A Perfect 5-Day Lisbon Itinerary for a Girls’ 30th Birthday Trip

By Joba, 

There’s something so special about celebrating a milestone birthday, and even more special when you get to do it with your closest friends in a city filled with charm, history, and endless good food. 
For my friend’s 30th birthday trip to Lisbon, I put together this five-day itinerary to explore as many cobblestone streets as possible, enjoy rooftop dinners, coastal escapes, and a little bit of rest. 
If you’re planning a birthday getaway in Lisbon or simply looking for a fun girls’ trip itinerary, here’s exactly how to spend five unforgettable days.

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and I may get a small commission when you make a booking or purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon Itinerary & Getting Settled

Every great trip starts with a smooth arrival! If you’re flying in, you’ll likely land in Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is only a few kilometers away from downtown Lisbon. I must warn you though that Lisbon is a very popular destination, and you might have to mentally prepare for long wait-times at passport control, so keep the rest of this day light and flexible. Here’s the perfect plan for arrival day:

  • Arrive at Lisbon Airport and transfer to your accommodation.
  • Take some time to unpack, freshen up, and settle in.
  • Depending on energy levels, enjoy a casual evening stroll through the neighborhood to get a first glimpse of the city.
  • Grab an easy dinner at a nearby restaurant that catches your eye. Pro tip: look out for where the locals are going. 
  • Early night to rest up and prepare for the fun itinerary ahead!

**If your flight arrives early enough, you could also squeeze in a walk through Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods, giving you a gentle introduction to Lisbon’s charm without overloading your first day.

Day 2 – Exploring the Heart of Lisbon 

Start your day right with a filling hotel breakfast before heading out for a full day of exploring.

  • First, stop by the local flea market for unique finds, gems and souvenirs for loved ones. You can get matching jewelry here with your friends to memorialize this trip at a great price!
    • PS: The flea market is open on Tuesdays & Saturdays only and it costs €0.50 to use the washroom here. 
  • From there, head over to the stunning Lisbon Cathedral before making your way up to the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. The climb is worth it for the sweeping city views! And for the perfect reward after your walk, grab a refreshing piña colada at the famous piña colada sexy right outside the castle walls.
  • Ice cream breaks are essential on vacation, so make a quick stop at the famous Popbar gelato on your way to Liberta Pasta Bar inside the Time Out Market. This foodie paradise has something for everyone, making it the perfect lunch stop.

Head back to your accommodation for some downtime/nap, before ending the day with a casual stroll through Lisbon’s charming streets to find a cozy spot for dinner.

Day 3 – Slowing the Pace 

While still taking it slow, this day is all about options, because on a girls’ trip, flexibility is key!

Option 1: Chill All Day

  • Sleep in with a leisurely hotel breakfast (or at the popular Nicolau Lisboa café).
  • Spend the morning lounging and enjoying the hotel amenities (you paid for it!)
  • Explore Pink Street and discover hidden gems in the neighborhood, then grab a casual lunch nearby before going back to rest at the hotel. 
  • For dinner, head to SEEN Sky Bar, a spot with rooftop views that are just as excellent as the food.

Option 2: Dip Your Feet in the Culture

  • Start the day slow with breakfast at the hotel. 
  • Then, head to trendy LX Factory to browse through local boutiques and bookstores or take this Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour for some insta-worthy photo stops.
  • Grab a juicy beef burger at Micro Burger inside the trendy LX Factory before continuing your afternoon of culture. And don’t leave without indulging in one of Portugal’s most famous desserts, pastéis de nata, a must-try when in Lisbon.
  • Visit Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and if you still have some energy, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) for a dose of creativity and modern design.
  • In the evening, enjoy a rooftop dinner at SEEN Sky Bar, where the views are just as excellent as the food.

Day 4 – Sintra and Cascais Day Trip Itinerary

Buckle up for a day of adventure through some of Portugal’s most breathtaking landscapes, where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly, ending at the seaside town of Cascais. On this guided tour, you will:

  • Discover the picturesque alleys of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Explore the fairytale and lush gardens of Pena Palace.
  • Experience the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.
  • See Cabo da Roca’s dramatic cliffs.
  • And unwind by wandering Cascais’ old town and elegant beachfront.

Day 5 – The Big Day!

  • Kick off the day with a festive birthday brunch at Dear Breakfast Chiado (because birthdays deserve something extra special).
  • As sunset approaches, enjoy a sightseeing cruise along the Tagus River, soaking in Lisbon’s iconic skyline and watching the city light up from the water.
  • Then, return to the hotel for some rest and glam-up time.
  • For the ultimate birthday dinner, head to Rocco (reservation required!) for a celebratory feast.

Want a sneak peek of what this itinerary looks like in real life? Check out this Instagram post to see the best moments from the Lisbon 30th birthday trip!

Day 6 – Bidding Farewell to the City of Lisbon

The last morning of a group trip is always bittersweet. Soak it up while having a farewell breakfast together before heading to the airport, and make sure plans are already in place for the next girls’ trip! 

Essential Travel Tips for Your Lisbon Trip

Planning your own girls’ getaway or milestone birthday trip to Lisbon? Here are some key tips to make your experience smooth and unforgettable:

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

The best months are March to May and September to early November. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the crowds are lighter than peak summer. 

What to Pack on a trip to Lisbon

Light clothing layers, chic outfits, a crossbody bag or backpack, sunscreen and sunglasses, a portable charger and comfortable slip-free shoes for Lisbon’s hills and cobblestone streets. Need a more comprehensive packing list? Check out my ultimate travel packing checklist for everything you need to pack on vacation.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

  • Baixa/Chiado – Central, walkable, and filled with shops + restaurants
  • Alfama – For charm, history, and postcard views
  • Príncipe Real – Trendy area with boutique hotels and nightlife
    Tip: Book early if you’re planning a September trip, as it’s a very popular time.

Currency and Payment Tips in Lisbon

Portugal uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Lisbon, but I suggest still having some cash for flea markets, small cafés, and taxis. Thankfully, ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.

How to Get Around Lisbon Easily

Walking is the best way to experience Lisbon in all its beauty. However, trams and buses connect most major attractions, and you can get to experience the iconic Tram 28! For the late nights or if you’re in a rush, taxis and Bolt/FreeNow are affordable and reliable.

Perfect Travel Combo

Make the most of your trip by combining Lisbon with Porto (just a 3-hour train ride away for wine and river views) or the Algarve coast (for stunning beaches and relaxed vibes). If you have the time and want to hop countries, Seville, Spain is a 1-hour flight away. Either of these would make incredible add-ons for the adventure of a lifetime.

Essential Portuguese Phrases for Travelers

Knowing a few words in Portuguese shows respect and often brings a smile from locals! Here are some basics:

  • Hello – Olá
  • Thank you – Obrigado/Obrigada 
  • Please – Por favor
  • Excuse me – Com licença
  • How much is this? – Quanto custa?
  • Do you speak English? – Fala inglês?

Lisbon really is the ideal destination for a girls’ trip because it has everything: from history to culture, to amazing food, rooftop nightlife, and even day trips. So, whether you’re turning 30 or just want to plan an unforgettable getaway, save this itinerary for a Lisbon trip that’s equal parts fun, food, relaxation, and adventure. 

And if you loved this itinerary, don’t forget to pin or share it with your travel crew so you can start planning your own unforgettable Lisbon getaway. 

Want to see how I adapt this style of itinerary to other destinations? Check out this Instagram post where I share how to structure any one-week trip.

Safe travels

Joba 

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