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Lisbon travel guide: what to see, and a 3-day itinerary

Photo: Andreas Brücker / Unsplash

Lisbon is a city built on seven hills, known for its historic neighborhoods, Fado music, and Tagus River views. Visitors can explore ancient castles, ornate monasteries, and modern museums, all while navigating its charming, often steep, streets. The city's atmosphere blends tradition with contemporary life.

To experience Lisbon adequately, a trip of three to four days is recommended. This allows time to visit key historical landmarks, enjoy local cuisine, and explore different districts without rushing. An extended stay can include day trips to nearby coastal towns.

Plan a trip to Lisbon →

When to go

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. Temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for walking the city's hills, and the weather is generally sunny. These periods avoid the peak summer heat and crowds, and the winter rain.

What to see in Lisbon

• 

  Praça do Comércio

  4.7★ · 134,159 reviews

  1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal

• 

  Our Lady of the Mount Viewpoint

  4.8★ · 29,320 reviews

  LG do Monte, 1170-253 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Oceanário de Lisboa

  4.6★ · 104,287 reviews

  Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Miradouro de Santa Luzia

  4.6★ · 43,647 reviews

  Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Castelo de São Jorge

  4.5★ · 103,104 reviews

  R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Belém Tower

  4.5★ · 116,872 reviews

  Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

  4.6★ · 33,586 reviews

  R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1250-238 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Arch São Bento

  4.2★ · 77 reviews

  Pç. de Espanha, 1050-108 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Garden of the Castle of São Jorge

  4.5★ · 484 reviews

  R. do Espírito Santo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Carmo Archaeological Museum

  4.5★ · 21,513 reviews

  Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

  4.7★ · 11,271 reviews

  Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Lisbon Cathedral

  4.4★ · 35,954 reviews

  Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

  4.7★ · 18,091 reviews

  Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva

  4.7★ · 8,688 reviews

  Largo José Mariano Gago nº1, 1990-073 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Medeiros e Almeida

  4.7★ · 1,004 reviews

  R. Mouzinho da Silveira 4, 1250-194 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Museum

  4.7★ · 10,522 reviews

  Rua do Cais da Alfândega Velha 39, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

  4.7★ · 25,197 reviews

  Av. de Berna 45 A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Parque Florestal de Monsanto

  4.7★ · 13,302 reviews

  Lisbon, Portugal

• 

  Jardim da Estrela

  4.6★ · 14,780 reviews

  Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa, Portugal

3 days in Lisbon: a suggested itinerary

Day 1 — Historic Center & Alfama Views

1. Castelo de São Jorge · 4.5★
   Explore this historic castle for its ancient walls and panoramic city views.
2. Augusto Lisboa · 4.8★
   Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal in a welcoming setting.
3. Lisbon Cathedral · 4.4★
   Visit the city's oldest church, notable for its Romanesque architecture.
4. Miradouro de Santa Luzia · 4.6★
   Experience scenic views over the Alfama district and the Tagus River.

Day 2 — Riverside Discoveries & Carmo Ruins

1. Belém Tower · 4.5★
   See this historic fortress on the Tagus River, a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery.
2. A Nossa Casa · 4.8★
   Dine at this restaurant for a local and authentic Portuguese meal.
3. Carmo Archaeological Museum · 4.5★
   Explore artifacts housed within the evocative ruins of a Gothic church.
4. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara · 4.6★
   Offers expansive views of the city, including São Jorge Castle.

Day 3 — Modern Lisbon & Art

1. Oceanário de Lisboa · 4.6★
   Discover diverse marine life from global oceans in this large aquarium.
2. Brasa D'Ouro - Steakhouse & Seafood · 4.8★
   Enjoy a meal at this restaurant known for its grilled dishes.
3. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum · 4.7★
   View a vast collection of ancient and modern art from various cultures.
4. Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation · 4.7★
   Relax in this peaceful urban park surrounding the museum.

Where to eat

• 

  Augusto Lisboa

  4.8★ · 3,542 reviews

  R. de Santa M.nha 26, 1100-491 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Brasa D'Ouro - Steakhouse & Seafood

  4.8★ · 6,544 reviews

  R. Augusta 238, 1100-056 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  A Nossa Casa

  4.8★ · 2,564 reviews

  R. da Atalaia 31, 1200-037 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Santa Marta

  4.8★ · 3,438 reviews

  Santa Marta, R. de Santa Marta 61, 1150-294 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Santa Joana

  4.8★ · 782 reviews

  R. de Santa Marta 61B, 1059-002 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Lisbonita Restaurante 🇮🇹

  4.8★ · 1,091 reviews

  Rua da Penha de França 151, 1170-028 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Hygge Kaffe

  4.8★ · 13,246 reviews

  R. Tomás Ribeiro 95B, 1050-227 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  PUT IT ON LISBON

  4.9★ · 763 reviews

  CC do Conde de Pombeiro 15C, 1150-099 Lisboa, Portugal

• 

  Breakfast Lovers Chiado

  4.9★ · 4,691 reviews

  R. Vítor Cordon 26, 1200-484 Lisboa, Portugal

Good to know

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and steep hills.
• Utilize public transport like trams and funiculars to navigate the hilly terrain.
• Consider purchasing a Lisbon Card for discounts on transport and attractions.
• Book popular restaurant tables in advance, especially for evening meals.
• Carry water, particularly when exploring during warmer months.

Ratings and places from Google. Guide updated 2026-09-17. All guides