A Perfect 4 Days Lisbon Itinerary: The Best of Lisbon

Lisbon is such a great city! It’s beautiful, affordable, with a rich history and great food scene. In this blog post I am sharing with you my 4 days Lisbon itinerary, so you can see the best of the Portuguese capital. The itinerary will cover 3 full days in Lisbon and a day trip to Sintra.

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

Heads up! Some links in this blog are affiliates. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend stuff I’ve tested or trust. You can read more about our affiliate disclaimer here.

How to Get to Lisbon

It’s really easy to fly to Lisbon from worldwide destinations. Once you’re at the airport, then the best is to order Uber or Bolt to your hotel because they are really inexpensive, especially compared to other EU cities!

Additionally, you can also book a private transfer. If you’re in a hurry, then this might be a better choice because we waited for 45 minutes to get our Bolt (landed at peak hours).

✅ Check the flight prices here.

How to Get around Lisbon

If you’re staying in the city centre (my recommendation!) then it’s pretty easy to just walk around Lisbon, though it’s quite hilly, so make sure you’re fit for that!

If the distance from one site to another is bigger, then I would again recommend taking an Uber or Bolt. That’s what we did when we didn’t feel like walking because it’s really that affordable and you don’t need to bother with public transportation at all.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Firstly, a lot of people would recommend Alfama neighbourhood because it’s the oldest, cheapest and most authentic. And while all of this is true, I would not recommend staying in Alfama at all!

Mainly because some areas are a bit dodgy, but even more so, Alfama is super hilly! So, unless you want to go up and down hundreds of steps each day, I would obtain it from booking a hotel there. Plus, it is further away from main attractions in Lisbon, but the best viewpoints are there (cuz it’s hilly).

Anyways, my recommended area is Avenida da Liberdade, Bairro Alto, Baixa de Lisboa and Chiado – basically the historic centre of Lisbon.

📖 Check my 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Lisbon City Centre blog post for more.

When to Visit Lisbon

Lisbon is generally a great city to visit throughout the year, though it may be too hot in summers and overcrowded.

I was personally there in February for Valentine’s Day and it was a great decision. The weather in Lisbon is mild in winter, but there are fewer crowds. We could really enjoy every corner of it, so I would definitely recommend visiting off-season if you can.

📖 Check my 12 Warmest Places in Europe You Should Visit in Winter blog post.

How Many Days in Lisbon is Ideal

If you want to see the best of Lisbon, then aim for 3 full days. If you’d love to take a day trip to Sintra, then you need 4 full days in Lisbon. This is exactly what we will cover in this 4 days Lisbon itinerary.

Day 1 in Lisbon

On your first day in this Lisbon itinerary, you will explore the historic centre. Depending on what you plan on visiting and doing during your trip to Lisbon, it might be worth getting a Lisbon Pass to save the money.

✅ Consider joining this highest rated walking tour of Lisbon.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

There’s no better way to start exploring Lisbon than from admiring its views.

Miradouro is basically a viewpoint and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is the most famous one in the historic centre of Lisbon (all the other famous ones I visited are in Alfama).

Perhaps because it was the weekend, or the Valentine’s Day weekend, this area had a mini street food market with food and drinks. I didn’t see it the rest of the week, so I am not sure if this was a weekend thing or a temporary one.

Even so, don’t skip this place!

Funicular

There are 3 funiculars in Lisbon: Ascensor da Bica, Ascensor da Glória and Ascensor do Lavra. The most picturesque is Bica, but Gloria is too.

Ascensor da Gloria’s ride ends (or starts) at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, so it’s perfect for combining these 2 attractions and photo spots.

You can take a ride in the funicular for the experience. I skipped it though.

If you want to take a photo with Bica, this is its location.

Igreja de São Roque

Church of Saint Roch is a gorgeous baroque church in Lisbon. To me, it’s definitely the most beautiful one in the city!

The details are so intricate, I couldn’t keep myself from staring at them. It might be the longest I spent in the church (not counting masses) to admire the art.

The church is free to visit.

Calçada do Carmo Street Art

As you head towards Praça Dom Pedro IV you will pass by Calçada do Carmo. There you will find cool wall street art graffiti. Nearby is a great bar for drinks too.

Praça Dom Pedro IV

Also known as Rossio, Praça Dom Pedro IV is the most popular square in Lisbon. It’s named after Pedro IV, who was the King of Portugal.

In the middle of the square you will find his column too.

Igreja de São Domingos

Igreja de São Domingos is a church with a very turbulent and tragic history.

It was damaged 3 times – by two earthquakes in 1531 and 1755, and then in fire in 1959.

Today, they deliberately left the burnt interior as a symbol to its resistance, making it a pretty unique church to visit.

It’s free to enter the church.

Santa Justa Lift & Carmo Rooftop

Santa Justa Lift is connecting Baixa with Bairro Alto. Because Bairro Alto is more uphill, Santa Justa Lift is there to ease your transport from one neighbourhood to the other.

Today, while it’s still serving its main purpose, Santa Justa Lift is also one of the most famous tourist attractions. Which is why you will see a long line as people are trying to enter the lift and experience the ride.

Personally, I find it a bit silly, especially because it is not that difficult to climb a few steps yourself and reach Bairro Alto. But to each their own, if this is something you find interesting, then just bear in mind you’d have to queue at least 20 minutes for your turn, possibly more.

Once you’re at the top in Bairro Alto (with or without the lift), the views will be amazing, which is why there are many rooftop bars there.

My recommendation is Carmo Rooftop.

Across the street from these stairs you see in the photo (actually right next to where I was standing while photographing) is a great Pastel de Nata place – Nat’elier. It was by far the best pasteis de nata in the city, so don’t miss it!

Pelicans Mural

So, you will see quite a few murals like this in Lisbon.

Why? Well, they’re created by the famous Bordalo II street artist whose works are made from recycled trash to highlight all the waste and overconsumption in our world today.

Pelicans are right next to Santa Justa Lift, next to the line for the tickets in Baixa (so before you reach the top and end up in Bairro Alto).

✅ If you’re interested in street art, check out this street art walking tour.

Carmo Archaeological Museum

Carmo Archaeological Museum was one of my favourite attractions in Lisbon.

The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a former Catholic convent located which was ruined in the 1755 earthquake.

The convent was never rebuilt and was left as a ruin. Today, luckily, it is turned into an open-air archaeological museum. Not quite in line with its former purpose. I wasn’t interested in the archaeological teachings and panels, but I loved exploring the architecture and what is left of it.

The vibe was pretty cool and Harry Potter-like.

You need to buy the tickets for Carmo Convent which you can do at the entrance (about €7 pp).

Praça Luís de Camões

As you head towards Rua Augusta you will pass by Praça Luís de Camões, a cute little square, and a great place for people-watching.

Rua Augusta, Arco da Rua Augusta & Praça do Comércio

And finally you reached Rua Augusta, almost the only part of Lisbon that is flat because you’ve also reached the promenade of Tagus River.

Arco da Rua Augusta is a memorial arch that was built after the devastating 1755 earthquake.

✅ You can climb the arch for the views, but you need to get the tickets for it.

Pink Street

Instagram totally made this place popular because the street floor is pink with hanging umbrellas on top.

I was a tiny bit disappointed because I thought it’s a long street. Also, the street is surrounded by bars and restaurants from each side, so it’s quite busy.

Still a cool place to check!

P. S. If you want an Instagram-worthy photo, then come here in the morning.

Time Out Market

And what a better way to finish your first day in Lisbon than at the street food market!

Time Out Market is the most popular one and for a good reason. I loved it a lot there!

P. S. Most of the food stalls sell seafood, but you’d be able to find pizzas & burgers too.

Hidden Gems

I actually had half a day on my 5th day in Lisbon, before heading to the airport, so I explored some of the hidden gems and returned to the places I loved in the historic centre.

So, if you have more time, or you can squeeze in a few more sites, I highly recommend these 2 churches: Igreja de Santa Catarina de Lisboa and Basilica da Estrela.

Saint Catherine Church has a stunning interior, very worth visiting.

But Basilica da Estrela is definitely more unique. Basically, you can climb its dome, and actually be inside it, which is not something other churches offer as an experience. There’s also a beautiful rooftop area with great views.

The best part? We were completely alone there! Maybe because it was off-season, but most likely because it’s truly a hidden gem that barely anyone recommends. So, I would definitely try to visit if you can!

Both churches are free to visit, but if you want to go to the dome of Basilica da Estrela, then you need to pay for it.

Day 2 in Lisbon

On your 2nd day in Lisbon you will explore the Belem neighbourhood.

✅ If you want to learn more from a local guide, then join this best rated Belem Walking Tour. The tickets and skip-the-line entry to Jerónimos Monastery are included, as well the tasting of Pastéis de Belém.

Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is the most beautiful, as well as the most popular site in Lisbon. Which is why it’s important to buy your tickets in advance.

It’s a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome, built in the 16th century during the Age of Discoveries. It was enlisted to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1983.

It’s designed in the Portuguese late gothic Manueline architectural style, which is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish elements. Needless to say it’s breathtaking.

Vasco da Gama, who is best known for being the first to sail from Europe to India by rounding Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, is buried here. Sadly, this part was closed during my visit for restoration.

P. S. The monastery is closed on Mondays.

Big Racoon Mural

Big Racoon is another mural by Bordallo II. It’s close to Jerónimos Monastery, as you head towards the Belém Tower.

This one was my favourite street art work in Lisbon.

Belém Tower

Belém Tower is one of the most beautiful attractions in Lisbon.

It’s a 16th-century fortification that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.

Belem Tower symbolises Portugal’s maritime and colonial power in early modern Europe and was designed in the Manueline style.

Because of its cultural and historical significance it was too enlisted to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1983.

You can go inside the tower and admire the sea views from the top of it, but you need to get the tickets.

As for the photo below, you won’t be able to take it that way if there’s a tide.

Pastéis de Belém

So, Pastéis de Belém claims to be the descendant of the original Pastéis de Belém or Pastéis de Nata, which was invented by the monks at Jeronimos Monastery.

In the aftermath of the Liberal Revolution of 1820, following the dissolution of religious orders and closure of many convents and monasteries, the monks started selling pastéis de nata at a nearby sugar refinery to bring in revenue.

In 1834 the monastery was closed and the recipe sold to the sugar refinery, whose owners opened the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém in 1837. The descendants own the business to this day.

There are 2 ways you can visit and try Pastéis de Belém. Basically, there are 2 lines. The first one is if you only want to buy the pasteis and then eat somewhere else. And the 2nd line is if you want to eat them inside.

We opted for the second line, to have coffee and pasteis at their cafe. So, both lines will be long, but don’t be put off by it, especially if you’d like to go inside too. The cafe is huge, and I mean it! It doesn’t seem so from the entrance, but once we got inside, we couldn’t believe how long it stretches.

Practically, they bought the nearby properties too and made one big cafe, so the line goes quickly and you are not rushed inside at all.

Either way, don’t miss this place!

Monument to the Discoveries

The Monument of the Discoveries celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries.

It’s free to visit.

25 April Bridge

25 April Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting Lisbon with Almada. It’s the 48th longest suspension bridge in the world.

It’s mainly famous because it resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

This whole walk from Belem Tower to the bridge was so nice. The promenade is by the sea, it’s wide and there are also cafes every few minutes.

LX Factory

LX Factory is a hipsterish side of Lisbon. What was once an old industrial textile complex, today it’s a place full with trendy shops, bars and restaurants. I love when abandoned places get repurposed instead of neglected!

It’s definitely a great way to finish your 2nd day of this Lisbon itinerary.

The next 2 places I’ll mention are both at the LX Factory.

Bumblebee Mural

Bumblebee Mural is also a work of Bordallo II and you’ll find it in the middle of the LX Factory.

Ler Devagar Bookshop

As someone who is a book-person, I always try to visit bookshops and literary locations. I also made it a recent habit to buy a book in each new destination, as a souvenir.

Ler Devagar Bookshop is at the LX Factory and is definitely one of the coolest bookshops I have ever been to!

Most of the books are in Portuguese, but there’s an English section too.

Day 3 in Lisbon

On your third day of this 4 days Lisbon itinerary, you will explore Alfama, the oldest and most hilly neighbourhood of Lisbon.

✅ Consider joining this best rated Alfama Walking Tour.

P. S. Because it’s so hilly, Alfama is the home of the best miradouros aka viewpoints in Lisbon, so you will explore many of them.

Miradouro da Graça

And how else to start a day in Alfama than at one of the miradouros. My itinerary will start from the very top of Alfama and then you’ll descend down towards the cathedral and the historic centre.

So, the first viewpoint is Miradouro da Graça.

Maybe because it was the first one on this side of Lisbon, but Miradouro da Graça was my favourite viewpoint in the whole of Lisbon. Though I think it’s mainly because the views are the highest, clearest and the surrounding area filled with pine trees is what’s won me.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is just a short walk downhill from Miradouro da Graça.

Next to it you will find the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte church which you can climb for the panoramic views. We skipped it because we had other churches on our list for exactly that (which I will mention here of course).

Castelo de São Jorge

São Jorge Castle is the highest viewpoint in Lisbon.

Personally, I was not impressed by it. Firstly, the views are mostly obscured with the trees and secondly, the free miradouros had way better views.

The fortification and the nature was cool to check out, so I recommend getting the tickets if you’re a history lover like me. If you’re there for the views only, then it may be better to skip it.

The hill on which Saint George’s Castle was built on has played an important part in the history of Lisbon because it served as the location of fortifications occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors, before its conquest by the Portuguese in the Siege of Lisbon in 1147.

Since the 12th century, the castle has served as a royal palace, a military barracks, home of the Torre do Tombo National Archive, and now as a national monument and museum.

Church of St. Vincent de Fora

São Vicente de Fora is a 17th century monastery. It is often overlooked by the Jeronimos Monastery, and what a pity!

While Jeronimos Monastery is more beautiful architecture-wise, São Vicente de Fora is way more interesting to visit, in my humble opinion.

Firstly, I feel like there was much more to do at São Vicente de Fora as you could explore more rooms and more of the interior, which is not possible at Jeronimos Monastery.

Second, there’s an awesome rooftop area with amazing views. If there’s one viewing point you should pay for, it’s that one for sure!

And lastly, it was almost empty! Perhaps because it was off season, but in general I didn’t see many recommendations for this place from any other bloggers.

Definitely do not miss this place in Lisbon!

✅ You can get your tickets here.

National Pantheon

National Pantheon is a 16th century church where many important Portuguese were buried.

The main reason I wanted to visit was because it also had an awesome viewing platform. But sadly, I missed to see that the National Pantheon is closed on Mondays!

P. S. A great aerial photo of National Pantheon is from São Vicente de Fora viewing platform (it gives you a peak of what the viewing platform at the National Pantheon is like).

✅ You can get your tickets for National Pantheon here.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Miradouro das Portas do Sol is essentially one huge balcony above the Alfama neighbourhood.

It’s one of the most popular and instagrammable miradouros in Lisbon. There are plenty of cafes in the area, so I’m recommending a coffee break here. Nothing better than coffee with the view, right!?

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is the most popular and most instagrammable viewpoint in Lisbon, not only because of the views, but because of the beautiful blue tiles too. Which is why it’s also the one with the most crowds.

While the views are beautiful, personally I don’t think they’re the most beautiful in the city and it’s not enjoyable because of the crowds. I can’t even imagine what it’s like there in the summer season!

But, it’s free and it’s popular, so definitely don’t miss it. It’s a few short steps down from Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

Lisbon Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major or Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa is the oldest church in Lisbon, built in 1147.

It’s very simple from the outside because it’s built in the Romanesque style. The interior is more Gothic, which is my favourite style when it comes to cathedrals.

What’s cool about the Lisbon Cathedral is that you can climb to the gallery and see the main nave from above. I haven’t experienced this in any other church before (and I’ve been to plenty!).

✅ You can get your tickets here.

Tram 28

The most beautiful photo and place to catch the Tram 28 is next to the cathedral.

✅ If you want to onboard the Tram 28 and experience the epic ride, then you can get your tickets here or access it with your Lisbon Card.

Fado

And lastly, you cannot visit Lisbon and not experience Fado!

There are 2 ways how you can do it: dinner with music at Casa de Fado or to book a live show.

We chose to go to Casa de Fado, in particular to Tasca da Bela and it was AMAZING!

Basically, you need to reserve any Casa de Fado because it’s a private dinner and Fado event. The dinner started at 8:30 pm by which time they locked the outside door, so no one could come in.

I am not exaggerating when I’m saying that we had 7 courses (tapas-style) and unlimited wine for 5 hours! Yep, the whole event finished at half past midnight. And all of this for €57,50 per person!

The Fado show took place in between the meal courses and we listened to about 5 different performances. The owner of the restaurant is an ex-Fado singer too, but she didn’t sing when we were there.

I would definitely recommend you to go there, but bear in mind that for any Fado experience in the city, you need to make a reservation.

While I loved Flamenco in Madrid more, experiencing Fado was very beautiful too.

Day 4 in Lisbon

On your last day of this Lisbon 4 days itinerary you will do a day trip to Sintra. You can of course do other day trips too, but Sintra is the most popular and so I would definitely recommend you to go there.

You can get to Sintra via train or on a guided tour.

My plan was to visit 3 sites in Sintra: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Moorish Castle. Sadly, the weather was horrible that day: rainy and cloudy, so we skipped Moorish Castle because it made no point to go there as we wouldn’t be able to see anything and it wasn’t safe (it’s the highest castle in Sintra, mainly in ruins and on a very steep location).

Therefore, I will only include Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira in this blog post, but if the weather is nice and you have time, I would recommend Moorish Castle or Monserrate Palace too.

📖 Read more about visiting Sintra in my How to Do a Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon: Ultimate Guide blog post.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace is the most popular attraction in Sintra, which is why if you’re coming to Sintra by yourself, or your tour doesn’t include tickets, you have to buy tickets for Pena Palace in advance.

They get easily sold out as they’re timed, especially in the summer season. You can buy two kinds of tickets: with access to gardens only or for the palace + gardens. I recommend the 2nd one.

💡IMPORTANT: If you chose palace + gardens ticket, you will have a 30 minute time slot to enter. Please bear in mind that this doesn’t count entering the park. Once you’re at the Pena Palace park grounds, you have about a 20 minute uphill walk to the palace, so make sure you’re at the palace by the time stated on your ticket.

There’s also a shuttle bus from the park grounds to the palace if you don’t fancy an uphill walk or you’re short on time and might miss your slot.

Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

The palace was devastated in the 1755 earthquake and was practically left in ruins (it was a monastery at that point).

But then King Ferdinand II decided to transform the monastery into a palace and he hired a German architect Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege to build the new palace. The king was quite extravagant and he wanted a palace to be built in many different styles: Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance styles.

That is why Pena Palace is so colourful and rather looks like it got out of some fairytale. Personally, I found it to be very kitsch in style. I thought I was going to like it a lot, but I didn’t.

I am still happy I visited because the palace is quite unlike and unusual and I think people generally either love it or not, there’s no in between.

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira was my favourite one so far in Sintra!

It’s far more romantic, beautiful and toned in style. If you’re visiting in the high season, I’d say it’s better to get your tickets in advance, otherwise you can do it at the entrance too.

Quinta da Regaleira is also enlisted to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It was built in the 19th century in Manueline, Renaissance, Medieval and Classical styles.

It was really beautiful to visit, even in the rain and we easily spent about 2h here (with a wine break as they have a beautiful cafe on the grounds).

The most popular attraction inside Quinta da Regaleira is the Initiation Well, which is representing 9 circles of Dante’s Inferno, though it’s six stories deep. It’s a really cool and instagrammable location!

Is Lisbon worth Visiting

Honestly, I don’t know what took me so long to visit Lisbon. It’s such a beautiful, affordable and laid back city, I loved the vibes and the views so much!

It’s a great city for foodies, culture and history lovers, for couples, families and solo travellers, really for anyone.

So, definitely don’t wait out too long because Lisbon is very much worth visiting.

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

Like this post? Pin it!📍