1. Lisbon in 3 days

If you’ve chosen to visit Lisbon in 3 days, you’ll have time to discover the must-see sights AND explore less touristy neighborhoods. This itinerary allows you to combine UNESCO World Heritage sites, authentic local life, and a day trip to Sintra or the coast.

This detailed guide offers an optimized schedule, expert advice, and the best ways to maximize your time. Get ready for a rich and memorable experience!

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2. Let’s look at the route together!

Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage

• Morning : Belém Tower (1 hour 30 minutes)
• Lunch in Belém
• Afternoon : Jerónimos Monastery (1.5 hours)
• Evening : Walk in Belém

Day 2: Alfama & City Center

• Morning : São Jorge Castle (2 hours)
• Lunch : Lunch in Alfama
• Afternoon : Alfama alleyways, National Pantheon
• Evening : Traditional Fado

Day 3: Excursion + Modern Districts

• Option A : Sintra (Pena Palace, Moorish Castle)
• Option B : Cascais (beaches, cliffs, Estoril)
• Evening : Príncipe Real district (cafes, shopping)

Total visit time : 12-14 hours

Distance covered : ~30 km

Estimated budget : €150-220 (excluding accommodation)

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3. Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage

(Same as the 2-day guide)

Summary :

• Belém Tower: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Lunch: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Jerónimos Monastery: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Walk: 1 hour

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4. Day 2: Alfama & City Center

(Same as the 2-day guide – see previous content)

Summary :

• São Jorge Castle: 2 hours
• Lunch: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Alfama + Pantheon: 2 hours
• Fado: 3 hours

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5. Day 3: Excursions & Modern Districts

Option A: Sintra (Recommended)

Access :

• Train from Rossio Station (30 min, €2.50)
• Or Uber/Taxi (45 min, €30)

Itinerary :

• 9:00 AM : Departure for Sintra
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Pena Palace (1h30)
• 12:30-2: 00 PM: Château des Maures (1 hour)
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM : Lunch in Sintra
• 3:00 p.m.-4 :00 p.m.: Quinta da Regaleira (1 hour)
• 5:00 PM : Return to Lisbon

To have :

• Pena Palace : Spectacular Romantic Architecture
• Château des Maures : Medieval fortress with views
• Quinta da Regaleira : Mysterious gardens and initiatory well

Prices:

• Pena Palace: €14
• Château des Maures: €8
• Quinta da Regaleira: €10

Tip: Book tickets online to avoid queues.

Discover Sintra from Lisbon

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Option B: Cascais & Coast

Access :

• Train from Cais do Sodré station (30 min, €2.50)
• Or Uber/Taxi (40 min, €25)

Itinerary :

• 9:00 AM : Departure for Cascais
• 10:00-12:00 : Beaches and cliffs (2 hours)
• 12:00-13:30 : Seafood Lunch
• 1:30 p.m.-3 :00 p.m.: Estoril (casino, promenade)
• 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM : Return to Cascais
• 5:00 PM : Return to Lisbon

To have :

• Cascais beaches : Fine sand, clear waters
• Cliffs : Spectacular landscapes
• Estoril Casino : Belle Époque Architecture
• Coastal walk : 10 km of trails

Prices:

• Beaches: Free
• Estoril Casino: Free (games are paid)

Tip: Bring your swimsuit and towel.

Discover Cascais from Lisbon

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Evening: Príncipe Real district (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)

Access :

• Metro line 12 (Azul) to “Príncipe Real”

To have :

• Bertrand Bookstore (the oldest bookstore in the world)
• Gardens of the Royal Prince
• Art Galleries
• Design boutiques

Where to eat:

• Modern and trendy restaurants
• Trendy cafes
• Cocktail bars

Atmosphere :

• LGBTQ+ welcoming neighborhood
• vibrant nightlife
• High-end shopping

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6. Practical tips for 3 days

Transportation

Viva Viagem card:

• 72-hour subscription: €25
• Unlimited access to metro, tram, bus
• Valid for regional trains (Sintra, Cascais)

Important times

• Sintra trains : Departing every 15-30 minutes
• Cascais trains : Departures every 15-30 minutes
• Attractions : Open 9am-6pm (generally)
• Fado restaurants : 7pm-11pm

Estimated budget (3 days)

The essentials to pack in your suitcase

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Swimsuit (if in Cascais)
• Light clothing + jacket
• Sunscreen
• Small backpack

Advice from our travel experts

✅ Book attractions online

✅ Take the early train to Sintra/Cascais

✅ Bring water

✅ Wear good shoes

✅ Book the fado in advance

✅ Explore Alfama without a route

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7. Ready for 3 days in Lisbon?

Book Torre de Belém – Skip-the-Line Tickets

Visiting Lisbon in 2 days – Short version

Visiting Lisbon in 4 days – Full version

Complete Lisbon Guide – Back to the main guide