3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat

Planning to spend 3 days in Lisbon? You're in for hilltop views, flaky pastel de nata, and a whole lot of grilled seafood. This 3-day Lisbon itinerary is packed with culture, history, bold flavors, and local wine – all in true Maddyโ€™s Avenue style.

Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) has an irresistible rhythm. Old trams rattle up steep hills, giving way to endless views of azulejo-tiled buildings and red rooftops. Locals sip crisp white wine over grilled sardines. Tuk-tuks zip down glossy limestone streets. And melancholic Fado music spills from candlelit taverns.

Lisbon is romantic, gritty, elegant, and electric all at once – and I know you're going to love every beat.

Colorful buildings of Lisbon on a sunny day with a view of a castle atop a hill

I spent two weeks here to put together the ultimate 3-day Lisbon itinerary – just for you!

Ready to wander Lisbon's best neighborhoods, like enchanting Alfama and buzzing Bairro Alto? To take a traditional Portuguese cooking class? To sail the Tagus River at sunset? Watch a Fado show, sip cocktails at hidden bars, and eat at unforgettable tascas?

Youโ€™ll even have time for a magical day trip to Pena Palace, Sintra, and Cascais.

Suspension bridge over a river in Lisbon

In this guide, I'm sharing all the best things to do in Lisbon in 3 days – along with expert tips on where to stay, how to get around, must-do tours, my picks for Lisbon's best restaurants, and more.

Oh, and for the ultimate Portuguese escape, pair this Lisbon itinerary with 3 days in Porto, the wild beaches of Sagres, and all the best things to do in Lagos.

Tall, colorful houses in Alfama, Lisbon on a sunny day

3-Day Lisbon Itinerary Summary

Short on time? Here's a quick overview of my Lisbon itinerary! Read on for all the details.

Day 1 in Lisbon:

  • See Lisbon's highlights on this private tuk-tuk tour – get the lay of the (hilly) land!
  • Head to O Velho Eurico for a casual but top-notch Portuguese lunch – make a reservation!
  • Ride the iconic Tram 28, stop by Sรฃo Jorgeโ€™s Castle, and catch views from Alfama's miradouros.
  • Stroll through Baixa and explore Commerce Square, Rua Augusta, and Rossio Square.
  • Catch the Santa Justa Lift for sunset and see the ruins of Carmo Convent.
  • Attend a traditional Fado show to hear Lisbon's traditional music.
  • Savor authentic-as-can-be Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Pica-Pau – make a booking.
  • Find the hidden Red Frog Speakeasy for an unparalleled cocktail bar experience – reservation required!
Maddy on a boat sailing along the Tagus river at sunset

Day 2 in Lisbon:

Day 3 in Lisbon:

Where to Stay in Lisbon:

Brownโ€™s Central Hotel, Memmo Alfama, and 1908 Lisboa Hotel are my top three boutique hotel picks! They're they're all stylish, central, and well-priced.

Quick Lisbon Tips:

  • Reserve restaurants and cocktail bars well in advance to avoid disappointment. Seriously.
  • Get the Lisbon Card for unlimited public transport and “free” access to historic sites and museums.
  • Install an eSIM on your phone for easy access to mobile data.
  • Uber and Bolt are super affordable in Lisbon.

Fun Things to Do in Lisbon:

Interactive Lisbon Map:

I made this handy Lisbon map just for you! Save it in your Google Maps app to use it as you explore.

Summarize & Save this Content on:

How to Get to Lisbon

Flying in? Lisbon Airport (LIS) is just 20 minutes from Baixa (Lisbon's city center) by metro. Hop on the โ€œAeroporto > Saldanhaโ€ metro line – it's quick, direct, and included with the Lisbon Card.

Arriving by train? Lisbon is well-connected to Porto, Lagos, and other major destinations in Portugal. Most intercity trains arrive at Santa Apolรณnia station, just a โ‚ฌ5-10 taxi, Uber, or Bolt ride from Baixa.

Colorful, quiet street lined with cars on a sunny day in Lisbon

Getting Around Lisbon

Lisbon is compact but hilly, with plenty of stairs and cobblestones. Youโ€™ll walk a lot, but going on this tuk-tuk tour to see Lisbon's highlights, taking taxis, and using public transportation will save your legs.

Ubers and Bolts are everywhere, and they're surprisingly affordable.

Plus, Lisbon's vast public transportation mixes metros, buses, funiculars, and historic trams. You can buy single tickets (โ‚ฌ1.80) or day passes (โ‚ฌ6.80), but if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, I recommend getting the Lisbon Card.

Panoramic view of Lisbon with the suspension bridge in the background

Should You Get the Lisbon Card?

If you're following my 3-day Lisbon itinerary, I recommend getting a 2-day Lisbon Card. (You won't need it on Day 3 since you're day-tripping to Pena Palace, Sintra, and Cascais!) The card includes:

  • Unlimited rides on metros, buses, and historic trams (yep, even Tram 28!)
  • Free or discounted entry to dozens of historic places and museums

For context, Day 1 of this itinerary would cost around โ‚ฌ60 without the card. Visiting St. Georgeโ€™s Castle alone costs โ‚ฌ20 (about $23 USD). Here are the Lisbon Card prices in 2025:

  • 1 day: โ‚ฌ31 (about $35 USD)
  • 2 days: โ‚ฌ51 (about $58 USD)
  • 3 days: โ‚ฌ62 (about $70 USD)

Click here to get your Lisbon Card in advance!

Bed against a tiled wall facing a glass-enclosed bathroom at WC Hotel
This was my room at the WC Hotel, a quirky spa-themed hotel in trendy Intendente.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

With only three days in Lisbon, location is everything – especially in this city of seven hills!

I recommend basing yourself in or near Baixa, Lisbonโ€™s central, flat downtown area. That way, you'll be walking distance to many of the best things to do, tram stops, restaurants, and viewpoints.

Chiado and Alfama are also charming and well-located. If you're after an upscale, modern vibe, then stay along Avenida da Liberdade.

Room at the Brown's Central Hotel showing a modern fireplace under a flat screen tv, a blue couch, chairs by the window, and a desk by the bed
Welcome to Brown's Central Hotel, in the heart of Baixa.

Best Hotels in Lisbon

Here are my top picks for Lisbon hotels – they're all stylish, central, and surprisingly well-priced!

  • Brownโ€™s Central Hotel ($$): Located in the heart of Baixa, this is our favorite hotel in Lisbon! Housed in a historic 18th-century building, Brownโ€™s Central brims with old-world charm, modern flair, and thoughtful touches like blackout curtains and soundproofed rooms. Plus, the breakfast spread is phenomenal.
  • Memmo Alfama ($$): This serene hideaway in the heart of enchanting Alfama features minimalist rooms, a rooftop pool, and unbeatable views over the city and river.
  • 1908 Lisboa Hotel ($$): Located in Intendente – a cool, multicultural neighborhood with great restaurants – you'll love everything about this 4-star boutique hotel – including its bold decor, art nouveau architecture, and cozy rooms.
  • Brownโ€™s Avenue Hotel ($$$): Situated near Avenida da Liberdade, this stylish and modern stay has a moody, upscale aesthetic. It offers great value for a chic base near Lisbonโ€™s most luxurious shopping.
  • Lisboa Carmo Hotel ($$$): Elegant, quiet, and excellently located in Baixa/Chiado, near the Santa Justa Lift and Rossio Square, Lisboa Carmo is perfect if you want a refined stay that still feels local.
Bright red rooftops of Lisbon on a sunny day

Day 1 in Lisbon: Tuk-Tuk Tour, Alfama, & Fado Show

Ready to hit the calรงada portuguesa (tiled pavement) running? Your first day in Lisbon is action-packed.

Start with this private tuk-tuk tour to get the lay of the land. Then, explore charming Alfama, and get acquainted with Portuguese cuisine. In the afternoon, wander through Baixa to see Lisbon's grand plazas and historic sites. Later on, in Bairro Alto, catch golden hour views and this mesmerizing fado show, followed by a cozy, classic Portuguese dinner and a nightcap at a hidden bar.

Colorful tuk-tuks going up an uphill road in Lisbon

Go on a Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour

Kick off your Lisbon adventure with this 3-hour private tuk-tuk tour. In my experience, it's the best way to get your bearings in this hilly, cobbled capital while soaking up Portuguese history and culture!

Maddy and Cacey taking a photo at the backseat of a tuk-tuk

During our ride, we zipped down colorful alleyways and through scenic neighborhoods like Alfama, Graรงa, and even Belรฉm. We stopped at postcard-perfect viewpoints (miradouros), historic churches, important monuments (like the Monument to the Discoveries), and even the vibrant LxMarket for a quick browse.

We also tasted what our guide claimed was the best pastel de nata in Lisbon. And he might be right. (Although, the ones I made during this traditional Portuguese cooking class were pretty good…)

Click here to book your private Lisbon tuk-tuk tour!

Lunch at O Velho Eurico

Lisbonโ€™s foodie scene walks a fine line between unpretentious charm and world-class flavor (olรก, seafood!) – holding its own alongside the best restaurants in Paris, the best restaurants in Prague, and beyond.

And O Velho Eurico is the perfect introduction! Ask your tuk-tuk driver to drop you off here.

Expect grungy, punk vibes, a chalkboard menu, traditional dishes, close quarters, and fine-dining-quality dishes at everyday prices.

Make sure to order the arroz de pato (duck rice) and bacalhau ร  brรกs (flaky cod with potatoes, onions, eggs, and olives) in true Portuguese moda.

MADDY'S TIP: As rustic and casual as this little tavern is, you need a reservation. Book your table at O Velho Eurico one month in advance. Yes, even for lunch. They take walk-ins, but the average wait is at least an hour. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!

Yellow tram going up along a colorful neighborhood in Lisbon

Hop Aboard the Iconic Tram 28

Riding Lisbonโ€™s yellow Tram 28 is a must-do! Not just for getting around, but for the experience itself. This historic tram rattles through some of the cityโ€™s oldest and most iconic neighborhoods.

After lunch, head over to Martim Moniz Square (7-minute walk), where the line begins. Trams depart every 10 minutes, but they fill up fast – you might want to let one or two pass by so you can snag a window seat. (Though, even if you have to stand the whole way, you'll survive; this is one of Lisbonโ€™s most unforgettable rides!)

Stay on for 12 stops, until you reach Portas do Sol in Alfama. The ride takes about 30 minutes, winding past sights like the Church and Monastery of Sรฃo Vicente de Fora, the National Pantheon, and all the classic Lisbon street scenes: cobblestone alleyways, tiled faรงades, hole-in-the-wall tascas, and old men chatting on stoops.

Church in Alfama, Lisbon towering over the red rooftops with a view of the sea in the background

Stroll through Alfama

Welcome to Alfama – the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon! This hilltop maze of crooked cobblestone alleys (designed to confuse invaders!) is where tiled faรงades lean just a little, laundry billows in the breeze, and history lingers around every corner.

Alfama is also the birthplace of Fado, Portugalโ€™s hauntingly beautiful traditional music. As you wander, keep your ears perked. Youโ€™ll pass tiny tascas and Fado bars that keep its spirit alive.

Start at the top with St. Georgeโ€™s Castle, a fortified citadel dating back to the 1st century B.C. (Entry is “free” with the Lisbon Card). Then, head downhill and stop at two of Lisbonโ€™s most best viewpoints: Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Alfama is full of churches, monuments, and hidden corners – but itโ€™s steep. Donโ€™t feel like you have to โ€œsee it all.โ€ Order a vinho verde at a bar with a view (like Memmo Alfama Wine Bar & Terrace!) and relax.

Historic Highlights in Alfama

Want to dig deeper? Here are a few more stops worth checking out as you wander Alfama:

  • National Pantheon: A domed monument housing the tombs of Portuguese presidents, writers, and other national figures.
  • Monastery of Sรฃo Vicente de Fora: A 17th-century monastery with peaceful cloisters and the worldโ€™s largest collection of baroque azulejo tiles.
  • Lisbon Cathedral: The cityโ€™s oldest church – part fortress, part Romanesque cathedral – and a must-see.
The famous Rua Augusta Arch with people roaming around on a sunny day

Visit Commerce Square

Next up? Walk downhill to Commerce Square (Praรงa do Comรฉrcio) – Lisbonโ€™s largest plaza, framed by the Tagus River, bold yellow arcades, and the monumental Rua Augusta Arch.

Once the site of the royal palace (destroyed in the 1755 earthquake), it's now anchored by the Equestrian Statue of King Dom Josรฉ I, who led Portugal through its reconstruction. At the far end, the arch opens directly onto bustling Rua Augusta.

Equestrian statue of King Dom Josรฉ I in the middle of Commerce Square in Lisbon

What to Do in Commerce Square

If you have time, here are a few quick stops worth making:

  • Ride the elevator to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch for sweeping views of the plaza and the river. Free entry with the Lisbon Card.
  • Pop into the Lisboa Story Centre for an interactive crash course on Lisbonโ€™s history. Free entry with the Lisbon Card.
  • Step inside the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceiรงรฃo Velha – the ornate ceiling alone is worth a peek. Free entry for all.
Busy street of Baixa filled with shops and cafรฉs on a sunny day

Explore Baixa & Rua Augusta

From Commerce Square, duck under the Rua Augusta Arch to enter BaixaLisbonโ€™s bustling downtown district.

Rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal after the 1755 quake, Baixa is all neoclassical faรงades, glossy calรงada portuguesa (mosaic-tiled sidewalks), and perfectly symmetrical streets – one of the earliest examples of earthquake-resistant urban planning.

At the heart of it all is Rua Augusta. Stroll this lively, pedestrian-only street past shops, open-air cafรฉs, and street performers, all the way to Rossio Square.

Stop by Rossio Square

Next, you'll reach Rossio Square (A.K.A. Praรงa Dom Pedro IV). Think of this as Lisbon's “living room” – a longtime hub for people-watching, pastries, performers, and protests.

In the center, you'll spot the 75-foot Column of King Peter IV, surrounded by baroque fountains, wavy calรงada, the elegant Dona Maria II National Theater, and the striking late-Gothic Rossio Train Station.

Statue of King John I at Praรงa da Figueira with a view of St. George's Castle atop a hill

MADDYโ€™S TIP: Skip the square's underwhelming cafรฉs. Instead, pop into Baixa Market next door for wine, snacks, or foodie souvenirs. Want another pastel de nata? Head to Confeitaria Nacional, a Lisbon institution since 1829.

DONโ€™T MISS: Just behind Rossio is Praรงa da Figueira, with its statue of King John I โ€“ but itโ€™s the view of St. Georgeโ€™s Castle above that'll steal your attention!

Ride The Santa Justa Lift to the viewpoint

If youโ€™ve been following this Lisbon itinerary, youโ€™ll reach the Santa Justa Lift just in time for sunset. This ornate, wrought-iron elevator rises 147 feet (45 meters) from Baixa up to Bairro Alto, revealing one of Lisbon's top viewpoints.

Inaugurated in 1902 as a public transport link, itโ€™s still the fastest way to make the climb. Designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard (a protรฉgรฉ of Gustave Eiffel), the lift has a distinctly Parisian flair – like a mini Eiffel Tower, in elevator form!

MADDY'S TIP: The Lisbon Card I recommend includes the Santa Justa Lift for โ€œfree.โ€ But if the line snakes around the block (it often does), skip it. Walk instead. Stroll uphill (just 5 minutes!) to Largo do Carmo, then cross the bridge straight onto the viewing platform. Same view, no wait!

Ruins of the Carmo Convent with tall arches and remains of statues

Visit The Carmo Convent Ruins

From Santa Justa Liftโ€™s platform, walk straight into the hauntingly beautiful Carmo Convent. Once one of Lisbonโ€™s most impressive Gothic churches, itโ€™s been roofless since the earthquake.

Step inside to wander among its soaring arches, explore the small archaeological museum, and see Christopher Columbusโ€™s wife's tomb.

NEED TO KNOW: Closed Sundays. May-October, open until 7 PM (last entry 6:40 PM); November-April, until 6 PN (last entry 5:40 PM). Entry is โ‚ฌ7, or โ‚ฌ5 with the Lisbon Card.

Two guitarists at a Fado performance in Chiado

See an Authentic Fado Show

After the Carmo Convent, head straight to this authentic, one-hour Fado performance in Chiado!

The 7 PM start time leaves plenty of time for dinner and drinks. (Portuguese dinnertime is usually 8-9 PM anyway!)

Fado blends poetic, melancholic ballads with the 12-string Portuguese guitar to express “saudade” – a deep, nostalgic longing.

In this intimate, mic-free setting, two singers and two guitarists will pull you right into that emotion. This is one of the best things to do in Lisbon, so don't miss it.

Click here to book your authentic Fado performance in Chiado!

Beautiful fountain and groups of people enjoying the view at the Miradouro de Sรฃo Pedro de Alcรขntara

Stop by Miradouro de Sรฃo Pedro de Alcรขntara

In between the Fado show and dinner, pause at Lisbonโ€™s liveliest viewpoint: Miradouro de Sรฃo Pedro de Alcรขntara. From here, youโ€™ll see Baixa and St. Georgeโ€™s Castle glowing in the evening light. Day or night, the view here is spectacular.

MADDY'S TIP: Why not grab a glass of wine or a shot of ginjinha (local cherry liqueur) from one of the kiosks and hang out for a while? If you ask me, Lisbon doesn't get any better than this.

Dinner at Restaurante Pica-Pau

After soaking up the view, stroll over to one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon: Restaurante Pica-Pau.

This cozy, old-school spot serves pure Portuguese tradition. No modern twists – just the kind of food your Portuguese grandmother would cook you (if you had one).

Start with peixinhos da horta – crispy, tempura-style green beans whose name means โ€œlittle fish from the veggie gardenโ€ – and a plate of bulhรฃo pato clams (garlicky little clams with cilantro and white wine). If youโ€™re lucky enough to go on a Saturday, split a pot of arroz de polvo (octopus rice) – so good!

For drinks, order local wine or try a signature cocktail. We loved the Ginjinha Fizz (sour cherry liqueur, lemon, egg white, and sparkling water) and the Amarguinha Sour (bitter almond liqueur, lemon, and egg white).

MADDYโ€™S TIPS: Every day they serve a deeply traditional prato do dia (dish of the day) that you'll rarely find elsewhere – like feijoada de choco (cuttlefish and bean stew) or cabidela (rooster cooked in a rich sauce of its own blood). Order it, whatever it is! And make a reservation – this is one of the best restaurants in Lisbon so walk-ins are near-impossible.

Find the Red Frog Speakeasy

End your first day in Lisbon with a nightcap worth hunting down at the Red Frog Speakeasy. Hidden behind an unmarked door in the Avenida da Liberdade area, this Prohibition-inspired bar made the Worldโ€™s 50 Best Bars list in 2022.

Inside, the service is impeccable. The atmosphere is seductive. And the cocktails are inventive, surprising, and laced with aromatic herbs and exotic spices.

After living in Oaxaca City as a digital nomad, I'm a mezcal girl. I went straight for the Ilusรฃo Negra (with Don Julio Blanco, Del Maguey Vida, Giffard Piment d'Espelette, white chocolate, chipotle, black lime) – complete with a mouth-numbing Szechuan surprise.

My husband's Umami Sazerac (with Bulleit rye, Pierre Ferrand 1840, shoyu caramel, umami bitters, absinthe) was equally unforgettable.

MADDYโ€™S TIP: Reservations at the Red Frog are essential. We got incredibly lucky with a walk-in table on a Saturday night, but don't count on it!

Holding up a glass of wine while on a sailboat along the Tagus River

Day 2 in Lisbon: Cooking Class, Belรฉm & Sunset Sailing

After a jam-packed Day 1, today will be a little more mellow!

Ready to learn to cook traditional food during this Portuguese cooking class? To see historic sites Belรฉm? To sail the Tagus River at sunset? And dine at one of my favorite tascas? Let's go.

Take a Portuguese Cooking Class

Roll up your sleeves! It's time to cook your way through Lisbon during this authentic Portuguese cooking class – where the Portuguese wine flows freely, the pastel de nata are fresh from the oven, and yes, you get to eat everything you make!

My husband and I took this traditional cooking class during our last trip to Lisbon, and it was such a fun, hands-on way to dive into a cuisine I wasnโ€™t very familiar with.

Over three hours, we learned to make five delicious Portuguese classics:

  • Ovos verdes – herby hard-boiled egg croquettes
  • Bacalhau ร  brรกs – shredded cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs
  • Arroz de feijรฃo – garlicky rice with red beans
  • Migas com entrecosto – flavor-packed pork spare ribs
  • Pastel de nata – Portugalโ€™s iconic custard tart

If you love food like I do, this class is the perfect way to spend your morning. Click here to book your traditional Portuguese cooking class!

MADDY'S TIP: Book the 10:30 AM option so you have the whole afternoon free for Belรฉm and beyond.

Belรฉm tower standing on water on a sunny day

Explore Belรฉm

After your Portuguese cooking class, hop on Tram 15 (or call an Uber) and follow the Tagus River out to Belรฉm – Lisbonโ€™s historic gateway to the high seas.

This is where Portugalโ€™s great explorers (like Vasca da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan!) set sail – and where youโ€™ll find some of the Lisbon's most famous (and worthwhile) landmarks:

  • Belรฉm Tower (Torre de Belรฉm): A 16th-century fortified gate sitting just off the riverbank. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is as photogenic as it is historic.
  • Monument to the Discoveries (Padrรฃo dos Descobrimentos): A towering, riverside monument to Prince Henry the Navigator and the explorers who expanded Portugalโ€™s empire.
Beautiful garden landscape and fountain of Jerรณnimos Monastery
  • Jerรณnimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerรณnimos): Another UNESCO gem, and arguably the finest example of Portugalโ€™s ornate Manueline style.
  • Presidential Palace of Belรฉm (Palรกcio Nacional de Belรฉm): Donโ€™t miss the views over the Garden of Afonso de Albuquerque and the Tagus River.

Oh, and if museums are your thing, choose between the Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Museum of Archaeology, or the Popular Art Museum. The National Museum of Ethnology is also nearby.

MADDY'S TIP: Belรฉm is walkable, but you definitely wonโ€™t have time to see everything I listed above. Pick what's most interesting to you… and if that's just another pastel de nata and an espresso from the one and only Pastรฉis de Belรฉm (open since 1837!), then I wouldn't blame you.

Sailboat along the Tagus River at sunset

Sail the Tagus River at Sunset

A glass of crisp vinho verde in hand, cotton-candy skies overhead, and Lisbonโ€™s skyline glowing as you sail down the Tagus? I can confirm, this 2-hour Lisbon sunset sailing experience is just as dreamy as it sounds!

Belรฉm Tower as viewed from the sailboat at sunset

My husband and I really enjoyed this Tagus sunset cruise. The views were gorgeous, as we drifted past the Belรฉm Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Ajuda National Palace, and under the Ponte 25 de Abril (which looks just like San Francisco‘s Golden Gate).

Oh, and the “green wine” was overflowing! The crew were always there to make sure our glasses were full.

I think you'll love this experience too. Click here to book your 2-hour Lisbon sunset sailing tour!

MADDYโ€™S TIPS: The cruise departs from the Belรฉm Dock in the afternoon (the exact time varies by season), so it's an easy activity to tack onto your Belรฉm outing. Oh, and even in summer, bring a light jacket or scarf. The breeze on the river can get surprisingly chilly once the sun sets!

Late dinner at Tasca Baldracca

Finally, hop in an Uber and head to Tasca Baldracca, where the motto is “fine dining is dead.”

This is the kind of place where small plates – made with top-quality ingredients and serious finesse – land on bare table alongside interesting local wines and craft beers.

The atmosphere? Itโ€™s lively, rough around the edges, and completely unpretentious. Loud music, a chalkboard menu, and graffiti-covered bathroom walls set the tone. It's about good times, sharing great food, and drinking elbow-to-elbow with complete strangers.

Dishes we ordered and loved included:

  • “Beets + pistachio + horseradish” – earthy, crunchy, creamy, herby perfection.
  • “Squid + moqueca” – smoky, tender, and bright with plenty of fresh cilantro, chili, and a squeeze of lime.
  • “Steak tartare + anchovy mayo” – bold, briny (thanks to homemade mustard and caperberries!), and paired with puffy, crisp pastel de feira pastries.

MADDYโ€™S TIP: They only take dinner reservations for 8 PM (via Instagram DM or email). After that, it's waitlist only… And this place is popular. Don't risk it – make a reservation!

Maddy drinking cocktail at Quattro Teste

Cocktails at Quattro Teste

Steps from Tasca Baldracca, Quattro Teste is my favorite spot to wind down a Lisbon evening.

If you like spritzes and negronis as much as I do, youโ€™ll love this effortlessly cool Basque-Italian bar – with its retro-green walls, mid-century vibe, and laid-back mix of funk, soul, and indie tunes. The menu features inventive twists on the classics, and all sorts of pintxos and briny gildas if you're still peckish.

Whether you go pre- or post-dinner, just donโ€™t miss this bar! They're open daily from 6 PM.

Colorful architecture of Pena Palace under a sunny sky

Day 3 in Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

Itโ€™s the final day of your Lisbon itinerary! Today, you'll trade city streets for fairy-tale palaces, windswept cliffs, and historic towns during this Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip.

Youโ€™ll get back to Lisbon just in time for one last sunset at a miradouro, followed by dinner at another unforgettable tasca.

Take a Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

Your 3-day Lisbon itinerary isnโ€™t complete without seeing Sintra, the Pena Palace, and Cascais. And the easiest way to do it is on this Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip.

We booked this exact Sintra and Cascais tour, loved every minute, and highly recommend it. With skip-the-line tickets, an expert guide, and all the logistics handled, you can just sit back, soak in the beauty, and enjoy the day.

Here's a quick breakdown of the day trip:

  • Pena Palace (Sintra-Cascais Natural Park): Iโ€™ve visited a lot of castles and palaces (in fairytale towns in Germany and beyond), but Pena Palace tops the list! Built in the mid-1800s for King Ferdinand II, this colorful Romanticist palace sits high in the hills, surrounded by 200 hectares of exotic forest. Towering sequoias from California, ginkgos from China, endless ocean and countryside views, ornate rooms, and whimsical architecture – yeah, this is a place youโ€™ll never forget.
  • Sintra: In this historic town, you'll wander hilly cobblestone lanes, shop for handmade cork goods, and stop by Casa Piriquita to sample sweet specialties like queijadas (cheese tarts) and travesseiros (almond cream pastries).
Sunny ocean views from Cabo da Roca
  • Cabo da Roca: The windy westernmost point of mainland Europe is home to a lighthouse and dramatic Atlantic views. It's beautiful, but touristy and crowded – luckily, itโ€™s just a quick stop on the way to Cascais.
  • Cascais: Along the Portuguese Riviera, this chic seaside town features palm-lined promenades, stylish boutiques, and oceanfront cafรฉs. Youโ€™ll have time to wander and choose your own lunch spot (lunch isn't included – which I actually prefer!). We opted for Hรญfen, where the fresh seafood, chilled glasses of vinho, and harbor views made it hard to leave.

Click here to book your Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon!

Hotels and mosaic pavements at Restauradores Square

Sunset at Miradouro do Jardim do Torel

Your Sintra and Cascais day trip wraps up at Praรงa dos Restauradores in Baixa, surrounded by an eclectic mix of art deco faรงades and 17th-century landmarks.

Before dinner, hop on the nearby Elevador do Lavra – Lisbonโ€™s oldest funicular – and ride up to Miradouro do Jardim do Torel for sunset. (You can also walk; it takes about 10 minutes.) From this peaceful garden terrace, youโ€™ll enjoy gorgeous city views without the crowds.

If you have extra time to spare, you can head north to window-shop along luxe Avenida de Liberdade or south to lively Rossio Square.

Have Dinner at Tasca Pete

For your final dinner, book Tasca Pete – a tiny, cozy tasca serving up creative Portuguese plates in a warm, absolutely-zero-frills room with an open kitchen. Donโ€™t let the grungy exterior fool you… Inside, the food and local natural wine are outstanding.

We ordered dishes like potato terrine with goat cheese, pistachio, and beetroot; roasted quince with hazelnuts, chard, and requeijรฃo (fresh curd cheese); pork belly with XO sauce and razor clams; and skate wing with smoked beurre blanc and cauliflower. Everything was bold, balanced, and made for sharing.

MADDY'S TIPS: As mentioned, this place is tiny. Make a reservation! Afterward, chic wine bars like Bom Bom Bom and O Pif are within walking distance. And if you need a Plan B for dinner? Try Solar dos Presuntos, A Tasca do Chico, Alma, or Carmo Rooftop.

Tall, colorful buildings in Lisbon with a castle view atop a hill

Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Lisbon

With just three days in Lisbon, youโ€™ll see Lisbon's best neighborhoods, take a traditional cooking class, dine at unforgettable tascas, and even take a day trip to Sintra and Cascais.

From your first pastel de nata to your last sunset at a miradouro, you're in for three days of culture, bold flavors, jaw-dropping views, interesting history, and amazing local wine. So book your tours, make your restaurant reservations (seriously, take my advice!), and get ready to fall for Portugalโ€™s capital.

FIND MORE PORTUGAL INSPIRATION HERE!

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Planning to spend 3 days in Lisbon? You're in for hilltop views, flaky pastel de nata, and a whole lot of grilled seafood. This 3-day Lisbon itinerary is packed with culture, history, bold flavors, and local wine - all in true Maddyโ€™s Avenue style.

Maddyโ€™s Avenue wrote this guide in collaboration with Brownโ€™s Central Hotel , WC Hotel, and Viator. As always, our opinions are completely our own. Thank you for your support.

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One Comment

  1. It looks like we have to buy tickets for Pena Palace in advance on their website for a timed entry. However, I was also looking at the Lisbon card, which says it includes admission to Pena Palace. So how do I get timed entry if I’m using my Lisbon card (which I can’t pick up until I get to Lisbon)?

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