3 days in Lisbon

Lisbon is an incredible city to visit for so many reasons. We traveled in late October, when the weather was still warm (an average climate of 75°F/24°C) and the summer season tourists had long returned home.

If you're a first-time visitor, knowing where to begin in Lisbon can be challenging. My Lisbon travel guide is a simple 3-day itinerary that'll get you to the best sights and attractions in the capital.

How to get around Lisbon 

The Viva Vivagem card is the cheapest way of getting around Lisbon and you can use it on any form of public transport. It's contactless and works in the same way as the Metrocard in New York City, and the Oyster Card in London.

At the time of travel, it cost €0.50, and was simple to top up with credit at any metro station as and when was needed.

Another alternative is to purchase the Lisbon Card. Available for 24, 36 or 72 hours, it provides unlimited access to the public transport system in Lisbon. With the card, you can also enjoy free admission to top attractions and discounted entry at Lisbon's landmarks.

10 places to add to your Lisbon travel itinerary

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1. Visit Parque das Nações

Start by taking the Metro to Oriente and follow the directions as signposted.

If, as the attraction's name suggests, you're expecting to find a park, you'll be disappointed. The area's actually home to leisure and commercial facilities as well as residential homes.

 Overlooking the Tagus River, Parque das Nações has green spaces and is home to the Camões Theatre and the Lisbon Oceanarium.

Get advanced tickets for the Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa)

Nearby are chic waterfront restaurants and the Centro Vasco da Gama shopping mall with shops and cinemas. Families with young children will enjoy the exhibitions at the Knowledge Pavilion. For the best bird’s eye view of the city, jump aboard the Telecabine Lisboa cable car and enjoy the ride.

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2. Eat at Campo de Ourique Market

Taking the wrong tram can sometimes have its advantages. This was the case when we jumped on the wrong number tram but stumbled upon Campo de Ourique Market.

This mercado Mecca sells traditional market produce plus an array of delectable treats. We chowed down on a charcuterie platter with a large glass of red for a respectable price of €8 ($8.82/£6.72).

Campo de Ourique Market, R. Coelho da Rocha 104

3. Head to Baixa Chiado

Every capital has its overcrowded tourist hotspot, and Lisbon’s equivalent is Baixa Chiado.

As well as being a busy metro station, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Baixa Caido reminds me of the energy of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, with street performers adding an upbeat vibe.

Electric but opportunistic

What the electric energy and big crowds also bring, however, are the opportunists. Like every capital city around the world, Lisbon isn't exempt for its being a target for scammers. Keep a close eye on your belongings when exploring Baixa Caido and don't lose yourself in the moment.

From Baixa Caido, it's a short walk across the plaza to the lively Barrio Alto area. It connects travelers to the Praça do Comércio and the trendy boutique lined shops of R. Dom Pedro V.

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Map: a simple 3-day Lisbon travel guide

4. Stop for a bite at Mercado da Ribeira

Opposite the Cais do Sodré train station is the Mercado da Ribeira. It first opened in 1892 and was known as Mercado 24 de Julho, a nod to its address.

A mouth-watering hub of food and drink stalls, it's a must visit for food and market lovers.

More on offer

The market also has a conjoining section to stock up on fresh fish, flowers and other household goods. Mercado da Ribeira is Lisbon's main food market and it's easy to see why the spot is so popular.

There are 28 different food stalls, 8 drink counters and plenty of opportunities to try Lisbon's most delicious dishes. Open from 10am till late, Mercado da Ribeira is a must-see stop for any traveling foodie.

Mercado da Ribeira, Av. 24 de Julho 49

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5. Browse the stalls at Feira da Ladra

Open-air market fans will enjoy the ‘Thieves’ market’ otherwise known as Feira da Ladra.

The market's a larger version of the English ‘car boot sale’ or the American ‘yard sale’. The Feira da Ladra offers everything from secondhand clothing and jewellery to books and food produce.

when does the Feira da Ladra take place?

Dating to 1272, the Feira da Ladra takes place every Tuesday and Saturday in Campo de Santa Clara. Just behind the market is the monastery of São Vicente de Fora. Consider visiting the church of its namesake after you're done touring the market.

Crowds flock upon the market very quickly, so the earlier you arrive, the better.

Feira da Ladra, Campo de Santa Clara

6. Take a day trip to Cascais

Approximately 35 minutes from Cais do Sodré train station is the glorious town of Cascais, situated along the Portuguese Riviera.

The ‘bourgeois’ village by the sea is the perfect getaway from Lisbon’s urban center.

Unmissable things to do in Cascais

A picturesque scene awaits in the beautiful seaside town of Cascais. Stunning bays and dramatic landscapes, many happy memories are made here.

The beaches of Costa da Estoril offer the kind of Mediterranean vibes you'd expect from this side of Portugal. For water sports activities like surfing or kite surfing, the beaches along the Serra da Sintra are perfect.

Just 20 minutes away are the seaside cliffs that make up Boca do Inferno. A popular spot to take in the scenery, it's equally popular among social media and selfie enthusiasts.

With its splendid esplanade and high-end restaurants, it's little wonder why Cascais makes an ideal beach getaway.

Offering visitors the best of both worlds, experience a slice of beach life and a charming centro historico in Cascais.

Where to sleep in Cascais

Given its popularity with locals, visitors and past links to the Portuguese Royal Family, Cascais can be expensive.

But, like with any destination, you can find hotels in Cascais that suits your budget. Here are a few that you may want to consider booking:

• Luxury hotel: wake up to views of the Atlantic Ocean at Farol Hotel. A modern 5-star hotel, it has large modern rooms and an outdoor pool

• Mid-range: Vila Galé Cascais: modern 4-star hotel with delicious dining and a swimming pool

• Budget: Enjoy Cascais without forking out high prices at Cascais front sea bay view. The hotel has large rooms and is located by the waterfront

7. Take in a Fado show 

You can't visit Lisbon without taking a trip to a good Fado house. It's akin to catching a spectacular flamenco show in Seville.

Book tickets for a top-rated flamenco show in Seville

You'll find the majority of Fado houses in the Alfama district of the city, but do research before going. We took in dinner and a show at Clube de Fado.

High costs

The melancholic, dulcet tones from the Fadista, together with some red wine, made the evening a memorable cultural experience.

Food prices in some Fado houses can be expensive, so check the menus before going. Alternatively, you can always fill up on the bread basket and plenty of ice water.

Clube de Fado, R. de São João da Praça 86

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8. Get to Belem

The pretty, and touristic hotspot, of Belem is worth a visit for so many reasons. It's home to several major landmarks including the Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery, and the Torre de Belem.

Belem's also home to the striking red 25 de Abril Bridge (very similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge).

Dessert heaven in Lisbon

Incredible historical landmarks aside, Belem is know for another must try: its pastries.

Pastéis de Belém is the birthplace of the scrumptious Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts). One sniff of the alluring aroma, and you won't complain about the long line to get your hands on one. 

9. Swing by Principe Real

During the second part of our stay in Lisbon, we moved to the Soho-esque neighborhood of Principe Real. The area's in short walking distance of popular parts of town like Baixa Chiado.

What's more, Principe Real is where you'll find independent shops, the Gloria funicular and the stunning Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

This viewing point gives you some of the best views of the city, even more so if you catch it at sunset.

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10. Fall in love with Sintra

I saved the best till last on my itinerary with a visit to the historic town of Sintra.

I instantaneously fell in love with the surroundings as I departed the train and made my way into the town.

Statues and sculptures — both old and contemporary — adorn the trees and spiraling roads that lead to the center.

Best attractions in Sintra

Unmissable attractions include Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo dos Mouros and the colorful Palácio da Pena and park (get your entry ticket).

Quinta da Regaleira is an early 20th century palace and gardens with underground passages. Within the grounds is a chapel and museum. One of the most romantic structures I've seen, you won't be disappointed.

Quinta da Regaleira, R. Barbosa du Bocage 5

If you plan to visit the latter two, take the bus, or other modes of transport. The roads are considerably steep and it gets tiring trying to reach these attractions.

Other alternatives include joining a tour. Any of the following include entrance to the attractions, transport and led by a knowledgeable guide.

• Guided day tour of Sintra, Pena Regaleira and Cascais
• Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
• Sintra, Pena, Cabo da Roca coast and Cascais day tour

What are your thoughts on this Lisbon travel guide? Would you like to visit Lisbon one day? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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