The Ultimate 4-Day Lisbon Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Lisbon had been on my travel list for years, and this summer I finally made it, during a full-on heatwave! With temperatures soaring, I knew this trip would look a little different. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, I slowed things down, spent afternoons by the pool, and focused on making the most of my mornings and evenings. If it’s your first time in Lisbon, this 4-day itinerary is the perfect balance of sightseeing and downtime. I’ll share the exact spots I visited, but the best part is: you can easily mix and match based on your own schedule. Whether you want to dive into Alfama’s winding streets, climb castles for sweeping views, or just sip matcha in the sun, this guide will help you plan a trip that feels both fun and manageable.

Practical Info / What to Know Before You Go

Before you dive into your Lisbon itinerary, here are some key tips to make your trip smoother:

1. Hills & Walking

Lisbon is very hilly, expect lots of stairs and inclines.

• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip so you don’t slide on the steep hills. I made the mistake of wearing sandals on my first day and ended up slipping and sliding!
• Consider taking the tram or Bolt rides to avoid steep climbs.

2. Heat & Sun

Summers can be intense, especially during heatwaves.

• Pace yourself: plan sightseeing for mornings/evenings, and take breaks in cafes or at your hotel pool.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle! Trust me on this one!

3. Public Transport

Public transport is cheap and reliable.

• Metro, trams, and buses connect all major areas (including the airport).
• A 24-hour pass can save money if you’ll ride multiple times.
• Bolt rides are very affordable (my first ride was only €6 with a discount).

4. Food & Drinks

• Pastéis de nata are a must-try at multiple bakeries (like Manteigaria)!
• Cafés are abundant, perfect for a quick coffee or brunch stop.
• In Lisbon you’ll find plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and that cater to allergies!

5. Flexibility

• Some markets or activities only happen on certain days (e.g., Feira da Ladra flea market: Tuesday & Saturday). Always make sure to check dates before you go!
• Treat your itinerary as a guide, mix and match based on your travel dates, energy levels, and weather.

6. Money & Practicalities

• Most places accept cards, but some smaller shops and cafés are cash-only. My card from my Dutch bank (Visa) as well as my credit card (Mastercard) were accepted everywhere I paid (including the metro).
• ATMs are widely available.
• Tap water is safe to drink.

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Chiado & City Center Highlights

Start your first day in Lisbon in the vibrant Chiado neighborhood, a perfect mix of cafés, shops, and iconic landmarks. Here’s how we spent some days in the neighborhood (with plenty of flexibility to swap things around depending on your interests):

1. Brunch at Dear Breakfast (Chiado)

• Menu highlights: Halloumi Benedict (poached eggs, brioche, hummus, avocado, grilled halloumi, hollandaise, sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy potatoes) + iced blueberry matcha.
• Tip: Popular spot, expect a line in the mornings. As a small party, we were seated right away.

2. Elevador de Santa Justa

• The iconic lift connecting Baixa with Carmo Square. Normally there’s a long line and a ticket fee (€5.30 roundtrip), but…
• Hack: enter from the back through Carmo Square, it’s free and skips the wait!
• The views of Lisbon’s rooftops are spectacular, especially at sunset. Skip the line and avoid paying – a perfect trick for first-time visitors!

3. Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa

• A whimsical sardine shop designed almost like a circus or carnival.
• Each tin is printed with a different year, making it a fun (and quirky) souvenir.
• Even if you don’t buy, it’s worth a browse for the over-the-top décor.

4. Praça Dom Pedro IV

• A central square lined with cafes, fountains, and the iconic wave-patterned cobblestones.
• Great people-watching spot and often a hub of local activity.

5. Brunch at Breakfast Lovers (Chiado)

• A cozy café decorated with classic Lisbon tiles.
• Known for having at least eight types of Eggs Benedict — including more unique versions like octopus Benedict.
• I went for the “Eggs Benedict King” with salmon, brioche, hollandaise, and potatoes. Delicious, but heavier than I’d want for breakfast.
• Their matcha is ceremonial grade, so smooth and high quality!

6. Shopping in Chiado

• Fashion lovers: don’t miss the second-largest Zara in the world here.
• The area also has plenty boutiques and souvenir shops if fast fashion isn’t your thing!

7. Pastéis de nata at Manteigaria

• One of Lisbon’s most famous spots for Portugal’s beloved custard tarts. They have locations all over Lisbon, not just in Chiado.
• The pastries are baked fresh throughout the day, so you’ll often hear the bell ring as a new batch comes out.
• Creamy, flaky, not too sweet and much less crowded than Pastéis de Belém (so I’ve heard on TikTok).

Tips for your own itinerary:

• Chiado is walkable; combine food stops with sightseeing.
• Take photos along the streets and façades, Chiado is very photogenic.
• Adjust timing for lines at popular spots like Dear Breakfast or Elevador de Santa Justa.

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Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and authentic local charm. It’s perfect for wandering, discovering hidden gems, and soaking in traditional Lisbon vibes.

1. Sé de Lisboa Cathedral

• One of the city’s oldest and most important churches, dating back to the 12th century.
• You can see a small part of the church for free, but to gain access to the whole church, entry is €7, which includes access to the treasury and cloisters. This will allow you to roam around at your own pace and see everything.
• Inside, you’ll find a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
• Personally, not the most impressive church I’ve ever seen, nor the prettiest one in Lisbon. Plus, it wasn’t that big inside, so we didn’t spend much time here. The €7 entry wasn’t really worth it for me.

2. Wander Alfama Streets

• Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, think narrow, winding streets, colorful tiles, and laundry hanging above your head.
• Great for getting “lost” in Lisbon’s charm.
• This was my favorite part in Lisbon and I loved just walking around here. Since it was my first time in Portugal & Lisbon, this gave me that real authentic Lisbon vibe and I knew I loved this city!

3. Gelato Stop at Grom

• Italian gelato chain that started in Turin and now has locations across Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal).
• The best part? It’s 100% gluten-free, so safe for celiacs.
• Super creamy, rich flavors like pistachio, dark chocolate, and fruit sorbets.
• Personally really loved my scoop of mango gelato.
• We found this small tucked away shop in Alfama. Absolutely adorable and a great place for a short pit stop in the heat!

4. Feira da Ladra Flea Market

• Lisbon’s famous flea market, held Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Expect everything from antiques to handmade jewelry.
• I even made a charm necklace here as a personal souvenir!
• Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s a fun cultural experience.

Tips for your own itinerary:

• Alfama is best explored on foot – small alleys and hills make driving impossible.
• Wear comfortable shoes and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
• Plan for flexible timing if visiting Feira da Ladra, adjust your day based on when the market is open.

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Landmarks & Green Escapes

This part of the guide is all about iconic city views, wide open squares, and a touch of greenery to escape the city buzz. Perfect for a day of sightseeing with some relaxing breaks!

1. Praça do Comércio

• Large, historic square by the river with stunning architecture.
• Great for photos and people-watching.

2. Arco da Rua Augusta

• Don’t miss climbing the Arco da Rua Augusta, just €4.50 to reach the top.
• The 360° views of the city, river, and square are well worth it.
• I don’t think this activity is very popular among tourists, since it was not busy at all. You can reach the top with an elevator and a very narrow stairwell, so this might not be accessible for everyone.

3. Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII

• A large viewpoint with manicured gardens inside Parque Eduardo VII and one of the best panoramic looks at Lisbon.
• Perfect spot for a short rest or a picnic.
• Easy to access via metro, with wide open space compared to some of the busier miradouros.
• It has a huge yellow Lisboa sign which makes a great photo opportunity!

4. Estufa Fria Botanical Garden

• A lush botanical garden filled with tropical and exotic plants.
• Entry: €3.60 or just €1.80 for students, and it feels like stepping into a jungle oasis in the middle of the city!
• A perfect spot to escape the sun and crowds.
• One of my favorite activities of the trip, because I love botanical gardens!

Tips for your own itinerary:

• Lisbon’s summer heat makes mid-afternoon breaks ideal, take time at viewpoints or the botanical garden to cool off.
• Combine nearby landmarks in a single walking route to maximize your time.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat – especially if you’re walking between sights.

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Views & Castles

No first-time trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to Castelo de São Jorge: the city’s historic castle that offers unbeatable views and a glimpse into Lisbon’s past.

1. Castelo de São Jorge

• Entry: €21 (includes audio tour + museum access). Online tickets are usually around €15 – €18 without extra’s.
• Highlights: panoramic city views, historic walls, and gardens.
• Audio tour: Highly recommended, explains the castle’s history and gives context to what you’re seeing.
• Tip: Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.

2. Surrounding Viewpoints

• Take time to enjoy nearby terraces and viewpoints around the castle for sweeping views of Alfama and the Tagus River.

3. Sunset Boat Ride on the Tagus

• Book via GetYourGuide (Blue River Cruises) for a scenic way to see the city from the water.
• Includes snacks and drinks on board.
• Sails past 12 iconic landmarks over the span of 2.5 hours.
• Watching the sun dip behind the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei statue was magical!
• The BEST activity I did in Lisbon!

Tips for your own itinerary:

• Order a Bolt ride to Castelo de São Jorge, there’s a lot of uphill walking to reach the castle even from the nearest metro stop. I was so glad we did and it was only about €6 from our hotel to the castle.
• The castle grounds are spacious, so you can wander at your own pace.
• Combine this with a stroll through Alfama or Chiado to maximize your day.

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Why I Loved Lisbon

Lisbon completely stole my heart! It’s one of those cities that feels both historic and modern at the same time, where you can spend your morning exploring centuries-old castles and your evening sipping cocktails on a rooftop or cruising along the Tagus River.

What stood out most to me was how liveable it felt as a visitor. Even during a heatwave, we managed to balance sightseeing with downtime (shoutout to our hotel pool!). The metro made getting around simple and affordable, and every neighborhood had its own character, from the winding lanes of Alfama to the buzzing streets of Chiado.

Food-wise, you’re spoiled for choice! Whether it was flaky pastéis de nata, indulgent Eggs Benedict at brunch, or a scoop of gelato on a hot afternoon, there was always something delicious to try. And the best part? Everything still felt affordable compared to other European capitals.

If you’re planning your first trip to Lisbon, my biggest tips would be:

• Pace yourself: those hills are no joke, and the heat can be intense in summer.
• Mix famous landmarks with quieter spots: yes, climb the Arco da Rua Augusta and visit São Jorge Castle, but also make time to get lost in Alfama or relax in a shady park.
• Don’t skip the food: brunch cafés, traditional tarts, seafood, and local wine all deserve space on your itinerary.

For me, Lisbon struck the perfect balance between city adventure and laid-back vacation. I already know I’ll be back!

Xo Bug Girl

Instagram: @thebuggirladventures

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Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Lisbon

Best Brunch in Lisbon: Dear Breakfast vs. Breakfast Lovers – Bug Girl Adventures

Hotel Review: Jupiter Lisboa – Bug Girl Adventures