Our 3 days in Lisbon itinerary is the perfect weekend itinerary for Lisbon. Great for families or couples and it takes in the best the city has to offer. From the must-see sights to some quirky gems. It’s a great roundup of what to see in Lisbon in 3 days but equally if you’ve only got 2 days in Lisbon there’s plenty here you can do and miss out one of the areas.
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Table of Contents
3 days in Lisbon itinerary
Day one
Jump on a tram
The best way to get an overview of Lisbon is to hop on a tram.
Many of Lisbon’s trams are the original models from the 1930s and everyone will love these creaking yellow or claret coloured streetcars. They rattle their way up and down the seven hills that make up the city.
They’re easy to climb on and off (under fives ride for free) and they’re a great way for visitors to find their bearings (purchase a 24-hour ticket for the best value).Â
The number 28 tram is an experience in itself and passes by some of the main sights of Lisbon.
Visit St George’s Castle
Take it to climb the steep hill from Baixa to Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon’s impressive 11th century castle. Here kids will delight in racing around the grounds and climbing the ramparts and eleven towers. Adults will love the views over downtown Lisbon.
The grounds are beautiful and shady to rest in a while and admire the resident peacocks.
Stop for sweet treats – Lisbon itinerary
A short walk back down the hill you will find refreshing ice creams treats at Gelataria Portuguesa. It’s on the corner of Rua Santa Cruz Do Castelo.
All the ice creams here are hand made using fresh ingredients and are delicious.
If you’re a pastel de nata fan then Pastelaria Santo Antonio which is just around the corner is also well worth stopping for.
Head to the new areas of the city
Next head on to the metro to make your way out to Parque das Nacões, Lisbon’s waterside location.
This district has large pedestrianised areas filled with fun, colourful fountains that kids will love.
There’s lots going on here with bikes to hire, bowling and a great playground.
See the view from a cable car
While at Parque das Nacões take the cable car from the Oceanário to Vasco da Gama Tower. Here it rises high above Lisbon’s Tagus River for a view of the area from above.
Each telecabine can easily accommodate a family (under sevens are free). The 10 minute journey gives an amazing panoramic view of the river and national park.
Lunch
Stop for lunch in Parque das Nacões at one of the many international restaurants lining the car-free boulevards.
Chimarrão, for example, is a great family friendly dining experience. There’s an extensive help yourself buffet, with local dishes and plenty to suit even the pickiest of eaters.
Undersea adventures – 3 day Lisbon itinerary
The primary reason to head out to Parque das Nacões however is for the fantastic Oceanário de Lisboa. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world and a must visit on any 3 days in Lisbon itinerary.
Here you will find huge tanks home to a variety of sea life including sharks, rays and tropical fish as well as penguins and sea birds.
The highlight of the Oceanário is the massive central tank where you can view all levels of ocean life. From deep sea creatures to those living nearer to the water’s surface.
Make sure you don’t miss the Sunfish – a rarity in aquariums due to the difficulty of providing the right environment for this large and wonderful fish.
With over 16,000 creatures in the Oceanário you could easily spend an entire afternoon here.
Head back into the city and take tram 28E to Mercado de Campo de Ourique. A recently refurbished food market with a modern touch.
Day two – 3 day Lisbon itinerary
History and (more) custard tarts
Head for the Belém district to explore Lisbon’s role in the age of discovery.
Take the 15E tram from Praça do Comércio and step out in this picturesque part of the city situated in the far south-west of its boundaries.
This is the area from which many of the great Portuguese explorers set off to find new lands and it still retains an air of history and intrigue.
Head to the main street, Rua de Belém which is packed full of beautiful, historic buildings and search out Pastéis de Belém .
This beautifully tiled famous bakery makes the renowned Portuguese custard tart, pastel de nata to a secret recipe.
The tarts are creamy, sweet and rich. Try them warm from the oven, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon for a treat not be missed.
Sparks of knowledge – Lisbon itinerary
Belém is home to a number of different historic and fun sights that will appeal to all the family.
The first being the Museu da Electricidade or Electricity Museum which is way more exciting than it sounds and is free to enter.
Set in a beautiful decommissioned power station, the museum has plenty of hands on experiments and fun activities like learning how batteries work which will engage all the family.
The entire space is beautifully lit and it’s a unique opportunity to find out about Lisbon’s industrial past in a fun and interactive way.

Beach time
Sun seekers and sandcastle builders will love the variety of beaches around Lisbon.
You will find long stretches of golden sand and places to have a go at various water sports at Costa da Caparica. Also the beaches at Cascais and Estoril which are easily reached by a twenty-minute train ride from Lisbon.
Praia de Carcavelos is the best beach for families, with easy access for the city and lots of space for little ones to run and play.
For older children there are a plenty of opportunities to body-board and surf or you can all take a break in one of the many beachside restaurants and cafes.
It’s a great place to grab a pizza for dinner.
The beaches can be crowded through the summer months and at the weekends so head out during the week. Consider bringing wetsuits if you plan to be in the water for long periods of time as the sea can be considerably colder than Mediterranean resorts.
Day three – 3 days in Lisbon itinerary
Brunch Portuguese style
Start the final morning exploring the delicious delights of Lisbon’s historic Mercado da Ribeira which first opened its doors in 1892.
This huge space is filled with the tastiest fresh produce at traditional stalls open from six in the morning. Or grab some brunch from 10am at one of the many canteen style tables.
Perfect for families who have differing tastes and preferences. You will find a range of options from one of the many food stands.
Visiting the patients of the Doll Hospital – Lisbon itinerary
Take a short walk from the Mercado to see some of Portugal’s most unusual patients at Lisbon’s Hospital de Bonecasor, one of the oldest doll hospitals in the world.
Here injured or broken dolls, bears and toys receive a full medical checklist and are fixed or kept overnight for more work.
Children will delight in visiting this quirky little place which also has a museum charting its history which goes back to 1830.
End on a sweet note
Finish your Lisbon adventures by heading just around the corner from the Doll Hospital to the cafe, patisserie Tartine. It has some of the best almond pastries in town to enjoy before heading for home.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Corpo Santo Hotel in Lisbon which is packed full of history and is centrally located.
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