4 Day Lisbon Itinerary: The Only Travel Guide You’ll Need

After months of planning a trip to Lisbon for May 2020, we were crushed to cancel our plans when travel shut down. I had my heart set on spending 4 days in Lisbon, walking through calçada streets. Fast forward to May 2022, we were finally able to re-book our four day Lisbon itinerary. After a two-year hiatus, we found ourselves re-researching to refresh all the best things to do in Lisbon.

Unlike other popular European cities, there isn’t a laundry list of must-see attractions, museums and sites in Lisbon. It’s one of the things I love most about Portugal. Instead, some of the best things to do in Lisbon are to spend your 4 days in Lisbon exploring different neighborhoods, checking out azulejos and stopping at scenic view points along the way. 

This complete travel guide for Lisbon will help you plan your trip to Portugal and check off all the can’t miss destinations in the city of seven hills.

When to Go to Portugal

Lisbon averages nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, so chances are your 4 days in Lisbon will be sunny. There isn’t really a bad time to visit Portugal. Winters in Lisbon are mild, with average highs in the upper 50s and lows in the mid 40s. On the contrary, summers in Lisbon are dry and hot.

Similar to most European destinations, peak tourist season is June to August. For the best weather and to avoid high season crowds and pricing, plan your trip for the fridge months of April-May and September-October. We visited in early May and were perfectly comfortable in sundresses and shorts every day.

Is 4 Days in Lisbon Enough Time?

4 days in Lisbon is enough to get you bearings on the city, explore a few key neighborhoods, and see sites on the outskirts of the main tourist area. Add an extra day to take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra.

How to Get to Lisbon from the US

TAP Portugal has expanded in the US in recent years, which has made Lisbon easily accessible to more US cities via direct flight. You can currently fly nonstop to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport from SFO, ORD, PHL, MIA, IAB, BOS, JFK, and EWR. 

Nonstop flights from the east coast average 8 hours, making it possible to take an overnight flight after work to maximize your 4 day Lisbon itinerary. Follow these seven tips to actually sleep on your red-eye and wake up ready to hit the ground running upon touchdown in Portugal. 

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Baixa and Chiado 

The most central neighborhoods to stay in are Baixa and Chiado. 

We stayed in Chiado our first time in Lisbon in an adorable Airbnb tucked behind Pink Street. The location was perfect to explore most of the city on foot, and central enough to see the best of the city with only 4 days in Lisbon. We were also walking distance to Rossio Station, the starting point for a day trip to Sintra.

Alfama

If you’re on a honeymoon in Lisbon, or looking for a more romantic vibe, Alfama is another great option. It is farther from the other neighborhoods, but what you lose in proximity, you make up for in old-world character. 

Airbnb

It’s rare that I’ll say this, but I recommend staying in an Airbnb in Portugal over a hotel. A quick search of the platform will show many superhosts and Airbnb plus listings that boast a clean and tastefully decorated accommodation. One thing we were most struck by is how budget-friendly most of these gorgeous Airbnbs are. A few great options:

Getting Around the City

Based on our location, we were lucky to be able to explore most our 4 day Lisbon itinerary on foot. Be forewarned, the City of Seven Hills nickname should not be taken lightly. By the end of your 4 days in Lisbon, you’ll understand why. The San Francisco-esque streets can make a .5 mile walk seem much more daunting. 

Trams

The quaint yellow trams are there for more than just a photo opp. Hop on a tram for easy transport up and down the most popular neighborhoods of Lisbon. Tickets can be bought on board for 3€.

A word to the wise, skip Tram 28. 

Uber

Uber is relatively cheap in Lisbon compared to the US. Most Ubers between neighborhoods cost under 5€.

Due to the tight and winding streets in historic Alfama, I don’t recommend taking an Uber to or from the center of the neighborhood.

Trains

Trains were a lifeline to the amazing day trips and weekend trips around Portugal. We took the train from Rossio Station to get to Sintra for the day. We departed from Entrecampos Station for a weekend in Lagos, and returned into Oriente Station for proximity to the airport. 

Quick Tips for Visiting Portugal 

• The official currency in Lisbon is the Euro.
• It’s helpful to always have cash on hand. Some restaurants are cash only, and it is easier to board the tram when paying in exact change. 
• Dinner service at restaurants typically begins around 8 pm. 
• Portugal can be a very budget-friendly destination. You can find budget-friendly accommodations, inexpensive Ubers to get around Lisbon, and reasonable flights from the US. 
• The official language spoken in Lisbon is Portuguese. Although English is widely spoken, the following phrase will be a welcome addition to your trip. 

How to Spend 4 Days in Lisbon

Get Lost in Alfama

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and the only part of Lisbon that wasn’t destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. In this picturesque neighborhood, you’ll find colorful azulejos, women selling Ginjinha out of windows, and the historic Tram 28 heading up and down the steep passes. The best thing to do in Alfama is to spend an aimless afternoon getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets.

What to See:

• Sao Jorge Castle
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• ​​Listen to Fado music at Mesa de Frades

What to Skip: Taking the No. 28 Tram

See the Sites of Baixa and Chiado

Baixa and Chiado are the modern-day heart of the city. Baixa is as flat as the neighborhoods get, and will give your legs some needed reprieve. It is the primary tourist center of Lisbon, and though it is worth a visit, is a stark contrast to the quiet streets of Alfama. Chiado sits just west of Baixa and is lined with shopping and restaurants.

What to See:

• Rua Augusta
• Rossio Square
• Santa Justa Lift
• Restauradores Square
• Praca do Comercio

What to Skip: Riding the Santa Justa Lift. Instead, head to TOPO Chiado rooftop bar for a drink with a view of the lift.

Cais do Sodré

Southwest of Chiado is a smaller neighborhood, home to Time Out Market, and a few hidden gems.

Time Out is a worth a stop if you’re in the area and want to sample many of Lisbon’s most popular foods. Be sure to try a traditional steak sandwich from O Prego da Peixaria, and swing by Manteigaria for Pastel de Nata.

Pink Street is a lively nightlife hub dotted with cafes and bars. Before the street was painted pink, it had a darker-hued past. This area was formerly the Red Light district of Lisbon when the city was a bustling port city. These days, it’s a great spot to grab a drink at night or take a colorful photo during the day.

What to See 

• Pink Street
• Time Out Market 
• Rua da Bic
• Green Street

Pro Tip: To catch Pink Street in its best shade, visit mid-morning after the cleaning crews have given the beloved pink pavement a good scrub down. In the early morning hours you may catch some not-so-rosy smells and have litter-filled photos.

Spend a Morning in Belem

Belem has more attractions than some of the other recommendations, which makes it a good one to check out early in the morning to avoid crowds. Belem is the birthplace of the delicious Portuguese egg custard, the Pastel de Nata. Stop by Pasteis de Belem to sample the centuries-old recipe that was created and passed down by monks at the adjacent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

What to See

• Tower of Belem 
• Pasteis de Belem
• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos 
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument

Shop Around Lx Factory

Lx Factory is halfway between Chiado and Belem, and an easy stop after a morning in Belem. Once an industrial factory, the area has been rehabbed into a trendy shopping area lined with restaurants and independent stores. Popping into the small businesses is a refreshing change of pace from the centuries old landmarks of Lisbon. 

Landeau is a must-do on your 4 day Lisbon itinerary. Your weekend in Lisbon won’t be complete without a Landeau coffee and a slice (or two) of their legendary chocolate cake. 

Get Out on the Water

Take the 20 minute ferry across the Tagus from Cais do Sondre to Almada. Almada features two familiar landmarks; Ponte 25 de Abril, similar in color and style to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and the Sanctuary of Christ the King, inspired by Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer.

Once your ferry docks, walk 15 along the water and graffitied warehouses until you reach Ponto Final. Email to reserve a table in advance, or grab a drink and some snacks at the bar to nibble on while you wait. Although the food was good, the wait was long, and we wouldn’t have felt like we missed out if we left after our drink and snack.

What to see:

• Drink or meal at Ponto Final
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Sanctuary of Christ the King

Where to Eat During 4 Days in Lisbon

Can’t Miss Day Trip During 4 Day Lisbon Itinerary

Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, you’ll find castles and palaces of every hue. Sintra was once a royal resort town – although sovereigns and socialites have long since been replaced by tourists and tuktuks. Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon to escape the city, and a can’t miss experience within your 4 day Lisbon itinerary.

Trains run every half hour to hour from Lisbon’s downtown Rossio Station. Tickets cost €2,30 per person each way, and cannot be bought in advance. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to purchase your ticket at the station before departure time.

While there are tours for hire to explore Sintra with ease, the best way to see Sintra is to choose your own adventure. For the most unique pairing, I recommend visiting Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta Da Regaleira. 

For full details on top tips, how to get around and what to do in Sintra, check out my complete Sintra day trip travel guide.

Planning to spend 4 days in Lisbon? Pin now and read later when you’re laying out your 4 day Lisbon itinerary.