5 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

The Perfect 5 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

How to get to Lisbon 

Upon arrival at Lisbon airport, you can take a taxi or the metro to city center – both take about 20 minutes. Uber is also convenient and operates widely throughout the city. If you rented a car as part of a longer trip, I recommend dropping off at Lisbon airport then taking public transportation into the city.

Do you need a rental car in Lisbon? 

No.  If Lisbon is part of 14 days in Portugal, I recommend ditching the car before entering Lisbon.  You can easily walk, take taxis or trams everywhere. You can also get a Lisbon Card which gives you unlimited rides on all public transportation and entrance to a select number of the city’s most popular sights and museums.

How many days to spend in Lisbon?

We spent 5 days in Lisbon and it was a good amount of time to take two day trips and not feel rushed. I like to have time to explore and discover hidden gems so I generally add an extra day, particularly in bigger cities. You can certainly do the main highlights and a day trip in 3 days at a quicker pace.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city full of charm, each neighborhood offering its own unique vibe, history, and atmosphere. I recommend focusing on Baixa, Barrio Alto, Principe Real and Chiado. My personal favorites are Barrio Alto and Principe Real.

Alfama – historic, traditional, intimate. The neighborhood is vibrant yet laid-back, with local cafes, small shops, and the soulful sounds of Fado music filling the air. It’s a place to wander, get lost in its maze of alleys, and soak in the authentic Lisbon atmosphere.

Baixa – central, cosmopolitan, vibrant. Considered Lisbon’s vibrant downtown. It’s lively with shoppers and tourists, especially along Rua Augusta, lined with cafes and shops. Praça do Comércio offers a scenic riverside view. The area blends history with modern convenience, making it ideal for sightseeing and shopping.

Barrio Alto – bohemian, nightlife hub, artistic. Famous for its nightlife with bars, clubs, dining and Fado venues. By day, it’s quieter with cafes, shops and stunning viewpoints. It’s a vibrant, artistic neighborhood, perfect for a night out.

Chiado – sophisticated, artistic, historic. Known for its theaters, art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. The area is lively yet refined, attracting both locals and tourists who enjoy its mix of tradition and contemporary style. It’s perfect for exploring Lisbon’s artsy and cosmopolitan side.

Principe Real – chic, local, peaceful. Príncipe Real sits just north of Bairro Alto. It is slightly less central but still very accessible. It’s quiet, colorful, and known for its leafy streets, and a slower, more refined pace. It’s still packed with cafés, concept stores, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Is Lisbon kid friendly? 

Absolutely!  I believe most cities can be kid friendly. It’s about finding a balance of down time, a park and allowing the city to be a playground. The city itself is so interesting that simply walking around becomes an adventure.  Navigating narrow streets, dodging the zipping trams, collecting rocks along the shore, and climbing endless stairs in search of the best views.

If you are looking for playgrounds or parks in Lisbon check out Jardim Da Estrela or my favorite, Principe Real Jardim in Principe Real.

If your kids need a stroller, I recommend a lightweight foldable you can easily fold and load onto the tram for the hillier days. Afterall, Lisbon is known as the “City of Seven Hills”!   

Shopping in Lisbon

One of my favorite things to do while traveling is finding unique shops that sell locally sourced goods. I enjoy styling my home with reminders of my travels and here are some of my favorite shops in Lisbon:

• Claus Porto – beautiful soaps and fragrances made in Portugal since 1887. The stores are beautiful and makes for a unique souvenir!
• Fora – independent eyewear brand with stores in Lisbon and Porto. They offer a fun selection of sunglasses in modern and sleek stores.
• A Vida Portuguesa – stunning general store showcasing products created and fabricated in Portugal.
• Cazavellas Loreto – if candles are your thing, be sure to check out this store that has been making candles for more than 200 years! Each candle is handmade making each one unique.
• La Choix – shoes designed and made in Portugal by Fátima Carvalho. Fashionable and comfortable shoes in a gallery-like store.

How to Spend 5 Days in Lisbon, Portugal

In this 5-day Lisbon itinerary, you’ll wander through Lisbon’s Baixa and Alfama districts. You’ll take a day trip to visit Sintra and Cabo Roca,Cascais.  Finally, you’ll dine (or dance) in Barrio Alto and explore Belem and Modern Lisbon.

• Day One –Baixa + Alfama
• Day Two – Sintra + Cabo Roca
• Day Three – Principe Real + Barrio Alto + Chiado
• Day Four – Cascais
• Day Five – Belem + Modern Lisbon

Day One – Baixa + The Alfama

Start your day with a strong Portuguese coffee and pastel de nata in Baixa. Head to the Lisbon Cathedral (Se de Lisboa), the city’s oldest and most iconic church. Stroll through Alfama’s maze-like streets and admire the traditional buildings and colorful tiles. You don’t want to miss Miradouro de Santa Luzia for a perfect photo-op.

Stop for lunch in Alfama at one of the many cafes. Clube de Fado offers traditional meal and live Fado music and Casa do Leão offers great views. After lunch head to São Jorge Castle. Explore the castle, its gardens, and enjoy panoramic views over the city. You can spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here.

Hop on the historic Tram 28 and wind your way down towards Barrio Alto. Visit Miradouro de Santa Catarina and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara where you can catch scenic views of the city, Tagus River and Castle of São Jorge.

You can grab dinner in Barrio Alto at Tapa Bucho which has a fun vibe and delicious tapas in a modern space or head back where you started to Baixa and reserve a table at Ramiro for a seafood feast. Ramiro has been around for over 60 years so you know it’s good!

Day 2: Day Trip to Sintra + Cabo Roca

I highly recommend booking a tour that includes transportation to Sintra and a visit to Cabo da Roca. Most tours leave early, usually no later than 9:00 AM, to make the most of your day. Sintra is only about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon.

You’ll first visit Pena Palace, a vibrant, fairy-tale castle perched on a hill. After exploring the palace, head to the Moorish Castle, where the ancient walls and towers offer breathtaking panoramic views of Sintra and its lush surroundings. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Sintra’s picturesque streets and enjoy a delicious lunch. Don’t miss trying a local specialty, travesseiros—a mouthwatering puff pastry filled with almond cream.

After lunch, take a 20-30 minute drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It was wild to stand at the edge of the continent where land meets the vast Atlantic Ocean! In addition to the breathtaking ocean views, Cabo da Roca offers scenic walking trails and a stunning natural landscape. The historic lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1776, adds to its charm.

After enjoying some time at Cabo da Roca, you’ll head back to Lisbon.

Day 3: Principe Real + Barrio Alto + Chiado

On your third day, you’ll explore what might just be my favorite neighborhood in Lisbon—Príncipe Real! This area has an effortlessly cool, eclectic vibe, mixing old-world charm with a touch of boho. We actually stumbled upon it by chance on our last day, and I instantly fell for its pastel-colored buildings glowing in the golden afternoon light.

You will start your day with a breakfast at the cozy Café de São Bento. After breakfast, take a stroll through the Jardim do Príncipe Real. This charming park has lush greenery, beautiful fountains, and is surrounded by beautiful pastel buildings. I highly recommend getting a snack at the cute kiosk or ice cream at UAO and sitting under the centuries-old cedar tree.

For some shopping, head to Embaixada, a 19th-century palace that’s now home to boutique shops, art galleries, and concept stores by local Portuguese designers.

Explore the picturesque streets of Príncipe Real, filled with beautiful old buildings, trendy cafes, and boutique shops. Wander around Rua da Escola Politécnica and Rua de São Bento to browse through vintage stores, artisanal goods, and high-end design shops.

And it’s time to eat again! Head to Barrio Alto for lunch at Taberna Barrio Alto or Tapa Bucho. Not technically Barrio Alto but right next door, Casa de Praia offers tapas in a casual space.

After lunch, take a walk through Bairro Alto’s colorful streets. The area is full of quirky bars, shops, and cafés. While it’s more famous for its nightlife, during the day, it offers a much quieter, artsy vibe.

One of the best spots to get a panoramic view of Lisbon is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It’s a short walk from Bairro Alto, and the viewpoint offers one of the best views of the city, including the castle and the river.

After exploring Barrio Alto, make your way to Chiado, the most elegant and cultural neighborhoods in Lisbon, full of theaters, art galleries, and elegant shops.

Visit the Livraria Bertrand (World’s Oldest Bookstore), spend some time in the Museu do Chiado (Chiado Museum) to discover works by Portuguese artists. After some cultural exploring, take a coffee break at one of Lisbon’s most iconic cafes, A Brasileira. Try a “bica” (espresso), a quintessential Portuguese coffee.

To wrap up the day with a stunning sunset, head to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a popular viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tagus River, the 25th April Bridge, and the city as the sun sets.

For dinner, I recommend Bairro do Avillez in Chiado. The food and wine was delicious and the vibe was lively and warm. We stumbled upon an outdoor performance by the local ballet across the street and it was the perfect way to end our night!

Day 4: Day Trip to Cascais

A day trip to Cascais from Lisbon is super easy, relaxing, and absolutely worth it—especially if you’re craving ocean breeze, charming streets, and a slower coastal vibe. Here’s everything you need to know for the perfect day.

• Plan to leave in the morning and head back by sunset. One full day is enough.
• Pack sunscreen, towel and beach attire. You can rent chairs and an umbrella if you wish.
• Trains run every 20–30 minutes, and the ride takes about 40 minutes.
• Tickets are cheap–around €2.30 each way.
• It’s a beautiful route that hugs the coast most of the way.

Once you get there, you’ll want to explore the the historic center with its charming streets and shops. Check out Rua Frederico Arouca–pedestrian street full of cafes and shops and maybe grab a coffee before heading to the beach.

Praia da Ribeira is right next to the train station which makes it an easy choice but for a quieter options, walk or bike to Praia da Rainha or Praia do Guincho.

Take the 20 minute walk to Boca do Inferno (“Mouth of Hell”) and take in the dramatic cliff formation and watch the waves crash into the rocky cavern.

Grab lunch at one of the many cafes or seaside restaurants and enjoy some fresh seafood and refreshing spritz. And of course, must have gelato at Santini!

For something more local and unique check out Mercado da Vila (or Cascais Market). Its about a 5-minute walk from both the train and bus stations in the modern part of Cascais and offers fresh produce, many bars and restaurants and cultural activities throughout the week.

Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the best days to visit when both the fresh produce stalls and specialty markets are open.

Head back to Lisbon for a night out or dinner on your last night!

Adeus for now!