PERFECT 4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary (2024)

Lisbon, Portugal is one of the most diverse, culture-rich, and vibrant cities in Europe.

This Lisbon itinerary covers all the top sights and best things to do for 4 days in Lisbon. I also give you tips on where to eat (Pastéis de nata anyone?), where to stay, and choosing the best tours.

Here’s my perfect itinerary designed to help you have the best 4 days in Lisbon, Portugal! 

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4 Days in Lisbon: At a Glance  

Your Perfect 4 Days Lisbon Itinerary

A complete itinerary for 4 days in Lisbon ( plus a map with all the places to see, best restaurants, and things to do in Lisbon, Portugal). 

• Day 1: Sidecar Tour, Timeout Market, Lisbon Landmarks 
• Day 2: Food Tour, Museums, Fado Music
• Day 3: Historic Belem, LX Factory, Dinner at Porto Final
• Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra or Cascais 
  
  

Lisbon Itinerary Day 1: Iconic Lisbon 

See Lisbon from a Sidecar 

Day 1 of your 4 days in Lisbon begins with an adventure – on a vintage sidebar motorbike! From the seat of the sidecar, you have a full 360-degree view! 

The guides at Bike My Side have put together the ultimate sightseeing tour of Lisbon for their guests!

 We booked the half-day tour of Lisbon, and both agreed this was the best tour to take on the first of our 4 days in Lisbon! With our driver as our private guide, we were able to see and learn about the main landmarks of Lisbon. On your tour, you stop at 5 different viewpoints with stunning views of the city. 

All guides at Bike My Side are licensed tour guides with extensive knowledge of Portugal’s history.  If you haven’t been on a vintage sidecar before, it’s an experience everyone should have! 

Bike My Side was also featured in the first season of Netflix’s popular show Somebody Feed Phil. 

Tours at Bike My Side book up far in advance! Book through their Bike My Side website as soon as you know your travel dates. If your group is larger than two people, reach out to Bike My Side to ask if additional guides and sidecars would be available for a larger tour. 

In addition to half-day tours, Bike My Side offers evening tours, full-day tours, as well as trips to Sintra and Cascais. Learn more about Bike My Sides tours here. 

Eat your Way Through the Time Out Market 

A visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without stopping in for a bite at Time Out Market. 

Think of Time Out Market as a permanent food festival that brings the best of Lisbon’s chefs, drinks, and cultural experiences under one roof. 

Time Out Market’s location blends historic with modern with its location inside the Mercado da Ribeira, a traditional market hall built in the 1890s. 

Time Out Market was created by the editorial team at Time Out Magazine. It opened in 2014, and at the time it was the world’s first editorially curated food and cultural market. With the success of the Lisbon Time Out Market, the team has expanded to New York, Boston, Montreal, Chicago, and Dubai.

5 Best Food Stalls at Time Out Market Lisbon 

Croqueteria 

Lisbon’s first and only croquette store! Choose from an assortment of delicious breaded and fried croquettes made with different fillings. I loved the cuttlefish with ink and cod croquettes. 

Manteigaria Silva 

If you’re in the mood for a glass (or bottle) of wine Manteigaria Silva needs to be your next stop. They have an extensive collection of different cheeses and presunto (Portugese savory hams). 

Monte Mar 

The best fish and shellfish in Time Out Market. Go here for their buttery garlic shrimp. 

O Prego da Peixaria

Where you go for a traditional Prego (Portugese beef sandwich). Prego’s are thinly sliced minute steak on a Portuguese roll in a garlic marinade served between a papo seco bread roll. 

Manteigaria

A pastel de nata a day is the best way to do Lisbon. Manteigaria in the Time Out Market makes delicious pastel de nata! Portugal’s famous custard tarts are best enjoyed with coffee. Manteigaria was also featured in the Lisbon episode of Somebody Feed Phil! 

Here’s a tip for ordering – one custard tart is known as a pastel de nata, while two or more are referred to as pasteis de nata. Good luck only stopping at one!

Explore Lisbon’s Historic Landmarks 

Below are a few of the iconic Lisbon landmarks in walking distance from the Time Out Market. You will have driven by these sites on your Bike My Side tour.  If you want to visit them again, I have all of these locations pinned in the map at the bottom of this guide.

 I recommend starting with St George’s Castle at the top of Alfama and making your way down the hill to the Lisbon Cathedral and the National Paratheon.  

Gloria Funicular 

Lisbon’s bright yellow trams and funiculars are iconic to the city. The Gloria Funicular has been around since 1885 and hauls around 3 million people up and down one of Lisbon’s steepest hills every year! The funicular connects downtown Lisbon with the Bairro Alto district (aka the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife). 

You can buy tickets for the Glória funicular onboard, from the driver. They’re €3.80, and allow you to ride it up the hill and back down (or down and then back up) on the same day. 

It departs every 12 minutes from both sides. The Gloria Funicular is included if you purchased the Lisbon Card or the 24-hour Viva Viagem card.

Getting Here: The base of the funiculars starts in the Restauradores Square beside the Rossio Central Station. You can also board the funicular at the top of Bairro Alto and take it down.

Santa Justa Lift 

Lisbon doesn’t only have bright yellow trams and funiculars, it’s also home to the world’s most beautiful elevator tower, the Elevador de Santa Justa. 

The Santa Justa Lift connects the city’s downtown Baixa district with the Bairro Alto district. Historically, the lift was a key component of Lisbon’s transportation network, but today you’ll find far more tourists than locals. 

Tickets to travel up and down and visit the viewing platform is €5.30. Skip waiting in line for the lift (which is typically very long) and walk the short distance uphill to the viewing platform. The elevator ride itself is not the most interesting. If you want to visit the main observation deck tickets are €1.50. The experience is seeing the views from the top, so skip the lift line and head straight for the top!

Getting Here:  To find the viewing platform at the top go to Carmo Square in the Bairro Alto district.  

Praça Do Comércio

Europe’s most beautiful square, Praça Do Comércio, is also Europe’s largest square. The square was the original site of the royal palace prior to the devastating earthquake in 1755. 

 One side of the square opens to the water, while at the center is a bronze equestrian statue of King José I, who reigned at the time of the earthquake. King José I was instrumental in leading the city’s massive rebuilding following the devastation of the earthquake. The arch at the top of the square is the Rua Augusta Arch which was built to commemorate the city’s rebirth after the 1755 earthquake.

Getting Here: Praça do Comércio is in the Baixa district in downtown Lisbon. It can be easily reached by taking the metro to Terreiro do Paço (blue line).

St George’s Castle 

St. George Castle is perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill with incredible views of the city. 

The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 6th century, when it was fortified by the Romans, Visigoths, and eventually the Moors. It served as a royal Moorish residence, until Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, captured it in 1147 

Walk along the ramparts to take in beautiful views. The castle also has a beautiful garden with peacocks roaming around.

Getting Here:  St. George’s Castle is at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill in the Alfama district. You can reach the castle via Trams 28, or walk from the two nearest metro stations, Martim Moniz and Rossio. To avoid walking up the hill, take the No. 737 bus.

How Much is entry to St George’s Castle? 

General admission is €15 and tickets can be purchased online here.

National Pantheon 

The Pantheon holds the tombs and memorials of Portugal’s most important or famous cultural figures like explorers, presidents, poets, and even a Fado singer,  Amália Rodrigues. 

Climb to the top of the terrace of the dome for another beautiful viewpoint of Alfama and the river.

Admission to the National Pantheon is €5.00.

Getting to the National Pantheon: The National Pantheon is in the Alfama district. You can get here by public transportation using Tram 28 or the metro to Santa Apolónia (blue line).

Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral, known as the Sé, is one of the oldest monuments in Lisbon dating back 1147. It survived battles and the earthquake in 1755!

Admission to the Lisbon Cathedral is €4.00.

Getting Here: The Lisbon Cathedral is also in the Alfama district. I recommend exploring Alfama by foot as much as possible because it’s so charming. For public transportation, Tram 28 goes right by the Cathedral.

Dinner in the Chic Neighborhood Príncipe Real 

Translated, “Príncipe Real” quite literally means Royal Prince.  This is the neighborhood where you go to find fashionable and trendy restaurants, bars, shopping, and art galleries.

Cervejaria Ramiro is a family-run restaurant that celebrates the delicious seafood of Lisbon in an unpretentious casual environment. 

Cervejaria Ramiro is an insanely popular seafood restaurant with a line out the door most nights! Make a reservation in advance, or prepare for long waits. 

Hot buttery bread is delivered to your table shortly after you’re seated. I can’t say enough good things about the garlic shrimp, prawns, and spider crab! Save a few pieces of the bread for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. 

If you have room for dessert end with a Prego, a Portuguese tenderloin sandwich. It’s odd to think about ending your dinner with a steak sandwich, but in Portugal after dinner in a marisqueira (seafood restaurant), it’s popular to end a seafood meal with a prego!  

For restaurants in Príncipe Real, other than seafood, I recommend Atalho Real for steaks and Tasca Do Teimoso for Portuguese classics.

Taste the Best Ice Cream in Lisbon 

A taste of Italy in Lisbon! Nannerella is an authentic Italian gelateria just a 10-minute walk from Príncipe Real. Nannarella’s owner, Costanza, is from Rome but she now calls Lisbon her home.

At Nannerella you’ll find flavors that represent both Italy and Portugal. I had an orange flavor that was made with oranges from the Algarve region of Portugal which was incredible! 

 Best of all Nannerella is open late! If you don’t have room for dessert, you will by the time you try this gelato!

Lisbon Itinerary Day 2: Food Tour, Museums, Fado Music 

Eat your way through Portugal’s History! 

I recommend a food tour in every city I visit, and our tour with Taste of Lisboa was one of the best tours we took during our 4 days in Lisbon! Our tour guide Daniella’s passion for Portugese food and culture made us feel like we were on a walk with an old friend. 

The Lisbon Roots, Food, and Cultural Walk tour has six different stops. You’ll sample 16 different bites and sips during your 3.5-hour walking tour.

 If you want to keep track of your stops, your guide provides a map with the name, location, and details about what you ate at each stop.   

My favorite stops were sampling local cheeses, ham, olive oil, and wine at Manteigaria Silva! 

On this tour, you’ll visit the hilly medieval Moorish quarter, Mouraria. Mouraia is one of the most history-rich and diverse neighborhoods in Lisbon. Mouraria is also famous as the birthplace of Fado.  Your guide will explain more about the fascinating history of Mouraria on your tour, but it’s a special neighborhood you must visit. 

The Lisbon Roots, Food, and Cultural Walk is €98 for adults and €49 for children ages 6-12.

Reserve your spot on the Lisbon Roots, Food, and Cultural Walk with Taste of Lisboa here! 

Visit the Best Museums in Lisbon

Discover all there is to know about tiles, fado music, and coaches (the carriage, not the purse)! Explore these three museums unique to Lisbon during your 4 days in Lisbon.

All of these museums I mention below are also either included or discounted with the Lisbon Card. Additionally, when planning your 4 days in Lisbon, be aware that most all museums in Lisbon are closed on Monday.

National Coach Museum

The National Coach Museum is the largest and most valuable collection of horse-drawn coaches in the world. These beautiful golden carriages transported European royalty throughout the centuries. While most royal carriages were destroyed over time throughout Europe), in Portugal they were preserved because of Queen Amélia’s ingenious idea of placing them in a museum.

It’s hard not to be swept up in the fairytale charm of these carriages and imagine you’re one of the Royal Family traveling through the city.

How much does it cost to go to the National Coach Museum? General admission is €8. Entry is included with a Lisbon Card. 

National Tile Museum

The National Tile Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the beautiful glazed tiles (Azulejos) you’ll find across Portugal. Azulejos arrived in Portugal in the 15th century during the Moorish period and became popular decorations for churches and palaces in the 19th century. 

 One of the highlights of this museum is a blue and white composition of 1300 tiles, 75ft (23m) in length, of Lisbon’s cityscape made in 1738, prior to the Great Earthquake. 

How much does it cost to go to the tile museum? General admission is €5. Entry is included with a Lisbon Card. The museum is also closed between 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. every day and closed all day on Monday. 

Fado Museum

Immersive yourself in Fado – Portugal’s version of the blues. Lyrics describe stories of lost sailors, broken hearts, and bittersweet romance 

Discover the history of Fado music through photos, instruments, and music from different eras. The Fado Museum is in the Alfama district. 

How much does it cost to go to the Fado Museum? General admission to the Fado Museum is €5 – but with the Lisbon Card visitors only pay €4.

Dinner at a Traditional Fado Restaurant 

Your 4 days in Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without listening to Fado music – Portugal’s famous folk music. It’s passionate, powerful, and always sung from the heart. Fado is the Portuguese Blues.  Lyrics describe stories of lost sailors, broken hearts, and bittersweet romance 

The best way to listen to Fado is over a bottle of wine in one of Lisbon’s traditional Fado houses. 

Parreirinha de Alfama, has been around since the 1960s and has welcomed great performers like Amália Rodrigues (who was known as “the queen of fado”). 

The interior of Parreirinha de Alfama is cozy and rustic with walls lined with Portugal’s signature blue hand-painted tiles. The dinner menu consists of authentic Portuguese dishes. Your dinner reservation is a set price (€ 55 per person) that includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The codfish cakes and sauteed octopus were excellent! 

Reservations are essential and can be booked online. Parreirinha de Alfama is cash only. The fado performances begin around 9:00 p.m. and last around 15-20 minutes per performance. Photography or video recording is not permitted during the performances, which makes it an enjoyable experience for everyone! 

Lisbon Itinerary Day 3: Historic Belem & LX Factory 

Must See Sights in Belém

Belém Tower

  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks. It was built during the 16th century, to serve both as a gateway to  Lisbon as well as a defense against possible invasions. 

To avoid the crowds, it’s best to start your day at Belém Tower and walk back towards the Discovery Monument and Jerónimos Monastery.  

How to get to Belém Tower from Lisbon? 

Belém is 6 miles (9km) from downtown Lisbon. A taxi/Uber to Belém Tower from Lisbon city center will be around €8-€12. 

Alternatively, by public transportation, Tram 15 will be your best option. From Lisbon city center take Tram 15 from Praça do Comércio to Praça Afonso de Albuquerque. From the tram station, it’s around a 20-minute walk to Belém Tower.  

Can I go inside the Tower of Belém?

Yes, around 150 people are let in at a time to tour the tower! The tickets are €8.50, and kids 13 and younger can enter for free. Buy your tickets to Belém Tower and skip the line here. The tower is closed to visit inside on Monday. 

The Monument to the Discoveries

The Monument to the Discoveries was built to honor the greatest explorers in Portugese history who once dominated the seas! 

The Portuguese explorers were responsible for discovering more than 70% of the world previously unknown to Europeans.Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Christopher Columbus were all Portugese.

Don’t forget to look down and see a giant marble map of the world. The map shows the routes and dates of the Portuguese voyages, which almost covered the entire world!

Pastéis de Belém

If someone tells you that magic can’t be created from eggs, cream, sugar, and a lot of butter – they haven’t tried Pastéis de Belém. Sitting down and enjoying one of these flaky creamy custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém will be a highlight during your 4 days in Lisbon. 

Pastéis de Belém is the most visited bakery in Lisbon and sells at least 20,000 – 30,000 Pastéis de Belém per day! 

The original recipe came from the monks and nuns in the monastery next door. The monks and nuns used egg whites to starch their linens, and with the remaining leftover yolks, they decided to repurpose the yolks and created the recipe for Pastéis de Belém.

Pastéis de Belém grew in popularity because they were the first business to expand the production of its custard tarts. The “secret recipe” that the family originally received from the monks and nuns has not changed since the bakery opened in 1837.

What is the difference between Pastéis de Belém and pastéis de nata?

Pastéis de Belém and pastéis de nata are the same yellow custard tart, but just with different names. Pastéis de Belém uses the secret family recipe in their custard tarts that you won’t see successfully duplicated anywhere else. 

Is there always a line at Pastéis de Belém?

It’s common for Pastéis de Belém to have a queue. I recommend skipping the takeaway queue and opt for table service. The table service is fast and with plenty of seating to sit and relax!  The best time to visit Pastéis de Belém is in the morning before the Jerónimos Monastery opens at 9:30 a.m.

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery, along with the Tower of Belem, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lisbon. 

It’s an architectural masterpiece that was built in the 1500s!  Stepping inside, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the Monastery’s beautiful two-story cloisters. Look closely, and you’ll see the coral, sea monsters, and ropes sculpted in the cloisters to honor Portugal’s history of exploration. 

The monastery was also one of the first monuments in Europe to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It was paid for with the profits made in the spice trade with the East and was home to the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome. Yes, the very same monks who are responsible for creating the secret recipe for the Pastéis de Belém! 

Do I need tickets for Jerónimos Monastery?

Yes, to visit the cloisters and the rest of the monastery it’s €10.00. Entrance to the Jerónimos Monastery is included in the Lisbon card. 

Does the Jerónimos Monastery have long lines? 

There is typically a queue for the Jerónimos Monastery. We got in line 30 minutes before opening and waited around an hour to get inside. A local tip is to visit an hour before closing when the lines are shorter, and the Monastery is typically less crowded. 

Explore the LX Factory 

In 2008, a formerly abandoned factory site was transformed into Lisbon’s most creative and trendiest hotspot –  the LX Factory! This vibrant and creative hub captures the diversity and energy of the people of Lisbon.  

The LX Factory has over 50 different shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon eating, shopping, and exploring. It’s fun to wander the cobblestone streets and explore the different murals and street art. 

My favorite shop in the LX Factory is the massive bookstore, “Ler Devagar” (Read Slowly in Portugese). This industrial space was originally a printing company! Today they have around 40,000 new and 10,000 used books in their floor-to-ceiling collection.   Ler Devagar was named one of the 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world! 

How do you get to the LX Factory in Lisbon?

I recommend visiting the LX Factory before, or after visiting Belém because it’s on the same tram route in the same direction. The easiest way to get to the LX Factory is by taking tram routes 15 and 15e. Calvario is the nearest tram stop and the LX Factory is around a 10-minute walk from the tram station.

Lunch at Ni Michi Cocina Latina 

The dining options at the LX Factory cover a wide range of international cuisines! If you want to take a break from Portugese food, I recommend having lunch at the Latin American restaurant Ni Michi! 

On a hot day, their frozen margaritas were exactly what we needed. Their menu has a creative take on classic Latin American dishes.

Ferry to Dinner 

Get ready to experience the most incredible dinner with a stunning view of Lisbon. Your adventure to Ponto Final begins with a 20-minute ferry ride from the Cais do Sodré ferry terminal in Lisbon.

Visit the Cristo Rei Monument 

If you have time before your dinner reservation at Ponto Final, take a  €5- €7 taxi/Uber up to visit the Christ the King (Cristo Rei) monument.  Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Cristo Rei depicts Christ blessing the city of Lisbon.

The lookout point has incredible panoramic views of Lisbon and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. It’s also an impressive statue to see up close! 

Dinner with a View at Ponto Final 

There are only a few dinners so incredible you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Ponto Final is one of those dinners.

Bright yellow tables are set up at the edge of the water promising lucky diners the most spectacular views of the 25th of April Bridge and the Lisbon cityscape. 

Part of the thrill of dining here is that you’re quite literally right on the edge – so close I felt a splash from a wave. 

If the incredible views and magical location haven’t already convinced you – then the food definitely will. The crispy cod fritters with a delicious bean and rice strew were fantastic.  A bottle of Portugese wine to sip with the sunset is a must. 

Do you need reservations for Ponto Final?

Ponto Final does accept reservations by email. You can email them at pontofinalrest@gmail.com.  Try and book a table at least 3-4 months before your visit, if not earlier. Our reservation was for 7:00 p.m. in early April – which was timed perfectly with the sunset arriving as our dessert did! 

How to get to Porto Final? 

To get to Porto Final, you’ll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride from the Cais do Sodré ferry terminal in Lisbon to the other side of the river Tagus to Cacilhas. From Cacilhas, it’s a short flat 15-minute walk. The ferry ticket is €2 for one-way if you don’t have a Viva Viagem card. 

Lisbon Itinerary Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra or Cascais 

Sintra is just northwest of Lisbon tucked within the lush greenery of the Sintra Mountains (Serra de Sintra), a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a town that is famous for its enchanting beauty, whimsical palaces, an ancient castle, and stunning gardens. Simply put – Sintra is a fairytale town that you need to explore during your 4 days in Lisbon.

Cascais is Lisbon’s coastal gem. If you’re eager for a beach day, there’s no better place than Cascais. This seaside town was the summer getaway of Portuguese royalty in the 19th century! You can still bike along the promenade and admire the gorgeous mansions along the waterfront. Below are my recommendations for the best places to stay for 4 days in Lisbon by district. 

Below are my recommendations for the best Sintra day tours (& an optional visit to Cascais!) from Lisbon.

Best sintra day tours

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Each district in Lisbon has its own personality and charm! When choosing where to stay I would recommend staying somewhere central in the city with convenient access to public transportation. 

The only district I would not recommend staying in is Belem. Belem is beautiful to visit, but getting to and from Belem on public transpiration is limited and time-consuming. 

Below are my recommendations for the best places to stay for 4 days in Lisbon by district. 

Baixa & Chiado District 

Baixa & Chiado is in the heart of the city and nearby of all the major sites. If something isn’t nearby, the Baica-Chiado metro station line easily connects you to anywhere else you need to be in Lisbon. If you’re looking for the best luxury hotels, you’ll also find nearby on Avenida da Liberdade! 

A few key sites in the Baixa & Chiado District are the Praça do Comércio, Rossio Train Station, Carmo Convent ruins, and the world’s oldest bookstore. 

Luxury: Four Seasons Ritz

Mid-Range: Editory Riverside Santa Apolonia Hotel

Budget: Rossio FLH Suites 

Alfama 

Alfama is Lisbon’s most beautiful district. Perched upon a hill with winding cobblestone streets, bright yellow trams, churches, and gorgeous views.  A walk through Alfama feels like a step back in time. A few key sites in Alfama are the Castelo São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and the National Pantheon. 

Luxury: Memmo Alfama 

Mid-Range: Solar Do Castelo

Budget: Olissippo Castelo 

Bairro Alto 

Filled with quirky cafes, wine bars, and speakeasy cocktail bars, Bairro Alto comes alive when the sun goes down. Bairro Alto has a Bohemian feel that’s full of life! On the other hand, if you prefer sticking to an early bedtime, this might not be the area for you. With all the bars and restaurants it can get loud. 

In Bairro Alto don’t miss trying the best pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at Manteigaria bakery, visiting the São Pedro de Alcântra viewpoint, and seeing the Bica funicular. 

These are some top-rated hotels in Bairro Alto:  

#1 Memmo Príncipe Real 

#2 Alecrim ao Chiado 

#3 Varandas de Lisboa – Tejo River Apartments & Rooms 

Bonus! Best Lisbon Airport Hotel 

Looking to recharge before (or after!) a long flight? Look no further than the Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto, where every detail is designed for your relaxation and rejuvenation. Upon check-in, indulge in delicious complimentary cookies! Start your day with a lavish complimentary breakfast available from as early as 4:00 a.m., ideal for those catching early morning flights. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with cozy amenities such as slippers, robes, and a selection of tea and coffee.

However, the true highlight of the Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto is its complimentary spa facilities! Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Turkish bath, jacuzzi, and sauna at no extra cost. After 4 days of navigating Lisbon’s rolling hills, your legs will truly appreciate the pampering.

Best Time of Year to Visit Lisbon 

The best time to visit Lisbon for this 4-day itinerary is between April – May or mid-September – October. During these months, you’ll have plenty of sunshine, and you avoid the scorching summer months or winter rainfall. In Lisbon, hotel prices typically rise and fall with the temperatures.  

On the other hand,  if you’re looking for an unforgettable Portuguese cultural experience, June is the month to visit Lisbon! In June, festival season is in full swing beginning with the Santo António Festival from June 12th -14th!  Santo António Festival is just one part of a month-long celebration of feast days for Saint Peter, Saint John, and Saint Anthony. Tunes of Portuguese folk music pour out from homes onto the streets and colorful decor is hung all around the city.  

Beautiful Streets in Lisbon

During your 4 days in Lisbon explore Lisbon’s most beautiful streets. These Lisbon streets are ideal for strolling and people-watching over your favorite drink of choice! 

Pink Street 

You can’t help but smile when you see the bright bubblegum Pink Street. The Pink Street is one of the coolest and trendiest spots for Lisbon’s nightlife! Both locals and tourists love to come here for a drink! 

Best Time for Photos: In the morning before the bars and restaurants open! Plan to get here before 11:00 a.m. for photos.  

Location: R. Nova do Carvalho, 1200-370 Lisboa, Portugal

Green Street

I loved the Green Street with its decorated alleyways lined with potted plants. Decorations are all throughout this street with small cafe tables outside the restaurants.  This is the perfect place to stop for lunch at one of their international restaurants. 

Location: Rua da Silva, 1200-267 Lisboa, Portugal

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade is a stunning boulevard that was built by Lisbon’s urban planners in the 19th that was inspired by the Champs-Élysées. It’s lined with beautiful trees, luxury stores, and cobblestone streets with gorgeous Portuguese-style patterns.

 At the top of the hill of Avenida da Liberdade is Edward VII Park with beautiful views of the city.

Location: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal

Getting to Lisbon City Center from Airport  

Getting from the airport to Lisbon city center is quick and simple to navigate. Choose from the Metro, taxis, an Uber, or private transfer. There are transfer options from the Lisbon airport to the city center for every budget. 

• Metro – at €1.50 ($1.70) taking the Metro is the most affordable way to reach the city center! I recommend getting a 24-hour Viva Viagem card from one of the Ticket Vending Machines. Unlimited access to the Metro is also included in the Lisbon Card. 
• Taxis – A taxi from the airport will typically be around € 30 ( US$ 30.60) to get to the city center. Without traffic, the journey will only be around 20 minutes. By Portuguese law, all taxis must use a meter to track fares. 
• Uber – I was blown away by how affordable the Uber rides in Lisbon were. Expect to pay anywhere between €12 ($13.4) – €18 ($20.00) to/from the airport to the city center. 
• Private Transfer – For a relaxing and private ride into the city, a private transfer will be your best option. I love this private transfer to / from Lisbon Airport.

Getting Around Lisbon

To get around Lisbon, the best ways are by walking, taking the metro, or a taxi/Uber. Busses, trams, trains, and ferries are also available.

If you plan on taking public transportation buy the rechargeable Viva Viagem card from one of Ticket Vending Machines. Load your Viva Viagem card with a 24-hour ticket, or pay as you go. The card costs €.50 and can be charged with individual tickets, a day pass, or you can load a balance of up to €40 to use as pay as you go. The card is valid for one year from the date you activate it.

Walking in Lisbon

The best way to get around Lisbon is on your own two feet by walking! You can walk to most downtown attractions if your hotel is located in the Rossio, Baixa, and Chiado neighborhoods. To conquer the famous seven hills of Lisbon, wear comfortable shoes! 

 For a quicker sightseeing option, you’ll see more tourists opt for taking a Tuk Tuk tour. I caution against booking a Tuk Tuk tour from a guide off the street because it’s likely you’ll overpay, and the guide will most likely not be a certified tour guide. 

Rather than booking a Tuk Tuk tour, I recommend a sidecar tour from the incredible guides at Bike My Side. I’ll be sharing more details on the Bike My Side tour below!

Metro in Lisbon

The Metro is the quickest and most practical way to travel around Lisbon using public transportation. The metro network has a total of 4 lines, each identified by a different color: green (Telheiras – Cais do Sodré), blue (Reboleira – Santa Apolónia), yellow (Odivelas – Rato), and red (Aeroporto – São Sebastião). 

It operates runs from 6.30 a.m. -1 a.m. every day. You can use your Viva Viagem card on the metro. 

Taxis / Ubers in Lisbon

Taxis in Lisbon are widely available, and not near as expensive compared to other European capital cities. The taximeter is displayed during the entire ride, and it includes the start fee (€3.25 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., €3.90 overnight). Many taxis now take credit cards, but you should ask in advance. Alternatively, Ubers are slightly cheaper than taxis, but not as readily available.

Helpful Tips for Planning 4 Days in Lisbon 

Is Lisbon expensive to visit?

Lisbon is one of the most affordable major cities in Europe to visit as a tourist! The Lisboa Card is a great option that offers free travel on public transportation and entry into some of the most popular museums and attractions. 

Are restaurants and museums open on Monday?   

Many museums and some popular restaurants close on Monday in Lisbon. If one of your days in Lisbon falls on a Monday, there is no need to worry. Instead use Monday to book a Taste of Lisboa food tour or a guided tour with Bike My Side. 

Do I need to carry cash in Lisbon? 

I recommend taking out some cash for Lisbon. Lisbon is on the Euro (€). You’ll find almost every restaurant, attraction, and hotel accepts credit cards. Nevertheless, it’s a good precaution to have cash on you for smaller purchases like taxi rides, or for tips for your guides. 

How much do you tip in Portugal?

At restaurants and on guided tours, it’s common to tip 5 to 10 percent of the total amount if you’ve enjoyed your experience. In hotels, tip €1-2 euros for any luggage assistance or room service. 

Is Lisbon safe? 

The main tourist areas of Lisbon are very safe. Lisbon’s crime rates are very low with very few serious crimes against tourists. Lisbon is a safe place to visit for females, solo travelers, and older travelers. 

What to pack for Lisbon?  

Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen! Your feet will thank you after walking up and down Lisbon’s seven hills. With over 300 sunshine days a year, sunglasses and sunscreen will come in handy.  

4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary – A Map! 

To help you navigate Lisbon, I created a map saved with all the best things to do, eat, and where to stay during this 4 days in Lisbon itinerary! 

You can use this map during your trip – you only need internet access. If you do not have cellular data, I recommend downloading an offline Google map to access when you don’t have WiFi.

Best Tours in Lisbon – A Recap! 

​​ Below are tours I recommend for this 4 days in Lisbon itinerary, plus the links to make your planning a little bit easier. 

• Taste Lisboa 
• Bike My Side 
• Portuguese Cooking Class
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Tile Making Workshop Class 
• Pastel de Nata Workshop
• Sintra & Cascais, Private Tour
• Photoshoot in Lisbon

Final Thoughts: 4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary 

Lisbon is a city that’s bursting with personality. Lisbon will capture your heart (and tastebuds) in a special way that no other city can!

If you’re lucky enough to spend 4 days in Lisbon, you’re guaranteed to leave a pastel de nata connoisseur and a lover of Fado music. I have no doubt after one visit, you’ll already be planning your next return to the City of Seven Hills. 

 

Read More About the Best Places to Visit in Portugal and Europe!

• I Slept in a Wine Barrel in Portugal
• Porto, Portugal 2 Day Itinerary 
• What Not to Miss in Cinque Terre, Italy

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