3-Day Grand Tour Itinerary for Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

3 days

Sao Jorge Castle
Statue of King Joze I
Cascais
Palace da Pena in Sintra
Lisbon, Portugal

About Lisbon, Portugal

Discover the enchanting city of Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital. Nestled on seven hills, Lisbon offers breathtaking views, historic neighborhoods, and a blend of traditional and contemporary cultures. Explore the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery, the iconic Belém Tower, and the colorful Pena Palace. Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama district, the city's oldest quarter, or enjoy a ride on the vintage Tram 28. Indulge in delectable Portuguese cuisine, particularly the famed Pastéis de Belém. Visit the bustling Mercado da Ribeira for a taste of local produce. With its rich seafaring history, stunning architecture, and lively nightlife, Lisbon promises a captivating travel experience. Don't forget to enjoy a Fado performance, Portugal's soulful folk music, to complete your Lisbon journey.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic Alfama and Belem Districts

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the historic Alfama district, where you can explore the narrow, winding streets and take in the traditional Portuguese architecture.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, where you can sample traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau a bras or caldo verde.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Belem district to visit the iconic Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant in the Belem area, where you can try Portuguese seafood dishes and the famous pasteis de Belem for dessert.

Evening

End your day with a traditional Fado performance, a form of Portuguese singing that is often associated with pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Baixa district, known for its neoclassical architecture and bustling squares.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Baixa district, where you can try Portuguese tapas and a glass of vinho verde.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts, known for their bohemian vibe, vibrant nightlife, and stunning views of the city.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the Bairro Alto district, where you can sample Portuguese wines and cheeses.

Evening

End your day with a stroll through the illuminated streets of Bairro Alto, taking in the lively atmosphere and beautiful views of the city.

Morning

Start your final day with a visit to the Parque das Nacoes, a modern district known for its contemporary architecture and the Oceanarium.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Parque das Nacoes district, where you can try a variety of Portuguese seafood dishes.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the LX Factory, a creative hub located in a former industrial complex, where you can explore art galleries, bookshops, and design stores.

Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant in the LX Factory area, where you can try innovative Portuguese cuisine and craft beers.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in panoramic views of Lisbon.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

Alfama district

1
Alfama district

The oldest district in Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and Fado music. It's home to the Castle of Sao Jorge and the National Pantheon.

Neighborhoods
Belem Tower

2
Belem Tower

A fortified tower located in the Belem district of Lisbon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Age of Discovery.

Monuments
Landmarks
Jeronimos Monastery

3
Jeronimos Monastery

A stunning example of Manueline architecture, this monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the Maritime Museum and the National Archaeology Museum.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Fado performance

4
Fado performance

Fado is a music genre that can be traced to the 1820s in Lisbon, but probably with much earlier origins. Fado performances are a popular form of entertainment in Lisbon, offering a glimpse into the soul of Portuguese music.

Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Baixa district

5
Baixa district

Known as downtown Lisbon, this district is characterized by its grand plazas, wide avenues, and neoclassical architecture. It's a bustling area with various shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Neighborhoods
Bairro Alto district

6
Bairro Alto district

This bohemian district is known for its lively nightlife, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and clubs. During the day, it's a quiet area with traditional houses and picturesque streets.

Neighborhoods
Parque das Nacoes

7
Parque das Nacoes

This modern district is known for its contemporary architecture, green spaces, and water gardens. It's home to the Lisbon Oceanarium, a casino, and a large shopping center. It also offers various sports activities.

Parks
Attractions
Oceanarium

8
Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the finest aquariums in the world. It houses a large collection of marine species, including birds, mammals, fish, and other marine organisms.

Attractions
Museums
LX Factory

9
LX Factory

Once an industrial complex, LX Factory is now a creative hub filled with restaurants, shops, and art spaces.

Entertainment
Shopping
Food and Drink
Chiado district

10
Chiado district

This elegant district is known for its old-world charm, literary history, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a popular shopping area with a mix of old and new shops.

Neighborhoods

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata

A traditional Portuguese custard tart that is a staple in Lisbon. It's a sweet pastry filled with creamy custard and dusted with cinnamon.

Bacalhau à Brás

Bacalhau à Brás

A popular dish in Lisbon made from shredded cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes in a bound of scrambled eggs. It's a classic Portuguese comfort food.

Francesinha

Francesinha

Originating from Porto but popular throughout Portugal, this sandwich is filled with different meats, covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce.

Polvo à la Lagareiro

A traditional Portuguese dish that consists of a whole octopus roasted in the oven, typically served with boiled potatoes and drizzled with a generous amount of olive oil.

Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines are a staple in Lisbon, especially during the popular Saints' Festival in June. They are usually served with a salad or boiled potatoes.

Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde

A traditional Portuguese soup made from shredded kale, potatoes and chorizo. It's a hearty and comforting dish, especially popular in the colder months.

Bifana

Bifana

A simple and delicious sandwich made with marinated pork cutlets. It's a popular street food in Lisbon.

Azeitão cheese

A creamy sheep's milk cheese from the Azeitão region, just south of Lisbon. It's often served as an appetizer or dessert.

Ginjinha

Ginjinha

A traditional Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. It's a popular drink in Lisbon, often served in a chocolate cup.

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde

A young, slightly sparkling wine from the Minho region in the far north of Portugal. It's a refreshing drink, especially popular in the summer.

Port Wine

Port Wine

A fortified wine from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It's a popular after-dinner drink and comes in a variety of styles, from sweet to dry.

Super Bock or Sagres

The two most popular beers in Portugal. Both are light and refreshing lagers, perfect for a hot day in Lisbon.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Lisbon, Portugal is during the spring months of March to May or the fall months of September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, not too hot or too cold, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak summer season. These off-peak seasons also often offer more affordable accommodation rates. However, if you're interested in festivals and nightlife, summer, particularly June, is when Lisbon's streets come alive with various festivities.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 13

Tue

Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day

March 19

Tue

St. Joseph's Day (Santarém)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 16

Tue

Our Lady of Mércoles (Castelo Branco)

April 25

Thu

Liberty Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day (Beja)

May 12

Sun

St. Joana's Day (Aveiro)

May 20

Mon

Azores Day (Azores)

May 22

Wed

Leiria Day (Leiria)

May 23

Thu

Portalegre Day (Portalegre)

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi

June 10

Mon

Portugal Day

June 13

Thu

St. Anthony's Day (regional holiday)

June 24

Mon

St. John's Day (regional holiday)

June 29

Sat

St. Peter's Day (Évora)

July 1

Mon

Madeira Day (Madeira)

July 4

Thu

St. Elizabeth's Day (Coimbra)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

August 20

Tue

Our Lady of Sorrows (Viana do Castelo)

August 22

Thu

Our Lady of Graces (Bragança)

September 7

Sat

Faro Day (Faro)

September 15

Sun

Birth of Bocage (Setúbal)

September 21

Sat

St. Matthew's Day (Viseu)

October 5

Sat

Republic Day

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

November 27

Wed

Foral of Sancho I (Guarda)

December 1

Sun

Restoration of Independence

December 8

Sun

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Lisbon's trams are one of the most iconic ways to explore the city. The most famous route is Tram 28, which winds its way through the city's most historic districts.

Buses are a reliable and extensive mode of transport in Lisbon. They cover the entire city and its suburbs, making it easy to reach any destination.

The Lisbon Metro is a quick and efficient way to travel around the city. It has four lines that cover a large part of the city.

For longer distances, such as trips to the suburbs or nearby towns like Sintra or Cascais, trains are a good option. Lisbon's main train stations are Santa Apolónia and Rossio.

Taxis are plentiful in Lisbon and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. They're a convenient but more expensive way to get around.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis.

Lisbon has a growing network of bike lanes, and several companies offer bike rentals. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city, though be prepared for some hilly terrain.

Many of Lisbon's most beautiful areas are best explored on foot. The city is known for its compact, walkable neighborhoods and stunning viewpoints.

Ferries cross the Tagus River, offering a unique perspective of Lisbon and easy access to the district of Almada.

Electric scooters are available for rent throughout the city. They're a fun and quick way to get around, especially in the flatter areas of Lisbon.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC 0

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Lisbon, Portugal as a first time visitor

1

Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal.

2

The official language is Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can be helpful.

3

The currency in Lisbon is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 46-59°F (8-15°C) in winter and 63-81°F (17-27°C) in summer.

5

Public transportation in Lisbon is reliable and includes buses, trams, and a metro system. The Viva Viagem card can be used on all forms of public transport.

6

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in Lisbon.

7

Lisbon is a hilly city, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

8

Tipping is customary in Lisbon. It's common to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants.

9

Lisbon is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

10

The city is in the Western European Time Zone (WET, GMT +0).

11

Lisbon is known for its seafood. Try local specialties like bacalhau (codfish) and sardines.

12

Portugal is famous for its wine, particularly Port and Vinho Verde. Don't miss the chance to try them.

13

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.

14

Lisbon has a rich history, and you'll find many buildings and streets that date back to the Middle Ages.

15

The city is also known for its beautiful azulejos (painted, tin-glazed ceramic tilework) that adorn many of its buildings.

16

Lisbon is a great city for shopping, with a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and local markets.

17

Smoking is banned in enclosed public places and on public transportation in Lisbon.

18

The standard voltage in Portugal is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F.

19

Lisbon has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and music venues.

20

The city is also a great base for exploring other parts of Portugal, such as the nearby towns of Sintra and Cascais.

Basic Portuguese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Olá

O-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adeus

Ad-ey-oosh

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Por favor

Por fa-vor

When asking for something

Thank you

Obrigado

Ob-ri-ga-doo

After receiving something or someone's help

Yes

Sim

Seem

Agreeing with someone or something

No

Não

Nown

Disagreeing with someone or something

Excuse me

Desculpe

Desh-kool-pe

Getting someone's attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Lamento

La-men-to

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Fala inglês?

Fala in-glesh?

When you need to communicate in English

I don't understand

Não entendo

Nown en-ten-doo

When you don't understand what's being said

Where is the bathroom?

Onde é o banheiro?

Onde eh o ban-he-ro?

When you need to use the restroom

How much does this cost?

Quanto custa isso?

Kwan-to kus-ta is-so?

When you want to know the price of something

I would like...

Eu gostaria...

Eh-oo go-sta-ria...

When you're ordering food or asking for something

Help!

Socorro!

So-ko-ro!

In case of an emergency

Call the police!

Chame a polícia!

Sha-me a po-lee-see-ya!

In case of an emergency

I'm lost

Estou perdido

Es-to per-di-doo

When you can't find your way

Can I use your phone?

Posso usar seu telefone?

Pos-so u-zar seu te-le-fo-ne?

When you need to make a call and don't have a phone

Good morning

Bom dia

Bom dee-ya

Greeting someone in the morning

Good afternoon

Boa tarde

Boa tar-de

Greeting someone in the afternoon

Good night

Boa noite

Boa noi-te

Greeting someone in the evening or before bed

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing for warm weather

  • A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear (if planning to visit the beach or pool)

  • Underwear and socks for three days

  • Sleepwear

  • Accessories (sunglasses, hat, etc.)

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-sized body wash or soap

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent (optional)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport or ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Euros)

  • Guidebook or map of Lisbon

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Adapter plug (Portugal uses type F plug)

  • Camera (optional)

  • Charger for camera (if applicable)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket for the flight

  • Snacks for the flight

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Books or magazines for the flight

  • Earplugs and eye mask for sleeping

  • Travel-sized hand sanitizer

  • Tissues or wet wipes

Weather Conditions

Lisbon, Portugal, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature ranges from 46-59°F (8-15°C) in the coldest month, January, and 63-82°F (17-28°C) in the warmest month, August. If you're planning to visit Lisbon, the best time to do so is from March to May or September to October. During these periods, the weather is usually pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 59-77°F (15-25°C), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you're a beach lover, the summer months of June to August would be the best time for you. The temperatures during this period can go up to 82°F (28°C), perfect for a dip in the sea. But remember, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowded beaches and higher prices. Always carry a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, as evenings can be cool. Also, don't forget your sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong, especially in the summer months. Rainfall is highest from November to February, so if you're visiting during these months, make sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Despite the rain, temperatures remain relatively mild, rarely falling below 46°F (8°C). Lastly, Lisbon is known for its sudden changes in weather, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

14° / 8°

January is the coldest month in Lisbon, but it's still relatively mild compared to many European destinations. Expect occasional rain showers.

February

15° / 9°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still a bit chilly. Rain is less frequent than in January.

March

17° / 11°

March marks the beginning of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds.

April

18° / 12°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures and less rainfall. The city starts to get busier with tourists.

May

22° / 14°

May is a beautiful month to visit Lisbon with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. It's perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

June

24° / 16°

June is the start of summer with long, sunny days. It's a popular time for tourists, so expect some crowds.

July

28° / 18°

July is the hottest month in Lisbon with high temperatures and very little rain. It's a great time to hit the beaches.

August

28° / 18°

August is equally hot as July with plenty of sunshine. It's the peak tourist season, so book your accommodations in advance.

September

27° / 17°

September is a fantastic time to visit with slightly cooler temperatures than the summer months. The tourist crowds also start to thin out.

October

23° / 15°

October sees a drop in temperature but it's still warm enough for outdoor activities. The city is less crowded making it a great time to explore.

November

18° / 12°

November is the start of the cooler season with more frequent rain showers. It's a quiet month for tourism.

December

15° / 9°

December is a festive time to visit Lisbon with Christmas decorations and markets. The weather is cool and there's a chance of rain.

Did you know?

Did you know that Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating other European capitals such as London, Paris, and Rome by centuries?

1 of 10

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