View of Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, featuring the grand Arco da Rua Augusta and a central equestrian statue, a must-see stop on any Lisbon Itinerary.

The Perfect Lisbon Itinerary: 3 Days in Portugal’s Capital + 2 Easy Day Trips

Lisbon was my first stop on a multi-city adventure across Portugal — and even after visiting Porto, the Algarve, Évora, and Sintra, I am still so captivated by Lisbon. Not because it was the flashiest or the most dramatic, but because Lisbon is layered.

It whispers history from tiled walls (azulejos), crumbles in slow motion from a centuries-old earthquake, and glows golden from its many hilltop viewpoints. This city doesn’t shout — it rewards curiosity.

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Lisbon, three is the perfect start. With three full days, you can explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, dive into its maritime legacy, wander the tiled streets of Alfama and Chiado, and still find time to sip wine with a view.

The sunlit arcades and colorful facades of Praça do Comércio along the Tagus River, a picturesque and historic square that’s a key stop on any Lisbon itinerary.

And if you have two extra days? Base yourself in Lisbon and take easy, history-filled day trips to Sintra and Évora.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to structure a 3–5 day Lisbon itinerary — from painted tiles to philosophical ruins to the best custard tart in the world (yes, really). This itinerary is built for first-time visitors who love history, beauty, and a little soul in their sightseeing.

It’s also based on my own trip during the month of June — so you’ll get plenty of behind-the-scenes tips, affiliate links to the walking tours and hotels I recommend, and a chance to connect with the private guide who helped make our trip incredibly informative and very smooth.

Whether you’re here to marvel at azulejos, sip porto tonico by the river, or stand where sailors once launched into the unknown — Lisbon will give you something to carry home.

Let’s start planning.

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Quick Guide to Planning Your Lisbon Itinerary

Is 3 Days in Lisbon Enough?

Yes — three full days in Lisbon is the perfect introduction. You’ll be able to explore historic neighborhoods, visit the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and get a real feel for Lisbon’s rhythm without rushing.

A lively Lisbon street decorated with colorful umbrellas suspended above a pink walkway, a playful and photo-worthy spot to include on any Lisbon itinerary.

If you have 4 or 5 days, I highly recommend adding day trips to Évora and Sintra, which are both easy to do from Lisbon and filled with history, architecture, and depth.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

We stayed just north of Chiado, which I highly recommend as a home base. It’s central, walkable, and close to great cafés, tiled facades, and cultural landmarks.

How to Get Around Lisbon

Lisbon is a walkable city — with hills. Lots of hills. The streets are often paved with Portuguese cobblestones (calçada portuguesa), which feel like walking on mosaic art but can be slippery. Bring good walking shoes.

We used a private driver for longer transfers and walked most of the time. You can also take trams, the metro, or taxis/Ubers.

I can connect you with our private guide and driver — an absolute gem who made navigating Lisbon effortless.

When to Visit

We visited in early June, which is high season and coincides with the Santo António Festival — expect colorful decorations, street parties, and late-night music. It’s festive (and loud), so check your neighborhood and hotel reviews if you’re a light sleeper.

Day 1 – Alfama, Baixa, and the Heart of Old Lisbon

Morning – Alfama and the City’s Oldest Streets

Wander the atmospheric alleys of Alfama, the city’s oldest district, untouched by the 1755 earthquake. Admire the azulejos (painted tiles), stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and visit the Lisbon Cathedral.

The Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) with its twin bell towers and rose window façade under a clear blue sky, a historic highlight on a Lisbon Itinerary.

Tip: Take a walking tour to dive into the earthquake’s impact on Enlightenment philosophy — or let me connect you to our private guide.

Afternoon – Castelo de São Jorge, Santa Justa Lift, and Chiado

Climb or tuk-tuk up to Castelo de São Jorge for sweeping city views and layers of history. Then visit the Santa Justa Lift and explore Chiado, Lisbon’s literary and artistic neighborhood.

The ornate neo-Gothic Elevador de Santa Justa rising between Lisbon’s historic buildings under a clear blue sky, a must-see attraction included in the perfect Lisbon itinerary.

Evening – Dinner and a Fado Show

Dine in the Alfama or Bairro Alto area and catch a Fado show. Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, you’ll feel the emotion through the music.

A soulful Fado singer performing in an intimate stone-walled venue with two musicians on Portuguese guitars, capturing the emotional depth of Portuguese culture on a Lisbon itinerary.

“There was a universality in the emotion that allowed me to feel the lyrics — even without understanding the words.”

Day 2 – Belém & Portugal’s Maritime Past

Morning – Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belém, and the Age of Discovery

Tour Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline-style marvel and UNESCO site. Its cloisters are a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture found only in Portugal — with nautical motifs, ornate arches, and spiritual carvings.

The ornate Manueline façade of Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s a highlight of any well-planned Lisbon itinerary.

Portugal is the only place you can experience this stunning architectural style.

Next, visit the Monument to the Discoveries and its massive inlaid world map, then tour the Tower of Belém, another UNESCO site and a symbol of Lisbon’s seafaring legacy.

Monument of the Discoveries in Belém, Lisbon, featuring sculpted figures of Portuguese explorers facing the Tagus River under a clear blue sky, a striking historical stop on a Lisbon itinerary.

Midday – Pastéis de Belém and Lunch

Stop at Pastéis de Belém for Portugal’s most famous pastry — still made using the original monastery recipe.

Tip: There are two lines — the takeaway line moves quickly, but the seated line lets you enjoy the ambiance.

The blue awning and tiled facade of the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, where trying the original custard tarts is an essential stop on any Lisbon itinerary.

Afternoon – LX Factory or Museum Time

Choose from:

  • LX Factory (creative hub with shops & cafés)
  • MAAT or Maritime Museum
  • A relaxing riverside walk

Evening – Rooftop Drinks or Dinner

Watch the sunset from a miradouro or rooftop bar like Entretanto or Ponto Final across the river.

Day 3 – Museums, Tiles, and Neighborhood Wanders

Morning – National Tile Museum

Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, housed in a 16th-century convent, to learn the history and artistry of azulejos. Don’t miss the massive mural of pre-earthquake Lisbon.

Traditional blue and white azulejos depicting scenes from the Stations of the Cross inside a Lisbon chapel, offering a beautiful and reflective cultural experience for any Lisbon itinerary.

I read Cut from the Earth before my trip — a beautiful novel about tile makers, philosophy, and the 1755 disaster.

Midday – Príncipe Real & Bairro Alto

Explore local cafés, parks, and shops. Walk along Portuguese pavement — Lisbon’s iconic black-and-white stone mosaics.

A close-up of Lisbon’s signature calçada portuguesa, featuring intricate black and white stone mosaic patterns, often admired during a walking tour on a Lisbon itinerary.

Afternoon – Pick Your Adventure

Options:

Evening – A Last View of Lisbon

End with a quiet moment at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or São Pedro de Alcântara — watching the city glow one last time.

Day Trips from Lisbon

Now that you have spent 3 days soaking up Lisbon’s history, tilework, and views, you might be ready to explore beyond the city limits. If you have more time in your itinerary, there are several easy and history-rich day trips that pair perfectly with a Lisbon home base.

Sintra is a must for its romantic palaces and forested estates, especially the colorful Pena Palace. Évora, with its Roman ruins and medieval streets and is an easy train ride inland.

Heading north? Coimbra makes an ideal stop between Lisbon and Porto. As one of Portugal’s oldest university towns, it offers layers of history from Roman times to the Age of Discovery.

For help planning which destination fits your travel style, check out this detailed guide: Best Day Trips from Lisbon. It breaks down travel times, historical highlights, and when it is worth joining a guided tour versus going by train.

Optional Day 4 – Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is magic. Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, this palace-packed town feels like a fairy tale.

  • Visit Pena Palace — bright colors, sweeping views
  • Explore Quinta da Regaleira — secret tunnels and symbolism
  • Eat a travesseiro at Piriquita
  • Optional stops at Cabo da Roca or Castelo dos Mouros
The colorful and whimsical towers of Pena Palace in Sintra, a fairytale-like destination that makes for an unforgettable day trip on a Lisbon itinerary.

Our private guide handled everything. Want in? I’d love to help you plan your own perfect day.

Optional Day 5 – Day Trip to Évora

Travel 90 minutes east to Évora, a UNESCO site with incredible variety:

  • Roman Temple of Diana
  • The Chapel of Bones
  • Évora Cathedral and cobbled streets

The chapel’s inscription reads: “We bones that are here await yours.”

Absolutely. Here's the updated alt text for the first image, now including the English translation and a mention of Évora: Updated alt text (first image): A marble archway inscribed with “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos,” which translates to “We bones that are here await yours,” at the Chapel of Bones in Évora, a striking and memorable day trip option on a Lisbon itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Planning the Lisbon Trip That Sticks With You

Lisbon isn’t the kind of city you conquer — it’s one you absorb.

It’s tiled, sun-drenched, full of stories, and impossible to forget.

A classic yellow tram climbing a steep cobbled street lined with graffiti and greenery, capturing a quintessential moment from a Lisbon Itinerary.

Want help planning your Lisbon trip?

I offer custom travel planning and work with a private guide in Lisbon who made our own trip exceptional — from skipping lines to seamless transfers to hidden-gem restaurants.
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Boa viagem! 🇵🇹