The Ultimate 4‑Day Lisbon Itinerary for Young, Budget‑Savvy Travellers (Carry‑On Only!)

Fast Facts

| ✈️ Getting There | Lisbon (LIS) is served by most low‑cost carriers. Book a hand‑luggage‑only fare and skip the queue! |

| 🚊 Getting Around | Grab a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) and load up a 24‑hour pass for unlimited metro, tram & bus rides. |

| 🏠 Base | I stayed in a hip hostel in Cais do Sodré—easy walks to Time Out Market & the riverfront. |

💼 My Bag | Cabin Max Metz 20 L (40 × 20 × 25 cm) in Terracotta — fits Ryanair, easyJet & Wizz under‑seat rules. |

Day 1 – Alfama Alleyways & Sunset Views

• Check‑in, drop bag (it will fit into any hostel locker).

• Wander Alfama’s maze of cobbled lanes. Pop into Sé Cathedral and hunt for azulejo‑covered walls.

Lunch – Grab a bifana sandwich at O Trevo (~€3). Your Metz tucks snugly under the table—no bulky roller to trip strangers.

Morning

Afternoon

Hop on legendary Tram 28 (free with your day pass) up to Miradouro da Graça. Sunset here feels like a movie.

Bag Win: The Metz’s secret anti‑theft pocket sits against your back—perfect for passport + cards in crowded trams.

Evening – Fado night in Clube de Fado. Dress code is relaxed; a rolled linen dress & sandals fit easily in the 20 L.

Day 2 – Belém, Pastéis & LX Factory

Morning

• Train or tram to Belém. Tour Jerónimos Monastery (arrive at opening to beat lines).

• Snap pics at Torre de Belém & Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

Snack Stop – Pastéis de Belém. Two creamy custard tarts vanish fast—stash the warm box upright in the front pocket so they survive the journey.

Afternoon – Metro back and explore LX Factory—street art, pop‑up shops, rooftop bars.

Sustainability Note: The Metz uses 600 D RPET recycled polyester—so your bag is as planet‑kind as you are.

Night – Sunset drinks at Rio Maravilha followed by street‑food grazing at Time Out Market.

Day 3 – Day‑Trip to Sintra’s Fairy‑Tale Palaces

Early Start – 08:10 train from Rossio Station (≈ €5 RT). Carry water in the Metz’s side‑bottle holder.

Pack a lightweight rain jacket (Sintra’s micro‑climate loves drizzle) and a picnic. The compression straps keep everything compact but balanced for hill climbing.

Return to Lisbon by 18:00, nap, then head to Pink Street for cheap caipirinhas.

Quinta da Regaleira

Secret tunnels & the Insta‑famous Initiation Well.

Palácio Nacional da Pena

Bright yellows & reds, panoramic trails.

Day 4 – Brunch, Beach & Bairro Alto Nights

Morning – Slow brunch at Dear Breakfast (get the green pancakes!).

Midday – Train to Cascais for beach vibes or ferry to Costa da Caparica if you fancy surfing.

Pack‑Light Tip: Swimwear, quick‑dry towel & flip‑flops barely dent the Metz’s 20 L. Shake off sand before zipping shut.

Evening – Back in Lisbon, freshen up and dive into Bairro Alto’s bar‑hopping scene. Wear comfy shoes—cobbles + hills!

What I Packed in the 20 L (and Wore on the Plane)

• 2 tank tops + 1 crop tee

• 1 linen trousers + 1 flowy skirt

• Lightweight denim jacket (worn)

• Swimwear & sarong towel

• PJs & undies (rolled into packing cube)

• Toiletry pouch (TSA‑sized)

• Power bank, mirrorless camera, Kindle

• Tiny sling bag for evenings

Total weight: 6.3 kg — well under Ryanair’s 8 kg soft‑bag limit.

Why I’m Obsessed with the Cabin Max Metz 20 L

✔️ Maxes Out Free Allowances – 40 × 20 × 25 cm fits under the seat, so you dodge carry‑on fees.

✔️ Surprisingly Roomy – 20 L packs four days of outfits plus tech.

✔️ Organisation Goals – Front admin panel for passport, pen & chargers; internal mesh divider keeps clothes neat.

✔️ Eco‑Friendly – Crafted from recycled PET bottles.

✔️ Comfort First – Padded straps + back panel = no sweaty shoulders during day trips.

Ready to Pack & Go?

I’ll never wrestle a wheely case onto Lisbon’s cobbles again. If you’re keen to travel lighter—and cheaper—grab your own Cabin Max Metz 20 L below and hit book on those bargain flights. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

👉 Snag the bag here ➜

Happy travels and see you on the road! 💛

Affiliate & Accuracy Notes

Prices, availability & airline policies can change without notice. Always double‑check dimensions directly with your carrier and the Amazon listing before you fly.