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  • Writer's pictureAngelina Ly
    • Feb 3, 2023
    • 11 min read

4-Day Itinerary for the Epic Lisbon Experience

With so many activities and attractions tucked away in Lisbon, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to explore. To help you make the most out of your trip, I've put together a four-day itinerary filled with iconic tourist destinations as well as some undiscovered gems! No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is something for everyone here in Lisbon.



About this Itinerary

After spending a week in Lisbon, I was able to experience the best Lisbon has to offer. I have arranged my Lisbon itinerary into 4 days, with each day having a different focus so you can get the most out of your time in Lisbon. It is split up by area, so you can maximize the amount of things you do in each area. Also, this makes switching the order of the days easily to match your preference!



When to Visit Lisbon

The best time to visit Lisbon is from April to October when the weather and temperatures are mild, making it ideal for sightseeing. Lisbon enjoys long days with plenty of sunshine in the summer months, so you can make use of all the daylight hours. I went at the end of March during spring break, and the weather was nice and cool, but probably too cold to go to the beach.


Where to Stay in Lisbon

When it comes to accommodation, Lisbon has plenty of options for you. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly hostels or luxurious 5-star hotels, Lisbon has something that will fit any traveler's needs. I recommend staying in the city center as most attractions and places of interest are within walking distance, making it a great base to explore Lisbon.


When I visited, we stayed at this cute Airbnb apartment in Lisbon's historic center. It was just a few minutes' walk away from the main attractions and had all the amenities we needed. It was down a super cute cobblestone street and was quiet at night. The host was super nice and accommodating, and met us in person to give us the keys. The only thing was that it did not have air conditioning, which was not an issue for us, but if you're someone who gets very hot when you sleep, there are plenty more options! Here are some recommendations:



4-Day Itinerary for an Epic Lisbon Experience

Day 1 - Explore Alfama and Baixa Districts

For the first day, you'll be exploring Lisbon's oldest and most iconic districts. Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood and a must-stop destination for any Lisbon itinerary. Here you'll find narrow cobblestone streets, world-class restaurants, and amazing views of Lisbon's red rooftops. Spend the day wandering through the streets, soaking up Lisbon's history, and admiring its beauty. Baixa is Lisbon's bustling downtown district, filled with markets, cafes, and shops. Here you can find Lisbon's iconic place square (Rossio) and its grand arcades, as well as Lisbon's famous trams.



Optional Sunrise: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Start your Lisbon journey with a sunrise view over Lisbon's rooftops. Head up to one of the iconic viewpoints in Alfama like Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro da Graca, or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for some stunning views of Lisbon, you can even take some amazing photos here! If you want a light snack you can pick up some Portuguese pastries from a local cafe and enjoy them while taking in the views.


Early Morning Start 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

From there, begin walking in Alfama District and discovering Lisbon's Moorish past, including some of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks like Lisbon Cathedral and Sao Jorge Castle. Praca do Comercio is also beautiful and definitely worth checking out, along with the Arco da Rua Augusta. The nice thing about getting up this early is that not many people are up at this time, so you get to enjoy these monuments without the crowds.



Late Morning Bite 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Head West along the water and enjoy the Lisbon waterfront. For brunch, I highly recommend going to the Time Out Market in Lisbon for a delicious selection of local cuisine and drinks. It's the perfect place to try as many different types of Portuguese food from local eateries all in one place. It works similarly to a food court with lots of options to choose from and communal sitting arrangements, perfect for a large group or meeting people!


If you're looking for something more traditional for brunch, head to Lisbon's old market where you can find delicious seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes like Bacalhau (salt cod). You can also try one of their famous sandwiches like the Francesinha, a Lisbon specialty.



Afternoon Exploration 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

From there, you can wander around Lisbon's shopping district (Rua Augusta) and just take in the sights and sounds of Lisbon. Lisbon is a great place for picking up souvenirs, so if you're looking to bring something unique back home from Lisbon there are plenty of shops full of interesting items for you to choose from. Lisbon also has plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places to explore, so feel free to wander off the main streets and explore Lisbon's more quirky side!


Lisbon is also home to a number of fascinating museums and things to do, so if you're looking for something unique and interesting, I recommend checking out some of the spots below, where you can easily spend a few hours soaking in the culture of Lisbon.


Evening Aperitif 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Head down to Lisbon's bustling downtown district, Baixa, for some drinks and tapas. Lisbon's Baixa district is full of cafes and bars, perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif. Stop by Lisbon's iconic square, Rossio, and admire the ornate architecture of Lisbon before finding a cafe for some drinks and snacks. Here are some recommendations for Lisbon's best wine bars and places to stop at:

Dinner Time 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

End your Lisbon day with dinner in one of Lisbon's award-winning restaurants. Lisbon is home to some incredible Michelin-starred restaurants, but Lisbon's local cuisine is just as good. Lisbon has plenty of seafood restaurants (perfect for trying some traditional Portuguese dishes) and plenty of cozy cafes with delicious homemade dishes. Here are some dinner recommendations with a little something for everyone:

  • Pateo Barrio do Avillez - Wonderful spot for a modern take on Portuguese traditional cuisine

  • Palacio Chiado - Elegant building serving great food with a unique cocktail selection

  • Prado - Hip eatery with sustainable ingredients, farm to table Portuguese cuisine, and biodynamic wines

  • O Tringueirinho - small family-run restaurant serving hearty, traditional Portuguese dishes

  • Krua Thai - Premium Thai takeaway with fresh seafood dishes

  • Union - Argentinian spot serving authentic handmade empanadas, smoothies, and more

  • Tandoori - A hidden gem in Lisbon serving delicious Indian cuisine


Late Night 8:00 PM +

Once you've had your fill, continue your Lisbon adventure with some drinks at one of Lisbon's best late-night spots. Lisbon is full of speakeasies, music bars, and wild nightclubs, so make sure you get to experience Lisbon's nightlife! Here are some great spots in the area to go for a drink and some dancing, depending on what kind of night you're looking for!

  • Ulysses Speakeasy - Phenomenal speakeasy with world-class bartenders crafting bespoke cocktails. Make sure to get a reservation in advance as they do not take same day bookings.

  • Entretanto Rooftop Bar - Lisbon's newest rooftop bar with stunning views of Lisbon and a great selection of drinks

  • Tasca do Chico - Lisbon's most famous fado bar, this is the best place to go to listen to Lisbon's traditional music

  • Amazonas -Trendy cocktail bar with food and a live DJ playing dance music



Day 2 - Visit Belem and Lisbon's Beaches and Gardens

Morning Bite 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Start your Lisbon day with a nice cup of Portuguese coffee and breakfast at a cafe in the Belem district. It is about 8 km west of Lisbon, along the Tagus River. The quickest way to get here is by a quick Uber ride, but you can also walk, take public transit, or rent a scooter. For first-time visitors, pastel de nata is a must-try Lisbon specialty, and one of the most renowned spots is right in the Belem area. Here are some great local spots to enjoy a bite to eat in the morning:

  • Pasteis de Belem - Lisbon's most famous pastry shop, with Lisbon's absolute best pastel de nata

  • A Padaria Portuguesa - a local bakery with organic and sustainable offerings

  • Miolo - a chic cafe with healthy options and artfully crafted breakfast foods



Early Exploration of Belem 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Once you're finished with breakfast, visit some of the famous sites in Belem, such as the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of Jerónimos. Both of these open at 10:00 am, so be sure to line up to see these areas with the smallest crowds. Lisbon's famous lighthouse, the Farol de Belém, is also located here, so make sure to get a few pictures!


Mid-day Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

After exploring the sights, it's time for lunch. Lisbon's coastal location means you can find plenty of seafood and fish dishes in Lisbon. A few must-try traditional Lisbon dishes are bacalhau (salted cod), caldeirada (fish and seafood stew) and sardinhas (grilled sardines). Here are some lunch recommendations in the Belem area:

  • Taberna dos Ferreiros - Popular seafood spot serving Lisbon's best fish dishes

  • Vela Latina - Relaxed and cozy seafood spot with delicious dishes with outdoor seating right along the water

  • O Frade - Michelin-star gem serving traditional Portuguese dishes

  • Comptoir Parisien - French bistro with classic dishes and great coffee

  • Honrato Belem - Easy-going hamburger joint



Afternoon in the Outdoors 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Once you've had your fill, continue exploring Lisbon's great outdoors by visiting Lisbon's beaches and gardens. From the Alges Beach, Beach Dafundo, to the Caxias and Carcavelos Beaches, Lisbon has many beautiful beaches to explore. Lisbon is also home to some gorgeous parks and gardens, such as the Tropical Botanical Garden, the Park of Necessidades, and Parque dos Moinhos de Santana. If you're looking for a larger park for a day of hiking and sightseeing, Lisbon also has the Parque Florestal de Monsanto which has some of Lisbon's best hiking trails. Whichever you choose, make sure to bring some water and sunscreen!


Evening Dining 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

After a day of exploration, Lisbon's vibrant food scene awaits! Lisbon's restaurant scene offers plenty of delicious options for all kinds of tastes. Here are a few great places to check out in the Belem area, or you can go back and eat somewhere closer to where you're staying!

Nightlife 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Once the sun sets, Lisbon comes alive! For a more relaxing night, I like to take strolls along the Tagus River or through Lisbon's narrow cobblestone streets. Lisbon has a ton of small bars and cafes to check out, many of which offer great views of Lisbon's city lights. If you're looking for a livelier night, Lisbon has plenty of clubs and bars to check out. Lisbon also has a great music scene with plenty of live music venues, like Lux Frágil, Musicbox Lisbon and Lisbon Underground. If you're looking for a night in, I recommend getting a Tuk Tuk ride back to where you're staying!



Day 3: Visit Chiado and Barrio districts

The Chiado and Barrio districts are Lisbon's most popular tourist areas and home to some of Lisbon's most iconic sites. They are located in Lisbon's city center and have plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.



Morning Shopping and Sightseeing 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Start your day off by exploring Lisbon's historic Chiado district. This area is full of Lisbon's best shopping, restaurants, and bars. There truly is so many different things to see and do here. Here are a few key sites worth looking out for:

  • Rua da Prata - Lisbon's oldest shopping street

  • Botanical Garden of Lisbon - Landscaped botanical garden with global plants, trees and rare and endangered species.

  • Bica Funicular - Lisbon's iconic funicular that runs up and down Lisbon's steep hills

  • Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara - One of Lisbon's best viewpoints for the sunrise

  • Pharmacy Museum - Global science museum dating back from Ancient Egypt

  • Elevador da Bica - Lisbon's iconic funicular that runs up and down Lisbon's steep hill

  • Jose Tomas de Sousa Martins - Great square with ocean view and memorial statue

Mid-day Eating & Exploring 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

For lunch, try one of Lisbon's traditional pastelarias or eateries. The Barrio Alto neighborhood also has some great restaurants to choose from- be sure to check it out while you're there! Here are some recommendations for a great spot to eat:

  • Noobai - Rooftop Mediterranean restaurant with a great view and small dishes for sharing

  • Cabane - Cozy vegan brunch restaurant

  • As Zebras do Combro - A cute local Portuguese restaurant with traditional dishes

  • Mankooche - Simple, unpretentious, authentic Lebanese food in a laid-back hidden courtyard

  • Agua no Bico - Fun outdoor restaurant with all kinds of diet-inclusive dishes


Afterward, explore Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods and get lost in Lisbon's winding streets. You can go tram chasing, find Lisbon's best murals, and explore Lisbon's art galleries. If you're feeling extra adventurous, go on a walking tour around Lisbon and learn about Lisbon's history.


Afternoon Sightseeing 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

After lunch, explore Lisbon's iconic sights. Lisbon is home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture, so take the time to visit Chiado and Barrio Alto's most famous sites:

  • Parque Eduardo VII - Scenic park with tree-lined walking paths and lawns to enjoy

  • Amoreiras Mother of Water Reservoir - Ornate reservoir complex with fountains that herald the arrival of Lisbon's water

  • Basilica da Estrela - An iconic basilica with stunning architecture

  • Mercado de Campo de Ourique - One of the oldest markets with vendors selling local produce and handicrafts

  • Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga -Ancient art museum in a modernized 17th century palace

  • Guerra Junqueiro Garden - Landscaped city park with plant-filled greenhouses and waterfalls

  • Museu da Marioneta -Puppetry museum with exhibits on the Portuguese marionettes

  • Tram 28 - Lisbon's most famous tram ride that takes you through Lisbon's winding streets

Early Dinner 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  • Dahlia - Casual spot with tapas and fun cocktails

  • Sala de Corte - Polished steakhouse with light bites in an intimate setting

  • A Nosa Cassa - Snug, easygoing restaurant with local and global seafood and meat dishes

  • Amago - Modern European tasting menu spot

  • La Puttana - traditional Italian woodfired pizza restaurant

  • Santelmo - Small intimate authentic Portuguese restaurant

Evening Events 7:00 PM +

Lisbon is known for its exciting events and nightlife. From seasonal festivities to traditional Portuguese fado music and concerts, to dance shows, Lisbon has something for everyone. Here are a few of Lisbon's best spots to experience unique events:



Day 4: Take a Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is Lisbon's closest escape and its best day trip. It's a picturesque town nestled in Lisbon's Serra de Sintra mountains and is known for its royal palaces, castles, gardens, and lush landscapes. It is a must-see spot from Lisbon.


Quick Morning Bite 8:00 AM-9:00 PM

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast in Lisbon before heading to Sintra. Here are some great recommendations for a morning cup of coffee and quick bites:



Day Trip to Sintra 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Take a day trip and explore the beautiful city of Sintra. From lush forests to majestic palaces, this is one of Lisbon's must-see destinations. The easiest way to get to Sintra is by taking an Uber or Taxi, but you can also take a train from Lisbon Rossio Station. Once you get there, there are plenty of taxis at all the sites that you can take, as well as tuk-tuks and drivers. Here are a few stops you should consider while in Sintra:



From fado concerts to day trips, Lisbon is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, Lisbon has it all. With this four-day Lisbon itinerary, you can experience the best that Lisbon has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!


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