4 days in Lisbon, Portugal: A Complete Itinerary
Looking for a sample itinerary for your 4 days in Lisbon, Portugal?
Lisbon is one of the coolest European capitals I’ve visited yet! The city has an incredible mix of old architecture and colorful facades, cultural diversity, friendly locals, and hipster neighborhoods. There’s always something fun and interesting happening in Lisbon: pottery workshops, wine tastings, local farmers markets and more!
You can visit the city for a day or a month. But either way, you’ll always want to come back for more!
One of the most important aspects of planning a trip to the Portuguese capital are: How many days are recommended for visiting Lisbon? What is there to do in Lisbon for 4 days?
Some will say a weekend is a good amount of time to explore the city. I say 4 days is perfect, with the third day being a day trip to a local town. An experience you won’t want to miss!
To share all about nearby day trip attractions, the best things to do in Lisbon, great restaurants, the miradouros with the most spectacular views of the city, tips, tricks and recommendations from locals, I’ve created this “4 days in Lisbon Itinerary”.
Note: For those traveling to Lisbon for less than a weekend, you can still use this travel guide. We are writing about what to do, where to stay, and the most incredible places to eat: great cafes, cozy wine bars and so much more. Choose some from our curated list and add them to your own Lisbon itinerary.
HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS IN LISBON
Day 1: Alfama, Praça do Comércio, Miradouro de São Jorge Castle, São Jorge Castle, Fado Show…
Stop 1: Alfama
Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and one of the most visited ones every year. The area is famous for its winding and narrow streets, the old facades, its little corners and many hills. There are plenty of things to do around Alfama: one-of-a-kind photography locations, historical places to explore, and even thrift and local shopping.
Some of my top recommendations include: The Lisbon Cathedral, São Vicente de Fora Monastery, the National Pantheon, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Feira da Ladra (the largest outdoor flea market in the city).
We also recommend a stop in some of the viewpoints of the area. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia are both great choices to rest and enjoy some of the city views while exploring Alfama! You’ll have great views of the port and the Castelo do São Jorge as well.
If you choose to grab a quick bite while on the way to our next destinations, I recommend that you try Gelato Therapy. It’s a small ice cream shop serving delicious gelato, smoothies, waffles, crepes and other bites! There’s a gelateria on almost every corner in Lisbon, but this is the one you won’t want to miss!
Stop 2: Praca do Comercio
Once you’ve explored Lisbon 's oldest quarter for a while, it’s time to head to another of Lisbon's popular destinations: Praca do Comercio. This popular square is around a 10 to 15 minute walk from Alfama, or a quick ride on the iconic Tram #28 streetcar.
The Square is one of the largest in Europe, and it stands today in the same area where the old Royal Palace was. The Royal Palace was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, and in its place the Praca do Comercio was built around the Rua Augusta Arch and the Equestrian Statue of Joseph I.
Stop 3: Lunch
With all the walking and exploring, you’ll be ready to relax, unwind, and recharge before heading to your next set stop. There are many restaurants in Lisbon serving delicious seafood and wine, but my top two restaurants in this area are Da Prata 52 and Baía do Peixe - Terreiro do Paço.
For an early lunch, I recommend Baía do Peixe - Terreiro do Paço. The restaurant has an outdoor area overlooking the Praca do Comercio, serving great seafood dishes and delicious wine. The food might be a bit pricey, but the views are more than worth it, especially on your first visit to the city. Baía do Peixe - Terreiro do Paço is perfect for people-watching, and it's a great way to start embracing the new Portuguese lifestyle you’ll be living while exploring Lisbon in 4 days.
Da Prata 52 is a Portuguese tapas and wine bar/restaurant that happens to be my favorite place to eat in the city. Order the Risotto de Polvo, the beef Pica-Pau, some french fries, and a bottle of green wine to share. You can thank me later!
Alternatively, you can go to Da Prada 52 for dinner another day and go on a food tour for the rest of the day.
Stop 4: Miradouro de São Jorge, Walls of Castelo de São Jorge and Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge is one of the most important historical sites in Lisbon. It’s a symbol of the city, and a place we recommend everyone to visit. The first defensive walls from the fortress date from the 1st century BC, and it has since then played a key role in the history of Portugal. More recently, the Castelo de São Jorge has served as the Royal Palace, National Archive and Museum.
The fortress is the perfect place to spend the evening of your first day, adventuring through the walls and learning about Portuguese history. You’ll also enjoy some of the best views of the city and the sea from the vantage point of the top.
Our recommendation: Head to the fortification an hour or so before sunset and stay to enjoy the sensational evening views!
Castelo de São Jorge offers several different ticket options and guided tours. Basic tickets cost 10 euros per person, and the complex opens daily from 09h00 – 19h00 in the winter and 09h00 – 21h00 in the summer. For more up-to-date information about free visits and holiday hours check out their official website!
Stop 5: Fado live show
Lisbon is well known around Europe for its cool and booming nightlife scene. From friends’ gatherings in specialty wine stores to trendy clubs, there is always something fun to do in Lisbon. The Lisboetas have plenty of options for everyone, including live shows in the city every night!
One of the most popular live entertainment experiences in Lisbon is a live Fado show. There are plenty of Fado shows to choose from, and it's simply a great way to spend your first night in the city while immersing yourself in the local culture.
Specific recommendations will change depending on who you ask. But be aware that there are many shows catered to visitors which will include a pricey but not great dinner and a short Fado show. These are almost always a bit of a tourist trap.
Below I’m sharing some of my favorite venues, which are perfect to truly enjoy this traditionally beautiful Portuguese music like a local during your 4 days in Lisbon.
A great Fado live show at a concert venue can be found in Fado Chiado.
Enjoy some porto or green wine in Tasca Do Chico. This hip Bairro Alto Fado wine bar invites amateurs and great performers every night! (Entrance is free)
Real Fado Concerts gives locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Portuguese art in the most magical of settings in the neighborhood of Principe Real. On Wednesdays the artists share their melodies from 8:00pm to 9:00pm at the Embassy and on Fridays, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Reservoir of the Patriarchal.
Day 2: Misericórdia: Chiado, Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real…
Stop 1: Breakfast at Ceres Boulangerie
Start your 2nd morning in Lisbon by heading to Misericórdia, one of the hottest and most interesting districts in the city. There, you’ll find some of the must-visit neighborhoods of Lisbon: parts of Chiado, Bairro Alto and Principe Real. And you’ll explore streets full of local and vintage shops, pottery boutiques, coffee shops, galleries and stylish bars.
Grab a Pingado coffee and a fresh pastry at Ceres Boulangerie while people-watching or enjoy a latte and some eggs at Hello Kristof before exploring some of the amazing Lisbon neighborhoods.
Stop 2: Cecile M ceramics shop
A 2-minute walk from Ceres Boulangerie and Hello Kristof, you’ll find the next stop in this “4 days in Lisbon Itinerary: the Cecile M ceramics shop in the São Bento neighborhood. This place not only functions as a store but also as a workshop where tourists and locals can take classes and see the artisans working on the ceramic pieces.
Notes: The shop has two different spaces in the same block, one where you can see the ceramists working and another to purchase the pieces. In the ceramists' space, the store also offers some “misfit” pieces with small defects for significantly discounted prices!
Other ceramic stores that we loved and recommend in Lisbon:
Malga: a studio and store by an Evora local who uses earth tones and unique ceramic designs like no other!
Grau Ceramica: Isac and Diogo create very unique pieces such as modern tribal masks, ropes, vases, jars and tableware!
San Pi: San Pit Tableset pieces are not only beautiful but also very budget friendly.
Stop 3: Bairro Alto
Once you explored Cecile M ceramics shop, head to Bairro Alto by passing through Chiado.
There are two ways to go to Bairro Alto.
The first one: step off the beaten path and onto some of the smaller cobblestone streets and walk up towards the neighborhood. Snap some pictures of the beautifully decorated facades and make your way up while immersing yourself in the everyday life of the Lisboetas!
The second: head towards Rua de São Paulo and take the historic 19th century Elevador Da Bica (cable car/ funicular).
Bairro Alto is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Lisbon. Many writers and journalists made it their home in the 1800s, and they helped create the bohemian lifestyle that reigns in the neighborhood to this day.
Some things you can do while in the area are:
Visit the Church of St. Roque
Admire the views of the city from the Santa Catarina viewpoint
Ride Elevador da Gloria (cable car/funicular)
One you've explored the Bairro Alto, it's time to head to our next afternoon stop…
Stop 4: Principe Real
Principe Real is to the north of Bairro Alto and is one of the most charming and trendiest neighborhoods in Lisbon, a place where love is celebrated every day. The pleasant streets of Principe Real are home to the best antique stores and boutiques, leafy gardens, and chic restaurants alike.
There, you can explore places like Convento dos Cardaes and Pavilhão Chinês bar and museum. The Botanical Garden with its Butterfly Greenhouse is also one of the main attractions of the neighborhood, so make sure to check it out if you have some time to spare!
Travel Tip: Check out Zurita Street and find a good angle for some pictures.
Stop 5: Standby Food
The last stop on this second day of our Lisbon in 4 days itinerary is going for tapas and a glass of natural wine at Comida Independiente.
Comida Independiente is around 15-minute walk from Principe Real Botanical Garden. It is a specialty natural wine store and bar on a quiet street in Lisbon, and it's very well known among the locals for having some of the best bottles of natural wine in the whole city. Order bread with olive oil and goat cheese to share while drinking a delicious Portuguese orange wine!
Some of my favorite tapas bars nearby also include Paraguas Bar Tapas e Petiscos and Acaso.
Note: If you are staying around the Botanical Garden area in Principe Real, you might want to consider going to Amago instead. The food is mouthwatering and the service superb!
Day 3: Lisbon Day Trip: Sintra, Cascais, Obidos…
There are several Portuguese towns that make the perfect city getaway for your 3rd day in Lisbon. Sintra, Cascais and Obidos are some of our favorites!
When choosing which town to visit on a Lisbon day trip, you should decide based on when you are visiting and what kind of experience you will enjoy the most!
Sintra Day Trip Itinerary
Sintra is among the most famous towns in the Portuguese Riviera. Not only is the town center itself very picturesque, but there are plenty of interesting places to visit nearby: the Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros, the Quinta da Regaleira, Conveto dos Capuchos and more!
There are many organized tours leaving daily from Lisbon.
We skipped those and instead took the train and booked a tour of the city in classic old car, followed by a wine tasting. Either way, no matter what you choose, you’ll have a great time!
Note: Sintra is just 40 minutes away by train from Lisbon, making it super easy to get there. Sintra town is where the town center and the main Sintra train station is. Going on a day trip to Sintra will without a doubt be one of the highlights of your visit to Portugal.
If you choose to spend a day in Sintra, make sure to stop by Casa Piriquita. It’s an old traditional bakery and cafe that was recommended to us by a Sintra local. The chicken empanadas we ate there will forever live in my head rent-free!
Cascais Day Trip
Cascais is my favorite holiday destination near Lisbon. This seaside town is the jewel of the Portuguese Riviera. The train ride takes approximately 40 minutes from Lisbon, with trains running regularly from Cais do Sodre station. Cascais has some great family run seafood restaurants, beautiful beaches and grandiose villas.
Spend your day getting lost in the quaint cobblestone streets. Take a private surf lesson or go on fishing trip with a local.
Obidos Village
Obidos Village is well known for its Ginga liqueur drink and its medieval castle. It’s the smaller of the three towns and is located approximately an hour and half away from Lisbon. The place is quite busy during the day, filled with visitors eating in the traditional restaurants, buying souvenirs in the many shops, and admiring the old architecture. If you have visited Sintra and Cascais before we recommend adding Obidos to your next 4 days in Lisbon itinerary!
Day 4: Elevador de Santa Justa, Belém, Cais do Sodré, Time Out Market and Pink Street
Stop 1: Elevador de Santa Justa
For your 4th and last day in Lisbon, start by heading to the Elevador de Santa Justa to spend the morning delighting yourself with the views of Lisbon from the observation deck. The Elevador has an incredible design that mimics the Eiffel Tower. Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, the architect in charge of design of the Elevador, was an admirer of Gustave Eiffel’s work.
The Elevator opens daily from 7:00am- 9:00 pm in the winter and from 7:00am- 11:00 pm in the summer. Access to the elevator costs around 5 euros, and the lines can be quite long during high season.
Travel Tip: If you go through the back area, you might be able to skip the lines.
Stop 2: Belem: Belem Tower and The Jerónimos Monastery
Once you have enjoyed a full early morning of sightseeing in the Elevador de Santa Justa, it's time to explore the district of Belem and visit two of the most admired architectural jewels of Lisbon.
Note: From the Elevador de Santa Justa, both the 15E tram and the 714 bus will take you Belem (The Jerónimos Monastery stop) in under 30 minutes
The Torre de Belem is a 16th-century Manueline style fortress that is situated right on the bank of the Tagus River. It served as a strategic point to protect both the city and The Jerónimos Monastery.
The Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, along with the nearby Torre de Belem. The Monastery complex is composed of the Church of Santa Maria and The Cloister. The Monastery is one of the most visually impressive religious sites in all of Portugal! If you skipped Lisbon's Cathedral during your exploration of the Alfama, this is definitely a recommended stop in your “4 days in Lisbon Itinerary”.
Other things to do in the district of Belem are:
Eat a pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belém
Check out the Monument to the Discoveries
Stop by Belém’s Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
After exploring all that Belem has to offer, we recommend heading back to the main area of the city either by bike or scooter via the waterfront bike path. You’ll get great views of the water, bridges, boats and city life.
Stop 3: Cais do Sodré
Cais do Sodré is one of the most in-fashion neighborhoods in Lisbon, an area known for its waterfront cafes, restaurants and hangout spots as well as for its fun nightlife and bars. The Portuguese streets of Cais de Sodré are filled with locals and tourists alike. Some places you won’t want to miss while exploring the neighborhood are: Ribeira de Naus (promenade/ city beach), the terrace of Ribeira de Naus promenade, and the two next stops of this list.
Travel Tip: Spend some hours basking and relaxing on the promenade before continuing exploring the city’s most popular landmarks and streets!
Stop 4: Pink Street
Pink Street is one of Lisbon’s busiest and most visited streets in the city. During the day, Rua Nova do Carvalho (or Pink Street) sees many of the city's tourists and visitors taking pictures, while during the night the bars and restaurants set up their outside areas, creating a fun and celebratory atmosphere.
Tip: Make sure to take some insta-worthy pictures during the day or grab a drink there at night!
Stop 5: Time Out Market and Mercado da Ribeira
There’s no better way to end your time in Lisbon than by grabbing some yummy food and some refreshing drinks!
Time Out Market and Mercado da Ribeira ended up being one of my favorite places in Lisbon. A very busy and enjoyable hub, Mercado Ribeira is one of the oldest markets in Lisbon. Today it houses a modern gourmet food court area called the Time out Market.
The Mercado da Ribeira hosts Lisboetas selling fresh produce, flowers, seafood, meat nuts and so much more. It’s the perfect place for those booking an Airbnb and cooking at home during their 4 days in Lisbon.
The food court area or Time Out Market Lisbon has many local vendors, which include big and smaller Portuguese restaurants selling all kinds of delicious food. They not only serve delicious Portuguese tapa dishes and petiscos, but also more American style food like pizzas and hamburgers. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, and it's always a good time.
We recommend ordering some delicious fast food there and saving the Portuguese dishes for a more local restaurant. Regardless of what you end up ordering, one thing you don't want to miss is getting an eclair from LÉclair food stall!
Note: Some people dismiss the Time Out Market Lisboa as too touristy/ busy, but I highly recommend you check it at least once! We loved it there and noticed many of the locals also go to the mercado on weekends to get a bite with some friends or a drink with their significant other.
For those wanting more information about the city, I've made a few additional notes below.
TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR YOUR 4 DAYS IN LISBON
Travelers spending 4 days in Lisbon will have plenty of time to explore the city and neighboring areas without rushing or feeling stressed out. Check out some of the following destinations we are sharing as a bonus:
Lx Factory: An industrial complex housing a variety of restaurants and local vendors.
Parque das Nações: The Parque das Nações is located to the south of the city. The area has a totally modern look and features shopping malls, modern restaurants, parks, and the well-known Lisbon Oceanarium.
Lisbon Oceanarium: The Lisbon Oceanarium is among the largest indoor aquariums in the world, and it’s located in the Parque das Nações.
Cristo Rei Christ Statue, or The Sanctuary of Christ the King statue, is located in Almada and can be seen from the Lisbon city center and waterfront. It has been protecting the city since 1959, and was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos or Monument to the Discoveries is located in Belen and faces the Tagus River. The monument pays homepage to the Age of Discovery and the popular Vasco da Gama garden is also close by.
The National Azulejo Museum: This tile museum showcases beautiful Portuguese tile designs. Some exhibition pieces date back more than 4 centuries.
If you are heading to Lisbon during the summer months, the Portuguese Riviera is a popular destination among locals and tourists. We shared our tips for Sintra and Cascais above. And if you have extra time, Oeiras is a great 3rd option in the region as well!
If you’re visiting Portugal in the winter, head north from Lisbon and check out Nazare! It’s a small seaside town that’s well known for its huge waves and surfing culture. Buses leave daily from Lisboa Estacion de Oriente, and the trip takes less than 2 hours each way.
Other fun activities to try while in Lisbon include taking your first surf lesson or going on a historic Tuk Tuk tour.
LANGUAGES
Portugal's official language is Portuguese! Nonetheless, many of the locals are fluent in languages like English, Spanish and Italian, especially those 40 years old or younger. English native speakers will be able to communicate well in the city center and in tourist destinations like Cascais and Sintra. However, I always recommend learning some key travel phrases.
If, after your 4 days in Lisbon, you’re planning to travel to the Portuguese countryside or adventuring to more local neighborhoods while in the city, you might meet a few Portuguese who aren’t fluent in English. We have written a very useful blog post with great everyday travel phrases here. Check out the article and learn some simple everyday phrases before traveling to Portugal.
TRANSPORTATION TIPS
There are many popular ways to travel to Lisbon, depending on which part of the world you are coming from: car, train, bus and plane. Uber services are available all through the city, and prices are very reasonable. Train, metro, buses and tram services are available and are very reliable. The bus, tram and metro cost around €1.50 each way.
To get from the airport to the city center takes approximately 30 minutes.
Lisboa is known around the world for its historical and picturesque trams. A must thing to do when visiting the city is riding the historic Yellow Tram #28.
To pay for the ride, you can use your metro/bus (Viva Viagem) card. Alternatively, those who didn’t pre-purchased the card in a metro station (or forgot it at home) can buy tickets on board the tram. Prices will vary depending on the option you purchase.
Tram tickets on board cost 3 euros each way.
An unlimited 24hours Viva Viagem card (metro/bus/tram) costs 6 euros and 40 cents.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LISBON
Lisbon’s busiest and most popular season is Summer. The weather is warm and there are plenty of activities to do around the city. Between May and October, locals and tourists head to the beach almost daily.
However, I think Spring is the best time to spend 4 days in Lisbon! The city is less crowded during the months of March and April. Temperatures are still nice and warm, and it's easier to find good accommodation prices.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
For those looking for hotel recommendations, The Ivens Hotel, Memmo Alfama, and Valverde Hotel are among my top recommendations in Lisbon. The Ivens Hotel is a five-star hotel and one of the newest accommodations in the city. It’s located in the heart of the Chiado neighborhood in a building that used to host an old radio station.
Memmo Alfama is an adults-only sleek hotel nested in the Alfama area near the Lisbon Cathedral. It’s a great hotel with a modern pool to cool off if you're visiting during the summer months. And Valverde Hotel is located on Avenida da Liberdade, minutes away from the neighborhood of Principe Real and right next to fancy stores and cute boutiques. It’s also within walking distance of the city center!
For those looking for neighborhood tips, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Principe Real and Baxia are my favorite areas in Lisbon!
Chiado and Bairro Alto are right next to each other and are some of the most hip and cool areas in the city. They are filled with restaurants, wine bars, cafes, local hangouts and great nightlife. This is where the Lisboeta go to enjoy a yummy brunch or glass of green wine on Saturday nights.
Principe Real is north of Bairro Alto, and the area is filled everyday with locals heading to cute boutiques and great restaurants.
Baxia is right in the city center and one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city. It's a great place to stay for those visiting Lisbon for the first time.
There are also many other hotels, B&B, pousadas, hostels and Airbnb in these areas to choose from.
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
For foodie travelers, these are some of my favorite places in the city:
For Brunch I recommend Dear Breakfast and Zenith Brunch and Cocktails.
What we ordered:
In Dear Breakfast we loved the healthy rancheros and the sweet pancakes!
In Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, we recommend the Acai Bowl and the Scrambled eggs croissant a la carbonara.
For Dinner I’m sharing two of my go-to places: Senhor Uva and La Paparrucha.
Senhor Uva is a vegetarian/vegan Spanish restaurant and wine bar loved by the locals. They serve delicious dishes and have a great collection of wines!
La Paparrucha is a steakhouse that boasts beautiful views of the city. The place was recommended to us by a local, and it's definitely one you won't want to miss! Head to La Paparrucha if visiting Lisbon for a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, honeymoon…) but not without making a reservation. It is one of the busiest establishments in the Portuguese capital.
For a glass of wine, head to Holy Wines or Black Sheep Lisboa.
Holy Wine is a more hipster, younger Bar where you can enjoy a natural wine tasting while standing outside, people watching and looking at the #28 Trams going up and down. Nothing more European than that, right?!
Black Sheep Lisboa is a more romantic place. The perfect bar to enjoy a green wine in a cozy atmosphere next to your significant other!
For a quick coffee, tea and relaxation session, head to Copenhagen Coffee Lab.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab is a coffee chain that's definitely worth stopping by. Order the green smoothie and a coffee in the Alfama location and relax in their tucked away courtyard before exploring the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon.
GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS
The Lisboa Card will help you book museum visits and attractions in advance, skip some lines, and save money. They have some nice deals, discounts and free perks, including unlimited free rides by tram, metro, buses and even elevators! The Sintra Pass offers similar deals in that region: access to the castles, transportation deals and much more!
FURTHER READINGS:
For those traveling to other European cities after spending 4 days in Lisbon, we’ve also written travel guides for destinations like Athens, Madrid, Paris, London and Dublin, just to name a few. Head to our European destinations section to read everything you need to know about these incredible cities!
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Have you been to Lisbon before? Leave a comment below and share your own highlight experiences, including favorite neighborhoods and best things to do!
Besitos from Lisboa,
Laura
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