3 Days in Lisbon
Hey people, this is Ismail of Europe Diary.
Ready to discover the best of Lisbon in just three days. Join us as we explore the vibrant streets of Portugals capital, from the historic Bellum Tower to the stunning views at Mirador das Senhora Duane, we’ll uncover hidden gems like the enchanting A Fama District and treat your taste buds to the city’s culinary delights.
Stay till the end for exclusive insider tips to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s Dive into Lisbon.
Best time to visit Lisbon.
Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The best time the visit is during the spring March to May or fall September to October when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are thinner. Summer is peak tourist season with festivals and events, but it can be crowded and hot. Winter is less crowded and more affordable but be prepared for some rainy days.
Lisbon Airport TIPS
Lisbon Airport. Humberto Delgado Airport is the main gateway to the city. It’s well connected to the city center, just 4.3 miles away. Upon arrival, you can take the Aerobus, a shuttle service that costs around four USD for a one-way trip or seven USD for a round trip. The Metro is another option costing approximately to USD and taxis are available for about 15 to 20 USD. Be sure to have some euros handy for initial expenses. Where to stay in Lisbon.
For an authentic Lisbon experience, consider staying in the Alpha district, known for its narrow streets and Fausto music. Here you can find charming boutique hotels and guest houses ranging from 80 to 100 and 50 USD per night. For those preferring a more modern touch. Baiju and Shinto offer luxury hotels and contemporary amenities with prices averaging 100 and 50 to 200 and 50 usdper night. Piroolto is perfect for nightlife enthusiasts with vibrant bars and restaurants, though it can be noisier how to get around Lisbon. Lisbon’s transportation system is both efficient and affordable. The Viva Via Jim card is the must-have, offering unlimited travel on buses, trams and the metro for around seven USD per day. Alternatively, the Lisbon card provides free entry to many attractions and unlimited transport for 22 USD for 24 hours. For a unique experience, ride the iconic Tram 28, which costs about four USD per trip. Walking is also a great way to explore lisbon’s hilly terrain and discover hidden gems.
Day one explore. Alpha District:
Morning Magic at Mirador de Santa Lucia
Early morning sunrise at Mirador de Santa Lucia. One of my favorite spots in all of Lisbon is the Mirador de Santa Lucia. It’s absolutely magical. At sunrise, watching the sun come over the water, transforming the sky from a deep red to a vibrant orange is a breathtaking way to start your day in Lisbon. Trust me getting up early for this view is totally worth it. An added bonus of visiting at sunrise is that you’ll beat the crowds that gather here later in the day. Plus you can enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful spot almost all to yourself. Breakfast. After soaking in the breathtaking sunrise at Mirador de Santa Lucia, head to Portas to So Cafe conveniently located nearby. For breakfast, try the Tosca Mist, a Portuguese ham and cheese toasty paired with a fresh orange juice and a coffee costing around ten USD.
Morning :Museo National to Azuleo:
The National Tile Museum is one of my absolute favorites in Lisbon. It’s entirely dedicated to the fascinating history of tile work in Portugal, showcasing studying azuleos from different eras. Our highlight was the panoramic tile painting of Lisbon. Viewed from the water, we had a blast spotting various landmarks we had visited during our trip insider tip. The museum is located in a former convent, adding to its charm. Entry costs about five USD and it’s a great way to spend a couple hours, especially on a rainy day. Don’t forget to check out the museum’s beautiful courtyard and cafe for a relaxing break.
Explore Alpha neighborhood:
The Alfima neighborhood is a charming area with stunning views of the Tagus river. This historic district is home to Mirador de Santa Lucia and the Portas Du, so two are the best spots for panoramic views of the city. Alpha is also the heart and soul of auto music. You’ll often hear its soulful melodies wafting through the streets, especially along Rua des Sal Pedro. The best time to experience Fado is during dinner, where you can enjoy a three-hour feast with live performances. The atmosphere is especially magical on weekends.
Insider Tip:
For an authentic photo experience head to one of the traditional photo houses in Alpha. They usually offer a set menu with the dinner and performance for around 50 USD per person. Be sure to make a reservation in advance to get the best seats.
Lunch at Mesa de Graca:
Lunch for a delightful lunch in Alpha Head to Mesa degrades, a charming restaurant located in a former chapel adorned with beautiful Azleo tiles. Start with the Aguas abualpato clams in a garlic and cilantro sauce for around ten USD, followed by the bakalhaabbras shredded card with eggs and potatoes, a classic Portuguese dish costing about 18 USD. Insider tip. Try to get a table by the window for a cozy experience with a view of alphema’s charming streets and remember to make a reservation as it can get busy, especially during weekends afternoon.
Convento Degraw and Mirador Degraw:
The Convento Degraw, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Grace, is one of lisbon’s oldest convents. Perched on one of the city’s highest hills, it offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River from the Miraurro de Gracie right in front of it. Best of all, there’s no entrance fee. The convent itself is quite small, so you only need about 30 minutes to explore it.
Moorish Castle and Sal Vicente de Fora:
Morio of Sal Vicentti de Fora in Alhima be sure to check out the Moo des Sal Vicente Dora. This monastery not only boasts stunning tile work but also offers breathtaking views from its rooftop viewpoints. I recommend visiting towards the end of the day because the view over Lisbon from the church towers included in your ticket is as spectacular as any other mirador. The monastery closes at 6 PM with the last ticket sales at 5 PM. You can get your ticket at the admissions desk for around five and a five USD early evening sunset at Porta Doll Mirador.
Early Evening Sunset at Porta Dol Mirador:
The Porta Duo Mirador is a beautiful terraced viewpoint in the heart of Alpha, perched on one of lisbon’s many hills for an unforgettable experience. Head here at sunset and grab a glass of Vigo Verde from quits. Squid Daportus to so for about five USD. Although it gets crowded at sunset with a bit of patience, you’ll be able to snap some great photos and even find a table with a view to relax before dinner.
Dinner at PoBao:
Dinner at Poabao poabbao is a fantastic pan-asian restaurant located in the lively Beroe Unto neighborhood of Lisbon. I loved the vibe and food so much that we ended up going there twice during our trip. Some of our favorite dishes included the bow buns, especially the sea bass bow. Trust me it sounds unusual but tastes incredible. The appetizer platter with a variety of delicious starters and any of the noodle dishes on the menu expect to spend around 20 to 30 USD per person for a satisfying meal. Boabao doesn’t take reservations for lunch or dinner because it’s so popular. People start lining up before the restaurant, even opens for dinner. I recommend arriving about 20 to 30 minutes before they open to snag a table without a long wait.
Day Two:Breathtaking Belém
The Bali District Breakfast:
If you’re researching Lisbon, chances are, you’ve come across the delightful custard pastry, the past delete nata. We’ve tried our fair share of these little cups of heaven and you might be wondering where can you find the best pastel de nata in Lisbon? Let me spill the beans. The best pastel de nata we’ve ever had was at Fabrica de Nata. For breakfast, they offer a combo where you can get a ham and cheese croissant, one pastel Dinnata and a latte for about four USD. The history of pastel Dinnata dates back to the Mero do Geranimus, so naturally the nearby Bale neighborhood is home to the famous Pasta de Belllim, which attracts many visitors every day. However. I wasn’t impressed with their pastel de nata. The sheer number of visitors seems to affect the quality of the pastry and the atmosphere, but that’s just my opinion. Insider tip, be sure to add a little sprinkle of cinnamon on your pastel de nata and enjoy this gem more than once. If you can.
Morning Palacio National de Belllem and Geronimos Monastery.
Morning Visits: Belém’s Historic Landmarks:
Belllem is a charming neighborhood about five miles west of lisbon’s city center. Nestled along the waterfront, it’s home to some of lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of Belen. Bole Palace and Geronimos Monastery. These attractions are popular stops for cruise ships, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to fully appreciate the stunning Portuguese architecture without the crowds. The easiest way to get to Bale is a fifteen-minute taxi ride which will cost you around ten to 15 USD. Alternatively, you can take a short bus or train ride for just a few dollars.
Insider Tip:
If you visit Bale in the morning, don’t miss grabbing a freshly baked pastel de Bellleme from the famous bakery nearby. It’s the perfect treat to start your day.
Lunch not far from Bole Sudlazboa is a modern restaurant and event center with an unbeatable view of the Tags River. We had a delightful lunch on the patio, enjoying fresh appetizers, an oxtail raghu and a seafood pasta, all of which were incredibly fresh and delicious. While this restaurant isn’t the cheapest option, it’s perfect for a treatourself meal by the water and worth every penny. Expect to spend around 50 to 70 USD per person for a meal here afternoon, take a sailboat out on the water. One of our most memorable experiences in Lisbon was taking a sailboat cruise on the Tags River. The sailing tour usually includes wine, beer and snacks, and if you’re lucky, the captain might even give you a bit of sailing instruction. I highly recommend booking a sailing tour over one of the larger boats because you’ll get a much more intimate and local experience. These sailboats typically hold a maximum of ten people to book a similar experience. Check out these highly rate sailing tours with a local guide. They’re flexible too. Travel plans can be unpredictable, so you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Insider Tip:
Expect to spend around 50 to 70 USD per person for this incredible experience. Book YOUR tour for the late afternoon. To catch a breathtaking sunset over Lisbon from the water.
Dinner Prado is an experience plain and simple. The ambiance is casual, warm and lively all at once. They have a fantastic farm-to-table concept, using only seasonal and local market ingredients. The food is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. My husband usually boxes at fancy dining, saying the portions are small and it’s all about presentation. So he was definitely skeptical going into our meal at Prado. But let me tell you he left feeling full and satisfied with every dish we ordered. While the presentation was impeccable, the steak Tara served on a crispy kale chip had unbelievable flavor. Our favorite dish, though, was a carbonara-like creation where the noodles were impossibly tender squid, lending an insane flavor profile to the dish. We are still raving about it. Meals at Prado typically cost around 50 to 70 USD per person, depending on what you order. You pretty much can’t get in without a reservation, so make sure to book well in advance.
Day Three: Discovering Sintra:
So yes, there are plenty of other things to do in Lisbon. But for this third day I suggest you visit Sinistra from Lisbon because it’s simply a must-see if you’re in the city for three days. In my opinion, it’s about a 30 minute drive from central Lisbon to Centra. You can get there by car or take a train which takes around 40 minutes. If you opt for the Lisboacard, the train journey is included in the pass which costs about 22 USD for a 24 hour. Pass on your day trip, make sure to explore the stunning Penna Palace and the Castle of the Moors. Both sites are truly breathtaking and will make your trip to Lisbon truly unforgettable. Insider tip, start your day early to beat the crowds at these popular attractions and wear comfortable shoes as there’s quite a bit of walking involved. Also consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Penna Palace.
Morning at the Moorish Castle:
We begin our visit at the Chateau des Morris, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. This castle, built in the ni th century by the Moors from Maggrib, was originally used to monitor the city of Sinistra. Today only ruins remain since it was abandoned after the reconquest of Portugal. Wandering along the forested ramparts feels almost like being on the Great Wall of China. The visit takes about an hour and it’s a peaceful and scenic walk. The castle is open seven days a week from 9. 30 am m to 8 PM during the summer season.
Lunch at Tuscantina:
Lunch for a delicious lunch near the Moorish Castle. Check out Tuscantia, a cozy spot right in the heart of Centra. Kick off your meal with a pate de Sardinia sardine pate for about six USD, then dive into Buckle Haabbras, shredded God with eggs and potatoes, a traditional Portuguese favorite for around 14 USD. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of Vino Verden green wine for five USD and don’t forget to treat yourself to a slice of Cujara de Citra. The traditional Cintra cheesecake for about five USD. You’re looking at roughly 30 USD per person.
Afternoon. Penna Palace.
After Enjoying your lunch, a visit to Penna Palace and Sinistra is an absolute must. This palace is incredibly vibrant and unique, making it feel like something straight out of a fairy tale. You wouldn’t expect such a colorful palace in the middle of Portugal. Both the interior and exterior of Penna Palace are worth exploring. It’s the most visited palace in Portugal, attracting nearly a million tourists a year.
Surrounded by a lush park. It’s a delightful place for a walk and you can even take a scenic path through the park to get back down to the town of Sintra planned to spend about two and a half hours to fully explore the palace inside and out. I recommend taking the bus up to the palace and then walking down through Penna Park. The walk is lovely with shaded paths, thousands of flowers, forested areas and small lakes. It’s really charming for your visit to Sinistra. It’s best to set aside an entire day between exploring the palace and traveling. You’ll have a full and exciting day entry to Penna Palace and its park isn’t included in the Lisboacard, but you can get a small discount around ten percent if you present the pass at the ticket office. Given.
The Palace. Popularity. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance. You have two options, you can either purchase a standard ticket or opt for a guided tour that includes Sintra and other attractions. Guided tours usually depart directly from Lisbon and offer a convenient way to explore more of the area.
Insider tip to avoid long lines and ensure you get to see everything. Buy your tickets online ahead of Time. Expect to pay around 15 USD for a standard ticket.
Dinner at Asaveeria
Dinner when you return in the evening. I advise you go to Asaveeria. This little Savvehi restaurant has been on my list for years and I was thrilled to finally visit it. On our latest trip to Lisbon, they whip up multiple fresh ceviche dishes and other fresh seafood quinoa dishes that we thoroughly enjoyed. Not only is the food superb, but the large octopus hanging from the ceiling makes for some great pictures. Expect to spend around 25 to 35 USD per person for a meal, they don’t take reservations for dinner, so to avoid the crowds and get a table, we made this a dinner spot, arriving about ten minutes before they opened. If you’re set on having dinner here, show up early and plan to wait it out.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Magic of Lisbon
Thanks for joining us on this incredible three-day journey through Lisbon, we hoped you enjoyed discovering the city’s rich history, breathtaking views and delicious cuisine as much as we did remember, the magic of Lisbon lies in its hidden gems and vibrant culture. Soak be sure to take your time and soak it all in. If you found this itinerary helpful, give us a thumbs up and share your own Lisbon experiences in the comments below, don’t forget to stay with our blog site for more travel guides and insider tips until next time.
Happy travels.
Bye!!
