1. Lisbon in 4 days
If you visit Lisbon in 4 days , you have the perfect amount of time to discover the capital in depth AND explore the surrounding attractions. This itinerary allows you to combine UNESCO World Heritage sites, authentic local life, and two comprehensive excursions to Sintra and Cascais.
This detailed guide offers an optimized schedule, expert advice, and the best ways to maximize your experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
2. Route Overview
Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage
- Morning : Belém Tower (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Lunch in Belém
- Afternoon : Jerónimos Monastery (1.5 hours)
- Evening : Walk in Belém
Day 2: Alfama & City Center
- Morning : São Jorge Castle (2 hours)
- Lunch : Lunch in Alfama
- Afternoon : Alfama alleyways, National Pantheon
- Evening : Traditional Fado
Day 3: Sintra (Full excursion)
- Morning : Train to Sintra
- Day trip : Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira
- Evening : Return to Lisbon
Day 4: Cascais & Coast
- Morning : Train to Cascais
- Day trip : Beaches, cliffs, Estoril
- Evening : Return to Lisbon, Príncipe Real district
Total visit time : 16-18 hours
Distance covered : ~50 km
Estimated budget : €200-300 (excluding accommodation)
3. Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage
(Same as previous guides)
Summary :
- Belém Tower: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Lunch: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Jerónimos Monastery: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Walk: 1 hour
4. Day 2: Alfama & City Center
(Same as previous guides)
Summary :
- São Jorge Castle: 2 hours
- Lunch: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Alfama + Pantheon: 2 hours
- Fado: 3 hours
5. Day 3: Sintra – Full Excursion
Preparation
Access :
- Train from Rossio Station (30 min, €2.50)
- Recommended departure time: 8:00-9:00
- Return: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Please bring:
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
- Water and snacks
- Camera
- Sunscreen
Detailed itinerary
9:00-10:30: Pena Palace
- Access: Bus from Sintra train station (15 min)
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Price: €14
Book your ticket online here.
To have :
- spectacular romantic architecture
- Richly decorated interiors
- Panoramic views of the region
- Palace gardens
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
11:00-12:30: Château des Maures
- Access: On foot from Pena Palace (30 min) OR by bus
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Price: €8
Buy your tickets on the Château des Maures website.
To have :
- Medieval fortress
- 360° views of Sintra
- Old walls
- Wells and underground passages
Tip: Go up early for the best views.
12:30-2:00 PM: Lunch in Sintra
Where to eat:
- Traditional restaurants
- Local cafes
- Specialties: Travesseiros (pastries), Queijadas
Budget: €12-20
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Quinta da Regaleira
To have :
- Mysterious Gardens
- Initiation well (27m deep)
- Chapel
- Caves and tunnels
Tip: Explore the gardens without a specific itinerary.
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Return to Lisbon
- Train from Sintra station
- Duration: 30 min
- Arrival: 6:00 PM
6. Day 4: Cascais & the Coast
Preparation
Access :
- Train from Cais do Sodré station (30 min, €2.50)
- Recommended departure time: 9:00 AM
- Return: 5:00 PM
Please bring:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Beach shoes
Detailed itinerary
9:30-11:30: Cascais – Beaches & Cliffs
To have :
- Praia da Conceição (main beach)
- Praia da Rainha (royal beach)
- Spectacular cliffs
- Coastal paths
Activities :
- Bathing
- Coastal promenade
- Photography
- Relaxation
Tip: Arrive early to find a parking/beach spot.
11:30am-1:00pm: Seafood Lunch
Where to eat:
- Restaurants facing the sea
- Specialties: Fresh seafood, Grilled sardines
- Portuguese wines
Budget: €20-35
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Estoril
Access :
- Train from Cascais (10 min)
- Or on foot (5 km coastal walk)
To have :
- Estoril Casino (Belle Époque architecture)
- Coastal promenade
- Gardens
- Casino Museum
Activities :
- Casino visit
- Ride
- Cafes and restaurants
- Shopping
Tip: The casino is free to visit (games are paid).
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Return to Cascais & Lisbon
- Train from Estoril
- Duration: 30 min
- Arrival in Lisbon: 6:00 PM
Evening: Príncipe Real (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
(See 3-day guide)
7. Practical Tips for 4 Days
Transportation
Viva Viagem card:
- 4-day subscription: €35
- Unlimited access to metro, tram, bus, regional trains
Key routes:
- Lisbon ↔ Sintra: Train 30 min (€2.50)
- Lisbon ↔ Cascais: Train 30 min (€2.50)
- Sintra (intra): Bus (€1.50)
Important times
- Trains : Every 15-30 minutes
- Attractions : Open 9am-6pm
- Restaurants : Lunch 12pm-3pm, Dinner 7pm-11pm
Estimated budget (4 days)
| Cost |
Item |
| Accommodation |
€120-240 |
| Meals |
€80-120 |
| Attractions |
€70-100 |
| Transportation |
€30 |
| Excursions |
€60-80 |
| Fado + drinks |
€30-50 |
| TOTAL |
€390-620 |
Packing essentials
- Comfortable shoes
- Swimsuit
- Camera
- Light clothing + jacket
- Sunscreen
- Small backpack
Advice from our expert travelers
✅ Book attractions online
✅ Take the early trains
✅ Bring water
✅ Wear good shoes
✅ Book the fado in advance
✅ Explore without a specific itinerary
8. Ready for 4 days in Lisbon?
Book Torre de Belém – Skip-the-Line Tickets
Visiting Lisbon in 2 days – Short version
Visiting Lisbon in 3 days – Intermediate version
Complete Lisbon Guide – Back to the main guide
