3 Days in Lisbon: A Relaxed Itinerary for Your First Trip

Lisbon is a city all its own. In some ways it reminded me of Split, Croatia - the waterfront vibe, the beautiful architecture, the numerous patios. In others it reminded me of Athens, with secret surprises, rich heritage, and panoramic lookouts. The vibe is relaxed but welcoming, and you’ll find both a large contingent of expats and locals alike. 

You could easily spend a week in Lisbon and barely scratch the surface, but a long weekend is enough time to get a feel for the city and make plans to return. Because you will. I’m not sure anyone leaves Lisbon untouched. 

I spent 3 days in Lisbon in late November 2025. I arrived weary, more than a little burned out from responsibilities back home. Lisbon (and Portugal in general) revitalized me. It forced me to slow down, to savor, to take note of my surroundings. I’ve written this guide with that in mind - so while it’s a short trip, you can rest assured knowing you’re not going to be exhausted by the end of it. In fact, you might just find yourself revitalized too. 

When to Go

There’s really not a bad time to visit Lisbon. Portugal’s weather is mild year round, so whenever you go you can expect sunny skies and t-shirt weather.

December - February

Winter will be coolest, with temperatures hovering in the 50s. Bring layers and a jacket, and maybe a fashionable scarf (it can get windy). The balmy weather means fewer daylight hours, but also far fewer crowds, making this the time to come if you don’t want to fuss with all the people. Just keep in mind some places might have reduced hours.

March - May

In Spring, temperatures start rising, days get longer, and you’ll get a few more people….but also a bit more rain. Still, it’s a lovely time and while maybe not as chill as winter, definitely not as hectic as summer. 

June - August

Summer brings the highest temperatures and the most sunny days, but you’ll also get the largest crowds. Hotspots like Sintra can get overwhelming, and you can expect longer lines and wait times just about everywhere, so just keep that in mind when planning.  

September - November

Just like Spring, the Fall shoulder season sees cooler temperatures and thinning crowds, making it a great time to go. 

Getting There

The major carriers fly direct from the US to Lisbon. It’s about a 6 hour flight from the East Coast, and most flights will land in the morning. 

US citizens need a valid passport and a return ticket to enter. No visa or approval form needed. Portugal is part of the European Union. 

Getting to the City Center from the Airport

The Lisbon airport is a few miles outside the city center. The easiest ways to get to the city center from the airport are Uber and Bolt or metro. Private transfers are unnecessarily expensive, and I only recommend the bus for those on a strict budget. 

Uber and Bolt will run around 10 euros and take around 20 minutes. The metro takes around 40 minutes, with a cost of 2 euros. If you have a lot of luggage, or multiple people, take an Uber. 

To use the metro, simply follow the signs from the arrival hall to the metro station (hint: the entrance is outside and just to the right). Take the Red Line from the airport towards Sao Sebastio. Get off at the Alameda station (9 stops) and follow the signs to the Green Line (Linha Verde) towards Cais do Sodre. Board the train – both of mine were actually blue, not green - and ride 6 stops to Baixa-Chiado. Exit the station using the Rua do Ouro/Rua do Crucifixo exit to get to the hotels listed below. 

Before You Go

• Purchase an eSim to stay connected on the go without a huge expense. I typically use 5 gb of data for a 10 day trip; start small, and add more if you need it. My preferred provider is Airalo; I like their networks better than Alo. Use my code for $3 off your purchase, and make sure you don’t remove the eSim from your phone so you can use it again!

• Download Google Maps for offline use before you land, or once connected to wifi in Portugal. 

• Save a photo of the Lisbon metro map to your phone.

• Take out some cash at the airport using one of the ATMs. Decline any currency conversion it offers you. ATMs connected to banks have lower transaction fees, or keep a travel account with a bank that reimburses ATM fees (I use Novo). 

• Check with your banks and credit cards and set travel notices if necessary. 

• Get travel insurance beyond what your credit card offers, since US-based health insurance won’t cover an emergency overseas. I use RoamRight, but World Nomads is another good option. 

  
  

Where to Stay

First timers (or those short on time) should choose Baixa-Chiado for your home base as it’s where the majority of the major sites are centered. From here it’s easy access to most everything, including public transport. Prices are a little higher, but good value can still be found. These are my favorites: 

• Home Hostel: both dorms and private rooms are well appointed, the staff are friendly, and the offerings can’t be beat. Great stay for a budget or solo traveler. ($)

• Brown’s Central Hotel: boutique hotel in a historic building, with great amenities, service, and location. Their welcome drink packs a punch. ($$)

• Art Stay: modern, artsy hotel with a killer cocktail bar and elegant touches. ($$$)

• Barrio Alto Hotel: great location, excellent service, and luxurious rooms right in the heart of things. ($$$$)

  
  

Getting Around

The easiest? Walk! All the main sights are close together, but you’ll still be on your feet a lot. Make sure you have comfortable shoes with good grippy soles. I wore both Allbirds and trail runners and didn’t have problems, but I saw multiple people fall. Just be careful and aware of where you’re walking. 

Uber and Bolt are plentiful and inexpensive if you need a break or want to go a little farther. 

The metro is incredibly clean and easy. A single journey is just under 2 euros, or you can get a 24-hour pass for 7 euros. If you’re following this itinerary you can get by without a 24-hour pass; I bought one and didn’t use it other than my trip from the airport. Take some time to enjoy the incredible tile art in the stations. 

Using the Metro

For a single journey you can use tap to pay with your credit card; for a 24-hour pass, you’ll need to purchase and load a Navegante card at one of the kiosks. Both are straightforward, but if you’re planning on getting around mostly on foot, I recommend just using tap to pay. 

To Use Tap to Pay

• Make sure you have a credit card that allows tap to pay, and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. My favorite is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, since you earn points you can use for future travel. 

• Smartwatches and cell phones work too. 

• Tap your card or device to enter the station. Tap again to exit. You’ll be charged at the end of your trip when you exit. 

• You must use the same card to enter and exit. 

• If you’re traveling with others, they must use a different card. 

To Use a Navegante Card

• Locate the blue and yellow kiosks. They’re easy to find, as you’ll see a clump of people in front of them. They’re located before you get to the station gates. 

• Select your language. 

• Follow the prompts on the screen to purchase or load a card. If it’s your first ride, you’ll be charged .50 euros to purchase a card. Each person traveling needs their own card. 

• Once you’ve selected (or verified) your card, choose your journey length: single or 24-hours. 

• Follow the prompts to pay. Make sure you’re using a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you get an option to convert to your home currency, decline it. You want the charge to go through in euros. 

• It may take a minute for your payment to process, but once it does your card and your receipt will drop into the tray. 

• Scan your card to enter the station, and again to exit after your ride. If you’re changing trains, you don’t have to scan. 

  

  
  

Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon and Get to Know the City

After you’ve made it through the airport, grab an Uber or ride the metro to your hotel in the city center. Drop your bags, and set out to explore the Baixa-Chiado, Rossio, and Commerce Square areas. There are tons of sightseeing opportunities, plus plenty of quaint restaurants, shops, and colorful buildings. Put the phone down and just wander; try a pastry every few blocks to keep your stamina up. The main sights are all fairly close together, so you’ll stumble on them without much effort! (If you’d rather join a walking tour, this one gets great reviews.)

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up in my favorite spot: Alfama. Alfama is grubby and twisty and full of people living the slow life, and if you don’t get lost at least once, you’ve missed the magic of it. Follow the sounds of music and laughter - they’re guaranteed to bring you somewhere special. Maybe you’ll stumble upon ladies selling ginja from a window. Maybe you’ll find yourself surrounded by orange trees. Maybe you’ll find a quirky piece of art. Everyone’s experience in Alfama is different, but everyone leaves with the same sense of wonder. If there’s one thing you do in Lisbon, let it be wandering Alfama. And if you spend your evening sipping wine at a miradouro? Well, that’s just perfect. 

What to See

• Santa Justa Lift: this is a marvel of modern engineering. You can snap a photo or take a ride up for a great view over Lisbon.

• Rua Augusta and Commerce Square: Rua Augusta is a giant arch across from Commerce Square. This is also a great place to grab a glass of wine and people watch, plus there’s a Lisbon city marker for your instagram photos. Walk down along the waterfront and you’ll see sand sculptures, stone painters, and other pop up artists perfecting their craft. (Just know that if you want a photo, you’ll need to tip!)

• Carmo Convent: a remnant from the earthquake, Carmo Convent shows how beautiful destruction can be. Go at sunset for epic photos. 

• Livraria Bertrand: the oldest still operating bookstore in the world. They have a great selection of books and gifts, and when you make a purchase, ask for the stamp! 

• Castle of Sao Jorge: climb to the castle for great views of the city, or take a tour to learn more about the castle’s history. 

• Rossio Square: lining Rossio square are quaint shops and restaurants, and just around the corner is the tiniest little ginja bar….which feels super touristy, but is a thing you kinda need to experience. 

• Tram 28: you’ll know this by the very long line of people waiting to ride the tram. You won’t miss anything if you don’t ride it; in fact, I recommend you skip the ride and just walk the route instead. You’ll have better photos and won’t waste an hour waiting in line!

Day 2 - Take a Tour to Sintra, Cabo de Roca, and Cascais

Let someone else do the logistical heavy lifting today and join a small-group tour to Sintra. You’ll start with a tour of Pena Palace, where you can choose to go inside or stick to the walls. For what it’s worth, the walls are beautiful in and of themselves, and I didn’t find the interior tour necessary. But, it really depends on you and your preference! The interior tour shows you the rooms, furniture, and a glimpse of what life was like for the family that lived there. 

If you choose to stay outside, there are plenty of beautiful views to keep you busy. I particularly liked this sculpture - it represents the union of the land and sea, and symbolizes how the Portuguese people brought the two together. 

Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll also have some time in the park to explore the trails and hidden alcoves. Though paved, it can get steep and slippery in parts, so this is another place to wear those grippy shoes. 

From Sintra you’ll make your way to Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. This is a quick stop, and keep your belongings close as it’s a pickpocket hot spot. It’s also super windy! If you have more time, it’d be nice to bring a picnic and walk the trails away from the crowds a bit. 

Your last stop will be in Cascais for sunset over the water. Cascais is a resort town, so expect a lot of expats and a lot of surfers. 

If you’re up for it, go to a Fado performance tonight after dinner. Tasca do Chico is a lovely little spot, where you can sit and soak in the somber, soulful music. Just know that when the lights go out, the talking stops. Go around 10pm for the best chance at finding a table, and don’t be afraid to sit with strangers. I spent a few hours with a lovely Italian couple, talking about life, love, and politics. This Fado experience also gets great reviews if you’d like to book something ahead of time.

Day 3 - Belem and the LX Factory

Take an Uber to Belem and have them drop you off at the Belem Tower. You’ll work backwards from here, since the tower is a very short visit that may or may not leave you underwhelmed. From the tower, turn left and walk along the riverfront towards the Monument to the Discoveries. You’ll pass the windmill and a couple of restaurants along the way.

After you’ve had your fill of the Monument, turn around and take the stairs under the road to the park. Walk through the park, and you’ll land in front of Jeronimos Monastery. If you bought your tickets ahead of time online, you’re good; otherwise, the ticket stand is actually in the park, off to the right with a yellow awning. Don’t cross the street or you’ll miss it - and the security guards here were the only unhelpful people I encountered in all of Portugal, believe it or not. The entrance to the monastery is 18 euros, and in my opinion 100% worth it if you’re a fan of architecture. If you’re not, you can get a sneak peak by going around the right of the monastery to the sacristy - the roof has the same arched beams, and the entrance is only 1 euro. 

Just a little up the street from the monastery is Pasteis de Belem, the home of the original Pastel de Nata. There are multiple entrances depending on whether you want to eat in or take away, but in either case the line moves quickly. Don’t snooze on the shops right past the cafe either; some of the most unique souvenirs I saw in all of Lisbon. 

Shop and wander to your heart’s content, but leave a little money left in your budget for your next stop: the LX Factory. Less of a factory and more of an open-air collection of shops, the LX Factory has 30 or so odd art and collectible stores, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s the place to go for one of a kind items, and if you’re someone who prefers to shop local, it’s a goldmine. Time it right and you’ll be able to take advantage of some great happy hour specials too! Make sure you make it inside, as there are stores inside the warehouse and great art around the back.

What to Eat and Drink in Lisbon

• Bifanas do Afonso: there are two of these, one right next to the Art Stay and one a street behind. Both are cash only. They’ll give you an option for one with cheese (5 euros) or no cheese (3 euros). The cheese is really filling so choose based on how hungry you are!

• Manteigaria: the undisputed favorite for pastel de nata, though I found them a bit sweet. Their coffee was decent. 

• Bonjardim: known for their roasted chicken and piri piri sauce. I found it slightly overdone and my fries were definitely from the McDonald’s around the corner, but I left happy. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that it was a fluke so let me know if you have a better experience!

• Oven: I ended up canceling my reservation because I was too late to make it, but I was so excited about this one. There’s such a huge Indian/Nepalese influence in Lisbon’s restaurant scene, and Oven is in the Michelin Guide. Someone please tell me how it is!!

• Taberna da Rua das Flores: this place is a favorite, and locals and tourists alike will line up for a table as soon as they open. It’s worth the wait, as the menu is small, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is personal. Get whatever they recommend and be prepared for a gastronomic experience. It’s cash only.

• Pizzeria Pizzico: some of the best pizza in Lisbon, located right in the heart of Baixa. Order one per person….at least.

• Copenhagen Coffee Lab: a chain, but the vibe is right and the coffee is balanced.

• The Coffee: decent coffee, but it’s a little sterile inside so get your coffee to go.

• Ruby Rosa's: inventive cocktails and great rooftop views, located in the Art Stay hotel. 

• A Ginjinha Registada: a tiny little stand near Rossio square, where you can try ginja for under 2 euros.

  

If You Have More Time

• Take a day trip to Cascais. Enjoy the beach, eat gelato, and relax in the resort town. Cascais is easily reachable by train. 

• Spend the night in Sintra and hike in the natural park. Ask your tour operator to drop you off at your hotel in the evening, and pick you up when they return the following day. Most will do this, though there might be an extra fee. 

• Follow this same itinerary, but linger longer. Visit the museums in Belem, and save the LX Factory for another day. Spend an entire day wandering Alfama. 

• Take a tuk tuk tour, a sailing trip, or a food tour. 

• Spend a day at the Corinthia Spa, an award-winning spa in Lisbon. Book the full-day experience that includes brunch, water therapy circuit, salt & oil scrub, massage, facial, and 3-course meal.

• Visit the urban oasis of Monsanto Forest Park for walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic lookouts. 

• Spend a few hours at the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Time Out Market, or the Botanical Garden of Lisbon. 

What to Know Before Your Trip

• Lisbon is hilly, but there are a couple of hidden elevators to help make it easier. They’re located inside buildings. One is right next to the Bifana do Afonso and takes you up to Alfama. 

• Lisbon is also a fairly posh city. You’ll see people in tennis shoes, but rarely will you see leggings or other athletic clothing. People mostly wear neutrals and other than shoes, it’s uncommon to see brand names. 

• If you fall in love with pastel de nata, you can bring them home with you! Get them your last night, and keep them in the fridge. They’ll last 2 days at room temperature, up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up. 

• Most of my tour guides cautioned about people on the street offering drugs to tourists. I didn’t encounter this until very late on my last evening. Even then, the gentleman was polite and left me alone after I said no thank you. 

• Ola (hello) and abrigado/abrigada (thank you) will go a long way. Most people in Lisbon speak English, and I was often greeted with, “English? French? Portuguese?” even before a hello. Don’t stress not speaking the language, but knowing a few words is respectful. 

• In many restaurants, water is the same price as wine. In hotels, it’s typically free in the room. Along those lines, bread is typically not free at restaurants, so feel free to refuse it. 

• Restaurant service may be slower than you’re used to. Generally speaking, you need to ask for the check. 

  
  

Getting Home

If you can, plan a late morning flight so you aren’t rushed getting to the airport. I’ll be honest, even for this seasoned traveler the Lisbon airport was a little confusing, so definitely leave yourself the full 3 hours. 

Schedule an Uber or Bolt the night before; it’ll cost you around 25 euros and will take 20 or so minutes. (This isn’t the time for the metro.) My driver dropped me off at the arrivals hall, which meant finding the departures counter. It’s on the top level, and the entrance to security is all the way on the right side behind the check in counters. 

You’ll scan your passport to get to the boarding gates, but won’t go through immigration and customs until afterwards. Keep that in mind, because timing may not always be in your favor. My flight didn’t have a gate assignment until an hour before boarding; only once you’re moving towards your gate do you encounter immigration and customs. As soon as you see the gate assignment, start making your way. 

The lines looked far more intimidating than they actually were, and moved pretty quickly. There were also plenty of staff around to help. Look for the electronic passport signs; US citizens will have two options, either the automated kiosks or the staffed counters. Both will get you to the same place, but automated tends to be faster. It took me about an hour from the time I arrived to the Lisbon airport to the time I reached my gate, but this was in early December. Again, give yourself 3 hours to be on the safe side. Once you get to the boarding gates there are plenty of places to sit, enjoy a coffee, or even take a nap. 

Lisbon is such a special place, and somewhere that really shines in even a short visit. It’s a place that balances wanting more with needing less, and doesn’t require more effort than you have. Go, enjoy, and let me know what treasures you find. 

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