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Rooftops of Lisbon's old town at sunset

Portugal · Sample trip, planned with Viala

Lisbon in 3 days A day-by-day plan

days
3 days
stops
11 stops
Updated
Updated August 2026

Three days is enough for Lisbon if you don't try to see all of it. Belém comes first, because the monastery and the tower sit next to each other and the pastéis queue is shorter before noon. Day two is the long one: park, Panteão, then down towards the river for dinner. Day three is slow on purpose, ending at Santa Luzia for a last look over Alfama. Bring trainers, not sandals: hills and cobbles everywhere.

Day 1

Belém and Waterfront Culture

4 stops · 09:30 to 19:00

  1. Cloister of the Jerónimos Monastery

    09:30 – 12:00 · 2 hours

    Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

    City

    A masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the grand limestone cloisters and the resting place of Vasco da Gama.

    • Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, closed Mondays
    • Website

    Walk · 5 min · 0.3 km

  2. Pastéis de nata dusted with cinnamon

    12:30 – 14:30 · 1 hour

    Pastéis de Belém

    Food

    The historic home of the original Portuguese custard tart. Enjoy these warm treats with a dusting of cinnamon in their traditional blue-and-white tiled rooms.

    • Opening hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Website

    Transit · 10 min · 1.3 km

  3. Torre de Belém at sunset

    15:30 – 17:30

    Torre de Belém

    Place

    An iconic fortification standing in the Tagus River, acting as the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Walk around the exterior to appreciate the intricate stonework and maritime history.

    • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, closed Mondays
    • Website

    Taxi · 27 min · 6.9 km

  4. Gothic arches of the Carmo Convent ruins

    18:00 – 19:00

    Igreja do Carmo

    Place

    The ruins of a Gothic church destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, left open to the sky as a memorial. It is a hauntingly beautiful site that captures the resilient spirit of Lisbon.

    • Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, closed Sundays
    • Website

Day 2

City Icons and History

4 stops · 09:00 to 21:00

  1. Hedge parterre of Parque Eduardo VII

    09:00 – 11:00 · 1 hour

    Parque Eduardo VII

    City

    The largest park in central Lisbon, designed with perfectly manicured hedges and a view that stretches down to the Tagus. Ideal for a leisurely walk in the August heat.

    Metro · 28 min · 2.9 km

  2. White dome of the Panteão Nacional above the river

    12:00 – 14:30 · 1-2 hours

    Panteão Nacional

    City

    The final resting place of notable Portuguese figures housed in the Church of Santa Engrácia. Visit for the impressive dome architecture and the accessible rooftop terrace.

    • Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed Mondays
    • Website

    Walk · 11 min · 1.0 km

  3. Spiked stone façade of Casa dos Bicos

    15:30 – 17:00

    Casa dos Bicos

    Place

    A historic building with a unique facade covered in diamond-shaped stones. Now the headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation, dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning author.

    • Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed Sundays
    • Website

    Walk · 20 min · 1.4 km

  4. Lisbon street with restaurant tables at night (symbol image)

    19:00 – 21:00

    Eating at Gandaia Club

    Food

    Dinner to close the long day, a 20-minute walk uphill from the Casa dos Bicos. Evenings only, closed Sunday and Monday, so book a table ahead.

    • Opening hours: 7:00 – 11:00 PM, closed Mondays and Sundays
    • Website

Day 3

Views and Hidden Gems

3 stops · 10:00 to 18:30

  1. Praça do Comércio and its arcades

    10:00 – 12:00 · 1 hour

    Praça do Comércio

    City

    The grand waterfront square of Lisbon, surrounded by yellow Pombaline buildings. It serves as the historic entrance to the city center and is ideal for people-watching.

    Walk · 10 min · 0.8 km

  2. Crowded food hall of the Time Out Market

    15:00 – 17:30 · 2 hours

    Time Out Market Lisboa

    Food

    A sprawling food hall curated by top local food critics featuring the city's best chefs. Sample a variety of gourmet dishes from fresh seafood to artisanal bifanas.

    • Opening hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
    • Website

    Bus · 21 min · 1.4 km

  3. Miradouro de Santa Luzia at sunrise

    17:30 – 18:30

    Miradouro de Santa Luzia

    Place

    A picturesque viewpoint in Alfama decorated with blue-and-white azulejo tiles and flowering bougainvillea. It feels like a small, romantic garden overlooking the city harbor.

Before you go

  1. Check your card's acceptance for local cash withdrawals — while cards are widely accepted in Portugal, some local shops and cafés still prefer or exclusively accept cash for smaller purchases
  2. Prepare for significant heat and sun intensity — Portugal in August experiences high temperatures and strong direct sunlight, necessitating sun protection that is better sourced before arrival
  3. Wear shoes with grip: Lisbon's calçada pavements are polished smooth and get slippery, and most of the route is uphill or downhill

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Viala plans are AI-generated and were verified by us in August 2026. Opening hours, prices and local rules change; check before you go. Viala is a planning and information tool, not a travel agent, tour operator or booking platform.

Photos: André Lergier on Unsplash, Hongbin on Unsplash, Nick Fewings on Unsplash, Bernardo Lorena Ponte on Unsplash, Daniel John on Unsplash, Kit Suman on Unsplash, T on Unsplash, Miguel Alcântara on Unsplash, Rohit Tandon on Unsplash, Lucas Cipriano on Unsplash, Dmitrii E. on Unsplash, Veronika Martinelli on Unsplash