What to do in Lisbon in 3 days?

Welcome to Lisbon! With its rolling hills, seaside views, and fairytale palaces, packing everything into three days requires a smart plan. To help you maximize your time and budget, we’ve crafted this optimized 3-day itinerary.

By utilizing the 72h Lisboa Card, you will unlock completely free public transportation (including the trains to Sintra and historic trams) and get free entry to top monuments.

🗺️ Explore the 3-Day Route:

Rua Augusta Arch Lisboa Card
Rua Augusta's Arch - Lisbon Center

Day 1: The Historic Heart (Alfama, Baixa & Chiado)

Today, we combine Lisbon’s most iconic historic neighborhoods into an unforgettable walking and tram route.

  • Morning: Tram 28 & Alfama

    • Start early at Martim Moniz and hop aboard the legendary Tram 28 (free with your card). Ride it through the steep, winding alleys of Alfama. Step off at the top to wander the ancient alleys or visit the Saint George Castle, also included on your Lisboa Card, for panoramic views.

  • Lunch: Baixa District

    • Walk downhill to the grand waterfront square, Praça do Comércio. Head up the Rua Augusta Arch using your card for a birds-eye view, then grab a traditional lunch in the flat Baixa grid.

  • Afternoon: Santa Justa Lift & Chiado

    • Walk to the magnificent, industrial-age Santa Justa Lift. Skip the long ticket lines entirely by scanning your Lisboa Card to ride up to elegant Chiado. Explore the roofless Carmo Convent ruins and enjoy an espresso at Café A Brasileira.

Tram Lisboa on Praça do Comércio
Tram 28

Day 2: The Age of Discovery in Belém

Travel west down the Tagus River to Belém, the historic launching point for Portugal’s age of exploration.

  • Morning: Jerónimos Monastery

    • Take the free E15 tram from downtown to Belém. First stop: the breathtaking Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of maritime architecture. Entry is entirely free with your 72h card and you may go directly to the Lisboa Card Fast Track machine!*

  • Lunch: Pastéis de Belém

    • Right next door, look for the famous blue awnings. Stop in to enjoy a few warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven custard tarts dusted with cinnamon.

  • Afternoon: Belém Tower & River Stroll

    • Stroll along the waterfront to the iconic Belém Tower, which guarded the city’s harbor. Entry is entirely free with your 72h card and you may go directly to the Lisboa Card Fast Track machine!* Take the train back to downtown Lisbon for a beautiful sunset view by the river at Ribeira das Naus avenue.

*Check here how to reserve the date and time of your visit.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos included for free in Lisboa Card
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Day 3: A Fairytale Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra deserves a full day. Located in the cool hills just outside Lisbon, it looks straight out of a storybook.

  • Morning: The Train to Sintra & Pena Palace

    • Head to Rossio Station. Hop on the train to Sintra—this journey is 100% free with your Lisboa Card! Once in Sintra, take the tourist bus up the mountain straight to the iconic Pena Palace  (free with Lisboa Card + Pena Palace combo), famous for its vivid yellow and red walls and romantic architecture.

  • Lunch: Sintra Old Town

    • Head down to the historic village center. Try a traditional local pastry called a Travesseiro at Piriquita.

  • Afternoon: Quinta da Regaleira

    • Spend your afternoon exploring the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. Walk through hidden tunnels and descend the famous Initiation Well, an underground inverted tower used for secret ceremonies. Take the train back to Lisbon for your final evening dinner.

National Park and Pena Palace in Lisboa Card
Palácio da Pena in Sintra

Conclusion: Smart Travel Combo & Final Thoughts

A city trip of 2-3 days can be very convenient to get away from the routine allowing you to see the main highlights, so we definitely recommend this 3 days adventure with the LisboaCard 72h option!

When you are sure to visit Sintra, consider the upgrade to Lisboa Card + Pena Palace as you get the same opportunities of Lisboa Card, and the visit of Pena Palace for free, allowing you to enjoy Lisbon and Sintra to the fullest!

Smart Traveler Combo

Visiting Sintra? Save Time & Money with the Pass

Your 72h Lisboa Card fully covers the roundtrip train ride to Sintra from Rossio Station. However, it does not include entry inside the famous Pena Palace. Avoid waiting in double lines by booking your combined card and palace access ahead of time!

👉 Get Your Lisboa Card + Pena Palace Pass Here

When you still have any questions please feel free to check our F.A.Q. here.

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