Lisbon is an unmissable part of any Portugal visit.
The City of The Seven Hills is a centerpiece for not only culture but architecture and design. This ranges from shopping at malls such as Amoreiras and Colombo, to marveling at historical beauties like Castelo de São Jorge, and Belém Tower.
Besides the phenomenal tourist attractions in Lisbon, I have to say that the food and drink options blew me away. I indulged in local foods such as Bacalhau cod fish and irresistible Pastéis de nata, as well as wines with ingredients sourced from local, organic farms.
All of these had a unique taste compared with foods I had tried before, and it was pleasant to know that what I was eating was sourced locally.
Lisbon was a strong highlight of my European tour.
It was bountiful with food tour memories, castles, and inspirational street art which I couldn’t help but take photos of.
In this 4-day Lisbon itinerary guide, I will detail everything that I did there including the very best tourist attractions in the capital city.
All of these are must-visits and highly worthy of your time.
Right, so let’s dive into it!
4 Days in the Captivating City of Lisbon – An Ideal Itinerary for Traveling to the Capital of Portugal
Contents
How to Get Around Lisbon
When is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
Day 1: Praça Do Comércio + a Food Tour
- Relax at Praça Do Comércio
- Take a Food Tour
- Visit a Roof Top Bar
Day 2: Neighborhood Exploration with an Afternoon Cruise
- Explore Alfama Neighborhood (Traditional Streets and Lisbon Cathedral)
- Eat at O Boteco Restaurant
- Aboard an Afternoon Sunset Cruise
- Finish the Day at Time Out Market
Day 3: City Tour, a stop at LX Factory, and Dinner at Belcanto
- Enjoy a City Tour
- Spend the Afternoon at LX Factory
- Evening at Belcanto Restaurant (#25th Best Restaurant in the World)
Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra
- Sintra Town
- Azenhas do Mar
- Western point of Europe – Cabo da Roca
- Baía de Cascais
- Pena Palace
Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon
- Alfama
- Bairro Alto
- Chiado
- Baixa
- Belém
Where to Stay in Lisbon
FAQ’s
Conclusion
Getting Around
Lisbon is a city which has more than enough transport options for tourists. I will be covering these in more detail throughout this itinerary, however, it is important to mention a few of the common ones beforehand.
Although I would highly recommend walking to see sights and explore the capital up close and personal, you will need to take transport, and that is especially more important when exploring the capital’s different neighborhoods.
The top 2 transport options I would recommend in Lisbon would be both the Tram 28 and tuk-tuks. When I arrived in Lisbon, I was surprised to see tuktuks everywhere which is uncommon for European cities.
A major benefit of riding a tuk-tuk is the fact that you get to see the city’s sights intimately. However, they are expensive, and a ride in a tuk-tuk from Lisbon to Belem can cost a whopping 50-60 Euros an hour!
This is why I would say the Tram 28 is not only the best option, but it is an iconic part of Lisbon itself. You might have seen this bright yellow tram in photos of Lisbon before, and it is known famously around Portugal.
For just 3 Euros a ride, this banana-colored tram with take you to all of the best neighborhoods in Lisbon. This is perfect for those longer rides, and the fact it is considered a tourist attraction makes it all the more special for a journey.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
There are several ways of answering this question, but it depends on what you want from your trip. We decided to go in March, and I honestly think March to May are the best months to visit.
This is right before the summer season, which is not only hotter but there is a bigger number of tourists in the city at this time. The high season is from June to September, and because this is a smaller city compared with others, it can get way more busy during this time.
Going to Lisbon in March was a great idea because we not only discovered that the hotels were less expensive, but the temperature was both cool and warm. This meant we could walk around for longer periods without having to keep stopping because the weather was too hot.
When exploring what the city has to offer, it is best to come slightly before the Summer season in Spring, or slightly after the Summer season in early Autumn. You will be able to indulge in all of the same foods during this time, as well as visit those epic historical attractions on your bucket list.
Day 1 in Lisbon: Praça Do Comércio + a Food Tour
Relax at Praça Do Comércio
Praça Do Comércio is an essential piece of a visit to Lisbon, and it is one of the key highlights of coming here.
This 574 ft by 574 ft plaza is not only known as the most beautiful in Portugal but quite possibly in the entirety of Europe itself. The fact this harbor directly faces the city’s blue waters was the most impressive to me.
The reason for this is that the end of the plaza faces Lisbon’s Tagus estuary, providing ecstatic views out from the harbor and beyond.
Praça Do Comércio was originally an entrance to Lisbon and it reflects how wealthy the city was during the 18th century. Another interesting fact about this area is that it was once home to the Paço da Ribeira. Known as the most important and valuable palace in the country of Portugal, it was eventually destroyed by a devastating earthquake and Tsunami in 1755.
Upon coming here, I would recommend grabbing a glass of vinho verde. A perfect place to go for this would be the Wines of Portugal Wine Tasting Room, which is on the western side of Praça Do Comércio.
There is a wide and stunning collection of wines here from all over the country. So many in fact, that it is honestly difficult to choose one!
Take an Afternoon Food Tour
One of the best aspects of visiting Lisbon is the food there, and the terrific news is that food tours are plentiful in the capital.
I learned that fish such as sardines are extremely popular foods in Portugal. They provide more than enough nutrients and fatty acids, keeping the locals strong and healthy with every portion.
Delicious desserts include pastries such as Pastel de Nata and Jesuite.
I was a huge fan of the Pastel de Nata, which is an egg custard tard with a crispy pastry on the outside. The texture was truly marvelous, along with it being surprisingly filling for a dessert option.
The food tour we took was with Taste of Lisboa , and it offered a gorgeous array of divine Portuguese delicacies. It lasted for three and a half hours and included 16 sizeable tasting samples to relish your taste buds.
Although food tours do consist of heavy food consumption, the good news is that the walking really helps with burning off the excess calories.
We also passed the tiny alley called ‘the beco das farinhas’ which is located in the Mouraria neighborhood, where you can admire an outdoor gallery of portraits captured by Camilla Watson. It is a collaborative community project which features the residents of this area, and a wonderful authentic experience to get a taste of the real Lisbon.
If you are in the city and have yet to book a food tour, I would recommend booking the one we did with Taste of Lisboa.
At just under 98 Euros per adult and 49 Euros per child, the local dishes will lighten your senses up to Portuguese cuisine, giving you a strong understanding of the country’s foods.
Other food tours I recommend:
Lisbon: Tastes and Traditions Food Tour – this tour is with Devour, a company that I have done many food tours with in numerous cities and they are excellent.
Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe – this is offered by Eating Europe, another excellent company that offers unique food tours. You can read my review of their Eating London East End Food Tour.
Drink at a Rooftop Bar
Lisbon is one of those cities with truly phenomenal landscapes that surround it. This isn’t limited to the delightful coastline of Costa da Caparica, but the many hills it has, giving the capital city a more rural feel.
For this reason, I would suggest spending your evening at a rooftop bar, and believe me, there are plenty of them!
After our food tour, we visited the Hotel Mundial Rooftop Bar.
This offered truly elegant panoramic views over the city. You can see almost everything from the top of Hotel Mundial’s rooftop bar, including unmatched views of São Jorge Castle seen from their Roof Suite room.
I can honestly say that the drinks didn’t disappoint here either. The hotel had an abundant menu filled with choices ranging from champagnes, wines, cocktails, and everything else you can imagine.
If you are seeking to end your first day in memorable style, you really can’t go wrong with drinking at a rooftop bar.
4 days in Lisbon itinerary – Day 2: Neighborhood Exploration with an Afternoon Cruise
Explore Alfama Neighborhood
There are plenty of valuable reasons for visiting the Alfama Neighborhood.
It is home to Lisbon Cathedral after all, and coming here means you can see both the cathedral and São Jorge Castle up close and personal.
Another exciting reason for coming to the Alfama Neighborhood is because of Tram 28. Seeing this district provides the perfect excuse for boarding this world-famous yellow tram. However, I do have to warn you that the queues are excessive, so it probably isn’t a good idea if you are short on time.
If you aren’t though, you really can’t go wrong with the 3 Euro one-way ticket fee. Especially because of the photos you can get next to it for your Instagram page!
Once you arrive in the Alfama Neighborhood, it is time to take a wander around.
Alfama is filled with cute narrow streets that wind as you walk across them. You will also find lots of traditionally-colored houses which is the signature of many places in Portugal. I was stunned by the intricate tile designs I found around the city, and it really enhanced my perspective.
I would recommend seeing Lisbon Cathedral while you are here. Although the main cathedral is free to enter, it is worth mentioning that the cloister and treasury cost 2.50 Euros each (1 Euro each for children).
The history of the Alfama Neighborhood is also particularly interesting. I have covered this in the neighborhood section at the bottom of this guide.
Eat at O Boteco Restaurant
Address:Praça Luís de Camões 37, 1200-243 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Times: 12pm – 4:30pm, 7pm – 11pm
As a curious lover of new cuisine, I had heard from many people that I had to try O Botecto. This is a Brazilian restaurant which is known for its fresh and exciting dishes.
I would say one of the most alluring factors for eating here is the famous chef who owns it. The chef’s name is Kiko Martins who is actually a celebrity in Portugal for the food he makes. This adds to the restaurant’s popularity considering he has starred on television programs such as Masterchef.
Before going to the restaurant, my expectations were high, but I can honestly say that I wasn’t let down. The food was delicious and I ordered a mouthwatering steak along with some delicious sides including vegetables.
As you might have guessed, this is a highly recommended restaurant in Portugal.
In addition to it being highly recommended, it is also directly in the heart of the capital at Luís de Camões Square.
After finishing your trip around the Alfama Neighborhood, taking a trip to O Boteco is a perfect way of curing your appetite.
Aboard an Afternoon Sunset Cruise
Sunsets in Lisbon are notably stunning, and a sunset cruise allows you to see one in its very best form.
There are multiple cruises available in Lisbon, however, I would personally recommend going with Tagus Cruises. The compelling feature of these cruises is that you get to see tourist attractions along the way.
This adds more depth to the tour besides just seeing a sunset. The fact that the boat passes Belém Tower, the Discovery Monument and the Christ the King statue makes the overall cruise more interesting. I think this is important considering you will be on the boat for 2 hours.
What else is special about taking a sunset cruise?
Many of them offer the choice of purchasing wine onboard.
Now, that is a perfect way of seeing a sunset don’t you think?
Check out some other boat tour options:
Lisbon Sunset Sailing Tour with White or Rosé Wine and Snacks
Lisbon: Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drinks
Finish the Day at Time Out Market
Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Times: 10am – 12am
When it comes to evening hunger, there isn’t a better way to solve it in Lisbon than to visit the Time Out Market.
This bustling food hall is packed with traditional Portuguese food and international dishes for the curious ones among us. Just a simple look at the market’s Instagram page quickly reveals all of the yummy foods it has on offer. From affordable and high-quality Indian kebabs to locally sourced sardines that are grilled to perfection.
Time Out Market surprised me due to the flocks of people waiting to sample the edible options there. I knew it would be busy, but the large number of people let me know that the food really must be impressive.
The first delicious meal I tried consisted of bread, olives, finely cut salami, and potato chips. The meat had a delicate and smoky taste to it which I couldn’t get enough of. I finished it slowly while appreciating all of the different taste combinations.
After this, I enjoyed the popular octopus salad along with fried shrimp. Although I am new to the flavor of octopus, it didn’t let me down and it was an interesting experience.
The market is located in the Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré. If you are a foodie, I can promise you that you will not want to miss out on coming here!
Day 3: City Tour, a stop at LX Factory, and Dinner at Belcanto
Enjoy a City Tour of Lisbon
We decided to do a group tour of Lisbon on our third day in the city.
There is a huge number of different touring companies in Lisbon. Of course, the most obvious ones include Viator and Get Your Guide. Although I’m used to using both of these for tours, I decided to book one with a local company known as We Hate Tourism Tours.
The name was an interesting one based on the fact that the guides naturally have a love for Lisbon, which is their city. Rather than being tour guides for the sake of being tour guides, I could tell that the workers naturally had a passion for their jobs here.
During our city tour, we discovered Alfama, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Eduardo VII Park, Panorâmico de Monsanto, and Jerónimos Monastery.
All of these spots were eccentric in their own way.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one of Lisbons most significant landmarks. This is because it provides sensational, panoramic views over the entire city and everything in it. Major historical buildings can be seen from the point, and the sights stretch as far as the eye can see.
Another destination worth talking about is Panorâmico de Monsanto.
Indeed, this was once a restaurant. However, Panorâmico de Monsanto has many quirky and exceptional aspects to it.
Upon arriving at this abandoned restaurant, it couldn’t help but remind me of some strange video game graphics I have seen in the past. Once a meeting place for the Portuguese elite years ago, it is now covered in graffiti and accessible by anyone.
I love the mysterious feeling this derelict restaurant gave me and it is worth the time to come and check it out.
We ended the tour at Pastéis de Belém to try their egg pastries which were honestly so yummy. When it comes to pastries in Lisbon, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the best bakery in the city.
Founded in 1837, Pastéis de Belém now has over 70,000 Google reviews, making it not only a bakery but a staple attraction in the capital.
Pretty epic!
Spend the Afternoon at LX Factory
Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Times: 9am – 10:30pm
LX Factory was once an industrial complex for textiles.
Now it is a village within Lisbon known for having trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops to browse around. I would describe this place perfectly as being one with a lot of interesting sights to see.
There isn’t one element of LX Factory that stands out, but rather the entire place as a whole has bizarre and fascinating sights to discover. These include art galleries, boutique shops, and unique restaurants.
As we were feeling hungry, we stopped off at an impressive-looking restaurant for refreshing sangria along with some lunch. After that, we continued walking around LX Factory to explore as much as we could.
Getting to LX Factory isn’t particularly easy as it isn’t located in the city center. It is approximately 3km west of the center so I would advise getting a taxi or tram to the Alcantara neighbourhood. For the tram, you will need to get the number 15 tram.
The tram stop is known as Largo do Calvário, which is the closest stop to LX Factory.
Evening at 2 Michelin star Belcanto Restaurant
Address: R. Serpa Pinto 10A, 1200-026 Lisboa, Portugal
Opening Times: 12:30pm–3pm, 7pm–12am
Belcanto Restaurant is a 2-Michelin star restaurant which is ranked the 25th best restaurant in the entire world!
Yeah, that is actually true, and if you have the budget I would highly recommend eating here. The food at Belcanto is honestly phenomenal, but it does come with a price tag. The tasting menus range from 195 to 225 Euros per person, and the wine tasting costs a similar price of around 250 Euros per person.
We went to Belcanto as part of a trip for my mum’s birthday. We opted for the Evolution tasting menu which is a sensational presentation of some of the finest dishes prepared over the years. We tried dishes such as brioche with cod liver and trout roe, minced sea prawn from Algarve with roasted chicken skin, beetroot in different textures , sea bass served with vegetable dashi, seaweed and lilies, among other delightful creations. One of the highlights was the “Bacon from heaven” and earth with leche de tigre granita. To top the food off, we enjoyed a high acidity bottle of Luis Pato, Quinta do Ribeirinho 2020 wine which tasted second to none.
The service and hospitality at Belcanto was exceptional. It was a pleasure to be a part of the experience here and it most certainly deserves its place in the list of the top 50 best restaurants in the world.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra Town
Sintra Town is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful areas in all of Portugal. It is around 25-30km from Lisbon, and the fastest way to arrive there is by train. I didn’t discover this until right before I arrived, but Sintra is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It gained this award in 1995 for its impressive historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.
Another fact worth mentioning about Sintra is that it is surprisingly big for a town. The total population of the municipality is 385,000 people as of 2021 along with the area being 320 square kilometers in size.
Our first stop in Sintra was to a local bakery Casa Piriquita to try the famous Queijadas. These are essentially Portuguese pastries that originated in the town of Sintra. Ingredients include queijo cheese, eggs, milk, flour, and sugar.
The texture was soft and the pies were also warm. This made them taste even more amazing and I think a trip to Sintra was justified for this reason alone.
We spent the rest of our Sintra Town trip in amazement at all of the colored houses and buildings. I have to say that the surrounding hills made Sintra so special for me. They added a peaceful and natural dimension to the town which is hard to ignore.
Azenhas do Mar
Although Azenhas do Mar is in the municipality of Sintra, it still is a separate town with its own inhabitants. There are around 800 inhabitants of this small fishing village which certainly does make it a small village.
The village also directly faces the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Lisbon, making for spectacular views that stretch into the distance. This made for some impressive Instagram photos which we didn’t hesitate to take after we arrived.
I would say it is worth going both for the location itself, and the views that the location provides.
The town village sits directly on the edge of the country.
So you already know that vast views of the ocean are going to be a given!
Western point of Europe – Cabo da Roca
While on the topic of discussing locations, Cabo da Roca is an unmissable part of any Sintra day tour for where it is positioned alone.
It is the Westernmost point of all of Europe, and you will see nothing but water at this point. That is until the Atlantic Ocean eventually reaches the United States.
The town of Sintra is proud to be able to claim this place, and you can buy certificates as souvenirs at Cabo da Roca.
Although we didn’t buy one ourselves, these certificates basically state that you’ve visited, and I bet they make a great travel reminder to keep in your house!
This point had a fort in the 17th century that guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. Although the fort is no longer present on the site, there is a lighthouse still there that was used for boat navigation.
Cabo da Roca shouldn’t be missed if you are in Sintra.
It is close after all, and it is worth the short 25-minute car ride.
Cascais Town
After visiting Cabo da Roca, the next stop on our list was Cascais Town for lunch. Cascais and Sintra are a similar distance from each other, so we took the opportunity to see both towns while we could.
Out of both of the towns, I have to say that I liked Sintra more than Cascais. This is because there is simply more to do, and the scenes there stood out to me as being more memorable. I can imagine having a very relaxing holiday in Cascais, but Sintra is more scenic and perfect for a romantic day trip.
While in Cascais Town, we decided to eat at a restaurant called Jardim dos Frangos. The restaurant offered a flavorsome combination of barbequed meats ranging from grilled chicken, grilled sardines, and grilled octopus.
Funnily enough, Jardim dos Frangos actually translates to “chicken garden” in English. The restaurant did match the title with all of the variety of chicken dishes on offer.
We chose seafood options which included grilled shrimp, octopus, a Niçoise salad and a fantastic grilled cod fish served with baby potatoes.
Although we didn’t have enough time to explore all of Cascais Town, I would advise maybe spending half a day here for a look around.
Pena Palace
The biggest highlight of my Sintra trip was at Pena Palace.
Pena Palace, also known as the Palácio da Pena, is a stunning and colorful 19th-century Romanticist palace located in the Sintra Mountains near Lisbon, Portugal. This architectural gem is renowned for its whimsical and eclectic design, featuring a vibrant palette of pastel hues that adorn its walls, turrets, and domes. The palace was originally constructed as a royal summer residence for King Ferdinand II and Queen Maria II, and its architecture combines various styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Renaissance, and Moorish elements. I would say this makes it stand out more than any other aspect, and it creates a terrific sense of individuality. There is nothing quite like seeing a palace colored in yellow, red, and grey from the outside.
Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent interiors, which are adorned with ornate furnishings, intricate tilework, and historical artifacts. The palace’s stunning gardens and park are equally captivating, featuring exotic plants, winding pathways, and hidden nooks. Pena Palace is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of Portugal’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks, attracting tourists from all over the world.
It truly is a one-of-a-kind place!
After walking through the intricately designed entrance made from stone, we made our way inside of the palace’s doors.
The first room we entered was the royal family’s private dining room. This included ten chairs which were most likely all arranged for the relatives of the king and queen.
Next, we walked to the viewpoint of the castle. The view stretched all the way from the palace itself to the Atlantic Ocean. Sights of the trees, hilly valleys, and farmland were present in every direction, adding to the tremendous scenes.
Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon
Alfama
Most city tours include a trip to Alfama because of Lisbon Cathedral and the National Pantheon.
Alfama is one of the first neighborhoods I would recommend visiting in Lisbon. Not only is it home to popular tourist attractions, but this cute little area holds a significant amount of the city’s history.
You see, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest extant neighborhoods. It was built in the 8th Century, making it over a stunning 1000 years old!
This neighborhood was known as one of the capital’s poorer and more deprived areas. It was home to both the sailors and dock workers of the city.
Nowadays it is known as an ideal place for historical tourism, reflected in its traditional-style houses and winding streets.
When discussing the best neighborhoods in Lisbon, Alfama has to be mentioned for all of the reasons above.
Bairro Alto
What makes Bairro Alto stand out as one of Lisbon’s top neighborhoods?
Well, allow me to explain.
Bairro Alto is the center of nightlife in Lisbon, so you should add it to your bucket list if you enjoy a drink or two. Famously known as the party district of the capital, it is easy to find crowds of people having the time of their lives here.
The interesting part about the bars here is that they are known to be small. Most people will take onto the streets to be social with each other, and this is partially down to the tiny indoor bar spaces.
If you are a party animal, going here will certainly work out well for you.
In terms of history, this neighborhood was the headquarters of Portugal’s written press. All of the biggest newspaper companies settled there from the 19th century until 1970.
Now it is known for its stylish architecture as well as being a nightlife hotspot for both tourists and locals alike.
Chiado
Chiado is probably the most important neighborhood in the whole of Lisbon. It is known as the city’s shopping and theatre hub so you can expect a fair share of fancy designer stores and restaurants to be there.
I would advise taking a walk around Armazéns do Chiado Shopping Mall while in this area. This is by far the most significant shopping center in Chiado and you will be stunned by the sensational design of the building both inside and out.
There are 50 different stores inside the Armazéns do Chiado. These sell everything from jewelery, cosmetics, clothing, and travel gear perfect for us travelers!
Once you have finished seeing the mall, I would recommend going to Carmo Convent. This is an archeological museum built in the 14th century, and it is a fascinating spectacle to see from the inside.
The neighborhood of Chiado was founded in the 12th century. This makes it almost 1,000 years old, and it contains an enormous amount of history. When considering this and the fact it is located in the center of Lisbon, it is no wonder that it is a must-visit while here!
Baixa
When it comes to the best neighborhoods in Lisbon, Baixa might just be the number one.
Why is this you might ask?
There are a few reasons, but I would say it is simply a favorite among most visitors.
In Baixa, you will find the Santa Justa Lift which provides epic views of the entire city. I love this place because it is attached to a bridge which provides breathtaking views over Lisbon.
Not only this, but the neighborhood is home to the street of Rua Augusta. This is home to the iconic Arco de Rua Augusta, which was built after an earthquake destroyed the entire neighborhood.
Baixa’s history is also extremely fascinating. In 1755, roughly 85% of all of its buildings were destroyed by an earthquake.
This means the entire neighborhood had to be rebuilt!
Belém
The fifth and final neighborhood on my list for today is Belém.
I think it would be criminal to not mention Belém as one of the best neighborhoods in Lisbon.
Allow me to explain.
Belém is home to two of the most significant tourist attractions in the entire capital. These two are so vital to the city that the both of them have been labeled a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
These are known as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
The intricately designed Belém Tower was used as a fort for protecting the city from invaders. These trespassers tried to raid the city through the Tagus River which explains why it is built so close to it.
Nowadays, the tower provides epic views from the top of Tagus River and will enhance your perspective of the city as a whole.
Jerónimos Monastery is special because of its unusually capturing architecture. This is a mix of both Gothic and Manueline styles created by famous Portuguese figures.
Both of these attractions alone provide more than enough reasons to come to Belém!
Where to Stay in Lisbon
There are several high-quality hotels I would recommend staying in while in Lisbon. All of these offer top-notch accommodation, service, and hospitality for all of their guests.
Hotel Portugal – Portugal Boutique Hotel
Quality: 4-star hotel
Reviews: Excellent
Average Room Price Per Night: 275 Euro – 335 Euro ($293 – $357) – For availability and rates click here.
Address: R. João das Regras 4, 1100-294 Lisboa, Portugal
Hotel Portugal (could add affiliate link here) is a 4-star hotel which is located in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. Not only do the excellent online reviews speak for themselves, but the prices for a room are relatively cheap.
Especially when you consider typical hotel prices in major European cities.
There is an enormous amount of fantastic amenities included with a hotel room here. This isn’t limited to 24-hour room service, but you will receive a morning breakfast that is known to be impressive.
All rooms are soundproof and come complete with their own minibar.
Do you really need anything else for a night or two?
Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel
Quality: 5-star hotel
Reviews: Excellent
Average Room Price Per Night: 426 Euro – 487 Euro ($455 – $520) – For availability and rates click here.
Address: R. de Santiago 12, 1100-494 Lisboa, Portugal
It is important to mention that Santiago de Alfama (could add affiliate link here) is far from cheap for a hotel. However, with a score of 9.3/10 on Booking.com and outstanding reviews on multiple other platforms, it is safe to say that it is still a solid bet for a budget-free vacation.
Every amenity of this 5-star hotel screams pure class. That is from the smooth and silky sofas to the plush and spacious double beds to rest your head.
If those aren’t enough to get excited about, your free continental morning breakfast will also be served inside of your room.
Smooth!
Hotel da Baixa
Quality: 4-star hotel
Reviews: Excellent
Average Room Price Per Night: 395 Euro – 456 Euro ($422 – $487) – For availability and rates click here.
Address: Rua da Prata 231, 1100-417 Lisboa, Portugal
As you can see from the title, Hotel da Baixa (could add affiliate link here) is located directly in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. The good news about this is that Baixa is one of the best areas in Lisbon, so the location definitely helps.
Your room is guaranteed to come with a 4K TV, and the breakfast is in the form of a buffet in the morning. The difference between Hotel da Baixa and the other hotels I’ve listed is that you do have to pay for breakfast here.
However, it is a buffet as mentioned so you can get some strong bang for your buck.
Each room price varies depending on size and amenities here, so feel free to choose which one is based on your needs and budget.
Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina
Quality: 5-star hotel
Reviews: Excellent
Average Room Price Per Night: 547 Euro – 608 Euro ($585 – $650) – For availability and rates click here.
Address: R. de Santa Catarina 1, 1200-401 Lisboa, Portugal
Verride Palácio Santa Catarina (could add affiliate link here) is possibly the most expensive hotel in Lisbon, but it might also be the most impressive.
Of course, this price depends on when you book. If you book a month or two in advance, you could save yourself almost $200 for the same room. This can depend on whether you are booking in the high season or low season for Portugal additionally.
Booking a night here provides you with a modern and spacious double room, but that isn’t the full story. Even their least expensive room comes with its own balcony providing panoramic views of the city.
When you combine this with the ensuite bathroom inside of the room, you really do get the full package!
FAQ’s
1. How would you compare Lisbon with a city like Madrid?
Both of these European capital cities have their similarities, so I can see why it is a fair comparison.
The first major difference I have to mention is the size. Madrid is a whopping six times bigger than Lisbon, which is pretty shocking to think about. In this amount of space, the population is almost the same difference. Madrid has 3.2 million people living there, and Lisbon has just over 500,000 people in their population.
Lisbon is more calm and smooth which I like about the energy of being there. Madrid is more intense and there is a lot more going on in the Spanish capital.
2. How much time would you recommend spending in Lisbon?
When comparing the major European cities I’ve explored on my travels, I do have to say that Lisbon is small. That isn’t to say that it isn’t filled with fascinating sights as it certainly is.
However, I would say three to four days is more than enough time to take in everything. You don’t need this much time as you can see a great deal of places in a day. If you are taking things slowly though, this is a perfect amount of time to see what is there.
Conclusion
Although Lisbon is a small city, it is a small city which requires some preparation.
With enough preparedness and a ready-to-go itinerary, even one day is enough to make the most of Lisbon.
I hope you enjoyed this informative guide which includes my entire experience of the city from head to toe.
Remember to bookmark this page for the next time you visit to ensure your trip is the best it can be!