A realistic 3-day Lisbon itinerary for first-timers — Alfama, Belém, sunset viewpoints and where to eat — planned hour by hour, with typical costs.
Lisbon is one of Europe's easiest cities to love on a budget: compact old neighbourhoods, free viewpoints everywhere and food that's still good value. Here's a simple three-day plan that keeps walking sensible and leaves room to wander.
Day 1 — Alfama, the castle and your first sunset
- 09:30 — Tram 28 from Martim Moniz. The classic yellow tram rattles up through Graça and Alfama. Go early: by late morning the queue is long. A single ride is a few euros; a 24-hour transport pass usually pays off if you ride more than three times.
- 11:00 — Castelo de São Jorge. The hilltop castle has the widest view over the old town and the river. Ticket prices change, so check the official site before you go.
- 13:00 — Lunch in Alfama. Look for small tascas with a handwritten daily menu (prato do dia) — a main, drink and coffee often costs around €10–15.
- 16:00 — Get lost in Alfama's alleys down to the Sé cathedral.
- 18:30 — Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Free, and one of the best views in the city.
Day 2 — Belém and the river
- 09:30 — Pastéis de Belém. The famous custard tarts, fresh from the oven. Eat them warm with cinnamon.
- 10:30 — Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Two of Lisbon's most photographed monuments, a short walk apart.
- 13:00 — Lunch at Time Out Market (Cais do Sodré). Dozens of local kitchens under one roof — easy if you're travelling as a group with different tastes.
- 15:30 — LX Factory. A converted industrial complex with bookshops, cafés and street art.
- 20:00 — Dinner in Bairro Alto, then the lively evening streets.
Day 3 — Sintra or a slow city day
If you have energy, take the train to Sintra (about 40 minutes from Rossio station) for the palaces and gardens — book timed tickets ahead in summer. Prefer slow? Spend the morning in Príncipe Real, then a late lunch and a last viewpoint at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
How much does it cost?
For one person, excluding flights, a comfortable budget trip is roughly:
| Per day (approx.) | |
|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse or simple hotel, shared or single room) | €40–90 |
| Food (tascas, one market lunch) | €25–40 |
| Transport (pass + a few rides) | €7–10 |
| Sights | €0–20 |
Prices move with the season — summer and big events push accommodation up sharply.
FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Lisbon?
Yes for the highlights — Alfama, Belém and the viewpoints. Add a fourth day if you want Sintra without rushing.
What's the cheapest way to get around Lisbon?
Walk the centre and use a 24-hour transport pass for trams, metro and buses. The hills are steep, so plan routes downhill where you can.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon on a budget?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) have pleasant weather and lower prices than July–August.