Not Your Typical 3 Days Lisbon Itinerary: Ceramics, Beach Clubs, Trendy Eateries

Baby pink, butter yellow, sky blue-colored buildings, cobbled alleyways, and red trams chugging along, insane smells wafting out of taperias, and the constant cheer of excited voices traveling through the air: Welcome to Lisboa! 

Every couple of years, a new city sort of pops onto everyone’s radar. Lisbon has been having a hot minute for the last three+ years, and its interest/popularity doesn’t seem to be diminishing anytime soon. 

Now home to an insanely diverse community, with people calling Portugal’s capital permanent home, scenes like food acts and specialty boutique stores have really taken off. Basically, what I’m saying is that Lisbon’s eateries are off the charts, and the things to do both day and night have been elevated to draw the eye of any influencer. 

So for this 3 days Lisbon itinerary, I’m veering a little off the beaten track. I’ve never been one for following the crowds, anyway. Plus, with more time to spend, you can whale away the days at not all the typical tourist spots. 

Travel tip: If you are only here for a day or so and DO want to tick off Lisboa’s classic sightseeing vibes, utilize my 1-day Lisbon itinerary, filled with all the classics, and then some. 

Getting around Lisbon

Walk

Honestly, in a city like Lisbon, the best way to sightsee is on foot. Sure, there are SO MANY HILLS (and cobbled ones at that), but you’re in the buzz of it all. If you love snapping pics like me, this is also an ideal option. Take caution: the cobbled roads (especially downhill) are slippery!  

Electric Scooters

Give your feet a break and rent an electric scooter. They’re easy to find, littered around the city. Book one via an app, and off you go. But again, please be careful! The cobbled streets are gnarly, and I saw a few people wipe out. 

Trams

One of the easiest ways to get around Lisbon (and save your legs from dying from all the uphills during your 3 days Lisbon itinerary) is by utilizing the city’s tram system. It’s affordable, cheaper than taxis, and is a really fun experience, too. If you’re not on the trams, just watch out for them whilst you’re walking around.  

Taxis 

Taxis are the more expensive option, but let me just tell you, after a few days of trekking, I didn’t care about the prices. Uber is easy to use. The only downfall was that there are often delays as roads are suddenly closed, and there are lots of one-way streets. So just bear this in mind when booking a taxi. 

Best area to stay in Lisbon

For our fancy shmancy travelers, the area around Avenida da Liberdade is full of upmarket hotels and Airbnbs. If you enjoy being in the center of things and don’t mind the heave of crowds, Santa Catarina is a popular option. Check into 54 Santa Catarina Boutique Aparthotel.

At the bottom of the actual Avenida da Liberdade road is Baixa. It’s a “central” area to stay in with loads of local vibes around you, from restaurants to landmarks. Hotel Lis – Baixa is lovely. Chiado is a little similar to Baixa, but more upmarket. Another one of my favorite areas in Lisbon is Príncipe Real. It’s not as crazy busy, you won’t see backpackers around, but it still has plenty to do and caters to all diverse identities. Book a stay at Casa do Príncipe.

Day 1: City Exploring  

Morning

Oh my goodness, Lisbon’s breakfast cafes get me oh-so excited, I cannot even tell you. And I’m not even a brekkie kind of gal. But with aesthetics, interiors, and specialty coffee options like these, I’ll happily eat out every morning. If your accommodation isn’t inclusive of breakfast, or you’re not keen on buffet vibes, here are some lovely options to start the first day of your 3 days Lisbon itinerary. 

Marquise is a cafe, bakery, and concept store (the ceramics in here, I die). The who’s who of Lisboa dine at Seagull Method (the breakfast burger is the bomb, or for a sweet something, order the bombe pistachio + berries). Then, for Japanese-style sandos and excellent artisanal coffee, Hello Kristof is one of the coolest places to hang out in the morning. 

Travel tip: Prepare to walk almost everywhere in Lisbon. It’s a workout for sure, and wear appropriate shoes so you don’t end up with sore feet. 

Breathe in that fresh saltwater with a wonderful walk along the Tagus River. It’s a popular pastime in the city, and the area along the river is always bustling. Join a Tagus River walking tour. Other popular walking locales around this area include the Parque das Nações waterfront promenade or along the Ribeira das Naus river beach.    

Next off, it’s to the city’s oldest-surviving ‘hood: Alfama, where white colonial Portuguese buildings are marked with blue and white tile illustrations, and Manueline style architecture reigns supreme. It’s one of the best places to photograph this confluence of Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish design during this 3 days Lisbon itinerary. It’s loaded with viewpoints, and don’t miss the Castelo de São Jorge, National Pantheon, and São Vicente de Fora Monastery. 

Afternoon

Walking certainly builds up an appetite! For our 3 days Lisbon itinerary, grab Day 1’s lunch at Time Out Market Lisbon or Mercado de Campo de Ourique. They’re top options for sampling Lisbon’s street food. 

Read more: Best street food in Lisbon: 8 foods every traveler must try.

Prefer to sit down and relax somewhere with river views? Pharmacia is one of the most unique restaurants I’ve eaten at in the city. It’s set up within an old pharmacy (en route to the bathroom is like walking through an old clinic; it’s kinda eerie, kinda cool at the same time). But I suggest grabbing chairs on the lawn and ordering a bunch of mezze/tapa-style bites and a Spritz or two. 

Fun fact: Portugal is renowned for its ceramics — and I don’t just mean azulejos. Do me a favor: the next time you buy a mug or ceramic for your home, turn it over and see where it’s manufactured. Good chances it’ll be Portugal (especially stuff from H&M Home). Clay Lisboa is one of my favorite shops in the city to shop for all sorts of ceramics! I’ve bought tons from here (for myself and as souvenirs for family/friends). Other lovely ceramics shops include Cerâmica Factory and Cerâmicas na Linha. 

Spend the rest of the arvie exploring the neighborhoods, catching the tram in between, and snapping endless photographs of the colorful buildings adorned in Portuguese tiles. Half the fun of exploring is the unknown. Pick a starting point and WALK! 

I love the area around Santos and Santa Catarina, filled with cafes dripping in greens, cutesy boutique shops, coffee stops, bars, and cobbled streets. 

Evening

Dinner plans for the first night of your 3 days Lisbon itinerary? Choose from this list: 

1. Skizzo boasts a wood-fired Mediterranean menu. 
2. I’m besotted with the interiors at Rosamar, and the restaurant only opens at 6 PM (bookings are a must if you want to get a table). 
3. The atmosphere is super relaxed at Faz Frio, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese food.

Round things off with drinks at Casa da Praia Tapas Bar & Wine Bar, M’arrecreo Café & Cocktail Bar, or Lumi Rooftop. 

Day 2: Day Trip and Beaches  

Morning 

I’m so excited for Day 2 of this 3 days Lisbon itinerary! 

Breakfast plans today? 

• Treat yourself to the tastes of Brazil at innovative UAIPI Café e Mercearia
• Enjoy breakfast plates of Jasmine peach iced tea at the super popular CO-OP Layday
• Pancake stacks with berries, smoked salmon rosti, and the likes await you at Manifest.Lisbon

Next up, we’ve got something extra special in-store: a half-day/morning trip to magical Quinta da Regaleira. Either organize the trip yourselves (one hour there, one hour’s drive back) or book a tour. 

The UNESCO-listed palace is located in Sintra. It makes you feel like you’ve stepped inside a whimsical Disney world…You need at least two hours for the grounds, meandering through the manor, its pristine gardens, the chapel, exhibition rooms, and, of course, the iconic spiral initiation wells covered in mossy greens.  

You can either grab lunch at the on-site restaurant. Or, head into Sintra town and eat at a local spot here, like Tasca – Boutique das Tapas, Como, or Tascantiga.  

Afternoon 

Once you’re back in the capital city, it’s now perhaps the time any sun worshipers reading this have been waiting for as part of your 3 days Lisbon itinerary…The beaches!!! I grew up in the ocean, and I couldn’t wait longer than a day to get down to the beaches, which remind me soooo much of home (South Africa), even the fauna and flora. 

To get to this part of the city, cross over the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get from the city center to the beachside. 

Local tip: Here on the weekends? Be sure to check out the latest events at the beach clubs. They throw EPIC parties, especially in summer!!! The last one I attended, I got there in the afternoon and left at 2 AM. 

Beach options and clubs include: 

• Praia Princesa
• Praia do Castelo
• Praia Lareira Fonte da Telha (and Kailua Fonte da Telha beach bar/restaurant) 
• Praia Piscina (and Piscina beach club)

Prepare to absolutely chill out over the next couple of hours. Tan, swim (if you can brave that cold water), learn to surf, eat chocolate mousse, drink, be merry. You’re on vacation, after all. The best thing we did was spend hours beachside, and had dinner at Kailua Fonte da Telha! 

As mentioned, if you’re visiting any of the beaches and the surrounding beach clubs when there’s a party happening, dance the night away to jungle beats and funky house under the stars, sand between your toes and all. 

Day 3: Culture, Museums, Shopping  

Morning

If you’re not leaving the city super early, there’s no need to rush today. Sleep in, relax, and soak up the last city moments. 

Can you believe it’s your last brekkie in Lisboa? Fill up before the last activities of this 3 days Lisbon itinerary. Dear Breakfast is for the serious brekkie fiends; every plate (and coffee) from Shakar Coffee is scrumptious; and groovy Fauna & Flora has multiple locations around the city. 

Exploring Lisbon, I’m sure you’ve noticed by now how many gardens there are, whether around squares, viewpoints, or stand alones. Spend some time before your 3 days Lisbon itinerary is up surrounded by Mother Nature. 

My ultimate spots include Amoreiras Garden, one of Lisbon’s classic garden squares with a little cafe and benches, it’s lovely for some journal time or reading. Estufa Fria is a botanical garden, and entrance is just a couple of euros. The Garden of the Gulbenkian Foundation was redesigned by a Japanese architect not so long ago, and boasts Japanese-inspired gardens now! 

Afternoon  

As midday approaches, it’s time to get cultured. Pick just one institute to visit, or go museum-hopping instead (time dependent). 

A few of my best museums in Lisbon comprise the following: 

1. The Fado Museum to learn about Portugal’s traditional dance and music 
2. Interior design appreciators, you’ll love the Berardo Museu Art Deco 
3. The National Tile Museum, i.e., Museu Nacional do Azulejo
4. The MAC/CCB – Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture Centre for art (including works by the likes of Piet Mondrian!) 
5. Casa dos Bicos (if even just to admire the striking architecture of its facade)

Lunch-time calls! Serving local plates and bites is Cusca Café, or 100 Maneiras is awesome, but only opens for lunch service Friday to Sunday. Lastly, I cannot leave off my favorite Lisbon restaurant: A Cevicheria.  

Grab a specialty coffee from Dramático, and do some last-minute shopping either at a local market, like Feira da Ladra, or around Lisbon’s most touristy area: Baixa. 

After a fruitful 3 days Lisbon itinerary, are you keen to explore more of the country? Three hours from Lisbon is Porto, Portugal’s iconic port/wine-growing region! Discover all there is to know about adventuring here with this 2-day itinerary in Porto. 

Thinking of switching countries to Portugal’s neighbor, Spain? Not sure where to head first? Read through this guide of the best places to visit in Spain. Fall in love with Seville using this 1-day itinerary. 

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