Lisbon in 3 days
Three days is just right for Lisbon: the hills of Alfama, the monuments of Belém and a day trip to Sintra fit comfortably. This day-by-day plan takes you past all the highlights.
✈️ Plan this trip to Lisbon →Lisbon in 3 days offers the perfect mix: a capital full of viewpoints and tiles, the monuments of Belém and the fairytale palaces of Sintra within day-trip distance. This plan divides it smartly over three days. See our full Lisbon guide for more tips, neighbourhoods and sights.
Your 3-day plan, day by day
- Day 1: Alfama and viewpoints Explore the old Alfama quarter, take the famous tram 28, and climb to São Jorge castle for views over the city. Evening: fado and dinner in a neighbourhood restaurant.
- Day 2: Belém Head to Belém for the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Discoveries Monument. Taste the original pastéis de Belém. Afternoon: the modern LX Factory for design and cafés.
- Day 3: day trip to Sintra Take a day trip to Sintra by train for the colourful Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira, then travel back.
What does it cost?
Lisbon in 3 days costs from €300 per person: flight from the Netherlands from around €75, three nights in a mid-range hotel €60 to 110 per night, and €30 to 40 per day for food and entries. The day trip to Sintra is cheap by train.
Practical: prices and an insider tip
Transavia and Ryanair fly direct from Eindhoven to Lisbon in about 3 hours, with return tickets from around 97 to 109 euro. The Jeronimos Monastery costs around 19 euro, the Belem Tower about 15 euro, and Sao Jorge Castle offers one of the city's finest viewpoints. Insider tip: skip the packed tram 28 (3.30 euro onboard) and take line 12 or simply walk through Alfama for the same atmosphere without the queue. A 24-hour transit pass for tram, metro and the historic lifts costs around 7.25 euro.
Plan smarter with these guides
Practical tips to travel cheaper and easier:
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Lisbon?
Yes, in three days you'll do Alfama, Belém and a day trip to Sintra at a relaxed pace. Want to add the beaches of Cascais? Then plan an extra day.
How much does a 3-day Lisbon city break cost?
From €300 per person including flight and three nights, excluding entries and the Sintra day trip.
How do I get to Lisbon from the Netherlands?
There are direct flights from Schiphol to Lisbon in about 3 hours; from Eindhoven and Rotterdam often with a connection.
What's the best time for Lisbon?
March to June and September to October: mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices than in summer.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Lisbon?
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