Portugal · Trip plan
4 days in Lisbon
Tiled hills, yellow trams and pastel de nata on Europe's sunniest capital coast.
- Best time
- Oct – Nov, Mar – May
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $190 per person
- Trip for two
- about $1,520
Planning a 4-day trip to Lisbon? Here's a day-by-day Lisbon itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Autumn in Lisbon is still 20°C and sunny, the summer crowds are gone and hotel prices drop, making it one of Europe's best-value city breaks.
Lisbon spills down seven hills to the Tagus river: a city of azulejo tiles, miradouros (viewpoints), sardine grills and late-night fado. It's walkable, affordable by Western European standards and close to beaches and the palaces of Sintra.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec
October to November: 15–22°C and mostly sunny; March to May: 14–22°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Lisbon
- 01
Alfama
The old Moorish quarter of steep lanes, laundry lines and fado bars.
- 02
Belém
The Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the original pastéis de nata.
- 03
Tram 28
The vintage yellow tram that rattles through the old town.
- 04
Sintra
Fairy-tale palaces in the forested hills, 40 minutes away.
Day by day
Lisbon itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Alfama and the castle
- Morning
- Climb to São Jorge Castle for views over the red roofs, then wander down through Alfama's lanes.
- Afternoon
- Lisbon Cathedral, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and lunch of grilled sardines.
- Evening
- A fado dinner in Alfama, where the city's soulful music was born.
Book fado houses ahead; Clube de Fado and Tasca do Chico are favourites.
- D2
Day 2: Belém
- Morning
- Jerónimos Monastery when it opens, then the Belém Tower on the river.
- Afternoon
- Pastéis de Belém for custard tarts, then the MAAT museum or the Discoveries Monument.
- Evening
- Sunset at the LX Factory warehouses and dinner in Cais do Sodré's Time Out Market.
Buy a combined Jerónimos and Belém Tower ticket.
- D3
Day 3: Sintra
- Morning
- Early train to Sintra; Pena Palace before the crowds.
- Afternoon
- Quinta da Regaleira and its initiation well.
- Evening
- Back to Lisbon; drinks at a rooftop bar in Bairro Alto.
Book Pena Palace tickets online for a timed slot.
- D4
Day 4: Trams and viewpoints
- Morning
- Ride Tram 28 from Martim Moniz through Graça.
- Afternoon
- Chiado and the Baixa, then the Santa Justa lift.
- Evening
- Final dinner and fly home.
Ride the tram early; it's packed by noon.
Shorter or longer
Lisbon in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Lisbon
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Trams and viewpoints”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Lisbon
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Porto.
What it costs
Lisbon trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $90 | $720 |
| Mid-range | $190 | $1,520 |
| Luxury | $450+ | $3,600 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Lisbon is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Lisbon for every budget
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Luxury
What to eat
Food to try in Lisbon
Pastel de nata
Custard tarts, best warm at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria.
Bacalhau
Salt cod, cooked a hundred ways.
Bifana
A garlicky pork sandwich, the city's favourite snack.
Getting there
How to reach Lisbon
- Travel
- Lisbon airport is 20 minutes from the centre by metro; direct flights from across Europe and the US East Coast.
- Getting around
- Walk, and use trams, the metro and the funiculars. Uber and Bolt are cheap. Trains to Sintra and Cascais leave from Rossio and Cais do Sodré.
- Buy a Viva Viagem card for trams, metro and the Sintra train.
- Wear grippy shoes; the limestone pavements are slippery.
Before you go
What to pack for Lisbon
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Lisbon trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Lisbon?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Alfama, Belém, Tram 28. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Lisbon trip cost?
Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $190 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,520 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Lisbon?
Oct – Nov, Mar – May. Autumn in Lisbon is still 20°C and sunny, the summer crowds are gone and hotel prices drop, making it one of Europe's best-value city breaks.
Where should I stay in Lisbon?
Budget: Home Lisbon Hostel (Baixa), from about $70 a night. Mid-range: Memmo Alfama (Alfama), from about $220 a night. Luxury: Bairro Alto Hotel (Bairro Alto), from about $450 a night.
How do I reach Lisbon?
Lisbon airport is 20 minutes from the centre by metro; direct flights from across Europe and the US East Coast.
Is 3 days enough for Lisbon?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Trams and viewpoints". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Lisbon?
October to November: 15–22°C and mostly sunny; March to May: 14–22°C.
What food should I try in Lisbon?
Pastel de nata: Custard tarts, best warm at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria. Bacalhau: Salt cod, cooked a hundred ways. Bifana: A garlicky pork sandwich, the city's favourite snack.
How do I get around Lisbon?
Walk, and use trams, the metro and the funiculars. Uber and Bolt are cheap. Trains to Sintra and Cascais leave from Rossio and Cais do Sodré.
You might also like
More trips like Lisbon
- PortugalPorto
Port wine cellars, tiled churches and the Douro Valley harvest.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May3 days · from $80/day - SpainSeville
Moorish palaces, orange trees and flamenco in the heart of Andalusia.
Oct – Nov, Feb – Apr3 days · from $80/day - PortugalMadeira
Levada walks, sea cliffs and the best New Year fireworks in Europe.
Oct – Apr5 days · from $80/day