“You don’t need a week to fall in love with Lisbon—you just need three days and good shoes.”

Colorful tiles, steep hills, soul-stirring Fado music, and the scent of freshly baked Pastéis de Nata wafting through the air—Lisbon is a city that sweeps you off your feet and never lets you down gently. Compact but bursting with personality, Portugal’s capital is ideal for a long weekend escape.

Here’s your ultimate 72-hour guide to discovering Lisbon for the first time—what to see, eat, and do, plus pro tips to make the most of every moment.

Day 1: Get Lost in Alfama and Ride the Iconic Tram 28

Morning: Alfama District

Start your journey in Alfama—Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. With its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and laundry fluttering from balconies, Alfama feels like a living postcard.

Must-sees:

  • Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) – Romanesque meets Gothic in the city’s oldest church.
  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia – One of Lisbon’s best viewpoints.
  • Local cafes – Grab a bica (espresso) and soak in the morning calm.

✨ Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—the hills are no joke!

Afternoon: Ride Tram 28

Hop on the legendary Tram 28 for a scenic (and sometimes bumpy) ride through Lisbon’s historic districts, including Graca, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela.

Travel tip: Board early or late to avoid the tourist crush, and beware of pickpockets.

Evening: Dinner & Fado

Wrap up your day with dinner in a traditional Fado house in Alfama. Nothing compares to the emotion of live Portuguese folk music paired with local wine and codfish.

Day 2: Belem, Pastries, and Riverside Views

Morning: Belem District

Head west to Belém, a district filled with maritime history and striking architecture.

Top sights:

  • Jerónimos Monastery – A UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Belém Tower – A symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
  • Monument to the Discoveries – Walk along the waterfront and imagine setting sail for uncharted worlds.

Snack Break: Pastéis de Belém

You haven’t truly been to Lisbon until you’ve tried Pastéis de Belém—the original custard tarts made from a secret 19th-century recipe. Get there early or be ready to queue.

Afternoon: MAAT & River Walk

Evening: LX Factory

Explore LX Factory—a revitalized industrial complex packed with street art, quirky shops, bookstores, and rooftop bars. Perfect for an artsy dinner and drinks.

Day 3: Downtown Lisbon and a Sunset Farewell

Morning: Baixa & Rossio

Start your final day in Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown area rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

Don’t miss:

  • Rua Augusta Arch – Climb for panoramic views.
  • Rossio Square – Historic center of the city’s social life.
  • Elevador de Santa Justa – Ride Lisbon’s iconic vertical lift for more stunning sights.

🛍️ Shopping tip: Pop into A Vida Portuguesa for beautiful, locally made souvenirs.

Lunch: Time Out Market

Head to Time Out Market Lisboa—a gourmet food hall featuring Lisbon’s top chefs and eateries under one roof.

Afternoon: Bairro Alto & Chiado

Spend your final hours wandering through:

  • Chiado – Lisbon’s artsy and literary quarter.
  • Bairro Alto – A quiet maze by day, buzzing with nightlife after dark.

Sunset: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

For the ultimate farewell, head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Watch the sun dip below the 7 hills as Lisbon glows in hues of orange and gold.

Need More Travel Ideas?

Planning your next getaway? Explore more travel tips, destination guides, and hidden gems on our Planet Earth Holidays blog.

Helpful Resources for Lisbon Travel

Final Word

Lisbon is a city that invites you to explore slowly, savor deeply, and get just a little bit lost. In just 72 hours, you’ll ride through history, taste unforgettable flavors, and climb viewpoints that reward every step.

It won’t take long to fall in love with Lisbon—but it might take forever to forget it.

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