Lisbon Itinerary & Travel Guide
Lisbon is one of Europe's most charming capitals — hilly, sun-drenched, and affordable. Vintage yellow trams wind through tiled façades, and the Atlantic coast is just 30 minutes away. The city is compact enough to cover properly in 4–5 days.
Build my personalized Lisbon plan
This 3-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.
Lisbon itineraries by trip length
About Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe's most enchanting capitals — built on seven hills above the Tagus estuary, where Moorish castle walls overlook pastel-tiled façades and vintage yellow trams clatter through neighbourhoods that feel untouched by the 21st century. The city rewards slow exploration: the saudade-tinged melancholy of Fado music floating from a Alfama tavern, the world's best pastéis de nata warm from the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, the light over the river at golden hour from a miradouro viewpoint. Lisbon is also genuinely affordable by Western European standards — excellent wine and food cost a fraction of Paris or London.
Top attractions in Lisbon
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Alfama & São Jorge Castle
- LX Factory
- Time Out Market
- Sintra (day trip)
- Tram 28
- Miradouro da Graça viewpoint
Lisbon travel tips
- The Lisboa Card covers unlimited public transport including trams and the airport metro, plus free entry to most monuments — worth it for 2+ days of sightseeing.
- Tram 28 is scenic but extremely crowded with tourists; for the same route, take Bus 737 or walk — the hills are the whole point of the city.
- Book the Sintra palaces (Pena, Regaleira) in advance during summer — the trains from Rossio station are frequent but the site queues can be brutal without pre-booked tickets.
- The best pastel de nata in the world is debated endlessly; start at the original Antiga Confeitaria de Belém but also try Manteigaria in Chiado.
Lisbon FAQ
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
Most travelers plan 3 to 7 days in Lisbon. Three days in Lisbon covers the essential historic neighbourhoods, Belém's monuments, and a taste of the city's extraordinary food culture.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon is March–May and September–October.
What are the must-see places in Lisbon?
Top sights in Lisbon include Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama & São Jorge Castle, LX Factory, Time Out Market. Our 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries group them by day so you are not crossing the city back and forth.
What currency and language are used in Lisbon?
Lisbon uses the Euro (€), and the main language is Portuguese.
Can I get a personalized Lisbon itinerary?
Yes. Planawai is an AI trip planner: tell it your dates, budget, travel style and who you are traveling with, and it builds a day-by-day Lisbon plan with real places, a map for each day and a cost estimate. It is free to start on the web, iPhone and Android.