Lisbon in 3 Days
The relaxed itinerary
Three days in Lisbon: the old town and Belém as the classic pairing, plus a third day for Sintra, museums or the modern city, with time for miradouros and good food.
Lisbon in three days
Three days is the ideal length for a first visit: the old town, Belém, and a third day with room for Sintra, museums or the modern city. All timings are approximate.
Days 1 and 2, the classic itinerary
The first two days follow the tried-and-tested plan: the old town, with the castle, Alfama and Baixa, then the age-of-discovery district of Belém, with the Jerónimos Monastery, the tower and the monument.
Day 3 - Sintra or art
The third day belongs either to the fairytale town of Sintra or, for those staying in the city, to the National Tile Museum, the Gulbenkian and, for families, the Oceanarium.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Lisbon? +
Yes, three days is ideal for a first visit: day one the old town, day two Belém, day three a trip to Sintra or museums and the modern city, with enough time for miradouros and good food.
Should I fit in Sintra? +
If you can, yes - Sintra with its fairytale palaces is one of the loveliest day trips in Portugal. Set aside a full day and book tickets in advance. Details in the Sintra guide.
Is the Lisboa Card worth it for 3 days? +
With three active days of sightseeing and lots of journeys, often yes. Note that the train to Sintra and Cascais is not included in the Lisboa Card.