5 Days in Lisbon and Sintra (from an Ex-Local)

I visited Lisbon for the first time in 2019 and only stayed three days. I quickly realized that wasn’t even close to enough—so, being the extra af traveler that I am—I moved back for two whole months in 2023.

This itinerary is exactly what I would tell my best friend to do if she was gearing up to spend 5 days in Lisbon.

I’ll level with you—if three days wasn’t enough, five days also isn’t enough time to see everything Lisbon has to offer, so don’t feel bad if you don’t make it to everything on your Lisbon bucket list.

However, 5 days is definitely enough time to hit the highlights and get a solid feel for the city.

I spent those two months in 2023 chasing sunset viewpoints, trying every restaurant I could, and partying in Bairro Alto more nights than I care to admit. Whether you’re into fresh seafood, historic castles, or cozy bars playing Fado music—this 5-day itinerary will help you experience the best of Lisbon.

Day 1: Pastel de Nata, Walking Tour, Praça do Comércio, Sé Catedral

Your first day in Lisbon starts in Bairro Alto—an ancient fisherman’s neighborhood turned Lisbon’s best nightlife district…which happens to be one of my personal favorite areas to explore in the city.

During the day, Bairro Alto is full of Portuguese history, tasty eats, and beautiful sights. At night, the neighborhood is full lively bars, great music, and tipsy tourists on pub crawls (moi included 💁🏽‍♀️).

Start the Day with a Pastel de Nata from Manteigaria

Fuel up for your first day of exploring with a classic (and world-famous) Portuguese pastry, the pastel de nata.

Don’t hate me…but I’m not really a pastry person. However, I do enjoy a good pastel de nata now and then—so it’s a good thing that this city is chock full of them.

This delicious custard tart originated in the 18th century at the Jerónimos Monastery. It was common for the monks to starch their clothes using egg whites, so they would bake the leftover yolks into various pastries and desserts.

One of the best places to try pasteis de nata is Manteigaria. There are many Manteigaria locations around Lisbon, but the original shop is in Lisbon’s Chiado, right on the edge of Bairro Alto in Praça Luís de Camões.

Pastéis de nata from Manteigaria are baked fresh daily and only cost €1.30 apiece. Let me just say…yum.

Visit One of the World’s Oldest Bookstores: Livraria Ferin

After savoring every bite of your delicious pastel de nata (lick those fingers clean—no shame girl), make your way to Livraria Ferin—one of the world’s oldest bookstores.

You may have heard that the world’s oldest bookstore is located in Lisbon—it’s called Livraria Bertrand and is actually located across the street from Livraria Ferin.

Although Bertrand was founded in 1732 and is technically the oldest bookstore in the world, it was redone to be so modern it honestly just kind of feels like a tiny Barnes and Noble.

My advice?

Skip it and head across the street to Livraria Ferin. This bookstore was established in 1840 and, although it’s technically 100 years more recent than Bertrand, it feels much older. You’ll find plenty of antique books, ancient maps, and cool collectibles like vintage postcards in this shop.

Hop on a Free Walking Tour of Lisbon

After experiencing the city’s literary culture, stretch your legs with a free walking tour of Lisbon by Sandemans New Europe! These tours are offered daily from Praça Luís de Camões (in both English and Spanish) and typically last around three hours.

Thankfully, I took this tour early on while living in Lisbon because I very quickly made some friends to enjoy nighttime adventures in Bairro Alto with. (Solo travel tip: always take the walking tour if you want to make friends.)

You’ll get a chance to see some of Lisbon’s top sights, learn about the history and culture of the city, and get some insider tips from a local guide. Keep in mind that, although these tours are free, you’re expected to tip your guide at the end—so bring cash.

Stop by the Historic Praça do Comércio

Trust me—I know you’ll be hungry by this point (we were starving). However, the walking tours typically end in the historic Praça do Comércio, so you’d be remiss not to take a look around.

Praça do Comércio translates to “the Square of Commerce,” which is fitting since captains and merchants would trade their goods here after long sea voyages to Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia.

A statue depicting King Joseph I stands in the center of the square, while the historic Rua Augusta Arch stands to the north. The square was constructed as the symbolic entrance into Lisbon—and boy is it beautiful.

Even my drone shot—which is georgina, if I do say so myself—doesn’t quite do it justice.

You can actually climb to the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta—which I decided to do on a different day since I was very ready to sit down after a 3-hour walking tour.

Entrance tickets cost only €3.50 and they’re worth every penny for those gorgeous views of the city and the Tagus River.

The stairs are narrow, so it’s not an activity for tourists with poor mobility, but there also aren’t so many steps that you’ll be a sweaty mess by the time you reach the top.

Grab a Delicious Local Lunch from Lisboa Tu e Eu 2

Now that you’ve spent your first morning exploring the city, it’s time for some much-deserved lunch. Lisboa Tu e Eu 2 is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole city and a must-visit on any Lisbon itin.

The little local restaurant is located up a tiny staircase/alley and the interior is covered floor-to-ceiling with customer-written graffiti. Ask for a Sharpie to leave your mark!

I decided to try a traditional Portuguese meal—Bacalhau à Brás, which consists of salt cod, eggs, and potatoes. Although salt cod definitely doesn’t speak to everyone, cod is served everywhere in Lisbon, so be sure to try some before you leave.

Spoiler alert: this was de-licious and so Insta-worthy.

Explore the Historic Sé Catedral de Lisboa

Located in the city center, the stunning Sé de Lisboa dates back to the 12th century and is steeped in Portuguese history.

I stopped by to wander around the ground floor of the cathedral (which is free), but last-minute decided to splurge on a ticket that included the Museum of the Treasury, the High Choir, and access to the top floor (where the views are).

It was only €7—so it wasn’t much of a splurge—but it was definitely worth it. (No need to buy tickets in advance, you can get them at the cathedral directly.)

Catch the Sunset from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Now that you’ve killed a day exploring some of Lisbon’s best sites, it’s time to enjoy one of Portugal’s best combinations—a viewpoint and a sunset (bonus point if you add a glass of vinho verde).

Miradouro de Santa Luzia in the historic Alfama neighborhood is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most popular, and it’s not large enough to accommodate all of the sunset-seekers.

Although the iconic blue tiles and draped floral pathway is certainly photo-worthy, I prefer the nearby Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which is just as gorgeous, but will allow you a bit more breathing room.

Have a Tasty Dinner at Farol de Santa Luzia

After a long day of exploring, chances are you’ve worked up an appetite! Head across the street from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol to the Farol de Santa Luzia for a traditional and delicious dinner.

On my visit to Farol de Santa Luzia, I enjoyed a glass of vinho verde (€5) and a hearty dish of grilled octopus and potatoes (€21). The food was absolutely delicious and the staff was incredibly kind. I even got a free glass of white port after my meal!

I will mention, that although I enjoyed my visit to Farol de Santa Luzia and the food was exquisite, the service was truly terrible.

My wine took 20 minutes to arrive (I only received it after a reminder to the server) and I was informed they were out of the original dish I ordered a full 25 minutes after I had ordered it. Thankfully, when my dinner did arrive it could not have been more delicious.

Party All Night on a Lisbon Pub Crawl

If you’re interested in fully immersing yourself in the Lisbon nightlife scene right off the bat, then look no further than a Lisbon pub crawl!

I’ll be honest—I went on far more than my fair share of pub crawls during my two months in Lisbon.

I think the exact number might have been around six…

So, borderline drinking problem aside, you can trust I know what I’m talking about. My favorite pub crawl is put on by the Yes! Lisbon Hostel.

You don’t need to be staying at the hostel to participate. Just show up, pay your €15, enjoy your free drink at the hostel bar, and head out for a night of Pink Street fun!

If you’ve already been in Lisbon for a few days and prefer the Bairro Alto bar scene to Pink Street, you might prefer this Pub Crawl instead. Both options include free welcome shots and entrance to a nightclub at the end of the night.

👉🏼 Book your Bairro Alto pub crawl here!

Day 2: Santa Justa Life, Carmo Convent, 28 Tram, Bairro Alto

Providing you’re not too hungover…it’s time for day 2 of exploring Lisbon. (If you are too hungover, no judgment girl. Order yourself something greasy on Portugal’s best app for food delivery—Glovo.)

If you’re ready for another awesome day of exploring, pack your camera, charge up that portable charger, and get ready for more gorgeous views, historic sites, and tasty eats in Lisbon.

Have Brunch at Dear Breakfast

Lisbon is a modern city. You’ll find lots of trendy restaurants serving all your brunch favorites washed down with tasty mimosas in the city center.

Dear Breakfast is one of those places.

If your night of exploring Lisbon’s cocktail scene has you craving some eggs benny and a spicy bloody mary (my go-to hangover brunch order), this is the spot for you.

I ordered the bagel and lox with egg, and my only complaint is that the eggs were hard boiled and sliced…not poached. Other than that, everything was delicious!

Take in the Views from the Lift Observation Point

Next on my kick-ass Lisbon itinerary—get ready for some seriously breathtaking views.

The Elevator de Santa Justa is a century-old iron lift that links downtown with Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood up the hill. The lift was originally built for public transportation, but nowadays it’s mostly a tourist attraction.

Tickets to the top are €6…and you’ll most likely have to wait in a huge line.

Thankfully, you have me—your Lisbon travel guru 💁🏽‍♀️—to give you a better, cheaper option that won’t waste your precious time.

Instead, head to the Carmo Convent, turn right, and walk around the convent to the back. You’ll see where tourists get off the elevator—A.K.A. the Lift Observation Point.

Walk around here and take in the views to your heart’s content. Use that €6 on a glass of wine instead—you’re welcome.

Explore the Nearby Carmo Convent

Built in 1385, the Carmo Convent is the site of 700 years of Lisbon history and it shows.

I had seen the convent from the outside, but I was not prepared for how cool it is on the inside. It’s a quick stop that’s highly worth it—in my opinion. If you’re interested in the history, which I actually found quite fascinating, here’s a tiny crash course:

In 1755, Lisbon was nearly destroyed by an earthquake measuring an estimated 7.7 on the Richter scale. It hit on All Saints’ Day, while the majority of Lisbon’s population was in church observing the religious holiday.

The Carmo Church, like many other churches in Lisbon at the time, collapsed during the quake—killing many of the churchgoers inside the building. The earthquake destroyed the structure of the building, while the lit candles inside the church burned through the interior.

Because so many of the victims were faithful churchgoers who died while praying, the disaster raised some heavy questions about religion, fate, and divine justice. Some historians even argue that this earthquake helped spark the Age of Enlightenment.

Reconstruction of the convent began in 1756, but was abandoned in 1834. Today, you can visit the skeletal remains and the museum inside for a €7 entrance fee.

Grab a Bifana for Lunch at Solar da Madalena

Getting hungry? Next, let’s try one of my favorite Portuguese dishes—the bifana.

A bifana is a Portuguese pork sandwich that is commonly eaten for lunch in Lisbon. These tasty sandwiches consist of thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic, white wine, and paprika that’s served on a fluffy white roll with mustard and piri-piri (hot) sauce.

I first tried bifana at the Time Out Market (a very popular, yet touristy market in Cais do Sodré). It was pretty tasty, but definitely overpriced. The bifana I tried at Solar da Madalena, however, blew me away.

On a little solo dinner adventure, I feasted on a tasty bifana and a glass of delicious Portuguese wine for only €5.50—talk about a steal! Just writing about it now makes me want to book a flight back…

Ride Lisbon’s Iconic 28 Tram

No Lisbon itinerary would be complete without a ride on one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams.

The 28 tram connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique. On the route, you’ll pass through Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca. Although the 28 is definitely not the only tram that runs through Lisbon, it’s the most famous because the route is the most scenic. Below is some advice on riding Lisbon’s 28 tram:

• Ride the trams early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Board the tram in Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique. There is a better chance of getting a seat at these stops.
• Purchase a ticket in advance from any metro station. You can purchase tickets directly on the bus for €3, but you need to pay in cash and it’s an extra hassle.
• Ride the whole route to take in the scenery!

Watch a Fado Show at Tasca do Chico

If you love live music and history, you need to make sure a Fado show makes it on your Lisbon itinerary.

I saw my first Fado show at A Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto (with my new friends that I met on the walking tour), and it was fantastic. If you arrive between shows, you’ll have to wait outside for a bit before they open the doors again.

Don’t leave! It’s definitely worth the wait.

Fado is a genre of music that can be traced back to the early 1800’s in Lisbon. In all reality, the origins of Fado are suspected to reach much farther back than the 19th century.

It’s said that Fado comes from the Portuguese soul. The songs are usually mournful and tell tales from the sea or the life of the poor. (Pro tip: Fado is best enjoyed with wine.)

Try Some Traditional Brazilian Food at Acarajé da Carol

Lisbon is full of Brazilian influence, so be sure to try some tasty Brazilian food during your trip!

We got an insider tip to head to Acarajé da Carol—just around the corner from Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto—for some traditional Brazilian cuisine.

Having never been to Brazil (a fact I’m hoping to change soon), I didn’t really know what to expect. We asked the server for recommendations, and she told us to order acarajé com camarão, carne do sol com mandioca, and bobó de camarão.

Everything was phenomenal, and it was so fun learning about a new cuisine.

Be sure to try the hot sauce, but tread lightly, that shit is dangerous.

Indulge in High-End Cocktails at Pavilhão Chinês

If you’re still kicking after dinner, and I’ll be impressed if you are, I highly recommend exploring Lisbon’s high-end cocktail scene.

In my research before my trip, I stumbled upon the name Pavilhão Chinês, and thankfully I took note.

Pavilhão Chinês is an upscale cocktail bar that has major speakeasy vibes. I don’t say this lightly—but it’s genuinely one of the coolest bars I’ve ever been to.

The whole interior is covered in antique statues, paintings, photos, etc. which gives the impression that you’re sitting in a high-end antique shop.

If you’re visiting Lisbon on a budget, this is not the bar for you. However, if you’re open to a little splurging…these were some of the best cocktails I’ve had in Europe. Pro tip: order a white Russian—it was phenomenal.

Day 3: Time Out Market, Pink Street, Castelo de São Jorge

It’s officially day number three—are you excited?

Spoiler alert: today will be filled with more historic Lisbon sites (including the iconic Castelo de São Jorge), fresh Portuguese seafood, killer views, and—of course—the best places in town to get your buzz going.

Head to the Time Out Market for Breakfast

For breakfast, head to the famous Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré.

This market, held in the Mercado da Ribeira, is filled with vendors selling traditional Portuguese food, international cuisine, drinks, and desserts. You’ll find stands selling sushi, noodles, pasteis de nata, seafood, steaks, cocktails, and more—basically anything your heart desires.

I won’t lie, it’s touristy—but it’s also pretty iconic. Even if you just take a lap or two and then decide to grab a bite somewhere a little more affordable, it’s still definitely worth a quick visit.

Fun fact: there are Time Out Markets all over the world, including Budapest, Chicago, and Barcelona—but the Lisbon location was the first.

Snap a Pic on Pink Street

While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Lisbon’s famous Pink Street for a couple of iconic pics.

Pink Street used to be known as Rua Nova do Carvalho and was initially home to Lisbon’s Red Light District. It used to be a meeting point for sailors, criminals, and prostitutes looking to gamble and drink.

That all changed with the addition of hot pink paint.

Since the street was painted in 2013, Pink Street has been one of Lisbon’s best nightlife spots turned occasional open-air art gallery during the day. I killed many a night on Pink Street hopping from bar to bar and overindulging in €5 glasses of prosecco.

Visit the Gulbenkian Museum

I actually visited The Gulbenkian Museum on my first trip to Lisbon back in 2019—my dad and sister are suckers for a good art museum. Although I’m more of a viewpoint girl, I still enjoy a good art museum from time to time.

The museum, located in Avenidas Novas, showcases the prized collection of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, a British businessman with a fondness for art during WWII.

His collection of Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic, and Oriental pieces is beautifully displayed and well worth the €14 ticket (this is for the all-inclusive package, there are cheaper options available).

You can book tickets online ahead of time on the official website.

🚨The Gulbenkian Museum is closed for renovations until July 2026.

Grab an Authentic Portuguese Lunch from Penalva da Graca

Ready for a lil’ lunch? Head to Penalva da Graca for some traditionally-cooked and madly-delicious seafood.

I stumbled upon this place with my new friends from the walking tour and it’s about as authentic as it gets. We definitely got some weird looks speaking English in this place 😂

It’s extremely affordable, no frills, and no-nonsense.

We grabbed a table, immediately ordered a delicious bottle of vinho verde, and got ready to feast. After a look through the menu, we decided on a heaping bowl of seafood rice (for two) and a plate of freshly grilled sardines—which were messy but worth it.

Explore the Castelo de São Jorge

Now that you’re fueled up and ready to go, it’s time to visit one of Lisbon’s top attractions—Castelo de São Jorge.

I’m forever searching for a viewpoint and there is no better picture of Lisbon than from Castelo de São Jorge. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice—the first time in 2019, and again in 2023 with my bestie.

Honestly, it never gets old.

A €15 entrance ticket grants you access to the 11th-century Moorish castle along with the museum and a truly stunning view. Perched at the top of the hill in the Alfama district, the castle is surrounded by adorable shops and outdoor restaurants—all with great views.

The castle grounds are filled with peacocks and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one raising its tail feathers. Fair warning though, peacocks scream like human children and it is…disconcerting.

👉🏼 Visiting in high-season? Play it safe with a skip-the-line pass to the castle!

Catch the Sunset from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

After another full day of exploring, it’s time for another gorgeous Lisbon sunset. If you haven’t already caught it from the castle, head down to one of Lisbon’s best viewpoints—Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

I’ve watched many a sunset from this spot, and I prefer to grab a bottle of vinho on the way over. Most bodegas will open it for you and provide you with a few plastic cups.

Grab a Delicious Dinner at Santo Andre

Dinner tonight is extra special…so set your expectations high.

Santo Andre is my all-time favorite restaurant in Lisbon. Conveniently, it was located a two-minute walk from my apartment in Alfama.

I first visited Santo Andre on my trip to Lisbon in 2019, when admittedly prices were a lot lower. Although the prices have increased, the quality has stayed just as fantastic as it was years ago.

On my first visit to Lisbon, I ordered the Polvo a Lagareiro (octopus in olive oil) and was quite literally blown away. It was the best octopus I had ever had in my life. I mean you could seriously cut this thing with a spoon.

I ordered this dish countless other times during my two months in Lisbon, and each time it was just as fantastic as the first time.

Head to Topo Martim Moniz for Drinks with a View

After a delicious seafood dinner at my favorite restaurant, it’s time for drinks at my favorite Lisbon rooftop bar! Introducing…Topo Martim Moniz.

I won’t lie…I probably went here at least 10 times during the two months I lived in Lisbon.

The patio at this rooftop bar is unparalleled, as are the prices. Stop by for a tasty glass of sparkling wine and a killer view of Lisbon.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

There are many day trips to choose from in Portugal, but with only 5 days in Lisbon, I would recommend castle-hopping in Sintra as your top-priority.

For my second day trip to Sintra (the first one was in 2019), we decided to hop on a quick train from Lisbon’s Rossio station. The journey only takes around 45 minutes and tickets cost €2.30 each way.

The ticket lines at Rossio tend to be very long, so I would recommend purchasing a metro card and filling it up at any other metro station before departing for Sintra (this is easy to do a day before).

OR arrive at Rossio at least 30 minutes before your preferred departure time (we didn’t—and that was a mistake). That should give you plenty of time to wait in line for a ticket.

Additionally, you could skip the stress completely and book a group tour to Sintra including transportation. I highly recommend this option if you’re solo traveling in Lisbon—it’s a great way to make friends and keep planning to a minimum.

👉🏼 Book your day trip tour to Sintra (including round trip transportation from Lisbon)!

Grab a TukTuk, a Jeep, or a Bus

There are a couple of different ways to get to the castles in Sintra. The one method I would not recommend is walking, unless you want to walk uphill for an hour and arrive at the palace covered in sweat.

As of 2023, a private tuktuk to the palace costs €15/person (this is the option we chose). Yes, it’s a bit pricey—but honestly, it’s really fun.

You can also hop in a shared Jeep for €7.50/person, or purchase a single bus ticket for €4.10.

As soon as you leave the train station in Sintra you’ll see plenty of tuktuks and Jeeps roaming around. You can flag one down to bring you to the top of the hill—just don’t get scammed out of extra euros, you need those for wine.

Visit the National Palace of Pena

When it comes to a day trip to Sintra, the Pena Palace is the star of the show. This is the Instagram-famous, yellow, blue, and red castle you’ve seen perched on top of a hill and surrounded by lush, green forests.

I’ll be honest with you—it’s every bit as beautiful as it looks online. However, it’s every bit as frustrating to visit as it is beautiful. I’m not saying you shouldn’t visit! I’m just warning you not to expect a relaxing, leisurely experience.

We booked our tickets in advance for the National Palace of Pena, and I’m so glad we did. If we had waited until the day of, chances are we wouldn’t have been able to visit till much later in the day—if we got in at all.

Tickets cost €13/person to visit the palace.

When we showed up for our allotted time slot, we still had to wait in line for around 30 minutes to enter the palace. Once we were finally inside, we were guided through, room by room, in a line behind all the other visitors in the same time slot.

It took forever and, IMO, takes away from the experience since you can’t explore the palace at your whim.

If you don’t have tickets or don’t want them, you can still show up and get some awesome views. Simply head to the cafe on the third floor and find a spot on the balcony!

The Palace is surrounded by 84 acres of grounds. It’s beautiful to explore, but do yourself a favor and skip the Cross Viewpoint. It’s a long, uphill walk and the views are much better from the palace itself.

Grab Lunch at Romaria de Baco

Be warned, castle-hopping makes you hungry. At this point in our Sintra day tour, we were ready for some well-deserved grub.

We headed into town to sit down for a tasty lunch at Romaria de Baco.

We ordered bread, traditional cheeses from the region, sausage croquettes, pan-fried squid and shrimp, and steak with fried potato and egg.

The pan-fried squid was my order, and my food was delicious. My friend decided on the steak and said her meal was just okay.

Moral of the story—when in Portugal, always order the seafood.

Experience Quinta da Regaleira

The next castle on our agenda was Quinta da Regaleira. If you’ve seen photos on Instagram or Portugal travel blogs of a moss-green, spooky-looking well disappearing into the ground—this is the place.

Unfortunately, we learned that visiting the Initiation Well isn’t as simple as just booking a ticket online (€15 each + a small booking fee) and descending some stairs.

We showed up in what we thought was the off-season, turned the corner, and were immediately greeted by a line wrapped so far around the block that we couldn’t see the end.

It was around 5:00 PM at that point, we were sweaty, hungry, and tired…so we noped out of that situation really quickly.

Even if you don’t get to take an iconic photo in the Initiation Well, Quinta da Regaleira is well worth a visit during your day trip to Sintra. It’s speculated that the owner of this 19th-century mansion was a member of the Knights Templar, and there’s even a hidden network of caves located in the vast gardens.

Wander around Castelo dos Mouros

I visited the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) during my first trip to Sintra in 2019, but sadly didn’t have time to revisit on my 2023 trip.

I remember The Moorish Castle having the best views in Sintra. However, this means that it’s also the furthest away.

The Moorish Castle is considerably older than most of Sintra’s attractions. Its roots can be traced to the 10th century when the Moors still occupied the Iberian Peninsula.

For only €10.20, you can walk the castle walls for yourself and marvel at the magnificent views of the surrounding hills and town of Sintra.

Stop by The National Palace of Sintra

The National Palace is actually the only palace that spans the entire history of Portugal. Basically—it’s a lot older than it looks.

It’s estimated that the first building was constructed in the National Palace in the 10th or 11th century, while Portugal was under Moorish rule. Today, the palace is considered Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal palace.

Entrance tickets to The National Palace of Sintra only cost €11…so I’m extra sad that we didn’t have time to go inside on our day trip. I look forward to visiting it next time—along with the Initiation Well!

Try Sintra’s Famous Pillow Cakes at Casa Piriquita

Don’t head back to Lisbon before trying out Sintra’s famous pastry—the Travesseiro or “Pillow Cake.”

Piriquita is widely considered the best place to try these tasty treats, and thankfully, it’s located in the center of town, not too far from the train station.

We tried the original pastry stuffed with sweet, eggy almond cream and dusted with powdered sugar and it was tasty, but my favorite was the Nutella-filled version. They cost around €1.70 apiece.

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Now that you’re back in Lisbon, it’s time to try out one of Lisbon’s most famous restaurants, and one of my favorite bites in the city—Taberna da Rua das Flores.

I won’t lie to you, it’s not easy to get into this restaurant.

This little Portuguese tavern is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Lisbon…a fact that is widely known. My advice would be to stop by when they open at 6:00 PM to put your name in. On a normal night, that means you’ll be able to get in around 8:00–9:00 PM (normal dinner time for Lisbon).

The restaurant is near Bairro Alto, so there are plenty of great spots to grab a caipirinha and kill and hour or two while you wait.

When you do finally get seated, your server will bring a large, handwritten chalkboard menu to your table and explain each option. The options change daily, depending on what’s fresh, so you never know what will be available on any given night.

I ordered the scallops and tuna tataki, plus a covert with bread and olives. Combined with a glass of wine, my bill was around €33. The food is not cheap and the portions are on the smaller side, but—wow—that was some of the best food I’ve ever tasted in my life.

Day 5: Belém

The last day of your trip is finally here. Don’t be sad—this will be another exciting and action-packed Lisbon day of exploring the historic neighborhood of Belém.

This was our exact day that we spent in Belém towards the end of our trip. It’s a bit far from Alfama, where we lived, so we spent the whole day over there wandering, eating, and generally getting to know this Lisbon neighborhood.

You’ll visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Torre de Belém, snack on some of the best pasteis de nata in Portugal, and learn tons of history on a free Belém walking tour.

Grab a Historic Pastel de Belém

We started the day off at Pastéis de Belém, the site of the original pasteis de nata.

I’ll let you in on the secret—

There’s no difference between a typical pastel de nata and a pastel de Belém.

This pastry shop was the first to invent this delicious custard tart back in the 18th century. When other shops around Lisbon wanted to replicate it, they were banned from using the name “pasteis de Belém” and instead started calling the tasty treats “pasteis de nata.”

Add a little cinnamon on top (like the locals do), and this is one seriously yummy pastry.

P.S. On our Belem walking tour, the guide bought us all pasteis de Belém to try after visiting the Monastery. If you signed up for the tour, I recommend waiting to visit Pastéis de Belém until afterward, so you don’t accidentally repeat (not that two pastries is necessarily a bad thing).

Have a Tasty Lunch at Andorinhas

Since the tour doesn’t start until 3:00 PM, we made sure to fuel up beforehand (cause we get cranky when we’re hangry).

Andorinhas is an adorable little Portuguese restaurant in Belém that’s conveniently located a short five-minute walk from the tour meeting point.

I ordered octopus (my go-to), and my bestie ordered steak and egg (her go-to). Everything was delicious and surprisingly affordable.

Be sure to order the Queijo de Azeitao as an appetizer! It’s honestly some of the best cheese I’ve had in my life. I mean I quite literally dream about it.

Take a Free Walking Tour of Belem

The best way to learn about this historic Lisbon neighborhood is to hop on a free walking tour of Belem by Sandemans New Europe. Make sure to reserve your spot online ahead of time.

The English tour typically starts at 3:00 PM, but be sure to check the latest info on their website. Don’t forget to tip!

Our guide took us to all the highlights: the Jerónimos Monastery, the Torre de Belem, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and even bought us all pastries from Pastéis de Belém.

You could easily walk around these monuments by yourself, but it’s so much more enjoyable to learn about the history behind them at the same time.

The next upcoming sections are all monuments that we visited during the free walking tour.

Tour the Historic Jerónimos Monastery

Our first stop on the tour was the famous Jerónimos Monastery. Entrance to the monastery is free, so our guide waited outside while we spent some time exploring the interior. 

The inside is gorgeous, but honestly, I found the exterior even more breathtaking.

The construction of the monastery started in 1501, but it took over a century to complete.

It was built to honor the Portuguese expansion in the 15th and 16th centuries, and it was originally populated by monks of the Order of Saint Jerome whose full-time jobs were to pray for the King’s soul, along with giving the occasional spiritual guidance to sailors.

Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Explore the Torre de Belem

Whether you book the tour or not, you can’t miss out on visiting the Torre de Belém during your trip to Lisbon.

Unfortunately, we were so exhausted after a full day of exploring that I flew the drone around it a couple of times and called it a day. However, I do regret not going inside—it looks insanely cool.

Built in the 16th century by architect Francisco de Arruda, the Belem Tower was originally a fort to protect Lisbon from raids along the Tagus River. It was also of symbolic significance for sailors, as it marked the beginning of voyages as the last sight of land. 

Later in history, the Torre de Belem was used as a lighthouse, and then as a prison for politicians (and a ruthless one at that). For €8.50, you can actually tour the inside of the Belém Tower.

Visit the Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or “Monument to the Discoveries” in English, is much newer than the Torre de Belem and Jerónimos Monastery, but it still deserves a spot on your Belem itinerary.

On the walking tour, your guide will give you tons of interesting information about the Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the real-world symbolism that covers the monument and the grounds beneath it. 

Unfortunately, there wasn’t time to head up to the scenic observation deck—which I would have loved to do. If you have time after the walking tour, I highly recommend going back to pay the €10 and take in the insane views.

This monument was built in 1940 to commemorate the “Exposition of the Portuguese World” and the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

Have Dinner at Casa dos Passarinhos

Since 2018, I’ve stood by the fact that the best steak I’ve ever had in my life came from Il Gatto e La Volpe, a restaurant in Florence. However, the steak I ordered at Casa dos Passarinhos might give it a run for its money. 

I originally sought out this spot to try a traditional Portuguese dish called Alheira—a type of vegetarian sausage made with meats and bread.

While I was eating, the table next to me ordered “naco do lombo na pedra,” which was basically a massive chunk of sirloin served on a hot stone. And I was jealous.

With an extra stone (so you can split it between two people), this massive and delicious meal only costs €19.95. It came with two different types of aioli on the side, and let me tell you, it was life-changing.

I had to come back with my friend to try it for myself.

Try Ginja at A Ginjinha—Espinheira

Every country has a famous alcoholic aperitif to try when you visit. Italy has grappa and limoncello, Greece has ouzo, and Portugal…well Portugal has ginja. 

I’m not the biggest cherry fan, but it’s honestly kind of yummy. It reminded me a bit of vișinată—the cherry liquor I drank constantly during my week in Romania.

Ginja is a Portuguese liquor that’s made with brandy or fortified wine infused with sour cherries, sugar, and cinnamon. I’ll give the Portuguese credit, it’s a lot tastier than grappa and ouzo (although I’d have to put limoncello in first place). 

A Ginjinha was founded in 1840 by Francisco Espinheira and the business has been run by his family for five generations. This hole-in-the-wall shop only serves two things: cherry ginja and regular ginja.

For only €1.50 per glass, it’s the best way to try ginja during your time in Portugal. 

Must-Book Tours for Your Lisbon Trip

I’m a sucker for a good tour—especially if I’m solo traveling. During my two months in Lisbon I did a mixture of organized tours and DIY-style exploring—but the tours below are definitely worth the splurge.

• The best Bairro Alto Pub Crawl (⭐️ 4.5/5)
• Full-day Sintra day trip from Lisbon (⭐️ 5/5)
• 4-hour tuk tuk tour of Lisbon (⭐️ 5/5)
• Castelo de São Jorge skip-the-line tour + Alfama (⭐️ 5/5)
• Small group food and wine tour in Lisbon (⭐️ 5/5)
• Lisbon catamaran sunset cruise (⭐️ 5/5)
• Traditional Portuguese cooking class (⭐️ 5/5)
• Private driver and fully customizable tour in Lisbon (⭐️ 5/5)

Map of My Lisbon Recommendations

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Most of the time I lived in Lisbon, I lived in the historic Alfama neighborhood high on the hill (with the exception of the three weeks I lived in Anjos). 

As a tourist, I would highly recommend staying in the Alfama neighborhood. It’s close to all the big attractions and there are beautiful views around every corner. The only downside of staying in Alfama is that all the restaurants in the area are touristy, expensive, and not very good. 

The Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods are also great options for your 5 days in Lisbon. Unless you are coming to Lisbon to party your ass off, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Bairro Alto. Every night is guaranteed to be very noisy. 

Bica, Cais do Sodre, and Príncipe Real are also great neighborhoods for your stay, but they are a bit further out than Baixa and Chiado. Thankfully, Ubers and Bolts only cost around €4 to go anywhere in Lisbon—so at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where you stay! 

📍 Budget-Friendly: Yes! Lisbon Hostel

The first thing I always look for when booking a hostel (after air conditioning of course) is…

1. Is there a bar?
2. Do they put on a pub crawl?

The answer to both of these questions is a resounding YES at the Yes! Lisbon Hostel. This hostel, located in the center of Chiado, is the perfect budget-friendly Lisbon stay for many reasons other than the fair price.

The hostel offers free wifi, included linens, in-room security lockers, 24-hour reception, and even on-site laundry. (Shop my hostel-living essentials here.)

Their pub crawl is next-level fun. They start off every night with a little speech that includes, “You’re only allowed to have sex in the dorm rooms if everyone in the dorm rooms wants to have sex.” Are they encouraging orgies? Possibly 🤔

👉🏼 Book your stay at Yes! Lisbon Hostel here!

📍 Mid-Level: Blue Liberdade Hotel

If you’re looking for reasonably-priced, mid-level accommodation in the heart of Lisbon’s best attractions, then look no further than Blue Liberdade Hotel.

This 3-star hotel offers a buffet breakfast, free wifi, 24-hour reception, and a concierge service. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning (a must in that Lisbon heat), flat-screen TVs, and, in some cases, balconies with stunning views. Centrally located in Praça dos Restauradores, you’ll be within walking distance of all the best sites in Lisbon.

👉🏼 Book your stay at Blue Liberdade Hotel here!

📍 Luxury: Memmo Príncipe Real

Looking for a 5-star hotel with modern amenities and a swimming pool with a view? Memmo Príncipe Real might be the perfect accommodation for you.

Memmo is located in Príncipe Real—only a 10-minute walk away from Bairro Alto and Avenida da Liberdade. The rooms could not be more luxurious—with strong air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, plush robes and slippers, and premium Hermés amenities in the bathrooms.

Besides the stunning panoramic views from the outdoor swimming pool, the hotel itself offers an on-site gourmet restaurant, room service, free wifi, wonderful breakfast, and 24-hour reception. If you’re looking to stay in the lap of luxury, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than this.

👉🏼 Book your luxury stay at Memmo Príncipe Real!

Tips for Visiting Lisbon

Now that we’ve discussed things to do with 5 days in Lisbon, it’s time for some helpful tips for visiting Portugal. If you’ve never been to Portugal (or even Europe) before, you’re not going to want to miss these Lisbon travel tips. 

Stay Connected

First up…internet! This isn’t 1995 anymore, no one travels without it. For travel newbies, the thought of an international SIM can sound incredibly complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. I use Airalo for all my international data needs—and it couldn’t be simpler! 👉🏼 Use code MADI10 for 10% off!

Simply download the app, select your desired package, pay, and follow the installation instructions. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave, or else you might run into some trouble. For data in Portugal, choose one of the packages below: 

• Foto Mobil 1 GB for 7 Days
• Foto Mobil 2 GB for 15 Days
• Foto Mobil 3 GB for 30 Days
• Foto Mobil 5 GB for 30 Days
• Foto Mobil 10 GB for 30 Days
• Foto Mobil 20 GB for 30 Days
• MEO 30 GB for 15 Days

Getting To and Around Lisbon

Getting to Lisbon is easy, simply fly into Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport LIS) and take a Bolt or Uber into the city center. You can also take public transportation, but with ride-share apps as cheap and easy as they are in Lisbon, I would highly recommend just ordering a car. 

Once you’re in Lisbon, I would recommend either walking or booking ride-shares on Bolt and Uber. If you have more than one person in the car, these apps are cheaper than a single-ticket ride on the metro or buses. Plus, they take way less time. 

Currency in Portugal

Portugal takes the euro. Make sure to avoid currency conversion shops and Euronet ATMs! I would suggest taking cash out at a bank ATM, preferably one located directly outside of the bank. I always cover my pin number as I enter it and refrain from taking out cash at night unless it’s absolutely necessary (and I’m not alone).

Useful Portuguese Phrases

Hello: Olá (oh-LA)
Good morning: Bom dia (bom DEE-ya)
Good afternoon: Boa tarde (BO-a TAR-de)
Goodbye: Adeus (a-DAY-ush)
Good night: Boa noite (BO-a NOI-te)
Please: Por favor (por fa-VOR)
Thank you: Obrigado (obri-GAH-du)
You’re welcome: De nada (dee NA-da)
Yes: Sim
No: Não (now)

The Lisbon Card

Since I lived in Lisbon for two months, my visits to historical monuments were very spaced out. For this reason, I never bought The Lisbon Card, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t! 

In your 5 days in Lisbon, The Lisbon Card will give you access to 39 monuments (including Fast Track to 12); free transportation on the Lisbon metro, buses, and trams; 5% to 50% discount on certain local services; and 5% to 10% discount in participating stores. They offer three options: 

• 24 Hours for €20.90
• 48 Hours for €35.15
• 72 Hours for €43.70

If you’re planning on spending 5 days in Lisbon, The Lisbon Card might be a great option for you. 

Wrapping Up 5 Amazing Days in Lisbon

Living in Lisbon was one of those experiences I know I’ll be chasing for a long time.

From climbing five flights of stairs daily to the best Airbnb view I’ve ever had, to the four times I joined the same pub crawl at Yes! Lisbon Hostel, to the sailboat sunset tour that ended up more fog than sunset, and that hidden viewpoint that came with a free glass of wine—this city pulled me in and didn’t let go.

If you’re lucky enough to spend 5 days in Lisbon, you’ll leave with a full heart, a camera roll packed with memories, and a craving for just one more pastel de nata.

Thankfully, Portugal has countless fascinating, gorgeous, and budget-friendly destinations to cross of your list. My next pick would be Porto—if you need a nudge in the right direction 😉

Happy travels!

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