Lisbon Itinerary: A 3-Day Stay in Portugal
Lisbon is a beautiful destination filled with colourful trams, tiled buildings, and stunning coastal views.
Ahh, lovely Lisbon - the home of hilly cobblestone streets, vintage trams, and of course, the pastel de nata. Last May, I had the pleasure of visiting Portugal’s capital, and I’ve been dying to go back ever since.
From the bustling food markets to the gorgeous coastal views and its architectural charm, three days just wasn’t enough to satisfy my appetite for this beautiful city. It’s a perfect mix of city life and coastal calm; where beautifully tiled buildings meet the sweeping ocean.
Sunshine, trams, and custard tarts - here’s how I spent three glorious days in Lisbon (and how you can too!)
To find out what I wore in Lisbon, take a look at my Lisbon lookbook here.
Travel & Accommodation
How to get to Lisbon from the Airport
Once at Lisbon Airport, there are many easy transport options to get you to the city centre. My boyfriend and I decided to take the metro, which you can easily spot as soon as you step outside of the airport. Using the ‘Aeroporto - Saldanha’ line, it took us around 20 minutes to get to downtown Lisbon. The metro was easy to use and super convenient - we just swiped our contactless cards at the gate, which cost the same as a single fare at €1.80
For more travel options from Lisbon Airport, I’d recommend checking out this link!
Where to stay in Lisbon
There are various places to stay in Lisbon, and due to its accessibility by foot and tram, choosing an area to stay is less about location and more about what vibe you’re after.
If you are looking for vibrant nightlife, then the bohemian feel of Bairro Alto is the place for you. Located just northern-west of Baixa, its cobbled streets are dotted with a variety of quirky bars and restaurants, and it is also home to one of the most beautiful streets: Rua de Bica.
On the eastern side of Baixa lies Alfama, which is Lisbon’s oldest district - and one of the most beautiful. Here, you can find a ton of history within its labyrinth of alleyways and tiled façades, as well as see some incredible panoramic views. We really got to know Alfama on Day 2 - head there in the itinerary to see what we discovered in its beautiful maze of streets!
If you fancy a bit of shopping, then Chiado is the district for you. Chiado is Lisbon’s stylish district, brimming with boutique stores and trendy cafés. It is also a cultural hub in which you can visit a variety of museums, theatres, and even a grand opera house.
The Baixa District
We decided to stay in the Baixa district of Lisbon, which is the beautiful beating heart of the city. Baixa (or ‘downtown’) is usually the place where tourists begin their discovery of Lisbon, due to its beautiful squares, historic landmarks, and bustling streets full of restaurants, cafés, and gift shops. Its central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the city.
We stayed in this Airbnb during our time in Lisbon, perfectly located in the heart of Baixa with everything just steps away from our doorstep. Be warned: there are plenty of hills to climb, and several flights of stairs inside the Airbnb, so be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Pictured: We had a lovely view from the Airbnb and we were gifted with a little goody box!
Pictured: Some of the central districts within Lisbon.
Day 1: Time Out Market & LX Factory
Time Out Market, Lisboa
On our first full day in sunny Lisbon, there was a lot of walking, eating, and of course - Aperol Spritz drinkin’.
We decided to head to the Time Out Market situated in the Cais do Sodré district, which is just a 15-20 minute walk from the Baixa District. The Time Out Market is Lisbon’s main food market and houses an eclectic mix of cuisines and groceries.
The main hall houses a large communal dining area which is encompassed by a variety of food and drink vendors from all over the world. Also known as the Mercado da Ribeira, you can choose anything here to satisfy your appetite, from sushi to pasta to pizza or ice cream.
For lunch, we dug into a refreshing poke bowl from one of the many food vendors at the market. Naturally, we made an obligatory visit to the Aperol Spritz bar - and I don’t know if it’s the prosecco they use here, but those Aperols tasted especially good. Fair to say, I made a few more visits…
Pictured: The main food hall at the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré.
You can’t visit Lisbon without getting yourself a Pastel de Nata - it’s a must!
LX Factory
How to get to the LX Factory
With our tummies full, we then set off to explore more of Lisbon’s charming streets. We made our way to the LX Factory, a creative hub located in the Alcântara district. The walk took around an hour, but it was a great way to see more of the city along the way.
Alternatively, you can hop on Tram 15, which runs along the riverfront and stops at Alcântara-Mar - just a short walk from LX Factory. This will take around 20 - 25 minutes. You can also take the 732 bus to the Calvário stop, which is just a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
So, what exactly is the LX Factory?
The LX Factory is a must-visit for anyone visiting Lisbon. Originally an industrial textile factory, the complex was converted into a creative neighbourhood that houses vibrant shops, restaurants, bars, and events. Its beautiful cobbled streets - which are nestled just under the 25 de Abril bridge - are lined with café terraces, bookshops, and captivating street art. It almost feels like stepping into another world.
Every Sunday there is the LX Factory Market that sells anything from vintage clothing to jewellery and artwork. Luckily, we were able to visit the market and its stalls, and I found myself absorbed in the jewellery stands!
Pictured: The LX Factory is comprised of streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, nestled under the 25 de Abril bridge.
Pictured: There was so much to do at the LX Factory, from browsing the bookshop to enjoying a pastry and visiting the Sunday market.
After exploring the various shops and stalls, we stopped for a drink on the rooftop of the LX Hostel. Hidden at the top of the greenery-draped staircase, you can find a rooftop oasis where you can bask in the sunshine while enjoying a refreshing cocktail and some good music.
This is a great place to unwind above the buzz of the LX Factory - and you also get some amazing panoramic views from beneath the bridge.
Pictured: The rooftop bar above the LX Hostel was such a treat after the day’s walking!
Day 2: Alfama, Sunset Walks, & Rooftop Dining
Dear Breakfast, Lisbon
After a well-deserved chilled evening after a full day of walking, we kicked off our second day in Lisbon with a hearty breakfast. Just a stone’s throw from our Airbnb was a ‘Dear Breakfast’ brunch cafe, which serves a healthy and fresh selection of breakfast and brunch options. Dear Breakfast has four locations across Lisbon, and I would highly recommend a visit if you fancy a hearty, sit-down breakfast to start the day.
We went for the açaí bowl and the Turkish eggs - both were delicious! Now fully fuelled, we were ready to explore the winding streets of Alfama.
Pictured: Our lovely breakfast before we explored the streets of Alfama.
Exploring Lisbon’s Alfama District
The Alfama district is known for being the oldest and one of the most beautiful areas in Lisbon. Situated on a hillside, the Alfama area stretches down from St. George’s Castle with winding streets and charming buildings. It was just a short walk from where we were staying in Baixa, and we started our route from the foot of the hill at Sé de Lisboa - the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major. From here, we headed uphill towards the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
The walk - albeit very hot - was beautiful. The quaint cobbled streets are lined with white, rustic buildings hidden behind the sprawling branches of pink floral trees, while tuk tuks and trams rattle up and down the road. The number 28 tram is a sight to behold - the vintage streetcars, also known as ‘remodelado’ trams, chug up Alfama’s hills in gorgeous shades of washed yellow. If I were to capture the essence of Lisbon in one single shot, it would be this iconic tram rolling past the blue-tiled buildings of Lisbon. (Scroll to the end of this blog to see my own interpretation of this shot in watercolour!).
Pictured: Probably my favourite shot from the trip - the iconic yellow tram!
Pictured: We started our walk from the Sé de Lisboa (bottom right) and headed uphill into Alfama’s cobbled streets.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
After just a 5-minute walk, we arrived at the gorgeous observation deck - the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Here, you can find a gorgeous garden, filled with shrubs and hedges, that leads you to an incredible view of the rolling red rooftops of Alfama that sweep before the Tagus River. The viewpoint envelopes you in a romantic landscape with its beautiful pergola draped in purple bougainvillea and blue azulejo tiles that frame the walls.
Overlooking the Miradouro is the Igreja de Santa Luzia, most notable for its stunning blue tiles that cover parts of its exterior walls. These blue tiles (also known as ‘azulejo tiles’) paint pictures of historical scenes and events, telling the stories of Portuguese history. You’ll find these tiles throughout Lisbon on buildings, landmarks, museums, and churches. They’re just as iconic to the city as the yellow trams that climb its hills.
This was one of my favourite parts of Lisbon - its gorgeous gardens, painted tiles, and incredible views are something straight out of Romeo and Juliet. I can see why Alfama is known for its beautiful charm!
Pictured: The gorgeous views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewing platform that overlooks the Tagus River.
Pictured: The blue azulejo tiles that adorn the Igreja de Santa Luzia in Alfama.
Sunset Views at the Waterfront
That evening, I was so excited to catch the sunset after a beautiful day exploring Alfama. As the sun began to melt into a golden hue, we made our way downtown towards the stunning waterfront. The walk along the promenade is so beautiful, and soon we could see the curves of the 25 de Abril bridge in the distance.
Of course, there is no photo opportunity like a sunset golden hour, so we got some really good shots as we neared the Cais do Sodré area. Here, you get a lovely clear view of Almada across the river, the bridge, and the Sanctuary of Christ the King statue in the background.
Pictured: The beautiful view from the promenade of Almada at sunset.
Pictured: Lisbon looked serene as the sun began sinking on the horizon.
Javá Rooftop Bar, Cais do Sodré
In Cais do Sodré, an area known for its nightlife and dining, we headed to the Javá rooftop restaurant, which offers a Mediterranean menu, cocktails, and brunch.
We had a few drinks on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by panoramic views of the Church of São Paulo and the Tagus River. The environment was equally charming, with lush foliage, warm lighting, and an elegant interior. Even in the evening, there was a lovely atmosphere - I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be at sunset or under the golden afternoon sun!
Pictured: The rooftop terrace at Javá.
Now, let’s talk about the menu. The food here was delicious, and if you like Mediterranean food, then I’d highly recommend trying out the restaurant. The menu changes seasonally and they have a selection of meat and veggie options.
We went for a variety of tapas plates, including hummus and tandoori flatbread, burrata with sourdough, and grilled octopus, as well as a fruity bread and butter pudding. The service is fantastic and they also do some great cocktails - overall a lovely experience! If you’re a fan of a rooftop bar, then Javá is just one of many treasures that you’ll find in Lisbon.
Pictured: The delicious tapas dishes from Javá and its beautiful interior.
Day 3: Beach Club Attempt, Scooters, & Charcuterie
For our last full day in Lisbon, we decided to head across the other side of the river to Almada. The plan was to go to casa reîa, a beach restaurant located on the golden Portuguese coast of Caparica, to get some sun, sea, and sand.
Despite the positive weather forecast, we were greeted with gloomy skies, high winds, and some confused-looking staff. Turns out, we were the only ones there. Needless to say, we didn’t stay long, but on the bright side, we did have the pick of the sun beds.
Here is me enjoying the moment while it lasted - it just goes to show that not everything goes perfectly to plan!
Pictured: The calm before the storm at casa reîa!
Plan B: Electric Scooters
Once we had returned and changed out of our beach gear after that unexpected turnaround, we decided to make the most of the afternoon by hopping on some electric scooters. We used the Lime Scooters - if you already have the Uber app on your phone, it’s super easy to get started: you just scan, unlock, and then you're off.
I can’t say I had ever ridden an electric scooter before, so despite my apprehension, I thought I’d give it a go. It does take a few minutes to get used to it (especially if you’re near a large audience of curious tourists), but I soon found myself whizzing up and down the cycle roads, having the time of my life.
At full speed, it feels like you’re going at the speed of light - but I can assure you, you’re not. The max speed is about 15mph, and it is such a fun alternative to getting the bus or taxi. We headed towards LX Factory for another visit, where we treated ourselves to a charcuterie board and an Aperol Spritz.
Pictured: A super fun scooter ride before digging into a charcuterie board at LX Factory.
Praça do Comércio
To end our trip, we made one final visit to the Praça do Comércio before heading to dinner. If you’re visiting Lisbon, this is the perfect starting point for exploring the city. Set in Baixa and facing the harbour, this square is one of the largest in Portugal, spanning 30,600 m².
It’s framed by beautiful yellow buildings, as well as the Rua Augusta Arch - a stone memorial arch built to commemorate the city's reconstruction following the 1755 earthquake. It’s also encompassed by a variety of cafés, restaurants, and government offices. You can also wander through the beautiful colonnades that frame the front of these outer buildings.
The square was another one of my favourite spots in Lisbon. It’s so open and bright, and it always looked so ethereal against the clear blue sky.
Pictured: The Praça do Comércio as the sun was setting.
Pictured: The impressive Rua Augusta Arch that frames the Praça do Comércio.
And that ends my trip to Portugal’s beautiful capital, Lisbon. Ever since my visit, I’ve known that I will one day return to this charming city. The trams, the hills, the cobbled streets, the tiles - I don’t think it will ever get old.
If I could recommend just one thing, it would be to visit the LX Market - it’s an absolute must! It’s almost like a little neighbourhood in itself and it is somewhere I would go time and again.
One final piece of advice? Maybe double-check the weather forecast before making grand beach club plans, if you don’t want to end up like us underneath some ominous rain clouds. Other than that, simply enjoy the food, the surroundings, and the good company.
Obrigada, Lisbon - until next time.
Lisbon in Watercolour
I thought I’d capture the essence of this lovely city with an ink and watercolour piece - a love letter to trams, tiles, and the beautiful cobbled streets of Lisbon.
