’s most impressive landmarks.
Inside, you can visit the peaceful cloisters and the church where Vasco da Gama is buried. The scale and detail of the building are breathtaking, and it’s easy to spend an hour or two soaking it all in.
Location | Tickets | Included in the Lisboa Card
Try pastéis de nata and other local cuisine
No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting a few pastéis de nata! The creamy, custard-filled, flaky tarts are one of Portugal’s most loved treats, and the best places to try them in Lisbon are Pastéis de Belém and Manteigaria.
There’s plenty more to try if you want to embrace the Portuguese cuisine in Lisbon! Try bacalhau (salted cod) or pastéis de bacalhau, francesinha, frango assado (Portuguese roast chicken) and canned sardines.
Discover the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge
Towering over the city, Castelo de São Jorge is an 11th-century castle that has been shaped by centuries of battles, earthquakes, and restoration. The hilltop complex is composed of defensive walls, the ruins of the royal palace, the castle itself, and many towers, and you can explore all of this on your visit.
The castle sits on Lisbon’s tallest hill, so be prepared for a bit of a climb to get there. You’ll want to head early in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds, especially if you’re visiting Lisbon in the summer.
Location | Tickets | Included in the Lisboa Card
Shop and eat at LX Factory
To explore a different side of Lisbon, head to LX Factory, a creative hub tucked beneath the 25 de Abril bridge between central Lisbon and Bélem. It was once a textile factory complex, but has now been transformed into a buzzing mix of street art, independent shops, restaurants and galleries.
Spend an afternoon here browsing the stores, including books at the famous Ler Devagar bookstore, admiring the street art and enjoying the foodie highlights.
Where to eat and drink on a weekend in Lisbon
Lisbon has a great foodie scene – from traditional Portuguese dinners and street food, to a laid-back brunch culture and plenty of rooftop bars to show off the amazing city views. You’re bound to come across places you’ll want to eat on your trip, but here are a few of my favourite Lisbon foodie spots to have on hand.
Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee
- Dear Breakfast
- The Folks
- Copenhagen Coffee Lab
- Nicolau
- JAC Brunch
Lunch & Dinner
- Time Out Market
- Honest Greens
- Gaurda-Mor
- Bonjardim
- Restaurante Marco (for Francesinha)
Drinks
- Mama Shelter (rooftop bar)
- SOL Restaurante e Jardim (miradouro bar)
- Monkey Mash
- Cerveja Canil (craft beer)
The 3 day Lisbon itinerary
With all the best things to do on a weekend in Lisbon under your belt, it’s time to plan out the itinerary. Check out this detailed guide for each of your 3 days in Lisbon.
Day 1: Alfama & City Centre
Morning
Spend your first day in Lisbon getting acquainted with the city centre and its neighbourhoods. Start your day in Alfama and explore the charming streets and colourful buildings. You can grab breakfast or brunch here – check out Dear Breakfast or The Folks. Make sure you look out for Lisbon Cathedral, Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia as you wander around the streets, and if you’d like to visit a museum in Alfama, visit the Aljube Museum or the Fado Museum.
Once you’ve explored Alfama on foot, head to Praça Martim Moniz to board Tram 28 and see the neighbourhood in a different way. If you can, grab a window seat for the best views as the tram winds around Graça, Alfama, and down to Baixa. I recommend riding the tram until at least Calçada de Estrela to make the most of the views.
After your scenic tram ride, it’s time to grab some lunch! Make your way to the Time Out Market for some Portuguese and international fare. My favourite spots are Croqueteria, and Manteigaria for pastéis de nata, but there’s something for every taste here. And if you fancy a quieter, lighter lunch, try Honest Greens next door.
Afternoon & Evening
Now, get back to exploring for the afternoon! With a full stomach, stroll by Praça do Comércio and Arco da Rua Augusta before taking a ride on the Elevador da Bica to Barrio Alto. Admire the azulejo façades as you make your way to Carmo Convent for a visit. After, ride the Elevador de Santa Justa (or just check out the views from the top!).
It has been a busy first day in Lisbon, so relax for the rest of the afternoon – grab a drink at a miradouro, continue to wander the pretty streets, or do a bit of shopping for souvenirs. Once evening rolls around, enjoy some Portuguese cuisine for dinner. Check out Guarda-Mor for sharing plates or Bonjardim for something more traditional. Finish the night with a drink at one of Lisbon’s many rooftop bars or miradouros to watch the sun go down, or hop on a sunset river cruise.
Day 2: São Jorge Castle & Bélem
The second day of this Lisbon itinerary is mostly spent in Bélem, with a visit to the São Jorge Castle. You’ll start your day at the castle – I recommend heading for opening around 9 am. You can grab breakfast before or after at Copenhagen Coffee Lab or Nicolau.
After exploring the history and architecture of the castle complex, head to Praça da Figueira and catch tram 15E to Bélem. Walk along the waterfront, passing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, until you reach Bélem Tower, where you can tour the inside or just admire the building itself.
Stop by Pastéis de Belem for the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon – and don’t be put off by the queue, it moves quickly! If you’re hungry, stop for some lunch or a coffee at a nearby cafe. Next up, tour the Jerónimos Monastery.
Walk back along the riverside towards Lisbon, admiring the impressive Ponte 25 de Abril as you go. You’re heading to LX Factory, a trendy hub with shops and restaurants that’s housed in an old textiles factory. The walk from Bélem is about 30 minutes, so you can hop back on a tram if you prefer. At LX Factory, browse the unique shops for souvenirs, books, and artisanal goods. You can also grab food here at one of the many restaurants, or head back to central Lisbon for a more traditional dinner.
Day 3: Day trip to Sintra or Cascais
On your final day in Lisbon, head out of the city on a day trip. You can relax by the beach in Cascais or tour fairytale palaces in Sintra. If you opt for Sintra, I recommend booking a guided tour or carefully planning your day, as there’s a lot to pack into the day here!
Check out these guided tours to Sintra!
If you’d like to visit both Sintra and Cascais, there are plenty of day tours that visit the top towns around Lisbon, like this one to Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais.
Or, if you don’t fancy a day trip on your weekend in Lisbon, you can skip the final day and stretch out the itinerary instead. Save a few attractions for day 3, and you’ll have a more laid-back trip.
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So happy to see that you enjoyed the perks of our beautiful city 🙂
Such a detailed post covering all the best spots, we are now willing to revisit all those places again by reading this heheh
xx
I’m so glad you guys enjoyed the post! Happy Travels! x
Love the photos. Lisbon is such a beautiful city. I have to go back there and explore more 🙂
Lisbon was one of my first city trips in Europa and I will never forget wandering the streets and eating Pasteis de Nata for the first time!