Michelle Cacija

Get ready to conquer the steep and winding streets of Lisbon, indulge in heavenly pastries like Pastéis de Nata, and wander through the enchanting historic old town while breathing in the fresh sea air. Servus and welcome to this 3-day Lisbon itinerary where you’ll discover the charm and flavors of this lively city that will surely leave you craving for more adventures!

As always, I want to remind you, that this itinerary isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Lisbon
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medicial insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities
6. Summary of where to eat
7. Other Portuguese Blogs

The Basics about Lisbon

When to visit

Lisbon is amazing to visit almost any time of the year. If you love warm weather and want to hit the beaches, the summer months from June to September are perfect, with temperatures averaging 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). For a mix of good weather and fewer crowds, you might enjoy visiting in the spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October), when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Time period

Regarding the time period, I think three or five days are the perfect amount of time to explore Lisbon as you’ll have the opportunity to discover the downtown and explore some of the nearby attractions. However, in the end, it really depends on what you want to see and do in the Portugese city.

Getting There

When it comes to getting there, you can reach the city by car, bus, train or plane depending on where you’re coming from. Since we had been in Seville before, we came by plane.

Where to stay

In Lisbon, you might want to consider staying in the Baixa and Chiado areas for a central location with easy access to many attractions, restaurants, and shops. Another great option is the Alfama district if you prefer a more historic and charming neighborhood. During our stay in Lisbon, we stayed in a hostel right next to the train station in the district Baixa.

Getting around

When it comes to getting around, Lisbon’s city center is very walkable, you can easily walk to all the major sights. To see more in a shorter time, you could always use the public transport or hire a bike.

What to pack

I would suggest bringing plenty of light and airy summer clothing as the weather can become very hot and humid. For cooler evenings or in case of rain, it’s advisable to bring at least a hoodie. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking, it’s a good idea to pack several pairs of comfortable closed-toe shoes. Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Travel

The amount you’re going to spend during your stay in Lisbon really depends on several factors, including where you want to go, your travel style, and what you will be doing. In general, Lisbon is one of the cities in Europe, which can make it quite expensive. However, it’s still possible to travel on a budget.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Portugal. You can safely drink tap water as it’s clean. While the tap water in Portugal may not be as pleasant-tasting as in other regions of Europe, it’s still safe to drink. Many Portuguese people prefer to buy bottled water simply because they prefer its taste.

Toilet situation. It’s common to find public toilets in shopping centers and transportation hubs. Some places may require a small fee for using public toilets, so it’s a good idea to carry some change with you.

Tipping. In Portugal, tipping isn’t as common or expected as it is in some other countries. However, it’s appreciated if you receive exeptional service. It’s common to round up the bill or to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.

The currency used is the Euro (EUR). While a few years ago, Portugal was still very cash-oriented, they now accept cards pretty often. It’s still advisable, though, to bring some cash with you.

Medicial insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

After my partner and I landed in Lisbon in the late morning and checked into our hostel, we began exploring the enchanting city. After strolling around for a bit, we had lunch at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Lisboa ^{(unpaid ad)}, and it was absolutely delicious.

After enjoying our lunch, we joined a free walking tour through the old town of Lisbon that we had booked a few days before our trip to Portugal. We love free walking tours as they are a fantastic way to explore a new city in your first days there. You can learn about its history and see some of the main attractions. Among other places, we visited The Rua Augusta Arch, the Museum of Saint Anthony, the Cathedral of Lisbon, São Jorge Castle, the viewpoint of The Miradouro de Santa Luzia, etc.

We began at the Rua Augusta Arch in Lisbon, a magnificent triumphal arch located in the city’s historic center next to the Tagus River. It symbolizes the city’s rebirth after the devastating earthquake of 1755. The arch is a prominent landmark that connects the bustling Rua Augusta street to the iconic Praça do Comércio square. After strolling through some charming streets, we arrived at the Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city and a significant landmark. The cathedral, built in the 12th century, combines various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. You can also enter the cathedral to explore its beautiful interior and immerse yourself in its rich history.

After we visited the Cathedral of Lisbon, we went to the Museum of Saint Anthony, which we explored from the outside. The museum consists of two buildings, the original space, likely part of the Real-Casa de Santo António, and a new space from a Pombaline apartment building.

Visitor information: Admission for adults is 5 euros. Children aged 7 to 12 years pay an entry fee of 3 euros, while admission is free for children up to 6 years of age. For more visiting information, click here.

After our tour guide showed us around the charming streets and explained interesting things about the buildings and surroundings, we went to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a beautiful viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the Tajo River, and the red rooftops of Alfama. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take in the charm of Lisbon. The viewpoint is designed with decorative tiles, lush greenery, and a pergola, creating a picturesque setting for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the city.

For the rest of the day, we explored the city center by ourselves and strolled along the Tajo River. Afterward, we did our laundry at a laundromat.

Day 2

On day two in the morning, we visited the archaeological museum at Carmo Convent, a historical site of significant cultural and architectural importance. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon, and its roofless nave serves as a reminder of the catastrophic event. Today, the convent houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum, displaying artifacts and exhibits that offer insights into Lisbon’s history. One of the highlights is the skeletons, which are both creepy and captivating. These skeletons belonged to individuals from different historical periods and were discovered during archaeological excavations in Lisbon. They provide a unique glimpse into the lives and burials of people from the past. The archaeological museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts exploring Lisbon!

Afterwards, we explored the waterfront and walked through a few shops in the city center while passing through the Calle Rosa de Lisboa, also known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, a lively pink street in Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre neighborhood, famous for its vibrant nightlife scene. It’s packed with clubs, bars, restaurants, and terraces that host live concerts and fun events. During the day, it’s a perfect spot for taking photos under the colorful umbrella canopy.

For lunch we went to the TimeOut Market where we had a traditional Portuguese sandwich and a Pastéis de Nata, a delicious Portuguese custard tart with a flaky crust and a creamy custard filling. If you ever get the chance to try them, they are a must-have treat!

After we visited the Basílica de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires and Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookstore, in the world. The Basilica, also known as Basílica de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires, is a beautiful church located in the city center. If you’re in Lisbon, it’s worth a visit to admire the architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The entry is free.

Livraria Bertrand is the oldest bookstore in the world and has a rich history. It’s a must-visit for book lovers and those interested in literary heritage. The bookstore offers a wide selection of books and a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of Lisbon’s cultural scene. If you have the chance to visit, it’s a great place to explore and immerse yourself in the world of literature.

In the evening, we did a sunset boat tour which lasted around 1 1/2 hours. Among other places, we passed sights like the Christ the King statue, Torre de Belém, Ponte 25 de Abril, etc. We also had a cold drink and a small snack plate included. It was definitely worth it, and I would highly recommend doing a boat tour on the river as you can see so many sights and enjoy the sunset. Alternatively, you can also do the same or similar boat tours during the day.

Day 3

On the third day, it was time for my partner to fly home one day earlier than me. After being at the airport, I returned to the city and checked into my new hostel. When it started raining, I stayed at the hostel for a while and chatted with some people. Later, I went out to buy breakfast and headed to Parque Eduardo VII, a beautiful park located in the district of Marquês de Pombal, offering stunning views of the city and the Tajo River. It’s a great place to relax, go for a walk, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Sometimes the park also hosts events and concerts, making it a lively spot in the heart of Lisbon. After exploring the park for a while, it started raining again, so I decided to go to the shopping center Amoreiras, walked through a few shops, and had a late lunch there. In the evening, I just strolled through my area before starting to pack my suitcase.

If you would like to spend more time in Portugal and fully experience the country’s culture and natural beauty, you might be interested in my seven-day road trip itinerary, which you can find below or here.

Summary of activities

• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (cloister)
• Torre de Belém (Monument of a Tower)
• Castelo de São Jorge (Castle)
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument)
• Praça do Comércio (Square)
• Oceanário de Lisboa (Indoor Aquarium)
• Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Museum)
• Cathedral of Lisbon
• Time Out Market Lisboa
• Convento do Carmo (archaeological museum of a cloister)
• Boat Trip on river Tejo
• Parque Eduardo VII (Park)

Summary of where to eat

• TimeOut Market ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Lisboa ^{(unpaid ad)}

Other Portuguese Blogs