Lisbon in 4 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary & Tips

Free stock photo of ancient, bica, building
© Armando Oliveira

Discover the vibrant charm of Lisbon with this comprehensive 4-day itinerary. Explore historic neighborhoods, savor delicious cuisine, and soak in the city's unique energy. Get insider tips, travel hacks, and budget-friendly recommendations for an unforgettable Lisbon adventure.

Day 1 in Lisbon: Embrace Lisbon's Vibrant Heart

Explore Bairro Alto & Chiado

Start your Lisbon adventure by immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bairro Alto and Chiado. Wander through the charming streets, discover trendy boutiques, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Explore Bairro Alto & Chiado
© Лілія

Wander the Riverfront

After lunch, head to Praça do Comércio, Lisbon's grand waterfront square. Admire the Tagus River, soak in the city's energy, and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Wander the Riverfront
© dimitri cavrot

Conquer São Jorge Castle

As the sun begins to set, climb to the top of São Jorge Castle for breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon. Witness the city's beauty bathed in golden light.

Conquer São Jorge Castle
© Jorgelina Catianni

Get Lost in Alfama

After your castle adventure, descend into the enchanting Alfama district. Explore its narrow, winding streets, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the sounds of Fado music.

Get Lost in Alfama
© Milena Trendafilova

Day 2 in Lisbon: Discover Lisbon's Cultural Gems

Explore Portugal's Cultural Heritage

Start your day by delving into Portugal's rich history and art at one of Lisbon's many museums. The National Tile Museum is a great option, showcasing the beauty of traditional Portuguese tiles.

Explore Portugal's Cultural Heritage
© Franco Corti

Journey to Belém

Take a short trip to the historic Belém district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and learn about Portugal's Age of Discoveries.

Journey to Belém
© Armando Silva

Indulge in a Culinary Adventure

After your historical exploration, treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure at Time Out Market Lisboa. Sample diverse Portuguese and international cuisines from a variety of vendors.

Indulge in a Culinary Adventure
© Time Out Market Lisboa

Discover Unique Treasures

End your day by browsing the unique treasures and souvenirs at the Feira da Ladra flea market. Held every Tuesday and Saturday, it's a great place to find one-of-a-kind items.

Discover Unique Treasures
© Pino Sanchirico

Day 3 in Lisbon: Embrace the Ocean's Energy

Dive into the Underwater World

Start your day by exploring the wonders of the underwater world at the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe's largest aquariums. Discover diverse marine life and learn about ocean conservation.

Dive into the Underwater World
© Jorgelina Catianni

Catch Some Waves

After your underwater adventure, head to Carcavelos, a popular surfing spot near Lisbon. Experience the Atlantic coast's surf culture and try your hand at catching some waves.

Catch Some Waves
© CARLOS M

Unwind in Lisbon's Green Spaces

As the day winds down, relax and unwind in one of Lisbon's beautiful parks, like Jardim da Estrela. Enjoy the greenery, city views, and peaceful atmosphere.

Unwind in Lisbon's Green Spaces
© Patricia Antunes

Day 4 in Lisbon: Escape to Enchanting Sintra

Embark on a Day Trip to Sintra

Take a day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its enchanting palaces, castles, and gardens, each with its own unique charm.

Embark on a Day Trip to Sintra
© Manuel Nogales

References

Transportation in Lisbon

To get around Lisbon, you have several options. The city has a compact center with most main attractions within walking distance, but be prepared for hills. Walking is a great way to explore, but for longer distances or when you're tired, you can take an Uber, Lime e-scooter, or eCooltra scooter. Public transport is also efficient, with bus and tram routes covering the city, including the famous tram 28. You can also use the metro, which has four lines, or take a commuter train to visit places like Belem, Sintra, and Cascais. For shorter distances, trams and funiculars are a great option, and you can even take a ferry to cross the river. To pay for transport, you can use a rechargeable Navegante occasional card, which can be loaded with single tickets, 24-hour tickets, or money for "zapping."

Dos in Lisbon

Don'ts in Lisbon