Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals and, compared to many other Western European cities, it can still be explored on a reasonable budget. With colorful streets, historic trams, incredible viewpoints, and amazing food, it’s easy to see why Lisbon has become such a popular city-break destination.
During our 3 days in Lisbon, we explored historic neighborhoods, visited stunning viewpoints, took a day trip to Sintra, and tried some incredible vegan food, all while keeping our budget in check.
This itinerary follows our exact route through the city and includes practical tips, budget-friendly recommendations, and our favorite vegan restaurants to help you make the most of your time in Portugal’s capital.
Is 3 Days Enough for Lisbon?
Yes! Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Lisbon’s main attractions, discover a few hidden gems, and enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Lisboa Card
If you’re planning to visit several attractions and use public transport, we highly recommend getting the Lisboa Card.
The card includes unlimited travel on Lisbon’s public transportation network, including metro, buses, trams, and trains to destinations such as Belém and Sintra. It also provides free or discounted entry to many of Lisbon’s most popular attractions.
For our trip, the Lisboa Card saved us both time and money, making it one of the best investments for exploring the city on a budget.
Be sure to compare the cost of the card with the attractions you plan to visit, but for most first-time visitors spending 3 days in Lisbon, it is well worth considering.
Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s Historic Center
After arriving in Lisbon, we were eager to start exploring the city right away. Our first day was all about wandering through Lisbon’s historic streets, discovering iconic landmarks, and, of course, trying some delicious vegan food.
Lunch at Time Out Market
We kicked off our Lisbon adventure with lunch at Time Out Market. This large indoor food hall is home to dozens of food stalls offering cuisines from all over the world, making it a great choice if you’re traveling with people who have different tastes.
As vegans, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety of plant-based options available. We opted for a vegan pad thai and a vegan burger, both of which were excellent and provided the perfect fuel for a busy afternoon of sightseeing.
Elevador da Bica
After lunch, we made our way to the famous Elevador da Bica. This historic yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed landmarks and has become an icon of the city.
Even if you don’t take a ride, it’s worth stopping by to admire the steep street and snap a few photos. Looking down Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo towards the Tagus River is one of the classic Lisbon views you’ll see all over social media.
Exploring Chiado
From Bica, we continued on foot through Chiado, one of Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhoods. The area is filled with charming streets, historic cafés, boutiques, and beautiful architecture.
We loved simply wandering through the neighborhood and soaking up the atmosphere. One of our favorite things about Lisbon is that even when you’re walking between attractions, there’s always something interesting to see.
Santa Justa Lift
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Lisbon is the Santa Justa Lift. Built in the early 1900s, this historic elevator connects the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Carmo district.
The ride on the lift itself is included with the Lisboa Card, making it a convenient way to avoid one of Lisbon’s many steep hills while also experiencing an important piece of the city’s history.
At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform offering beautiful panoramic views over Lisbon’s rooftops, São Jorge Castle, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Please note that access to the viewing platform requires a separate ticket and is not included with the Lisboa Card.
However, even without entering the viewpoint, you’ll still be rewarded with some great views of the city from the upper level and the surrounding streets. We found it to be a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re already using the Lisboa Card to get around the city.
Praça do Comércio & The Riverside
From the Santa Justa Lift, we made our way towards Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s most impressive squares. Located directly on the banks of the Tagus River, it was once the grand entrance to the city for visitors arriving by sea.
Surrounded by elegant yellow buildings, the square is a great place to take in Lisbon’s atmosphere and enjoy views of the river. We especially enjoyed walking along the waterfront promenade, which offers a peaceful escape from the busier streets of the city center.
Alfama: Lisbon’s Most Charming Neighborhood
Next, we headed into Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and one of the highlights of our trip.
Rather than taking a tuk-tuk, we highly recommend exploring Alfama on foot. The neighborhood’s narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and hidden viewpoints are best discovered at your own pace.
Along the way, we stopped at the beautiful Sé de Lisboa, Lisbon’s historic cathedral and one of the city’s oldest landmarks.
From there, we continued to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of Lisbon’s most picturesque viewpoints. Overlooking Alfama’s rooftops and the Tagus River, it’s a fantastic spot for photos and a short break from climbing Lisbon’s many hills.
Finally, we made our way up to Castelo de São Jorge. Perched high above the city, the castle offers spectacular panoramic views over Lisbon and the Tagus River below. The grounds are fun to explore, with historic walls, towers, and plenty of viewpoints overlooking the city.
One of the best things about visiting Castelo de São Jorge is that entry is included with the Lisboa Card, making it a fantastic value if you’re planning to visit several attractions during your stay.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, the views alone make the visit worthwhile and easily one of the highlights of Lisbon.
Dinner at Plant Base
After a full afternoon of exploring, we were more than ready for dinner. We headed to Plant Base, a fully vegan restaurant serving everything from burgers and tacos to pizzas and momos.
We had been craving pizza, so the choice was easy, and we definitely didn’t regret it. The pizza was delicious and exactly what we needed after a day of walking.
Vegan Nata & Sunset at Praça do Comércio
Before ending the day, we made one final stop at Vegan Nata.
No visit to Lisbon would be complete without trying a pastel de nata, and thankfully vegans don’t have to miss out. The vegan versions here were incredibly tasty and quickly became one of our favorite treats in the city.
To finish our first day in Lisbon, we returned to Praça do Comércio and enjoyed the sunset over the Tagus River. Before settling down by the waterfront, we stopped at Popbar for a refreshing popsicle. They offer a wide selection of flavors, including several vegan options, making it the perfect treat on a warm Lisbon evening.
Sitting by the river with a popsicle in hand while watching the sun set behind the city was the perfect way to end our first day in Portugal’s capital.
Day 2: History, Panoramic Views & the City’s Best Vegan Restaurant
After a busy first day exploring Lisbon’s historic center, we slowed things down a little on Day 2. The day combined local cafés, fascinating history, one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, and what ended up being our favorite meal of the entire trip.
Breakfast at Manjerica
We started our morning at Manjerica, a cozy café tucked away in a charming street just off Praça da Figueira.
This quickly became one of our favorite spots in Lisbon. The atmosphere was relaxed, the staff were friendly, and there were plenty of vegan options to choose from.
We ordered an açaà bowl and later returned for one of their rice noodle bowls with peanut sauce. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, Manjerica is definitely worth a visit.
Praça da Figueira
Before continuing our sightseeing, we spent some time around Praça da Figueira, one of Lisbon’s central squares.
While it may not be as grand as Praça do Comércio, it’s a lively area surrounded by cafés, shops, and historic buildings. It’s also a great starting point for exploring many of Lisbon’s most popular attractions.
Museu Arqueológico do Carmo
Next, we made our way to the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, one of the most unique historical sites in Lisbon.
The museum is located within the ruins of the former Convento do Carmo, a Gothic church that was heavily damaged during the devastating 1755 earthquake.
Walking through the roofless arches is a fascinating experience and offers a glimpse into one of the most important events in Lisbon’s history. The contrast between the ancient stone structure and the blue sky above makes this one of the most photogenic places in the city.
If you’re interested in history, architecture, or photography, this stop is well worth adding to your itinerary.
LX Factory
Before heading across the river to Cristo Rei, we made a stop at LX Factory, one of Lisbon’s most creative and trendy areas.
Located beneath the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, LX Factory is a former industrial complex that has been transformed into a vibrant hub filled with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, street art, and creative workspaces.
We loved wandering through the colorful streets, browsing the unique stores, and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. One of the highlights is Ler Devagar, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Even if you’re not planning to buy a book, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the impressive interior.
LX Factory feels very different from Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods and offers a glimpse into the city’s modern and creative side. Whether you’re looking for a coffee break, a unique souvenir, or simply a place to explore, it’s a great addition to any Lisbon itinerary.
Cristo Rei
After exploring the museum, we headed across the Tagus River to visit Cristo Rei.
Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, Cristo Rei stands high above Lisbon and offers some of the best panoramic views in the region.
From the viewing platform, you can enjoy incredible views of Lisbon’s skyline, the Tagus River, and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. Seeing the city from this perspective really helped us appreciate just how large and beautiful Lisbon is.
Although it requires a short ferry and bus ride, we think the trip is absolutely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a different viewpoint than those found within the city center.
Dinner at Kong
For dinner, we visited Kong, which many people consider to be one of the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon.
After eating there, we completely understood why.
Everything from the service and presentation to the food itself was exceptional. If you’re vegan, or simply enjoy great food, this is a restaurant you shouldn’t miss.
We highly recommend ordering the Croquettes de Alheira and the Pica Pau as starters to share.
For our main course, we chose the Entrecosto, a dish featuring tender vegan ribs served with mashed potatoes and a rich red wine sauce. It was easily one of the best meals we had during our time in Portugal.
And if you have a sweet tooth like we do, make sure to save room for dessert. We tried the Berry Cheesecake and the Nutella Cake, and both were absolutely delicious.
Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
To end the day, we headed to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for sunset.
Often considered one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, this spot offers sweeping views across the city, including São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, and Lisbon’s famous red rooftops.
Compared to some of the more popular viewpoints, it felt slightly less crowded and offered plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the view.
Watching the sun set over Lisbon from here was the perfect way to end our second day in the city and easily one of our favorite moments of the entire trip.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra & Belém’s Historic Monuments
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to Sintra. Known for its fairytale castles, lush gardens, and dramatic hilltop views, Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from the Portuguese capital—and after visiting ourselves, we completely understand why.
We dedicated most of our third day to exploring Sintra before returning to Lisbon in the evening for one final stop in the Belém district.
Getting to Sintra
Thanks to the Lisboa Card, getting to Sintra was incredibly easy. The train journey from Lisbon takes around 40 minutes and is included with the card, making it one of the best-value day trips you can take during your stay.
We recommend starting your day early, as Sintra’s main attractions can get very busy, especially during the summer months.
Castelo dos Mouros
Our first stop was Castelo dos Mouros, also known as the Moorish Castle.
Perched high on a hill overlooking Sintra, this medieval fortress offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. Walking along the ancient stone walls felt like stepping back in time, and the panoramic views over the surrounding forests, mountains, and coastline were absolutely worth the climb.
While many visitors head straight to Pena Palace, we found Castelo dos Mouros to be one of the highlights of our day. The historic atmosphere combined with the incredible viewpoints makes it a must-visit when exploring Sintra.
One important tip: be sure to book your entry time slot in advance, especially during the peak travel season. Visitor numbers are managed through timed entry slots, and popular times can sell out quickly. Booking ahead will help ensure a smoother visit and save you from potential disappointment on the day of your trip.
Quinta da Regaleira
After exploring the castle, we continued to Quinta da Regaleira, one of Sintra’s most fascinating attractions.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its mysterious gardens, hidden tunnels, ornate architecture, and the iconic Initiation Well. Exploring the estate feels almost like being in a real-life fantasy novel, with surprises around every corner.
We particularly enjoyed wandering through the gardens and discovering the underground passages connecting different parts of the property. There is so much to see that it’s easy to spend several hours here.
If you’re deciding which attractions to prioritize in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira should definitely be near the top of your list.
Just like Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira operates with timed entry slots. We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the busy season, as popular time slots can sell out quickly. Having your tickets booked ahead of time will make your visit much smoother and help you maximize your time in Sintra.
Returning to Lisbon
After spending nearly a full day of exploring Sintra, we took the train back to Lisbon and headed to the historic Belém district for one final landmark.
Although we could easily have spent another day in Sintra, we wanted to make sure we didn’t leave Lisbon without seeing one of its most famous monuments.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Our final stop was the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, one of Portugal’s most impressive architectural masterpieces.
Built in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture. The intricate stone carvings, grand arches, and impressive details make it one of Lisbon’s most beautiful landmarks.
Even from the outside, the monastery is incredibly impressive. If you have time, we highly recommend exploring the interior as well, where you’ll find beautiful cloisters and centuries of Portuguese history.
Located in the heart of Belém, the monastery is also within walking distance of several other famous attractions, making it easy to combine with a visit to the district.
One attraction we unfortunately missed was the famous Belém Tower. The landmark was closed for renovation work during our visit, so we weren’t able to go inside. If it’s open during your trip, we would definitely recommend adding it to your Belém itinerary, as it’s one of Lisbon’s most iconic sights and is located within easy walking distance of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
Budget Tips for Lisbon
Use Public Transportation
Lisbon’s metro, trams, and buses are affordable and easy to use.
Stay in an Apartment
We recommend booking an apartment with a kitchen. Preparing your own breakfast and some meals can save a surprising amount of money.
Eat Local
Supermarkets like Pingo Doce offer affordable meal options, snacks, and ingredients if you’re traveling on a budget.
Walk Whenever Possible
Many of Lisbon’s highlights are within walking distance of each other.
Just be prepared for hills!
Final Thoughts
Lisbon offers an incredible combination of history, viewpoints, culture, and food without requiring a huge budget. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer Portugal itinerary, three days is enough to experience many of the city’s highlights.
For us, the combination of walkable neighborhoods, fantastic vegan food, and stunning viewpoints made Lisbon one of our favorite European city destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal’s capital, we hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time there. And don’t forget to pick up a Lisboa Card, it ended up saving us both time and money throughout our stay.
If this got your interest, check out our other Europe posts to get inspired for your next trip to Europe!
And check out our Travel Guides, like our Backpacking Essentials Guide to help you prepare for your trip.