Quick take
- Do the classic trio (center + Alfama + Belém), then add one extra day.
- Best extra day choice: one day trip (Sintra for drama, Cascais for calm).
- Alternative extra day: modern Lisbon in Parque das Nações (easy walking).
- This trip length lets you slow down and still feel complete.
- Keep one day intentionally light — you’ll enjoy everything more.
- Golden hour stays your daily anchor: viewpoints or riverfront.
How we update this guide
We try to keep advice here timeless (neighborhood logic, routes, pacing) and call out details that can change quickly (opening hours, transit patterns, prices, seasonal events). If something important changes, we want to hear it.
- Site-wide review date: 2025-12-31
- If you spot an error: send the page URL + what changed + the date you observed it.
- For anything time-sensitive, verify official sources close to travel time.
The best shape for 4 days
Four days is where Lisbon starts to feel like a base rather than a checklist. You can do the classic core and still have space for one ‘extra’ that matches your travel mood.
The easiest plan: 3 classic Lisbon days + 1 day trip (or 1 modern slow day).
Extra day option A: Sintra (palaces and drama)
If you want a ‘wow’ day, choose Sintra. It’s a different climate and a different vibe — and it can be crowded, so start early and choose fewer priorities.
Extra day option B: Cascais (coastal ease)
If you want calm and beach air, choose Cascais. It’s the easiest day trip logistically and a perfect ‘recovery day’ from Lisbon’s hills.
Extra day option C: modern Lisbon (Parque das Nações)
If you’d rather stay in the city and keep it low-effort, do Parque das Nações: modern waterfront promenades and an easy pace — a perfect contrast to Alfama.