Portugal · 2026 itinerary
Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Lisbon: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Series of hilltop viewpoints in the oldest neighbourhood, offering panoramic cityscapes. No tickets needed, just a good pair of shoes.
🕐 24/7
Free entry💡 Start at Miradouro das Portas do Sol for morning light, then walk up to Miradouro da Graça for sunset. Avoid the packed tram 28—walking is faster and free.
Hotels near Alfama District's Miradouros →Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, with narrow alleys, tile-covered buildings, and panoramic viewpoints. No entry fee to wander.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Start at Miradouro das Portas do Sol just before sunset for golden light on the rooftops. Avoid the tram 28 route for quieter streets.
Hotels near Alfama District →Saraiva · ££
Magnetic · ££
Deeper Into Lisbon
The old Moorish quarter of narrow alleys, steep staircases and washing lines. No map needed—just wander.
🕐 Always open
💡 Start at the cathedral and walk uphill towards the castle. The best views are free. Avoid trams 12 and 28 at peak times; locals hate the crowds.
A wide, breezy viewpoint over the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Good for sunsets, and the grass slope fills with people drinking beer from the kiosk.
🕐 24 hours
💡 Get a super bock from the bar across the street—it's half the price of the kiosk. Bring a blanket as the pavement gets cold by night.
Large formal park sloping down from the marquês de pombal roundabout. Manicured hedges, geometric flower beds, and a glass-walled greenhouse. Fine view over the city from the top.
🕐 Open 24 hours, greenhouse 10:00-18:00
💡 The greenhouse has a small tropical garden and café — cheap coffee and a quiet spot. The park is breezy, so bring a jacket even in summer.
An 8-hectare botanical garden tucked behind the university. Palm trees, cycads, and a fern grotto. Quiet even in summer.
🕐 Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-20:00 (May-Sep)
💡 Free entry weekends. Bring a book for the bench under the giant rubber tree at the far end. Closed for lunch (1pm-2pm).
The Great American Disaster
Starbucks
Final Favourites & Departure
A 19th-century botanical garden near Príncipe Real with towering palms, a bamboo grove, and small greenhouses. Peaceful, well-kept, and rarely crowded.
💡 Free on Sundays. Best mid-morning when it's quiet. Bring a book—there are wooden benches tucked away near the fountain. The cafe outside the gate does a decent espresso.
Viewpoint with a small garden, benches and a kiosk selling drinks. Overlooks Alfama and the castle, with far fewer tourists than Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the wall steps; the kiosk sells coffees for under €1.
The oldest neighbourhood of Lisbon: narrow alleys, laundry strung across streets, fado bars, and a Tuesday/Saturday flea market. The market runs from Campo de S
💡 Go Tuesday or Saturday early for the flea market. Bargaining is acceptable but keep it polite. The best way to explore Alfama is to get lost — avoid the main tourist drag by the cathedral.
One of Lisbon's highest viewpoints, offering a panoramic sweep across the city from the hill of Graça. The terrace is tiled with traditional Portuguese patterns
💡 Bring a small bottle of water and a snack – no cafes on the terrace. Come just before dusk to watch the city lights turn on. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Intimista
Bar Charh
Getting Around Lisbon
Most economical daily transit; buy a Viva Viagem card for unlimited travel. Tram 28 is iconic and passes near the hotel area.
Use official taxi ranks at airport or pre-book through hotel to avoid unmarked taxis. Fixed rates available.
Budget-friendly option; get a 7-Colinas card at the airport for discounted local transit within Lisbon.
Reliable and direct airport connection; combine with metro for seamless journey to São Bento neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Lisbon?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Alfama District's Miradouros and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Lisbon?
See our full best time to visit Lisbon guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Lisbon São Bento, Hotel Lisbon Lounge Suites, Pestana Palace Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.