UPDATED 12/9/24

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

For best results, this Lisbon itinerary is for those traveling alone to groups of no more than 4 travelers on a first time visit to Lisbon.

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

Want to see the ultimate Lisbon 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 Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan 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 watch the Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon – it’s full of the best of things to do in Lisbon, with links for planning, perfect for first time Lisbon travelers.

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 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 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 travel in Lisbon is in peak season.
• Consult my Lisbon Travel Guide and Portugal Travel Guide to plan your Lisbon 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 – Baixa & Barrio Alto

Arriving Lisbon

Bags securely checked at your Lisbon hotel, you’ll embark on a slow, self-guided walking tour of Baixa and Barrio Alto.

Make your way north to Rossio Square to admire the open space with the Estátua do Rei Dom Pedro IV 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 to marvel at its unpolished, pink walls and ceiling. I’ve never seen a church like this. You’ll love it.

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

Next, walk 20 minutes to São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint to admire the views of the city and Tagus River. When ready, head south through the Barrio Alto admiring the picturesque neighborhood first making brief stop at Church of São Roque, followed by a stroll down Rua da Misericórdia to Praça Luís de Camões for more lovely outdoor scenery.

Wander the Rua Garrett for window shopping making your way to briefly view the ruins of the Carmo Convent followed by a stop at the Santa Justa Lift for a ride to the top and more city views.

When done, head south to stroll the cobblestone pedestrian Rua Augusta. There is a lot to take in on this walk towards the Tagus River. Take your time until it’s time to pass under the Arco da Rua Augusta and enter Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square).

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 you feel up to it or just stay at the Cais das Colunas. If it’s close to sunset, find a good spot. You’ll enjoy watching the sun go down.

Evening

By now you’re probably hungry. You’re in a great location for dining.

Head back to any one of the restaurants near Rua Augusta that caught your eye for dinner and drinks (don’t forget the side streets as well). Stop into any restaurant or cafe you wish with a good menu and outdoor tables. 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.

First up, a brief self-guided tour of Igreja de Santo António, followed by the imposing Lisbon Cathedral right behind it.

Make your back to the Rua Augusta area to see or do anything you may have missed the day before.

Afternoon

Next up is your ride on Tram 28 and sparing your feet the hills to come. Catch the tram at the Martim Moniz stop 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 (or exit the tram at the Voz Operário stop and walk to the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora).

Whether you decide to visit the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora or not, make your way back to Lg. Portas Sol.

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 (there will be several in front of the Sintra station). Bus tickets can be bought on the bus.

In one day, you can see the following Sintra attractions self-guided, especially if you get your tickets in advance: National Palace of Pena with skip-the-line ticket, the Castle of the Moors with priority entry ticket, and the Quinta da Regaleira, also with a skip-the-line-ticket.

Pick up a bus to the Sintra station, or keep walking, so that you’re on the train back to Lisbon before dinner.

If you don’t want to do self-guided, take a guided Sintra group day trip that I’m sure is worth it.

Evening

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 20 minutes along the river to the Cais do Sodré station. For a couple of Euros, catch the train to Estoril to walk the Alameda Duquesa de Palmela to Cascais enjoying the sea view and multiple beaches leading to Cascais.

Here is your day to do whatever you choose, from lounging on the beach, shopping and dining in the historic center, or taking in historic sites.

If it’s to be lounging on the beach and 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 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.

Do what you please. 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.

Again, if you don’t want to do self-guided, there is guided Sintra group day trip with Cascais you could opt for and do something different on your third day in Lisbon.

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.

Now that you know all of the amazing things you can realistically see and do in Lisbon in 4 days, why not have this itinerary at your fingertips on your trip? I have traveled to Lisbon more than once, so you know this Lisbon Itinerary comes from tried and true actual travel, not from computer, AI-generated content with stock photos.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, older traveler, or budget traveler, this Lisbon 4 Day Itinerary PDF is a steal. Formatted for sleek use on all devices, it has clickable links to all of the below, taking out all of the guesswork for your first time in Lisbon, and all for less than the cost of a meal. You can’t beat the time-saving value.

Planning 3 days in Lisbon instead? Get the same great Lisbon Travel Guide with 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary PDF designed to give you the best of Lisbon, and beyond, in a shorter period of time. Trust me, you’ll love it.

Let Me Hear From You

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

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