Planning a city break or a stop on your Portugal road trip?
2 or 3 days in Lisbon will allow you to discover the best this city has to offer.
Below is my guide to help you plan a fantastic Lisbon itinerary with:
- the best things to do in Lisbon,
- where to stay,
- how to get around,
- the best views,
- and some great Lisbon city tours.
All you need to visit Lisbon in 2, 3 days or more.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Portugal:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Portugal: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Benagil sea cave from Portimao
My favorite excursion from Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca
My favorite places to stay:
- Lisbon: see best rated hotels – e.g. Santiago de Alfama boutique hotel
- Porto: see best rated hotels – e.g. Descobertas Boutique Hotel
- Lagos: see best rated hotels – e.g. Uma Cas A Beira Sol
❝
This is beyond amazing. (What) you have listed will make my trip a fairytale delight.
Michael about Zigzag
Visiting Lisbon in 2 or 3 days – introduction + map
Are 2 or 3 days enough to visit Lisbon?
Like in many capital cities, there is much to see in Lisbon. You could spend several weeks there…
But with 2 days you can the most famous sights in the city.
And with 3 days, you can take the time to explore a little further and appreciate its vibe.
Must-see of Lisbon
I will share more of the best things to do in Lisbon further down in this article.
But my absolute must-see are:
- Castle of Sao Jorge
- At least one of the viewpoints
- Santa Justa Lift
- Walking a little in the old town (Alfama or Baixa neighborhoods)
- Visiting the monuments in Belem (especially the Jeronimos monastery)
- My favorite (but less visited) monument: Monasterio de Sao Vincente
Famous things to do in Lisbon – map
Below is map to help you get oriented:
A Lisbon City Break in Video
Below is a short video to give you an idea of what it is like to spend a few days in Lisbon on a city break:
The Lisbon card
If you are planning to chill during those 3 days and only visit a couple of places, then skip this section.
However, if you want to see has much as possible, visit the amazing monuments and skip the line, consider taking the Lisbon card.
It includes:
- Unlimited access to the public transportation system
- Entrance to many museum and attractions
- Some skip-the-line privileges (for example the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem tower…)
- Vouchers in some shops and restaurants
Lisbon or Porto?
If you are still trying to decide between visiting Lisbon or Porto, have a look at my article where I compare them both: Porto vs Lisbon
Where to stay in Lisbon
Best areas to stay Lisbon
There are 5 districts / neighborhoods that are the best to explore Lisbon.
Especially if you have only 2 or 3 days, you want to be close to the attractions.
- Baixa – the most central
- Alfama – the old quarters (where you find the castle and the cathedral)
- Avenida de la Liberdade – high-end with shopping
- Bairo Alto alias Chiado – party and nightlife
- Cais do Sodre – nightlife
Lisbon accommodation Suggestions
- Quiet luxury
The Boutique Hotel Santiago de Alfama is a charming quiet Eden close to many historical sites. Excellent breakfast
Check out photos and availability - Beautiful decor
If you like hotels with perfect modern decor, have a look at The Lift Boutique Hotel. Close to the Santa Justa Lift in the Baixo neighborhood
Check out photos and availability - B&B STYLE
The Augusta Boutique House is a small B&B on the pedestrian street. If the weather permits, you can enjoy a fantastic breakfast on the rooftop terrace!
Check out photos and availability - Great location
The hotel Riverside Alfama is very close to the river. Rooms are modern and clean. Easy access to many sites and restaurants?
Check out photos and availability - Budget option
The Sunset Destination hostel is a great option for those with a smaller budget. Great location and it even has a small pool!
Check out photos and availability
For other options, check out the best rated accommodations in Lisbon.
Where to stay in Portugal?
My favorites:
- Lisbon to explore the vibrant city: see best rated accommodations
- Sintra to visit many palaces: see best rated accommodations
- Porto to feel the history: see best rated accommodations
- Obidos to walk on the medieval walls: see best rated accommodations
- Douro valley if you love wine: see best rated accommodations
- Lagos, charm in the Algarve: see best rated accommodations
- Portimao central to explore the Algarve – see best rated accommodations
How to get around Lisbon
Getting from and to the Lisbon airport
The airport is not that far from the city.
Here are 2 options based on your budget:
- By private transfer
Personally, I had booked a van and it was really practical. Did not have to worry even if I was tired.
It takes 20 to 30min depending on traffic and city center location
Check out private transfers. - By metro
The Lisbon airport has a station and a direct line to the city Center. It is the “Aeroporto – Saldanh” line.
It takes around 20min - By car
You can rent a car if you plan on driving around Portugal as well. It takes 20 to 30min depending on traffic and city center location
But if you are only visiting Lisbon, I don’t recommend renting a car.
Exploring Lisbon
And then to explore the town, you have several options.
Option 1 – Walking + Funiculars + Tuk Tuk
The most common way to move around Lisbon and visit the various monuments is by walking and using the Funiculars to climb the hills.
However, the touristy ones get crowded fast so you can also hire a tuk tuk to get up hill.
I recommend wearing flat shoes as there are many stairs, slopes and cobbled streets.
Option 2 – Hop on Hop off
Lisbon has its own hop on hop off bus. It is not as practical as the one in Porto (see my Porto city guide) but it can help you see a large portion of the city, sitting at the top of the bus. See the route and get tickets
Option 3 – Tours
Join a tour to learn more about the city and what to see.
For example:
- a food and wine tour – see program and availability
- a private walking city tour – see program and availability
- an electric bike tour – see program and availability
Check out all my suggestions later in this article
Option 4 – Taxi
A taxi can also be a good option. For example, I took a taxi from the Belem Tower to the St Gorge Castle and it saved me a lot of hassle and time for something like 15 euros.
Should you rent a car in Lisbon?
- No if…
If you are only planning a short stay in Lisbon and not visiting the rest of Portugal, I don’t recommend renting a car. - Yes if…
If you are planning on exploring the rest of Portugal and go on a road trip, absolutely. Renting a car is the best way to explore the country.
Need to rent a car in Portugal?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Next are all the best things to do in Lisbon and some itinerary suggestions for 2 or 3 days.
3 best views of Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the World. it is often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills” and many marketing names are using that concept.
However Lisbon has more hills than just 7, but you can list the most famous and reach that number.
The advantage of having so many hills it that you get some great viewpoints over Lisbon from every direction.
#1 – View from Lisbon Castle
One of my favorite views is from the fortification walls of the Lisbon Castle: You can see the Tagus river really well and admire all the center of the city.
#2 – View from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Another great angle is from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
It is a great platform, high on the hill. There are views in many directions, including the Castle itself.
The photo I have taken below was zoomed in. I recommend you take a pair of binoculars (check out my buying guide)
#3 – View from the top platform of the Santa Justa lift
Even if you don’t take a ride in the Santa Justa lift, you can enter from the top and access the viewing platform (for a small fee) and enjoy the beautiful view from the center of town.
6 best things to do in Lisbon over 2 or 3 days
If you are planning to visit many monuments while staying in Lisbon, consider the Lisbon Card including entries and transportation. Check out what it covers.
#4 – Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora
One of my favorite places to visit in Lisbon was the Sao Vicente Monastery. It is not as visited as other monuments, but it has an incredible collection of Azulejos tiles; They are everywhere! I really recommend it on your Lisbon City Break.
Both the church and the monastery were built in the 17th century outside of the city walls. The monastery actually dates back to the 12th century and was the most important monastic foundations in medieval Portugal. The current buildings were a reconstruction by King Philip II of Spain.
The main points of interest are:
- The brick vault of the cistern right as you enter
- The azulejos tiles
- The Pantheon dedicated to the Braganza Monarchs (in the old refectory)
- The delicate architecture of the cloisters
- The views from the roof including a great view of the National Pantheon
You can first visit the church for free, and then enter to the right and explore the many corridors and rooms of the monastery.
#5 – Lisbon Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)
One of the main monuments people visit in Lisbon is the Sao Jorge Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge). On top of a hill, you really can’t miss it!
The castle itself is not the most fascinating I have visited. But the park and fortification walls offer splendid views of the city!
People like going up there to drink a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
Learn more on my article about the Lisbon Castle.
#6 – Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)
Inaugurated in 1902, the Santa Justa Lift is a landmark in Lisbon. It is a fascinating iron structure of 45m (148ft) in height. It was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel and allows people to easily climb one of the hills.
Learn more on my article about the Santa Justa Lift
#7 – Sao Roque Church
Built in the 16th century, the Jesuit church does not look like much from the outside. But wait until you get inside!!! It contains many chapels in the Baroque style from the 17th century. You see gold everywhere and an impressive painted ceiling.
One of the 18th century chapel was reportedly the most expensive chapel in Europe.
The only problem is to decide where to look first.
#8 – Carmo convent
The Carmo convent offers the visitor one of the main remaining ruins standing after the 1744 earthquake.
It had been founded in 1389 by the Carmelite Order and was home to 5000 books.
Today what remains has been turned into a museum by the Association of archeologists. The displays include a very heteroclite collection.
Learn more on my article about the Carmo Convent.
#9 – Lisbon National Pantheon
Originally the Church of Santa Engracia, it was converted to the national Pantheon in the 20th century.
One of the best views of this building is from the Sao Vicente monastery.
You can visit the Pantheon and discover the tomb of famous Portuguese personalities. And after that you can climb to the coupole and get out on the roof.
There are of course other monuments, churches and museums to discover in the center of Lisbon, but those were my top 6.
Lisbon is quite photogenic, check out Andrea’s selection of the most instagramable spots in Lisbon.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
3 best things to do in Belem
The other famous neighborhood of Lisbon is Belem.
Some of the most impressive architectural pieces in Portugal can be found there as well as renown museums.
#10 – Monastery Jeronimos
The Jeronimos monastery is absolutely Grandiose. It was classified by the Unesco along with the nearby Belem Tower.
Built in the 16th century, it has been designed in the Manueline style with rich ornaments. The main cloister is gorgeous from every angle.
The Façade of the church was modified in the 19th century.
Try visiting as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
#11 – Belem Tower
Built in the 16th century, it is one of the most famous monuments in Lisbon. The Unesco World Heritage site is a 30m high defense system on the Tagus river decorated in Manueline style.
I recommend going to the square to admire it from the outside. But if the queue is long, I think it is not worth it to get inside (and queue again inside to get to the top).
Learn more on my article about the Belem Tower.
#12 – Other Tower: Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
Another more modern tower has been built near the Belem Tower. It celebrates the Age of Discovery (or Exploration) during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Built in the 20th century, the viewing platform offers great panoramas and a view from above of the giant wind rosacea.
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map and tips) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Portugal road trip:
Plan your dream trip to Portugal with my guides!
- 13 easy-to-plan maps
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 200+ large photos
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
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- GPS coordinates
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- 110+ large photos
6 great Lisbon city tours and activities to consider
Want to learn more about Lisbon or look at it with another perspective? Here is my selection of Great Lisbon City Tours you could join:
#13 – Gastronomy Tour
Taste the flavors of Portugal! Join a Lisbon food tour for 3 hours discovering local eateries.
You will learn more about and taste wine, pesticos, beers, Café and many delicacies.
#14 – Private Walking Lisbon City Tour
Get an insider’s view of Lisbon on a private guided walking tour: visit historic neighborhoods, ride on a vintage tram, and see old cafés and boutiques.
#15 – Sunset Sailing
Change your perspective and see the whole city of the Lisbon from the Tagus river at sunset. 2 hours off the coast.
#16 – Live Fado Show
If you love searching for the soul of a city and listening to live music, then experience the live ‘Fado in Chiado’ show and discover the music that expresses the true soul of Lisbon and has been declared Cultural heritage by the Unesco.
#17 – Street Art Tour
Graffiti, Urban art and large-scale installations, visit Lisbon with a different viewpoint.
Learn more and Book
#18 – Electric Bike Tour
For those who don’t want to walk around but still want to enjoy the outside, discover the city with minimum effort using electric bikes! Cruise some of the “7 Hills of Lisbon” in an eco-friendly way.
3 days in Lisbon – itinerary
Note: my itineraries are charged. I like to start early and visit a lot.
2 itinerary options below.
Itinerary 1 – 3 full days in Lisbon
Get a Lisbon Card now to save time and money with this itinerary.
Day 1
- Head to Belem
- Visit the Jeronimos Monastery – visit early to avid the crowds
- Admire the Belem Tower from the outside
- Get to the top of Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
- Try a Pastel de Nata from the shop “Pasteis de Belem”
- Head back to the city center
- Explore the Sao Jorge Castle
- Rest
- Enjoy a Fado Show
Day 2
- Get up in the Santa Justa Lift and admire the view from the platform – try being early to avoid the crowds
- Visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent next to the top of the lift (opens at 10am)
- Discover the impressive Sao Roque church
- In the afternoon, do something different and join a street art tour, to discover all the aspect of the vibrant city
- Go on a sailing sunset tour
Day 3
- Head to the Alfama district and walk around to discover the Azulejo tiles
- Visit the Sao Vicente Monastery
- Visit the National Pantheon
- Wander the streets of Lisbon
Itinerary 2 – 3 days in Lisbon and Sintra
Sintra is one of the most unique places in Portugal and it is only 30min away from Lisbon. Spending one of your 3 days there is well worth it!
Day 1
- Head to Belem
- Visit the Jeronimos Monastery – visit early to avid the crowds
- Admire the Belem Tower from the outside
- Get to the top of Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
- Try a Pastel de Nata from the shop “Pasteis de Belem”
- Head back to the city center
- Explore the Sao Jorge Castle
- Rest
- Enjoy a Fado Show
Day 2
- Head to Sintra to visit unique some palaces of this unique Unesco site!
- Go on your own – by metro-train from Lisbon (Rossio station) + hop on hop off bus – prepurchase your ticket for the bus
- or book a tour: see options and availability
Day 3
- Get up in the Santa Justa Lift and admire the view from the platform – try being early to avoid the crowds
- Visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent next to the top of the lift (opens at 10am)
- Discover the impressive Sao Roque church
- Head to the Alfama district and walk around to discover the Azulejo tiles
- Visit the Sao Vicente Monastery
And keep track of your own trip!
2 days in Lisbon city break – itinerary
If you have only 2 days, those would be my priorities to visit:
Day 1
- Head to Belem
- Visit the Jeronimos Monastery
- Admire the Belem Tower from the outside
- Get to the top of Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
- Try a Pastel de Nata from the shop “Pasteis de Belem”
- Head back to the city center
- Explore the Sao Jorge Castle
- Rest
- Enjoy a Fado Show
Day 2
- Get up in the Santa Justa Lift and admire the view from the platform
- Visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent
- Discover the impressive Sao Roque church
- Head to the Alfama district and walk around to discover the Azulejo tiles
- Visit the Sao Vicente Monastery
- Wander the streets of Lisbon
5 days to 1 week in Lisbon
If you decide the stay a whole week in Lisbon, I recommend the 3 days as above and to get out of the city for the remaining days.
There are many great day trips to enjoy from Lisbon. You can find my whole selection with information on my article about the best day trips from Lisbon.
Here is an overview of what you could visit:
- Obidos and the fantastic Unesco Heritage Monasteries in the North of Lisbon – Check out Program and price
- Discover Tomar with the stories of the Knight Templars and the impressive convent – Check out Program and price
- Head East to discover the intriguing town of Evora and enjoy some wine tasting – Check out Program and price
- Enjoy beaches and search for dolphins in the Arrabida Reserve – Check out Program and price
- Take a boat tour to discover the fascinating Berlanga archipelago – Check out Program and price
FAQs
How many days is ideal for Lisbon?
3 days are a good amount of time to explore a little bit of every aspect of the city.
Is Lisbon a walkable city?
There are pedestrian streets and pedestrian side pavements almost everywhere, which makes it walkable.
However, Lisbon has 7 hills with steep slopes and staircases. So walking can be tiring.
For those hills, consider the funiculars or the tuk-tuks.
Is Porto or Lisbon better?
The 2 cities are very different.
My preference goes to Porto, but Lisbon also has a lot to offer.
For a better idea of which city would fit your expectations, check out my article Porto vs Lisbon.
Is Lisbon expensive?
Lisbon is a capital city, so it is expensive compared to the rest of Portugal, but it is one of the least expensive large cities in Europe to visit.
It is really great value for money.
What food is Lisbon famous for?
You should try:
- Fresh sardines
- Bacalhau (dried salted codfish)
- Pastel de Nata (a.k.a. Pasteis de Nata)
- Bifana (snack with thin slices of marinated and fried pork on a bun)
- …
Is 7 days too long in Lisbon?
Lisbon can be a great holiday base in Portugal.
You can alternate between days in the city and days exploring the region: Sintra-Cascais National park, Obidos medieval town, the monasteries, the beaches…
Does Lisbon have a beach?
There is no beach in town. The coastline is 30 minutes away.
However, 30min to 1h away, you can find many beautiful beaches: Praia do Guincho near Cascas, Praia do Magoito, Arrabida Natural Park, and many more…
Do you tip in Lisbon?
There is no obligation to tip. If you are very happy with the service, you can leave a little extra that will be much appreciated.
Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?
- 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal – read article
- Best things to do in Portugal – read article
- The best beaches in Portugal – read article
- The best villages in Portugal – read article
- Lisbon vs Porto – where to go? – read article
- Driving in Portugal – read article
- The best of the Algarve region – read article
- The highlights of Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Nature park – read article
Planning a trip to Portugal?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Portugal thanks to my guide
- 13 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 200+ original photos to help you choose
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Great guide and info! Ty!