4 days in Lisbon: Ultimate 4 Day Lisbon Itinerary (& Map)

ByJess Posted on Destinations, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of those places I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of. I’ve visited four times now, and with each trip I find something new to love.

It’s got a really interesting history, charming neighbourhoods with loads of character, an impeccable food scene and some of the best rooftop bars in Europe (in my opinion, anyway).

In this 4 day Lisbon itinerary, I’ll cover exactly how I would spend 4 days in Lisbon, whether you’re a first time visitor or you’re returning to the city.

4 days in Lisbon is the perfect amount of time to see the main sights and even take a day trip to nearby Cascais or Sintra.

Just to note: This itinerary assumes you have 4 full days in Lisbon, but obviously you can switch things around depending on your flight times.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

4 days in Lisbon overview

Day 1: Explore central Lisbon
Day 2: Central Lisbon and gardens
Day 3: Belém and the LX Factory
Day 4: Day trip to Cascais

Best things to do with 4 days in Lisbon

  • Ride Tram 28
  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia
  • LX Factory
  • Time Out Market
  • Santa Justa lift
  • Jardim do Torel
  • Rua da Silva
  • Monument to the Discoveries
  • Praça do Comércio
  • Rua Nova do Carvalho
  • Alfama
  • Rua da Bica
  • Bairro Alto
  • Lisbon Botanical Garden
  • Flea Market
This image shows a charming street in Lisbon, Portugal, lined with colorful buildings with balconies and traditional street lamps. In the background, the street descends toward the waterfront, with a view of the Tagus River under a clear sky. A few people can be seen walking and sitting along the street, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Lisboa Card

If you’re spending 4 days in Lisbon, I’d really recommend getting the Lisboa Card. It gets you unlimited free travel on public transport, plus free train travel to Sintra and Cascais and free entry to 26 attractions including the Torre de Belém, the Jeronimos Monastery and the Santa Justa Elevator (all of which are mentioned in this itinerary).

The Lisboa Card costs £45 for 72 hours, which is the maximum amount of time you can buy it for. You could then purchase an additional 24 hour card for £22 for your final day in Lisbon, but I’m not sure this would be worth it. Add up everything you’re wanting to do and work out how much you’d save with the card before purchasing one.

Lisbon map

This map shows everywhere I’ve mentioned in this guide, so you can get an idea of where everything is in relation to each other. I’ve also colour coded it by each day of this 4 day itinerary.

4 DAYS IN LISBON ITINERARY

Day 1: Explore central Lisbon

Ride a yellow tram

Start your 4 days in Lisbon by riding on a historic yellow tram – you’ll spot them all across the city. They’ve been transporting people around Lisbon since the early 20th century, and riding on one feels like stepping back in time.

The most popular one by far is Tram 28, because it passes through some of the city’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, and it’s a great way to familiarise yourself with Lisbon on your first day.

This image features a classic yellow tram climbing a steep cobbled street in Lisbon, Portugal. The tram is surrounded by traditional buildings on the right and vibrant street art on the left, with trees providing shade. Overhead power lines connect to the tram, emphasizing the city's historic public transportation system.

You’ll need to make your way to the Martim Moniz Square, which is the start of the tram route. The first tram leaves at 5:40am, but you definitely don’t need to be there that early, although I’d recommend getting there before 9am to avoid long queues.

A single ticket is €3.00 and is purchased on board the tram from the driver.

The whole journey takes around 50 minutes, and runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique.

Along the way you’ll see some of Lisbon’s most popular sights, like Sé Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, the Alfama neighbourhood and Rua Augusta.

You don’t need to stay on for the whole route, just get off wherever takes your fancy, or if you want to follow this itinerary exactly, get off in Alfama, at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia stop.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This image shows a scenic view of Lisbon's Alfama district with its iconic red-tiled rooftops and the white facade of a church. In the background, the calm waters of the Tagus River stretch under a clear blue sky, with a large cruise ship docked at the port. Bougainvillaea flowers frame the top of the image, adding a touch of vibrant color.

Once you get off the tram you’ll find yourself at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. Although it’s a really famous sunset spot, it gets so busy that I prefer to come earlier in the day when there’s far fewer people.

It’s located next to the Church of Santa Luzia and has a large terrace with blue and white tiles lining the walls, and bright flowers framing the walkways.

There’s stunning views over the rooftops of Alfama, and out to the Tagus river from here.

Miradouro Das Portas do Sol

This image captures a panoramic view of Lisbon’s Alfama district, showcasing its red-tiled rooftops and pastel-colored buildings under a clear blue sky. Prominently featured are the dome of the National Pantheon and a white church tower, with the tranquil waters of the Tagus River visible in the background. The scene epitomizes the historic and scenic charm of Lisbon.

Just round the corner from Miradouro de Santa Luzia is Miradouro das Portas do Sol, another incredible viewpoint. Although the viewing area here isn’t as pretty as at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, I think the views are nicer.

You get unobstructed views over more of Alfama, and there’s more space to enjoy them even when it’s busy.

Explore Alfama

This image depicts a narrow, cobbled street in Lisbon decorated with colorful streamers and flags hanging between buildings, suggesting a festive atmosphere. The street is lined with quaint, weathered houses, some with small plants and a bright red umbrella providing shade for a street vendor's stall. The scene is bathed in sunlight, enhancing the vibrant, cheerful ambiance.
This image showcases the striking dome of the National Pantheon in Lisbon, set against a clear blue sky. The foreground features part of a yellow building with tall windows, creating a contrast with the Pantheon’s white stone dome. The architectural details of the dome, including its ornate columns and pinnacle, are clearly visible.

Both Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol are located in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. It’s made up of narrow streets and historic buildings and it’s absolutely beautiful.

It’s also the birthplace of Fado, a traditional genre of Portuguese music, and there’s lots of traditional cafes and restaurants where you can listen to the music.

Spend some time exploring Alfama before heading for food. A 7 minute walk from Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the coolest places in Lisbon, Café da Garagem. It’s a bit of an uphill walk but the views are SO worth it. The space is absolutely gorgeous, with tall windows lining the wall so you can enjoy breakfast and a coffee with an amazing view over Lisbon.

Now you’ve eaten, make your way back down the hill to São Jorge Castle, which overlooks Alfama. It dates back to the 11th century when it was built by the Moors to protect the city from invasion.

The castle was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and was later restored to become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Tickets cost €15 for adults and can be purchased online or at the castle.

If you’re in Alfama on a Tuesday or Saturday, don’t miss the Flea Market (the Feira da Ladra). It’s one of the oldest markets in the city and has loads of stalls selling clothes, books, antiques, food, artwork, homeware and more.

Praça do Comércio

This image depicts the iconic Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch located in Lisbon's Praça do Comércio. The arch features intricate sculptures and inscriptions, framed by yellow buildings with arched windows. Tourists are scattered around the large, open square, enjoying the sunny weather and architectural splendor.

Next, make your way to Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), just a 13 minute walk from São Jorge Castle. It’s located opposite the Tagus River and is one of Europe’s largest squares.

The square was built on the grounds of the old Riberia Palace, the main residence of the King’s of Portugal, after it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake that caused huge damage to the city.

In the centre of the square there’s a statue of King José I, who was the King of Portugal when the earthquake occurred, and was a key figure in rebuilding the city.

The square is surrounded on three sides by yellow buildings, and underneath the arches you’ll find restaurants, shops and government offices. In the centre is the Arco da Rua Augusta, a large arch that leads onto Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street lined with bars, restaurants and cafes.

Pink street 

This image shows a lively street scene in Lisbon, featuring a series of colorful umbrellas hanging above an outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The ground is covered with a bright pink surface, casting vibrant umbrella shadows, while people walk and relax in the café setting. The backdrop includes classic Lisbon buildings with balconies, adding to the festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Walk 9 minutes to Rua Nova do Carvalho, or “Pink Street”, located in the Cais do Sodre neighbourhood.

The street has been painted bright pink and umbrellas hang overhead, so it’s great for a photo. You don’t need much time here, just a couple of minutes to snap a picture.

(Quickly) browse the Time Out Market

This image captures the interior of the Time Out Market in Lisbon, bustling with people sitting at long communal tables, enjoying food and drinks. The market's high ceiling and industrial lighting create an open, airy atmosphere, while various food and drink stalls line the walls, each with their own distinct signage. The large "Time Out Market Lisboa" sign prominently hangs in the background, marking the market's vibrant, social environment.

From Pink Street, walk 4 minutes to the Time Out Market, one of Lisbon’s most popular (and busiest) attractions. This large food hall is made up of food and drink stands run by restaurants and bars across the city.

It’s definitely worth a quick visit, but I wouldn’t spend too much time here. There are so many good restaurants in Lisbon and in my opinion, the Time Out Market is very expensive and doesn’t reflect the best of the city’s food scene.

Grab a pastel de nata from Manteigaria (which is definitely worth the hype) and then move on to the next place.

Lunch at Java rooftop

This image features a stylish rooftop bar in Lisbon, with a long bar counter surrounded by greenery and potted plants. Overhead, a bamboo pergola provides shade, while wicker lamps hang down, creating a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The rooftop offers a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops and buildings, enhancing the relaxed and scenic vibe.

Opposite the Time Out Market is one of my favourite rooftop bars in Lisbon – Java Rooftop. I came here on my first trip to the city 3 years ago and I’ve been back on every return trip.

And if any of my friends are heading to Lisbon, it’s the one place I say they have to go. There’s a spacious restaurant surrounded by a wrap around terrace, with incredible views over the city and the ocean. 

They serve a Mediterranean menu with dishes like burrata and spicy pesto, lamb skewer with pico de gallo, and grilled octopus with chimichurri. Alongside the food they have a great selection of bespoke and classic cocktails (the espresso martini is great), spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Java accepts reservations so I’d recommend booking a table for lunch and then enjoying a drink on the terrace after. 

The Bica Funicular

This image shows a charming street in Lisbon, Portugal, lined with colorful buildings with balconies and traditional street lamps. In the background, the street descends toward the waterfront, with a view of the Tagus River under a clear sky. A few people can be seen walking and sitting along the street, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo is my favourite street in Lisbon, and it’s also one of the most photographed. From the top you get sweeping views of the historical street leading out to the sea.

To get up there, take the Bica Funicular from Rua de São Paulo, 234, just behind the Time Out Market. It’s a small yellow funicular than runs from the Cais do Sodre district at the bottom to Bairro Alto at the top of the hill.

You buy your ticket onboard, and a single journey costs €3.80.

Explore Bairro Alto

This image shows a narrow cobblestone street in Lisbon, lined with pastel-colored buildings featuring wrought-iron balconies. Some balconies are adorned with potted plants, adding a touch of greenery to the scene. The quiet street is bathed in sunlight, with a lone red car parked near the end.

When you get off the funicular at the top, you’ll find yourself in Bairro Alto.

Bairro Alto translates to “upper district” and it’s located at the top of a hill, next to Chiado, so the funicular saves you a steep walk to reach it.

It’s a really cool neighbourhood, with lots of independent shops, bars and restaurants. Set aside an hour or so to explore them.

There’s a great viewpoint here too, the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, so make sure you check it out whilst you’re here.

This image provides a panoramic view of Lisbon, with the historic São Jorge Castle perched atop a hill, surrounded by lush green trees. Below the castle, a sea of terracotta rooftops stretches across the city, showcasing Lisbon’s characteristic architecture. The scene is set against a backdrop of clear blue skies, highlighting the city’s vibrant, picturesque landscape.

Catch the sunset

This image captures a serene evening scene along the waterfront in Lisbon, where groups of people are sitting on a grassy area, enjoying the view. The iconic 25 de Abril Bridge is visible in the distance, silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky. Pink flowers and leafy branches frame the left side of the image, adding to the tranquil ambiance.

After freshening up at your hotel, get the boat from Cais do Sodre station to Cacilhas. The boats leave every 15 minutes and it only takes 10 minutes to cross the river.

Once you’ve arrived, walk along the river (past the famous Ponto Final restaurant) until you reach the grassy bank overlooking the river and the Ponte 25 de Abril (the huge red bridge). You can just put “Jardim do Rio” into your maps.

It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in Lisbon, and if you’re visiting on the weekend, there’s usually buskers and a pop up bar (make sure you bring cash as they don’t take card).

Ponto Final restaurant

Ponto Final is one of the most popular restaurants in Lisbon, and you need to book months in advance (I’m not joking) if you want to get a table here. They do accept walk-ins on the day but the queue starts forming around 5pm, so get there early if you want a table. They’ll seat everyone with reservations first and then start on the walk-in line. 

It’s only a few minutes from Jardim do Rio so it’s the perfect spot for dinner. They serve traditional Portuguese food in one of the most beautiful settings in the city, overlooking the Tagus river and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. 

Day 2: More of central Lisbon & gardens

Breakfast at Seagull Method

This image features the interior of a cozy café or bar, with a rustic, inviting atmosphere. The countertop is made of wood with a glass display case holding pastries. Behind the counter, shelves hold glasses, bottles of wine, and various other items, with a backdrop of exposed, textured walls and peach-colored tiles. A small plant adds a touch of greenery, complementing the warm, intimate setting.
This image shows a delicious breakfast spread on a wooden table, including a sandwich with a brioche bun, bacon, melted cheese, and caramelized onions on a gray plate. Next to it is a glass of bright orange juice and a small glass jar containing granola topped with fresh berries. A small vase with pink flowers and leafy green plants in the background add a fresh and inviting touch to the scene.

Start your day with breakfast at Seagull Method, my favourite brunch place in Lisbon. They don’t accept reservations, but there was no queue when I went during the week. If you can, try and get a table by the window, so you can people watch whilst you eat.

The dishes here are packed with flavour and really delicious, I loved the breakfast burger – scrambled eggs, bacon, caramelised onion, melted cheddar cheese and kimchi mayo on a brioche bun.

My friend went for the Friday Morning which was equally as good – smashed avocado, with halloumi, scrambled eggs and onion on brioche, with greek yogurt, homemade granola and fruits on the side. The table next to us ordered the pancakes and I had seriously food envy, I’d definitely recommend trying them on your visit.

Lisbon botanical garden

This image depicts a lush garden filled with tall palm trees and various green foliage under a partly cloudy sky. The scene is tranquil, with the towering palms creating a natural canopy over the dense greenery below. The variety of plant life and the serene atmosphere suggest a peaceful, tropical environment.

From Seagull Method, it’s just a 5 minute walk to your next destination – the Lisbon Botanical Garden. It’s a large green space that offers some calm in the middle of the city.

The gardens are home to over 10,000 plants, and it’s a really lovely place to spend a couple of hours. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, entry is free between 10am-1pm, otherwise, it’s €5. 

Ice cream time at Niva gelato

After your walk, head to Niva Gelato, directly opposite the entrance gates to the gardens, for traditional Italian ice cream. The gelato here is served in vats, so you know it’s the good stuff. 

If you can see the ice cream piled high in an ice cream shop, it’s usually an indication that it’s full of preservatives to stop it from melting. Ice cream shouldn’t be able to sit like that for long periods of time and stay intact!

Lunch at Pomme Eatery

This image shows the interior of a modern, stylish café or restaurant, featuring a long, colorful tiled table with stools, and green accents on the walls and columns. Shelves lined with bottles, likely wine, cover the back wall, adding to the cozy, inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting and a small vase with fresh flowers on the table enhance the warm, contemporary vibe of the space.
This image features a cozy café setting with two small round tables set with plates, glasses, and cutlery. The green chairs and simple beige cushioned bench create a comfortable atmosphere. Above the bench, a playful line drawing of a person holding a wine glass is illuminated by two wall-mounted lights, adding a touch of character to the minimalist décor.

Just round the corner from Niva Gelato is Pomme Eatery – a truly stunning space – with large glass windows as you walk in, patterned tiles on the floor, and bottles of wine covering the back walls. The menu is designed to be shared, and enjoyed alongside their selection of natural wines. 

I had the chicken kiev with mash potato (one of their more popular dishes judging by how many people were ordering it during my visit), as well as the marinated zucchini with lemon, coriander, parmesan and pine nuts. Everything was packed full of flavour and really fresh.

Grab a drink at V Rooftop

This image shows a rooftop terrace with wooden chairs and a bar-style counter overlooking the cityscape of Lisbon. The view includes red-tiled rooftops, green plants, and several construction cranes in the distance, hinting at ongoing development. The clear blue sky and the presence of greenery create a pleasant, airy ambiance, perfect for enjoying a sunny day.

The V Rooftop is at the top of the Vintage Hotel, a 2 minute walk from Pomme Eatery. It’s a small rooftop bar with great views over the city.

They serve classic cocktails alongside mocktails, spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks, so grab a drink and relax for a couple of hours!

Looking for more rooftop bars in the city? I’ve put together a guide to 11 of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Lisbon

Jardim do Torel

This image shows a scenic park area in Lisbon, with large trees providing shade and offering a peaceful retreat from the urban environment. In the background, a view of the cityscape unfolds, with a mix of modern and traditional buildings spread across the hillside. A blue construction crane is visible among the rooftops, indicating ongoing development, while the greenery and flowers in the foreground enhance the serene ambiance.

It’s then an 18 minute walk to Jardim do Torel, a small garden with incredible views over the city. This garden isn’t super popular so there weren’t masses of crowds when I went.

It was built in the 18th century as private land before opening to the public in the 1960s, and there’s two floors – on the ground floor you’ll find a pond that often turns into a swimming pool in the summer (it wasn’t filled up when I visited).

Santa Justa lift

This image features the Elevador de Santa Justa, a historic iron lift in Lisbon, with its intricate latticework and ornate details standing out against a clear blue sky. The structure, with its tall tower and connecting walkway, is an iconic piece of architecture that offers panoramic views of the city. A couple of people can be seen enjoying the view from the walkway, highlighting the lift’s role as a popular tourist attraction.

Head back down to the Santa Justa lift – about a 15 minute walk from Jardim do Torel.

The Santa Just lift connects the lower streets in Baixa to Bairro Alto at the top of the hill. It was completed in the early 1900s, designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard a student of Gustav Eiffel (the architect who designed the Eiffel Tower).

The lift takes you up to an observation deck, which has spectacular views across the city. However, it’s a really popular tourist attraction, and the queues are often very long to get into the lift.

Instead, I’d recommend walking to the top – head behind where everyone is queuing and follow the signs for Largo do Carmo. Once you reach the observation deck at the top you’ll only need to pay a €1.50 entry free versus €5.30 for the lift.

Dinner at Lupita Pizzeria 

This image showcases two delicious-looking wood-fired pizzas on metal trays. The pizza on the left is topped with tomato sauce, cheese, fresh basil, and caramelized onions, while the one on the right features pepperoni slices, jalapeños, and cheese. The golden-brown crusts and bubbly cheese suggest they are freshly baked and ready to enjoy.

Lupita Pizzeria serves delicious pizza and natural wines in the Cais do Sodre neighbourhood. This place is very highly rated so there’s always a queue, but you can put your name down and order drinks whilst you wait.

The pizzas are really good here, but it was the cheesy garlic bread with mozzarella, roasted garlic, chimichurri, garlic butter and grana padano that stole the show for me – delicious!

Day 3: Belem and LX Factory

Belém

Belém is a historical district located to the west of Lisbon, and it’s home to many interesting sights and monuments. The area was really significant during the Age of Discovery (around the 15th-17th century), when many Portugese explorers set sail from Belém.

Belém Tower

This image showcases the iconic Belém Tower, a historic fortress in Lisbon, Portugal, sitting along the water's edge. The tower's ornate Manueline architecture, with its battlements and turrets, is highlighted against a clear blue sky. In the background, the 25 de Abril Bridge is visible, adding to the scenic coastal setting, while a few people explore the surrounding sandy area and boardwalk.

The Belém Tower, which sits on the bank of the Tagus River, is made up of a bastion and a four-storey tower, built between 1514-1520 to act as a fortress and protect the city from attacks.

It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is a very popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. The queues for the tower are always extremely long, so I’d strongly recommend buying your ticket in advance so you can skip the queue on the day.

Remember you get free entry to the Belém Tower with a Lisboa Card.

Jerónimos Monastery

This image depicts the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal, a stunning example of Manueline architecture. The monastery features intricate stone carvings, a grand dome, and pointed spires, all set against a clear blue sky. The surrounding lush greenery and neatly trimmed hedges in the foreground add to the serene and majestic ambiance of this historic site.

Cross the road and make your way through the Praça do Império gardens to the Jerónimos Monastery. It was comissiioned in 1502 by to commemorate Portugese explorer Vasco da Gama’s successful trip to India. 

Interestingly, it was in its central courtyard that the pastéis de Belém were crafted (more on them in a second). The monks living at the monastery developed the secret recipe!

Pastéis de Belém

This image features a hand holding a pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart, against a colorful tiled wall. The tiles are patterned in blue, green, orange, and white, arranged in a diamond design, typical of Portuguese azulejos. The vibrant backdrop enhances the delicious appearance of the golden-brown pastry.

You can’t come to Lisbon and not try a pastel de nata, a flaky pastry tart filled with a custard cream that’s made up of egg yolk, sugar and cream. They have a really sweet taste and they’re usually served warm.

Trust me, you’ll be eating a lot of these during your trip! And whilst you’re in Belém, you have to try Pastéis de Belém, they have a reputation for being some of the best in Lisbon (they were definitely the best I had on my trip).

They’ve been making pastel de natas since 1837, using a secret recipe to create the perfect tart. And if you don’t believe me, they have over 83,000 reviews on Google with a rating of 4.6*, so they definitely know what they’re doing. 

Monument to the discoveries 

This image features the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monumental sculpture in Lisbon, Portugal, dedicated to the Age of Discoveries. The structure, resembling a ship’s prow, is adorned with statues of historical figures, including explorers and navigators. In the background, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Christ the King statue are visible across the river, against a clear blue sky.

Continue walking for about 11 minutes to the Monument to the Discoveries. This statue was originally built in 1940 on the banks of the river, as a celebration of the Age of Discoveries.

Although it was originally designed as a temporary statue for the Portugese World Exhibition, it was replaced by the current structure in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, a Portugese prince who funded many of the explorations. 

The statue is shaped like a ship, and features many important figures from Portugal’s history. 

Whilst you’re here, you could also pay a visit to MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), a contemporary museum which hosts a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions and activities.

LX Factory

This image shows a vibrant street scene in Lisbon, lined with outdoor cafés and restaurants. Tables and chairs are set up along the cobblestone pathway, where people are casually strolling or enjoying their meals. The surrounding buildings feature a mix of rustic brick and industrial-style architecture, adding to the urban charm of the area.

From the MAAT, it’s a 25 minute walk, or a 7 minute bus journey to the LX Factory, an open industrial space with over 50 shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.

The area dates back to the 19th century when it was used as a textile factory, but it underwent a large renovation in the early 2000s.

I’d visited Lisbon three times before my most recent trip and hadn’t visited the LX Factory yet, so I made sure I went this time and it was one of my favourite things I did, do not miss it!

There’s also a great rooftop bar here – the LX Rooftop at the top of the LX Hostel, that’s well worth a visit whilst you’re here. 

ICON Rooftop

This image captures a luxurious rooftop terrace overlooking the Tagus River and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon. The scene is set during sunset, with the warm golden light casting a serene glow over the water and the bridge. Comfortable white sofas with decorative pillows provide a relaxing space to enjoy the view, surrounded by potted plants that add a touch of greenery.

Time for a drink! Just a 13 minute walk from LX Factory is ICON Bar and Rooftop, which is located on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Lisboa hotel. I’d recommend coming here for a drink and making the most of the incredible views over the Tagus river and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

They have an excellent drinks menu, with a selection of cocktails, local wines, spirits and even sangria punch bowls for sharing. This is one of the more expensive rooftops in Lisbon, with a minimum spend of €20 per person.

Dinner at Fabric

This image shows a cozy café named "Fabric" in Lisbon, with a small outdoor seating area featuring wooden tables and white umbrellas. A woman sits at one of the tables, enjoying a drink, while the warm sunlight casts soft shadows on the building’s facade. The surrounding buildings display typical Portuguese architectural details, including wrought-iron balconies and pastel colors.

Head back to your hotel to get ready for dinner at Fabric.

This middle eastern restaurant is located directly opposite Lupita Pizzeria in the Chiado neighbourhood, and we were eyeing it up whilst eating our pizza, so we came back for dinner the next day, and my friend and I agreed it was our favourite meal of the trip.

They serve a middle eastern menu alongside cocktails and wine, in an industrial space where the menu is scrawled onto the wall. I had their chicken schnitzel pita and it was incredible.

Day 4: Day trip to Cascais

Breakfast at neighbourhood

This image depicts the interior of a trendy café, featuring a barista at work behind a wooden counter. The counter is adorned with various items, including a tip jar, baked goods on display, and coffee brewing equipment. Industrial-style pendant lights hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow, while the exposed ductwork and unfinished walls give the space a rustic, modern feel.
This image shows a toasted sandwich placed on a blue plate, accompanied by a small dish of dipping sauce. The sandwich, made with golden-brown crusty bread, looks crispy and appetizing. The blue tiles in the background add a pop of color, complementing the minimal and casual dining setup.

Start your day with breakfast at Neighbourhood cafe. They serve specialty coffee alongside a variety of brunch options – everything from light meals like granola and yogurt, to hearty breakfast burritos and toasties.

They also have a great selection of vegetarian and gluten free options. 

Green Street

This vibrant image shows a narrow, colorful alleyway in Lisbon, adorned with strings of multicolored paper lanterns and garlands. The facades of the buildings are painted in bright blues and yellows, with plants and greenery cascading from balconies. Outdoor seating from cafes lines the street, inviting passersby to enjoy the festive atmosphere under the dappled sunlight.

Rua da Silva, or “Green Street” gets its name from the many plants and flowers that cover the buildings, and I much prefer it to Pink Street – it’s a lot prettier in my opinion.

It’s just a 2 minute walk from Neighbourhood, so head there to browse the shops, restaurants and bars.

Enjoy a beach day in Cascais

If you’re spending 4 days in Lisbon, I’d recommend heading out of the city and discovering some of the incredible sights nearby.

On my most recent trip, I visited Cascais, a stunning seaside town just a 30 minute drive from Lisbon. You definitely don’t need to hire a car for this day trip though (in fact, I’d strongly suggest you don’t), as the trains are so easy and really affordable.

This image showcases a scenic coastal view of Cascais, Portugal, with its charming mix of traditional and modern architecture. A prominent, historic stone building stands by the water's edge, surrounded by orange-roofed houses. In the foreground, people are seen swimming in the clear blue water, enjoying a sunny day by the beach, while construction cranes in the background hint at ongoing development.

From Neighbourhood Cafe, it’s a 13 minute walk to Cais do Sodre train station, where you can take a 40 minute train directly to Cascais.

Trains depart every 20 minutes and a one way ticket costs just €2.40. You’ll be fine to buy your tickets at the station but if you prefer to book them in advance, you can do so on the Comboios de Portugal website. Remember the train to Cascais will be free if you have a Lisboa Card.

Once a small fishing village, it’s now one of the most popular destinations on the Portugese Riveria, with brilliant restaurants, shops, and golden sandy beaches.

This image captures a picturesque narrow street in Cascais, Portugal, lined with traditional whitewashed buildings featuring terracotta roofs. A hanging lantern and flowering vines add to the charm, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The cobblestone path winds between the buildings, hinting at the town's historic character.
This image shows a charming, traditional Portuguese building with a white facade and a red-tiled roof in Cascais, Portugal. The building has several windows with green shutters, and ivy frames the dark-colored front door, adding a touch of greenery. A vintage street lamp and a sign reading "Castelo" are mounted on the building's side, hinting at a nearby historical or significant location.

As you exit Cascais train station you’ll see two beaches – Praia da Ribeira and Praia da Rainha. Praia de Rainha is small and secluded, whilst Praia de Riberia is larger and often a lot busier, as it’s directly in front of the main street that runs through Cascais.

I’d suggest avoiding both of these beaches, and walking 15 minutes to Praia de Santa Marta instead.

This image depicts the Santa Marta Lighthouse and a historic mansion in Cascais, Portugal. The scene features the lighthouse with blue and white stripes and a red top, set against a bright blue sky and calm ocean waters. People are enjoying a swim in the clear waters of the rocky cove, with lush greenery framing the view.

I’d describe it as more of a cove than a beach, you’ll need to take steps to get down to it and it’s made up of mostly rocks with a small patch of sand.

But it’s far more picturesque than the other beaches in Cascais – the water is bright blue and it’s overlooked by the charming blue and white striped Santa Marta lighthouse.

After a relaxing day at the beach, stick around in Cascais for dinner. The food scene here is brilliant and there’s lots of great restaurants to choose from. Try O Pastus for modern Portugese food, Taberna Clandestina Cascais for tapas, or Izakaya for Japanese cuisine.

Another day trip option

If you don’t fancy the beach (or if you’re visiting in winter and it’s too cold for sunbathing), Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site town that looks like its been plucked straight from a fairytale.

Its most famous attractions are Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace.

You can take the train from Sete Rios train station to Sintra. Trains depart every 20 minutes and take 35 minutes to reach Sintra. A one way ticket will cost you €2.40.

If you want to see both Cascais and Sintra, I’d recommend this fantastic guided tour. You’ll have a tour of Sintra, followed by lunch in the town, before heading to Pena Palace and then to Cascais where you’ll have free time to explore, before being taken back to Lisbon. It’s a great way to see both places in one day.

Head back to Lisbon for drinks

This image shows a rooftop terrace with several tables and chairs, some decorated with patterned tablecloths. The area is adorned with potted plants and string lights, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The terrace overlooks the rooftops of a city under a clear blue sky, offering a scenic view.

It’s only right to spend your last night in Lisbon in style, so once you’re back in Lisbon after your day trip, visit another rooftop bar.

I’d recommend SEEN Sky Bar for delicious cocktails and a great sunset view, or Mama Shelter, where they have DJ sets every Wednesday-Saturday. They also serve a great snack menu if you get peckish again.

Helpful information for your trip to Lisbon

Getting to Lisbon

There’s only one airport in Lisbon, and it’s located about 25 minutes outside of the city centre. Easyjet, Wizz Air, Ryanair and TAP Air Portugal have regular flights from London to Lisbon, with a flight time of around 2 hours 45 minutes.

An Uber from the airport to the city centre will cost you about €8. There’s also a metro station at the airport with a direct route to the city centre, taking just 20 minutes, plus bus routes to different parts of Lisbon.

Getting around Lisbon

Lisbon is a really easy city to navigate as everything is pretty close together. If you can, I’d recommend walking as much as possible, it’s a great way to explore the different neighbourhoods and properly get a feel for the city, but make sure you pack good trainers to tackle the hills.

There’s great public transport as well, with buses, trams, trains, a metro ferries and even funiculars to take you around the city.

There’s also Uber in Lisbon, as well as metered taxis. I used Uber a lot on my most recent trip to Lisbon and it was really cost effective – usually no more than €4 to travel within the city centre!

There are some areas – typically historic neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto, that Ubers can’t enter, so they’ll drop you as close as possible. Metered cabs are allowed within the neighbourhood though.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Lisbon is a really walkable city with good public transport, so it’s easy to get around no matter where you stay. But it is a very hilly city, so if you choose to stay at the bottom of a hill, you’ll spend a lot of time walking up!

Below, I’ve listed a few neighbourhoods in Lisbon and the pros and cons for each one.

This image showcases a scenic view of a city with colorful buildings stacked along a hillside under a clear blue sky. A historic stone bell tower stands prominently among the structures, while a construction crane in the background indicates ongoing development. The buildings feature a mix of pastel and bright colors, adding vibrancy to the urban landscape.

Alfama

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, and with that comes a lot of charm. It’s full of winding, narrow streets, traditional houses, and quaint cafes and restaurants.

It’s also home to some of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, including the São Jorge Castle, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Lisbon Cathedral.

Because of this, it does get very busy, but a big perk of staying here is that you can get to the attractions early and beat the crowds.

Alfama is also very hilly, so if you choose to stay here, you’ll need to navigate a lot of uphill climbs!

Baixa

Baixa is Lisbon’s most central neighbourhood, where you’ll find Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square (there’s a great rooftop bar here called Rossio Gastrobar) and Rua Augusta (a great street for shopping). It’s built on a grid layout and is pretty much flat, but as it’s at the bottom of the hill, you’ll need to walk uphill to most of the other neighbourhoods.

There’s good restaurants and bars here, it’s well connected to the rest of Lisbon by public transport, but it is very touristy.

Chiado

Chiado is next to Baixa, and is one of the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon to base yourself. It’s got loads of charm, great cafes, restaurants and bars, and it’s well connected to the rest of the city.

I’d recommend staying in either Chiado or Alfama for your trip to Lisbon.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto translates to “upper district” and it’s located at the top of a hill, next to Chiado, so it’s a steep walk to get there!

It’s a really cool neighbourhood, with lots of independent shops, bars and restaurants. During the day, it’s quiet and has a really relaxed vibe, but at night time it completely changes!

Bairro Alto is known for its nightlife, and the bars, clubs and streets get very busy in the evenings. It’s an amazing atmosphere but I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you’re visiting Lisbon to party.

I stayed in Bairro Alto on my most recent visit to Lisbon as I was there for my friends birthday, so it was the perfect location for a group of girls who wanted to go out every night. But if you’re wanting a peaceful weekend of sightseeing, Bairro Alto probably isn’t for you.

Belém

Belém is a beautiful area home to many historical buildings, but it’s quite far away from the centre of Lisbon and the main sights, so it wouldn’t be my first choice of places to stay.

Planning a trip to Portugal? Read my other guides

Hi, I'm Jess, the founder of Where Jess Travels. After studying Psychology at University, I pursued a career in Marketing for 7 years, whilst taking as many trips as my annual leave would allow. I now work full time on my blog, sharing destination guides and hotel reviews.

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