Most people visiting Portugal’s capital city for the first time ask me what’s the ideal amount of time to stay. Usually, three days in Lisbon is enough to check must-see attractions and include one or two off-the-beaten-path highlights, not that you can't stay longer. But if you want to get a feel for one of the greatest cities on Earth, three days is a good place to start.
Day 1: Baixa and Belém
When looking for hotels in Lisbon, I suggest booking accommodation in the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods. Not only will you find a wider variety of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, but you’ll also be closer to all the public transit options that will allow you to get around such as buses, the subway, and trams.
Start your day at Lisboa Story Center. At this interactive museum, you’ll get an overview of the main historical events that have shaped the city over the years. Then, head to Praca da Figueira, the Belém Lisbon Bus Tour's first stop covering the west side and the two UNESCO Heritage Sites Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém.
Both monuments are typically busy, so waiting in line to visit will eat up most of your day. I suggest appreciating them from the outside which is still a memorable experience. Then, depending on the size of the line, hop off the bus to visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimo's church. Spare some time to taste the famous pasteis de nata (custard tarts) at Pasteis de Belem or Manteigaria.
Wrap up your first day by joining the crowd at Cais das Colunas to see the sunset before dinner.
Day 2: Alfama and Mouraria
Walking is the best way to explore Alfama and Mouraria in Lisbon’s historic center. There’s a lot to take in, from colorful old buildings lining narrow cobblestoned streets to medieval monuments like Se de Lisboa, Lisbon's first cathedral, and Roman ruins like the 1st century CE Roman theater on the way up to Sao Jorge Castle.
The uphill side of the old city, Alfama, is famous for the viewpoints of Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol viewpoints. If you're willing to walk further uphill, or grab one of the Lisbon tuk-tuks from designated stops at Portas do Sol, the view from Senhora do Monte takes the grand prize.
Before sundown, walk down to the heart of Mouraria and explore Lisbon’s most multicultural neighborhood on foot. Grab a bite at a typical tasca, a laidback, tavern-like restaurant serving traditional cuisine that's usually cash only. I suggest family-owned Zé dos Cornos.
Day 3: Street art in industrial Lisbon
On your last day in Lisbon, aim for a relaxing farewell to the city, sightseeing in the morning and resting in the afternoon, or using every second to cover most of the areas you haven't seen yet.
Regardless of your traveling style, don’t leave without exploring industrial Lisbon and the underground art scene. Take Carris’ tram 15E to LX Factory, an old threads factory complex with restaurants, shops, galleries, and plenty of street art.
Alternatively, take bus 728 to Poco do Bispo and explore 8 Marvila, Lisbon's east-side trendy cultural hub, with restaurants, art galleries, shops, and occasional live music. And if you have an extra hour to spare, head next door to the Ah! Amália Experience for an original way to learn about and listen to Fado in Lisbon.