Lisbon in 4 Days: everything you need to know
Four days is the perfect length for a trip to Lisbon. In that time you will be able to get to know the Portuguese capital and its surroundings without leaving anything out.
If you are thinking about the number of days you should travel to Lisbon to get to know it in depth and without leaving anything behind, in my opinion, the answer is 4 days. In that time we can visit Lisbon without stress, its most important neighbourhoods and the monuments of Belém and, in addition, it leaves us time to visit some interesting cities in the surrounding area such as Sintra and Cascais.
Day 1: Historic Centre: Alfama, Baixa and Chiado districts
The best thing to do when you arrive in Lisbon is to start visiting its most central neighbourhoods. Alfama, Baixa and Chiado form the historic centre of the city and there is a lot to see and do in their streets. If you get up early in the morning, you can explore all of them at your leisure and see everything they have to offer on the first day of your trip to the capital of Portugal.
Walk through the Alfama neighbourhood
The best starting point to get to know Lisbon is to book a guided tour of Alfama. This historic area is situated on one of the hills of the city under the watchful eye of St. George's Castle and captures the essence of Lisbon's culture. The most interesting places to visit in the Alfama district are, besides the castle of St. George:
- Lisbon Cathedral.
- The viewpoints of Portas do Sol.
- Santa Lucia.
- The National Pantheon.
You will get to know all this in depth on this three-hour tour with a professional guide who will take you inside the Cathedral and show you the history and architecture of this neighbourhood, as well as introducing you to its traditional music.
And if you go to Alfama on your own, bear in mind that you can explore it on foot or by taking the famous tram 28, which passes through most of the neighbourhood and saves you having to climb several of its many steep streets. I recommend that you spend some time just strolling around and enjoying the atmosphere, street musicians and gastronomy.
Descend to Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods
After visiting Alfama, it's time to go down to the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods. To visit them you can choose Pedro IV. square as your starting point. From there you can walk down Rua Augusta towards Praça do Comércio. But before reaching this point, we will make a detour to the Santa Justa elevator.
With this lift, as well as a viewpoint, we can go up to the Convento do Carmo to visit its spectacular ruins. Now, to finish the day, we will go to the Plaza del Comercio. At this famous spot we can climb the arch of the Rua Augusta and enjoy the banks of the Tagus. Near the square there are many restaurant options where you can end the day with a good dinner.
Enjoy a stroll along the Tagus at sunset.
And to end the day, there is no better plan than booking a sailing trip. Feeling the wind on your face as you sail along the Tagus is a sensation you should not miss.
This trip, which lasts approximately two hours, will allow you to admire Lisbon's most important monuments while you enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine.
Day 2: Get to know the Belém neighbourhood in depth
The second day starts where the first day ended, at the Plaza del Comercio. From here we can take tram number 15 to the Belém area. This area of Lisbon is 7 kilometres from the centre and takes about 20 minutes by tram. There is so much to see that it will take the whole day.
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery, a World Heritage Site, has the distinction of being the most visited monument in Lisbon. It is a spectacular complex made up of an impressive cloister and church and the national archaeological museum housed in its east wing.
I recommend that you book your tickets to the Jerónimos Monastery in advance, as there is always a queue. Nevertheless, it is well worth the visit. The monastery is a Lisbon must-see in its own right.
Taste the Pasteles de Belém
One of the best-known experiences in the Belém neighbourhood is tasting its famous pastries. These sweets have crossed borders and are known in many places, but nowhere can they be tasted better than in their place of origin. Next to the monastery is the original factory where you can still taste these delicacies.
And if you are passionate about these cakes, as I am, don't hesitate and book a pastel de nata cooking class. They will teach you how to make these culinary delights while you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
Don't miss the Monument of the Discoveries
Opposite the Jerónimos Monastery and across the Plaza del Imperio Garden is the Monument to the Discoveries. It is one of the most photographed spots in Lisbon thanks to its spectacular nature with its more than 50 metres in height. It was built to honour the memory of the discoverers who set sail from the same waters where Lisbon is located.
Enter the Belém Tower
On the west side of Belém, and jutting out into the waters of the Tagus, is the Torre de Bélem, arguably Lisbon's most iconic landmark. It is a small fort on the banks of the Tagus that was used to defend the city, as a lighthouse and even as a dungeon.
Book tickets for the Belém Tower and visit its interior and terrace, while enjoying the spectacular views of the Tagus River and the 25th April Bridge.
These are the must-see sights of Belém. But if you want more, you can visit some of its many museums, such as the archaeological museum or the carriage museum, or stroll through its parks and gardens.
Day 3: Excursion to Sintra
After two days in Lisbon, you will have had plenty of time to see the main monuments in the city. Now it's time to visit the outskirts and one of the most outstanding places not only in the capital but also in Portugal. I am talking about Sintra and its palaces. Located some 30 kilometres from Lisbon, this town is an almost fairytale setting for its palaces and gardens.
So much so that it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995. It is also located in the middle of the Sintra-Cascaes natural park. Visiting Sintra from Lisbon can be done by car or bus, but it is best to book an excursion to Sintra, which includes return transport and a professional guide who will show you all the charms of the place. There are many buildings to see in Sintra, but the four must-sees are:
Let yourself be dazzled by the Pena Palace
It is the most visited and emblematic of Sintra. So much so that it is one of the most popular monuments in Portugal and considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe thanks to its unique blend of styles.
The Pena Palace should be our first and obligatory visit in Sintra. To do so, do not hesitate to book your ticket to the Pena Palace and let yourself be dazzled by this fairytale castle, as well as its 200 hectares of gardens. And if you have time, you can also book tickets for the Pena Park in Sintra.
Discover Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira stands out for its architecture, its gardens and its mysticism. The building is closely linked to the Masonic cult and holds many secrets. Visiting it with a guide is highly recommended.
It is another must-see in Sintra and you can book a tour to Quinta Quinta da Regaleira along with Sintra, Cascais, Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca, which lasts approximately eight hours.
Don't miss the National Palace of Sintra
Located in the centre of Sintra, the National Palace has preserved its interior almost intact. Its two large cone-shaped chimneys, which are visible from many parts of the park and the village of Sintra, are striking from the outside.
Explore the Monserrate Palace
It is known as the hidden gem of Sintra, as it is not as popular as its neighbours. However, it has enough charm to make it a must-see in Sintra.
Other worthwhile places to visit in Sintra
These last four are considered Sintra's must-see sights, but the town is home to many more treasures.
If time permits, we can also visit the Castelo dos Mouros, the Convento dos Capuchos or the Chalet and garden of the Countess.
Day 4: Night in the Alto district, excursion to Cascais and Park of Nations
The fourth day in Lisbon can and should start with the evening of the third day. After spending several hours in Sintra, what better than to immerse yourself in Lisbon's nightlife in the best area to do so. On our last day we can take the opportunity to make another excursion to the village of Cascais, very close to Lisbon, and finish seeing the city by visiting the Park of Nations.
See the Bairro Alto by night
After visiting Sintra, the best thing to do is to enjoy Lisbon's nightlife. And the perfect place to do so is the Bairro Alto. In the heart of the city centre, this neighbourhood is avant-garde, modern and full of life, especially at night. There is a wide range of restaurants where you can dine even while enjoying a Portuguese Fado performance.
After dinner we can go and enjoy its many pubs or go to the Santa Catalina viewpoint. Here, as well as enjoying the night-time views of the city, it is common for stages to be set up for evening concerts. It is also a meeting point for Lisbon's inhabitants and there is always a good atmosphere on its terraces.
Stroll around Cascais
On the morning of the fourth day, without rushing to get up, we have the option of booking an excursion to Sintra and Cascais. Cascais is located about 30 kilometres from Lisbon and was during the 20th century a town mainly of aristocrats and artists, which is evident as soon as you walk through its streets with beautiful palaces and numerous street performers.
In the 1940s, fleeing from the war, many nobles came here to take refuge in their palaces and enjoy the beaches. This atmosphere is said to have inspired Ian Fleming to give life to the character of James Bond.
Spending a morning strolling through its streets and enjoying its beaches is a highly recommended activity , especially if you visit in summer.
Say goodbye at the Park of Nations
After visiting Lisbon in depth, a good way to say goodbye is to do it in the Park of Nations. It is located in the eastern part of the city and is situated in what was once an industrial neighbourhood. This modern park with a futuristic feel was built to host the 1998 Universal Exhibition held in Lisbon.
It is very different from the other districts of the Portuguese capital because of its modern buildings such as the Gare Do Oriente station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Oceanarium. The latter is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and is a must-see, especially if you are travelling with your family. Of course, book your tickets for the Lisbon Oceanarium in advance because they are in high demand.
To say goodbye to Lisbon you can take the park's cable car to watch the sunset from the heights with the Vasco de Gama Bridge in the background. This is the longest bridge in Europe with 17 kilometres spanning the Tagus River.