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How to see Lisbon in 3 days using public transport

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Use the Navegante card for unlimited access to metro, buses, and iconic trams. Base yourself near a metro station in Baixa or Chiado to reach all major sites within 20 minutes.

Budget
80-100 dollars per day
Duration
3 days
Best Time
April, May, or September
Visa Required
Depends on your nationality; check the ETIAS requirements for your home country.

Step by step

  1. Get the right transit card

    Buy a 'Navegante' card at any metro station (cost 0.50€). Load it with a 24-hour pass (6.80€) or 'zapping' credit if you prefer to pay per ride. Do not buy single tickets from drivers; they cost double.

  2. Master the hills

    Lisbon is vertical. Use the Santa Justa Lift or the Glória Funicular, but always check the queue length. If the line is over 30 minutes, walk the parallel streets to save time.

  3. Use the CP trains for day trips

    For Belém or Cascais, use the urban trains departing from Cais do Sodré. These are included in your Navegante pass if you have the correct zone coverage.

Questions people ask

Do I need to rent a car?

Absolutely not. Driving in Lisbon is chaotic, parking is expensive, and public transport is far more efficient.

Is Tram 28 worth the wait?

Only if you arrive at the terminal (Martim Moniz) at 7:00 AM. Otherwise, it is just a crowded metal box.

Breakdown
Food (45$), Transport (15$), Attraction entries (30$), Misc/Coffee (10$).
Daily Estimate
80-100 dollars

Packing

  • Rubber-soled sneakers (essential for slick limestone cobbles)
  • Light windbreaker (Lisbon gets breezy near the Tagus river)
  • Small crossbody bag with a zipper for anti-theft
  • Portable power bank for map-heavy navigation

Itinerary

  • 1 — Grab dinner in Chiado. Ride the Santa Justa Lift at sunset for the view of the ruins of Carmo Convent. — Start in Alfama. Take Tram 28 early (before 8:30 AM) to beat the tourist crush. Explore the maze of alleys leading to São Jorge Castle. — Walk down to Praça do Comércio and explore the Baixa district. Visit the Arco da Rua Augusta. — Wear sneakers with good grip; the cobblestones are notoriously slippery.
  • 2 — Head back to the city center and find a Fado house in Bairro Alto for dinner. — Take the 15E tram or the train from Cais do Sodré to Belém. Visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. — Eat a Pastéis de Belém near the factory. Spend the afternoon at the MAAT museum or walking the riverside. — The 15E tram is a hotspot for pickpockets. Keep your bag in front of you at all times.
  • 3 — Enjoy a sunset drink at a 'miradouro' (viewpoint) like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. — Take the train from Rossio Station to Sintra. Visit Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. — Return to Lisbon and head to the LX Factory for industrial-chic galleries and local shopping. — Sintra requires a separate train ticket unless you have a specific regional day pass.