Four Days in Lisbon: A Walkable City Break Plan

Lisbon spreads over hills above the Tagus estuary, and most first-time visitors find that four days is enough to see the highlights without rushing. The historic centre is compact and walkable, and the metro, trams, buses and funiculars cover the slopes. Here is a simple plan, drawing on our own Lisbon guide.

Choose your base

Our guide to Lisbon neighbourhoods describes four easy options. Baixa and Chiado is the downtown grid between the river and the hills, with squares, shops and cafés within walking distance. Alfama is the oldest quarter, with tiled alleys, viewpoints and fado houses climbing towards São Jorge Castle. Avenida da Liberdade is a tree-lined boulevard of designer shops and smart hotels, an easy walk down to Baixa. Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real are quiet boutique-and-garden neighbourhoods by day and the centre of the bar and music scene at night.

Day one: Alfama and the castle

Start in Alfama and ride the vintage Tram 28 through the old streets towards São Jorge Castle. In the evening, find a candlelit tavern for fado. Wear shoes with grip, because the streets are steep and the paving can be slippery.

Day two: Belém

Head west to Belém for the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, then queue for the original warm custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém. The queue moves quickly, and the tarts are worth it.

Day three: Sintra

Sintra sits about 30 kilometres northwest of the city and is one of the most popular day trips. Explore the fairy-tale Pena Palace and the mossy Quinta da Regaleira in the wooded hills. Book timed tickets for Pena Palace ahead, and wear comfortable shoes for the hills.

Day four: food and an easy afternoon

Spend the morning around Baixa and Chiado, then graze the stalls of Time Out Market at Cais do Sodré. If you want a change of pace, take the coastal train to Cascais for the marina, the old town and the Boca do Inferno. Or go the other way and spend the evening in Bairro Alto.

Practical notes

• Entry: Canadians can visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. The EU is also introducing an ETIAS travel authorisation, so check whether it applies before you fly.
• Getting around: the airport is about 7 kilometres from downtown, and the red metro line, an Aerobus or a short taxi or rideshare all reach the centre.
• Money: Portugal uses the euro. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, with a little cash handy for kiosks and tips.
• When to go: spring and early autumn are warm and sunny with fewer crowds than the July and August peak.
• Insurance: provincial health plans do not cover care abroad, so arrange travel insurance.

Tips for walking Lisbon's hills

Lisbon is walkable, but it is hilly, and a good pair of shoes makes a real difference. Our guide suggests wearing comfortable shoes for the hills of Sintra, and the same applies in Alfama. The city also has funiculars and trams that take the effort out of the steepest climbs, and a rechargeable Viva Viagem card works across the transport network. If you prefer a slower pace, pick one neighbourhood per half day and leave time for a long lunch.

Eating and drinking

Lisbon rewards a flexible approach to meals. Start with pastéis de nata in Belém, graze at the Time Out Market, and keep an evening free for a tavern in Alfama or the bars of Bairro Alto. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, but a little cash is useful for kiosks and tips.

Plan it with shoptravel

Read our full Lisbon guide for more on neighbourhoods and excursions, and compare Lisbon vacation packages that bundle flights and a central hotel. We are registered with TICO and charge no booking fees.