4 Days in Lisbon Portugal – Best 2026 Guide

Planning 4 days in Lisbon and wondering how to make the most of your time? This detailed itinerary shows you exactly what to do each day, where to stay, what to eat and which tours are actually worth booking — without rushing around or missing the highlights.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, combining historic neighbourhoods, incredible food, viewpoints, and easy day trips like Sintra. This guide is based on real travel experience and is perfect whether it’s your first visit or you want to see Lisbon properly.

Plan Your 4 Days in Lisbon

• 🏨 Hotels: Compare the best areas & prices here → [Check hotel prices]
• 🎟️ Top Tours: Book Lisbon’s most popular experiences → [Book your tours]
• 🚆 Day Trips: Sintra, Cascais & beyond → [Book day trips]
• 🧾 Travel Insurance: Compare plans here → [Check insurance plans]

🏨 Where to Stay in Lisbon for 4 Days

Choosing the right area to stay in Lisbon can completely change your experience. For a 4-day trip, it’s best to stay somewhere central so you can explore most sights on foot or with short public transport journeys, without constantly packing up or rushing.

Neighbourhoods like Baixa, Chiado and Alfama are ideal for first-time visitors — they’re close to major attractions, restaurants and transport links. Below are a few well-located hotel options across different budgets that work particularly well for a short stay in Lisbon.

💸 Budget – Hotel Gat Rossio

A great budget option in central Lisbon, close to transport and major sights.

👉 Check prices & availability here
🟢 Free cancellation available

💰 Mid-Range – LX Boutique Hotel

Stylish and perfectly located near the river, restaurants and public transport.

👉 See prices for your dates
🟢 Highly rated by couples

Prices change daily — check availability for your dates here.

✨ Boutique – My Story Hotel Ouro

Beautiful boutique hotel in Baixa, ideal for first-time visitors.

👉 Check availability now
🟢 Excellent location

Hotel	Best For	Features	Book
Hotel Gat Rossio	Budget	Central, transport access	Check prices
LX Boutique Hotel	Mid-range	Stylish, river views	See availability
My Story Hotel Ouro	Boutique	Historic Baixa location	Check availability

Prices change daily — check availability for your dates here.

Lisbon itinerary 4 days

Day 1 – Alfama, Baixa & Evening in Bairro Alto

Start your first day in Lisbon exploring the city’s most historic areas, filled with viewpoints, tram rides and traditional food.

🚋 Morning: Alfama & São Jorge Castle

Begin in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. Wander through narrow streets, listen to Fado music drifting from small cafés and stop at viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

If you want city views, head up to São Jorge Castle, where you’ll get one of the best panoramas over Lisbon’s rooftops and the River Tagus.

👉 Skip the hassle: This guided Alfama walking tour covers the highlights and history without getting lost.
[Book Alfama Walking Tour – Free Cancellation]

🏛️ Afternoon: Baixa & Praça do Comércio

Walk downhill towards Baixa, Lisbon’s elegant central district. Visit:

• Praça do Comércio
• Rua Augusta
• Santa Justa Lift (optional)

Stop for lunch nearby — Baixa has plenty of affordable Portuguese restaurants and bakeries.

🍷 Evening: Bairro Alto & Fado

In the evening, head to Bairro Alto for drinks or a traditional Fado performance — one of the most authentic Lisbon experiences.

👉 Highly recommended: This evening Fado experience includes live music in an intimate setting.
[Book Fado Experience – Free Cancellation]

Day 2 – Belém, Pastéis de Nata & River Views

🌅 Morning: Belém & Lisbon’s Most Famous Landmarks

Start your morning by heading west to Belém (tram 15 or train from Cais do Sodré).

Don’t miss:

Jerónimos Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Belém Tower – Lisbon’s most iconic landmark

Monument to the Discoveries – great river views

👉 Skip the queues: This guided Belém tour includes Jerónimos Monastery and key landmarks.
[Book Belém Guided Tour – Free Cancellation]

🥧 Late Morning: Pastéis de Belém

No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying its most famous pastry.

Stop at Pastéis de Belém, the original bakery serving warm custard tarts made from a secret recipe. Expect queues, but they move quickly and are worth it.

💡 Tip: Take a few to go and enjoy them by the river.

🌊 Afternoon: River Walk or MAAT Museum

After lunch, take a relaxing walk along the Tagus River or visit:

• MAAT Museum (modern art & architecture)
• Carris Museum (Lisbon transport history)

This part of the day is slower-paced and perfect after a busy first day.

🍽️ Evening: Food Tour or Riverside Dinner

For the evening, head back towards the centre or stay by the river for dinner.

👉 Highly recommended: This Lisbon food tour is one of the best ways to try traditional dishes, wine and local favourites in one evening.
[Book Lisbon Food Tour – Free Cancellation]

If you prefer dining independently, look for restaurants in Cais do Sodré or Time Out Market.

DAY 3 – Sintra Day Trip

A day trip to Sintra is one of the highlights of visiting Lisbon. This fairytale town is famous for colourful palaces, gardens and dramatic viewpoints.

🌄 Morning: Pena Palace & Sintra Old Town

Start early and head to Sintra by train from Rossio Station (around 40 minutes).

Top sights:

• Pena Palace (the most famous)
• Sintra National Palace
• Walk around Sintra’s historic centre

👉 Strong recommendation: This guided Sintra day trip is the easiest way to see Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca in one day.
[Book Sintra Day Trip – Free Cancellation]

💡 Tip: Sintra gets extremely busy — guided tours save time and queues.

🌊 Afternoon: Quinta da Regaleira & Cabo da Roca

In the afternoon, visit Quinta da Regaleira, known for its mysterious wells and gardens.

If you’re on a tour, you’ll usually continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe — a fantastic photo stop.

🍽️ Evening: Return to Lisbon

Return to Lisbon in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel or in Chiado.

DAY 4 – Viewpoints, LX Factory & Last-Minute Shopping

Your final day is slower-paced and perfect for soaking up Lisbon’s atmosphere.

🌅 Morning: Lisbon Viewpoints

Visit one or two viewpoints:

• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

These offer some of the best city views and are free.

Head to LX Factory, a creative complex with independent shops, cafés and street art.

It’s a great place for:

• Souvenirs
• Coffee breaks
• Lunch

👉 Optional: Combine this with a street art or alternative Lisbon tour.
[Book Street Art Lisbon Tour – Free Cancellation]

🍷 Evening: Sunset & Final Dinner

End your trip with a sunset drink near the river or a final Portuguese dinner in Cais do Sodré or Bairro Alto.

⭐ More Things to Do in Lisbon (If You Have Extra Time)

If you have extra time (or you want to swap something in your itinerary), think of Lisbon as a “pick your own adventure” city. The best extras aren’t the ones everyone tells you to do — they’re the ones that match how you like to travel.

Below are my favourite add-ons, grouped by mood so you can choose quickly.

🎶 If You Want Lisbon’s Most Authentic Night: Fado in Alfama

Fado isn’t just music — it’s a feeling. If you want an evening that’s atmospheric, emotional and unmistakably Lisbon, book a small venue in Alfama rather than a big tourist show.

👉 Best option for first-timers:
[Book a Traditional Fado Experience – Free Cancellation] (affiliate link)

Best for: couples, culture lovers, anyone who wants a memorable night

🍷 If Food Is Half the Reason You Travel: Food & Wine Tour

You can absolutely eat well in Lisbon without a tour — but a good food tour helps you try the classics (and a few surprises) in one go, with a local guiding you through what’s actually worth ordering.

👉 Top-rated experience:
[Book Lisbon Food & Wine Tour – Free Cancellation] (affiliate link)

Best for: short trips, solo travellers, foodies who hate wasting meals on “meh” places

🌊 If You Want the Coast: Day Trip to Cascais

If you’re deciding between Sintra and somewhere more chilled, Cascais is the “relaxed coastal day” option. Think beaches, pretty streets, and easy wandering.

👉 Easy day trip option (transport included):
[Book a Cascais Day Trip – Free Cancellation] (affiliate link)

Best for: summer trips, beach mood, slower travel

🚋 If You’re Curious About Tram 28 (But Don’t Want the Chaos)

Tram 28 is iconic… and also often packed. If you want the “historic Lisbon” feel without squeezing onto a tram like it’s rush hour, a tram + walking experience can be a better choice — you’ll still get the atmosphere, plus context.

👉 Less-stress alternative:
[See Historic Tram + Walking Tour Options] (affiliate link)

Best for: first-timers, photographers, anyone who wants the story behind the streets

🛶 If You Want an Easy “Wow” Moment: Tagus River Cruise

If you’re tired from walking (or you just want something romantic and effortless), a river cruise gives you Lisbon’s skyline from the best angle — the kind that makes you stop scrolling and actually look around.

👉 Popular choice:
[Book a Tagus River Cruise – Free Cancellation] (affiliate link)

Best for: couples, birthdays, chilled evenings

🎨 If You Like Hidden Corners: Street Art & Photo Walk

Lisbon’s street art scene is brilliant, and a guided walk helps you find murals you’d never stumble across on your own — plus you’ll learn the meaning behind the artwork.

👉 Great add-on for creators:
[Book a Lisbon Street Art / Photo Tour – Free Cancellation] (affiliate link)

Best for: content creators, photographers, people who love “non-touristy” experiences

🌧️ If It Rains: Your “Don’t Waste the Day” Plan

Lisbon is still great in bad weather — you just switch the plan.

Best rainy-day picks:

• Lisbon Oceanarium (great for all ages)
• Museums and tile-filled interiors
• Indoor food markets (easy and warm)
• Pastel de Nata Baking Class

👉 Rain-proof activity option:
[Check Indoor Experiences in Lisbon – Free Cancellation] (affiliate link)

Hidden Gems of Lisbon

Botanical Gardens in Lisbon

Escape into the serene beauty of Lisbon’s Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through exotic plant species, towering palms, and vibrant flowers from around the world. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat, the gardens offer quiet paths, shaded benches, and stunning views. Whether you’re exploring the tropical greenhouse or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, this hidden gem provides a refreshing break from the city’s hustle. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a breath of fresh air and a unique glimpse of Lisbon’s natural beauty!

List of my favourite botanical gardens in Lisbon, click on the name for Google Maps directions.

Jardim Botânico de Lisboa

Tropical Botanical Garden

Jardim Botânico da Ajuda

Jardim do Príncipe Real 

Sardine Shop Lisbon

The famous colorful sardine shop in Lisbon is a vibrant, fun stop that’s perfect for unique gifts and Instagram-worthy photos. Filled with quirky, retro-style sardine cans, each with different years and designs, it’s a charming spot to pick up a memorable souvenir for family or friends. The playful decor and rainbow of tins make it a great place to snap some fun, colourful pictures. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or just want to soak in the whimsical atmosphere, this shop offers a delightful slice of Lisbon’s charm!

FAQs – 4 Days in Lisbon

Is Lisbon expensive?
Lisbon is one of the most affordable capital cities in Western Europe, especially for food, accommodation and public transport.

Is 4 days in Lisbon enough?
Yes — 4 days is ideal for seeing Lisbon’s main sights and taking a day trip to Sintra.

What’s the best area to stay in Lisbon?
Baixa, Chiado and Alfama are best for first-time visitors.

What’s the best way to get around Lisbon?

Public transport is excellent — metro, tram and buses connect all major areas. Consider a Lisboa Card for free transport + discounts.

Is Lisbon walkable?
Yes, but Lisbon is very hilly. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Do I need a car in Lisbon?
No — public transport and walking are more than enough. A car is only useful for day trips.

Is Lisbon safe for tourists?
Generally yes, especially in central areas; just watch pickpockets in crowded spots.

Are tours worth booking in Lisbon?
Yes — guided tours save time, reduce queueing and often include skip-the-line access.

What’s the best time to visit Lisbon?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds.