3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat
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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 Maddyโs 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.
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?
Youโll even have time for a magical day trip to Pena Palace, Sintra, and Cascais.
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.
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 Jorgeโs 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!
Day 2 in Lisbon:
- Take this traditional Portuguese cooking class – so much fun!
- Explore Belรฉm's museums, churches, and other historic sites.
- Sail along the Tagus River at sunset, local “green wine” in hand.
- Enjoy a late-night dinner at effortlessly cool Tasca Baldracca.
- Stop by Quattro Teste for Italian-Basque-inspired cocktails.
Day 3 in Lisbon:
- Go on this day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, and Cascais – a must-do!
- Back in Lisbon, watch the sunset from Miradouro do Jardim do Torel.
- Have an unforgettable dinner (with natural wine!) at Tasca Pete.
Where to Stay in Lisbon:
Brownโs 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:
- Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour on the Tagus
- Sightseeing Tour of Lisbon on a Private Tuk-Tuk
- Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class in Lisbon
- Authentic Fado Show in Chiado
- Foodie Walking Tour of Lisbon
- Small-Group Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, and Cascais
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 โAeroporto > 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 โฌ5-10 taxi, Uber, or Bolt ride from Baixa.
Getting Around Lisbon
Lisbon is compact but hilly, with plenty of stairs and cobblestones. Youโll 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 (โฌ1.80) or day passes (โฌ6.80), but if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, I recommend getting the Lisbon Card.
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 โฌ60 without the card. Visiting St. Georgeโs Castle alone costs โฌ20 (about $23 USD). Here are the Lisbon Card prices in 2025:
- 1 day: โฌ31 (about $35 USD)
- 2 days: โฌ51 (about $58 USD)
- 3 days: โฌ62 (about $70 USD)
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, Lisbonโs 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.
Best Hotels in Lisbon
Here are my top picks for Lisbon hotels – they're all stylish, central, and surprisingly well-priced!
- Brownโs Central Hotel ($$): Located in the heart of Baixa, this is our favorite hotel in Lisbon! Housed in a historic 18th-century building, Brownโs Central brims with old-world charm, modern flair, and thoughtful touches like blackout curtains and soundproofed rooms. Plus, the breakfast spread is phenomenal.
- Memmo Alfama ($$): 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 ($$): Located in Intendente – a cool, multicultural neighborhood with great restaurants – you'll love everything about this 4-star boutique hotel – including its bold decor, art nouveau architecture, and cozy rooms.
- Brownโs Avenue Hotel ($$$): Situated near Avenida da Liberdade, this stylish and modern stay has a moody, upscale aesthetic. It offers great value for a chic base near Lisbonโs 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.
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.
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!
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…)
Lunch at O Velho Eurico
Lisbonโs 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!
Hop Aboard the Iconic Tram 28
Riding Lisbonโs 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 cityโs 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 Lisbonโs 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.
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, Portugalโs hauntingly beautiful traditional music. As you wander, keep your ears perked. Youโll pass tiny tascas and Fado bars that keep its spirit alive.
Start at the top with St. Georgeโs 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 Lisbonโs most best viewpoints: Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Alfama is full of churches, monuments, and hidden corners – but itโs steep. Donโt feel like you have to โsee 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 worldโs largest collection of baroque azulejo tiles.
- Lisbon Cathedral: The cityโs oldest church – part fortress, part Romanesque cathedral – and a must-see.
Visit Commerce Square
Next up? Walk downhill to Commerce Square (Praรงa do Comรฉrcio) – Lisbonโs 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.
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 Lisbonโs 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.
Explore Baixa & Rua Augusta
From Commerce Square, duck under the Rua Augusta Arch to enter Baixa – Lisbonโs 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.
MADDYโS 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.
DONโT MISS: Just behind Rossio is Praรงa da Figueira, with its statue of King John I โ but itโs the view of St. Georgeโs Castle above that'll steal your attention!
Ride The Santa Justa Lift to the viewpoint
If youโve been following this Lisbon itinerary, youโll 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, itโs 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 โfree.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!
Visit The Carmo Convent Ruins
From Santa Justa Liftโs platform, walk straight into the hauntingly beautiful Carmo Convent. Once one of Lisbonโs most impressive Gothic churches, itโs been roofless since the earthquake.
Step inside to wander among its soaring arches, explore the small archaeological museum, and see Christopher Columbusโs 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 โฌ7, or โฌ5 with the Lisbon Card.
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!
Stop by Miradouro de Sรฃo Pedro de Alcรขntara
In between the Fado show and dinner, pause at Lisbonโs liveliest viewpoint: Miradouro de Sรฃo Pedro de Alcรขntara. From here, youโll see Baixa and St. Georgeโs 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 โlittle fish from the veggie gardenโ – and a plate of bulhรฃo pato clams (garlicky little clams with cilantro and white wine). If youโre 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).
MADDYโS 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 Worldโs 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.
MADDYโS 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!
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 wasnโt 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 – Portugalโs 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.
Explore Belรฉm
After your Portuguese cooking class, hop on Tram 15 (or call an Uber) and follow the Tagus River out to Belรฉm – Lisbonโs historic gateway to the high seas.
This is where Portugalโs great explorers (like Vasca da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan!) set sail – and where youโll 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 Portugalโs empire.
- Jerรณnimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerรณnimos): Another UNESCO gem, and arguably the finest example of Portugalโs ornate Manueline style.
- Presidential Palace of Belรฉm (Palรกcio Nacional de Belรฉm): Donโt 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 wonโt 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.
Sail the Tagus River at Sunset
A glass of crisp vinho verde in hand, cotton-candy skies overhead, and Lisbonโs 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!
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!
MADDYโS 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? Itโs 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.
MADDYโS 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!
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, youโll 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 donโt miss this bar! They're open daily from 6 PM.
Day 3 in Lisbon: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais
Itโs 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.
Youโll 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 isnโt 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): Iโve 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 youโll 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).
- 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, itโs 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. Youโll 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!
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 – Lisbonโs 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, youโll 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. Donโt 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.
Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Lisbon
With just three days in Lisbon, youโll 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 Portugalโs capital.
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Maddyโs Avenue wrote this guide in collaboration with Brownโs Central Hotel , WC Hotel, and Viator. As always, our opinions are completely our own. Thank you for your support.
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)?