So you’re going to Lisbon for the first time and looking for the best things to do. Look no further because the best four-day itinerary for you is right here! Lisbon is an incredible city – she’s a beaut, and you will love Lisboa.
The outer shell is flaky and crumbly, often uneven in colour and rarely uniform in shape, but once you bite into this sweet, warm little beauty, you’ll be hooked. The flaky outside reveals the creamiest of sweetness inside.
No, we are not describing Portugal’s famous Pastel de Nata.
We are talking about Lisbon. Walls covered with graffiti give way to colourful tiles, sunny plazas, and sweeping views of Europe’s second-oldest capital. Ready to bite into Lisbon? Our 4 days in Lisbon itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors to Portugal’s lovely capital.
Lisbon is simply stunning and extremely photogenic. Our Lisbon guide might as well be called The Eyecandy Guide to Lisbon. There is just so much to see and take in. Our itinerary will show you the best there is to see, do and eat in Lisbon over 4 days.
So let’s get going!
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Quick Guide to Lisbon
Visited: July
Suggested time: 4 days minimum
Where we stayed: Gorgeous Bairro Alto
Famous for: Egg tarts, trams, street art, Azulejo tiles
Tip: Get the Lisbon Card to save on entrance fees and transportation.
Unique experience: Visit LX Factory
Recommended Walking Tour: History, Stories & Lifestyle of Lisbon
Save Time & Money With the Lisboa Card
Get yourself a Lisbon Card before hitting the streets and hills of Lisbon. The Lisboa Card is excellent value for money and absolutely worth it.
The card allows you free access to most of Lisbon’s most famous sights and is available for one, two or three consecutive days. Some places even have fast-track entry for Lisboa cardholders. It also allows free unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators, and funiculars).
For our itinerary, we chose to get the 3-day pass. Jin crunched the numbers and getting the 4-day pass works out as more expensive as day 4 will be spent in Sintra. If going to Sintra for the day, rather get a Viva Viagem card, which will save you on transportation to, from and also in Sintra.
>> GET YOUR LISBOA CARD NOW <<
4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
Day 1: Belem
Take tram E15 from Cais do Sodré to Belem. It will drop you off next to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Belem. This tram is always packed, so also consider taking bus 728 which runs the same route.
Belem Tower
One of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks is the Belem Tower. Built in the 16th century to protect the capital, the tower later became the symbol of Portuguese world discoveries. Ships would leave from here to other parts of the Portuguese world, such as Brazil, Angola, India, and Macau. On their return, the Belem Tower would welcome these ships carrying exotic cargo and tall tales back to the motherland.
The Belem tower sits beautifully on the Tagus River, near its mouth into the Atlantic Ocean. Being one of Lisbon’s must-see sights, it gets ridonkeylously busy. We stood in line for almost an hour, even with the Lisbon card that gives you fast-track tower entrance.
Once inside the tower, there isn’t much to see other than old, bare stone walls. We think that looking at the tower from the outside is more than enough unless you like standing in line for hours and looking at empty walls. For far better views over Belem and the Tagus, head towards the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Belem Tower
Opening hours: 10:00-18:30
Price: € 6 (included in Lisboa Card)
Padrao dos Descombrimentos
A short walk along the promenade will take you to the striking Monument of the Discoveries. This imposing structure celebrates the explorers who made Portugal the most powerful seafaring nation on earth during the 15th -16th century. These explorers are the men carved into the sides of the monument and are led by Henry the Navigator.
Viewed from the side, it resembles a caravel ship, just like the ones these explorers would have taken to lands on the other side of the world. When seen from the back, it takes the form of a cross or a sword, depending on the angle. Yeah, more often than not, spreading the gospel and the sword went hand in hand.
Take the elevator up to the top of the monument for the best view in Belem. The wind rose at the monument’s base was a gift from South Africa to Portugal and shows the Portuguese discovery routes. Portugal, in turn, gave South Africa Nandos (the best chicken in the world 🙂 ) Go fair trade!
Monument of the Discoveries
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00
Price: € 6 (not included in Lisboa Card)
Mosteiro dos Jernonimos
The vast and ornate monastery is simply breathtaking. Originally planned to be much smaller, the project grew in size and splendour as wealth from the Portuguese colonies flowed back up the Tagus. The construction of the monastery was funded by a 5% tax levy on spices coming into Portugal. As the seemingly free flow of spices kept on arriving, the monastery became more and more extravagant—so much so that construction was extended by 50 years.
Today this 500-year-old monastery is a sight to behold. Notice the incredible detail in the carved columns, arches, and vaulted ceilings. Like elsewhere in Belem (and Lisbon), long lines are expected to get into the monastery. But this place should not be missed.
Jerónimos Monastery
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (closed on Mondays)
Price: € 10 (included in Lisboa Card)
Fabrica Pasteis de Belem
No trip to Belem would be complete without a visit to its world-famous claim to fame: the Pastel de Belem. Nothing beats a few good old pasteis (tarts) in their natural habitat. And no, don’t make the faux pas of assuming that a Pastel de Belem and a Pastel de Nata are the same! It can only be called a Pastel de Belem if it comes from THIS bakery in Belem.
First created in 1837 by the monks from the Jerónimos Monastery down the road, the recipe is kept a secret, and the name has been patented. Eat one of these egg tarts anywhere else, and you are having a Pastel de Nata.
There is always a long line in front of the bakery, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. First, go inside and try to find a table. These people lining up are waiting for takeouts or don’t know about the seating inside. Even if you want takeouts, get a table, order from your waiter, and get it to go. The inside is huge, and you’ll probably find a table.
We guess that just like the monastery, the money from these pasteis keeps rolling in, and as a result, the seating area grows and grows.
If you can’t see yourself living without egg tarts after your Lisbon trip, consider taking a fun pastel de NATA cooking class in Lisbon.
Day 2: Markets & Miradouros
On our second day in Lisbon, we’ll explore downtown and, yes, continue stuffing ourselves with egg tarts.
See Lisbon from Tram 28
One of the tourist traps that one must do in Lisbon is ride Tram 28. The line to get on these little must-dos is just ridiculous. But once you’re on the tram (and hopefully got a seat), you’ll understand why it’s so popular.
The ride is very picturesque, though, and well worth it. We suggest you take one full lap of the circuit and then go back to revisit places that you saw from the window.
The tram 28 route is the perfect sightseeing tour of these iconic symbols of Lisbon. It is free to ride with the Lisboa Card or costs only €1.45 with the pre-paid transport card. But having to wait in line for more than an hour watching tram 28 come and go without getting on just does my head in.
Anyway. When in Rome Lisbon…
Tram 28 starts its route in Martim Moniz Square in front of the Hotel Mundial. Once onboard, sit back and enjoy the ride as the little tram rattles up and down the streets of Lisbon. Get off at Arco de São Vicente and walk to Lisbon’s flea market, which is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Feira de Ladra Flea Market
Feira de Ladra flea market, or Thieves Market, in Alfama, is a Lisbon institution. People have been coming here in search of treasure or things that had fallen off a lorry since the 12th century.
Like any good flea market should be, there is everything under the sun for sale here. There are small stalls or many traders simply set up shop on a stretched-out blanket. Even if you are not buying anything, plan to spend about an hour or so browsing.
While you are here, pop into the Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon) next to the market. The enormous domed Baroque church is home to the tombs of distinguished Portuguese figures such as Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. The roof offers a sweeping view over Lisbon’s waterfront. Entrance is included in the Lisboa Card. Otherwise, we don’t think it is worth paying to go inside.
Alfama
You can either jump back on tram 28 or, better yet, walk through the beautiful maze of cobbled streets of Alfama. Alfama is one of Lisbon’s favourite tourist areas and is perfect for exploring on foot. While walking, you’ll see small churches, quirky little shops, cafes, and bars.
O! Galleria has a fantastic selection of original art for sale, which makes perfect souvenirs to take home. We spent quite a while here until we found two quirky illustrations that now hang in our bedroom. We think that buying art is a much better souvenir than tourist-tat made from cork that you’ll never use again.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
You probably saw the view from this Miradouro before arriving in Portugal, as it’s all over Instagram and in brochures. Not only is the view spectacular, but it’s also very conveniently reached by Tram 28, therefore it does get quite busy.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, offering a sweeping panorama of the city.
It’s the quintessential view over Lisbon’s red-tiled roofs and the Tagus River beyond. After clicking your selfie with Lisbon, get a seat at one of the many cafes and enjoy nursing a nice, strong caipirinha and taking in the postcard-worthy views.
Time Out Market
By now, you should be ready to eat, so head to Lisbon’s landmark market, the Time Out Market, also known as Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré. It’s the perfect place for a market crawl and mix-and-match kind of lunch. The Time Out Market can’t be beaten for high-quality food and a fun atmosphere.
The enormous market hall has a seemingly endless selection of Portuguese and international food options, from bacalhau to sushi to fish and chips. If you’re a lover of seafood, you are in for a treat! Finding a table, though, could be a bit of a mission as it’s always packed.
Do you love to eat? Then you should really go on this food and wine walking tour of Lisbon, too.
Bica Funicular
This classic 19th-century funicular ascends one of Lisbon’s steepest hills and connects Cais do Sodré with Bairro Alto. Running since 1892, riding the Bica funicular is a charming experience.
The entrance to the funicular is at 234 Rua de São Paulo, just down the street from the Time Out Market. It runs every 15 minutes and the ride is included in your metro pass or Lisboa Card, otherwise, it’s €2.90.
Rua Augusta Arch
Rua Augusta is one of Lisbon’s main pedestrian streets and it’s always lively with locals and tourists alike. The mosaic pavements will lead you down from the Santa Justa elevator towards the grandest plaza in Lisbon and the Tagus river at Praça do Comércio.
The main focal point of the plaza is the monumental Rua Augusta Arch. Take the elevator to the top of the arch for outstanding views over Lisbon, Praça do Comércio and the Tagus. This is free with the Lisboa Card, and not nearly as busy as the Santa Justa elevator.
Day 3: More Lisbon Views & Vibes
More spectacular views are on the agenda today as well as some culture and history before going to the coolest place in Lisbon.
Drink a Bica at A Brasileira
You’ll find Lisbon’s most famous coffee shop in bustling Chiado. This grand old-school cafe was founded in 1905 and has made Brazilian coffee famous in Lisbon.
There are almost always street performers and buskers outside which makes for a joyous atmosphere. The interior with its high ceilings and paintings personifies the elegance of days gone past and is the perfect place for a short, strong coffee and a pastel de nata.
The signature drink to get is is a bica, which is similar to an espresso. Like elsewhere in Portugal, you’ll get strange looks if you ask for milk with your coffee and when ordering an iced coffee.
Santa Justa Elevator
The Neo-gothic, wrought iron structure is a stunning piece of architecture and offers magnificent views over Lisbon’s red roofs. Completed in 1902, it’s probably one of the oldest elevators on Earth. The engineer was a student of Gustave Eiffel; as a result, some elements remind one of the Eiffel Tower.
It is part of Lisbon’s public transit network, so you can use your metro pass to ride the elevator. Originally built to connect residents from Baixa (lower) with Barrio Alto (upper neighbourhood), it’s safe to say that today it’s only for tourists.
The line to ride this elevator is insane! We were waiting in line for more than an hour before we could go to the top. You are going to wait a very long time for a very short elevator ride. We stood (and later sat) in line for almost two hours since only one of the two elevators was out of service.
Top tip: Don’t waste your time waiting in line. If you walk uphill towards the old monastery, you can access the viewing platform within ten minutes. We only found that out on our return from the viewing platform, though. You can thank us later.
Museu Nacional do Azulejo
If you want to learn more about Portuguese tiles, you must visit the stunning Museu Nacional do Azulejo. This museum is one of a kind and should surely be on your Lisbon itinerary.
The Baroque Madre de Deus Convent is home to Portugal’s National Tile Museum and is well worth a visit. The building itself is a stunning backdrop to the tiles.
Visitors can see the development of these ceramic tiles from five centuries ago to present-day avant-garde designs.
Displays range from simple, single tiles to over-the-top rooms filled with tile panels from floor to ceiling. The highlight of the museum is a composition showing the whole of Lisbon before the 1738 earthquake, which destroyed much of the city.
The museum’s location is a bit out of the way, so take bus 728 or 759 to Avenida Infante D.Henrique, from where it’s a short walk to the entrance.
Entrance is free with the Lisboa Card; otherwise, it’s €5.
LX Factory
After seeing all the historic sights in Lisbon, it is now time to go and experience her hipster side.
LX Factory calls itself the Creative Island and is probably the coolest place in Lisbon. Set in an overhauled textile factory, it effortlessly combines modern and traditional Lisbon. Come here on the weekend, as we did, and the vibe will be energetic!
It is such a cool place, and it reminded us a lot of Fabrica in Tbilisi – just much larger and so much cooler. Filled with little creative pop-up stores, cafes, bars, and graffiti, LX Factory is THE PLACE to bask in everything cool and hip in Lisbon.
By chance, we found Ler Devagar, which is a stunning bookshop slash exhibition area slash Instagram hotspot. We found out later that it was voted as one of the top 10 bookshops in the world. There is something for young and old at LX Factory.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra
Dedicate the last of your 4 days in Lisbon to a day trip to Sintra. We recommend going to Sintra either on the first or last day since it works out cheaper that way if you are getting the Lisbon Card.
Sintra is spectacular (and rammed with tourists as a result), but still a pleasant side trip from Lisbon. Read here how to do a day trip to Sintra and what we did there.
Our Favourite Restaurants in Lisbon
One cannot live on Pastel de Nata alone (sometimes I beg to differ), so here are two of our favourite restaurants to eat at in Lisbon.
The food in Lisbon, as elsewhere in Portugal, is heavily influenced by seafood as one can expect from a country on the Atlantic coast. Eating in Lisbon is such a treat and we are sure you will love it too.
Cervejaria Ramiro
A swarm of hopeful customers outside on the patio is always a good sign when looking for a good meal. Ramiro’s is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike for very good reason.
The seafood here is out of this world. We came here twice and it is our top restaurant recommendation in Lisbon.
Choose your language from the ticket machine and wait until they call your number in your language of choice. There is a very convenient coin-operated beer station outside on the patio to keep you cool and occupied until it’s your turn. When it’s finally your turn, your waiter will present you with an iPad menu with several language options and make some suggestions of what to order.
We had the crab, which was the absolute best, and the clams in garlic butter sauce. Definitely get the crusty, buttered bread to soak up all that sauce. All of this goes well with a bottle of chilled Vino Verde. Do not miss Ramiro’s.
I REPEAT: DO NOT MISS RAMIROS!
Frade dos Mares
Classy yet cosy, Frade dos Mares is incredible and perfect for something more formal or a special occasion.
We wanted to come here for Jin’s birthday but couldn’t get a reservation during our 4 days in Lisbon. So we made a reservation for when we would return to Lisbon one week later.
When you arrive you need to ring the doorbell outside, where your waiter will come to meet you.
Frade dos Mares is small and intimate and has a fantastic atmosphere. Service is warm and friendly. They are also nice enough to split dishes when sharing. The star here is the grilled octopus, which is melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavourful. We also had the prawns, baked mussels and lemon tart for dessert.
We enjoyed our time here from the moment we rang that little bell outside. Frade dos Mares will not disappoint.
How I Shot This Guide
Every photograph in this article was taken with the exact same gear I carry on every journey. It is a setup refined over years on the road to keep travel light without compromising the final image.
- Camera: Sony A7 V
- Lens: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
- Storage: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
- Software: Adobe Lightroom Classic
- My travel essential: Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Where in Portugal Will You Go Next?
- Laid-back Evora for wine and food
- Nazare for big waves and wild beaches
- A weekend in Porto for port and more port
- Or head over to Spain
Over to you: We are done talking and now it’s your turn. Let us know in the comments below if you have any other questions or comments on our itinerary. We love to hear from you.
Always appreciate blogs like these but pretty perplexed there’s no mention of the castle. Isn’t that *the* top attraction in Lisbon? What’s the reason for its exclusion?
Owen, you’re probably right about the castle being a top Lisbon attraction. While we’re sure it’s a wonderful place to visit, we just couldn’t fit it into our itinerary. We had to choose between seeing a historical sight with good views or exploring the neighbourhoods, cafes and restaurants of Lisbon, which we enjoy more. If you’re looking for a top Lisbon attraction, then go see the castle.