Lisbon in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary

In short: Day 1, the Baixa, Chiado and Alfama up to São Jorge Castle, with a fado dinner; day 2, Belém and its monuments, then the Bairro Alto at night; day 3, Sintra and its palaces. Book Pena Palace and bring good shoes.

Before you go: what to book

• Pena Palace (Sintra): visits by booked time slot, best reserved ahead.
• Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower: often closed on Mondays, check opening days.
• A fado dinner in Alfama: book the same day or the day before in small fado houses.

Always check opening days and hours on the official websites: they can change.

Day 1: the Baixa, Chiado and Alfama

Morning: the Baixa and Praça do Comércio. Walk down the straight streets of the Baixa to Praça do Comércio, open to the Tagus. Then head up to Chiado by the Santa Justa lift or on foot.

Midday: Chiado. Have lunch in one of Chiado’s historic cafés, among bookshops and theatres.

Afternoon: Alfama and the castle. Climb through Alfama (or ride tram 28) to São Jorge Castle and the Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol viewpoints.

Evening: fado. Dine in a small fado house in Alfama.

Day 2: Belém and the Bairro Alto

Morning: Jerónimos. Head to Belém for the Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece, and try the pastéis de nata from the area’s historic bakery.

Midday: Belém Tower. Walk along the Tagus to the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower.

Afternoon: LX Factory. On the way back, stop at LX Factory, a former factory turned shops and cafés.

Evening: the Bairro Alto. Sunset at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, then an evening in the lanes of the Bairro Alto.

Day 3: Sintra

Morning: Pena Palace. Take the train to Sintra and start with Pena Palace, using your booked slot.

Midday: the village. Have lunch in Sintra’s historic centre.

Afternoon: Quinta da Regaleira. Visit the Quinta da Regaleira and its initiation well, or the Moorish Castle.

Evening: back to Lisbon. Return to Lisbon for a last dinner, for instance in Príncipe Real.

A fourth day? Day trips

• Cascais and the coast, for the sea.
• Parque das Nações and the Oceanarium, ideal for families.
• Porto, about 2 hours 45 by train, to extend your trip.

Our tips for these 3 days

1. Start early: the big sights are far more pleasant at opening time.
2. Group your visits by area to cut down on travel.
3. Wear good shoes: Lisbon is a city of hills and slippery cobbles.
4. Ride tram 28 early to avoid the crowds, and watch your belongings.
5. Use a rechargeable transport card for the metro, trams and funiculars.

Where to stay for these 3 days?

All the areas are covered in our guide Where to stay in Lisbon. To go further, see Things to do in Lisbon.