Best places to visit in Lisbon – smart itinerary for first-time visitors

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most magnetic cities — full of light, ocean breeze, tiled facades, fado music, trams climbing dramatic hills, and that distinctive smell of roasted chestnuts in winter. It is big enough to explore for weeks, yet compact enough to discover in just a few days with a smart itinerary. The trick is to organize your visit around districts rather than individual monuments, so you avoid wasted time in transportation and enjoy Lisbon the way locals live it: slowly, with room for spontaneous cafés and viewpoints.

Whether you have two days, three days, or a full week, this guide highlights the best places to visit in Lisbon and organizes them into a perfect itinerary — efficient, scenic, and stress-free.

Day 1: Explore Alfama and São Jorge Castle

Your first day should start where Lisbon started — Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in the city. Narrow medieval streets, laundry hanging from balconies, tiled walls, and spontaneous fado performances at night make this district unforgettable. Alfama survived the massive 1755 earthquake, so walking here feels like stepping into Lisbon’s past.

Must-see places in Alfama:

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia — one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints
• Lisbon Cathedral (Sé Catedral) — dating back to the 12th century
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol — postcard-perfect with sweeping river views

From the viewpoint, walk uphill toward São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon’s landmark attractions. The castle offers a panoramic view of the Tagus River and the terracotta rooftops. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful views.

Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the queue. The castle has quiet gardens and peacocks walking around — perfect for a slow exploration.

After the castle, get lost intentionally in Alfama’s maze. Stop for coffee at a local pastelaria and try a pastel de nata sprinkled with cinnamon. If it is close to sunset, walk toward Miradouro da Graça, a relaxed terrace popular with locals.

Day 2: Discover Baixa, Chiado and the iconic Tram 28

Start your second day in the heart of Lisbon: Baixa, the city center built after the 1755 earthquake. Its grid-like layout and neoclassical architecture contrast sharply with the medieval Alfama. Walk along Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street with vibrant cafés and street artists.

Key sights in Baixa:

• Praça do Comércio — one of the largest waterfront squares in Europe
• Rua Augusta Arch — take the elevator to the terrace for stunning views
• Elevador de Santa Justa — an iron lift designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel

From Baixa, walk uphill (or take the tram) toward Chiado, Lisbon’s elegant district filled with bookstores, fashion boutiques, and historic cafés. Visit A Brasileira, one of the oldest cafés in Lisbon, where poet Fernando Pessoa used to sit and write.

Don’t miss: Tram 28. This vintage tram crosses Alfama, Baixa, and Graça, offering a scenic city tour for the price of a tram ticket. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Finish the day in the trendy neighborhood of Bairro Alto. At night, its streets transform into an open-air party — ideal for drinks, live music, and fado bars.

Day 3: Belém — Discover the maritime history of Portugal

On your third day, explore Belém, the district that symbolizes Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Many of the country’s legendary navigators — including Vasco da Gama — departed from here to explore the oceans.

Top attractions in Belém:

• Jerónimos Monastery — a masterpiece of Manueline architecture
• Belém Tower — the postcard symbol of Lisbon
• Monument to the Discoveries — dedicated to Portuguese explorers

These monuments reflect Portugal’s maritime power in the 15th and 16th centuries. The architecture is intricate, photogenic, and unlike anything else in Europe.

Travel tip: The monastery opens at 10:00 AM. Arrive at 9:45 to skip the line and enjoy the cloisters before the tours arrive.

And while you’re in Belém, don’t miss the birthplace of the world-famous Pastéis de Belém — the original pastel de nata recipe from 1837. Expect a line outside, but it moves quickly and is worth it.

Best viewpoints (miradouros) to add to your itinerary

Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, which means some of Europe’s most impressive viewpoints. Here are the best ones:

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara — perfect at sunset
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte — panoramic and quieter
• Panorâmico de Monsanto — abandoned viewpoint with graffiti art

Insider trick: Go to São Pedro de Alcântara for sunset with a glass of vinho verde (light green wine). The golden hour light transforms the city into a glowing mosaic.

What to eat: Traditional dishes you must try

Lisbon’s food scene is exceptional — simple ingredients, fresh seafood, and strong influences from Portugal’s maritime history.

Must-try dishes:

• Pastel de nata — custard tart pastry
• Bacalhau à Brás — shredded cod with onions and potatoes
• Bifana — marinated pork sandwich with mustard
• Grilled sardines — popular during summer festivals

For a unique experience, visit Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, where top local chefs serve tasting-style menus. It’s ideal if you want to try many dishes in the same place.

How to get around Lisbon (without wasting time)

• Use metro or trams inside the city
• Use trains for Belém or Cascais
• Uber and Bolt are cheap and everywhere

A single metro ticket costs less than a coffee, and the Viva Viagem reloadable card makes transport easy.

When to visit Lisbon

Best months: April, May, June, September, October.
Avoid August — prices increase, and the city gets crowded.

Winter is mild (10°C–18°C), with sunny days and smaller crowds — a hidden gem for slower travel.

Need a downloadable Lisbon itinerary with maps and restaurant recommendations? Just ask, and I’ll build a custom PDF travel guide for you.

Last updated: November 2025 — travel data from Turismo de Portugal, CP train schedules, and local guides.