5 Days in Lisbon: Where to stay & What to do

February 4,2025

One of the astounding and marvelous capital cities of Portugal is Lisbon. It is a kind of unique city that is filled with its past history, live culture and extraordinary views. This is because the entire city is completely filled with charming streets, stalls, and cafes that serve absolutely delicious foods and splendid local people. Just visiting 5 days in Lisbon can make your trip absolutely memorable.

Thus, in this blog, we will be focussing on the 5-day itinerary, which will include visiting the legendary historic neighborhoods that have famous landmarks, beaches to relax by the sea, and even some available day trips that you can add as nearby destinations. So whatever you are interested in, Lisbon will have that option available for you. So, without wasting any more time, let’s delve straight into it.

Also, if you have any queries regarding the Portugal Visa application, then fear not; we will cover that information before the end of this blog.

Where to stay in Lisbon for the first-timers

If this is your first time 5 days in Lisbon trip, then you must be a little worried about choosing the right place to stay, which can affect your experience. Let us recommend a few wonderful neighborhoods that are unique in themselves and will be offering something special separately.

Consider Chiado and Baixa which can be a great place to stay as it is located right in the centre of the city. Whatever famous attractions, important shops or fancy restaurants will be nearby. You can even explore the entire neighborhood on foot.

Next, we have Alfama, which is also a great option. This is perfect for visitors who love history and roaming around in the charming streets. If you visit this place, you will experience one of the oldest districts in Lisbon, which is filled with traditional houses and fantastic local culture.

Now, if you are a lover of energetic nightlife, without any second thoughts, head straight to the Bairro Alto. Once the evening sets in, just visit any bars that will be ready to mesmerize with music and entertainment.

If you are looking for something very peaceful, then Avenida da Liberdade can be a great choice. The area has plenty of luxurious hotels, beautiful streets, and complete easy access to public transport. If you are traveling with your family, then settle yourselves in Parque das Nacoes. It is a modern neighborhood that has many parks and family-friendly attractions to keep the little ones busy.

Weather Status in Lisbon During the Summer

Normally, if you consider 5 days in Lisbon during the summer season, you will have to keep an open mind to experience warm and sunny weather. Though hot, it is still a great time to visit Lisbon. Considering the months from June to August, the temperatures will usually stay between 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.

If you go a bit later, like in the months of July and August, the days can be extremely hot. But here’s the catch: the gentle breeze that originated from the Tagus rivers balances the extreme climate into something comfortable in the city. Do not expect any rain during this time, so without any worries plan any kind of outdoor activities that you like. Another thing is that the city experiences the best long daylight hours, which means the sun will be setting around 9 pm. Thus giving you amaple amount of time to explore.

Few Recommendations to make your 5 days in Lisbon trip comfortable

We recommend in order to beat the heat, start sightseeing early in the morning immediately. If you are not an early riser, then go visit in the late afternoon. The middle of the day will be extremely hot to endure. So, take breaks in between, like standing under a tree shade, or consider visiting any indoor attractions.

If you want to cool off, head straight to Costa da Caparica or Carcavelos beaches. Wear very light clothing, apply sunscreen on the exposed skin, and cover your eyes with sunglasses and head with a hat to make your visit comfortable. Fancy outdoor seated snacks, then there are many restaurants and cafes available to enjoy the warm evening.

To sum up, we assure you that the summer weather in Lisbon will be perfect for travelers like you, who love sunshine and lots of outdoor adventures. All you have to do is keep some preparation. Always stay hydrated and enjoy the great atmosphere of the city.

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Some Good Outdoor Places to Visit In Lisbon on a 5-Day Trip

If your interest lies in experiencing all kinds of outdoor activities during 5 days in Lisbon, believe in yourself that you are in the right spot, surrounded by beautiful places. One of the best locations for outdoor sports is Praca do Comercio. It is a large beautiful square that is on the banks of the Tagus River. You can even take a stroll stop in between to take snaps while enjoying the view. After that, you can go to Belem. The location is famous for some of the great landmarks like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. These historic sites are completely surrounded by stunning gardens and walkways. You can even relax here if you like to.

Next head to the Miradouros, from where you can experience great views of the city. You can even get a better view of Lisbon from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. If you love watching the sunset, do not miss visiting Miradouro de Santa Catarina. For nature lovers, one can even add visiting Monsanto Forest to their itinerary. It is considered the largest green region in Lisbon where you can enjoy some of the most serene and peaceful walks.

If you are an art lover, then consider visiting the LX Factory, which is a kind of outdoor area filled with street art, including cafes and shops. You will find most of the local artists’ creativity here. Lastly, to completely relax on a beach, go to Carcavelos Beach. It will take just 30 minutes from the city.

Things to do in Lisbon on a 5-Day Trip

If you don’t have any plans for 5 days in Lisbon trip, then let us recommend our version from which you can get help:

Explore the amazing Historic Lisbon on Day 1

Go for a walk through the center of Lisbon, most notably Baixa and Chiado.
There is a beautiful square right by the river which is known as Praca do Comercio.
Visit the most old neighborhood, which consists of many narrow streets in Alfama.
Take some time sightseeing the Lisbon Cathedral also known as Se de Lisboa.
For a delightful Fado music performance at the time of evening.

Discover the extraordinary Belem and the Waterfront on Day 2

Next day, start your day by visiting Belem Tower.
Explore the fascinating Jeronimos Monastery, which is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you feel hungry in between, try the delightful Pastel de Nata at Pasteis de Belem.
If you want to spend some time in peace, just take a stroll along the Tagus River including the views of Monument to the Discoveries.
For some modern perspectives of art and architecture, a visit to the MAAT Museum is a must.

Trip to magnificent Sintra on Day 3

On the third day, head straight to the Pena Palace.
There are beautiful gardens to wander around in Quinta da Regaleira.
After that, you visit the old town of Sintra. Don’t forget to try the soft, yummy pastries in local shops.

Modern Lisbon & Local Experiences on Day 4

There are two must-visit places available. One is Parque das Nacoes, and the other one is Lisbon Oceanarium.
Next, explore the area of LX Factory, where you can explore multiple shops, cafes, and creative street art by local artists.
Enjoy the affluent nightlife in the area of Bairro Alto.

Relax and Farewell on Day 5

You should definitely take the monumental ride on Tram 28.
To relish some delicious food, go and visit the Time Out Market.
Finally, rest and relax at Carcavelos Beach before you leave Lisbon.

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Travelling From Lisbon Airport

For your 5 days in Lisbon trip, you might have to go through the Humberto Delgado Airport (also known as Lisbon Airport) if you are traveling from a different country. It is just located around 7 km right from the centre of the city. Now you can reach your destination very easily after arrival. We have got some great ideas on the ways how you can travel from the airport to your reserved hotel or accommodation:

Metro: One of the cheapest options is taking the Lisbon Metro. It is very convenient. Take the red line on which you reach the city center from the airport. Tickets will be just €1.80, and it might take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Aerobus: There is a special kind of airport bus available. Check the location where your hotel is and get to the nearest stop in Lisbon. Some of the important locations are Marques de Pombal and Cais do Sodre. The tickets are a little more expensive than the metro and could be around €4. You can buy it on the bus itself.

Taxi or Uber: Taxi are always available outside the airport, and going to the center of the city will cost you around €15 to €20. Try Uber or Bolt apps to get a taxi, as sometimes they come cheaper than normal taxis.

Private Transfer: In case you are traveling with families with a huge amount of luggage, then opt for the private transfer. It will truly make the ride toward the city center absolutely stress-free.

Car Rental: This will come in handy if you would like to go for a day trip nearby or outside of Lisbon. You can rent a car from the airport itself.

How to Get Around Lisbon

During your 5 days in Lisbon, getting around will be one of the easiest options in any place in the whole world, as there are multiple transportation options available. Wherever your budget supports, based on that you can prefer going on the public transport or just consider walking. Let us show you how many ways we will be able to explore Lisbon comfortably:

Metro: One of the fastest, cleanest, and most affordable options to travel around Lisbon is the Lisbon Metro. It has four major lines that completely connect the important points in the city. The maximum price for a single ticket per ride will be around €1.80. If you are considering multiple rides, then it would be feasible to take a day pass for unlimited travel.

Trams: Welcome to the famous historical Tram 28 service, on which you will be able to see the famous historic neighborhoods such as Baiza, Alfama and Chiado. Get early to ride trams. It becomes overcrowded sometimes.

Buses: Whatever places the metro cannot take you, buses are available for that. For travelling to important places like Parque das Nacoes or Belem, it is quite useful.

Walking: Once you visit Lisbon, you will realize that most of the attractions are not that far away from each other. Hence, you can consider walking if you are fit enough. Do keep a note that Lisbon consists of many hills as well, so wear comfortable shoes to have a good experience.

Tuk Tuks: Somall vehicles are also available for short rides and it is a fun way to see the city, especially in the steep areas.

Taxis & Uber: Taxis are available everywhere. You can take the help of Uber and Bolt as well for easy travel.

What to Eat?

If you are fascinated by some flavourful dishes during your 5 days in Lisbon trip, then here is a list of what to eat in Lisbon, Portugal:

Bacalhai: A subtle traditional dish that is famous all over Portugal. Salted codfish is the main ingredient. Various restaurants in Portugal will have this dish on their menu.

Pasteis de Nata: These are the famous custard tarts, which is an absolute must-try. The pastry is completely crispy in the outer shell but has a creamy filling on the inside. It tastes amazing with a cup of coffee.

Ameijoas a Bulhao Pato: If you love clams, then you should try this. The clams are cooked in garlic, cilantro, and olive oil. It is one of the delicious seafood dishes.

Sardinhas Assadas: Now, suppose you visit during the summer months; this dish is quite popular at that time. It is actually a grilled sardine, which is served with a side of salad or bread. It is even a favorite dish among the locals of Lisbon.

Caldo Verde: A simple yet very comforting green soup. Mixture of chorizo, kale, and potatoes is there. Locals usually prefer it during the winter months.

Bifana: A perfect sandwich that can be had for a snack is a delicious sandwich. It is made from marinated pork. Sometimes, it is even spiced and served in a soft roll.

Ginja: It is a fine liquor that is often found in any of the bars of Lisbon. A completely sweet and cherry-flavored, it is a unique drink that you can try while taking sa troll of the city.

Top Tips for visiting Lisbon

Now, if you are going to Lisbon for 5 days trip, then keep some important points in mind:

Comfortable Shoes: There are many hilly terrains and narrow streets filled with cobblestone streets to cover by foot. So, it’s important to consider sturdy yet comfortable footwear to make it possible.

Public Transport: If you are under budget, then take advantage of the public transportation system. They are very reliable and efficient. Try to get the Viva Viagem card so that you can make unlimited travels on trams, buses, and metros.

Belem Early: Always ensure to visit the Belem as early as possible so that you can beat the crowds at the popular sites. If you feel hungry, try the Pasteis de Belem at any of the bakery nearby.

Alfama District: If you want to know more about the rich heritage of Lisbon, then keep some time to take a stroll in the Alfama’s district which is filled with historic architecture and vibrant culture.

Fado Music: Fado performances are very popular in the neighborhoods of Alfama or Bairro Alto. Attend these music sessions so that you can feel deep insights about the culture of the city.

Local Cuisine: We have already mentioned the best dishes that you can try in Lisbon. So don’t avoid that.

Trip to Sintra: Sintra is a little far away from Lisbon, but you can consider a day trip so that you can enjoy palaces and gardens. You will get a complete fairy tale experience.

Great Views: Get an astounding experience by viewing the great landscape from Miradouro da Graca and Sao Jorge Castle.

LX factory: Definitely visit the area of the LX factory, where you can explore the marvelous boutiques, eateries, and coffee shops. It even has an outdoor market available every Sunday.

Weather: Keep in mind that sometimes the weather in Lisbon can be unpredictable. We recommend that you visit in the months of May, June, and September, as you will get pleasant conditions for sightseeing.

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Day Trip to Cascais

If you want to go for a refreshing experience during your 5 days in Lisbon trip, then head for a day trip to Cascais, which is filled with scenic beauties. You can take the help of a train ride to get there.

Once you reach Cascais, go for a walk to explore the local area, which is filled with lively cafes, crowded boutique shops, and other fantastic landmarks. If you feel hungry, stop anywhere near a restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood and other local special dishes that are available at the moment.

Take a stroll among the beaches; if you are bored of it, then rent a bicycle so that you can ride a little far to discover the coastal trails and other rugged cliffs. As the day passes by, you will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere nearby with the captivating ocean vistas. This unique excursion will truly be a serene experience for you.

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Rental suggestion or Transport suggestion

Consider this suggestion for 5 days in Lisbon trip:

Metro & Public Transport: Get the Viva Visagem card. It will allow you unlimited travel on the bus, metro and tram networks of Lisbon.

Tram: One of the famous trams of Lisbon is the Tram 28. Make sure to travel in it from which you can view great historic neighborhoods and culture of Lisbon.

Bike Rentals: If you can’t walk much on the narrow paths and cobblestone streets, consider other flexible, eco-friendly transports like bicycles or electric scooters.

Ridesharing Options: If you want convenience, use the ridesharing apps like Uber or Bolt. Sometimes, in the evening, public transport availability can be limited; hence, take the help of these apps.

Car Rental for Excursions: In case you are planning to go somewhere which is further from Lisbon for day trips, if you know how to drive, then rent a car. But avoid taking the narrow streets and choose the parking places wisely as well.

Travel route for 5 days in Lisbon

Here is a quick travel route guide for 5 days in Lisbon:

Day 1: On the first day, go around the streets of Alfama. Then, head to the areas of Baixa and Rossio.

Day 2: Visit the Belem district, especially the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery and its Belem Tower. Savor yourself some tasty Pasteis de Belem.

Day 3: Go to the modern part of Lisbon, where you will be able to explore the futuristic Parque das Nacoes and the iconic Oceanarium.

Day 4: Plan a day trip to either Sintra or Cascais.

Day 5: On the final day, you can revisit the places where you find your favorite.

Recommendations for lodging with the little one

Traveling with kids as a family during 5 days in Lisbon trip? Here are a few tips from us:

If you have a small child, then consider booking accommodations that have facilities for kids, such as cribs, safe play areas, and high chairs.
Try to book accommodations in the location of central areas like Baixa or Chiado. It will give you easy access to visit the major attractions and take public transport.
Get some extra space for rooms that you are looking for accommodations for so that you and your kids can be absolutely comfortable during your stay.
Make the place you are staying have child-safe features and absolute quiet rooms for babies to get good sleep.
Enjoy the advantages of places that can provide breakfast so that you don’t have to go to cafes with your kids.
Always check for accommodation with good reviews that offer decent cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Take kids to the nearby parks or any other daytime fun.
During some special seasons, there will be family discounts and packages available for families. Get hold of that so that you can make your trip more affordable and enjoyable.
Always book early, as you never know if prices can increase during peak times.

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Also see, 6 Top Things to Do in Portugal during April – Complete Guide

Conclusion

So in final thoughts, if you are going for 5 days in Lisbon, you will get an absolute experience of the culture, history and interesting charm of Lisbon. Wander around to cover most of the historic neighbourhoods, astounding views from specific locations, fantastic tram rides, taste the excellent dishes and meet the lovely locals. If you have some time, venture out for a day trip to Sintra or Cascais. Let us assure you that you will have plenty of memorable experiences on your return back home.

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FAQs

Is the city of Lisbon safe for tourists?

Normally, Lisbon is considered a safe place. But still, be careful about your surroundings, mostly in crowded areas.

Is it possible to communicate in Lisbon in case you don’t speak the Portuguese language?

Yes absolutely. As Lisbon is a famous place for tourists, the locals even speak in English to make your stay easy for you.

How much should I spend time for each major area?

We recommend that you spend 1 to 2 days in the historic districts, 1 day specifically to visit Belem, then 1 day on a day trip to Sintra or Cascais, and finally a few hours to relax and enjoy the local neighborhoods.

How Long will take for my Portugal Visa to arrive?

After Visa Centre approves your Visa, it should take around 10 to 15 calendar days for the Portugal Visa to reach vis courier.