The Ultimate 4-Day Lisbon City Guide
Just returned from an incredible spring trip to Lisbon, and I'm already planning my return! Here's everything you need to know for the perfect 4-day Portuguese adventure, from sunset castle views to underground tunnels in Sintra.
Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips
Book These In Advance:
Restaurant reservations (especially for Fado experiences and Michelin spots). If you’re traveling in the summer, I would highly recommend booking all of your dinner reservations in advance - you can always cancel, but you might not always be able to snag a table
Sintra palace tickets - they're timed entry and are more likely to sell out on weekends
Food tours - trust me, you don't want to miss the Oh My Cod! tour. Book ahead with my link here
Monastery of Jerónimos tickets (getting tickets in advance doesn’t let you skip the line, but it saves you hours of time and stress!)
Transportation Made Easy: Skip the Lisboa Card unless you're planning heavy museum visits. Lisbon is incredibly walkable, and Ubers are cheap and reliable when your feet need a break. The combination of walking and rideshares worked perfectly for us.
Best Time to Visit: March was absolutely perfect - consistent 70°F weather, fewer crowds, and everything in bloom. Spring is definitely the sweet spot for Lisbon travel.
Day 1: Historic Alfama & Authentic Fado
Where to Stay: Convent Square Lisbon
Start your Lisbon adventure at this stunning hotel housed in a historic convent. The central location puts you within walking distance of major attractions, and the unique atmosphere sets the perfect tone for your Portuguese adventure. Reminder… book with me and get exclusive perks (for free!) like:
100USD (or USD equivalent) hotel credit per stay
Daily complimentary full breakfast for 2 guests
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Local welcome amenity
Personalized welcome note
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Morning: Castelo de São Jorge
Begin with Lisbon's iconic castle, but here's the insider tip - use it as your gateway to exploring the charming Alfama neighborhood below. The narrow cobblestone streets, wild peacocks (yes, you read that right!) and traditional architecture are Instagram gold. You do have to buy tickets to enter the castle, but I would honestly skip that part if you’re short on time or trying to save a few dollars!
Afternoon: Perfect Sunset Spot
Head to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for one of Lisbon's most stunning sunset views. This local favorite offers panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops without the tourist crowds of other viewpoints. We loved listening to the live music and watching street artists do their thing. You can even bring your own food and drink for a little picnic al fresco!
Evening: Authentic Fado Experience
End your first day with reservations at Fama D'Alfama for dinner and traditional Fado music. This local gem provides an authentic Portuguese cultural experience - the soulful music paired with excellent food creates an unforgettable evening. Sure, it’s a little touristy, but you’re getting to experience Lisbon culture firsthand!
Day 1 Pro Tip: The Alfama neighborhood is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time to get lost in the winding streets.
Day 2: Trams, Tours & Rooftop Views
Morning: Coffee & Classic Tram
Fuel up at Copenhagen Coffee Lab for some of Lisbon's best coffee and pastries, then catch the famous Tram #28E from Martim Moniz to beat the lines. This iconic yellow tram route hits major neighborhoods and attractions. Insider tip: It can get super busy, so if you can’t score a seat, I would skip it.
Midday: Food Tour Excellence
Here's your must-do experience: the Oh My Cod! walking history and food tour (commissionable link) starting from Praça do Comércio and the Arco da Rua Augusta. This was hands-down our highlight - incredible local food, excellent wine, and a guide who made Portuguese history come alive. Book this early! We learned so much about Lisbon history and got the chance to try out lots of local food and wine from hidden gems we never would have found on our own.
Afternoon: Neighborhood Exploration
Explore the elegant Baixa-Chiado area, then take the Elevador da Glória funicular up to Bairro Alto for stunning city views and vibrant street art.
Evening: Sunset Drinks & Market Dinner
Catch sunset drinks at the Java rooftop bar, then head to Time Out Market for dinner - a food hall featuring Lisbon's best chefs under one roof.
Day 2 Pro Tip: The food tour includes substantial tastings, so come hungry and plan a lighter dinner afterward.
Day 3: Belém Treasures & Michelin Excellence
Morning: Historic Belém
Take the tram to Belém and start with the legendary pastéis de nata at Casa Pastéis de Belém. These custard tarts were invented here, and they're still arguably the best in the city. Or, skip the line and head to Manteigaria instead - a less touristy, locals’ favorite.
Midday: Monastery Marvel
Visit the stunning Monastery of Jerónimos (remember those advance tickets!). The intricate Manueline architecture is breathtaking and represents Portugal's Age of Discovery. Insider tip: Purchasing your tickets in advance online doesn’t let you skip the line, but it does save you hours of time and stress!
Afternoon: Tower & Creative District
Quick stop at the iconic Belém Tower, and enjoy walking along the river. We didn’t get tickets for inside the tower, we just enjoyed the view from the outside. Then head to LX Factory on your way back to the city. This creative hub under the 25 de Abril Bridge features unique shops, street art, and cafes.
Evening: Michelin-Level Wine Experience
End with reservations at Prado Wine Bar - the sister location to Michelin-starred Prado restaurant. Easier reservations but the same exceptional quality. For the full experience, try to book the main restaurant.
Day 3 Pro Tip: Getting from Belém to LX Factory requires planning - check tram schedules in advance rather than relying on spontaneous transportation.
Day 4: Magical Sintra Day Trip
Morning: Early Train to Sintra
Grab breakfast at your hotel, then catch the 8:30 train from Rossio station (arrive by 8:15 for tickets). The 40-minute journey takes you to Portugal's fairy-tale town.
Midday: Pena Palace
Start with the colorful, Instagram-famous Pena Palace. Consider taking bus 434 to avoid the steep uphill walk - save your energy for exploring the palace and gardens.
Afternoon: Underground Adventures
Spend hours at Quinta da Regaleira exploring the mysterious gardens, tunnels, and underground grottos. The inside of the Quinta itself was less than impressive, but exploring the grounds was truly a highlight of our trip! The initiation wells and hidden passages feel like a real-life adventure movie. Check out the on-site cafe for a perfect lunch break.
Evening: Celebrity Chef Dinner
Return to Lisbon for dinner at Pizzeria Lisboa, part of renowned chef José Avillez's restaurant empire. The space is stunning, and it's a perfect way to end your Portuguese adventure.
Day 4 Pro Tip: Sintra palace tickets are timed entry and sell out frequently. Book online in advance and plan your day around your reserved time slots.
Final Lisbon Tips
Transportation: Walking + Uber combination works perfectly. The city is compact and very walkable, with reliable rideshares when needed.
Reservations: Book restaurants and experiences in advance. Portuguese hospitality is worth the planning effort.
Weather: Spring (March-May) offers perfect weather and fewer crowds than summer.
Hidden Gems: Don't just hit the tourist spots - some of our best discoveries happened while wandering the smaller neighborhoods.
Food Tours: Invest in at least one quality food tour. It's the fastest way to discover local favorites and understand Portuguese culture.
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