Lisbon in 4 Days: A Fast and Furious Itinerary for the Ultimate Adventure

February 2023

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Itineraries

Lisbon in 4 Days: A Fast and Furious Itinerary for the Ultimate Adventure

You’ve landed in Lisbon, a city where the old and the new coexist in seamless harmony.

This city has everything: the historic Alfama district, the hip Chiado area, the world-famous Pastéis de Belém, and breathtaking vistas from the Miradouros.

Be ready for a four-day journey that will leave you enchanted and yearning for more by packing your bags and putting on your walking shoes. See all that Lisbon has to offer with this comprehensive travel guide.

Day 1

Check in to your hotel in the historic Alfama neighborhood, such as Memmo Alfama or Santiago de Alfama.
Head to the nearby São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Take a stroll through Alfama’s narrow streets, stopping to listen to live fado music at a local restaurant such as A Baiuca or Mesa de Frades.
End the night with drinks at the popular rooftop bar Park, which offers stunning views of the city.

Day 2

Guide to Lisbon's top attractions, including the Jerónimos Monastery, for a short visit

Visit Belém, a neighborhood famous for its pastries and historical sites.
Start the day with breakfast at the iconic Pastéis de Belém, known for its delicious custard tarts, pastel de nata.
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a tour of the Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortress that sits along the Tagus River.
End the day with a sunset stroll along the riverfront and dinner at the Michelin-starred Loco restaurant.

Day 3

A view of the baroque fountain and exterior of the Carmo Convent in Largo do Como in the stunning city of Lisbon, Portugal, in the evening.

Explore the trendy Chiado neighborhood, known for its upscale shops and theaters.
Visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Take the iconic Elevador de Santa Justa up to the Carmo Convent for panoramic views of the city.
Have dinner at the popular seafood restaurant Cervejaria Ramiro.

Day 4

Visit the historic neighborhood of Baixa, which was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
Check out the impressive Praça do Comércio, a large public square that faces the Tagus River.
Take a ride on the historic Tram 28, which winds through the city’s narrow streets.
End the day with a walk through the bohemian Bairro Alto neighborhood, stopping for drinks at one of the many lively bars.

Foodie’ paradise

As for the best places to eat, drink, and shop in Lisbon, here are a few recommendations:

Time Out Market Lisbon. This food hall features some of the best local food and drink vendors in the city.
A Cevicheria. This trendy restaurant serves up delicious ceviche and pisco sours.
Bairro do Avillez. This restaurant from Michelin-starred chef José Avillez offers a variety of Portuguese and international dishes.
Ginjinha Sem Rival. This tiny bar in the Rossio neighborhood is known for its cherry liqueur shots.
LX Factory. This former industrial complex has been converted into a trendy shopping and dining destination.
Feira da Ladra. This flea market in Alfama is a great place to find vintage and secondhand goods.

Must visit museum

For museums, some of the best in the city include the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum), the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art), and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

Where to take the best pictures?

As for viewpoints and places to take photos, some of the best include:

Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama
Miradouro da Graça in Graça
Miradouro das Portas do Sol in Alfama
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Graça
Castelo de São Jorge

Where can I listen to fado in Portugal?

First up, we have the charming A Baiuca in the historic Alfama neighborhood. This cozy venue boasts intimate performances by talented local musicians, as well as delicious Portuguese cuisine to tickle your taste buds.
Next on the list is the iconic Clube de Fado in the trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood. This atmospheric spot features performances by some of the most renowned fado singers in the city, set against a backdrop of rustic decor and traditional Portuguese tiles.
Last but certainly not least, we have the sleek and modern Adega Machado in the bustling Chiado neighborhood. This contemporary venue offers a fresh take on fado music, with performances by both up-and-coming and established musicians, paired with innovative Portuguese cuisine and cocktails.