3 Days in Lisbon

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Ruelles d’Alfama — itinéraire 3 jours Lisbonne

3-day Lisbon itinerary, what to do in Alfama, Belém in one day, best neighbourhoods: this guide is written by local English-speaking guides living in Lisbon and building tailor-made Portugal trips every week.

You have 3 days in Lisbon and you want to make the most of them — without rushing, falling into tourist traps, or missing the essentials. Here is the itinerary we have offered our travellers since 2015. It combines the major sites with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1 — The historic heart: Alfama and Baixa

Morning: start with Alfama at sunrise (before 9 am), before the cruise crowds arrive. Climb up to Castelo de São Jorge at opening time, then walk down the alleys towards the Sé cathedral. Coffee break at Miradouro das Portas do Sol with a view over the rooftops.

Lunch: eat in a tasquinha in the Mouraria district — a still-preserved multicultural neighbourhood where fado was born.

Afternoon: head down to Baixa Pombalina (the district rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake), Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta, then up to Chiado via the Santa Justa elevator. Stop at Café A Brasileira.

Evening: fado dinner-show in an authentic casa de fado in Alfama (avoid the tourist traps in Bairro Alto).

Day 2 — Belém and the Atlantic experience

Morning: head to Belém on the historic tram 15. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery at opening, then the Belém Tower. Mandatory stop at Pastéis de Belém for the original recipe.

Lunch: at MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) with a Tagus view.

Afternoon: visit LX Factory in Alcântara — a former industrial complex turned creative district. Ler Devagar bookshop, studios, terraces.

Evening: private sunset boat on the Tagus at golden hour, then dinner at a top restaurant in Cais do Sodré or Príncipe Real.

Day 3 — Sintra or Cascais (day trip)

Option A — Sintra: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe). Best done with a private driver and an English-speaking guide (6 to 8 hours). Avoid the train: too crowded, huge queues at the palaces without booking.

Option B — Cascais and Estoril: Atlantic beaches, historic centre, fish market. More relaxing, accessible by train.

Practical tips

  • Book everything in advance in high season (April to October).
  • Get the Lisboa Card if you plan 4 or more paid visits.
  • Avoid eating on Rua Augusta and around the major tourist sites.
  • Use Uber/Bolt for night trips: safe and inexpensive.

For a truly personalised itinerary based on your tastes, pace and budget, get in touch. Also see our complete Lisbon guide.

Read also — destinations and guides

English-speaking Lisbon partner: to complete your planning, check Visit My Lisbon, a trusted Lisbon travel blog.

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