UPDATED 9/22/23

If you’re planning on spending 4 days in Lisbon (or even just 3 days in Lisbon), use this Lisbon solo travel itinerary to get the best of Lisbon and Lisbon day trips on your first-time Lisbon solo travel.

This Lisbon itinerary is intentionally written for those doing Lisbon solo travel, first time in Lisbon travel, older travel (I am over 50), budget travel and/or eco-friendly travel. Yet, anyone can use this Lisbon itinerary it to plan and book a fulfilling trip to Lisbon.

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Here are all of the sites you need to successfully book your incredible 4 days in Lisbon, Portugal solo travel.

I even give you my suggested Lisbon hotel as a centrally-located stay in Lisbon ideal for exploring Lisbon on foot for the first time.

I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your Lisbon 4 day itinerary and get the best Lisbon travel deals.

Cheap Flights to Lisbon

Trains to Lisbon

Buses to Lisbon

Best Lisbon City Center Hostels

Best Lisbon City Center Hotels

My Lisbon Hotel Pick

Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72 Hours

Don’t forget to use the Ultimate Lisbon Solo Travel Guide to plan your 4 days in Lisbon, Portugal. It is the ultimate one-stop-shop guide for all you need to know to plan Lisbon solo travel with:

Want to see the ultimate Lisbon Solo Travel Guide in action instead? Watch the very popular 15 Things to Know Before You Go to Lisbon video.

Discover Lisbon visually while learning the top 15 things to know before you go to Lisbon, from getting there, getting around, where to stay, top things to do in Lisbon, eco travel tips, Lisbon pro travel tips, and more to plan your first time travel to Lisbon.

If you’re a first-time traveler to Portugal, also use my Ultimate Portugal Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Portugal.

Yes, you will get to do all of these must do things in Lisbon in this 4 days in Lisbon itinerary. If you’re not inspired to travel to Lisbon after watching this Lisbon video, then keep reading.

The Lisbon Card

The Lisbon Card is designed to save you money on top Lisbon attractions and provide additional discounts and free access to unlimited Lisbon public transportation for 24, 48, or 72 hour periods. The card can be reserved now while paying later.

It is not required to purchase the Lisbon Card for this Lisbon 4-day itinerary. However, if you wish to add additional Lisbon attractions to this Lisbon itinerary, you may want to consider buying one, especially if your solo trip to Lisbon is in peak season.

Best of Lisbon in 4 Days Solo Itinerary

This Lisbon itinerary not only shows things to do alone in Lisbon in 4 days, but it also provides unforgettable day trips from Lisbon.

When you use this 4 day itinerary for solo travel over 50 to enjoy the best of Lisbon and surrounding areas, and you’ll find you can’t wait to go back to Lisbon.

Lisbon Itinerary Travel Tips

• This itinerary assumes staying centrally in Baixa as my Lisbon Solo Travel Guide suggests.
• This itinerary works best checking into (or checking bags at) your hotel no later than noon.
• Travel in the shoulder season for good weather and daylight hours, less tourists, and lower costs.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated, especially if your solo travel in Lisbon is in peak season.
• Consult my Lisbon Solo Travel Guide and Portugal Travel Guide to plan your Lisbon solo travel.

You’ll find this 4 day Lisbon itinerary (also adjusted for 3 days in Lisbon) is very laid back allowing you to just become familiar with Lisbon by walking around and exploring much of the city from the outdoors. You’ll have opportunities to pop inside to some gorgeous, historic buildings, along the way, but there are no tickets to buy to enter.

If there is a popular attraction nearby that calls for tickets, I’ll note that ‘extra’ attraction should you find it appealing to visit. Otherwise, do not feel you need to see the ‘extras’. These 4 days in Lisbon itinerary is pleasurable as-is.

Day 1 – Explore Baixa

Arriving Lisbon

Bags securely checked at your Lisbon hotel, hostel or other, you’ll embark on a slow, self-guided walking tour of Baixa.

Start on the northern end of Baixa by going up to Restauradores Square (1250-096 Lisbon, Portugal) and take in the scenery. If high-end shopping is your thing, spend some extra time going north up Avenida de Liberdade.

Then head south towards the Rossio Train Station (R. 1º de Dezembro 125, 1249-970). No need to go in at this time. Instead, walk across to Rossio Square, resplendent with the Estátua do Rei Dom Pedro IV (Praça Dom Pedro IV, 1100-193) and north and south side fountains. Cafes also line the west side if you’d like to grab a snack.

Exiting the northern end, stop into Igreja de São Domingos (Largo São Domingos, 1150-320) to marvel at its unpolished, pink walls and ceiling. I’ve never seen a church like this. You’ll love it.

When done, head south to walk through Figueira Square (1100-213 Lisbon) to make your way through stroll the cobblestone pedestrian Rua Augusta. Don’t forget the side streets as well. There is a lot to take in on this walk towards the Tagus River.

Extra: Museu Arqueológico do Carmo (Largo do Carmo, 1200-092)

Stop into any shop you want. Grab a drink in an outdoor cafe. Take a ride up the Santa Justa Lift. Take your time until it’s time to pass under the Arco da Rua Augusta and enter Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio).

Extra: Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros (R. dos Correeiros 9, 1100-061)

Walk Commerce Square to take in the views from all sides. See the São Jorge Castle above on the hill. Head down to the water to Cais das Colunas. Walk along Avenida Ribeira das Naus towards the 25 de Abril Bridge. If it’s close to sunset, find a good spot. You’ll enjoy watching the sun go down.

Afterwards, head west for a few more minutes and wind up at Time Out Market Lisbon (Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479) for some yummy snacks and drinks for your hotel room.

Evening

By now you hotel room should be ready, so head back along the water (catch the sunset if the timing is right).

Freshen up and, when you’re ready, head back to one of the restaurants near Rua Augusta that caught your eye for dinner and drinks, or dine at A Tasquinha Canto do Fado or Duque da Rua for dinner with music.

Don’t forget to toast to your first night in Lisbon with a shot of Ginjinha, a sour cherry liquor, after dinner. It’s delicious.

Day 2 – Explore Alfama

Morning

Take your time getting up. If you’re having an amazing European breakfast in your hotel, it more than likely won’t be ready until 8am. Fill up and put your walking shoes on again, because Day 2 in Lisbon is more walking but with hills. In Alfama.

Head south towards the water. A couple of blocks before Commerce Plaza, turn left and walk a few minutes up the hill to Igreja de Santo António (Largo de Santo António da Sé, 1100-401) and the Lisbon Cathedral (Largo da Sé, 1100-585) right behind it.

Then head back down hill to enjoy more of the river area near the Doca Da Marinha (A, Av. Infante Dom Henrique).

Afternoon

Make your back to the Rua Augusta area to see or do anything you may have missed the day before and grab a bite to eat.

Extras: Lisboa Story Centre (Praça do Comércio 78, 1100-148), Igreja de São Nicolau (R. da Vitória Igreja, 1100-618)

Next up is your ride on Tram 28 and sparing your feet the hills to come. Catch the tram at the Martim Moniz stop (Praça Martim Moniz 39, 1150-052). 24-hour tickets can be purchased at metro station in advance or on the tram. Try to get a window seat and keep watch for any pick pockets, especially if the tram is crowded.

You’ll enjoy a slow ride up the hill and come to the Lg. Portas Sol stop. This is a great place to get off and walk, or take a Tuk-Tuk, some more beautiful attractions, like the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (Largo de São Vicente, 1100-572).

If you’re feeling lazy (like I was), just find a spot at one of the terraces and patios of the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and drink sangria (or whatever) and just enjoy the view…. for hours.

On beautiful day, you may have to wait to find a seat. Once you find one, you’ll not want to move.

At some point, you’re going to have to move, and move before sunset. Why? From your lovely vista point you’re just a small walk up hill to Castelo de S. Jorge, a must do in Lisbon.

If you thought the views from Miradouro das Portas do Sol were good, then just wait until you get to the castle. I highly suggest getting there at least one hour before sunset so you have time to walk around the castle and enjoy the grounds, the peacocks (yes, peacocks), and all of the view points overlooking Lisbon.

Then, find your favorite spot and watch the sunset.

Evening

Stroll the castle grounds a little more after sunset. The castle is lit up and beautiful. Say goodbye to the peacocks (now firmly entrenched above in the trees), and walk downhill through Alfama to dine closer to your hotel, or stay and dine in Alfama. Find a roof top bar to end the night or, of course, there is also plenty of places for Fado music in Alfama.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Sintra

Morning

Day 3 in Lisbon and it’s time to get out of Lisbon. You’re probably asking, “Why would I want to leave if I only have 4 days in Lisbon?”.

Trust me. No first-time visit to Lisbon would be complete without a day trip to Sintra. You can easily do this Sintra day trip self-guided by catching the train from the Rossio Train station for a few Euros each way. Trains take 40 minutes in each direction. At the Sintra station, catch the first available bus 434 to the Sintra attractions. Bus tickets can be bought on the bus.

If you don’t want to do self-guided, there are several guided tours from Lisbon to Sintra that I’m sure are worth it.

Evening

You should be back in Lisbon around dinner time. You could go back to ride Tram 28 through Lisbon’s neighborhoods (last stop is Campo de Orique) and stop off dinner and drinks at the location of your choosing.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Cascais

Morning

Again, take your time in the morning. This is a lazy 4 days in Lisbon, remember?

Like day 3, you’re going to get out of town again today. This time to Cascais for sun and more relaxation. After breakfast, walk an easy 15 to 20 minutes along the river to the Cais do Sodré station. For a couple of Euros, catch the train to the end of the line (about 40 minutes).

If it’s a hot day or peak season, I suggest trying to catch the train early so you can get a spot on the beach. Remember, I consider Cascais one of the best beach destinations in Europe, so you can count on Cascais beaches (there are several) to be full. You’ll want to rent a beach chair and umbrella early.

Portugal Travel Tips

Make sure you stay hydrated and wear your good marine and reef safe sunscreen all day.

For the best beach experience on your Portugal solo travel over 50, check out the 25 solo travel essentials for going to the beach alone and the top tips on how to do a solo beach trip.

This is your beach day. Do what you please. Take water breaks. Take breaks to grab food – you’ll find many places to stop for a bite along the beaches.

Cascais is such a quaint town, it’s worth exploring. When you’re done with the beach, stroll through town to the 5th of October Square to Mirador Casa de Santa María for great picture taking.

Evening

Dine in Cascais or head to Lisbon for dinner. Trains leave about every 30 minutes so you have flexibility on this last day of your 4 days in Lisbon alone.

3 Days in Lisbon – Alternate Itinerary

What if you only have 3 days in Lisbon? My suggestion would be to keep to the first two days on this itinerary, and then do a small group tour to Sintra and Cascais on your third day.

I highly suggest having one full day for Sintra and one full day for Cascais. However, if your solo travel to Lisbon is only three days, then seeing both Sintra and Cascais for a half day each is better than not at all.

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if this 4 days in Lisbon solo travel itinerary was helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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