# 5 balanced days in Lisbon and beyond

- Destination: Lisbon, Portugal
- Length: 5 days

- Pace: Balanced
- Budget: Mid-range

- Posted by: Jonny (from Seattle, Washington, United States)
- Web page: https://reviewmyitinerary.com/i/5-balanced-days-in-lisbon-and-beyond-cmvvr6

Five days gives Lisbon's hilly neighborhoods room to breathe, with one easy day trip to Sintra and a lighter final day. Each day pairs a main sight or two with long lunches and rest, based in central Baixa or Chiado.

## Day by day

### Day 1: Arrive and settle into Baixa and Chiado

- **Afternoon:** Drop your bags, freshen up and take a slow stroll into Baixa's grand squares. Start at the big riverfront square and let yourself drift. (Praça do Comércio: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pra%C3%A7a%20do%20Com%C3%A9rcio%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Late afternoon:** Walk up Rua Augusta and through the Arco da Rua Augusta, then keep going to take in the pedestrian streets at an easy pace. (Rua Augusta: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Rua%20Augusta%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Late afternoon:** Climb up to Chiado and have a coffee and a pastry on a break from the walking. (A Brasileira: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=A%20Brasileira%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Evening:** Have a relaxed first dinner of Portuguese classics close to your hotel, then turn in early to beat the jet lag. (Taberna da Rua das Flores: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Taberna%20da%20Rua%20das%20Flores%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)

### Day 2: Alfama and the old city

- **9:30:** Start early at the cathedral before the lanes fill up, then wander uphill into Alfama's narrow streets. (Sé de Lisboa: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=S%C3%A9%20de%20Lisboa%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **10:30:** Walk up to the castle hill and explore the ramparts and towers with big views over the rooftops and river. (Castelo de São Jorge: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Castelo%20de%20S%C3%A3o%20Jorge%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Lunch:** Come back down for a long lunch of grilled fish or petiscos at a local favorite in Alfama. (Taberna da Rua das Flores: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Taberna%20da%20Rua%20das%20Flores%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Afternoon:** Rest at the hotel for an hour, then head back out to a viewpoint for golden-hour light. (Miradouro de Santa Luzia: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Miradouro%20de%20Santa%20Luzia%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Evening:** Have a relaxed dinner and, if you'd like music, catch an intimate fado set in Alfama. (Clube de Fado: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Clube%20de%20Fado%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)

### Day 3: Belém and riverside Lisbon

- **9:00:** Take tram 15E or a short train ride to Belém and start with the cloisters before the tour groups arrive. (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mosteiro%20dos%20Jer%C3%B3nimos%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **10:45:** Stroll along the river to the tower and watch the boats from the waterfront. (Torre de Belém: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Torre%20de%20Bel%C3%A9m%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **12:00:** Try the original custard tarts warm from the oven, ideally with cinnamon and a coffee. (Pastéis de Belém: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Past%C3%A9is%20de%20Bel%C3%A9m%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Lunch:** Have a relaxed lunch near the river, then walk off the meal along the waterfront. (Padrão dos Descobrimentos: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Padr%C3%A3o%20dos%20Descobrimentos%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Afternoon:** Head back toward the center and visit the contemporary art and design on the river for a restful afternoon. (MAAT: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=MAAT%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Evening:** Finish with a drink and sunset at a riverside spot, then an easy dinner. (Time Out Market Lisboa: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Time%20Out%20Market%20Lisboa%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)

### Day 4: Day trip to Sintra

- **8:45:** Take the train from Rossio station to Sintra, a trip of about 40 minutes, and aim to arrive before the crowds. (Estação do Rossio: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Esta%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20do%20Rossio%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **10:00:** Spend the morning at the colorful hilltop palace, taking your time with the terraces and views. (Palácio Nacional da Pena: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pal%C3%A1cio%20Nacional%20da%20Pena%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **13:00:** Have lunch in the old town of Sintra and try the local pastries afterward. (Casa Piriquita: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Casa%20Piriquita%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **14:30:** Visit the historic center palace with its two distinctive white chimneys, then wander through the town. (Palácio Nacional de Sintra: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pal%C3%A1cio%20Nacional%20de%20Sintra%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Late afternoon:** Return to Lisbon by train, rest, and keep dinner simple near your hotel.

### Day 5: Lighter last day and departure

- **Morning:** Browse the stalls and food vendors at a lively market, and pick up some picnic things or gifts. (Mercado de Campo de Ourique: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mercado%20de%20Campo%20de%20Ourique%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Late morning:** Wander the elegant streets and boutiques of Príncipe Real and relax in its garden. (Jardim do Príncipe Real: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Jardim%20do%20Pr%C3%ADncipe%20Real%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Lunch:** Have a final long lunch of Portuguese seafood or a favorite dish you want to repeat. (Cervejaria Ramiro: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cervejaria%20Ramiro%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)
- **Afternoon:** Pick up last-minute souvenirs, such as canned fish or tiles, before collecting your bags and heading to the airport. (A Vida Portuguesa: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=A%20Vida%20Portuguesa%2C%20Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)

---
From ReviewMyItinerary: travel itineraries reviewed by people who've been there. https://reviewmyitinerary.com/