4 Days In Lisbon – A Fun Flexible Itinerary With Tons Of Options

4 days in Lisbon is absolutely perfect. It gives you a chance to enjoy the city vibe and not just rush from place to place. It also gives you a chance to explore some of the neighboring cities and towns if you want to. This was exactly what we planned to do.

It gave us a chance to explore a lot even with toddlers and to mitigate the effects of the rather unpredictable weather that we found ourselves in the midst of. I think the best part is that 4 days in Lisbon gives you a chance to rearrange the schedule a bit, to sit down and chill or just to feel the heart of the city beat.

What we did was to divide our days up. We knew that we wanted to head out on a day trip so that was one day set aside. The other three were divided between the main city of Lisbon, Cascais and Belem. Now I know that many people combine the three spots together but we had the luxury of time and found that each location had enough to keep us occupied for a whole day. You’ll see why in a bit.

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Where To Stay In Lisbon

Lisbon has plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. I’ve chronicled the different hotels in Lisbon for every budget in another post so I won’t repeat myself. I will however give you my top recommendations.

•  The Ivens Autograph Collection (Luxury)
• Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel (Mid Range and great for nightlife)
•  9 Hotel Mercy (Budget)

4 Days In Lisbon

Day 1: Explore Lisbon City

I love spending the first day in any city just getting to know the vibe. It helps me get my bearings and get used to the new culture. Lisbon is a very chill city and if you have 4 days in Lisbon, you can easily spend the first day just wandering around the city at a slow pace. 

Lisbon is bustling. It is generally full with tourists who want to spend time in the capital of the country. Since it has a huge international airport, you will find that many people stop in for a few days or just for a layover. Others stop here on their way to some place else. Plus Lisbon is a financial hub so there are a ton of businesses here.

Despite the activity, Lisbon remains pretty laid back and it reminds me so much of Goa in India. Anyways, let’s get back to what to do during your first day in Lisbon.

Breakfast – O Trevo

Start off with breakfast. Now most of the time people book their accommodation with a breakfast option which is great in general. Lisbon however is one of those places in the world where almost every spot is a good place to eat. No matter how long you stay in the city, you will keep finding new spots or have a mile long bucket list as far as restaurants are concerned.

I advise starting off at a local joint called O Trevo. If you don’t visit it for breakfast make sure that you visit it sometime in the day because it is fun and the food is soul satisfying. O Trevo was even mentioned by Anthony Bourdain for its lively local atmosphere.

It is famous for its bifana (a local sandwich) but it serves up a lot of different options. At first I found it overwhelming and wondered if I should take my toddlers in but we decided to check it out.

So much love was showered on the little kids that I had absolutely no regrets. They obviously indulged in the Portuguese desserts to their heart’s content too. The best part is that this is one of the budget joints in the city so you don’t have to worry about the price and value is great too!

Funicular Da Bica

This way you won’t have the crowds and since the funicular stays parked for a couple of minutes, you will get a cool pic too! It’s just one of the touristy things to do during your 4 days in Lisbon. 

If you don’t want to click photographs, I would still recommend stopping by because it is pretty interesting and it is one of the things Lisbon is famous for.

Bibliotheca Camoes

I stumbled into the Bibliotheca Camoes quite by accident. This is located very close to the Funicular and is one of the unique attractions in Lisbon for a number of reasons. First off Bibliotheca means library. Now when you enter here you can catch sight of a full wall of azulejos aka the gorgeous blue tiles of Portugal. This was what actually caught my attention and when I knew that it was a library I had to just walk in.

There are some rather cool views of Lisbon from here. If you have a child, know that you can enter the children’s section of the library for free and it is one of the cool things to do in Lisbon with kids. There are a number of different games and activities that children can do.

Plus there are loads of books. The books are all in Portuguese though so you do have to have some knowledge of the language. My kids loved looking at the different pictures in the book and it was a great way to get out of the sun.

Church of Saint Roch

Now from here head on to the Church of Saint Roch. This spectacular church is one of the best places to admire the Portuguese tile work. The intricate frescos are all made with different types of tiles. The church itself is a piece of art.

There is also a museum attached to this church which you can explore. Its small but it houses some noteworthy religious artifacts. 

There is no entrance fee to get into the church and the entrance to the museum is free too. It is a bit of a walk uphill though. The bonus is that while walking you will see some of the famous streets of Lisbon that are very often photographed and displayed. Plus you will be making your way to one of the best viewpoints in the city. 

Miradouro De São Pedro De Alcântara

If your 4 days in Lisbon are sunny and bright, I would recommend visiting the Miradouro De São Pedro De Alcântara. This is right behind the Church of Saint Roch which is why I’ve placed it immediately after on the itinerary. The viewpoint has a view of the sprawling city of Lisbon right up to the Castelo de São Jorge.

The best part is that there is a canopy of trees here which keeps the area cool even on the hottest days. Plus since you are pretty high up, you will find that there generally is a cooling breeze too. Street performers often play here too so there is always some music floating about. It has made it one of my top places to chill in Lisbon.

Elevador Da Gloria

Now once you are done with the view head to the start of Elevador da Gloria. You could take the tram down or you could just walk down. It’s an easy but steep walk. If you were doing this in the opposite direction I would have advised taking the tram because it’s a walk! Not a big deal when going down though.

This will take you to another popular and happening area in Lisbon and one that you will probably see a couple of times in your 4 days in Lisbon. You will find yourself at Praça dos Restauradores. This is one of the most iconic squares in Lisbon. It is here that you will find your next destination.

Palacio  Foz

Palacio Foz is one of the underrated places in Lisbon that many people miss. The gorgeous building however is hard not to see. It’s just that not many people realize that they can enter inside. This palace was built way back in 1777 by the Count of Castelo Melhor.

It was however the Marquis of Foz who bought the palace in 1889 and renovated it. Today you can see the marble pillars, gilded decorations, painted ceilings and more.

The reason not everyone can enter is because the interiors are not open every day. You have to take a guided tour which you need to plan in advance. This was something that I did not know when I visited. 

Additionally on mondays there are free concerts that are held at night. These take place in the Hall of Mirrors and are very popular so make sure you stand in line for the tickets early.

Carmo Convent

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Now you could visit the Carmo Convent at any time during your 4 day itinerary in Lisbon but I would choose to do it now because it is convenient. This however is mute if you have taken a lot of time at the other locations before and would choose to have a break with lunch instead. When we reached here the lines were super long and the kids were cranky so we moved up lunch. It totally depends on you.

Now while the building isn’t used for religious functions, it is still beautiful. There is also a light show called night under the stars that is held here which is worth visiting. If you would like to catch the show then I would suggest coming back for this attraction at night.

Museu Da GNR (Optional)

If you have extra time on your hand you could also visit the Museu da GNR. It is the museum of the National Republican guard. Here you can see a lot about the history of Lisbon and the armed guard. It isn’t a very large museum but one that my kids found amusing.

Lunch: Taverna Alfacinha

There are loads of good restaurants in this area for lunch. We visited Taverna Alfacinha which is more on the budget range. We loved this place. It is a small restaurant with delicious home cooked meals. They mostly have meal of the day options where you can choose a main course, an appetizer, a dessert and a drink. 

We ordered two meals between the four of us since the kids wouldn’t be able to eat that much and quite honestly neither could I. The food was more than sufficient. Even though we were fully stuffed with ordered more desserts because they were the highlight of the meal.

Livraria Bertrand

Next, head to the oldest bookstore in the world aka Livraria Bertrand. This book store was started up in 1732 and has been running ever since. It isn’t as pretty as Livraria Lello which is one of the unique things to see in Porto but it has its own unique architecture. It is also a great place to shop for local writers.

Arco Da Rua Augusta

Now we head towards one of the most photographed landmarks in the city aka the Arco da Rua Augusta. This arch is actually a building. It is an intricate arch that you will pass through on your way to Praca do Comercio. 

The yellow and white buildings on either side are as iconic as the arch itself but you won’t really see them until you reach the square. The crowds are very busy here and it is ripe for pickpockets so make sure you keep your valuables close at all times. 

Praca do Comercio

I love the Praca do Comercio in the evenings. Mornings are a good time to visit but in the evenings the place gets lively. You’ll see people blowing bubbles, tourists passing through and even music playing in the background. It’s a great place to spend some time before heading down to the river and enjoying the view. 

Boat Tour

End your day with a quiet and peaceful boat tour along the Tagus river in Lisbon. There are loads of different companies that conduct these. You will find the booking offices at the Terreiro do Paco which is where all the boats dock. 

Now if you want to take a boat trip, you can book it spontaneously but generally all the slots are full. You have to book a couple of hours in advance even during the low season. A better idea is to book the boat tours online. I also noticed that the online platforms have better discounts which is something that you may want to consider. 

During peak season, booking your cruise in advance is crucial because they sell out quickly.

Day 2: Visit Belem

4 days in Lisbon would not be complete without spending a day in Belem. This little town seems like it is just famous for its tower and its pasteis but we quickly discovered that there was a lot to be seen and done in the city. 

Note: Many people combine Cascais and Belem together and that is a totally valid option because Belem and Cascais can be seen in a whirlwind. I however have included a more laidback itinerary. I’ll talk about all the modifications you can make to it at the end.

Mosterio Dos Jeronimos

The Jeronimos monastery is one of the iconic buildings in Belem. It is visible from far away. In fact, it occupies a far more prominent position on the landscape of the city because it is so big and imposing.

The one thing that I really did not like about the Jeronimos monastery is the huge queue to get in. This is because even though it looks huge from the outside, only a few people are allowed in at a time. Now you can book your tickets in advance which will save you time in the ticket queue which is a little way off. You will still have to stand in line outside the monastery.

If you have just a day in Lisbon and are ticking off your bucket list then don’t head in. Move on after admiring the façade. If you have 4 days in Lisbon however, you have the luxury to spend some time here. My advice… Get some snacks from the pasteis café and eat while in line. Also carry a hat or an umbrella. It gets hot!

Museu de Marinha

If you have the time and are a fan of museums then the Marine museum is just next door. Its an interesting museum because you can see how the Portuguese traveled and colonized different countries. This was particularly interesting for us because we grew up in a colony.

Planetario de Marinha

The planetarium is another great place to visit in Belem if you spend a whole day here. It is particularly great with young children. Just note that the kids have to be older than 4 years for this one. One of our daughters was 3 when we visited so we skipped out on this one. Its kept for the next time we spend 4 days in Lisbon or in the vicinity.

Pasteis De Belem

The famous Portuguese custard tarts originated from Belem. The original café that made them is still in operation and the original recipe is a house secret. One thing that not everyone knows is the fact that the café has a takeaway spot (where you can snap pics and then take your parcel) and an area where you can sit down.

The takeaway area is great for everyone who has a short time in the area but since you have 4 days in Lisbon and can spend a whole day in Belem, slow down. Grab a table and order from the wide array of different things on the menu. You won’t regret it.

Lisbon Earthquake Museum

In 1755 an huge earthquake rocked the city of Lisbon and its surroundings. Belem was also affected. It caused a lot of damage to property and a lot of disruption to life. There is a museum that is dedicated to the subject in Belem that is worth checking out if you are curious.

Padrao Dos Decobrimentos

Padrao Dos Decobrimentos translates into Monument of Discoveries. This monument is one of the most photographed in Belem. It was designed by Leopoldo de Almeida and honors the numerous people that helped Portugal discover and reach new areas of the world. It is a pretty monument and one worth visiting.

Torre de Belem

Torre de Belem or the Belem tower is another very old and famous monument. It is way smaller than you would be lead to believe when you see the photographs of it. Only a few people can enter at a time which is why the line here rivals that of the Jeronimos monastery.

Day 3: Head Out On A Day Trip

Day 3 of your 4 days in Lisbon is best spent as a day trip. Now there are many great day trips from Lisbon and I’ve covered them in detail. Many of these are accessible by public transport. If you don’t want the hassle of organizing the trip, then you can book one of the tours so everything is handled for you.

The best part about this is while I know most of the people who head to Lisbon choose to go to Sintra, you can opt for other locations if you want to skip the crowds or if you’ve already been there before.

• Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais
• Coastal Villages and Mafra Palace Guided Tour
• Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré Group Tour
• Berlenga Island and Cave Tour

Day 4: Spend The Day In Cascais

Now I’ve talked about Cascais a lot. This is because it is one of my all time favorite cities near Lisbon. Cascais has some of the best restaurants, gorgeous beaches, plenty of things to do and lots of places to chill. You could spend days here and not regret it.

Now you could choose to stay in Cascais or just visit from Lisbon. I prefer to have a base. So I would choose one or the other rather than shift around. Or you could stay 2 days in Lisbon and 2 days here. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to assume that you are on a day trip.

Cascais City

Start off wandering around the city of Cascais. The city is small so you will manage to get around quickly. It is also very walkable and stroller friendly. I know because we pushed ours around. The downside is that some parts are uphill so it can get tiring if you are carrying kids but it isn’t too bad when compared to Lisbon. I did this at the end of my day so I was already exhausted then.

The city has a lot of cute little shops, plenty of places to eat and chill at. We took some of the snacks and headed to the beach to eat. It was perfect!

Cascais Citadel

Walk up to the Cascais citadel and admire it from the outside. Its a short stop but one that is on your way to the next attraction.

Santa Maria House Museum

One of the cool things to do in Cascais is to explore the old houses in the area. Now there are a couple of these but if you are on a tight schedule, I would suggest picking just one. The Santa Maria house museum works well because it is right next to the Santa Maria lighthouse. That way you can tick off two things on your 4 days in Lisbon itinerary easily.

Santa Maria Lighthouse Museum

The next stop should be at the Santa Maria light house. There’s a small museum at its base where you can check out how he lighthouses on the Portuguese coast work. If you have kids in tow then this is something that you should include in your 4 days in Lisbon. The big bonus is that you don’t have to head far off or spend a lot of time here.

Cascais Marina: Snack/Lunch

After you are done with the lighthouse, head up towards Boca do Inferno. Its a short walk uphill. Just before you head to the iconic landmark, you will find Cascais Marina. Here there are loads of different restaurants and cafes. Here you can catch a snack or even lunch. It all depends on the time of the day you visit.

Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno is a famous natural formation where the cliff forms an arch and the water lashes against it. It kinda reminds me off a washing machine. It has hundreds of visitors every single day.

The sheer wrath of the ocean is pretty scary though. I had a tight grip on my kids the whole time even though there was no chance of them falling over the side. It is one of the attractions that should be on your 4 days in Lisbon itinerary if you make it to Cascais.

Museu Condes De Castro Guimaraes

Now start walking back towards the city. One the way you will see a rather impressive building with a huge garden around it. This is Museu Condes De Castro Guimaraes. The rather remarkable museum was a house at one point of time. It was so grand that it was often visited by royalty.

I was impressed by the sheer size of the building. The gardens around the building are free for you t wander in. There’s even a natural swimming cove where people head to. If you have kids, you will find a nice park and a small library that you can use.

Beach

Wind up your day with a visit to one of the numerous beaches in the area. If you don’t want to walk far, you will find that they are some beaches that are very close to the main city. You can just chill here and watch the waves, go for a walk along the coast, join a game of volleyball and more. It is something that was the highlight of our 4 days in Lisbon.

Dinner

End your day with a good dinner at one of the numerous seafood restaurants in Cascais. This is one of the best ways to end your 4 days in Lisbon because Cascais is famous for its fish. Sardines in particular are a delicacy here.

Spending 4 days in Lisbon is so worth your time. If I could I would stay longer but four days is just enough to explore the city and include a side trip from Lisbon. This particular 4 days in Lisbon itinerary is customizable so if you’ve been here before you can adjust it so that you don’t repeat things.

What are your bucket list items for 4 days in Lisbon? Let me know in the comments below.

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