Lisbon in 3 days: an itinerary with a Sintra day trip
This three-day plan covers Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods, the riverside monuments of Belém and a full day in Sintra. It is designed around Lisbon's hills: mornings start high and routes generally head downhill, with trams and funiculars for the steepest climbs.
New to Lisbon? Start with our Lisbon travel planning guide for when to go and how to get around.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1
Alfama, the castle and downtown
- Morning
- Take a taxi or tram up to São Jorge Castle for views over the city, then wander down through the lanes of Alfama.
- Afternoon
- Continue downhill to Baixa and the riverside Praça do Comércio, then walk up to Chiado for its cafés and bookshops.
- Evening
- Watch the sunset from a miradouro and have dinner in Alfama, where some restaurants host fado performances.
Tip: Starting at the top of the hill and walking down saves a lot of energy.
Day 2
Belém and the riverside
- Morning
- Head west to Belém to visit the Jerónimos Monastery, then try the custard tarts the district is famous for.
- Afternoon
- Walk along the river to the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, or visit one of the area's museums.
- Evening
- Stop at LX Factory on the way back for shops and dinner, or finish in Bairro Alto, which comes alive at night.
Day 3
Day trip to Sintra
- Morning
- Take an early train to Sintra and start with the palace you most want to see, before the busiest hours.
- Afternoon
- Visit a second site, such as the Moorish Castle or a garden estate, and explore the historic village centre.
- Evening
- Return to Lisbon by train and have a relaxed dinner near your accommodation.
Tip: Sintra's sites are spread across steep hills; book the palaces you care about in advance and plan transport between them.
Practical notes
- Where to stay for this itinerary
- Baixa and Chiado are the most convenient bases: central, close to the river and near the stations for Sintra and Cascais trains. Alfama is atmospheric but very hilly, which matters if you are carrying luggage. Príncipe Real offers a quieter, residential feel within walking distance of Chiado.
- What to book before you go
- For Sintra, book entry to the palaces you most want to see ahead of time, especially in spring and summer, and plan how you will get between sites. In Lisbon itself, very little needs booking, though popular restaurants and fado houses can fill up at weekends.
- Getting between stops
- Use a rechargeable transport card such as Viva Viagem for the metro, trams, buses and the train to Sintra, and check current fares with the operators. Taxis and ride-hailing are a sensible way to reach hilltop viewpoints and the castle without a steep climb.
- Pacing the days
- Lisbon's hills are tiring, so this plan saves energy by starting high and walking down. Build in a long lunch or a café stop each afternoon, and save the sunset viewpoint for when you have time to sit and enjoy it.
Want this itinerary tailored to you?
Our AI trip planner adapts the days to your dates, budget, pace and interests, and suggests flight options and a budget breakdown.
Ways to adapt this itinerary
- Add a beach day
- With a fourth day, take the train along the coast to Cascais for its old town, seafront and beaches.
- Less walking
- Use trams, funiculars and taxis for the climbs, and spend more time in flatter areas such as Baixa, the riverside and Belém.
- Travelling with children
- Add the Oceanário in Parque das Nações, and keep Sintra to one or two sites with plenty of breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is three days enough for Lisbon?
Three days is enough to see the main neighbourhoods and spend a full day in Sintra. You'll get a good feel for the city at a comfortable pace. With an extra day, add Cascais or slower time exploring cafés and viewpoints.
Can you visit Sintra in half a day?
You can see one palace and the village in half a day, but Sintra rewards a full day because the main sites are spread out across steep hills and can be busy. Starting early makes the biggest difference.
Do I need to ride Tram 28?
It is a classic experience, but it gets very crowded. Ride it early in the morning, or simply walk parts of its route through Alfama and Graça, which are just as atmospheric on foot.
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Travel planning guides
- How many days do you need for a trip?How to decide how long a trip should be: a simple way to count days, how many nights to spend per base and example trip lengths for city and multi-stop trips.
- How to plan a trip, step by stepA practical, step-by-step guide to planning a trip: choosing dates and a destination, setting a budget, building an itinerary and preparing documents.
Official sources and further reading
Practical details such as entry requirements, prices, timetables and opening days change. Always confirm them with the official sources below before you travel. Last reviewed by the AIFlyTrip editorial team on .
- Official tourism website of Lisbon (Turismo de Lisboa)
- Portuguese rail tickets and timetables (CP – Comboios de Portugal)