Lisbon

Four Days in Lisbon, Portugal: A Colorful City Full of Charm, Food & Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, a stop in Lisbon is an absolute must!
This lively capital city has it all, historic neighborhoods, pastel-colored buildings, delicious pastries, breathtaking viewpoints, and a buzzing nightlife that keeps you coming back for more.

We spent four unforgettable days here, and while we only scratched the surface, it was the perfect introduction to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

Where we stayed:

We stayed at Home Hostel Lisbon, an incredible spot located in the Santa Maria Maior district — the heart of the city’s historic center. It’s close to everything: cozy cafés, traditional restaurants, cute boutiques, and iconic neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Rossio.

From the moment we arrived, we were struck by Lisbon’s beauty; its terracotta rooftops, colorful tiled buildings, and the charm of its winding cobblestone streets. The hostel itself was perfect for travelers like us: friendly, social, and full of energy. LED lights lined the staircases, leading up to a communal bar and dining area where everyone gathered for drinks and conversation. It immediately felt like home.

Day 1: Exploring Alfama & the Castle on the Hill

We spent our first day wandering Lisbon’s steep, cobblestone streets, doing our best to stay out of the way of the famous yellow trams rattling up and down the hills. The pastel buildings made every turn photo-worthy.

Our main stop was Castelo de São Jorge, a stunning hilltop fortress in Santa Maria Maior. While you need a ticket to explore the grounds, the area surrounding the castle is equally charming. We sampled port wine, fish cakes, and the famous pastel de nata, Portugal’s beloved custard tart (delicious!).

As we explored nearby alleys, we stumbled upon the Torre da Igreja do Castelo, a narrow bell tower with steep stairs leading to panoramic city views, plus a complimentary glass of wine at the top! From there, the red rooftops and glimmering ocean stretched out before us.

Later, we wandered down toward Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s grand riverside square lined with restaurants and cafes. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but for our first night, it was perfect. We ended up at an Italian restaurant with fresh pasta, local wine, and a view of the square glowing under the evening lights.

Day 2: Miradouros, Flea Markets & Family Dinner

The next morning, we jumped on one of Lisbon’s vintage trolleys and rode up into the São Vicente neighborhood, which overlaps with Alfama. The ride alone was worth it for the views!

We made our way to a few of Lisbon’s famous miradouros (viewpoints), but our favorite was Miradouro das Portas do Sol. It’s lively and scenic, with musicians playing, locals chatting, and views stretching over the red rooftops and down to the Tagus River.

Just around the corner, we found a flea market tucked between narrow alleys; a treasure trove of handmade jewelry, artwork, vintage clothes, and quirky antiques. After browsing and picking up a few souvenirs, we headed back to our hostel for something special: Mama’s Family Dinner.

Every week, Home Hostel hosts a communal dinner cooked by “Mama,” who serves up a homemade three-course meal (with wine, of course). She shares stories about the hostel’s history and greets each guest personally. It was such a warm, memorable experience — travelers from all over the world gathered around the table, eating, laughing, and swapping stories.

After dinner, we joined the hostel’s pub crawl, teaming up with guests from other hostels. We hit several bars from Latin dance spots to ones blasting American hits, before ending the night at a stone-walled beachside club. It was one of those nights that defines a trip: spontaneous, fun, and full of laughter.

Day 3: Markets, Marina Walks & a Sunset Cruise

We started our last full day with a cozy brunch spot near our hostel; strong coffee, hearty plates, and the kind of breakfast that fuels a day of exploring. Afterward, we spent the morning shopping around Praça do Comércio and nearby streets, checking out European brands and local boutiques.

From there, we took a leisurely stroll along the Doca da Marinha, Lisbon’s scenic marina. The sun was shining, the water sparkling, it was the perfect moment to just sit on a bench and take it all in. Sometimes, the slower days are just as special as the jam-packed ones.

That evening, we’d booked a sunset cruise on the Tagus River through Viator and it was magical. With complimentary wine in hand, we sailed beneath the massive 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon’s own version of the Golden Gate. The sun melted into the horizon, painting the sky with gold and pink hues as the city glowed behind us.

Once we docked, we grabbed dinner by the marina and decided we weren’t ready for the night to end. So, we headed to the Misericórdia neighborhood, home to the famous Pink Street, Lisbon’s nightlife hub. The street was alive with energy, packed with locals and tourists hopping between bars.

We ended the night at a super cool, multi-level bar with mirrored ceilings, disco balls, and murals of cherubs and angels. The red lounge chairs and retro décor gave it a moody, intimate vibe, the perfect spot to toast to our last night in Lisbon.

Lisbon in a Nutshell

Lisbon completely exceeded our expectations. From its postcard-perfect streets to its delicious food, stunning viewpoints, and friendly locals, it’s a city that draws you in and makes you feel at home instantly.

Four days were enough to fall in love, but not nearly enough to see it all. Next time, we’ll be back to explore even more of this vibrant city.

Until then, obrigada, Lisbon!