Lisbon, Portugal-4-day-itinerary

Lisbon, Portugal - 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Historic Neighborhoods

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at Praça do Comércio, a beautiful square in the heart of Lisbon. Admire the historic buildings and take a stroll along the Tagus River.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby Rossio Square and see the stunning 18th-century architecture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Head to the Castle of São Jorge, a medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city. Explore the castle’s gardens, towers, and exhibitions.
  • 2:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Café Comércio, a historic café in Praça do Comércio serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Belcanto, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative and delicious food.
  • 9:00 PM: End the night with a stroll along the Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge), which offers stunning views of the city.

Day 2: Discover Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Chiado, known for its upscale shopping, cafes, and theaters.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the charming streets of Bairro Alto, famous for its Fado music, bars, and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café da Garagem, a cozy spot in Bairro Alto serving traditional Portuguese dishes.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional), a beautiful baroque church dedicated to Portugal’s heroes.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at O Paparico, a restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 9:00 PM: Experience Lisbon’s nightlife in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its bars and clubs.

Day 3: Beach Day and Modern Landmarks

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to Carcavelos, a picturesque beach town about an hour outside Lisbon. Enjoy the beach, go surfing or relax.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurante A Barriga in Carcavelos, serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Return to Lisbon and visit the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic landmark of Lisbon.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the nearby Museu da Marinha (Maritime Museum), showcasing Portugal’s rich maritime history.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at O Gordo, a restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine in the trendy neighborhood of Santos.
  • 9:00 PM: End the night with a visit to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (Viewpoint), which offers stunning views of the city.

Day 4: Shopping and Relaxation

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping at the Chiado Shopping Center, one of Lisbon’s largest shopping malls.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the nearby Casa dos Bem-Tavols, a historic building turned into a shopping center.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café A Brasileira, a famous café in Chiado serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Relax at the Lisbon Welcome Centre (Centro de Acção Turística), offering free Wi-Fi, maps, and information on Lisbon.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurante Eleven, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: End your trip with a visit to the Lisbon River (Rio Tejo), which offers stunning views of the city.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Avenida Palace - A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Lisbon, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Airbnb options are also available throughout the city, ranging from cozy apartments to luxurious villas.

Getting Around

  • Metro: The metro system is efficient and convenient, with lines connecting major neighborhoods. You can buy a rechargeable Viva Viagem card for easy travel.
  • Tram: Lisbon’s iconic trams (Eléctrico) are a great way to explore the city, especially in the hills.
  • Walking: Walking is also an excellent option, as many neighborhoods are easily accessible on foot.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but many locals speak English. Still, it’s helpful to learn basic phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) and “desculpe” (excuse me).
  • Currency: The Euro is the local currency.

Must-Knows

  • Opening Hours: Many shops and restaurants close for lunch between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and bars, around 5-10%.
  • Safety: Lisbon is a safe city, but as with any tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Must-Try Foods

  • Bacalhau à Brás (cod with potatoes and onions)
  • Frango Grelhado (grilled chicken)
  • Pastéis de Nata (traditional Portuguese custard tarts)

Other Attractions

  • Cristo Rei (a giant statue of Christ, inspired by the one in Rio de Janeiro)
  • Parque das Nações (a large park with gardens and a lake)
  • Lisbon’s Markets (explore local produce and crafts at the various markets throughout the city)

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: €80-€120 per night for a hotel or Airbnb
  • Food: €15-€30 per meal for mid-range restaurants, around €5-€10 for snacks
  • Transportation: €1.50-€3 for metro tickets, around €6-€12 for tram rides

Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lisbon is from March to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Lisbon!