Welcome to Lisbon—Portugal’s sun‑drenched capital and the next stop in my 6‑day Portugal adventure. If Porto swept me away with its old‑world charm, Lisbon quickly balanced the story with a vibrant and modern energy. But here’s the honest part: with only a short window in the city, we decided to enjoy a light, surface‑level wander through Lisbon’s highlights on day one—just enough to soak in the vibe, admire a few miradouros, and grab a taste of the city’s rhythm. And then, on a spontaneous whim (the best kind when traveling!), we hopped on a bus to Sintra – a real life fairy tale town.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Day 3-4 in Lisbon & Sintra
In this part of the series, I’ll walk you through my Lisbon itinerary—how to make the most of your time here, what’s worth prioritizing, and the little discoveries that made me fall in love with the city. Whether you’re planning a dedicated Lisbon getaway or weaving it into a longer Portugal trip like I did, this guide will help you experience the capital’s best moments without feeling rushed. Use my map below to see all the points of interest mentioned in this itinerary and refer to it when you’re in the city!
How to reach: The cheapest option is to book a Flixbus from Porto to Lisbon (5€, 3 hours). Or take a train from Porto Campanha station to Lisboa Oriente (12-30€, 3 hours). You can book both options on Omio.
For the people arriving directly to Lisbon– Flights from any European city to Lisbon cost between 20-100€ one way. The return flight will be taken from the last stop (Faro, Algarve) of this 6 day trip, or can be taken directly from Lisbon if you’re planning a shorter trip.
Where to stay: Just like Porto, the hostels in Lisbon are quite affordable starting from 15€ per night, that can be booked via Hostelworld and Booking.com. We stayed in a hostel called GSpot Hostel (yes, the name was a reason for this choice xD) located centrally and costed around 20 euros per night.
Sharing the must-see Lisbon stops—sunny views, chill moments, and zero pressure to squeeze in everything. You’ll still hit plenty of steps exploring its winding streets. Short on time? I’ve included the minimum 2‑day budget including the day-trip to Sintra.
| Public transport | – Prefer to walk and take occassional trams/metro (pay on spot) – A viable option: 31€ – Lisboa card 24-hour (includes access to 51 museums, Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, Tram 28) |
| Accommodation | 30€ (15€ per night) |
| Food / daily expense | 50€ (less if you can cook a meal at your hostel like I did) |
| Sightseeing / Activities | 30€ (some included in Lisboa card) |
| Miscellaneous | Variable |
| Total (incl. 24-hour Lisboa card) | Approx. 140 € for 2 days |
A route map for Day 1 in Lisbon.
The historic tram 28
FREE included with Lisboa 24/24-hour card, single ticket: 3.30€ (purchased on the spot, cash to driver/cards on terminal)
Tram 28 isn’t just transport – it’s basically a moving postcard of Lisbon. It passes through most beautiful neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa and Graca. You basically see half the city without planning. The best part – it squeezes through super narrow, steep streets which is quite fun and dramatic.
Location: Praça Martim Moniz, 577, 1100-341, Lisbon
Stop by Lisbon Cathedral
In the historic Alfama district, this is Lisbon’s oldest church built in 1147. What makes it special is its striking Romanesque facade, complete with bell towers and a beautiful rose window. This is an easy and meaningful stop to add between wandering Alfama’s narrow steets and heading towards Sao Jorge Castle.
Sao Jorge Castle
FREE
Strolling through the oldest neighbourhood, Alfama, you reach this Moorish fortress that dates back to 11th century. With panoramic views of terracota rooftops, the Tagus river and the iconic red bridge in the distance, this castle feels like stepping into another era.
Praça do Comércio
FREE
If that’s one place in Lisbon that instantly makes you pause and just take it all in, its Praça do Comércio. Sitting right on the banks of the Tagus river, this grand square feels like Lisbon’s open-air living room, wide, sun-drenched, and full of history. I spent my evening sitting by the promenade at golden hour and watched the ferries glide across the water.
LX Factory
Once an industrial textile complex; Now turned into a creative hub hosting unique restaurants, artsy shops, and trendy cafés. If you are looking for a cool spot to explore and sit down for lunch then definitely check out this area!
Apart from the sightseeing and views, there are many activities that you can do like a walking tour with locals, enjoy a Fado show with wine. I’ve included few more recommendations below:
Powered by GetYourGuide
Jerónimos Monastery
FREE included with Lisboa 24/24-hour card, 18€ for adults over 24, 9€ for people 13-24
A true architectural gem, this enormous monastery is absolutely worth the stop. Living in Europe we all have seen giant cathedrals and palaces, but something like this cannot be ignored. Just standing in front of it’s massive, lace-like Manueline facade, dripping in cravings, curves and centuries of history makes it a memorable stop. Fun fact: It also houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama!!
Belém Tower
Enty: 15€/ FREE included in the Lisboa card, not necessary to enter
Standing on the bank of Tagus river, its one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. You don’t need a ticket to appreciate its beauty. The exterior alone is stunning- which makes it a must-see spot to visit. It’s also a peaceful stroll along the waterfront and a perfect photo spot.
Pink Street (Rua cor-de-rosa)
FREE
The old red-light district turned in the nightlife centre of Lisbon. This street is the perfect way to enjoy the night in Lisbon and enjoy a bar tour with some friends and make new ones. Filled with quirky bars and restaurants, it is a spot you must not miss to give a great end to your first day in Lisbon.
A day trip to Sintra
Take a train from Lisboa Rossio station to Sintra (included in Lisboa card/ 2.55€ individual ticket) and you enter a fairy-tale town – pastel palaces, misty forests, dramatic cliffs, and hidden gardens. The bus no. 434 runs in a loop from the Sintra station to Pena palace and Moorish castle and back. Start early from Lisbon, and head straight to Pena palace (the one you see behind me in the picture). The entry fee is a bit high (20€ for adults above 18) and tickets are to be purchased in advance with a time slot.
Instead we went to the Castelo dos Mouros which costed 10€ and hiked up to this view of the Pena palace. Even though it is a pretty steep hike, it was worth every sweat to witness this vibrant yellow-and-red masterpiece. But if you can, choose to visit Pena palace for its romantic interiors and panoramic views of Sintra.
Later, you can explore the old town, get lost in the cobblestone streets, admire pastel-colored houses, window-shop local stores and try local pastries. On our way around town, we discovered this restaurant in a narrow street – Metamorphosis. The owner was super sweet and we had a great meal and an amazing Sangria.
After two full days in Lisbon and Sintra, I hope you leave with feeling – full, inspired and already planning your return. If you have a few more days, this is where the journey gets even better. In the final part of this itinerary, we continue to the Algarve – imagine dramatic coastal walks, sea caves, and slow sunsets by the Atlantic ocean.
