4 Days in Lisbon: A Comprehensive Itinerary

Last Updated on January 6, 2025

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital. One of the oldest cities in western Europe, it’s an exciting spot to spend a few days taking in the local sights and learning about Portuguese culture.

With lots of museums that cover Portugal’s history and culture, like the Fado Museum, beautiful neighbourhoods like Alfama to explore, and historic sites like São Jorge Castle to see, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. 

This 4 days in Lisbon itinerary covers how to get to Lisbon, where to stay, and what to do and eat during your visit to Lisbon.

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Brief History of Lisbon

As early as 700 BC, Lisbon was settled by the Celts, and then founded by the Phoenicians who established a settlement called Ulissipo. This settlement was later conquered by the Greeks and Carthaginians.

The Lisbon area eventually joined the Roman Empire, before spending nearly 500 years under Muslim rule.

Lisbon, which translates to “safe harbor” in ancient Phonecian, is probably most famous for its maritime exploration during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The city’s World Heritage Site, the Monastery of the Hieronymites and the Belém Tower, were in fact built to honor navigator Vasco da Gama’s travels to India.

On November 1, 1755, a massive earthquake (sometimes called the Great Earthquake) hit Lisbon, followed by tsunami and fires that caused almost the complete destruction of the city. 

The earthquake still ranks as one of the most destructive in recorded history. Following this disaster, Lisbon rebuilt itself while going through two centuries of mostly foreign control. 

During World War II Lisbon became a point of departure to North America for people who were trying to escape the fascist governments of Europe. Today, Lisbon is Portugal’s seat of government as well as the political center of the country.

How to Get to Lisbon, Portugal

The main ways to get to Lisbon are by  flight, train, bus, or car. 

Getting to Lisbon by flight

Lisbon’s  international airport, called Humberto Delgado Airport,  is just 7 km from the center of the city. Take the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line from the airport’s metro (subway) station to get to the center of Lisbon in 20 minutes. 

Getting to Lisbon by train 

It is just as easy to get to Lisbon by train. National and international trains arrive every day at Santa Apolónia station, which is very close to all the popular neighborhoods of the city. 

Getting to Lisbon by bus 

Buses from other regions of Portugal as well as other countries regularly connect to Lisbon. Sete Rios is the major bus station in Lisbon and also the main hub for Rede Expressos, Portugal’s main coach bus network.

Getting to Lisbon by car 

To drive into Lisbon, take the A1 or A2. Both routes connect to Lisbon from other regions of Portugal and other countries, too. 

How Long to Spend in Lisbon

To really experience what Lisbon is known for you will want to stay a minimum of 3 full days. However, 4 or 5 days is ideal. With a longer stay, you’ll be able to see all of Lisbon’s most famous spots, and also fit in a day trip to nearby Cascais or Sintra.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has plenty of accommodations available across its different neighborhoods, and they range in price from budget stays, like hostels, to guesthouses and hotels which are pricier. 

1. H10 Duque de Loule

H10 Duque de Loule is set in a great spot in Lisbon, just a short walk from Avenida da Liberdade, one of the city’s main boulevards. It’s in a quieter, upscale area, but super close to shops, cafes, and public transport, making it easy to get around the city.

H10 Duque de Loule is a mix of classic and modern design, with a gorgeous rooftop terrace where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Inside, the rooms are sleek and comfy, featuring beautiful decor, comfy beds, and all the essentials like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant and a bar. 

There’s a variety of room types to choose from, including twin, queen, and large suites that sleep up to 2 adults and 2 kids. 

BOOK: H10 Duque de Loule

2. Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites

Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites is in the beautiful Alfama neighborhood, one of Lisbon’s most historic areas. This hotel is close to iconic attractions like São Jorge Castle and the Lisbon Cathedral, and there’s a tram stop nearby to take you further around the city.

In Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites you’ll find modern, comfortable apartments with kitchenettes, which are super convenient for anyone who wants to make their own breakfast in the morning, or cook other meals.

Each suite is stylishly decorated, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and cozy living spaces. There’s a relaxed lounge area where you can unwind. Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites has several room types to choose from, including standard twin rooms, and two-bedroom apartments. 

BOOK: Alfama – Lisbon Lounge Suites

3. Varandas de Lisboa

Located near the Lisbon Cathedral in the Santa Maria Maior district of Lisbon, Varandas de Lisboa offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms in a great location. 

Varandas de Lisboa has various types of rooms that accommodate different group sizes and budgets. There are double rooms with shared bathrooms, and for larger groups, family suites and 2-bedroom apartments. Some of the suites have kitchens. 

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, and free Wifi, while certain rooms also offer a balcony and some have river views. There’s also a shared lounge area. 

BOOK: Varandas de Lisboa

How to Get Around Lisbon 

The best way to get around while spending 4 days in Lisbon is by walking, or by public transport. Most of Lisbon’s main sites are within walking distance, just be prepared for the city’s hills, walking them can be a workout.

When you need a break from walking, you can use Lisbon’s buses, trams, metro and elevators. In Lisbon, one-way transit tickets cost €1.50 – €2, or €6 – €11 for a day pass. 

You can also purchase a Lisboa Card, which gives you discounts and free entry to several Lisbon attractions, as well as free use of all public transportation in the city!

Is the Lisboa Card Worth It?

The Lisboa Card is worth it if you’re planning to visit the sites that the card provides free or discounted access to, and if you plan to use Lisbon’s public transport. There are three options when purchasing a Lisboa Card: a 24hr, 48hr, or 72hr card. The prices of the cards range from 20 euro and up. 

Where can you get a Lisboa Card?

There are 3 places in Lisbon where you can get a Lisboa Card.

• Humberto Delgado Airport – Lisbon Airport.
• The Lisboa Welcome Center, which is the main tourist office at the Comércio Plaza.
• Foz Palace, in the tourist office next to Rossio train station.
  

The Lisboa Card has a lot of value! If you use it the right way, you’ll get more than your money’s worth out of it. The key is to plan how you use it. For example, if you get a 24hr Lisboa Card, plan to see the sites that have entry fees, like museums, Jerónimos Monastery, and Belém Tower.

Visit Lisboa gifted me a Lisboa Card when I visited the city, and I got a lot of use out of it! What I liked most was that I could hop on public transport whenever I felt like it, which was super convenient. 

4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary 

Ready to spend 4 days in Lisbon? Let’s dive into my detailed Lisbon itinerary. 

Day 1 in Lisbon: Enjoy the City Centre

You’ll spend your first day in Lisbon seeing some of Lisbon’s most famous sites, which are in the city centre. The neighborhoods you’ll find yourself in will be, primarily, Baixa (pronounced “baisha”), Rossio, Chiado, and Bairro Alto.  

Have a breakfast in your accommodation (or swing by a nearby cafe for coffee and a pastry), before heading to the first stop of the day: Praça do Comércio. 

If you’re staying in a central area, you can likely walk to Praça do Comércio. Otherwise, there are several nearby bus stops, or you can take the metro to Perreiro do Paço, which is the closest station to Praça do Comércio.

Praça do Comércio

The Praça do Comércio is a large plaza that faces Lisbon’s harbour, and a must see when spending 4 days in Lisbon. 

The plaza was built on the site where the old Royal Palace existed before it was destroyed by the massive earthquake in 1755. It’s actually one of the largest plazas in Portugal, with an area of 175m by 175m, or 30,600m². 

The southern end of the plaza looks directly out onto the Tagus river, while the other three sides of the plaza are lined with buildings. Way back when the square was first built, commercial ships would unload goods onto this square so that they could be distributed into Lisbon.

In the center of the plaza you’ll notice the bronze equestrian statue of Joseph I of Portugal (1750 – 1777),  who was King of Portugal when the Great Earthquake hit. The statue was designed by Machado de Castro in 1775. On the north side of Praça do Comércio is the Arco da Rua Augusta.

Walk around Praça do Comércio and go up to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch for beautiful views. After, head toward the water to walk out onto Cais das Colunas. 

Cais das Colunas

Cais das Colunas is a pier that is part of Praça do Comércio, in the historical center of Lisbon. It has a set of marble steps which used to be used as the noble entrance into the city. Heads of state and other prominent figures arrived by boat, going up the steps to enter Lisbon.

The pier was named after the two columns (colunas) that are on either side of the main steps. The pillars were designed by architect Eugénio dos Santos and were part of Lisbon’s reconstruction plan after the 1755 earthquake. 

After enjoying the pier, walk 10 minutes up Rua Aurea to the Santa Justa Lift. 

Santa Justa Lift

Santa Justa Lift, also sometimes called Carmo Lift, is an outdoor, Gothic style iron elevator in the center of Lisbon. The lift was completed in 1902, built by Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard.

It’s one of four mid-twentieth century lifts that are still used in Lisbon, but is unique because it’s the only one that runs fully vertical.

Santa Justa Lift is an easy way to get from Baixa’s lower roads to the higher roads of Largo do Carmo. Rather than climb hills and steps, a quick ride up the lift will bring you a total of seven stories (45 meters) up. Inside the lift you can admire its Gothic design, and when you reach the top you’ll have beautiful views of the city. 

When you reach the top of the lift, you’ll likely be ready for lunch. Walk a short distance across the square just outside the lift, to Caffè di Marzano Vermuteria. This restaurant has a beautiful terrace, serves delicious coffee, and has a nice lunch menu. The duck ravioli is delicious!

After lunch, walk two minutes to Carmo Convent. 

The Santa Justa Lift

Carmo Convent

When the Great Earthquake hit Lisbon in 1755, the city was destroyed. Carmo Convent is one of the few buildings that managed to somewhat survive. 

Originally built in the 14th century, Carmo Convent was originally a gothic church. Today, you can see the beautiful skeleton of the church, which still has tall archways, an open courtyard, and other ruins. Attached is an archaeological museum.

It’s just a few euros to visit the convent and museum. You can find updated information about the opening hours and fees, on the official Carmo Convent website. 

Elevador da Bica

After Carmo Convent, walk west into the core of Barrio Alto, and wander the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets. 

Be sure to stop at Manteigaria to try their famous pastéis de nata. Pastéis de nata are Portuguese custard tarts made of puff pastry that’s filled with egg custard. Often, they are served a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon.

This popular pastry originally comes from the Jerónimos Monastery, just outside Lisbon. Apparently, back in the 18th century monks in the monastery used leftover egg yolks to make pastéis de nata! 

From Manteigaria, head a little further west to the famous Bica Elevador. The Elevador da Bica is a funicular, which is a railway that runs on the side of a hill or a mountain. 

The railway’s cars are attached to a cable, which rely on tension to pull the car uphill. A second car runs in the opposite direction at the same time, which counterbalances the weight.

Elevador da Bica opened in June 1892. It was created by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a Portuguese engineer. The lift connects Rua de São Paulo in the lower Cais do Sodré neighborhood of Lisbon with the hillside neighborhoods. 

You’ll board the Elevador da Bica at the upper station, which is located on Largo do Calhariz. You can see here the Google map pin for the exact location that you will catch the cable car.

Take the cable car down to the bottom station, and from there, walk to your next stop, Pink Street!

Pink Street

Lisbon’s Pink Street (which is actually Rua Nova do Carvalho) is in the popular neighborhood Cais do Sodre. The street is painted entirely pink, which makes for a fun photo opp.

The painting started in 2011 and was finished by 2013. It was painted pink in an effort to gentrify the street, which was actually known to be a red light district in earlier years. 

Time Out Market Lisboa

You’ll end the day at Time Out Market Lisboa, which is a short walk from Pink Street. It’s a hub of restaurants, events, and workshops. 

Wander around this vibrant market, keeping an eye out for some dinner options. You can enjoy different Portuguese snacks, or dine at one of the market’s sit-down restaurants. 

In the evening? Head back to Barrio Alto to have drinks, or go to Tasca do Chico to listen to live fado music.  

Day 2 in Lisbon: Wander Alfama, One of Lisbon’s Oldest Neighbourhoods 

On your second day in Lisbon, you’ll wander around one of Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods, Alfama. Start your morning with breakfast in your accommodation, or grab breakfast at a nearby cafe. 

Board the famous Tram 28 to take you into Alfama. The tram is very busy with tourists, especially in summer, so if you prefer, you can simply watch the tram go by from the street and walk instead. 

Wander the Alfama District

Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s known for its steep streets, traditional restaurants, cafes, and cozy shops. This is also the neighborhood where you’ll find the famous no. 28 tram that carries passengers up the steep hills of Alfama to the São Jorge Castle.

Alfama is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon because you can wander all around without ever getting bored. It’s a great neighborhood to stay in because it’s central in the city, and there are plenty of restaurants in the area. 

Lisbon Cathedral / Sé de Lisboa

Your first stop in Alfama will be the oldest church in Lisbon. Lisbon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary, or simply the Sé (Sé de Lisboa). 

It’s lovely to look at from the outside, but you can also step inside for free (donations are accepted, too). After the cathedral, walk 7 minutes to Miradouro de Santa Luzia. 

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro is Portuguese for “viewpoint.” They are found all over Lisbon, and typically are a nice terrace where people can easily sit and rest, while taking in beautiful views.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most popular viewpoints, so it’s a good one to see while spending 4 days in Lisbon. It’s right by the church of Santa Luzia in Alfama, and from the terrace you have sweeping views over Alfama’s houses, churches, and the Tagus River.

After enjoying the view and taking some photos, head to the Fado Museum, which is a short walk away. 

Fado Museum

The small but renowned Fado Museum is where you can learn about fado, which is a musical form that combines the folk and traditional music of Portugal. 

It is deeply rooted in emotional expression and lyrical poetry. The instruments typically used in fado music are the Portuguese guitar, viola, and the singer’s voice.

The Fado Museum (Museu do Fado) opened in 1998, with the goal of celebrating Fado’s exceptional value as an identifying symbol of the City of Lisbon. In the museum you can learn about fado’s deep roots in the tradition and cultural history of Portugal, and its role in Portuguese cultural identity.

After the museum, you’ll likely be getting hungry. A short walk away is Medrosa d’Alfama, where you can enjoy Portuguese tapas. Be sure to try the sardine bruschetta!

After lunch, walk 10 minutes to São Jorge Castle. 

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is high up on a hill, on the site of a former Moorish castle that dates back to the 10th century. The original castle was conquered in 1147 by the crusaders led by Dom Afonso Henriques, the founder and first king to call himself “King of Portugal.”

Most of the castle was destroyed over the years, especially by the Great Earthquake. When visiting, you’re able to see some surviving castle walls, as well as some towers that were restored in the 20th century.

You can climb up some of the towers, which provide great views of Lisbon, and walk through the castle’s gardens. São Jorge Castle gets busy, so I recommend purchasing an e-ticket in advance, right here. 

After the castle, it’s time to visit a market. Walk 15 minutes to Santa Clara Flea Market – but only if it is Tuesday or Saturday. Those are the only days the market is open. If the market is closed, skip to the next activity in this itinerary, the National Tile Museum. 

Santa Clara Flea Market 

This flea market, also known as Feira da Ladra, is held every Tuesday and Saturday in Campo de Santa Clara, behind the monastery of São Vicente de Fora. The market dates back to 1272 and was held in various parts of the city before settling permanently in its current spot.

It’s always been known as a market that sells used items, so you’ll find lots of interesting things including antiques. Nowadays, vendors also sell their artistic work in the market. Keep an eye out for some Portuguese ceramic tiles (azulejos). 

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

This final activity of the day is further past Alfama. It’s about a 25 minute walk. If you prefer, you can take public transit or a taxi / Uber to get there. 

The National Tile Museum is a must-see if you’re interested in the history and design of ceramic tiles in Portugal. Portugal is known for its ceramics, in fact, you’ll see glazed blue ceramic tiles or azulejos everywhere!

These tiles date as far back as the 13th century when the Moors invaded the land that now belongs to Spain and Portugal. The word azulejo comes from Arabic roots, translating to ‘small polished stone.’

This specialty museum is home to a wonderful collection of decorative tiles dating from the 15th century to the present. As you admire the tiles, you’ll learn about their history and the tradition of tile art in Portugal. The museum even includes modern day art that incorporates this tradition. 

For dinner, head to Taberna Da Rua Das Flores. This narrow, traditional Portuguese restaurant is popular, so you may need to wait to get a table – it’s worth it! The menu rotates, but if there’s scallops available, be sure to order them. 

Day 3 in Lisbon: Head West To Belém 

On your third day in Lisbon, you’ll head to the west end of the city. Start your morning with breakfast in your accommodation, or grab breakfast at a nearby cafe.

When you’re ready, hop on a tram or bus west to the first stop of the day,Belém Tower. 

Belém Tower

Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) was built between 1514-1520 as a medieval defensive tower on the northern bank of the River Tagus. It originally defended the city, served as a point of embarking and returning for Portuguese explorers, and was a ceremonial gateway into Lisbon.

Today, it’s a symbol of Europe’s Age of Discovery. You can visit inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, or simply admire it from outside. Be sure to walk along the river, taking in the view of the tower from different angles.  

Belém Tower gets busy, so it’s a good idea to buy your e-ticket to visit the tower in advance. You can easily buy your e-ticket, right here. 

Jerónimos Monastery

Next, you’ll walk about 15 minutes to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This old monastery is one of the most celebrated historic monuments in Portugal.

Jeronimos Monastery is considered one of the most impressive symbols of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. It was built in 1502, and became home to monks of the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites).

Their job was to give guidance to sailors and pray for the souls of Portugal’s royalty. Today, the monastery is open to visitors, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.

You can wander the monastery, admiring its facades, the church and the cloisters, which are done in the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style.

The monastery gets busy, so it’s a good idea to buy an e-ticket for Jeronimos Monastery in advance. You can easily purchase your e-ticket, right here. 

After the monastery, walk 3 minutes to Pastéis de Belém. Founded in 1837, this cafe has been making the original Pastéis de Belém, following an ancient recipe from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. 

That’s right! This popular pastry originally comes from the Jerónimos Monastery. Back in the 18th century, monks in the monastery used leftover egg yolks to make pastéis de nata! 

Every day in their bakery, the bakers at Pastéis de Belém make these desserts by hand, using only traditional methods. You won’t want to skip stopping by to taste one, and have a coffee. 

Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém

A short walk from Pastéis de Belém is the Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém. Be sure to pop in to have a look at this beautiful church. 

It was completed in 1601 after a century of building. It’s a beautiful church, connected to Jeronimos Monastery. Its architecture is known as the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By the time you’re finished visiting Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém, you might be getting hungry! Luckily, it’s a short walk to a nearby lunch spot: Augusto Lisboa. This beautiful restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and lots of lunch options from salads to vegan toast. I hear their banana bread is especially good!

Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

After lunch, you’ll walk (15 minutes) or bus north (take bus #729) to Palácio Nacional da Ajuda. Here, you can visit the 19th-century residence of the royal family, which is now a museum.

Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is a neoclassical palace that was built in the first half of the 19th century. It became a residence for the Portuguese royal family when D. Luís I (1838-1889) became king and married an Italian princess, D. Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911).

The palace is a nice example of typical 19th century royal residences. While touring it, you’ll see original gold and silverware, paintings, tapestries, sculptures, furniture, and more. 

After the palace, you’ll head to the final stop of the day, LX Factory! It’s a 30 minute walk to this market, so you may want to go by taxi or Uber, or hop on bus #742, which takes you directly there. 

LX Factory

Back in 1846, a fabric production plant called Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonenses was built in the neighborhood Alcântara. The massive industrial complex was an important manufacturing site for decades.

But 50 years later, the company decided to move. Over the years, various companies and businesses tried to make good use of the site, but it eventually became abandoned. 

In recent years, a private investor took on the challenge of creating something new out of the historical site. It became home to more than 200 businesses ranging from cafés, restaurants, show rooms, shops, offices, commercial spaces.

You can spend hours wandering through the markets, and be sure to stop to sample beers, and choose a spot to have dinner before heading back to Lisbon’s city centre. 

LX Market

Day 4 in Lisbon: Take a Day Trip to Sintra 

On day 4 in Lisbon you’ll have time to fit in a day trip to a nearby region, Sintra. 

Sintra is a municipality of Portugal, just outside of Lisbon. Sintra is a gorgeous region of Portugal where you can see magical palaces, castles, and gardens, as well as learn the history of a unique Portuguese municipality.

Because it’s a quick one hour train trip from Lisbon, many people opt to spend 24 hours in Sintra. You can accomplish a lot in one day, but if you have the time, I do recommend spending 2 days in Sintra so you can see more!l

How to Get to Sintra From Lisbon

The easiest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is by local suburban train. The train is affordable, efficient, and comfortable, and it runs every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends from Rossio Station, which is in the center of Lisbon. 

The trip takes 40 minutes each way, and costs less than 5 euro return. The train drops you off in the center of Sintra, at Sintra Train Station.

It’s also possible to visit Sintra by tour. Tours run daily from Lisbon and are about 8 hours long. It’s definitely possible to visit Sintra in one day, but if you can spend longer, I recommend doing so because there’s a lot to see there! 

Visiting Sintra by Tour

Prefer not to spend a day in Sintra self-guided? Tours run daily from Lisbon, and typically cost around €100. Tours are about 8 hours long, and bring you to Sintra’s most well-known sights. 

There are different tour options to choose from. Some focus only on the palaces at Sintra, and others combine the trip with more stops like Cascais and the Cabo da Roca coast.

Below, I’ve highlighted two well-rated tours that you can consider booking for your visit to Sintra. The first three are group tours, and the fourth is a private tour. 

1. Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip
RATING: 4.8 / 5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours

This popular Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip combines a visit to Sintra’s famous Pena Palace, with stops along the beautiful Portuguese coastlines of Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

This is a full-day, guided tour that includes pick-up and drop-off in Lisbon. You can choose to include a ticket entry to Pena Palace in Sintra, or, opt out and do your own thing. Following the visit to Pena Palace, this tour includes 1.5 hours to explore the town of Sintra. 

This Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip includes:

• Guide
• Pena Palace entry ticket (if option selected)
• Pena Palace guided tour
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service (if private tour option selected)

BOOK: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip From Lisbon 

2. From Lisbon: Sintra and Pena Palace Tour
RATING: 4.9 / 5 Stars | TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours

This Sintra tour from Lisbon is a little shorter than the first one I mentioned, lasting 6 hours. While this one might end up being a little more rushed, it’s a good choice for if you’d like a shorter day. 

The Sintra and Pena Palace Tour includes a visit to the Pena Palace, free time for exploring the historical center of Sintra, and stops at Cabo da Roca, Guincho Beach, and Cascais bay. This is a small group tour by minivan. During your tour, the local tour operator’s driver and guide are there to answer questions and support the trip. 

This Sintra and Pena Palace Tour includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or apartment in central Lisbon
• Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
• Guide
• Driver
• Personalized guided tour inside the monument
• Free time in the historical center of Sintra

BOOK: Sintra and Pena Palace Tour From Lisbon

Responsible Tourism Tips for Visiting Lisbon

Responsible travel is all about traveling in a way that supports the communities you’re visiting, and tapping into more of the pros versus cons of tourism. Below are some tips for how to travel responsibly while spending 4 days in Lisbon.

Learn about Lisbon

Take some time to learn while spending 4 days in Lisbon. There are several great museums that will give you insight into Portuguese history, culture, traditions and more. Making your trip to Lisbon educational will definitely enrich your experience! 

Visit Lisbon in the low or off-season

As with many European cities, Libson has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years which has led to harmful impacts like overtourism. One way to help reduce your impact while traveling any part of Portugal is to visit in the off or shoulder season. This season runs from late September to early May, and during those months there are typically less tourists around. 

Walk or use public transport

Lisbon’s centre is very walkable! Walking is a great way to travel more sustainably by reducing your carbon emissions. When you’ve had enough of a workout (those Lisbon hills catch up to you), consider using public transport to keep your emissions low, rather than taxis and car shares.

Stay local, shop local (skip the Starbucks!)

It’s tempting to stay in chain hotels and grab Starbucks in the morning, but it benefits local Portuguese in Porto more if you support independently owned hotels, locally owned apartment rentals, and shops. This also helps to avoid economic leakage.

Spend more time in Lisbon

This guide covers 4 days in Porto because I know many travelers have limited time that they can spend on vacation. If time allows, I recommend spending longer than 4 days in Porto. Spending more days allows for a slower travel approach, and you’re able to get to know Porto more in depth. 

Final Thoughts: Spending 4 Days in Lisbon

Four days in Lisbon is definitely enough time to see the city’s main sites, like the Santa Justa Lift and Pink Street, as well as wander neighborhoods like Alfama and Belem. And, you can fit in a day trip to Sintra! 

While it will be a busy 4 days, you’ll get a great taste of Lisbon. That said, spending longer in a place is always recommended when possible. There’s lots more to see in Lisbon, so if you can, consider staying 5+ days. 

More from Pina Travels on Portugal:

• 4 Days in Porto: A Comprehensive Itinerary
• 10 Reasons To Visit Portugal In Winter
• How to Hike the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal
• 10 of the Best Day Trips From Lagos