Lisbon Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days
From its epic nightlife to its antique architecture, Lisbon is the perfect place to visit year-round. It relatively stays warm year-round making it a great destination any time of year. I recently went in March and although it was on the “colder” side it was actually refreshing weather. Lisbon’s peak season is summer, from June to August. In the summer, the streets are filled with tourists, the air is full of humidity, and the steep hills make it difficult to enjoy its beauty.
Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Lisbon
There are many different neighborhoods in Lisbon that all have their unique attributes. In this itinerary you will get to explore them all but here is a little insight into each of them.
Baixa
This is Lisbon’s liveliest section and is located in the city center. You’ll find beautiful squares and top attractions here.
Chaido + Barrio Alto
Both neighborhoods are Lisbon’s “hip” parts. They offer very chic and bohemian-inspired sections. You will find plenty of boutique shops and street art. Chiada + Barrio Alto are neighboring each other. We enjoyed Barrio Alto for a fun night out.
Alfama
Alfama is what I like to call the charming part of Lisbon. It is Lisbon’s oldest town and due to its steep hills, it boasts beautiful views of the city and water.
Belém
Belém is far from the city center however still easy to get to. It is where the Pastel de Nata originated. This neighborhood also sits right on the Tagus river.
Barrio Alto
Alfama
Where to Stay when Visiting Lisbon
This hotel is conveniently located in the city center of Baixa. It is in a great location and easily accessible to all the sights in Lisbon.
This five-star boutique hotel is one of Lisbon’s trendiest hotels. I was able to stay here for a night and truly loved the experience. They offer complimentary breakfast and a free Tonic Port in the room. They also have the most breathtaking views of the city. Also check out their sister hotel, Memmo Alfama Hotel located in Alfama.
Staying in Alfama is a really fun and charming vibe. The views, local shops, and local restaurants make this area worthwhile. With that being said, if you visit anywhere else you will have to hike back up the steep hills to get to the Airbnb. I thought it was worth it because this area was so cute and everything important is no more than a 15-minute walk. This Airbnb, though beautiful and super spacious, didn’t have the best wifi.. at all.
This Airbnb screams cute! I loved staying here as it was super spacious and boasts beautiful views from the balcony. It is super close to Baixa making it very centrally located.
How to Get Around Lison
Here is how you can explore Lisbon in 3 perfect Days
Day One
Ride Tram 8
This is a perfect way to start your Lisbon itinerary because it literally passes through some of the best neighborhoods. Including Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca. Plus, you get to ride the iconic public transportation, the yellow tram. Tram 28 has a more scenic route and is a great way to see the city. I would suggest boarding at Martim Moniz and riding early to avoid the crowds.
Head to Rossio Square
Rossio square is the liveliest square in Lisbon. Many people sit and relax here or stop at a restaurant with outdoor seating. A popular spot to grab a drink while enjoying Rossio is Cafe Nicola. There is a monument in the center of the square making it hard to miss!
Avenida Da liberdade
Avenida Da Liverdade is a boulevard that was inspired by Paris’ Champs-Élysées. It is the most expensive street to live on and for good reason. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along this avenue but I would suggest heading to Edward VII Park. This park not only showcases all different types of plants but also has panoramic views of the city.
Lunch at A Cevicheria
Located about a 20-minute walk from Edward VII Park is the iconic A Cevicheria. This Peruvian restaurant is known to have ceviche-inspired dishes with a Portuguese flair. With a 4.3 rating star review on google, this spot is a must!
Stroll Around the Alfama District
Miradouro Das Portas
Also located in the Alfama district is Miradouro Das Portas. This spot is one of the best places to see panoramic views of not only Lisbon but the water as well. I would suggest grabbing a drink at Cerca Moura and enjoying the incredible view.
Dinner in Barrio Alto at Restaurante Cabaças
Restaurante Cabaças, also known as Os Cabaças, is a dinner spot you don’t want to miss. After visiting Alfama you will head DOWN the cobblestone streets to the Barrio Alto neighborhood. At Restaurante Cabaças you will be able to enjoy Portuguese cuisine. What I love about this restaurant is the “steak on a stone”. If ordered, they will bring out a raw steak on a hot stone that ends up cooking in front of you. Delicious is an understatement.
Bar Crawl
Day two
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo De Sao Jorge stands above Lisbon on one of Lisbon’s steepest hills. Tourists come here to visit not only the history but the views from above. Before entering, you can explore the Moorish neighborhood.
Head to Baixa: City Center and Go Shopping
When visiting Baixa, I enjoyed shopping at two epic stores, Zara and Pull&Bear. However, there is a shopping mall called Armazéns do Chiado. I would also suggest heading to Rua Augusta for street performers and unique architecture. Baixa also is home to the oldest bookstore in Lisbon, Bertrand Bookshop.
Lunch at Wok to Walk
So Wok To Walk is a chain fast food restaurant throughout all of Europe but it literally is my favorite. Especially after a night of drinking, this is a must. Located in the shopping mall at Armazéns do Chiado be ready for made-to-order stir-fries.
Visit Church Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha
Church Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha is the second largest churches in Lisbon. A must see sight in the heart of Baixa.
Head to Arco da Rua Augusta
If you are already indulging in the liveliness of Rua Augusta, head down to Arco Da Rua Augusto. This arc will literally blow you away with all its architectural beauty.
Experience Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is definitely a highlight of Lisbon. You don’t want to miss this magnificent plaza. They even sometimes hold major events here, like watching Portugal futbol games.
Drinks During Sunset at Can the Can
Can the Can, not somewhere to eat, is a perfect spot to grab a drink and maybe a snack. Although considered a tourist trap, this restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful Praça do Comércio. If you stay during sunset you will see the most spectacular views of the sun radiating off of the buildings.
Head Up to Loco For Dinner
Although heading west, it will feel like you are heading “up” the hills for dinner. I would suggest taking a taxi or uber to dinner because it is about a 10-minute drive. LoCo is a Michelin-star restaurant that has a 16-course tasting menu for only 150 euros. The tasting menu was incredible and the intimate experience allowed us to have a private dinner setting. We basically had the chefs cooking in front of us. This is definitely a splurge but if you like tasting good food with Portuguese flavors, you don’t want to skip it!
After Dinner Drinks at Sky Bar
About 2 miles from dinner is the Sky Bar Lisboa by Seen. It is a chic open-air rooftop bar located at the top of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel. It is Lisbon’s trendiest bar with an upscale atmosphere. Experience panoramic views of the city along the coast!
Day Three
Lisbon’s Famous Pink Street
Pink street is located at R. Nova do Carvalho. Once considered the red light district it now is home to incredible restaurants and bars. This spot is definitely Instagram worthy so bring your camera!
Jerónimos Monastery
Jerónimos Monastery is Lisbon’s most important sight to see while visiting. It represents the story of the Portuguese Age of Discovery and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning architecture will transport you back in time. Another great spot to bring your camera!
Lunch at LX factory
The LX Factory is home to restaurants, bars, and shops. From Asian-inspired cuisine to burgers, they have options for everyone! The vibes here are immaculate and will transform your culinary experience.
Santa Justa lift
Heading back closer to the city center, Santa Justa Lift is a great stop on the way. Located in Baixa it is a unique tourist attraction. As an elegant art form, this elevator takes passengers from Baixa to Largo Do Carmo. It used to be a big part of Lisbon’s public transportation but now is mainly for tourism. For good reason as it showcases beautiful views of the city center.
Take a Pastal de Nata Making Class
Dinner in Alfama at Farol de Santa Luzia
Dinner at Farol De Santa Luzia is a must for multiple reasons. It is a quaint Portuguese restaurant that offers an antique indoor atmosphere lined with beautiful tiles. Plus, the food was so incredible and was the perfect way to end a fun food-filled three days.
Enjoy Iconic Views of Lisbon Lit up at Night at Miradouro De Santa Luzia
Just around the corner from Miradouro Das Portas is another incredible lookout called Miradouro De Santa Luzia. This spot at night is a great place to see Lisbon all lit up. You can walk here from the dinner restaurant.
If you have time…
Day trips from lisbon
There are plenty of fun day trips to do around Lisbon if you have extra time. You can visit Pena Palace in Sintra or head to the beach in Cascais.
Check out My Blog Post on Sintra
Check out my Blog Post on Cascais
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