A Tourist’s Easy Itinerary For 5 Days In Lisbon

So you’re spending 5 days in Lisbon? You are going to have an absolute blast. This city is great – full of culture, delicious food, incredible view points and just all round good vibes. After spending 36 hours in Lisbon in 2023, I got a flavour of what this city has to offer. I fitted a lot in on that trip but I had to go back for more so we booked a 5 night trip to Lisbon, combined with a 5 night trip to Porto, and headed off on a double city break adventure.

Top tip: If you’re traveling on a medium or long haul flight via Portugal – maybe you’re traveling from the USA or South America – why not make use of the TAP Air Portugal Stopover program? This allows you to stay in Lisbon or Porto for 1-10 days before traveling to your final destination. This can be done on either your inbound or outbound flight and it’s a great way to add a bonus destination to your itinerary!

Even with this 5 day Lisbon itinerary, you’re not going to see everything the city has to offer but it ticks off some of the best things to see and do. We also walked almost everywhere in the city, easily reaching more than 16,000 steps at least each day! This still easily left us an hour or two in the afternoon to relax back at our accommodation, or with a drink in one of the squares.

However, if you use Lisbon’s metro system, you could take your time to visit some other attractions or spend longer at some of the places below.

If you do walk around though, you’ll not be rushing to see everything – we like to take things pretty easy so even though you’re fitting a lot in, it’s laid-back and relaxed!

Read More: A Lisbon Itinerary: How To Spend 36 Hours In Portugal’s Capital

So if you’re spending 5 days in Lisbon, here’s your itinerary for your trip with some top tips along the way!

An Itinerary for 5 Days In Lisbon

Where To Stay

The Bairro Alto or Baixa-Chiado areas of Lisbon are, in my opinion, the best places to stay. They’re right in the heart of Lisbon, meaning you’re walking distance to places like Time Out Market, Cais do Sodre, and Alfama. You can also easily access the Santa Justa Lift and many of the highstreet shops if you want to spend some Euros!

We stayed at an AirBnb close to Praça Luis Camões on our 5 night trip. Although it was close to the bars of Barrio Alto, we weren’t disturbed during our time there. On our previous visit we stayed at Le Consulat, a beautiful hotel and well worth paying for a city square view if you can.

How To Get Around Lisbon

As I mentioned, we walked almost everywhere in Lisbon. It’s an easy city to walk around (just be prepared with good shoes for the hills!) and there’s always plenty of things to see as you’re going from place to place. 

However, we did make use of the bus and tram system as well as the metro when we traveled to Oriente Station as well as from Belem to LX Factory.

To use the public transport system, it’s well worth getting a Navegante card. These can be bought from ticket vending machines and ticket offices. You can also top your card up this way – we put €10 on ours and that was enough to cover a bus journey, a couple of tram rides, our journey on the metro and a return train to Cascais.

It’s worth noting that you do save money using a Navagante card. For example if we’d paid cash on Tram 28, it would’ve cost us €3 but instead it cost €1.50.

Top tip: Load your Navegante card with money when you buy it. We did get caught out one time as we didn’t have enough cash loaded and as it was a weekend, there were no locations nearby where we could add money to our card. This meant we had to wait a while for a bus that would take cash instead of hopping on a tram. For your 5 night stay I’d recommend €10 – €15 if you plan on walking a lot and this can be topped up if you’re using the public transport system more frequently.

Traveling From Lisbon Airport

If you’re arriving into Lisbon by air, you can get a taxi from outside the airport – you’ll find a well organized system with a line to join. This can be worth doing if you’re arriving with a lot of luggage or staying somewhere like Alfama. 

Top tip: Some taxis only take cash so have some Euros ready!

If you do get the Metro though, this works out a lot cheaper and takes around 20 minutes to reach downtown Lisbon. 

Ubers and Bolts are also well used within the city and are useful if you’ve been out at night or don’t fancy walking up steep hills during the summer heat.

Do I Need 5 Days In Lisbon?

If you have 5 days to spend in Lisbon, it’s the perfect amount of time to explore the city and also enjoy a day trip or two. You can really delve into the city’s foodie scene, take your time walking around, and just enjoy your trip at a slightly slower pace.

However if you don’t have 5 days, I spent 36 hours in Lisbon and managed to squeeze in quite a lot during that time!

So with that in mind, here’s a 5 day itinerary for your trip to Lisbon.

Day 1

Arrive and check in

Depending on when you arrive in Lisbon, you’ll likely be able to check into your accommodation from 3pm. So settle in, freshen up and get ready for a delicious and wonderful start to your trip in Lisbon!

Enjoy A Drink in Praça Luis Camões

Lisbon is full of gorgeous squares with quiosques selling beer, wine and cocktails. I’d recommend stopping by Quiosque Lisboa for the first refreshment of your holiday. Soak up the atmosphere and watch the yellow trams rattle by with a local bottle of Sagres!

Wander Down Pink Street

It’s time to see one of the first iconic sights of Lisbon: Pink Street. This colorful street, whose official name is ​​Rua Nova do Carvalho, is lined with bars full of revelers ready to party the night away. Take a few pictures and capture the colorful rainbow umbrellas as you weave in between the crowds. Stop for a drink if you have the time but I’d highly recommend continuing to your dinner destination, especially if you’re hungry!

Dinner at Lupita

On my first visit to Lisbon, we only stared longingly at Lupita. A pizzaria opening up onto the street with constantly full tables and a queue of people drinking on the pavement waiting for their spot. It was first on our list for places to eat and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Dare I say, it’s definitely up there in my top 5 pizzas of all time. 

We were there at 6.15 and the place was already full but don’t let this put you off. Get your name down on the list, enjoy a drink outside and I promise it’s worth the wait. 

We ordered a Carbonara pizza (so, SO good) and a marinara with sardines. Both were delicious. Service is great and the pizza, thin crust sourdough, arrives fast so I’d fully recommend trying this place out.

Lupita Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 12 noon -3pm and 6pm – 11:30

Lupita Address: Rua de São Paulo 79, Lisbon, Portugal 1200-427

Drinks at A Tabacaria

After pizza, wash your food down with a cold drink across the street at A Tabacaria. Try out a local Portuguese beer or their margaritas are also particularly good.

Continue your night around this area – there are plenty of bars if you fancy making your first night in Lisbon a big one!

If you’re tired though or just want to start your first full day in Lisbon refreshed, head back to your accommodation for a good sleep!

A Tabacaria Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday – 6pm to 2am. Friday and Saturday – 6pm to 3am

A Tabacaria Address: Rua de S. Paulo 75 77, 1200-426 Lisboa, Portugal

Day 2

Breakfast at The Folks Chiado

If breakfast is included in your accommodation, then there’s no need to go to The Folks Chiado for food. However if you do need breakfast, the granola bowl is particularly great and there’s a wonderful variety of coffees on offer too – including a Tiramisu Latte!

The Folks Chiado Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 8:30am – 5pm

The Folks Chiado Address: R. dos Sapateiros 111, 1100-619 Lisboa, Portugal

Pastel de Nata Class at Nat’elier

After breakfast, walk around the corner to Nat’elier to try your hand at making the classic Portuguese sweet treat: A Pastel de Nata. 

Nat’elier does an amazing 2 hour group Pastel de Nata making class where not only do you learn about the history of the Pastel de Nata but you also get to make the pastry and the egg custard filling with the rest of the group. You’ll get to take away 3 of your handmade creations – if you can avoid eating them all right there and then!

After the class, the recipe is sent out to you so you can even try making them when you’re back home! This was one of the best things I did in Lisbon. I feel like I’ve learnt a new skill and can make these pastries whenever I fancy a bit of Portugal now I’m back at home.

Book your Pastel de Nata Class today!

Afternoon in Alfama via As Bifanas Do Afonso

From here, take a walk to Lisbon’s historic neighborhood of Alfama. If you’re feeling hungry, try out As Bifanas Do Afonso to try out a Bifana – a soft sandwich filled with thin pork that’s cooked in garlic, white wine, butter and paprika. This place will likely have a line outside but Bifanas can be enjoyed from many other places in Lisbon. It’s nothing fancy – just a really, really good sandwich!

You can then head into the streets of Alfama. Go with no aim, just walk around and enjoy the narrow lanes and old buildings. One of the most popular things to do in Alfama is to visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge, an 11th century moorish castle with views over Lisbon. There was a queue when we went past so it might be worth buying tickets in advance if you know you want to visit here.

Dinner at Ponto Final

Freshen up and get ready for one of the most special evenings you’ll have in Lisbon. It’s time for dinner at Ponto Final. This place is all over Instagram thanks to a few features on TV shows like Somebody Feed Phil. It’s become so popular that you have to book weeks, if not months, in advance. It’s worth doing though to secure one of the best tables by the water.

Start your evening by getting the ferry from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas – this is easily done by using the Navegante card and the ferries run around every 20 minutes. 

A short journey across the Tagus River and you’re in Almada. If you have time before dinner, I’d recommend taking in the skyline of Lisbon and then wandering up the R. Cândido dos Reis where locals and visitors will be enjoying an early evening drink. You’ll be able to find happy hours in the early evening – well worth taking advantage of if you’re on a budget!

Then take the 20 minute walk down to Ponto Final. You’ll walk past graffitied concrete walls and street art along the water before getting to Atira-te ao Rio. We heard this restaurant was also great for drinks and small bites to eat and you’ll get a similar view for sunset if you decide to book a table here instead of Ponto Final.

However, keep walking and you’ll get to Ponto Final. All bookings were taken for 7pm so you’ll join the line before being seated at your table. This was truly a special evening with great wine, great food (I had the grilled sea bass which was so buttery and soft) and a great backdrop. One of the best things I’d recommend doing in Lisbon.

Top tip: If you can’t make a reservation at Ponto Final, or you don’t want to, there is a grassy hill just beyond Ponto Final. We saw many people walk past with cans of beer, pizzas, and picnic blankets ready to enjoy the sunset with friends and family.

Email pontofinalrest@gmail.com to make a reservation!

Ponto Final Opening Times: Wednesday to Monday – 12.30pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Ponto Final Address: R. do Ginjal 72, 2800-285 Almada, Portugal

Day 3

Breakfast at Hello Kristof

Hello Kristof is a fun, quirky little place with a fab breakfast. Surrounded by independent magazines you can enjoy a good coffee and choose from pastries, banana cake, avocado on toast, granola bowls and more to get your day off to a good start.

Hello Kristof Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8.45am to 3.45pm

Hello Kristof Address: R. do Poço dos Negros 103, 1200-337 Lisboa, Portugal

Bike From Cais do Sodre to Belem Tower

You can do this as a walk but it takes around 90 minutes – even more if you’re stopping regularly for photos – so I would recommend hiring one of the many bikes or scooters available around Cais do Sodre. We did this through the Uber app – which will show you where your nearest bike is located – but there are other apps available. 

The bike ride is a fun and easy one as the proper cycle path takes you mainly along the river, under the Ponte de 25 Abril, past MAAT, alongside Monument To The Discoveries and ends up at Belem Tower. You do have to watch for crossings and cars at some junctions but all the route is clearly marked as a cycle path with plenty of people using it to get from the center of Lisbon to Belem.

I’d recommend cycling to Belem Tower and then back to Monument To The Discoveries. Drop off your bike here and cross the bridge over the train tracks and main road, past The National Coach Museum, towards Jerónimos Monastery.

Top Tip: You can enter both the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. We didn’t do either but again they’re attractions where you can buy tickets in advance or be prepared to queue. This also might take up a bit more of your day but if you can easily spend less time at LX Factory later if you visit either of these sights.

Pasteis de Belem

You can’t go to Belem without trying out the most famous Pastel de Nata in Lisbon from Pasteis de Belem. It’s just down the street from Jerónimos Monastery so you don’t have far to go. 

You can queue to get a seat in this historic location and enjoy your pastel de nata with a coffee. However, if you’re looking at Pasteis de Belem, you can avoid the queue and head straight to the first door on the left. This way you’ll be able to get pasteis de nata to take away! Eat them straight away while they’re warm and loop back in to get a second – that’s what we did anyway! The slight downside to this is that you have to stand and eat outside, unless you go find a spot in the park to enjoy these sweet treats!

Pasteis de Belem Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 8am to 10pm

Pasteis de Belem Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

LX Factory

Hop on the 751 or 714 bus, or tram 15E, and head over to LX Factory. You can walk from Belem in about 40 minutes but public transport is so much easier for this bit, especially if it’s a hot day in Lisbon!

Top tip: If you’re unsure of public transport, we found Google Maps to be really helpful here. Add in your current destinations and where you want to go and it shows the number of the bus or tram you can get as well as the route. Especially helpful so you know where to get off.

LX Factory is an old factory that’s been transformed into a big collection of shops, restaurants, bars and offices. It’s a really cool hang out spot and if it’s a nice day, I recommend going up to LX Rooftop on the top of LX Hostel for a drink. The cocktails are really great and it’s a lovely way to enjoy the mid-afternoon sun.

Of course, if you visited Belem Tower or Jerónimos Monastery, you can just browse the shops if you don’t have much time! This is also where the Instagram famous bookshop Ler Devagar is located – definitely worth having a look!

LX Factory Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10.30am – 10.30pm. Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am to 10.30pm

LX Factory Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal

Dinner at Fares

After doing some shopping, and maybe some drinking, head back to Cais do Sodre. Again this can be done on public transport as it’s easier than walking! Trams 15E or 18E will take you back to Cais do Sodre from LX Factory.

You might want to go back to your accommodation to freshen up, but if not, dinner is close by at Fares once you’re at Cais do Sodre. Fares is opposite Lupita’s so you’ll recognise the area. This time though, dinner is a selection of middle-eastern small plates including falafel, grilled aubergine, flatbreads, and grilled chicken. Reserving a table here is recommended but if not, you might be able to get a place at the window bar which is a great spot for people watching.

Along with a cardamom espresso martini you’ll have a delicious dinner ahead of another fun evening in Lisbon.

Fares Opening Times: Monday – Thursday – 4pm to 1am and Friday to Sunday 4pm – 1am

Fares Address: Rua de S. Paulo 200, 1200-429 Lisboa, Portugal

Sunset Drinks at Park

Lisbon is famous for its rooftop bars. One of the most popular, with a great view for that golden sunset glow, is Park. Literally on the top of a car park, Park draws in a crowd eager to watch the city turn from day to night. The music is playing, the margaritas are flowing and if you want a seat it’s worth getting here an hour or two before sunset. Otherwise, there’s plenty of standing room and I reckon you get a better view of the city and sunset this way!

Park Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 4pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday 2pm to 2am, Sunday Closed.

Park Address: Calçada do Combro 58, 1200-123 Lisboa, Portugal

Day 4

Tram 28

This morning, it’s time to set your alarm early and head out to Martim Moniz Square to ride the famous Tram 28.

I’d recommend being on any tram between the first tram of the day and around 7.30. After this, it gets busy. Firstly, this is still a public transport tram rather than a tourist attraction and is used by commuters and students. Also, if you get on Tram 28 when it’s busy, you’ll miss the sights you’re using the tram to see.

Getting on it early means you’re likely to get a seat and you’re not taking up valuable space needed by people getting around the city for work and school.

When you’re on it though, it is a great experience. You get to rattle through the streets of Lisbon passing beautiful sights such as Praça do Comércio and Lisbon Cathedral. We got off around Praça Luís de Camões but you can ride it to the end of the line if you want!

Top Tip: Lisbon does have an actual Lisbon sightseeing tram which is a great way to guarantee a seat and see the beautiful streets of Lisbon from a historic tram.

Coffee and Pastry from Fabrica Coffee Roasters

After your tram ride, grab some breakfast from Fabrica Coffee Roasters this morning. They do great coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, pastries and bagels which are all perfect for a quick but filling breakfast.

Lisbon Botanic Gardens via Gloria Lift

If you have breakfast around the area of Praça Luís de Camões, it’s time to take a stroll to Lisbon’s Botanic Gardens. Walk up Rua da Misericordia towards Glória – S. Pedro Alcântara and either take a short journey on another of Lisbon’s funiculars or head straight to the Botanic Gardens.

Lisbon’s Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to feel like you’re miles out of the city. There are blooming plants, palm trees, bamboo gardens, cactus and so much more to look at. It’s also ideal on a hot day as it’s quite shaded and there’s loads of benches if you fancy sitting and watching the world go by for a bit.

Top tip: Go on a Sunday in the morning and entry to Lisbon’s Botanic Garden’s is free!

Smoothie at Numa

Grab a refreshment at Numa, just up the road from the Botanical Gardens. The smoothies here are delicious. Although we didn’t eat, the food looked really good too so this is a great place to have a bite to eat if you’re feeling hungry.

Numa Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 9am to 6pm

Numa Address: R. da Escola Politécnica 94, 1250-100 Lisboa, Portugal

Avenida de Liberdade via Marques of Pombal Square

It’s time to wander down one of the main shopping streets of Lisbon, the Avenida de Liberdade. It’s worth going via Marques of Pombal Square to see a statue of the former governor of Lisbon. This will take you to the top of Avenida de Liberdade where you can shop until you drop or wander down the tree lined street, doing some shopping at the markets if they’re on when you visit.

Pasteis de Nata and Ginjinha Break

What’s a day in Lisbon without a little Pastel de Nata break? At the bottom of Avenida de Liberdade you get to Monumento dos Restauradores. Here you’ll see Fabrica de Nata where you can pick up a couple of pastel de nata to enjoy in the sun.

Then it’s time to try one of Lisbon’s favourite drinks: Ginjinha. Just around the corner for Fabrica de Nata, there are a couple of Ginjinha bars to try out. This sour cherry liquor is served in a little shot glass but it’s a great little drink to sip. Beware though, it is quite strong and we did see people enjoying it as a shot! Ginjinha bars are small hole in the wall places so you’ll likely have to stand on the street enjoying your drink but that’s all part of the fun! Try out Ginjinha Espinheira or Ginjinha Sem Riva!

Santa Justa View Point

Next up is a popular viewpoint in Lisbon, that from the Santa Just Lift View Point. Lots of people queue for the lift but instead, walk straight to the viewpoint. Not only does this mean you avoid the queue but you also don’t have to pay to get gorgeous views of the terracotta roofs of Lisbon. It’s a win-win in my eyes!

Evening Drink in Plaza do Carmo

After getting ready for the evening, go for a drink in one of Lisbon’s squares – the Plaza do Carmo. You might want to do this straight after visiting the Santa Justa View Point, but it makes a lovely early evening spot before dinner. The quiosque has seats outside and there’s some benches too where you can enjoy a refreshing beer or wine. Many people were sitting with aperol spritzes too!

Dinner at Carnal

Your evening meal tonight is at a gorgeous Mexican restaurant that I’d recommend making a booking at. We didn’t make a booking at Carnal and the place was packed! Although we were able to get seated at the bar which I think was actually one of the best seats in the house – perfect for watching tacos being made, meat and pineapple being sheared off the skewer, and ideal to get drinks topped up!

Recommended in the Michelin Guide, Carnal serves up tacos, quesadillas, carnitas and lots of other Mexican dishes of the highest quality. Don’t skip dessert either – the Gordita Pocha is chef’s kiss beautiful.

Carnal Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6pm to 2am

Carnal Address: R. da Misericórdia 78, 1200-273 Lisboa, Portugal

Drinks in Alfama via Praca do Comercio

After dinner, take a stroll to Alfama this evening via Praca do Comercio. This giant square on the water is a great sight just as the sun is going down. The lights start to twinkle and it’s a hive of activity with people enjoying their evening.

Alfama though is where the action is. Although you’ve seen Alfama in the day, it’s also worth seeing at night as the streets come alive. Our favorite bar is Ginjinha de Se where you can sit outside with a drink – try out any of the drinks with ginjinha in but there’s also other cocktails, wine and beer!

Ginjinha de Se Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 5pm to 1am

Ginjinha de Se Address: R. de São João da Praça 3, 1100-253 Lisboa, Portugal

Day 5

Breakfast at Seventh

Grab a good breakfast this morning at Seventh. With a big menu full of bagels, cooked breakfasts, granola bowls and more you’re likely to find something to start your day with!

Seventh Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8am to 4pm, Saturday to Sunday – 8am to 6pm

Seventh Address: Calçada do Combro 147, 1200-452 Lisboa, Portugal

Day trip to Cascais

If you feel like you’ve exhausted Lisbon, or you just want a day out of the city, head to Cascais, Lisbon’s favourite beach destination. This gorgeous resort town on the sea is around 40 minutes out of the city by train. Head down to Cais do Sodre and hop on a train to Cascais, they run around every 10 minutes so there’s no need to time your journey specifically.

Once you’re in Cascais, there are 6 beaches to choose from – Praiha de Reina was our beach of choice though. It felt a little less busy when we arrived and had more of a cove feel. Plus it’s about 5 minutes from the train station so super easy to get to. Bring your towels or hire a sunbed from the beach club and settle in for the day. 

If spending a lot of time on the beach isn’t your thing, the town of Cascais still has lots to explore. There are great view points for the beaches, pretty streets to wander and lots of restaurants and coffee shops to eat at. 

When we got too hot we took a stroll through the town towards the Santa Maria Lighthouse Museum. We didn’t visit but there were some really gorgeous inlets where people were enjoying jumping and swimming in the refreshing water. It’s a great walk and on your way back into Cascais you can go via Parque Marechal Carmona and the citadel of Cascais.

Lunch at Cantina Clandestina

By the time you’ve enjoyed the beach or taken a wander around Cascais, you might be ready for some food. We stopped at a great Cantina Clandestina to enjoy some bruschetta and fried fish – the perfect little pick me up ready to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. 

Cantina Clandestina Opening Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 12noon – 10.30pm

Friday and Saturday: 12noon – 11pm Tuesday: Closed

Cantina Clandestina Address: R. Afonso Sanches 47, 2750-282 Cascais, Portugal

Dinner at Time Out Market

When you get the train back to Lisbon, dinner tonight is a relaxed affair. Head to Time Out Market to enjoy plenty of food with locals and tourists looking to try some of Lisbon’s best food. Pick up little bits from each stall throughout the evening or get a full meal to enjoy!

The best thing about Time Out Market is that if you’re with a group you can all pick different things if you want something different.

I would recommend grabbing some seats first to avoid wandering around with a tray full of food that could get cold – this place gets busy!

If you eat one thing, make it the prego – this sliced steak sandwich in soft bread layered with garlic butter is just sublime. Also great are the croquettes and some ice cream to finish!

Time Out Lisbon Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 10am to Midnight

Time Out Lisbon Address: Mercado da Ribeira, Avenida 24 de Julho, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal

Day 6

Check out and Breakfast at The Mill

It’s time to say goodbye to Lisbon but before you go, enjoy one final breakfast. This time at Australian- Portuguese venue, The Mill. If you fancy a coffee that’s a little bit different but so delicious, get the iced latte which comes with a slice of orange peel on top. Super refreshing in the Lisbon heat!

The Mill Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8am to 3pm. Saturday and Sunday – 8am to 4pm

The Mill Address: Rua do Poço dos Negros 1, 1200-335 Lisboa, Portugal 

Other top tips for Lisbon

• Eat Pastel de Nata as much as you can! My favorites are those from Mantegeria. I don’t know what they put in them but they’re so good!

• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Lisbon is full of hills so comfortable shoes are a must! Also the cobbled pavements can sometimes be slippy so wear something you feel safe walking around in.

• If you want to eat anywhere in particular, book in advance. We did get lucky with places like Carnal but if you want to avoid disappointment, it’s worth planning ahead a bit! For example, if you want to eat at Ponto Final but don’t have a reservation, you can wait in line but this can be up to two hours!

And that’s your itinerary for 5 days in Lisbon! I hope you have the best time and enjoy your visit to this beautiful Portuguese city!