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Lisbon, Portugal

3 Days in Lisbon: The Perfect Long-Weekend Plan

Trams, viewpoints and pastel de nata, all at the right pace.

3 daysCouples · Weekenders · Foodies70–200 EUR/día

Lisbon rewards a slow pace: hills that tire you out, terraces that invite you to stay, fado in the background. Three well-organised days hit the highlights and leave room for Sintra.

Get a refillable Viva Viagem card and use it on the metro, tram 28 and trains to Sintra and Cascais. Book a fado restaurant for the last night a week ahead.

Distances are short but the hills are real. Flat shoes, a hair tie and water on you at all times.

In this itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrival and Alfama

    Land, drop bags and dive into Alfama: Cathedral, Miradouro Santa Luzia and a fado dinner.

    • Santa Luzia viewpoint at sunset
    • Craft beer at LX Brewery
    • Fado dinner at Tasca do Chico

  2. Day 2

    Belém and Príncipe Real

    Morning in Belém (Jerónimos, Tower, MAAT) with mandatory pastéis. Afternoon of coffee and boutiques in Príncipe Real.

    • Pastéis at Manteigaria — not only in Belém
    • Jardim da Estrela for a green break
    • Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro or Os Tibetanos

  3. Day 3

    Sintra and farewell

    Train to Sintra for Pena and Quinta da Regaleira. Back to Lisbon for a last dinner in Bairro Alto before the flight.

    • Pena Palace before 11 am
    • Quinta da Regaleira with time for the wells
    • Light dinner in Bairro Alto

Key tips

  • Tram 28 fills up by 10 am — board at Martim Moniz around 7:30.
  • Pre-book the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.
  • For Sintra, leave at 8 am and reserve entries to Pena and Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Order a Bica for an espresso and a galão for a milky coffee.
  • Look for a fado vadio venue for a real, non-touristy fado night.
  • Carry a small umbrella in spring and autumn — showers are quick but heavy.

Frequently asked

Are three days enough?

For the essentials, yes. Add Évora, Óbidos or a Cascais beach day and you'll want four or five.

Should I rent a car?

Not for Lisbon. Optionally for a Sintra-Cabo da Roca-Cascais loop in one day.

Is Alfama safe at night?

Yes, it's lively. Just watch your footing on dim cobbled lanes.

Do many people speak English or Spanish?

Yes, especially in hospitality. A simple 'obrigado' or 'bom dia' goes a long way.