Lisbon exudes tremendous charm, offers stunning views, and boasts delectable cuisine, making it a city where you’ll want to make the most of your time. Fortunately, the city is relatively compact, allowing you to explore a lot in a short period. However, having a well-thought-out plan is advisable. The Lisbon three-day itinerary outlined below combines our family’s firsthand experiences with thorough research, offering a tried-and-tested way to experience Lisbon in just three days.
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DAY ONE
Avenue da Liberdade
Kickstarting the day on this majestic, tree-lined boulevard sets the perfect tone. Situated in Baixa, the apartment that we stayed at was close to the metro.
It was easy to hop on for a few stops up to the Avenida station, where our journey southward towards Restauradores Square began. This expansive avenue boasts an array of high-end boutique shops, ideal for those tempted to splurge.
Even if you don’t want to shop, this beautiful avenue is an ideal spot to start to get to know Lisbon. Also, there are plenty of benches along the way allowing for spots to take a break along the way.
Restauradores Square
Surrounded by splendidly designed buildings, Restauradores Square is an elegant plaza. With a commanding monument at its center and expansive open space, this area is a true marvel, inviting and charming.
Praca Dom Pedro IV
While Restauradores Square is undoubtedly charming, this adjacent space steals the spotlight. Much like its counterpart, it features a striking monument at its heart, flanked by two exquisite fountains.
The northern edge of the square is graced by the magnificent Queen Maria II National Theatre. Lined with trees and adorned with numerous stone benches, the square provided us with the ideal spot to unwind, recharge, and observe the lively atmosphere.
Alongside the square, several restaurants offer the perfect opportunity for a meal with a view.
Santa Justa Lift
Venturing from the southwest corner of the square towards Rua Aurea led us almost straight to the Santa Justa Lift. While we hadn’t intended to take the ride to the top, merely seeing the architectural marvel was good enough for us.
The lift is indeed an impressive architectural feat. If you do intend to take the ride up, be prepared for a wait, as the lines are often as long as they were on our visit. Alternatively, if you’re solely interested in the view, the option of taking the stairs is available.
Shopping/Chiado
Continuing past the Santa Justa Lift, we followed Rua Aurea until it intersected with Rua Nova do Almada, where our shopping expedition awaited.
Transitioning into the Chiado neighborhood, we encountered a bustling retail district full of stores, including well-known brands like H&M, ZARA, Nike, Levi’s, and many more.
Naturally, we eagerly explored, eventually stumbling upon our favorite store of the day…
Bertrand Bookstore
Lisbon is home to the world’s oldest operating bookstore, a true haven for book lovers, not just for its extensive selection but also for its rich historical significance.
With such a cozy space, the store boasts a generous English section. I was happy to acquire a book on Portugal’s history, along with a souvenir bag to complement it. Having my book stamped with the Bertrand Bookstore seal was an excellent touch.
This establishment is an ideal destination for buying meaningful souvenirs of your Lisbon adventure or selecting a thoughtful gift for someone special.
Carmo Convent
After our shopping excursion and book purchases, we ascended one of Lisbon’s many hills to reach Carmo Convent. Admission tickets to explore the convent are priced at just 5 euros per adult, while children aged 14 and under are free.
Additionally, visitors can explore the museum located on-site. This historic structure endured significant damage during the devastating earthquake of 1755, particularly to its roof, which was never fully restored.
As a result, visitors are treated to a remarkable and unique experience, marveling at the church’s walls and arches while enjoying unobstructed views of the outdoors due to the absence of a roof.
DAY TWO
Jeronimos Monastery
Despite its location on the far west end of the city, reaching Jeronimos Monastery is quite straightforward. We opted for the tram, enjoying the convenience of the new, modern version.
With our Viva Viagem tickets already in hand, granting access to the metro, bus, and tram, we hopped on the 15E tram after a leisurely 30-minute journey from the Praca Comercio stop.
The tram conveniently dropped us off right in front of the monastery. Despite pre-purchasing our tickets, we discovered that skipping the line, as we had at other attractions, wasn’t an option here.
Though the line appeared long, it moved swiftly, and the wait was bearable. While having tickets in advance is nice, it didn’t help as much as with other attractions.
Nevertheless, the tram ride and brief wait were well worth it. Opting to explore only the monastery rather than the church, we found it to be an amazing experience.
The monastery features two main levels interconnected by a central courtyard, along with several additional rooms off the main floor. We were amazed by the intricate design, the monochromatic palette, and the interplay of light filtering through the columns.
The expansive hallways adorned with a succession of arches were truly magnificent.
Even the staircases, transporting us between floors, felt like voyages through time via secret passageways. Jeronimos Monastery is undeniably a must-see, an unforgettable gem waiting to be discovered.
You can purchase tickets for a guided tour of Jeronimos Monastery here.
Belem Tower
Covering the distance from the monastery to Belem Tower typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes on foot. However, with our children in tow, we opted to spare their legs and hopped on the bus, conveniently located right in front of the monastery.
Boarding bus number 729, we headed to our next stop.
If Lisbon boasts a quintessential landmark, it’s undoubtedly Belem Tower. As we approached, we were struck not only by the tower itself but also by the pathway leading through the park and to the tower.
Encircled by a walkway, the tower allows for panoramic views from every angle. Despite the crowds, the spacious surroundings ensured it never felt overcrowded, allowing us to capture those perfect selfies without obstruction.
You can purchase your Belem Tower entry ticket here.
Pasteis de Belem
Although we indulged in plenty of pasteis de nata during our trip, we unexpectedly missed the opportunity to try them from this renowned spot. If you want to sample pasteis de nata from this world-famous bakery, it’s conveniently located just steps away from Jeronimos Monastery.
You have the option to queue up for takeout or opt for seating indoors, where the crowds are typically thinner and the wait shorter.
Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta stands as one of Lisbon’s foremost streets, renowned for its distinctive pedestrian walkway adorned with Portugal’s famous tiles and flanked by a fine selection of shops and eateries.
Stretching from Rossio Square in the north to Praca do Comercio in the south, this vibrant street places you squarely in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance and local vibes, and enjoy a stroll down to the iconic Arch, just a short distance away.
Arco da Rua Augusta
Following Rua Augusta will lead you to one of its standout features: the majestic arch. Originally erected to commemorate the reconstruction of Lisbon following the catastrophic earthquake of 1755, this arch offers a fantastic photo opportunity.
You’ll catch sight of the arch as you make your way down Rua Augusta, providing a captivating glimpse of its grandeur.
Praca do Comercio
Passing through the Arch unveils a truly captivating area in Lisbon. This space was formerly occupied by the Royal Palace, lending it a rich historical significance. The expansive square has a unique allure, anchored by the solitary statue of King Joseph I at its center.
The open layout of the square gives it a distinctive charm and provides sweeping views in every direction. Be sure to explore the colonnade encircling the square; its symmetrical design is a sight to behold and offers an ideal backdrop for photographs.
Cais das Colunas
Continuing through the square toward the river, you’ll discover this picturesque vantage point. Extending slightly into the river, it offers a magnificent view of the waterway, the April 25th Bridge, and the surrounding landscape.
Flanked by two columns inspired by those of Solomon’s Temple, this spot marks a pier that historically served as the gateway from the river to the square.
DAY THREE
Tram 28
If you’re staying in Baixa, as we were, and want to explore Alfama, hopping aboard Tram 28 (or its less renowned and far less congested counterpart, Tram 12) is the ideal solution.
The uphill trek to Alfama can be steep and lengthy, particularly for young families, making a tram ride in this direction a veritable lifesaver. While Tram 28 is the favored choice it can get quite crowded. Opting for Tram 12 offers a similarly scenic route with far fewer fellow passengers.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Lisbon is known for its hills, but it’s also a city of “miradouros” (viewpoints), and this one ranks among the finest.
Offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city and the river, it boasts a spacious terrace that serves as an excellent vantage point, along with several other charming spots to soak in the scenery. Across from the main viewing area lies a quaint square.
A staircase leads down a narrow corridor, offering a passage through the heart of Alfama. Following this path will lead you through the labyrinthine streets and alleys, descending from the heights of the miradouro.
You’ll need to decide whether to go on this immersive experience or explore other attractions nearby.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers a contrasting experience to Portas do Sol. While Portas do Sol impresses with its expansive openness, Santa Luzia provides intimacy and seclusion.
Divided into two main sections—an upper and lower area—the upper section steals the spotlight with its pergola-covered terrace. This charming space provides ample seating for enjoying the view and capturing memorable photos.
Adorned with vibrant flowers and an adjacent garden, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery and views. We found ourselves lingering here longer than at Portas do Sol. It’s a bonus that these two spots are merely a 5-minute walk apart.
Although the lower section lacks the scenic allure of the upper section, it still offers a splendid view with fewer visitors and is just a short walk away.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
From Santa Luzia, you can ascend the hill via Largo do Contador Mor street toward the castle. This became a personal highlight of my Lisbon visit.
Unfamiliar with the castle beforehand, I was unprepared for the experience awaiting us.
Purchasing tickets in advance to skip the lengthy queue proved to be a wise decision.
Upon entering the castle grounds, you’re immediately greeted by a breathtaking view of Lisbon. Having likely caught glimpses of the castle perched high on the hills of Alfama while walking around Lisbon, being within the castle grounds affords you the full benefit of its elevated position.
The vista is simply breathtaking, and we spent a considerable amount of time walking along the castle walls, enjoying the spectacular views.
As we ventured toward the castle interior, we were pleasantly surprised by the presence of peacocks roaming the grounds freely. Their distinctive and loud calls added to the experience.
Exploring the castle’s interior proved to be an adventure in itself, with its layout of staircases, open spaces, elevated walkways, and various pathways.
From numerous watchtowers and lookout points to battlements scattered across the castle, each corner was something to discover.
Following the winding paths, climbing stairs, and navigating through the castle’s nooks and crannies felt like an endless adventure. In hindsight, I wish we had allocated more time to fully enjoy the castle.
You can also purchase tickets for a guided tour of Sao Jorge Castle here.
Lisbon Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral, constructed in 1147, stands as another remarkable landmark in Lisbon. Purchasing a ticket to explore the cathedral grants access to its breathtaking architecture, characterized by soaring ceilings and majestic arches.
Additionally, visitors can ascend the steps for an overhead perspective of the cathedral, including access to its upper rooms and a balcony offering sweeping views of Lisbon.
Alfama
Arguably the most renowned neighborhood in Lisbon, this district is perfect for aimless wandering. Exploring its winding streets and narrow alleyways offers an enjoyable way to spend a day immersing yourself in Lisbon’s charm. Alfama is also one of the best areas to stay while you’re Lisbon.
This neighborhood, embodying the essence of the Lisbon experience, is not only visually captivating but also home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
It’s easy to lose track of time strolling its streets, even beyond the well-known attractions like Sao Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, and the miradouros.
ENJOY YOUR THREE DAYS IN LISBON
Our time in Lisbon flew by, filled with awesome experiences. Having a well-structured plan for our stay made a significant difference. While Lisbon was just one stop on a longer trip, we were pleasantly surprised by how exceptional the city turned out to be. A crucial aspect of our preparation was knowing exactly what to pack. To find out what essentials you need to bring for your trip to Portugal, be sure to check out this article.
