Embark on a captivating journey through Lisbon, a city where centuries of history blend beautifully with modern culture. With its colorful neighborhoods, stunning viewpoints, and delicious cuisine, Lisbon has something for everyone.
This 5-day Lisbon itinerary is designed to take you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, charming districts, and even on a magical day trip to Sintra. From the historic streets of Alfama to the grandeur of Belém and the coastal beauty nearby, you’ll discover the very best of Portugal’s sun-kissed capital.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure where every street has a story and every view takes your breath away.
5 day Itinerary in Lisbon
Travel Tip: Get the Lisboa Card
If you want to save money and time, consider buying the Lisboa Card. It gives you free access to public transportation, free entry to many attractions, and discounts at restaurants and shops. You can choose a 24, 48, or 72-hour version depending on your stay. It’s one of the best ways to make the most of your Lisbon trip.
Day 1: Discover Lisbon’s Historic Heart
Start your adventure in Baixa and Alfama, the oldest and most atmospheric parts of the city.
Rua Augusta
Begin with a stroll down Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street that runs between Rossio Square and Praça do Comércio. The patterned cobblestones, street performers, and lively cafés make this the perfect introduction to Lisbon.
Praça do Comércio & Arco da Rua Augusta
At the end of Rua Augusta, you’ll find Praça do Comércio, one of Europe’s most impressive squares. Once Lisbon’s royal palace, today it opens to the Tagus River with yellow arcaded buildings surrounding it. Don’t miss climbing the Arco da Rua Augusta for sweeping views of the square and the waterfront.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Lisbon cathedral, Sé de Lisboa, stands as a testament to various architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic due to numerous modifications over centuries. Don’t miss the cloister, where archaeological excavations reveal layers of Roman, Arab, and medieval ruins.
Museu do Fado
Situated in the atmospheric Alfama district, the Museu do Fado dives deep into the roots of Portugal’s soulful music. The museum includes multimedia displays, recordings, and memorabilia of famous Fado singers like Amália Rodrigues, giving visitors a deeper understanding of this cultural expression.
Castelo de S. Jorge
Dominating Lisbon skyline, Castelo de S. Jorge offers not only panoramic views but also a glimpse into Moorish past of Lisbon. Explore the castle’s ancient walls, towers, and camera obscura, which offers a unique 360° view of Lisbon.
Admission to the castle is 15€, and for a small additional fee, you can enhance your visit with an audio guide that covers all the essential details about this renowned landmark. Purchase it here!
View from Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Cap off the day at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, adorned with tile panels depicting historical scenes and a pergola that frames perfect sunset views over the Alfama rooftops and the Tagus River.
Day 2: Belém and Riverside Treasures
Day two takes you west along the river to Belém, where Lisbon’s Age of Discoveries comes to life.
Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém
Start with a warm Pastel de Nata at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, where this iconic custard tart has been baked since 1837. Sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar for the classic taste.
Torre de Belém
The Torre de Belém is a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon and a monument to Age of Discoveries of Portugal. Originally positioned in the middle of the Tagus, it now sits near the shore. The tower’s richly decorated exterior features maritime motifs like ropes and armillary spheres, emphasizing its historical significance.
Tip: Aim to arrive early in the morning since lines can be long, potentially leading to a wait of up to two hours, even with pre-booked tickets.
Jerónimos Monastery
Just a short walk from the Torre de Belém, this monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. It was commissioned to celebrate Vasco da Gama‘s successful return from India. The cloisters are particularly impressive, featuring intricate columns sculpted to include motifs of sea creatures and ships.
The entry fee is 18€, but be prepared for potentially lengthy queues, which can occur even if you’ve already bought your tickets in advance.
MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
The MAAT striking building, with its undulating form that mirrors the river it overlooks, is a work of art in itself. Inside, its exhibitions focus on contemporary culture in various forms, from visual arts to new media installations. Don’t forget to pick up a ticket in advance!
LX Factory
Once an industrial complex, LX Factory has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. This space is filled with art studios, quirky shops, trendy restaurants, and often hosts live music and festivals.
Be sure to visit Ler Devagar, a bookstore renowned for its extensive collection of books and its eye-catching interior, which includes a bicycle suspended in mid-air from the ceiling.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Before dinner, enjoy the panoramic view at this viewpoint overlooking downtown and the castle. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
Bairro Alto Nightlife
In the evening, dive into the nightlife of Bairro Alto. Narrow streets come alive with bars, music, and Fado houses – perfect for experiencing Lisbon’s lively spirit.
Day 3: Modern Lisbon and the Waterfront
On day three, discover the sleek side of Lisbon in Parque das Nações, home to Expo ’98.
Torre Vasco da Gama
Begin at the Vasco da Gama Tower, the tallest building in Portugal. From the observation deck, enjoy views over the Tagus River and futuristic architecture of the park.
Parque das Nações
Stroll through this modern district with wide promenades, gardens, and striking sculptures. The riverside setting makes it a relaxing spot for a walk or bike ride.
Oceanário Lisboa
The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, an architectural marvel designed by Peter Chermayeff. It houses a vast central tank and four marine habitats creating the illusion of a single ocean. It’s an immersive experience designed to educate visitors about marine conservation.
Tip: To bypass the queue, consider buying a skip-the-line ticket for the Oceanário de Lisboa, available at the standard price.
Cruise on the Tagus River
A river cruise on the Tagus offers a different perspective on Lisbon’s landmarks. These cruises can range from short jaunts to extensive tours that provide insights into the area’s history and architecture, often with dining and music on board.
The best one I found was this sunset cruise on the Tagus River with a beverage, cruising past the city’s lit-up landmarks. I strongly recommend this experience. Purchase your ticket from here!
4th Day: A Day Trip to Sintra
Road Trip to Sintra
A 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town with lush forests, exotic gardens, and impressive palaces. The scenic drive will take you through winding roads with spectacular views.
Pena Palace
The Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle that stands atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains. Painted in vivid yellows and reds, with Moorish and Manueline motifs, it offers breathtaking views and opulent interior decorations.
Moorish Castle
Nearby, the Castle of the Moors offers a different experience with rugged stone walls and towers dating to the 8th century. Walking the ramparts provides sweeping vistas of Sintra and beyond.
👉 If you haven’t rented a car, there’s no need for concern. We secured places on an organized tour that covered Regaleira, Pena, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais. The tour included a guide who provided all the vital details about these locations. It was one of the most memorable experiences we had in Lisbon.
Back in Lisbon: Chiado & Pink Street
After returning, explore Chiado, known for theaters, boutique shops, and historic cafés like A Brasileira. End the night on Pink Street, once Lisbon’s red-light district, now a lively nightlife hotspot filled with bars and music.
A stop at Time Out Market is also recommended – it’s a gourmet food hall where you can sample dishes from Lisbon’s best chefs all under one roof.
Day 5: The Charm of Old Lisbon
Spend your last day soaking in traditional Lisbon.
Jardim Botânico de Lisboa
Start at the Botanical Garden, a green oasis with tropical plants and shady paths. It’s a quiet place to relax after several busy days of sightseeing.
Tram 28 Ride
Catch the historic Tram 28, which meanders through Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods like Graca, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. It’s a charming way to see the city’s historical sites.
During my initial trip to Lisbon, one of the highlights was purchasing this pass. It provided a ticket for Tram 28, along with an audio guide detailing Tram 28’s history, a 24-hour public transport pass, access to the Santa Justa Lift, and unlimited use of the city’s cable cars. Secure your ticket now!
Alfama Walk
Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, steep stairways, and quaint squares. Here, you can visit several historic sites, listen to authentic Fado music, and soak up the genuine atmosphere of old Lisbon.
Miradouro da Graça
End your journey at the Miradouro da Graça, which provides one of the most expansive views of Lisbon. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your visit as you look over the city you’ve explored over the last five days.
Five days in Lisbon allows you to dive deep into its history, culture, and modern life without feeling rushed. From the grand monuments of Belém to the fairytale castles of Sintra and the soulful streets of Alfama, every day reveals a new side of the city.
As your trip comes to an end, you’ll leave not just with photos but with memories of sunsets, music, and warm Portuguese hospitality. Lisbon has a way of capturing hearts, and chances are, you’ll be planning your return before you even leave.
Until then, keep the spirit of Lisbon alive and say a fond “Adeus” to one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.