4 Days in Portugal Itinerary for Lisbon & Sintra 2025

Table of Contents:

1. Day 1: Castelo de São Jorge, Praça do Comércio, San Justo Elevator, Chiado & Fado
2. Day 2: Lisbon Cable Car, Oceanarium, Pavilion of Knowledge, Belém Pastéis, & Sunset at Monument of the Discoveries
3. Day 3: Sintra World Heritage Site, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle
4. Day 4: Cascais, Lighthouse, Beaches and Sunset at Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
5. Free PDF Itinerary Download
6. Hotel Recommendations for this Itinerary

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Before you begin your trip planning in earnest, make sure you check out this FAQ on trip planning to Portugal for all your money, safety, phone and stroller questions! And this post on Best Family Hotels in Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Algarve). And check out my separate blog post on Regional Packing and a full packing list for Portugal here!

** And you must check out my 3 Steps to Plan Your Epic 1st Trip to Portugal!

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Day 1 of 4 Days in Portugal: Lisbon's Best Views, Bites, and Sounds

There are 7 stops on today’s itinerary with the best city views from the Castelo (with free-range peacocks!) and then to some of the touristy sites and ending at my favorite plaza for a delicious Portuguese dinner with Fado music.

This itinerary might seem like a lot in one day BUT can you believe when you put it into Google Maps the total direct walking is 38 minutes! Of course, you should feel free to veer off the path as the real fun of Lisbon is going down narrow streets and exploring! 

Morning on Day 1 - Castelo de São Jorge and 2 Overlooks/Miradouros 

Begin your day in Lisbon at Castelo de São Jorge. My kids loved exploring this castle atop Lisbon which dates back to the 11th century! It was a Moorish royal residence and was captured during the Christian reconquest of Lisbon. I think my kids’ favorite part was the many (20?) ‘free-range’ peacocks. There was also a crepe and drinks kiosk at the overlook! 

Hours:

The Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon is open 7 days a week, with the following schedule:

• Summer Schedule (March 1st to October 31st): 9 am to 9 pm, last entry at 8:30 pm.
• Winter Schedule (November 1st to February 28/29th): 9 am to 6 pm, last entry at 5:30 pm.
• The castle is closed on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st (closing at 1 pm on December 31st).

Cost: 

• Adults: €10
• Students: €5
• Over 65 and disabled guests: €8.50
• Children (under 12): Free entrance​​​​.

How to Get There:

• We took a Tuk Tuk from our hotel for a fun start to our trip for the kids.
• Uber is very affordable in Portugal with costs around 5 euros for 15-minute rides! 
• Bus #737 + 2 minutes on foot. Bus Stop is Praça da Figueira-Castelo de S. Jorge. 
• Tram 28E + 5 minutes on foot. The Tram Stop is Martim Moniz-Prazeres – this is the famous #28 Tram
• Metro Rossio metro + 11 minutes on foot

Stop #2 Walk 2 minutes from the Castle to Miradouro do Recolhimento

Address: R. do Recolhimento, 1100-563 Lisboa

Cost: Free!

This Miradouro or Overlook is just 140 meters from the castle and has a fun playground for the kids. 

#3 Walk 6 minutes from My Favorite Miradouro Santa Santa Luzia

Address: Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa

This is one of my favorite overlooks in the city! In the spring and summer, there are beautiful flowers. Google Maps says you are walking 6 minutes but note it is downhill on cobblestones. Great place to have a snack or coffee. 

#4 Walk 12 minutes to Praça do Comércio for the most iconic view of Lisbon on your 4 days in Portugal

Address: Praça do Comércio, 1100-148 Lisboa

This is the famous plaza along the river Tejo with stunning views across the river and tons of restaurants to choose from. Eat lunch here and take in the views. You can also climb the Arco da Rua Augusta, the main archway at the center for 5 euros! 

Personal recommendation: Our favorite coffee roaster, Fábrica Coffee Roasters has a store just off the plaza at R. do Comércio 111, 1100-150 Lisboa! 

#5 Walk 7 minutes north on Rua Augusta to the San Justo Elevator 

Address: Santa Justa Lift, R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa

My kids were so intrigued by the San Justo Lift! It is an actual elevator in the middle of the city to help connect the lower Baixa district to the higher Chiado district. This iron structure, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower due to its neo-Gothic design, has become a tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of Lisbon.

Hours:

The lift operates daily with varying hours depending on the season. Check the website here.

• May to October: 7 am - 11 pm
• November to April: 7 am - 10 pm

Cost:

The cost for a round-trip on the elevator is €5.30, and there's an additional fee of €1.50 to access the viewpoint if you're not using the elevator​​.

#6 Take the Elevator up one way and then walk 9 minutes to Praça Luís de Camões in Chiado

Address: Largo Luís de Camões, 1200-243 Lisboa

Chiado is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lisbon! This plaza is so fun with the #28 Tram, beautiful cathedral, and kiosk in the center. You can find every type of cuisine here from Indian to traditional Portuguese. 

Restaurant Recommendations: 

• We ate at a wonderful hole in the wall and I cannot find the name! I will update when I go back. 2 others I found that are similar to Fado
• Tasca da tia Macheta has Fado!
• Tasca do Chico also has Fado

#8 The Final Stop, Fado!

Fado music is a form of Portuguese singing that is both melancholic and soulful. It holds a deep cultural significance in Lisbon, serving as a vibrant expression of the city's history, emotions, and identity. Our family loved going to a restaurant with Fado that began around 8 PM. This was great for kids who can't stay up for the later performances that can start at 9 PM and go until midnight or later!

Either check out the restaurant recommendations above or Fado in Chiado club right off the square offers nightly performances in a club-like atmosphere. 

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Day 2 of the 4 Day Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon Cable Car, Oceanarium or Pavilion of Knowledge & Belém

#1 Telecabine Lisbon, aka Lisbon Gondola or Cable Car

Start your second day in Lisbon with a different overview from the Telecabine Lisbon, known as the Lisbon Cable Car. It offers a unique aerial perspective of Lisbon's Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), floating about 30 meters above the Tagus River. This 12-minute journey one way spans approximately 1.2 kilometers, providing panoramic views of notable landmarks such as the Oceanarium, the Portugal Pavilion, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. See if you can spot the Trash Cat! 

Personal recommendation:

Take an Uber or park at the North Station. That way you can take the gondola south, see the Aquarium or Pavilion of Knowledge, and then take the Telecabine back for lunch! 

Hours:

• March 11th to May 26th and September 11th to October 28th, it's open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• May 27th to September 10th, from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
• October 29th to March 15th, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Cost:

The cost for adults is €10 for a round trip and €7 for children aged 3 to 12, with children up to 2 years old riding for free​​.

#2 Choose Your Own Adventure - Aquarium or Pavilion of Knowledge, a children’s science museum 

My son loves the Lisbon Oceanarium! It is renowned for its immersive experiences, housing over 15,000 animals from 450 different species, including sharks, rays, and colorful clownfish, along with otters and penguins, offering visitors a captivating journey through the world's oceans​​. It is located on a unique peninsula and you can see it from the gondola! 

Hours: 

The Oceanarium operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last entry at 7 p.m., although hours may vary on certain holidays​​. 

Cost: 

• Ticket prices are set at €25 for adults (13-64 years)
• €15 for children (3-12 years)
• €17 for seniors (+65 years)
• Free for ages 0-2

Or the Pavilion of Knowledge located just 2 minutes from the Telecabine South Station. 

The Pavilion of Knowledge (Pavilhão do Conhecimento) in Lisbon is an interactive science and technology museum that aims to make science accessible and engaging for everyone. It features a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities designed to stimulate curiosity and discovery across all age groups​​. We haven’t been yet but it's on the top of our list when we have a rainy day! 

Hours: 

• The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm
• Weekends and holidays from 10 am to 7 pm
• Closed on Mondays. 

Cost: 

• Free for children aged 0-2 
• €8 for children aged 3-11 
• €9 for youths aged 12-17
• €14 for adults aged 18-64
• €10 for seniors aged 65 and over
• Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children for €30​​​​

#4 Lunch on the 2nd Day in Portugal

Take the Telecabine to the North Station and check out the restaurants along the water. I highly recommend the super affordable 100 Montaditos Oriente! It has 100 menu items and most are €1 - €5! Think bar food but great for kids including french fries, sandwiches, nachos, etc. 

#5 Take an Uber across the city to Belém (It can take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic)

The neighborhood of Belém is known for its significant role in the Age of Discoveries as well as for its distinctive Manueline architecture. This area is where many of Portugal's exploratory voyages began, including those led by Prince Henry the Navigator. It is home to iconic monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Pastéis de Belém - My Favorite Pasteis de Nata in Portugal

Address: de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa

These are my absolute favorite Pasteis de Nata in Portugal! And I'm not alone. They were probably invented here in the early 19th century. The monks originally created this recipe to generate income during a period of financial hardship, using egg yolks left over from starching clothes with egg whites. The monastery's closure in 1834 led to the recipe being sold to a nearby sugar refinery, whose owners opened the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém in 1837, where the original recipe is still used today, kept secret and known only by a few.

Or if busy, check out Manteigaria (“The Buttery '') just down the street! There is a lively debate about which pasteis is better. 

Optional: You can also purchase tickets for the Monastery or if you want to see similar examples of architecture, check out the Iglesia de Santa María de Belén. It is free to enter (although closed until around 2 PM on Sundays for Mass). In the cathedral, you can see the tomb of Vasco de Gama. 

#6 Sunset at Belém Riverfront, Lisbon Portugal

Walk 11 minutes across the roads to the riverfront to either the Monument of the Discoveries or Belem Tower (20 minutes from Pasteis de Belem)

Enjoy the sunset and a drink at the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) or Belem Tower (Torre de Belém)

This is one of my favorite places for sunset in Lisbon because when the sun sets, you see the beautiful buttery sun on the monuments. We went in January and it was packed! It took us over half an hour to find parking so Uber and walking are your best bet.

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Day 3 of 4 Day Itinerary: Sintra, Pena Palace, and Moorish Castle, the most Magical town in Portugal!

Check out this whole blog post I wrote with 20 Things To Do In Sintra, from beautiful castles, stunning beaches and great food!

There are 5 main castles/palaces but you can only comfortably visit 2 in one day. For your first visit, I highly recommend the iconic and colorful National Palace of Pena and the Moorish Castle. Thankfully, both are close to each other BUT they are on top of a mountain above the Historic Town.

Important Info Before Your Sintra Trip!

1. Getting to the Castles is a 2 part process. First decide how to get to the Sintra Historic Town, and then decide how to get from the town to the castles. Don’t worry, all the options are below!
2. The castles palaces and towns of Sintra are very spread out. Some can take an hour or two to walk between and others are 5 - 30 minute drives.
3. The road to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle is restricted to only tourist vehicles including Bus 434 “The Circuito da Pena”  and Tuk Tuks.

Getting to Sintra Historic Town from Lisbon:

Driving - In morning traffic it can take about 45 minutes from Chiado Lisbon to Sintra train station. 

If you are already planning on renting a car for these final 2 days and staying in Cascais/Sintra, you can definitely drive to Sintra! I will share the best parking tips soon but 2 lots that we’ve found parking in before 9 AM are near the train station and below the historic town. A big caveat is that we have not tried driving in the summer crowds!

I've written an entire blog post about the 4 Sintra Parking Lots and the best ones for each Castle. Check it out here!

I highly recommend renting a car in Portugal for this part of the trip here is all I've written up about where to rent, tolls, international drivers permits and car seats and our favorite service stations!

Train from Lisbon - Approximately 1 hour and roughly 5 euros per person. 

This is the most economical route! The Portugal train service has an English website timetable planner here. You take the metro and then train to Sintra (do not get off at Portela de Sintra). 

Private Tour - Depends on Tour

As you will read below, getting to the town of Sintra is half the journey. You also need to get to the castles so sometimes the easiest is a private tour by bus or private car. Below are some highly rated ones! 

• Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais
  • "All tickets are included. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, its emblematic well, and the historic Pena Palace. Relax in the picturesque fishing village of Cascais."
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Duration: 9.5 hours
  • Includes transportation to and from Rossio Square in Lisbon.
• Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip
  • "Discover Sintra’s beauty and history, its romantic Pena Palace, and the stunning coastlines of Cabo da Roca Lighthouse and Cascais on a full-day trip from Lisbon."
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • You can choose from a variety of pick-up locations in Lisbon.
• Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Tour
  • "Experience the beauty of Sintra on a full-day guided tour from Lisbon. Admire the breathtaking Pena Palace and Royal Gardens, and indulge in views of Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and coastlines."
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Includes transportation to and from Av. da Liberdade 24 in Lisbon

Our Full Sintra Day Itinerary By the Minute!

We recently took some friends to Sintra and completed, dare I say, the perfect 1-day itinerary! Details for each are below!

1. 9:30 AM: Arrived at the Sintra Train Station Parking Lot 
2. 10 AM: Met Reuber at the Town Hall 
3. 10 - 10:55 AM: Reuber drove us up to the gates of Pena Palace (we stopped at some beautiful overlooks, a water fountain, and Johnny Depp Filming Site)
4. 10:55 - 11:05 AM: Ran up the hill to make it to our 11 am ticket time! Says it takes 20 minutes :) 
5. 11:05 - 12:15 PM: Toured the Palace and the beautiful rooms and did the Wall Walk! (hidden doorway!) 
6. 12:15 - 12:45 PM: Ate a snack at the Palace Cafeteria (best one of the 5?)
7. 12:45 - 1:00 PM: Walked down through the Palace Park (follow the signs for the Lake), and saw the swans and fish! 
8. 1:00 - 2:30 PM: Walked 5 minutes up the road to the Moorish Castle Tickets and then walked 5 minutes to the Castle. Climbed the wall and saw the prehistoric ruins!  
9. 2:30 - 3 PM: Reuber met us at the Moorish Castle ticket booth and we took a fun tuk-tuk ride down to the center of town for lunch. 
10. 3 - 5 PM: Lunch at Tulhas
11. 5 - 5:30 PM: Walked to Alba Gelato for incredible homemade gelato 
12. 5:30 - 5:40 PM: Walked to Car at Sintra Train Station and drove home!  

Stop # 1: The Stunning National Palace of Pena!

I've never seen a palace or castle like this! Pena is so unique for its mix of styles, colors, and influences!

Please see my full blog post on Pena Palace for all the details and tips! 

The most important thing to know is that you have to have a timed entry ticket to enter at the castle. Once you get dropped off at the gate of the palace, it can take approximately 15 - 20 minutes to walk up the hill to the castle! Don’t do what we did and arrive 5 minutes before entry!! 

Stop # 2: Parque of Palace of Pena - don't miss!

My itinerary is below as you walk through this beautiful and unique microclimate.

Make sure you don't miss the walk from Pena Palace down through the valley and lakes of the park. Then you simply exit the gates, turn right, and walk up about 5 minutes to the Moorish Castle Ticket Booth.

#3 Moorish Castle - Jaw-Dropping Views and Castle Walls!

Please see my full blog post on the Moorish Castle for all the details and tips! 

We had recent visitors and for some of the kids, the Moorish Castle was their favorite castle! And it's not surprising because it couldn't be more authentic. Known as the Castelo dos Mouros, it holds significant historical and cultural importance as a testament to the Islamic Moorish influence in Portugal. Perched atop the Sintra Mountains, this 8th-9th century fortress was originally built by the Moors to protect the town of Sintra but also served as a strategic point overseeing the Atlantic coast and the surrounding lands.

Important Things to Know About The Moorish Castle

The most important thing to know is that there is not always a full cafe at this castle so make sure you bring any snacks or drinks. There is no inside space as it is mostly ruins of the wall. Also, you can buy tickets in 2 locations or online if there is a line at the ticket booth on the street! The other one is 5 minutes down the walkway next to the castle itself! 

Restaurants & Bakeries in Sintra that We Highly Recommend:

1. Tascintigua - Incredible Portuguese food served in a modern way (sausage lollipops, strawberry cheesecake in a pot). No reservations and can be very busy in high season. We've been twice!
2. Tulhas - You can reserve on Google! So great for large groups (We had 10 in our group!) They have great local food but also tourist prices because in the heart of the Historic town.
3. Casa Piriquita - The King's favorite bakery! Really delicious travesseiro and queijadas, famous in Sintra.
4. Nata Pura Sintra - A little off the beaten path but worth it! This tiny cafe makes unique pastel de nata including chocolate and vegan! 

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Day 4 - Cascais Beaches on the Portuguese Riviera  for Your Last Day of the Portugal Itinerary

We're a little biased but Cascais is probably our favorite town in Portugal! It is located just 20 minutes south of Sintra and 35 minutes west of Lisbon. You could take a day trip here on the train for less than 5 euros or stay in the area for your last two nights. (See Hotel Recommendations below)

Below is a 45-minute total walking time Cascais Itinerary of our favorite spots. But be sure to allow for a couple of hours to fully enjoy the beaches and restaurants!

Walking Tour of Cascais

Stop #1

Park at the Parque Marechal Carmona parking lot or take an Uber there. 

Start at the Bird Park as locals call it because there are so many chickens, swans, geese, ducks and peacocks! Walk 7 minutes through the charming streets to the plaza Praça 5 de Outubro and take in the beautiful views of the town along the water. 

Stop #2

Play at Ribeira Beach or watch the fishermen. 

Stop #3

Walk for 2 minutes and have a coffee at the adorable Cafe Joyeux. The best espresso in Cascais and a wonderful mission. 

Stop #4

Walk another 2 minutes through the winding streets to Praia da Rainha (Queen’s Beach) which has stunning cliffs and painted houses. 

Stop #5

Walk along the Rua Frederico Arouca and look at the tourist shops, maybe have a bite to eat depending on how long you spend at the beaches! 

Stop #6

Walk 6 minutes to Hifen for dinner, a great restaurant along the water with a fabulous menu. 

Stop #7

Walk 11 minutes to the Santa Maria Lighthouse. You will walk along the water and can also explore inside the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais. 

Stop #8

Enjoy the iconic Lighthouse, Sand Castle, and beautiful stone bridge. My kids love to play in this water and sometimes you’ll see boats from the nearby marina. 

Stop #9

Walk 12 minutes along the water to Boco do Inferno or Hell’s Mouth. It is a large whole made from the ocean and it’s stunning at sunset! 

Stop #10

Walk 13 minutes back to the Parking Lot at the Parque Marechal Carmona!

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Hotel Recommendations for this Itinerary - Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais

You can of course stay in one place for all 4 days in Portugal but it might be nicer to try 2 nights in Lisbon and 2 nights in Cascais. Below are places we’ve stayed or have been recommended to us by our friends in Portugal: 

Lisbon:

1. Famous Crows Lisbon Suites in Belem - We stayed here on our first trip to Lisbon and loved that it is 2 doors down from Pasteis de Belem so we went 2 times in one day when there was no line! No frills, affordable and rooms for 4 people. 
2. Grape Harbor Prata Apartments in Chiado - Fabulous location and Suburb 9.2 rating from other families with breakfast included! Free cancellation until about a week before. 
3. Martinhal Lisbon Chiado - Higher-end hotel with family suites, kids club, and lots of family-friendly amenities! Heard great things from our friends about Martinhal hotels. 

Cascais/Sintra:

1. Hotel Baia Cascais - Located right on the water 20 meters from the Beach! They have 2 family room options either 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed or 2 single beds and 1 double bed. Fabulous breakfast included.  
2. Casa dos Cotas Cascais - Amazing Seaside Apartment with Balcony located in the Historic Center. 9.3 rating on Booking which is great. 
3. Penha Longa Resort in Sintra (Marriott Ritz Carlton) - 5-star hotel that can actually be affordable in the off seasons! It is located in the most serene mountains only 11 minutes from Sintra and 17 minutes to Cascais! The breakfast buffet was incredible and it had the best hotel playground we have ever experienced!

Madeira:

• If you are thinking about going to beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, it is located a 1.5 hour flight from Lisbon. We stayed at Enotel Lido Madeira and loved our first all-inclusive experience! (Plus we saw a humpback whale on this boat tour!)

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Full Itinerary List for 4 Days in Portugal

1. Castelo de São Jorge for Best Views
2. 2 Miradouros Overlooks with a Playground
3. Praça do Comércio for Lunch
4. San Justo Elevator for Unique Views
5. Chiado Neighborhood for Great Vibes
6. Fado Music for Cultural Moment
7. Lisbon Cable Car for River View
8. Oceanarium Aquarium or Pavilion of Knowledge for Fun Indoor
9. Pasteis de Belém for the Best Patel de Nata
10. Jeronimos Monastery for Stunning Architecture
11. Sunset at Monument of the Discoveries or Belem Tower
12. Sintra Magical Palace of Pena and Moorish Castle
13. Cascais Lighthouse and Beaches
14. Sunset at Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)