Lisbon in 5 days: Exploring Culture and Charm

Discover the charm and colorful history of Lisbon, Portugal.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Lisbon, you can explore the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Take a stroll through the medieval Alfama neighborhood or visit the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Be sure to try the local cuisine, such as the delicious pastéis de nata or fresh seafood dishes, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Lisbon's bustling streets and nightlife.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Taste of Lisbon

  • Check into the Hotel Santa Justa, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Head to the Time Out Market for lunch, where you can sample a variety of local dishes from different vendors.
  • Take a stroll through the charming neighborhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto, known for their trendy shops and colorful tiled buildings.
  • Visit São Jorge Castle, an impressive medieval fortress with stunning views of the city.
  • End the day with some Portuguese wine and tapas at the cozy Adega do Machado.
Day 2

Exploring the Riverside

  • Start the day with a ferry ride to Cacilhas, a quaint fishing village on the south bank of the Tagus River.
  • Walk along the riverfront and enjoy the stunning views of Lisbon's historic districts.
  • Visit the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), a striking modern building dedicated to contemporary art and culture.
  • Stop by the historic Belém Tower and the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Enjoy a traditional custard tart (pastel de nata) from the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
Day 3

A Day in Sintra

  • Take a train to the picturesque town of Sintra, nestled in the lush green hills outside of Lisbon.
  • Visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace, an eccentric castle with colorful turrets and a stunning hilltop location.
  • Explore the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, a historic estate with gardens, grottoes and hidden tunnels.
  • Walk through the charming streets of the town center and stop at a local café for a bica (espresso) and a traditional queijada pastry.
  • Return to Lisbon for a dinner of fresh seafood and wine at Cervejaria Ramiro.
Day 4

Street Art and Fado

  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Alcântara, known for its colorful murals and street art.
  • Visit the LX Factory, a creative hub with art galleries, vintage shops and hip restaurants.
  • Take a break at the Village Underground, a unique cultural space made of shipping containers and buses.
  • In the evening, experience a traditional fado show at Clube de Fado, accompanied by delicious Portuguese cuisine.
  • End the night with a drink at the quirky Pensão Amor, a former brothel turned bar with eclectic décor.
Day 5

Departure Day

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
  • Take a last stroll through the charming streets of Lisbon and pick up some souvenirs at one of the local markets.
  • Visit the impressive National Azulejo Museum, dedicated to the history and art of Portuguese tiles.
  • End the trip with a romantic sunset cruise along the Tagus River, admiring the city skyline and the picturesque 25 de Abril Bridge.
  • Depart for home with memories of an unforgettable trip to the charming and vibrant city of Lisbon.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lisbon, Portugal by plane is to fly into Lisbon Portela Airport, which has nonstop flights from several major cities around the world.

Car

If you're driving to Lisbon, you can take the A1 highway from Porto to Lisbon or the A2 highway from the Algarve. Once you reach Lisbon, you'll need to navigate the city's roads and find parking, which can be a bit tricky in some areas.

Train

While there are train options to Lisbon, they tend to be slower and less convenient than other modes of transport. However, if you're traveling from within Portugal, you can take a train to Lisbon Oriente station or Lisbon Santa Apolonia station.

Boat

While it's not the most common way to reach Lisbon, you can take a boat to Lisbon via the Tejo River. The city has several marinas where you can dock, including the Lisbon Marina and the Alcantara-Marina.

Bus

Taking a bus to Lisbon is a great way to reach the city on a budget. Several bus companies operate in the area, and you can take a bus from major cities throughout Portugal and neighboring countries. The main bus station in Lisbon is Sete Rios Bus Station.

Destination

Lisbon

Welcome to the city where the hills are steep, the food is delicious, and the wine flows like water. Just don't forget to wear comfortable shoes – those cobblestone streets aren't playing around.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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