Living in Lisbon, I’ve learned two things: one, you’ll never run out of things to do here, and two, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this city. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Lisbon always finds a way to surprise you. If you’re here for four days, you’re in luck – I’ve crafted this “4-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide to Portugal’s Capital” that hits all the must-sees. Let’s dive in and make the most of your trip!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links from booking platforms. By booking through my link you are supporting my work, thank you so much!
Table of Contents
Lisbon Itinerary
Plan Your Trip to Lisbon
Best Time to Visit
Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate makes it a fantastic year-round destination. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is lively, though hotter and busier, while winter is quieter and still pleasant for sightseeing, especially if you come from a colder country.
How to Get There
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is well-connected to major global cities. The city center is a short 20-minute drive or metro ride away. TAP Air Portugal and low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet frequently service Lisbon.
How to Get Around
Lisbon is a walkable city, but its famous hills can be challenging. Use the city’s efficient metro, buses, and iconic trams for longer distances. You can get your Viva Viagem card for individual tickets or daily passes. Take a ride on the famous Tram 28 for a unique tour of the city center.
Where to Stay
Stay in central neighborhoods like Baixa, and Chiado for easy access to main attractions. Alfama is a beautiful and historic, though you will have to walk a bit to the closest metro station. Parque das Nações is also a good option if you are looking for a quieter vibe. If you’re a night owl, Bairro Alto is perfect for lively nightlife, but early sleepers may want to avoid this hotel zone.
Where to Eat
Lisbon’s food scene is a mix of traditional and contemporary. Try “Time Out Market” for diverse local bites or “Ramiro” to splurge on incredible seafood. Don’t miss “Pastéis de Belém” and “Manteigaria” for the city’s iconic custard tarts. “O Velho Eurico” has been on every tourist’s radar for traditional Portuguese food, but be prepared for a 2-month waiting list.
Lisbon Itinerary
Day 1
Start your Lisbon adventure with its historic heart.
Terreiro do Paço
Begin at this grand riverside square, also known as Praça do Comércio, surrounded by classical architecture. Walk through the Arco da Rua Augusta for sweeping views of the square and the Tagus River.
Baixa
Wander Lisbon’s downtown with its elegant grid layout, wide avenues, and neoclassical buildings. Shop along Rua Augusta, find a local brunch spot or take a look at “A Brasileira,” one of the city’s most iconic cafes. This is the perfect place to do a walking tour around the city center.
Carmo Convent and Largo do Carmo
Visit this hauntingly beautiful Gothic church, partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The nearby square is perfect for a relaxing break.
Skip the huge lines of the Santa Justa lift, and enjoy the same view for free. Go around Convento do Carmo along Tv. Dom Pedro de Menezes and follow to Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau, where you will find the viewpoint that connects to the lift.
Bairro Alto
End your day exploring this bohemian neighborhood. By day, it’s peaceful with charming streets; by night, it transforms into a lively hub of restaurants and bars. This is a place I highly recommend for experiencing Lisbon’s nightlife.
Day 2
Spend your second day in Belém, Lisbon’s historic riverside district.
Jerónimos Monastery
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Explore its intricate cloisters and learn about Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
Belém Tower
A symbol of Lisbon, this fortified tower once guarded the city’s harbor. Admire its unique design and riverside location, but going inside is honestly a skip.
Monument to the Discoveries
Walk along the river to this iconic structure, celebrating Portugal’s maritime explorers. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the area.
Pastéis de Belém
Stop at this legendary bakery to savor the original custard tarts. The recipe has been a closely guarded secret since 1837! If you are in a rush or want to take your pastéis to go, choose the line on the left, which is usually less crowded.
MAAT and LX Factory
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT), then head to LX Factory for a trendy mix of shops, restaurants, and street art.
Day 3
Explore the city’s modern side before diving into its oldest neighborhood.
Parque das Nações
Start your day in Lisbon’s futuristic district, home to the Oceanário de Lisboa, Europe’s largest indoor aquarium. Take a cable car ride for views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
Graça and Alfama
In the afternoon, get lost in Alfama’s winding streets. Discover its Fado music roots, vibrant tiled houses, and cozy taverns.
São Jorge Castle
Climb up to this ancient fortress for breathtaking views of Lisbon. Explore its ramparts and learn about the city’s history.
Miradouros (Viewpoints)
End your day at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Miradouro das Portas do Sol for unforgettable sunset views.
Day 4
Take a short train ride from Lisbon for an exciting day trip to explore enchanting towns nearby.
Sintra
Sintra has so much to see that one day may not be enough, but it is a great start. Between the fairy-tale Pena Palace and its colorful, romantic architecture, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, known for its Initiation Well and lush gardens, or simply getting lost in the charming streets of this town, there is a lot to see!
Cascais
End your day in this chic seaside town. Stroll along the marina, relax on the beach, and savor fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. A beautiful sunset in Cascais is the perfect end to your 4-day Lisbon itinerary.
Closing Notes: Lisbon Travel Tips
- Packing: Comfortable shoes are a must for Lisbon’s hilly streets and cobblestones. A lightweight jacket is useful for breezy evenings.
- Public Transport: Trams can be crowded, especially the famous Tram 28. If this ride is on your list, go early or late to avoid peak times. Beware of pickpockets during this ride.
- Unique Souvenirs: Bring home traditional azulejos (tiles), canned sardines, Portuguese wine or cork products for a distinctively Portuguese souvenir.
Lisbon’s vibrant charm, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere make it a city you’ll want to return to again and again. Prepare to fall in love with every hill, tram, and sunset view this incredible destination has to offer.
Porto might not be as big as Lisbon, but it’s got plenty of charm packed into its hilly
Exploring Lisbon – 10 Places You Need to Visit. Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city
São Miguel Island is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Picture emerald-green
I hope this article “4-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide To Portugal’s Capital“ helped you plan your trip to Lisbon, Portugal! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.
With Love,
Catarina Vieira
Portugal is one of our favourite countries and we love to spend some time in Lisbon. You put together a good 4 day itinerary to see some great spot. We need to plan time to see inside the Jerónimos Monastery on a future visit. But we definitely won’t forget to head back to Belem for Pasteis de Belem. Made me wish we had a return trip planned!
Thank you! I love living in Lisbon, and this is usually the itinerary I follow when I want to show the city to my friends.
Great itinerary! We often enjoy spending a day wandering the waterfront between Lisbon and Belém, seeing all of the sights along the way and stopping at a waterfront café.
That is always a great plan! The waterfront gives me so much peace, especially on a sunny day!
I love the detail in this itinerary. Your photography is stunning, and your tips make it easy to plan a getaway.
Thank you so much Kristina!
I just visited Lisbon for three days in October. I love this city esp. the custard tarts. We jetted around in a golf cart. There is so much to see and do.
Yessss the tarts are amazing! I love how much there is to do in Lisbon