Psss… 🫣 we included a lot of tips and tricks! *And a small gift for you at the end

Introduction

Welcome to Lisbon – the sunny capital of Portugal! With so much to see and do, planning your itinerary can be overwhelming. But no worries, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll provide you with a Lisbon 4-day itinerary. Plus, I’ll let you know what’s a must-see and what’s optional. So, let’s get started!

Day 1: Downtown Lisbon

Kick start your day with a scrumptious Portuguese breakfast of pastel de nata (custard tart) and coffee at Pastéis de Belém. From there, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Tagus River and make your way to Praça do Comércio, a grand square that’s home to the beautiful Rua Augusta Arch.

Next up, head to the historic Alfama neighborhood, which is famous for its narrow streets and colorful buildings. Don’t miss out on visiting the São Jorge Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the city. End your day with some live Fado music and a glass of wine at one of Alfama’s many charming bars.

Tips and Tricks for Downtown Lisbon

• Be wary of pickpockets, particularly in congested locations like Praça do Comércio and Alfama. To understand more about the Alfama neighborhood’s history and culture, consider joining a guided walking tour:

• If you’re interested in learning more about Portugal’s rich history of exploration and discovery, consider visiting the Lisbon Story Centre. This museum tells the story of Lisbon and its role in the Age of Discoveries. Check out this website for more information.

Day 2: Belem and Cacilhas

Today, make your way to the neighborhood of Belém, which is known for its historic monuments and delicious pastries. Visit the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And of course, make sure to indulge in another pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

After visiting the Belém neighborhood, you could consider taking a ferry across the Tagus River to Cacilhas. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of Lisbon’s skyline and try some delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants along the riverfront. Alternatively, you could visit the National Museum of Ancient Art, which houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Tips and Tricks for Belem

• Try to visit the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery early in the day to avoid the crowds.
• Be prepared for long lines at Pastéis de Belém, especially during peak tourist season. Consider ordering your pastries to go and enjoying them at a nearby park along the river.
• If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Belém, consider taking a guided tour. Check out this website for more information.

Day 3: Best rated tour – Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Today, take a day trip to some of the most beautiful places outside of Lisbon. You’ll start by visiting the Pena Palace, which is located in the town of Sintra. This stunning palace is perched atop a hill and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The palace is known for its bright colors and unique architecture, and it’s a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Lisbon.

After visiting the Pena Palace, you’ll head to the town of Sintra itself, where you can explore the charming streets and enjoy some delicious local food.

Finally, you’ll visit the westernmost point of continental Europe – Cabo da Roca. This is a stunning location that’s known for its rugged cliffs and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. After taking in the scenery, you’ll head to the nearby town of Cascais, where you can enjoy some delicious seafood and relax on the beach.

Tips and Tricks for the Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in this tour.
• Bring a jacket or sweater, as it can get chilly at the Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and beautiful architecture.
• Consider bringing some snacks and water, as there are limited food options at some of the attractions.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
• Check the weather forecast before booking the tour to ensure that it’s a good day for sightseeing.

Day 4: Bairro Alto and Chiado

On your final day in Lisbon, explore the trendy neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Chiado. Start your day off with a coffee and a pastry at A Brasileira, a historic café that was a favorite of Fernando Pessoa, one of Portugal’s most famous poets.

Next up, take a stroll through the streets of Chiado, which is known for its high-end shopping and beautiful architecture. Make sure to visit the Carmo Convent, which was partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake but still stands as a beautiful ruin.

In the evening, head to Bairro Alto, which is known for its lively nightlife. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants that line the streets and then head to a bar for a nightcap. Don’t be surprised if you end up dancing until the early hours of the morning!

Tips and Tricks for Bairro Alto and Chiado

• Take your time to explore the streets and alleyways, as there are many hidden gems to discover.
• Consider visiting the Convento do Carmo, which is a Gothic-style convent that was partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The roofless nave is now home to the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which features artifacts from Lisbon’s past.
• If you’re interested in shopping, head to Rua Garrett in Chiado. This pedestrian street is lined with high-end shops and boutiques.
• Don’t miss out on trying a Ginjinha, which is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made with sour cherries. You can find it at several bars in Bairro Alto.

Conclusion

And there you have it – Lisbon 4-day itinerary made just for you! Of course, there’s so much more to see and do in this beautiful city, but these are some of the highlights. Remember to take your time and enjoy the Portuguese way of life. And don’t forget to have a pastel de nata (or two) for me!

If you plan on visiting many attractions in Lisbon, it may be worth considering purchasing the Lisbon Card. This card offers discounts and free access to multiple attractions in the city, including museums and public transportation.

Extra time in Lisbon

If you have some extra time in Lisbon, consider these additional optional activities to do:

• Explore the Belem Cultural Center and the Berardo Collection Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
• Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, which is one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
• Take a day trip to the historic town of Obidos, which is known for its well-preserved castle and medieval walls.
• Take a scenic ride on the historic Tram 28, which winds its way through the narrow streets of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods.
• Take a day trip to the nearby town of Évora. This historic town is known for its well-preserved Roman temple, beautiful cathedral, and delicious food. You can easily reach Évora by train or bus from Lisbon, and it’s a great way to see more of Portugal beyond the capital city.

Timeline

Day 1 of Lisbon 4-day itinerary

• Pastéis de Belém (breakfast)
• Tagus River
• Praça do Comércio
• Rua Augusta Arch
• Alfama neighborhood
• São Jorge Castle
• Live Fado music and wine at a bar in Alfama

Day 2 of Lisbon 4-day itinerary

• Belém neighborhood
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Pastéis de Belém (pastry)
• Train to Cascais
• Cascais beach
• Cascais Citadel
• Santa Marta Lighthouse

Day 3 of Lisbon 4-day itinerary

• Pena Palace
• Sintra
• Cabo da Roca
• Cascais

Day 4 of Lisbon 4-day itinerary

• A Brasileira (coffee and pastry)
• Chiado neighborhood
• Carmo Convent
• Dinner at a restaurant in Bairro Alto
• Nightlife in Bairro Alto

Here are 10 restaurants in Lisbon recommended by locals:

1. Cervejaria Ramiro – famous for its seafood and beer
2. A Cevicheria – serves delicious ceviche and other Peruvian dishes
3. Solar dos Presuntos – a classic Portuguese restaurant known for its seafood and meat dishes
4. Taberna da Rua das Flores – serves traditional Portuguese food with a modern twist
5. O Talho – a meat lover’s paradise with a focus on high-quality cuts
6. Sr. Lisboa – serves modern Portuguese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
7. A Taberna da Rua das Gáveas – offers a wide range of Portuguese tapas and petiscos
8. A Gina – serves delicious seafood and meat dishes in a charming atmosphere
9. Cantinho do Avillez – a trendy restaurant that serves a blend of traditional and modern Portuguese dishes
10. Mercado da Ribeira – a food hall with a variety of stalls offering different types of food from local and international cuisines.

If you’re looking for more information or have any questions about your trip and if this Lisbon 4-day itinerary isn’t what you are looking for – feel free to reach out to me through our contact form. Have a great trip!

And a small gift for you ☺️ if this Lisbon 4-day itinerary isn’t enough for you and you already checked extra activities – then you are an explorer by nature! This is why we made a big checklist with the best Lisbon activities to fuel up your day even more!

Free checklist for Best Lisbon Activities