Lisbon Calling: A 3-Day Journey Through History, Fado, and Coastal Splendour (2025)

Lisbon is a city of light, hills, and melancholy music. Its heart is divided by seven famous hills and spanned by dramatic bridges, offering layers of discovery: the solemn grandeur of the Age of Discoveries, the melancholy beauty of Fado music echoing in the narrow alleys, and the crisp taste of Pastéis de Nata. To visit Lisbon is to engage with a capital perpetually bathed in a golden, coastal glow.

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that is vibrant, architecturally stunning, and connected to a profound maritime history, a trip Lisbon is the essential choice. This expert-crafted 3 days in Lisbon itinerary is designed for maximum cultural immersion, balancing the iconic trams and ancient quarters with the monumental history of Belém. It is the definitive Lisbon travel guide for planning your journey, detailing exactly what to do in Lisbon during your unforgettable Lisbon weekend itinerary.

Sunlit streets, pastel façades, and the sound of trams climbing the hills make Lisbon a city where charm meets the sea.

Day 1: Maritime Glory and Imperial Architecture

Day one is dedicated to the monumental legacy of the Age of Discoveries in the Belém district, followed by the grandeur of the city centre.

Morning: Belém's Monuments to Discovery

Start your day by taking Tram 15 or the local train from Cais do Sodré to the Belém district. Arrive early to secure tickets and avoid queues.

The centerpiece is the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos). This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture (a richly ornate, uniquely Portuguese Gothic style). Visit the magnificent cloisters and the Church of Santa Maria, which holds the tombs of explorer Vasco da Gama and poet Luís de Camões. Entry to the Church is free; the Cloister requires a ticket (approx. €12).

Walk along the waterfront to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), a massive stylized caravel honoring Portugal's explorers. Conclude the morning at the iconic Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), a 16th-century fortress that served as the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Entry fee is approximately €8.

Lunch and Pastéis de Nata Pilgrimage

Lunch must begin with a pilgrimage to the original source: Pastéis de Belém. This bakery has been making the world-famous custard tart since 1837. Grab a handful, dust them with cinnamon, and devour them hot from the oven.

For lunch, grab a savory meal at a café in Belém, enjoying the riverside atmosphere.

Evening: Downtown Grandeur and Sunset Views

Return to the city centre. Walk from the waterfront Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), Lisbon’s grandest plaza, through the triumphal Arco da Rua Augusta.

Ride the famous Elevador de Santa Justa, a neo-Gothic industrial lift (designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel) that connects the Baixa district to the Bairro Alto. The top offers excellent night views. Conclude the evening with dinner in the Bairro Alto or Chiado districts, known for their elevated views and lively dining scenes.

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Jerónimos Monastery Cloister	9:30 AM – 11:30 AM	€12 avg	£10.45 avg	Tram 15 or Train to Belém. Pre-book tickets here
Belém Tower & Monument	11:30 AM – 1:00 PM	€8 avg (Tower)	£7 avg	Walkable along the waterfront. Tower is often crowded.
Pastéis de Belém (Tarts)	1:00 PM – 1:30 PM	€1.30 avg	£1.15 avg	Mandatory stop for the original custard tarts.
Lunch – Belém Cafe	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€20 avg	£17.40 avg	Riverside cafe near the monuments.
Santa Justa Lift & Baixa Walk	4:30 PM – 6:30 PM	€5.30 (Return ride)	£4.60	Connects Baixa to Bairro Alto. Price includes viewpoint.
Dinner – Bairro Alto/Chiado	8:30 PM	€35 avg	£30.50 avg	Elevated dining options with great nightlife.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €7.00 (approx. 24-Hour Carris/Metro Pass)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 2: Alfama’s Soul and Sunset Fado

Day two is dedicated to the oldest, most atmospheric parts of Lisbon, riding the famous trams and exploring medieval hillsides.

Morning: Alfama and Tram 28

Start your day by seeking out the Tram 28 route. Boarding the entire route is a quintessential Lisbon experience, as the vintage tram rattles through the narrow, twisting streets of the Alfama and Graça districts. To avoid the longest queues, board at the beginning of the line (e.g., Martim Moniz) early in the morning.

Disembark in the Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, which survived the 1755 earthquake. Spend the morning getting "lost" in its labyrinthine alleys, hidden squares, and steep staircases.

Climb the hill to Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle). This ancient Moorish citadel offers stunning views of the city, the Tagus, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Lunch and Viewpoints

For lunch, stay in the Alfama district. Look for a small, traditional tasca (local restaurant) serving grilled fish or seafood rice.

The afternoon is for the city's spectacular viewpoints (Miradouros). Visit Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, both offering beautiful, tiled terraces and classic Alfama views.

Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), a fortress-like medieval church that sits near the entrance to Alfama.

Evening: Fado Performance

For your second night, experience Fado, the soulful, melancholy music that defines the Portuguese spirit and is recognized by UNESCO. Book a dinner-and-show performance in a traditional casa de fados in the Alfama or Bairro Alto districts.

The combination of authentic Portuguese cuisine and the powerful, expressive voices of the fadistas makes this an unforgettable farewell to the old city.

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Tram 28 Ride	9:30 AM – 10:30 AM	€1.66 (Zapping)	£1.45	Ride the full historic route. Board early to secure a seat.
Alfama Walk & São Jorge Castle	11:00 AM – 1:30 PM	€15 avg (Castle)	£13.10 avg	Explore the narrow streets and climb to the citadel.
Lunch – Alfama Tasca	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€20 avg	£17.40 avg	Simple, traditional local restaurant.
Miradouros Walk (Viewpoints)	3:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Free	Free	Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia viewpoints.
Fado Dinner Show	8:30 PM onwards	€40–€65 avg	£34.80–£56.50 avg	Book here a specific show in advance. Includes a set menu/drinks.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €7.00 (approx. 24-Hour Carris/Metro Pass)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 3: Sintra's Fairy Tale or Modern Lisbon

Your final day offers a choice between an essential day trip to the hills of Sintra or exploring the contrasting modernity of Lisbon’s northern parks.

Option 1: Sintra Day Trip (Fairytale Palaces)

Take the train (CP) from Rossio Station (approx. 40 minutes) to Sintra. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Romantic 19th-century architecture and lush, misty hills. The Rossio Plaza Hotel is ideally located 310m from this station.

Visit the brightly coloured Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena), a romantic, eclectic structure perched atop a hill. Then, explore Quinta da Regaleira, known for its mysterious gardens, grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well. This is an all-day excursion.

Option 2: Modern Lisbon and Art

Start the day at the LX Factory, a renovated industrial complex under the 25 de Abril Bridge, now a trendy hub of boutiques, restaurants, and street art.

Then, explore Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), built for the 1998 World Expo. Visit the spectacular Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium), one of the world's largest, and walk along the waterfront.

Farewell: Dinner and Final Views

For your farewell dinner, choose a restaurant in the Cais do Sodré district, famed for its nightlife and the bustling Time Out Market. Enjoy a final glass of local Vinho Verde (Green Wine).

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Sintra Train (Option 1)	9:00 AM – 10:00 AM	€2.45 (Single Train)	£2.15	Train from Rossio Station, near the hotel.
Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira	10:30 AM – 4:00 PM	€35 avg (Combined entry)	£30.50 avg	Buy tickets ahead. Requires local transport (bus/tuktuk) in Sintra. Book here
Lunch – Sintra/Cascais	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€20 avg	£17.40 avg	Casual lunch in Sintra town.
LX Factory & Oceanário (Option 2)	9:30 AM – 4:00 PM	€22 avg (Oceanarium)	£19.15 avg	LX Factory is walkable from Alcântara train stop.
Dinner – Cais do Sodré/Time Out Market	8:30 PM	€35 avg	£30.50 avg	Lively dining and bars. Metro: Cais do Sodré.
Total Estimated Transport Cost (Sintra): €11.00 (Carris/Metro/CP 24-Hour Pass)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a seamless and centrally located experience, the Rossio Plaza Hotel is an outstanding choice.

Rossio Plaza Hotel (Book here)

• Location: The hotel is perfectly situated in the downtown Baixa/Chiado district, right next to Rossio Square and the Santa Justa Lift. Its central spot means you are within a 5-10 minute walk of Chiado's shops, Alfama's alleys, and the Metro/Train stations for both the airport and Sintra. This is arguably the most convenient and walkable location in the city.

• Style & Amenities: This boutique hotel offers modern, clean, and soundproofed rooms. Guests often praise the helpful staff and the complimentary welcome treat of a glass of Port wine and a traditional pastel de nata upon arrival. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and free, reliable Wi-Fi.

• Dining: A delicious buffet breakfast featuring Portuguese elements is available for an extra charge of approximately €15 (£13.05) per person.

• Rates: Prices for this central location typically start around €170 (£148) per night.

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your enchanting trip Portugal is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Lisbon’s Public Transport (Carris/Metro)

Lisbon's transport network is efficient, but requires the Viva Viagem Card.

• Viva Viagem Card: Purchase this reusable, non-refundable paper card for €0.50 upon arrival. You have two main options for loading it:

  1. Zapping: Load credit (e.g., €10 or €20). Each journey is then cheaper (€1.66 per ride on Metro/Bus).

  2. 24-Hour Pass: Load a day pass (approx. €7.00 for Metro/Carris/Tram) or the €11.00 pass if you choose the Sintra/Cascais train option.

• Trams: Tram tickets bought on board are significantly more expensive (€3.10) than using the Viva Viagem card. Always charge your card first.

• The Hills: Use the Metro, funiculars (included in the pass), and trams to navigate the steep hills of Alfama and Bairro Alto. The Rossio Metro station is virtually on the hotel's doorstep.

Tipping, Language, and Culture

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro (€).

• Tipping: Tipping is customary but modest. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is standard for good service.

• Dining Hours: Embrace the late dining culture. Lunch is usually 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM; dinner starts around 8:00 PM.

  
  

Lisbon is waiting to sweep you off your feet with its stunning views and soulful charm. Boa Viagem! (Have a good trip!)