Destinations / Portugal
Lisbon in four unhurried days
Steep streets, yellow trams and light that makes every wall look painted. A first trip that is easy to plan and hard to get wrong.
- Length4 days
- Best monthsMar–Jun
- TypeCity break
- Budgetfrom €480
02 / Why go
A capital that still feels like a town
Lisbon is built on hills above the Tagus, so almost every walk ends at a viewpoint. The old quarters are small enough to cross on foot, the food is simple and good, and the ocean is a short train ride away.
Four days is enough for the old town, the riverside monuments of Belém and one day out to the palaces of Sintra, with time left to sit in a square and do nothing at all.
03 / The route
Day by day
Day 1
Alfama and Baixa
Start in the oldest quarter. Climb through Alfama’s lanes to the cathedral and the castle, stop at the viewpoints on the way, then walk down to the grand riverside square in Baixa for the evening.
- Sé Cathedral
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Praça do Comércio
Day 2
Belém and the river
Take the tram or train west to Belém for the monastery and the tower, and eat custard tarts where they were first sold. On the way back, stop at LX Factory for shops and dinner under the bridge.
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
- Pastéis de Belém
- LX Factory
Day 3
Sintra day trip
Trains leave from Rossio station and take about forty minutes. Go early, pick two sights rather than four, and leave time for the old town. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira make the best pair.
- Pena Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Sintra old town
Day 4
Chiado and the hills
A slow last day. Bookshops and cafés in Chiado, gardens in Príncipe Real, lunch at the Time Out Market, and sunset from the highest viewpoint in the city.
- Chiado
- Príncipe Real
- Time Out Market
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
04 / When to go
Spring first, autumn second
Our pick
Warm days, long light and the city in bloom. June brings street festivals and bigger crowds.
Just as good
The heat eases, the sea is still warm and the summer queues are gone.
Possible, with trade-offs
High summer is hot and busy. Winter is mild and cheap but often wet.
05 / Budget
What four days cost
An estimate for one person sharing a room. Flights are not included, and prices change with the season, so check before you book.
06 / Practical notes
Worth knowing before you land
Wear real shoes
The hills are steep and the stone pavements are slippery, especially after rain.
Mind the Mondays
Many museums and monuments close on Mondays, including Jerónimos. Plan Belém for another day.
Book Sintra ahead
Pena Palace uses timed entry. Buy tickets online and take a morning slot.
Ride tram 28 early
It is a real tram line and it fills up fast. Go before nine and keep an eye on your pockets.
Skip the airport taxi
The metro runs from the airport into the city, and it is the cheapest way in.
Stay central
Baixa, Chiado or Alfama keep most of the route within walking distance.
Want this route for your dates?
Tell us when you’re going and who is coming. We’ll adjust the plan to fit.