Lisbon is the perfect city to see on an extended weekend getaway. This 4-day Lisbon itinerary covers all the important sights of the city and perfectly combines sightseeing with nightlife and culture in Lisbon. Fall in love with this incredible city and make it your new favourite place to go in southern Europe.

Lisbon is one of my favourite places in Portugal, and it’s fantastic for all different types of travellers, whether you love culture, sightseeing, nightlife or delicious food.

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Why you can trust this 4-day Lisbon itinerary

Having visited Lisbon almost every single year in recent times, we’ve become quite the expert on planning shorter trips to this beautiful city. I’ve been to almost every tourist attraction around Lisbon, so I can tell you exactly which ones are worth it for a long weekend getaway and which ones you can safely skip.

We’ve visited Lisbon on a budget, as students, on family trips and with friends, so we can provide different perspectives and give advice depending on what you’re looking for.

Got questions? Leave us a comment below or reach out via our Contact Page. We always reply.

How to get to Lisbon

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The best way to experience Lisbon

Did you know Lisbon is a hotspot for cruises around the Mediterranean and Atlantic? You’ll find fantastic cruise lines stopping or departing here, and if you’re not quite sure about staying in the city for four days yet, you might want to look into a cruise.

Some are more affordable than you might think, especially if you go during the off-season or book far in advance. Lisbon is the perfect city if you want to see a lot in a short amount of time, so don’t rule this option out.

The perfect 4-day Lisbon itinerary

The first day of this Lisbon itinerary is all about getting to know the city and finding your bearings. You’ll explore some of the main attractions around the city centre as well as experiencing the nightlife for the first time.

Don’t forget to check out our favourite quotes about Portugal here.

Morning: Tram 28

Start your 4 days in Lisbon by experiencing one of the best ways to explore the city: the iconic Tram 28. This is a historic tram route that happens to pass a good amount of famous attractions in Lisbon. This is a very popular tourist attraction, so we highly recommend doing this early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

For the best chances of getting a good seat, you should get on the tram at its origin point, which is Martim Moniz, a central public transport stop in Lisbon.

Buy a day ticket for the tram, which will be more affordable, and enjoy the ride as you’ll be driven around some of Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods. You can get off at any point, but why not stay for a while?

Morning: Santa Justa Lift

Get off at the Chiago stop of the tram and walk for a few minutes to reach the famous Santa Justa Lift. You can also finish the full tram route and head back to the lift later.

The Santa Justa Lift is an iconic structure located in the heart of the city. Built in the 19th century, this 45-metre lift is designed to help visitors conquer the different levels that Lisbon is built on.

It costs 5.315€ for a return ride, although you could easily head to the Carmen Convent next, which just happens to be at the top of the lift.

The views are fantastic, and it’s one of Lisbon’s most beloved attractions.

Morning: Carmo Convent

The Carmo Church and Convent is a beautiful structure that once used to be the largest church in Lisbon. It was partially destroyed in an earthquake in 1755 and now serves as a tourist attraction. It’s also home to a small museum and well worth a visit if you’re interested in Lisbon’s history.

This is a quick and easy visit if you already came to the Santa Justa Lift, so I always recommend stopping by the Carmo Convent if you’re in the area anyway. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Morning: Rossio Square

It takes less than 10 minutes to walk from the Carmo Convent to the beautiful Rossio Square. This is one of the busiest parts of the city, so keep your belongings close. You’ll love the impressive statue of Dom Pedro IV and the incredible nearby architecture.

If you’re getting hungry, this is a great time to stop and get some lunch. We recommend Bessa Restaurante or the Taverna Alfacinha to try some local specialities.

Just try to avoid very touristy restaurants, which can be overpriced in this area and the quality won’t be as good.

Afternoon: Explore on foot and try the elevadors

On your way to the next stop of this 4-day Lisbon itinerary, you’ll get the chance to walk through some of the old town and enjoy the little streets of Lisbon.

At several spots in the city you’ll encounter the so-called elevadors or ascensors, which are essentially small trams that move up and down the steepest parts of the city. They only cost a few euros to ride and will not only save you from walking up the steep and narrow streets but are also a lot of fun to ride.

Walking can be exhausting in Lisbon with all the steep inclines, so make use of the elevadors and stop for a cold drink in one of the little curb-side restaurants if needed.

Afternoon: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is an absolute must-see when you visit Lisbon. This lookout point is perfect for sunset and a great spot to begin your evening in the nearby Bairro Alto. You’ll love the sweeping views of the city as well as the river. Why not get a little picnic to enjoy or maybe even bring a bottle of wine with you?

This lookout is relatively easy to access on foot, although the road is steep of course. You can use Uber to get there if you don’t feel like walking, but if you’re in the neighbourhood already, it won’t be too difficult to reach.

Evening: Bairro Alto

Luckily, after the sun has set, you won’t have to walk far from the lookout point to reach your evening destination. Just a quick (downhill) walk away begins the Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s notorious nightlife area. Get ready for cheap drinks, cute little restaurants and, of course, loud bars where you can dance the night away.

4-day Lisbon itinerary: Day 2

You might be feeling tired today after your night out in Lisbon, so we’re starting day two of this 4-day Lisbon itinerary a bit late. You can sleep in and grab brunch at a place like Zenith or Brick Ccafe, both of which we loved.

Just don’t forget about all the fun things you’ll get to see and do!

Morning: Alfama

You’re starting your day in the famous Alfama neighbourhood of Lisbon. Located on yet another hill, this area has fantastic views of the city and lots of little streets to explore. This is a great area for arts and culture as well as fantastic restaurants.

You’ll love the incredible architecture, such as the beautiful Sé de Lisboa Cathedral. Alfama is all about lookout points. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol might just be one of the best ones, so definitely stop by.

The area is relatively walkable, but get ready to feel exhausted by the end. We definitely recommend getting an Uber for longer distances.

Morning: St George’s Castle

No need to go far for the next stop on this Lisbon itinerary. St George’s Castle is a beautiful spot to spend a few hours as it has some of the best views in the entire city.

Parts of it date back to the 6th century, so it’s a fantastic place to learn more about the local history. The entrance fee is 15€ per person, which isn’t the cheapest but worth it.

Grab lunch at Claras em Castelo, a cute little restaurant with a cosy vibe and authentic Portuguese cuisine. We loved this spot, and you should definitely eat here at least once during your 4 days in Lisbon.

Afternoon: Praca do Comercio

You’re leaving the Alfama District and heading down to the river. This is a quick walk and mostly downhill, so you won’t be too tired. If you’re not up for it, you can always rent an e-scooter.

After a quick walk along the river, you’ll reach the impressive Praca do Comercio, which is a popular photo spot in Lisbon. Admire the white buildings and the fantastic architecture. This marks the beginning of Lisbon’s shopping district, so if you’re up for it, now is the time to get some souvenirs.

If not, we highly recommend having an iced coffee (or beer) at the Praca do Comercio to cool down for a bit.

Afternoon: Riverfront

This is the time to truly appreciate Lisbon’s beautiful riverfront. Take some photos, sit on the steps by the river or try to spot the statue of the Santuário de Cristo Rei on the other river bank.

This is a beautiful spot to come for sunset, so keep it in mind for your last day if you’re feeling up for it.

Afternoon: Time Out Market

After another quick walk along the beautiful riverfront of Lisbon, you’ll reach the famous Time Out Market. This is a large and modern food hall which is very popular among tourists and locals alike. You’ll love the wide variety of foods and snacks and will find yourself wanting to try them all. Definitely come here hungry!

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

To conclude the day, you’re heading to yet another lookout point to watch the sunset over the city. It’s best to take an Uber there, although there are some bus options as well. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is a stunning spot and highly recommended for sunset. It can get quite crowded though, so try to go early to get the best seats.

Grab some drinks from a nearby supermarket and toast to a beautiful day spent in Lisbon.

4-day Lisbon itinerary: Day 2

On your third day in Lisbon, you’re actually leaving the city centre and heading west. After a quick drive, you’ll reach the beautiful Restelo neighbourhood and its many attractions.

Morning: Belém Tower

You’re starting the day at the Belém Tower which lies a quick 15-minute drive or a 30-minute tram ride outside of the city. Built in the 16th century, this is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks and a popular photography spot for tourists.

Coming here early will definitely be the best choice and will save you from the crowds of tourists you’ll usually encounter here. The entrance fee for the tower is 6€ per person, but you can also take great photos outside without going in.

Morning: Padrão dos Descombrimentos

Just a quick walk from the Belém Tower lies the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. This impressive statue celebrates the Portuguese ages of exploring in the 15th and 16th century, and is another popular photo spot.

This area has beautiful views over the estuary and is great for having a quick drink or early lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. We recommend the Restaurante Ostras Sobre Rodas.

Take some time to relax and sit by the waterfront before moving on to your next stop of the day.

Afternoon: Monestario dos Jerónimos

After you’ve had enough of exploring the river banks, you’ll head to the Monestario dos Jerónimos. This beautiful structure was built in 1501 and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The interior is quite large and impressive. Access to the church is free, and visiting the cloister costs 10€ per person. There are combination tickets available for visiting both the Belém Tower and the Monestario dos Jerónimos.

Afternoon: LX Factory

On your way back into the city, you’ll make one stop along the way. As the name suggests, the LX Factory is located in an old industrial complex which has been transformed into what you might call a little shopping centre.

It’s home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants with incredible street art and lots of fantastic photo spots. Definitely don’t miss out on this unusual place.

Evening: Dinner at Frade Dos Mares

Get back to the city, and after changing at your accommodation, head to Frade dos Mares, one of the city’s best restaurants.

The menu has a fantastic selection of choices, including seafood and local specialties. This is highly recommended for a romantic date night or just to celebrate your Portugal trip and treat yourself to something nice.

Prices are actually quite reasonable for the quality of the food.

4-day Lisbon itinerary: Day 4

On your last day, you’re leaving the city behind and heading to the beautiful town of Sintra on a day trip. Most travellers we meet find that this is one of their favourite places in Portugal, so it’s a must-do on a Lisbon itinerary, in my opinion, especially if you have 4 days.

Just a short train ride from Portugal’s vibrant capital, Sintra offers a stark contrast with its lush forests, rolling hills, and cooler climate. Catch the train from Braço de Prata in Lisbon, which will take you from Lisbon directly to Sintra in around 45 minutes.

The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with enchanting palaces, ancient castles, and exotic gardens. The highlight is undoubtedly the Pena Palace, perched atop a hill with its stunning architecture and vibrant colours, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Visitors can also explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its intriguing grottoes and the historical Moors Castle. The charming streets of Sintra town are perfect for leisurely strolls, dotted with traditional shops and quaint cafés, where you can try local delicacies like the famous Travesseiros de Sintra.

Spending an entire day here is highly recommended, but you might want to arrive early, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer months when Sintra can get quite crowded.

Don’t miss the last train back to Lisbon though as you conclude your 4-day trip to Portugal’s beautiful capital.

Before you go…

If you had a great time in Lisbon, you might enjoy our 2-week camping itinerary around Portugal, which also includes Porto.

It’s no secret that we enjoy Porto just as much as Lisbon, maybe even a bit more. Check out the best things to do there and our complete guide to the city. You should also be aware of these scams that are common in the city.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.