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Seeing Lisbon in three days seems like an almost impossible task. In fact, there are plenty of activities to do, places to visit, and incredible streets to explore in one of Europe's most beautiful capitals.

But if you're coming to Lisbon in a limited time, you should know it's possible to visit the city in just two days. And I'm adding another one to this itinerary so you can go further afield to the mystical town of Sintra.

In Lisbon, we have a saying that we use when we want to represent something almost impossible: "meter o Rossio na Betesga," aka "to fit Rossio [the biggest downtown square] into Betesga [a small and narrow street next to it]."

This Lisbon itinerary is undoubtedly a challenge, but with it, you'll be able to visit some of the city's most important monuments, tour the historic neighborhoods, and let yourself be swept away by the sound of Fado. Along the way, I'll show you some of my favorite spots and give you a handful of reasons to come back.

So, let's get to it because there's just too much to do!

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Tours of Lisbon with Ana Sofia

If you’re looking to explore Lisbon with a local, reach out to Ana Sofia for a guided tour!

Ana is a Lisbon native and she’s been running walking tours, food tours, and day trips to places like Sintra, Évora, and Óbidos for over a decade.

A fully licensed guide with years of university study under her belt, Ana has the knowledge to keep history buffs happy, but what we especially appreciate is that she still always makes her tours light, entertaining, and fun.

See Ana's Tours

How to get around in Lisbon

You don't need a car to visit Lisbon. In fact, traffic can become really chaotic at rush hour, and parking is scarce and mostly paid (and quite expensive!), so having a car when in the city is not at all convenient.

On the other hand, the Lisbon has a good metro system that takes you quickly, easily, and cheaply, to all the main neighborhoods and tourist attractions.

And when you can't get somewhere by metro, you can always take the bus or the traditional streetcars. Tram 28 is the most touristic, as it retains its old appearance and passes through the historic neighborhoods of Graça, Alfama, and Bairro Alto.

Lisbon is also quite compact, so if you're in good shape, I suggest walking most places, as the distances are never too far and exploring the city by foot is the only way you'll feel the charm of the old streets, see all the typical stores, and bump into the locals.

However, if you're not up for walking up and down Lisbon's hills or you're short of time, hiring a tuk-tuk could also be an option. Tuk-tuks have an easier time getting around than cars do, and you’ll also get some explanations from the driver about the places you're passing through. You can book a tuk-tuk online - several companies offer the service - or try to catch one directly at Praça do Rossio or Praça do Comércio. However, be prepared to pay quite a lot, especially in the summer. A tuk-tuk can cost up to 80 euros for a 1.5-hour ride.

The Santa Justa Elevator in Baixa/Largo do Carmo, the Calçada da Glória, Rua da Bica, and Calçada do Lavra) elevators/funiculars are also very helpful for some of the steeper climbs.

To get to Belém, take Streetcar 15 or the train from the Cais do Sodré station.

To visit Cascais, just take the same train all the way to the end of the line.

To visit Sintra, you’ll need to take a 40-minute train ride from Rossio Station. While Sintra is easy to get to, keep in mind that if you want to visit other interesting destinations nearby, it’s really best to rent a car and make a proper day trip of it.

Day 1 - From Belém to downtown Lisbon

The history of Lisbon and the story of the Portuguese Discoveries are told in the Belém area and the city's downtown. It was from Belém that the Portuguese maritime expeditions set out to explore the world, while downtown served as the city's administrative and commercial center, where wealth obtained abroad was brought and traded.

As you tour the city on this first day, with the Tejo River always by your side, you will experience how Lisbon has evolved without ever losing sight of its heritage.

Morning - Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Pastéis de Belém, Praça do Império garden, Belém

Start by catching the Streetcar 15 at Cais do Sodré around 9:00 a.m. or even a little earlier. The journey to Belém takes around 20 minutes and stops right in front of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery).

Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Portugal's most visited monuments. To avoid the long queues that usually form, especially during the summer, you'll want to be there when it opens (9:30 a.m.). Buying your ticket online in advance can also save you some waiting time.

The Jerónimos Monastery was built in the 16th century by order of King Manuel I and is located where the ships set sail during the Age of Discovery.

Start your visit with the Cloister and its incredible Manueline architecture. This is one of the most beautiful areas of the monastery, and the details in the columns and arcades are extraordinary.

Then move on to the Church of Santa Maria de Belém, where you'll find the tombs of two iconic figures in Portuguese history: Vasco da Gama, the navigator who discovered the sea route to India, and Luís de Camões, one of the most famous Portuguese poets, author of "Os Lusíadas," an epic work that tells of the Portuguese achievements during the Age of Discovery.

Before leaving the site, be sure to spend a few minutes admiring the South Portal of the building, which is full of details and representations of the saints and monarchs who lived during this historic period.

It should be mid-morning by now, and this is the perfect opportunity to try the famous Pastéis de Belém. You'll find this 1837 factory 200 meters from the monastery. It produces the best custard tarts you'll ever taste. Be prepared for a bit of a queue at the door, but it will be worth it. And don't bother asking for the recipe because it's still a closely guarded secret. Believe me, I've tried!

Instead of staying inside the pastry shop or by the door, do as I usually do: take your “pastéis” and go and enjoy them in the Praça do Império garden, which is just in front.

With your strength restored, head down to the riverside to see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), a stone monument shaped like a caravel, 52 meters high. This symbol of Portuguese expansion is topped by the image of Prince Henry the Navigator, followed by 32 other sculptures of historical figures from the Discoveries.

Finally, follow the river north for 10 minutes to visit the Belém Tower. Considered a World Heritage Site along with the Jerónimos Monastery, this Manueline fortification was built in the 16th century to protect the port of Lisbon and marked the starting point for maritime expeditions.

You may find yourself queuing to get inside, but for me, the real charm of this monument lies in its exterior, full of details, geometric patterns, and maritime representations.

Discover the jewels of Belem!

Explore the charming Belem neighborhood and her architectural anbd historical treasures on a guided tour with lifelong resident and local guide Ana Sofia!

Belem walking tour

Afternoon - Downtown Lisbon

After you’ve checked out the tower, it should be squarely time for lunch. For this, I recommend two options: you can continue a bit further north, past the Monument to the Overseas Combatants, and have your meal on the Darwin's Café terrace overlooking the river; or my favorite: get back on the Streetcar 15 (towards Praça da Figueira) and get off at Calvário to go to the LX Factory.

Occupying a former industrial area, this venue is home to a series of stores, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés. My favorite thing to do here is have a light meal at Chef Nino and then get lost amongst the books at Ler Devagar, a bookstore in the interior of an old printing plant.

After lunch, take the Streetcar 15 back to the center and get off at Cais do Sodré. It's time to see downtown Lisbon.

Walk up Rua do Alecrim to Praça Luís de Camões. You're on the doorstep of Bairro Alto, but we'll leave that for tomorrow. For now, head towards Chiado and stop at Brasileira do Chiado, if only for a "bica" (the name Lisboners give to espresso) or a cup of tea in this emblematic café. Sitting on a table is a statue of Fernando Pessoa, a tribute to one of Portugal's best-known Lisbon poets, who used his place to write and meet fellow artists.

Walking down Rua Garrett towards Armazéns do Chiado, you'll pass Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookshop in the world (recognized by Guinness World Records in 2011). Founded in 1732, go inside to browse its seven rooms and feel the atmosphere of this place that was frequented by great names in Portuguese literature, such as Aquilino Ribeiro, Alexandre Herculano, Eça de Queirós, and Antero de Quental.

When you reach Armazéns do Chiado - enter this small shopping center to access more modern stores - turn left and go down 100 meters to find the Santa Justa Elevator. Built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel (architect of the famous Eiffel Tower), this impressive elevator made of cast iron and neo-Gothic details connects Baixa Pombalina to Bairro Alto and offers a beautiful panoramic view. Take the stairs down to Rua do Ouro to enter it, or just take my word for it and then continue down Rua Nova do Almada to reach Rossio.

Here, you’ll have arrived at Praça de D. Pedro IV (locally just known as “Rossio”), the city’s most noble square. There used to be many ancient stores and cafés around here, but they have now been replaced by hotels and lodgings, which, in my opinion, has taken away some of its charm.

Despite this, it is at the top of the square that you can see the impressive Teatro Nacional Dona Maria, from 1846, one of the city's most important and emblematic theatres.

If you still want to catch a glimpse of the old shops, on the right-hand side of the theater, you'll find Chapelaria Azevedo Rua (the oldest hat shop in Portugal and where my father used to buy his caps!) and A Ginjinha, one of my stops for a ginjinha (sour cherry liquor) when I go to the Coliseu de Lisboa, in the opposite street, to watch a concert.

The afternoon is flying by, and it's time to go to Praça do Comércio. To do so, set off along Rua Augusta, one of Lisbon's main shopping streets. With stores on both sides, you can quickly lose track of time here.

You'll find the extraordinary Rua Augusta Arch at the end of the street. I suggest you climb up to its viewpoint for the ultimate view of the iconic Praça do Comércio. This grand imperial square is the symbol of the city's reconstruction after the earthquake (and subsequent tsunami) of 1755.

Flanked by restaurants and cafés and positioned right next to the river, this is one of the best places to watch the sunset.

But because the day has been dedicated to the memory of the Age of Discovery and the Portuguese adventure of exploring new maritime routes, how about watching the end of the day from the river on board a cruise boat?

Several companies offer 1.5 to 2-hour tours, departing from the docks at Terreiro do Paço, Alcântara, or Belém. The tours sail from the Alfama hill to the Belém Tower, passing under the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Rossio Square. Photo: Grayswoodsurrey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Evening - Time Out Market, nightlife in Calçada do Combro

It's time for dinner after the boat trip, which has certainly worked up an appetite. Close to Cais do Sodré is Time Out Market. Occupying a former fruit and vegetable market, you'll find a series of restaurants and cafés for a relaxed meal at shared tables. If you want a more intimate atmosphere and are a meat lover, opt for the Sala de Corte restaurant on the other side of the garden.

It's been a long day, and you'll probably want to rest. But if you still have the strength to enjoy Lisbon's nightlife, here's a suggestion: start with a drink at Rua Cor de Rosa in Cais do Sodré, and then head up to the Calçada do Combro area to go dancing at Incógnito, an iconic alternative music nightclub (and my favorite since my college years).

Day 2 - Historic Lisbon - the city’s soul

There's something that sets Lisboners apart from the rest of the Portuguese, even though those of us from the city can't quite explain what it is. People from other parts of the country claim we’ve got our own accent, although we certainly can’t hear it! You might also say the way we invite a neighbor over for an espresso: "Vamos à bica!", is very particular. Or maybe it has to do with how Fado has marked generations, and the word "Saudade" (to miss someone or something) is engraved on our souls.

And while Lisbon is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan and modern, its essence can still be found in its old neighborhoods and in its music. On this second day in the city, this is what we’ll set out to discover.

Morning - Viewpoints, Alfama, and São Jorge Castle

Start bright and early at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. This is a privileged viewpoint over the historic Alfama district, the Tejo River, and the roofs of the typical houses that characterize this area.

In the morning, the sun illuminates this zone with golden hues, a special light that captivates everyone who visits the city.

This is the starting point for exploring Alfama, its winding streets, narrow alleys, and steep, time-worn staircases.

The goal is to climb up to São Jorge Castle, and there are numerous paths to reach it. Take your time and enjoy the typical tiled houses with wrought iron balconies where clothes dry in the wind. Use all your senses. Listen to the sound of the locals going about their daily lives or smell the homemade food being prepared.

If you go in June, get ready to see the whole neighborhood decorated with banners and colorful paper balloons as part of the Lisbon Festivities and Saint Anthony celebrations.

The ticket office for entry to São Jorge Castle is on Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo. Still, you can buy your ticket online to avoid the queues.

Pass through the entrance gate and climb up to the walls for one of the most extraordinary views of Lisbon. Take some time to explore each of the towers that make up this national monument. Then, take a stroll through the gardens and head to the Archaeological Center, which contains remains dating back to the Iron Age, the Islamic occupation, the Middle Ages, and the Modern Era.

Your ticket includes guided tours of this space and the Camera Escura (Dark Chamber). The latter is housed in the Torre de Ulisses, one of the castle's most emblematic towers, and allows you to see Lisbon in real-time through a periscope that offers a 360º view of the city.

If you still have time and desire, you can also visit the museum in the alcáçova area, which has a collection that reveals the multiple cultures and experiences from the 7th century BC to the 18th century.

Skip the tourist traps and discover authentic Portugal

See Lisbon like a local, with a local!

Tours with Ana

Afternoon - Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Fado Museum, Sé de Lisboa, Mouraria neighborhood

Time for lunch! Head to Gosta do Castelo, a friendly restaurant with vintage decor and a relaxed atmosphere. Opt for a brunch menu or try the traditional Bacalhau à Brás or a Pork Belly Bao. Due to its location near the castle, book online to guarantee a table.

After lunch, make your way back to Portas do Sol, but this time, turn right to visit another incredible viewpoint in Alfama: Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

The view from here is very similar to the one in the morning, but what makes this viewpoint unique is its romantic terrace decorated with bougainvillea and tiles illustrating scenes from the city's history.

You'll also find Lisbon's history portrayed, but in comics, in the tunnel that runs under the Portas do Sol viewpoint and connects Rua Norberto de Araújo with Beco de Santa Helena. Follow this lane towards the river and the next stop on this itinerary: the Fado Museum.

This museum is a first glimpse into understanding this Lisbon art form, which has been recognized as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Here, you can learn about the history of Fado and its main protagonists, from the iconic Amália Rodrigues to the current names that keep this musical style alive. From the instruments to the costumes to the interactive studios, get ready to spend a good hour here.

After the visit, walk about 15 minutes to get to the Sé de Lisboa. Built in the 12th century, this beautiful cathedral, so often depicted on postcards of the city, has stunning architecture both inside and out. Next door is the Church of Santo António de Lisboa. Known as the "matchmaker saint," locals often throw a coin into the fountain before the church, especially on June 13, St. Anthony's Day, asking the saint to help them find love or ensure happiness in their marriage.

The end of the day is fast approaching, but there's still time to wander around another historic neighborhood. Mouraria is located next to Martim Moniz Square, and its history dates back to the Muslim occupation of the city. After the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century, this district continued to receive inhabitants of the most varied nationalities and beliefs, making it a center of multiculturalism until this day.

Venture through the winding streets and narrow staircases of this typical neighborhood. Go up to Largo da Severa, which is so-called because it was where Severa, the first Portuguese fado singer, was born and lived.

Then, return to Martim Moniz and enter the Hotel Mundial for a sunset drink on its rooftop, which overlooks downtown Lisbon.

Evening - Dinner and a (Fado) Show

Now that you know the history of Fado and have walked through the historic neighborhoods where this musical genre was born, it's time to see a live show.

At Adega Machado and O Faia, both in Bairro Alto, you can dine while listening to the chords of the Portuguese guitar and the melancholy voices of the artists who give their soul to Fado.

Eat your way through Lisbon on a city center food tour!

Spend a half-day wandering Lisbon's maze of twisting alleys while also trying all the city's best local treats with our favorite guide, Ana Sofia!

Lisbon food tour

Day 3 - Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais

On the 3rd day of this itinerary, leave the city to discover one of the most beautiful villages you'll ever visit: Sintra.

Located 30 km from Lisbon, its architecture, monuments, and natural surroundings are so relevant and breathtaking that UNESCO has recognized it as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

It's no wonder that this town has been a source of inspiration for several artists, such as the English poet Lord Byron or the Portuguese painter Almada Negreiros, or has been the setting for major film productions, such as "The Ninth Gate," starring Johnny Depp, or "The House of Spirits," starring Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close, Winona Ryder, and Antonio Banderas.

To visit Sintra, simply take a train from Rossio Station and return to Lisbon at the end of the day. But if you want to make the most of this day trip, rent a car so that you can then visit the other places I'm going to suggest.

Morning - Breakfast at Casa Piriquita and visit to the Pena Palace

Wake up early so you can get to Sintra as soon as possible. Car circulation in the historic center is restricted, and parking is limited. Going early in the morning increases the chances of finding a good parking spot.

And because you've left early enough, start your tour at Casa Piriquita by tasting a delicious Travesseiro de Sintra, a puff pastry cake filled with egg and almond cream. I'm not a big fan of almonds, but whenever I go to Sintra, I can't resist having one!

After this breakfast boost, it's time to head to the Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace), one of Sintra's most iconic monuments. As it's at the top of the mountain, you can walk there, but it will take a long time and be a very demanding hike. The best option is to take bus 434, near the Sintra Palace (or near the train station), which runs between the historic center and the main attractions.

The Pena Palace looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its red and yellow colors and a mixture of architectural styles and decorative elements that will fascinate you.

I suggest you visit with an audio guide to learn about its history and spaces. The audio guide can be accessed via an app, but you must pay a supplement when you buy your ticket. If you want to avoid making the walk, you can also add the cost of the transfer that takes you from the main entrance of the Parque da Pena (Pena Park) to the palace.

Getting tickets: To enter the Pena Palace, it's best to buy your ticket online, as it's subject to a compulsory date and time reservation. Book well in advance to ensure you have access on the day you're in Sintra and at the time that suits you best, as this is a very busy monument.

Visiting the Pena Palace, especially if you also want to stroll around the gardens, will take you all morning.

Afternoon - Sintra Mitos E Lendas Museum, Quinta de Regaleira, Cabo da Roca

When you’ve finished exploring the palace, return to the historic center of Sintra for lunch. Go to Tascantiga, a small restaurant in Escadinhas da Fonte da Pipa, and try some of the wonderful petiscos served there.

After lunch, let’s explore Sintra's more mystical side. Start with a visit to the Sintra Mitos e Lendas museum, located at the tourism office. This interactive center will take you on a sensory journey through the town's myths and legends, often crossing reality with fiction.

This will be the perfect motto for visiting my favorite place in Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira. Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most intriguing places because of its architecture and the various symbolisms inside, including references to the Freemasons, Alchemy, the Knights Templar, and even Dante's "Divine Comedy."

The estate consists of several labyrinthine gardens with fountains, sculptures, towers, caves, tunnels, an intriguing palace, and even an Initiation Well, extending 27 meters into the ground, often associated with Masonic rituals.

The mysteries surrounding this estate can be felt as you walk along its paths. I guarantee it's a place that will surprise you.

There's so much to see in Sintra, but the day will be winding down by this point, and there’s still more to see nearby, so it’s time to leave this magical town behind. As I said, you could take the train back to Lisbon now, but I think it’s better to hop in the car and head for the nearby coast.

Cabo da Roca, just a 30-minute drive from the village of Sintra, is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and it marks the westernmost point of continental Europe. Located 140 meters above sea level and with an imposing lighthouse, the view over the cliffs and the sea is magnificent.

In this place, "Where the land ends and the sea begins" (as you can read on a sign there), stay to watch the sunset, when the golden light changes the color of the cliffs and the sea takes on an even stronger blue.

Evening - Dinner in Cascais and a bit of fun at the Estoril Casino

Instead of returning to Lisbon, go to Cascais for dinner, more precisely at the Maré restaurant on Estrada do Guincho. Here, under the signature of renowned Portuguese chef José Avillez, you'll find dishes where fish and seafood really shine.

If you're in the mood for Asian food, another option is the Estoril Mandarin in the Estoril Casino. This is where I had the best Beijing Duck to date, but there are dozens of other Cantonese food options.

After dinner, try your luck in the casino or just hang around the lounge for a drink and some live music.

Get away from the crowds and see Sintra the right way!

Visiting Sintra doesn't have to mean spending all day shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other visitors. Beat the crowds and explore better with local guide Ana Sofia!

Sintra day trip

Day 4 - More nearby day trips

If you have an extra day in/around Lisbon, you could do any number of things: there’s always more to see in the city itself, Sintra has much more to offer than what you’ll have seen yesterday, and the surrounding area is full of great places to visit within a about an hour’s drive.

Assuming you’re interested in seeing more of what the nearby areas have to offer, here are three classic day trip options, each of which are to places that I really love:

Option 1: Óbidos

Óbidos is one of Portugal's most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages, and visiting it is almost like taking a trip back in time.

About an hour from Lisbon, this ancient town, surrounded by the walls of its castle, is full of historic churches, little white houses decorated with colorful flowers, and cobbled streets with craft stores and restaurants.

Its beauty is such that it was once a wedding gift from Portuguese kings to their queens.

An itinerary here includes walking on the ramparts, visiting the museums, entering the art-filled churches, visiting the local bookshops, and, of course, tasting the traditional Ginjinha de Óbidos (sour cherry liquor) served in a chocolate cup.

Óbidos is also known for its cultural events, such as the Chocolate Festival, the Medieval Fair, the International Literature Festival, and the Christmas Village. If you're thinking of going there, see if the dates of your trip coincide with any of them.

Option 2: Mafra and Ericeira

About 40 minutes from Lisbon, you'll reach Mafra, known for its imposing National Palace, one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the various rooms where the Portuguese kings lived, you'll also see one of Europe's most magnificent libraries.

After visiting this palace, head to the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, an ancient royal hunting grounds, where today you can hike and see deer and wild boars.

After exploring the history and nature of Mafra, continue on to Ericeira, a beautiful coastal town.

Popular among surfers owing to its statues as a World Surfing Reserve, this fishing village also stands out for its picturesque streets, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent fish and seafood restaurants.

Option 3 - Setúbal, Arrábida Natural Park, and Tróia Peninsula

Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge to visit the Setúbal peninsula, 1 hour from Lisbon, in a perfect combination of nature, gastronomy, and wine culture.

The Arrábida Natural Park is located here. It is known for its incredible landscapes and crystal-clear beaches. A drive here reveals extraordinary panoramic views of the ocean.

Setúbal is also recognized as an important wine region in Portugal. Among the many local wine estates, José Maria da Fonseca is one of the most renowned, and it offers visits to the winery and wine tastings.

The city of Setúbal has little to see, but it is here that you can taste the best fried cuttlefish in the country. It's also from here that the ferries cross the Sado River (keep an eye out for dolphins) and take you to the beautiful beaches of the Tróia Peninsula.