Lisbon 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Lisbon Itinerary:

Day 1: Historic Heartbeat

  • Morning: Arrive in Lisbon (Lisboa) and check into your hotel/Airbnb. Consider Alfama district for its charming atmosphere and proximity to historical landmarks, or the trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood for a more vibrant stay.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Alfama district, including:
    • Alfama Walking Tour: Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, admiring colorful buildings, traditional tiled facades (azulejos), and hidden squares.
    • Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa): Visit this iconic landmark and admire its Romanesque architecture and stunning views from the rooftop.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner at Time Out Market: Enjoy a variety of Portuguese cuisine from renowned chefs and restaurants in a vibrant, communal setting.
    • Drinks in Bairro Alto: Experience the bustling nightlife of this historic neighborhood, known for its bars and traditional “tascas” (restaurants).

Day 2: Exploring the Heights

  • Morning: Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa up to the top for panoramic views over Lisbon.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Castelo de São Jorge: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the castle’s hilltop location.
    • Alfama Tour (cont.): Explore the charming streets and shops of Bairro Alto, perhaps venturing into other areas like Graça or Belen for more historical context.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at a “Casa de Fados” in Alfama: Immerse yourself in the traditional Portuguese music scene while enjoying delicious food.
    • Experience a Fado show: Listen to the soulful sounds of Fado, Portugal’s national music, and enjoy the experience of dining in a historic setting.

Day 3: Downhill Delight

  • Morning: Explore the charming Bairro Alto neighborhood, stopping at Pastéis de Belém for the famous custard tarts.

  • Afternoon:

    • Take a ride on Tram 28: This historic tram line travels through some of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
    • Visit the Jerónimos Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in the Alfama district, followed by live Fado music.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Explore the Belém Tower, a historic fortification with stunning views of the Tagus River.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum): A must-see for any carriage enthusiast, and a fascinating glimpse into the history of transportation in Portugal.

  • Evening:

    • Explore Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife: Enjoy dinner and drinks in one of the many bars and clubs.

Day 5: Modern Lisbon and Beyond

  • Morning: Wander through the colorful streets and alleys of the Alfama neighborhood, discovering hidden gems like the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the modern art at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Admire works from renowned Portuguese artists.
    • Visit a modern bookstore: Places like Bertrand Bookstore or Livraria Lello offer unique architectural experiences alongside their literary collections.

  • Evening: Enjoy a final Portuguese dinner and reflect on your trip, perhaps with a sunset view of the Tagus River from a rooftop bar.

Things to do:

  • Explore Alfama: Wander through its winding streets, discover historical landmarks like the Castelo de São Jorge (Lisbon Castle) and enjoy traditional fado music in one of the charming restaurants or “fado houses” that dot this historic neighborhood.
  • Wander through the Alfama district: This is a great place to walk around and explore the hidden alleyways and alleyway cafes.
  • Catch a Tram 28 ride:

This journey through Lisbon’s history can be enhanced by exploring:

* **Alfama:** The oldest district in Lisbon, with Moorish influences and charming cobbled streets.
  • Enjoy modern nightlife spots:

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon by visiting one of its many trendy bars or clubs.

  • Lisbon’s Alfama District: Take a stroll through the narrow streets and marvel at the colorful buildings and azulejos (ceramic tiles).
  • Belém Tower: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Lisbon’s maritime past.

Things to know:

  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are ideal times for visiting Lisbon with pleasant weather.

  • Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. While many locals speak English, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases will go a long way in enhancing your experience.**

  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency used in Portugal.

  • Transportation:

    • Lisbon Card: Consider getting a Lisbon Card for discounts on public transportation and access to some attractions.

  • Public Transportation: Lisbon has an excellent public transportation system, including the iconic yellow trams and a modern metro network.

Other things of interest:

  • Lisbon’s History: From its Roman roots and Age of Discovery era to its modern-day charm, Lisbon offers historical layers for every traveler.
  • Lisbon’s Culture: Explore the city’s rich culture through its museums (like the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga), vibrant street art scene in neighborhoods like

Bairro Alto, and “Lisboa” itself.

  • Food Scene: Discover Lisbon’s culinary delights with a visit to one of the city’s many restaurants offering fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Portuguese dishes.

**

  • Day Trips:

Explore the charming coastal town of Cascais or Sintra, a historical village with palaces and castles.

  • Budgeting:

Lisbon is a relatively affordable European capital, especially compared to other major cities.

  • Safety: Lisbon is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.
  • Cost of living:

Enjoy the affordability of local food and wine options in Lisbon.

Beyond the Sights:

* Enjoy **Time Out Market**:

Experience Lisbon’s vibrant culinary scene at the Time Out Market, a culinary wonderland with diverse food stalls.

  • Explore the city’s history:

Visit historical landmarks like Castelo de São Jorge (Lisbon) or the Jerónimos Monastery for a dose of culture and breathtaking views.

Food: Enjoy a diverse and delicious culinary experience:

  • Eat at a “tasca”: These traditional Portuguese restaurants offer an authentic taste of local cuisine, often at affordable prices.
  • Sample Portuguese food:

Indulge in the culinary delights of the city’s many cafes and restaurants. Try dishes like bacalhau (cod) with potatoes and onions, pastel de nata (custard tarts), or a hearty dish of carne de porco à alentejana (pork and clams).

  • Explore “Lisboa”: Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine at its finest, from seafood rice dishes to grilled sardines.

Beyond the Food:

Experience Lisbon’s vibrant cultural scene with these activities:

  • Lisbon’s Museums: Explore museums like the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian (which focuses on art and artifacts) or the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (which celebrates the art of azulejos).

  • Explore the city’s historic districts: Lisbon has many charming historical neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.

  • Visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga: Experience the history of art and the “Age of Discovery” theme through the museum’s exhibits.

  • Enjoy the nightlife in Lisbon:

Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

  • Visit the National Museum of Ancient Art: Discover the artistry of Portugal’s past, with a focus on the 12th to 19th centuries.

Beyond:

  • Explore the National Museum of Tile (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) in Lisbon, which houses a collection of stunning Portuguese tilework.
  • The Lisbon Oceanarium is a popular choice for a day trip.

Things to consider:

  • Budgeting: The cost of living in Lisbon is generally lower than in other major European cities, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead and set a budget.
  • Seasonality: Portugal is known for its mild climate, but summer can get hot (especially with the sun reflecting off the whitewashed walls).

Enjoy:

  • Historical Context: The Lisbon Museum of Ancient Art has a fascinating collection of tiles that showcase the evolution of this traditional art form.

  • Delicious Food and Drinks:

Portugal is known for its diverse and delicious food, from fresh seafood to traditional pastries.

  • Enjoy the city’s “Lisboa” nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife in Lisbon, with its many bars and clubs.
  • Explore the historical neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto:

Find a guide to help you navigate the different restaurants and bars in the area.

Transportation:

  • Consider using public transportation for exploring the city.

  • Lisbon’s “Lisboa” Card:

This can be a good option to use for free or discounted travel on Lisbon’s trams, buses, and funiculars.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Lisbon:

Explore the city’s diverse nightlife options with the help of a guide.

  • Learn about the history of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods and how the “Lisbon” card can be used for access to various attractions.

Transportation:

  • Take advantage of the “Lisboa” Card: Explore the city’s public transportation system, including the iconic yellow trams and the modern “Lisboa” metro network, using your “Lisboa” card.
  • Embrace the local culture:

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto.

**

  • Budget for travel: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife by budgeting for transportation costs within the city.

Let me know if you’d like to explore a specific neighborhood or interest in more detail, and I can help with suggestions!