4 Days in Lisbon: Your Perfect Itinerary

This blog post will outline a 4-day itinerary in Lisbon including a day trip to Sintra (which I’d argue is a must).

Tip – You should buy a railcard from the customer service booth when you arrive or at any metro station. This costs around €1 and lasts on year – you then put all your tickets on this card and use to it scan through the turnstiles. I only used this for getting to and from the airport and on a day trip to Sintra as Lisbon is such a walkable city. Beware though as it may be walkable but it is also SUPER hilly – I’d recommend packing some comfy shoes!

Day 1: Baixa-Chiado
Kick off your trip in the heart of Lisbon, exploring its vibrant downtown districts, Baixa and Chiado.

Rossio Square: A bustling hub filled with beautiful fountains, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cafes. This square is a great starting point for your Lisbon adventure.
Praça do Comércio: This grand riverside plaza is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the city’s charm.
Cais das Colunas: Located along the waterfront, these two iconic pillars offer a serene view of the Tagus River.
LX Factory: This former industrial complex has turned into a cultural hotspot. With art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy cafes, it’s a great spot to explore. (worth a visit if you’re not too far from here but I wouldn’t recommend walking to it as it’s far out and there’s not much else to see around the area.)
Time Out Market: A foodie’s paradise featuring stalls from some of Lisbon’s best chefs. Whether you’re craving seafood, pastries, or international cuisine, you’ll find it here making it the perfect spot to grab some lunch in Lisbon.

Day 2 – Visit Sintra

Get the train from Rossio station in central Lisbon – takes 40 min and costs €6 return. There are 3 trains per hour.

The 434 bus takes you from the station in Sintra to Pena Palace which takes 20 min and costs €15 per person if you want to hop on and hop off. Or you can just ask for a one way ticket to Pena Palace which costs €8 and if you enjoy a long walk, you can walk to some of the other attractions from there and then into the centre but this is a little strenuous and I wouldn’t recommend if you don’t have a good level of fitness. The ticket people will only tell you about the most expensive option and don’t tell you that there’s alternative options so you have to ask.

Visit Pena National Palace first and I would recommend buying tickets in advance. If not, it’s best to get there first thing in the morning to join the queue. The advice I found online is to get there before 10am but I did this and there were no palace slots until 1pm that day.

From Pena, you can walk to Quinta de Regaleira in half an hour. The walk is downhill all the way and quite enjoyable if you have a good level of fitness. There are no pavements but the roads are pretty quiet and other people will be doing the same thing. After 3pm, Quinta de Regaleira is less crowded but there is always a long queue to see the main well. Don’t be put off though as it moves pretty quickly and it’s a cool thing to see while you’re there!

Another popular site to see is Castelo Dos Mouros. I decided not to do this as you can see it from Quinta de Regaleira and there’s a BIG hike to get up to the castle that’s known to be steep and a little strenuous.

End the day in the historic centre which is the near the train station and has lots of cute little shops and cafes to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Day 3 – Visit Alfama
Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, offers a glimpse into the city’s history with its narrow alleys, traditional Fado music, and scenic viewpoints.

Miradouros (Viewpoints): Don’t miss the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and Miradouro da Graça for breathtaking views over Lisbon.
St. George’s Castle: Explore this historic fortress and its grounds, offering stunning vistas of the city.
Igreja de São Miguel: A picturesque church tucked away in Alfama’s maze-like streets.
Rua Augusta: Walk along this lively street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. It leads to Rossio Square, perfect for some final sightseeing.
Church of São Domingos: This church, scarred by fire and earthquakes, is a hauntingly beautiful spot.

Day 4 – Visit Belem
On your final day, venture to Belem, a district known for its maritime history and iconic landmarks.

Bairro Alto: Before you leave Lisbon, explore this bohemian neighborhood. Known for its lively nightlife and charming streets, it’s a perfect spot to end your trip.
Jerónimos Monastery: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.
Monument of the Discoveries: Pay homage to Portugal’s Age of Exploration at this impressive riverside monument.
Belem Tower: A symbol of Lisbon, this fortress offers great photo opportunities and stunning views of the river.
Pastéis de Belém: No trip to Belem is complete without tasting these famous custard tarts. There’s often a queue, but it’s well worth the wait!

This 4-day Lisbon itinerary ensures you experience the best the city has to offer, from its historic districts to the magical palaces of Sintra. Follow these tips, and you’ll fall in love with Lisbon just like countless travelers before you.

Start planning your Lisbon adventure today, and don’t forget to bookmark this blog for your trip!