Lisbon Portugal 5 Day Itinerary

5 Days in Lisbon: A Vibrant Itinerary

Lisbon is a city bursting with history, culture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. This 5-day itinerary offers a taste of everything the Portuguese capital has to offer, balancing must-see sights with opportunities for relaxation and exploring hidden gems.

Day 1: Arrival & Lisbon Charm

  • Morning: Arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon.
    • Where to stay: Consider charming neighborhoods like Alfama (historic, winding streets), Bairro Alto (lively nightlife), or Chiado (boutique shops and cafes). For a budget-friendly option, check out hostels in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Explore Alfama’s historic alleys, discover hidden miradouros (lookout points) for breathtaking views, and wander through the neighborhood’s historical sites like:
    • Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Offers stunning panoramic views of the Alfama district and the Tagus River.
    • Lisbon Cathedral: Admire the Gothic architecture and visit the impressive cloister.
    • Alfama’s historic trams: Take a ride on Tram 28, a vintage Lisbon tram that navigates the city’s charming hills and streets.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in Alfama at:
    • Cervejaria Ramiro: A seafood lover’s paradise for fresh catches and vibrant atmosphere (be prepared for queues!).

Day 2: History & Views

  • Morning: Start the day with a journey through Lisbon’s history at these sites:
    • Jerónimos Monastery: Explore this masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Belém Tower: Marvel at the intricate carvings and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Tagus River.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the historic Alfama district and enjoy:
    • A delicious lunch with a view: The rooftop terrace at “The Independente Hostel” offers a cozy atmosphere and stunning city panoramas.

Day 3: Belém Exploration & Art Appreciation

  • Morning: Indulge in the local culture with a visit to:
    • Pastéis de Belém: A must-do for any Lisbon visitor! Savor these iconic custard tarts in their birthplace.
    • LX Factory: Explore this creative hub, full of independent shops, restaurants, and art studios. Enjoy street art, vintage shopping, or a unique coffee experience.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the “Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga” (National Museum of Ancient Art), immersing yourself in Portuguese masterpieces from centuries past.

Day 4: Alfama Charm & Fado Music

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional “fado” performance, the soulful music genre born in Lisbon’s own historical heart.
    • Fado restaurant: For an authentic experience, head to “Casa de Pastéis” in Belém (known for its intimate setting and delicious Pastel de Nata)

Day 5: Alfama Exploration & Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Wander through the charming streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district.
    • Enjoy a Fado show: “Clube de Fado” offers a more traditional fado experience with authentic music and ambiance.
    • Try some “petiscos” (small snacks): Explore the diverse culinary scene in Bairro Alto, indulging in Portuguese classics like bacalhau (cod) and caldo verde (potato and kale soup) at “Tasca do Chico” or “O’Tasco”.

Things to know:

  • Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
  • Currency: The Euro (€).
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Food & Drink: Lisbon is known for its fresh seafood, seafood stew (“caldo verde”), “pastéis de nata” (custard tarts) and delicious wine.

For accommodation, consider:

  • Location: Alfama’s a charming choice but stay in the city center for easy access to everything.
  • Transportation: Lisbon is easily navigable by foot, public transport, or taxi.

Here are some additional tips for your trip:

  • Get a Lisboa Card: This card offers free access to public transportation and attractions within the city.
  • Explore on Foot: Lisbon’s neighborhoods are full of stunning views and hidden gems, so take advantage of walking tours and exploring the narrow streets and alleys.
  • Learn some basic Portuguese phrases: A little effort goes a long way!

Things to do in Lisbon:

  • Visit Jerónimos Monastery: This magnificent building is a testament to Lisbon’s rich history and architecture.

  • Explore the Alfama district: Wander through its historic streets, enjoy the views from the miradouros, and experience the vibrant local culture.

  • Take a boat trip on the Tagus River: Enjoy the scenery and fresh air with a relaxing cruise past historical landmarks and along the stunning coastline.

  • Day 4: Alfama Exploration

  • Visit the LX Factory: This creative hub in Lisbon’s trendy Alcântara district is home to independent shops, restaurants, bars, and art studios.

  • Wander through the historic streets of Sintra: Explore the colorful streets and gardens of this enchanting town, a popular destination for tourists.

Day 5: Ocean Adventure

  • Visit the beaches of Cascais: Lisbon’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Europe. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at the nearby beaches.
  • Enjoy a picnic at Quinta da Regaleira: This stunning estate is home to hidden tunnels, underground chambers, and a breathtaking garden.

Transportation Tips:

  • Public Transport: Lisbon has an excellent public transport system (metro, trams, buses, and ferries). Use it!
  • Walking: Walking is the best way to experience the charm of Lisbon. Many attractions are within walking distance from each other.
  • Enjoy the views: Take a break from sightseeing and grab a glass of “vinho verde” (green wine) at a local cafe, or enjoy the green views of “Jardim da Estrela” (Garden of the Star) while taking a stroll through this historic neighborhood.

Other things of interest:

  • Explore the Alfama district: This is the oldest district in Lisbon and offers charming streets, traditional restaurants, and historical landmarks.
  • Visit the Castelo de São Jorge: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from its highest point.
  • Ride the iconic Tram 28: A must-do for any visitor to Lisbon.

Day 5: Bairro Alto & Beyond

  • Enjoy a “fado” performance in a traditional “tasca”: A tasca is a small, informal restaurant typical of Lisbon.

Food & Drink:

  • Try the Pasteis de Nata: These are delicious custard tarts that originated in Lisbon.
  • Sample some local wine: A great way to experience the culture and flavors of the city.

Remember:

  • This is just a sample itinerary, feel free to customize it based on your interests.

  • Enjoy the food scene:

    • “Pastéis de Belém” (in Lisbon’s Belém neighborhood):

    • Eat: Lisbon is known for its fresh seafood. Try a traditional Portuguese dish like “bacalhau à bras” (cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs) or “caldeirada portuguesa” (Portuguese fish stew).

    • Drink: Sample some local wines in the Alfama district.

Enjoy your trip to Lisbon!