Planning a 4 day Lisbon itinerary?
This guide sums up three action-packed days of exploring some of historic, charming Lisbon’s top neighborhoods and throws in room for an epic day trip.
The best neighborhoods to visit during your itinerary are Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Belem. The best day trips you can take on your final day include Sintra, Evora, or Obidos.
Lisbon is one of Western Europe’s oldest cities, and therefore most charming.
Travel to Portugal remained under the radar for a long time until travelers discovered its reasonable prices, unbeatable vows, and fewer crowds, than more popular Europe vacation destinations.
Lisbon sees far more tourists today than it did 10 years ago, but that’s for good reason.
I highly recommend visiting Portugal and enjoying its historic capital city of Lisbon.
Let’s dive into all the good stuff!
Day 1: Bairro Alto
If it’s your first time in Lisbon, welcome! We will begin the day in Bairro Alto, which is 110% my favorite neighborhood in Lisbon.
It is classic, and historic, and was one of the more authentic areas I visited.
Sure, there were many tourists. But not nearly as many as the surrounding areas of Castelo Jorge and the Alfama viewpoints.
This is the neighborhood I chose to stay in and I’m so glad I did! It does have a reputation for having loud nightlife, but the street I stayed on was a bit more tranquil.
Wander Charming Streets
I could literally have spent hours wandering the narrow, cobblestone streets of Bairro Alto.
It’s a photographer’s paradise! However, my legs would have eventually collapsed. No seriously.
The hills in Lisbon are no joke. Oh you want to go grab lunch? Yeah I’ll be there after a 10-minute fully uphill hike!
GPS could say you are 5 minutes away but it doesn’t take into account you might be on an uphill incline the entire time.
Not to mention, it is cobblestone the entire time… that is an ankle role waiting to happen.
Public transportation, Bolt, and Uber are your friends!
Don’t be bashful to just snag a ride there. Especially since you have 4 days in Lisbon… your legs will thank you later!
Time: 1 hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Photoshoot at Bica Ruta
One of the most famous and photographed streets in all of Lisbon, I am telling you, Bica Ruta lives up to hype.
Even if just to say, “I was standing right there!” when walking past all of the colorful paintings of it in all of the shops.
It has been two years since I’ve visited Lisbon, and this is still one of the most charming views I have ever seen.
That being said, you’re of course going to be sharing it. Company is almost always expected when something is this good. But worth it, even for a quick stroll by.
Tip: The street lights up and night and will be filled with people hanging out on the steps up the hill at this time.
Time: Walk through ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ Trolleys depart every 15 minutes until 9:00pm ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Pink Street
The Pink Street is one of the most iconic Instagram locations in Lisbon… but that’s about it. It’s really dirty, really crowded, and involves a whole ton of drinking and partying.
Most people are just trying to quickly cross from point A to point B. To me, this was something more to check off the list.
I’m glad that I saw it because the yellow, vibrant bridge contrasting with the pink street below is absolutely beautiful. But so is all of Bairro Alto!
Tip: You might end up just passing Bairro Alto while walking around Lisbon, so if you don’t mind getting the Instagram photo or not, it might be best to check it out this way.
Time: Walk through ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
I think this MIGHT be the best part of Bairro Alto! And I don’t think the photos do it justice.
It feels like this two-tier viewpoint comes so out of left field.
Bairro Alto is known for its narrow, cobblestone roads.
Therefore, a spacious plaza with a vast viewpoint kind of made me feel not claustrophobic! (Not that I ever was, but it made me be like woah, now I definitely am not. You know?)
During late afternoon and early evening, they sometimes set up tourist stands to sell food and beverages.
Time: Walk through ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
The Oldest Bookstore in the World
OK, I didn’t know any bookstore had this title! But the Guinness Book of World Records knows!
Livraria Boltrand is spacious and modern, yet laid out like an old-time library or bookstore.
The domed arches in each room of the bookstore make for a great touch. If you’re a major book lover, you’ll probably want to spend a while wandering around here (or for bragging rights at least!)
It is conveniently located right on the tourist path, yet somehow remains off the beaten path.
The average traveler finds more famous spots first when researching a Lisbon trip, such as Castelo Jorge or viewpoints in the Alfama District.
This is one of my favorite finds in Lisbon, and it should be near most of your top activities.
There’s definitely lots to see from international classics to local favorites. It might be one of the best spots in town for a souvenir!
Time: 45 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐
Where to eat in Bairro Alto
I love the Time Out Market. After visiting Lisbon’s Time Out Market, I set off on a mission to eat at every Time Out Market in the world. Now I’m at two!
The market features local staples from well-known restaurants around Lisbon.
The lively atmosphere located footsteps away from the oldest bookstore in the world makes it a convenient (and worthwhile) dinner stop.
Day 2: Alfama and Graca
Aflama is probably more famous than Bairro Alto. It was the first neighborhood of Lisbon and is the highest of them all. It’s literally built on the seventh (out of seven) hills!
It’s also home to most of Lisbon’s famous tourist destinations.
Sao Jorge Castle
Honestly, not everyone loves it here and some people say to skip it for the cost.
However, if you have not experienced many fortresses or are looking for an iconic thing to do in the area, I highly recommend it.
On the contrary, if you are trying to save money and may be taking a day trip to Sintra, you’ll probably need to pick and choose forts to skip at some point.
While I do recommend Castelo Sao Jorge, this one’s up to you.
Time: 1 hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: $16.23. Purchase online or at entrance ⏐
Views
Since you’re already this high up, it only makes sense that you are surrounded by tons of views.
Just a short stroll from the castle is Miradouro de Senhora do Monte, also known as Our Lady of the Hill Viewpoint.
Perched on the highest hill in Lisbon, this spot is perfect for taking a break and soaking in the gorgeous scene of vibrant orange rooftops and the sparkling Tagus River stretching beyond the city.
Rossio Square
Begin the next part of your day in Alfama at Rossio Square. From here, you will cross the highly known (and touristed) Rua Augusta to Santa Justa Elevator, then to the Rua August Arch, and finally end at the Praca de Comercical.
Most Lisbon free walking tours begin from this very central point of Rossio Square in the Alfama District.
It’s known for its black and white tiled floor spilling across the entire plaza. There’s not too much to do in the square itself, but it is a historic point.
Time: Walk through ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free Plaza ⏐
Santa Justa Lift
Whether you ride the towering elevator or admire it from below, it goes without saying that the Santa Justa Lift is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Lisbon.
I personally did not want to pay money to ride an elevator, and it had a long, crowded line. This wasn’t the paid activity for me, but it was unique to check it out from a ground view!
Time: Varies ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 7:00am – 10:45pm ⏐💲Price: 5.30€ to ride the lift
Rua Augusta Arch
The famous Rua Augusta Arch is an iconic symbol at the entrance from Rua Augusta (the touristy, expensive street) to the Commercial Plaza.
You don’t need to do much at the arch besides admire the architecture and take some photos.
Time: Walk through ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Praca De Comercial
Praca de Comercial is the biggest, bustling plaza in all of Lisbon. It is ginormous! The very end of the plaza meets the Tagus River for wonderful views.
Tons of events are hosted here too. I visited during the set-up of Lisbon’s Pride festival in June 2022 and wished I had longer to stay at the event itself. There was a giant stage, live performers, everything!
While Praca De Comercial is considered a must-visit meeting point, and really it makes to go just because it’s situated so close to most of the stops in Alfama, I recommend bopping in and out (unless you are planning on attending a great event like Pride).
The plaza is very crowded, and most of the surrounding restaurants and shops were extremely touristy and over-priced.
A sunglasses salesman was hopping from table to table at the restaurant patio I was eating at and hassled my table more than a fair amount. Didn’t feel super tranquil.
Time: Walk through ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free Plaza ⏐
Carmo Convent Ruins
Consider paying to tour the underground ruins at Carmo Convento before leaving this part of town.
The ruins of a former convent showcase Gothic architecture and provide a glimpse into the city’s past.
Visitors can explore the convent’s main chapel, now left open to the sky after an earthquake in 1755 destroyed much of the structure.
The convent also houses a small archaeological museum with artifacts found on-site.
This is an activity I chose to skip during my Lisbon trip, but maybe it’s the spot for you.
I can’t speak to it very much personally, but it is located right next to the arch as you make your way back into town.
Time: Varies ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free Plaza ⏐
Day 3: Belem Morning
To me, Belem is a must-see in Lisbon. Even if you only had 24 hours in Lisbon, I would make sure this was on your list.
While Belem is technically a neighborhood of Lisbon, it practically feels like a different town.
Belem Tower
Belem Tower looks like it came directly out of a movie. The towering, brick building over the Atlantic Ocean makes for dramatic scenery.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site began development in the 1600s. It stands proud and tall today.
I highly recommend a visit and only wish I had arrived early enough to explore the inside of the tower itself. And try the highly acclaimed Pasteis De Belem.
Time: 1.5 hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: ☀️ Summer: 10:00am-6:30pm. ❄️ Winter: 10:00am-5:30pm. ⏐ Website ⏐ 💲Price: Free to explore outside. €6 to enter inside⏐
Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery captivates visitors with its fascinating story. This UNESCO World Heritage site, like its neighboring Belem Tower, also represents the era of exploration.
This amazing architectural masterpiece showcases the unique Manueline style, which is rarely found elsewhere.
Imagine taking a leisurely walk through its beautiful gardens and immersing yourself in a historical experience from the 16th century!
Time: 1.5 hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: Free. Paid options for garden ⏐
Pasteis de Belem
This is one of the top places to get your fix of Pastel de Nata in all of Lisbon. I unfortunately didn’t try it on my trip!
I unfortunately didn’t plan for enough time in Belem. Don’t be like me and get the Pasteis de Nata!
Time: 30 minutes (Depends on the wait time) ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 8:00am – 9:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐
Day 3: LX Factory Afternoon
The LX Factor is a good halfway point between Belem and Downtown Lisbon.
The abandoned warehouse complex-turned modern, art scene known as Lisbon’s LX Factory, was constructed in 2008. Tourists make a visit for the urban-industrial feel, and modern, artsy shops.
LX Factory: Ler Devagar Library
The famous Ler Devagar Library directly translates into “Read Slowly”. Its open-air setting features books floor to ceiling through two floors. Needless to say, it’s a popular Instagram spot.
Tip: If you are a bit library-ied out, you can skip this. The oldest operating bookstore in the world in Lisbon and the infamous Livraria Lello can be added to a 24 hours in Porto itinerary.
Not to mention, you can also take a day trip to Obidos, a UNESCO World Heritage Literary Site. I didn’t even know UNESCO gave out that honor!
Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm ⏐ Website
LX Factory: LxMarket
Every Sunday, the LX Factory features an awesome market with a huge variety of local sellers.
However, keep in mind this is primarily created for tourists so costs will be higher. I found some of the same items at other markets around Lisbon for a lower cost.
Time: 1-2 hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐ 💲Price: Free entrance ⏐
Day 4: Day Trip
If you are lucky enough to have this many days in Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a day trip. There are so many amazing, accessible locations within less than an hour away.
Some other amazing day trips from Lisbon are:
- Evora
- Obidos
- Cascais
- Sintra
- Click here for the best day trips from Lisbon
The longest I spent in any town close to Lisbon was Sintra.
Pena Palace
I highly recommend enjoying the incredible, vibrantly colored castle of Pena Palace.
Tip: DEFINITELY purchase your ticket online in advance or you could be waiting in line for hours.
Whenever anyone searches up Sintra, Pena Palace is the top photo to come up. It’s stellar for good reason, but everyone knows it and wants a piece of it. You’ll be fine, just plan ahead!
Time: 2 hours ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:30am 6:30pm ⏐ Website ⏐ 💲Price: €14 for most basic entrance ticket not including castle rooms ⏐
Cabo Da Roca
If you have longer in the Sintra area, consider exploring some of the best beaches in Sintra.
Most people don’t think of Sintra as a beach location, but its proximity to the western coast of Portugal boasts tons of beaches within the Cascais-Sintra Natural Park.
Time: 1 hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
Check out the ultimate Sintra day trip for more information.
What to skip
If you can’t make it to all of the items on this itinerary, I recommend skipping the LX Factory. It has a super cool, urban feel.
However, it is primarily filled with tourists, and you can get this hipster, industrial vibe in other towns. (It actually really reminds me of the River Arts District in Asheville, which is also housed in entirely abandoned buildings).
Conclusion
Spending four days in Lisbon offers a profound and delightful immersion into Portuguese culture, history, and lifestyle.
You’ll find yourself wandering through age-old neighborhoods like Alfama, indulging in the rich tapestry of culinary delights at Time Out Market, and feeling the pulse of the city at vibrant locales such as Bairro Alto.
With its iconic yellow trams, breathtaking (free!) viewpoints, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lisbon balances timeless with modern.
Always leave time for unscheduled moments- some of the best experiences on any trip come from discovering at your own pace.
