5 Days In Lisbon: The PERFECT Itinerary For 2025

Looking for the perfect 5 day Lisbon itinerary? Keep reading to find all our tips and recommendations after exploring every inch of the city!

Are you dreaming of a getaway that combines old-world charm, breathtaking views, and delicious food? Look no further than Lisbon, where the colourful cobblestoned streets make the perfect city break. 

After getting ‘stuck’ in Lisbon in 2021, we spent a long time discovering the capital city and everything it has to offer. We can quite comfortably say, this is one of our favourite capital cities we have ever been to. From the moment you step foot in Lisbon, we’re confident you’ll fall in love with its charm.

5 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Lisbon on your first visit, allowing you to see all the main attractions. Throughout this itinerary, you’ll discover centuries-old neighbourhoods, visit vibrant markets, and learn about the city’s fascinating history, all whilst taking in incredible views at every turn. 

Sound like the sort of thing you’d be interested in? Read on to find out all of our insider tips and the best way to explore the city to maximise your time!

Lisbon Itinerary: 5 Days Overview

➡️Day 1: Walking tour & Baixa District, Fado Concert
➡️Day 2: Belém & LX Factory
➡️Day 3: Day trip to Sintra
➡️Day 4: São Jorge Castle, Carmo Convent, Viewpoints, Sunset river cruise
➡️Day 5: Alfama, Estrela Gardens, Time Out Market

✅ Prefer to download the itinerary to use offline? Click HERE

Lisbon Itinerary Day One: Walking Tour & Baixa District

Your first day in Lisbon will start at Praça do Rossio for a walking tour which will give you the best starting point for your time in Lisbon. You’ll spend today exploring beautiful neighbourhoods and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Let’s dive into what you’ll get up to!

Morning

Following a delicious breakfast in a cute Portuguese café, head to Praça do Rossio where you will start your day with a walking tour of Lisbon.

We love starting any city break with a walking tour as we get to meet like-minded travellers, understand more about the city, and get your bearings on where you want to explore more. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to the local communities and guides!

This walking tour is the exact walking tour we took on our first day in Lisbon, and is possibly the best we’ve ever been on. This tour will lead you through various picturesque squares and neighbourhoods, including the vibrant Baixa district, whilst telling captivating stories of the city’s history and culture.

Honestly, the guides are so engaging and Lisbon’s history is so fascinating. Plus, you get the chance to sample local wine and the famous pastel de nata. We highly recommend you add this walking tour to any Lisbon itinerary!

➡️ Book Your Walking Tour Before It Sells Out HERE! ⬅️

Afternoon

Following your walking tour, we’d recommend grabbing a bite to eat before exploring more of the Baixa District, where your walking tour will end. Baixa is at the heart of historic Lisbon and is one of the most beautiful and vibrant areas to explore.

Begin at Praça do Comércio, the main square in Lisbon, admiring the colourful yellow buildings and watching the street performers. From here, walk up Rua Augusta, the bustling main street in Baixa – head straight under the arch in Praça do Comércio and you’ll find it!

Rua Augusta is lined with cafés, shops, and street performers, and the joyful atmosphere is contagious. Feel free to stop for a drink or a browse, before continuing a little further up the street to the Elevador de Santa Justa.

This is one of the most iconic buildings in Lisbon and you can go up it for amazing views of the city. However, be prepared to queue for a long time if you do wish to go up it. We personally think it’s better viewed from the outside.

Also worth stopping at are Lisbon Cathedral and the pink street on Rua Nova do Carvalho, and we’d also recommend a relaxing wander along the Tagus River.

Evening

For your first evening in Lisbon, it’s time to get cultural. Head to a local restaurant serving traditional Portuguese food before heading to a live Fado show.

Fado is a traditional Lisbon music genre renowned for its melancholic and expressive style, like Portuguese blues music. Open your heart to the sounds of the guitar and immerse yourself in a truly spectacular evening of music. This is the ultimate cultural experience we’d recommend everyone adds to their Lisbon itinerary!

➡️ Book Your Fado Concert HERE! ⬅️

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Lisbon Itinerary Day Two: Belém & Alcântara

Like the sound of day 1 of your 5 days in Lisbon? Well day 2 is going to take you to a completely different part of the city, with vibrant markets, art installations, boutique shops, and cultural sites to explore.

Morning

This morning, you’re going to head straight out to catch a tram to Belém for your first stop of the day. Now don’t get too excited, this isn’t the yellow trams Lisbon is famous for (we’ll get to those later in this itinerary), rather it is a modern tram.

Once you arrive, head to Pastéis de Belém to pick up a few of the original pastel de nata – the recipe dates back centuries! We’d recommend heading here first as queues can get long later in the day.

Afterwards, head down towards the river to see the spectacular Belém Tower. Climb the five floors to get to the viewing platform at the top. It’s so worth it!

Belém Tower opens at 10am and we’d recommend getting there for opening as it can get quite busy.

➡️ Book Your Belém Tower Ticket HERE! ⬅️

After visiting Belém Tower, take a short walk along the riverbank to the Monument to the Discoveries. This incredible monument, as you see it today, was completed in 1960, making it a permanent feature of the Tagus riverbank. Whilst you can climb to the top of the monument, you get much the same view as you do from Belém Tower.

Instead we’d recommend continuing to Jerónimos Monastery. Spend the remainder of the morning exploring the beautiful grounds and incredible architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The monastery was originally built in 1501 in the ornate Manueline style common of the time. It formed part of the order of Saint Jerome and was home to many monks who blessed the sailors passing through. Jerónimos Monastery is absolutely stunning and cannot be missed on your Lisbon itinerary.

➡️ Book Your Jerónimos Monastery Ticket HERE! ⬅️

Afternoon

We’d recommend spending the first part of your afternoon exploring the exhibits of the MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. The futuristic structure, sitting right on the riverbank, is hard to miss. MAAT was a huge cultural success for Portugal when it opened in 2016, offering national and international exhibitions.

Even if you’re not particularly into the art scene, we’d highly recommend visiting to see the beautiful outside if nothing else. Grab a cold drink, sit on the steps in front, and watch the boats sail past.

➡️ Book Your MAAT Ticket in advance HERE! ⬅️

After you’ve finished up at the MAAT, head back to the Belém tram stop and catch the 15E back towards Lisbon, getting off at Calvário. For this part of the itinerary, you’ll be visiting the trendy LX Factory, one of our favourite spots in the city.

LX factory is an old industrial complex that’s been turned into an artistic space filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. Just by strolling through the streets, you’ll find incredible sculptures and art installations that are sure to amaze you.

Spend some time browsing the shops, stopping for a drink, and taking in the surroundings. We personally loved the bookshop there – it’s so creative and beautiful! The vibe in LX Factory is like no where else in Lisbon and we’re sure you’ll love it.

Evening

Grab some dinner whilst exploring LX factory before heading off to one of the city’s many viewpoints to watch the sunset. We believe the best sunset viewpoint in Lisbon has to be Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. It is worth noting that this is far from a hidden gem however!

Lisbon Itinerary Day Three: Sintra Day Trip

Day three of your itinerary is an exciting one! You’ll leave the city behind and head for the mountains to the fairytale town of Sintra. This is one of our favourite day trips from Lisbon!

Morning

Start your day with an early alarm as you’ll want to be on an early train to Sintra. Pack a warm top as the temperature drops quite significantly in the mountains!

There are regular trains from Lisbon to Sintra and we’d recommend catching one around 7:50am to arrive in Sintra by 8:30. Tickets cannot be pre-purchased, but the journey is included if you pre-purchase a Lisbon card.

Once you arrive in Sintra, take the bus to Pena Palace, where you’ll spend the first part of your day. Pena Palace is a whimsical Disney-like palace, painted in bright colours that are sure to make you smile. Gates open at 9am and we’d recommend being there slightly before as queues can be lengthy.

The Pena Palace is every bit as amazing as you’d expect from the photos. The bright colours, beautiful tiles, archways and towers are incredible, whilst the views are spectacular. However, it’s worth noting it’s not necessarily a peaceful experience and you definitely won’t be alone! That being said, Pena Palace really is the star of the show.

To escape the crowds, head to the luscious gardens. Pena Palace is surrounded by 200 hectares of beautiful and dramatic gardens, with exotic plants, streams, ponds, and viewpoints. We think this is one of the most underrated parts of Sintra – very few venture beyond the castle!

Afternoon

In the afternoon, it’s time to leave the Pena Palace and head to a different part of Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira. But first, catch the 434 bus back into Sintra town for some lunch – you’ll certainly be getting the steps in today!

Following lunch, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to the entrance to Quinta da Regaleira. This is another of our favourite palaces in Sintra and is essential in your itinerary.

Quinta da Regaleira has the most stunning mystical gardens, with hidden grottos and caves waiting for you to discover. It’s said the owner used the gardens for secret ceremonies and was part of the Knights Templar. This is easy to believe as you’re strolling around the estate.

The most famous part of Quinta da Regaleira is the Well of Initiation. Be prepared to queue to go down as they do limit the number of people in it at any one time. However, it is worth the wait as it is such an incredible structure.

After finishing up at Quinta da Regaleira it’s time to head back to the train station to catch your train back to Lisbon. Trains run regularly so you don’t need to worry too much about getting to the station for a particular time.

Sintra is such an incredible day trip that you have to take when you’re visiting Lisbon. However, it is a long day, with lots of time on your feet. If you’d rather have someone else organise everything for you and take the hassle out of the day, we’d highly recommend booking onto an organised tour.

Evening

After such a long day, we’d recommend spending your evening just chilling. Head to a nice restaurant or bar for a few drinks, or if you missed sunset on your second day, climb to a viewpoint to relax.

We’d recommend Miradouro de Santa Luzia, our personal favourite spot in Lisbon. Surrounded by flowers, this is such a peaceful place to end the day. Just around the corner is Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia where you can grab a drink with an incredible view.

Lisbon Itinerary Day Four: São Jorge Castle, Carmo Convent, Viewpoints, Sunset River Cruise

Your fourth day in Lisbon will have you taking in some of the most incredible views across the city and immersing yourself in Lisbon’s history. You’ll finish the day with our absolute favourite thing to do in Lisbon: a sunset river cruise.

Morning

Start your day at the iconic São Jorge Castle, perched high on the hills overlooking Lisbon. This medieval castle offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into Lisbon’s rich history. You can explore the extensive castle grounds, towers, and ramparts, and museums.

➡️ Book Your Skip-The-Line Ticket in advance HERE! ⬅️

The castle opens at 9am, so we would advise getting there for opening time to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.

Afternoon

Following São Jorge Castle, it’s time to catch one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams. Take Tram 12 from the castle down to the Praça Figueira stop in the Baixa district. This historic tram will give you a fun and scenic ride through Lisbon’s narrow streets.

We recommend tram 12 over the more famous tram 28, as it’s less popular, making it much more enjoyable. Plus, it runs through the two most beautiful districts: Alfama and Baixa.

From Chiado, walk just 6 minutes to the nearby Carmo Convent. This Gothic church was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake, and its roofless ruins are now a museum that houses archaeological exhibits and religious art. The exposed architecture with Lisbon’s sky as the ceiling makes for a dramatic and thought-provoking visit.

After visiting Carmo Convent, we’d recommend heading next door to the GNR museum. We found this little museum to be fascinating, telling the story of how Portugal was freed from its dictatorship in 1974. Bonus, it’s free to enter!

As this afternoon is a little more chilled, there’s time to stop for a coffee at one of the best coffee shops in all of Lisbon – SO Coffee Roasters. It’s just a 2 minute walk away!

After a stop for a coffee, it’s time to enjoy some of Lisbon’s best views. Just a 10-minute walk from the convent is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, another favourite of ours. With a pretty little garden and two different levels to view the city from, it’s the perfect place to people-watch for a while.

Evening

Ready for the most special evening you’ll have in Lisbon? Start with a slightly earlier dinner than normal. We’d recommend catching an Uber or tram 15 back into Belém, ready for your evening.

After dinner, it’s time to head for your sunset river cruise. This is one of my all-time favourite travel memories and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.

Just imagine sailing down the Tagus River, wine in hand, watching all the beautiful city sights pass you by. Watch the sunset over 25 de Abril Bridge, and, if you’re lucky, you might even pass by a pod of dolphins making there way up the river.

This is a seriously special experience and you HAVE to add it to your Lisbon itinerary.

➡️ Book Your Sunset Cruise Before It Sells Out By Clicking HERE! ⬅️

Lisbon Itinerary Day Five: Alfama, Estrela Gardens, Time Out Market

The last of your 5 days in Lisbon will be more relaxed, embracing the slow pace of Portuguese life. With a beautiful neighbourhood and a pretty park to explore, this is the perfect way to spend your final day in the city.

Morning

Start your day by exploring the Alfama district. You will have visited here during your walking tour on day 1, but it’s worth going back to and exploring at a slower pace. Wander the narrow streets and discover unique local shops, cafes, and restaurants. You might stumble upon hidden gems you missed on your walking tour.

Head to the National Pantheon, a building famed for being the longest to complete in the whole of Portuguese history (just under 300 years!!). The National Pantheon holds the tombs and cenotaphs of Portugal’s most important figures and is honestly so beautiful to see. The terrace surrounding the dome offers the most incredible views over the city and the Tagus River.

Just across from the Pantheon is one of the most beautiful tiled buildings in Lisbon that’s definitely worth visiting for a few pics. For even more incredible views, head just a little further to the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora. You’ll have seen this incredible building from almost every viewpoint, but you can also explore inside. Again, you get incredible views from the monastery’s terrace.

Afternoon

After exploring Alfama, enjoy a pleasant walk from Alfama to Estrela Gardens. This walk is a great way to see some residential areas and get a glimpse into local life. Allow approximately 45 minutes for the walk, which is about 3 kilometers.

Relax and unwind at Estrela Gardens. Take a stroll through the gardens, admire the monuments and greenhouses, or rent a boat and paddle on the lake. This is a beautiful way to spend your final afternoon.

Evening

For your final evening in Lisbon, you’re going to be heading somewhere a little different for dinner. Hop on the metro at Estrela and get off at the Cais do Sodré stop.

For dinner, head to Time Out Market. This vibrant indoor market is brimming with top-notch restaurants, cafés, bars, and music. With specialist Portuguese and worldwide cuisine on offer, you have to visit Time Out Market at least once during your 5 days in Lisbon.

Finish your trip with a sunset stroll along the Tagus Riverbank, taking in your last glimpses of Lisbon.

Where To Stay In Lisbon

Lisbon is such a huge city with so many vibrant districts, it can be hard to know where to stay. For first-timers, and to make the most out of this itinerary, we would recommend basing yourself around the Baixa and Alfama districts. This means you’ll be within walking distance of most attractions within this itinerary. Plus, these are some of the most beautiful areas of the city!

We’ve rounded up the best place to stay in Lisbon for every budget, so we’re sure you’ll find somewhere you love. Plus, these all work fantastically with this itinerary, allowing you to maximise your time.

✅ Budget Option: Downtown Baixa Apartment is a beautiful apartment in the centre of the city. It has a comfortable bed, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a separate lounge area. This apartment is one of the best value in Lisbon and gets booked up almost a year in advance. Book it now before it’s too late by clicking HERE!

✅ Mid-Range Option: The 7 Hotel is in a prime location in the Baixa district, close to all the major attractions. The hotel is stylish and comfortable, and staff are always on hand to help. Click HERE To Book.

✅ Luxury Option: Pousada de Lisboa is an elegant small five-star hotel in a premium location on the edge of Praca do Comercio. The staff are attentive and offer a warm welcome, catering to your every need. This is luxury at its finest. Click HERE To Book.

FAQs

Still have some questions about your 5 days in Lisbon? We’ve answered the most common questions we get asked below.

Is Five Days Too Long For Lisbon?

Absolutely not! Lisbon is a large city with so much to see and do, we guarantee you won’t get bored. Plus, its central location makes it ideal to take day trips to other parts of Portugal. However, if you only have one day in Lisbon, you can still see plenty.

Is Lisbon A Walkable City?

Yes and no. The centre of Lisbon is perfectly walkable, and we recommend walking as much as possible as you never know what hidden gems you’ll find. However, the city is rather spread out, meaning public transport is definitely necessary to reach places such as Belém. It is also worth noting that Lisbon is very hilly, so if you struggle with your mobility, you might need to take public transport more often.

Is Lisbon expensive as a tourist?

Lisbon is one of the least expensive cities in Western Europe, with many costs lower than elsewhere. You can easily find budget-friendly meals, entry fees are generally low, and public transport is very affordable. That being said, prices are starting to creep up and hotels in peak season are rather expensive in comparison to how they were a few years ago.

What is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Our favourite time to visit Lisbon is in late May to early June. The weather is beautiful during spring, and all the flowers and jacarandas are in bloom throughout the city. It is honestly stunning. Alongside this, there are fewer tourists and prices are slightly lower to reflect that. A win-win in my opinion!

Wrap Up: 5 Days In Lisbon

Lisbon is one of our favourite cities in Portugal, if not in the whole of Europe. In your five days exploring the city, you’ll get the chance to see all the major attractions, plus a full day sightseeing in Sintra. From beautiful cobblestone streets, to convents and churches, stunning plazas, museums, and cultural sights, this itinerary really does cover all basis, making it the perfect itinerary for first-time visitors.

So what are you waiting for? Book that flight, pack up your bag, and head off on an amazing few days away exploring all this European capital city has to offer. You won’t regret it.

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