4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: A Perfect Itinerary For First-Time Visitors!
Lisbon has definitely made a name for itself as a must-visit destination, renowned for its iconic trams and the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibes. But brace yourself, because Lisbon has much more to offer!
Of course, the stunning views were one of the main reasons I was drawn in (and they did not disappoint!), but there’s also an irresistible charm that sweeps you off your feet as soon as you set foot in this amazing city. Standing by the Tagus River, it felt like discovering a hidden gem.
With my insider tips and carefully selected recommendations, you will have an unforgettable 4 days in Lisbon.
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How to get around Lisbon
Lisbon offers convenient transportation options, such as trams, buses, metros, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber.
Walking is a delightful way to explore the city center, and funiculars and bikes are also available.
Boats and ferries along the Tagus River offer a unique perspective of Lisbon’s waterfront.
Plan your transportation based on the areas you want to explore in order to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Choosing where to base yourself in Lisbon can be hard because the city has so many iconic locations. My recommendation is to choose it based on the experience you want to have. Many solo travelers in Portugal choose to stay at a hostel to meet people, but thankfully there are many hotels and guesthouses that will fit any budget!
Here are some of my favourite neighborhoods to stay when I’m in Lisbon:
- Baixa offers a central location with historic charm;
- Alfama immerses you in medieval history and Fado music;
- Bairro Alto provides a lively atmosphere with vibrant nightlife;
- Chiado blends history and modernity with upscale shops;
- Belém offers tranquility near historic landmarks;
- Avenida da Liberdade has a sophisticated ambiance with luxury hotels.
Luxury:
📍 BessaHotel Liberdade AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE
📍 Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE
📍 NAU Palacio do Governador BELÉM
Mid – Budget:
📍 LR Guest House BAIRRO ALTO
📍 Hotel Borges Chiado CHIADO
📍 Lisbon Colours Bairro Alto Apartments BAIRRO ALTO
Budget:
📍Santa Luzia B&B – HOrigem ALFAMA
📍 Largo da Sé Guest House – HOrigem BAIXA
📍 Varandas de Lisboa – Tejo River Apartments & Rooms BAIXA
4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of the itinerary below:
- Day 1: Historic Center
- Day 2: Downtown Lisbon
- Day 3: Belém
- Day 4: Daytrip to Sintra
Day 1- Historic Center
On the first day of our journey, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant city of Lisbon. We’ll walk through its charming streets and visit some of the most iconic sights it has to offer.
- São Jorge Castle
Kickstart your day with a trip to the renowned Castelo de São Jorge.
Sitting atop the tallest hill, this castle boasts amazing medieval walls, towering structures, and serene gardens.
Venture through the archaeological site and marvel at the stunning, wide-reaching views of Lisbon.
Enhance your experience by opting for a tour, where you can learn all about the castle’s rich history.
📍Recommended Tour- Lisbon: Saint George’s Castle Guided Tour with Entry ticket
- Alfama District
The walk from the castle to Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, takes only about 15 minutes and is a delightful experience.
The charming cobblestone streets reveal historic buildings and traditional Fado music venues along the way. You’ll quickly find yourself wandering through a labyrinth of narrow alleys, past historic houses adorned with azulejos (decorative tiles), and cozy Fado bars.
- Lunch– Restaurante Bacalhau de Molho
For lunch, make your way to Bacalhau de Molho.
This restaurant is situated in Alfama and is known for having the best bacalhau (salted codfish).
The cozy ambiance and authentic flavors make it a must-try for anyone seeking traditional Portuguese food!
- National Pantheon and Santa Clara Market
Next, visit the National Pantheon, located nearby. This structure boasts stunning domes and a fascinating past. Take some time to explore the interior and admire the breathtaking views from the terrace.
Then, make your way to Santa Clara Market where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, unique handmade items, and experience the vibrant culture of Lisbon.
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (viewpoint)
For sunset, head to one of the many Miradouros (viewpoints) in town.
My personal favorite is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, which is situated only 15 minutes from Santa Clara market.
Hidden away from the busy city streets, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is a hidden gem in Lisbon. From this here, you can catch breathtaking views of the city and its famous landmarks. It’s the perfect way to avoid the crowds!
- Fado Experience
Complete your explorations of Alfama with an immersive Fado performance, a must-see cultural experience in Portugal. Many restaurants offer this such as A Severa, known for its authentic performances and connection to Lisbon’s heritage.
It’s just a 10-minute walk from Alfama to one of these traditional Fado venues.
Day 2- Downtown Lisbon
Continuing the thrilling journey of day 1, we eagerly set out to explore some of Lisbon’s most picturesque landmarks.
- Praça do Comércio
Start your day off at Praça do Comércio, the magnificent waterfront square of Lisbon. The incredible yellow buildings that surround it mark the entrance to the city. Admire the impressive triumphal arch and take in the stunning views of the Tagus River.
- Rua Augusta
A short distance away, you’ll find Rua Augusta, the lively pedestrian street in Lisbon.
You’ll pass by charming shops, inviting cafes, and talented street performers before reaching the iconic Arco da Rua Augusta.
Climb up to the top of the arc for stunning views of the city and the river below.
- Santa Justa Lift
In 19th-century Lisbon, locals built a lift to easily navigate the city’s steep hills. Known as the Santa Justa Lift, it now attracts tourists with its Gothic arches and geometric patterns.
For $5, visitors can enjoy stunning views from this tall structure. You will buy your ticket at the door, or if you buy the Lisboa pass it is included in the price.
- Lunch- Bastardo
For lunch, head to Bastardo, which is only a few blocks away from the Santa Justa Lift. There, you can try traditional Portuguese food, such as golden bream with potatoes gratin or tiger shrimp risotto.
The ambiance of Bastardo is wonderful, and is a perfect stop midday to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Rossio square
Next, head over to Rossio Square, a bustling center with charming architecture and a unique mosaic design.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Rossio Train Station and the surrounding area, including the stunning Teatro Nacional D. Maria II.
- Bairro Alto
Before it gets dark, discover Bairro Alto, known as Lisbon’s party district. During the day, you’ll discover street art, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine from around the world.
At night, it’s a bustling area full of bars, making it the perfect starting point for a night out in Lisbon. Even long-time residents can struggle to navigate its busy streets sometimes.
Day 3- Belém
On day 3 of your 4 days in Lisbon, we venture away from the historic city center and explore Portugal’s rich history through its stunning monuments. Today, we will discover Belém!
- Belém Tower
Belém Tower, a maritime masterpiece from Portugal’s Age of Discovery, stands proudly at the entrance to Lisbon.
With its Manueline architecture and rich history, it offers visitors a journey back in time and stunning views of the Tagus River and surrounding landscapes.
Snap some photos at this marvelous landmark, or simply bask in its beauty.
- Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery, built in the 16th century, is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site and top tourist destination in Lisbon.
Its Gothic Manueline architecture still dominates the surrounding neighborhood despite being built outside of town.
It’s very popular so if you want to go inside, make sure to buy your tickets in advance and to head there early in the morning!
- Riverside Lunch and Pastel de Nata
For lunch, head to À Margem Restaurante where you’ll sit overlooking the Tagus River.
The restaurant specializes in blending Portuguese and Mediterranean flavors, highlighting the freshness of their seafood dishes.
Afterwards, why not indulge in Portugal’s renowned dessert? Treat yourself to a custard tart from Pastéis de Belém, where the top-secret recipe has been closely protected since 1837.
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos
After lunch, take a short stroll along the waterfront until you reach Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
This monument celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discovery, featuring 33 notable figures from the period with Henry the Navigator at the center.
Visitors can enter and take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Belem, the river, and Lisbon.
- LX Factory
Complete your day in Belem by exploring LX Factory, a lively complex in the nearby neighborhood of Alcântara, only 20 minutes by bus from Belem.
This former textile manufacturing site has been transformed into a dynamic hub filled with trendy bookstores, restaurants, and local shops showcasing unique products and artwork.
Lots of people often miss the rooftop bar, which has some of the best views of the city! Visit LX Factory’s rooftop for a drink while enjoying sunset in the city.
Day 4- Sintra Day Trip
For the final day of your 4 day Lisbon itinerary, I’ve saved the best for last: a day trip to the magical town of Sintra!
Sintra is a place you cannot miss when you’re going to Lisbon. With its UNESCO World Heritage sites and enchanting atmosphere, it’s a destination that simply must be experienced.
There are multiple convenient options for traveling from Lisbon to Sintra but by far the best way is by train. Trains departing from either Rossio Station or Oriente Station can get you there in just 40 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.
- Pena Palace, Quinta de Regalia, and Moorish Castle
Begin by visiting Pena Palace, located on the scenic Sintra hills. Its colorful exterior and unique architecture provide a visually stunning experience.
📍Recommended Tour-Lisbon: Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Tour
Afterwards, make your way to the strategically positioned Moorish Castle, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Lunch- Tascatinga
Make a quick stop for lunch in Sintra at restaurant Tascatinga, which specializes in tapas (snacks). It’s very budget friendly, a meal coming to around $20 each. My favourite dishes from here were the roasted octopus and the roasted chouriço (Portuguese sausage).
- Quinta de Regaleira
Just a short distance away is Quinta de Regaleira, an enchanting estate with beautiful gardens and mysterious tunnels waiting to be discovered.
Finally, head over to the westernmost point of mainland Europe – Cabo da Roca! Sunset here is truly amazing. Perched on rugged cliffs, it offers an unparalleled view of the Atlantic Ocean.
📍Recommended Tour- Lisbon: Sintra Tour with Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleria
- Dinner- Incomum
If you want to have dinner in Sintra, head back to the historic center and go to Incomum to try yet another bacalhau dish and their homemade tiramisu.
- Drinks- Volta ao Mundo Wine Bar
Finish your day by trying some Portuguese wines at Volta ao Mundo Wine Bar where you can taste the iconic Vinho Verde (Green wine).
You can also visit all these attractions by doing a tour from Lisbon which I highly recommend if you want to easily get around and learn all there is to know about these iconic attractions!
Must-see Sights in Lisbon with Limited Time
If you’re only in Lisbon for a short time, here are the must-see sights to prioritize during your visit:
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Praça do Comércio
- Rua Augusta
- São Jorge Castle
- Bairro Alto
Map of Lisbon Itinerary
Here is a map of all of the locations mentioned above to help you navigate for this 4 day itinerary of Lisbon!
