Itineraries / Lisbon
4 Days in Lisbon: A First-Timer's Itinerary
Lisbon is built on seven hills, and the best way to see it is to give each day its own part of the city. This itinerary gives the first three days to the city: the riverside monuments of Belém, the old lanes and viewpoints of Alfama, then downtown and Chiado. The fourth day is a trip out to the hill town of Sintra.
You will walk a lot, and some of it is steep. In return you get bakeries, tiled facades and long views over the river. Tap Add to my trip on any stop, or add a whole day, and it goes straight into your plan.
Day 1: Belém and the waterfront
Belém sits a short tram or train ride west of the center. Start early, because the bakery line grows fast and the monastery is calmer in the morning.
Pastéis de Belém
The bakery that made the custard tart famous has been baking them since 1837. The tarts come out warm, with a crisp shell and a dusting of cinnamon. Order a few and eat them at one of the tiled tables inside.
Jerónimos Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best examples of Manueline architecture, with carved stone that looks like rope and coral. The two-story cloister is the highlight. Vasco da Gama is buried in the church.
Belém Tower
A 16th-century fortified tower right on the water. Most people photograph it from the riverside path and skip the interior, which is fine. The walk along the river to get here is half the point.
Time Out Market
A large food hall in the old Mercado da Ribeira, with stalls from well-known local chefs and a lot of shared seating. It works well for a group where everyone wants something different.
Day 2: Alfama and the hills
Alfama is the oldest district, a maze of narrow lanes that survived the 1755 earthquake. Plan to climb early, then let the day run downhill toward the river.
Castelo de São Jorge
A hilltop castle with Moorish origins and walls you can walk. It gives you the best first look at how the city is laid out, with the river and the red roofs below. Go in the morning while the light is soft and the crowds are small.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)
A fortress-like Romanesque cathedral from the 12th century, sitting where the old tram lines pass. The interior is plain and quick to see. It is a good stop on the walk down from the castle.
Miradouro da Graça
One of the most popular viewpoints for sunset, with a small kiosk terrace under the pine trees. Get there a little early for a good spot, and bring a drink.
Praça do Comércio
The big riverside square with yellow arcades and a triumphal arch at one end. It is a good place to end the night, with the river at your back and the lights coming on.
Day 3: Baixa and Chiado
The third day stays downtown, where the streets are flatter and the shops and cafes are close together. Save the viewpoint for the end of the day.
Santa Justa Lift
An iron elevator from 1902 that connects the flat downtown streets to the hill above. The ride is short, and the lookout at the top has a view over the rooftops. Expect a line at busy times.
Carmo Convent
A Gothic church left roofless by the 1755 earthquake and kept as it fell. The open arches against the sky make it one of the most memorable stops in the city.
LX Factory
A former industrial complex under the 25 de Abril Bridge, now full of shops, studios and restaurants. It suits a slow afternoon of browsing and a late lunch. Take a tram or a short ride from the center.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
A viewpoint terrace facing Alfama and the castle, with a small garden and benches. It is a good spot for the last light before dinner in Bairro Alto.
Day 4: Day trip to Sintra
Sintra is a hill town about 40 minutes from Lisbon by train from Rossio station. Leave early, because the palaces get crowded, and plan to see two or three sights rather than all of them.
Pena Palace
A bright yellow and red palace on a hilltop, built in the 19th century in a mix of styles. Book a timed ticket ahead, and expect to climb or take the shuttle up from the entrance.
Moorish Castle
Ruined hilltop walls from the medieval Moorish period that you can walk along. The views reach across the hills to the sea on a clear day. It sits close to Pena Palace, so the two pair well.
Quinta da Regaleira
An estate with gardens, grottos and a deep spiral stairwell known as the Initiation Well. It is a lot of fun to explore, and the tunnels link the different garden levels.
Sintra National Palace
The palace in the center of town, easy to spot by its two large white chimneys. It is a good last stop before the walk back to the train, with cafes nearby.
Common questions about Lisbon
Is 4 days enough for Lisbon?
Four days covers the city in three days and gives you one for Sintra. With a fifth day you could add Cascais or a slower afternoon by the river.
What is the best time to visit Lisbon?
Spring and early fall have mild weather and fewer crowds than summer. Summer is hot, and the hills make it feel hotter.
How do I get to Sintra from Lisbon?
Trains run from Rossio station and take about 40 minutes. Go early, since the hilltop sights get crowded, and wear shoes for steep paths.
How do I get around Lisbon?
On foot for each district, with trams, buses and the metro for the hills and for the trip out to Belém. Lisbon has a lot of stairs, so pack comfortable shoes.
Plan it with your group
Jornada keeps the ideas, the days, the map and the shared costs for everyone coming on the trip. Start with this itinerary and change whatever you like.
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