Lisbon Portugal 5 Day Itinerary

Lisbon, Portugal 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Alfama

  • Morning: Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) and take the metro (red line) to Baixa-Chiado station.
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel or hostel in the historic center, such as Hotel Avenida Palace or Living Lounge Hostel.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Portuguese cuisine at Café Buenos Aires or grab a pastry at Confeitaria Nacional.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of Alfama, visiting:
    • Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa): A beautiful Gothic-style church.
    • Castle of São Jorge: A Moorish castle with stunning views of the city.
    • Fado music: Listen to traditional Portuguese folk music at a local taberna or restaurant.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Solar do Castelo, offering modern Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2: Belem and the Age of Discoveries

  • Morning: Take tram 15 from Praça da Figueira to Belém.
  • Breakfast: Visit the famous Pastéis de Belém for a delicious pastry.
  • Jerónimos Monastery: A stunning example of Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tower of Belém: A medieval fortress and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Lunch: Try some seafood at Restaurante Cais da Estrela.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Archaeology Museum or take a stroll along the Tagus River.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Eleven, offering modern Portuguese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 3: Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto

  • Morning: Explore the shopping streets of Baixa, including:
    • Rua Augusta: A pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes.
    • Rossio Square: A beautiful square with historic buildings and cafes.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Café Nicola, a historic cafe in the heart of Baixa.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Chiado, known for its:
    • Theaters: The Teatro Nacional de São Carlos and the Teatro Trindade Coelho.
    • Cafes: Enjoy a coffee at Café A Brasileira, a historic cafe in Chiado.
  • Evening: Head to Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife, and enjoy dinner at Restaurante Bistro 100 Maneiras.

Day 4: Sintra and Cascais

  • Morning: Take the train from Rossio Station to Sintra ( approx. 45 minutes).
  • Pena Palace: A colorful and eclectic palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Sintra National Palace: A stunning example of Manueline architecture.
  • Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Restaurante Café Central in Sintra’s historic center.
  • Afternoon: Take the bus or taxi to Cascais (approx. 30 minutes), a charming coastal town.
  • Cascais Beach: Relax on the beach or take a stroll along the coast.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante O Pescador in Cascais.

Day 5: Parque das Nações and the River Tagus

  • Morning: Take the metro (red line) to Oriente Station, then take the bus or taxi to Parque das Nações (approx. 10 minutes).
  • Parque das Nações: A modern neighborhood built for the 1998 World Exposition, featuring:
    • Oceanário de Lisboa: One of Europe’s largest aquariums.
    • Cable Car: Take a ride over the park and enjoy the views.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Restaurante Solar do Oriente.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the River Tagus, enjoying the views of the city.
  • Evening: Return to your accommodation and pack up for departure.

Transportation

  • Metro: An efficient way to get around the city (€1.50 per ride or €6.40 for a day pass).
  • Bus: A good option for shorter distances (€1.80 per ride or €6.40 for a day pass).
  • Tram: A fun way to see the sights, but be prepared for crowds and long lines (€2.85 per ride or €9.50 for a day pass).
  • Taxi: A convenient option, especially at night (approx. €5-10 per ride).

Tips

  • Buy a Viva Viagem card for unlimited public transportation (€6.40 for 1 day, €12.80 for 2 days, or €23.60 for 3 days).
  • Be prepared for hills and cobblestone streets in Lisbon’s historic center.
  • Try to avoid visiting popular attractions during peak hours (11am-3pm) to minimize crowds.
  • Don’t forget to try some Pastéis de Nata (egg tarts) and Bifana (pork sandwich) during your trip!

Other Interests

  • Football: Catch a match at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica or the Estádio José Alvalade.
  • Markets: Visit the Mercado da Ribeira or the Feira da Ladra for a taste of local culture.
  • Day Trips: Consider visiting the nearby towns of Évora, Setúbal, or Mafra.

Enjoy your trip to Lisbon!