Tag: Lisbon

Lisbon is the perfect spot for visitors looking to experience it all. Not only is it Portugal’s capital, but Lisbon’s also one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, which amplifies to the rich character it exudes. While Lisbon has the bustle of a bigger city, its historic roots and breathtaking coastal views make it a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary. The amazing food and charismatic music will leave you wanting more. We’ve compiled the best two-day Lisbon itinerary to help make the absolute most of your time!

Is two days enough in Lisbon? While it would be easy to extend your stay, two days is enough to see the highlights and do some thorough wandering around. Be sure to pack your most comfortable walking shoes though, because walking around in Lisbon requires tackling some hilly climbs. Honestly if you have a third day to tack on, we’d recommend exploring outside the city a bit— there’s a couple day trips that are simply too amazing to pass up. But more on that later! 

Having experienced a couple all-too-short layovers in Lisbon, we recently decided it was time to go all in on a Portugal exploration extravaganza. My sister Dana and I just finished a ten-day city-hopping adventure, and we’re already dying to go back! 

While guided tours can be a great way to support the local economy and experience the resident perspective, sometimes setting out, getting a little lost, and taking in small unexpected wonders can be its own memorable experience. If you’re keen to make the most of your time in Lisbon, we have an outstanding, action packed itinerary for you. Below we’ve detailed all the best viewpoints (miradouros), historical landmarks, best spots to grab a bite, as well as beautiful cathedrals and monasteries— and all the tips and tricks to ensure you make the most of your time. 

When to Visit 

But first, when to visit?! Time of year can make or break your experience, but everyone is different! Do crowds stress you out? Can you spend the day out wandering around in the middle of summer? Are you keen to avoid the rainy season? What’s important to you will help dictate your perfect time of year…. or perhaps it’s just about getting away from work whenever they can spare you! 

Summer

Lisbon is a delight year-round, but some times of year are certainly better for visiting than others. Portugal will feel rather summery from June to mid-September, with July and August being the hottest months (but in my opinion , still very tolerable). This also happens to be the high season in Portugal, where you’ll find the highest concentration of tourists and prices will tend to be higher during this time as well. Super lovely as everything is open, the chances of rain are about as low as it gets, and everything is green and lively. The cons of summer visits are the high volume of fellow travelers and the heat may be a bit oppressive to any more northern-based visitors. 

Winter

In Lisbon the wintery months of December, January, and February tend to not only be colder but rainier as well. There’s beauty to be found in every season, but if you visit in the winter, you’ll want to make sure you bring some layers…. and a rain jacket! You’ll love being able to explore without nearly as many people and enjoy the festive Christmas market.

The cons of a winter visit pertain mostly to the weather and some of the spots that may be closed in the off-season. That being said, everyone has a different idea of what’s cold… Porto doesn’t really get snow, so anyone used to a biting winter may find a Portuguese winter to be a nice reprieve! 

Spring & Fall

What does that leave? The shoulder seasons… arguably the best time to visit! If you can visit late April into May, it affords you the opportunity to enjoy all the sights of Lisbon as the city is blooming— plus there’s less crowds to maneuver.

Similarly, late September and into October will allow you to still explore before the weather turns chilly again, and the stifling crowds of the summer have started to thin out yet again. Plus, airfare over the summer can become astonishingly expensive, so booking outside of peak travel times can keep a little extra money in your pocket as well! 

Transportation Station

Our opinion: no keys please! While having a car in Portugal can be nice to allow you some flexibility with intra-country travel, it’s really not necessary within the city of Lisbon. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go by walking or train travel— plus they do have super affordable ride-share options available if your feet ever start to tire. 

Where to Stay

Everyone’s budget and expectations for travel are varied. What’s most important for your stay? Being right in the heart of the action? Having a room with a view? Relaxing with all the lux amenities? Do you mind climbing a couple flights of stairs? Do you prefer hotels over Airbnbs? Or do you live for the community atmosphere in hostels?

Regardless of what your accommodation vision board is, you will want to book your stay sooner rather than later— especially if you’re traveling in the high season over the summer. Rooms tend to go quickly! Making reservations in advance is especially important for anyone trying to keep their budget low as cheap accommodations tend to book up. That being said, Portugal overall tends to be a more economic European country to visit if you’re looking to stretch your pennies.  

*hot tip: if a spendy hotel is out of budget, you can always go grab dinner or a drink at a posh spot to enjoy the views and the luxe ambiance for a couple hours 

DAY ONE 

I hope your legs are fresh and ready for a full day of walking around and seeing the sights! Not only will the step count be high, but Lisbon is a rather hilly city. You won’t be missing any workouts today! For those a little nervous about a day full of walking, Lisbon has a pretty adept public transit system that’s easy for tourists to navigate. Our wandering today keeps us largely in the Alfama neighborhood (walking map here). 

National Pantheon 

To get things started, the National Pantheon is a must see national monument. The high central dome and overtures of Portuguese Baroque architecture make this church turned tomb yet another eye-catching historical locale. Not only is the dome memorable in design, but it also affords a 360–degree view of the city. We’re all about exploring historic roots AND a good viewpoint. The National Pantheon delivers both in spades!

IGREJA DE Sao Vicente de Fora

The Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora is another significant building in Lisbon, steeped in historic roots and shaped by the passing of time. Its roots date back to 1147 but the reconstruction across centuries left it with a Mannerism façade, reminiscent of late Renaissance architecture. So worth paying €5 to go inside and wander around, but at the very least you have to stop by and see the outside of this gorgeous monastery and pop in the back to see the internal architecture as well (free).  

Graça Viewpoint

Also known as ‘Miradouro Sophia de Mello’, this viewpoint might just be the best in the city. You can see so much of Lisbon… from the Castelo de São Jorge to all the apricot rooftops to the Tagus sparkling in the distance and everything in between. While there’s no cost to see the viewpoint, you have to put in a bit of sweat equity as you climb the stairs to get there. If you’re looking to stop and stay a while— maybe sip on a morning coffee— Esplanada de Grace is a lovely cafe right next to the viewpoint that makes for a charming post to relax for a moment. 

Lisbon Cathedral 

The goal for today is to hunt down all the national monuments in Lisbon— kidding… if only there was the time! The Lisbon Cathedral is the next compilation of historical, architectural, religious and spiritual sentiment on the docket. Inside this illustrious cathedral you will find religious relics and artifacts. If you get excited by digging deeper into religion, you’ll definitely want to take the time to explore the interior of the cathedral.

For others less keen on religious history, it’s certainly worth meandering in to take a peak but further internal exploration can be omitted. The day goes fast, so you might have to pick and choose your investment of time at various stops. 

Rua Augusta

Rua Augusta is the main commercial drag in downtown Lisbon, but with some pizazz! Stretching from Rossio Square to the Praca do Comercio, you’ll find fashion, food, performers, and so much more along this stretch. The iconic Rua Augusta Arch is a hard-to-miss ornate stone archway that exists on the Praca do Comercio end of the street. It was built as a symbol of resiliency following the 1755 earthquake, and stands today adorned with historical figures, allegorical figures, and latin inscriptions. 

As you’re walking along the Rua Augusta, you have an easy detour option: the Santa Justa Lift. If there’s no wait, we encourage you to hop on board and soar to the top as this particular tourist attraction typically has a 30+ minute wait (in high season). Having the character-rich elevator ride is the ideal choice, but if your legs aren’t too tuckered out yet, you can always climb the stairs up to the same viewing platform the lift stops at. 

Praca do Comercio

Once you’ve shopped, snacked, and explored your way along the Rua Augusta, you’ll find yourself in the Praca do Comercio— also known as the Terreiro do Paço— translates to ‘Commerce Plaza’. This area used to house the state department and Supreme Court of Portugal; however, now it’s more museums, culinary treats, and welcome centers than political powerhouse. This bustling square is a melting pot of historic grandeur, niched cafes, and waterfront views. 

The plaza opens up to the Tagus River, with a small beach area if you’re looking to cool your jets. It’s more of an ankle wading, playing in the sand, and taking in views of the 25 de Abril Bridge kind of beach than it is a spot to swim, but it’s still refreshing and lovely!

Miradouro de Santa Luzia & Miradouro das Portas do Sol 

Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol are two viewpoints only steps away from one another, and both equally worth visiting as they provide slightly different vantage points.

Between the two, Miradouro de Santa Luzia has a prettier terrace, with the blue and white azulejo tiles Portugal is known for; however, the openness of the Portal do Sol terrace makes it a bit better to snag the perfect picture. Right around the corner from Portas do Sol you’ll find a coffee and cocktail bar with a fabulous view— what’s better than a view with a drink in hand?!

Castelo de São Jorge

Last but not least? The mighty Castelo de São Jorge! This national monument has been remodeled and reconstructed over the years, but its origins date back to the Iron Age. At its elevated perch, the castle is visible all throughout the Alfama neighborhood, so getting to see it or rather knowing what it is when you see it, makes it a helpful and beautiful landmark! 

Hot take: the iconic Castelo de São Jorge isn’t the most noteworthy spot. From its position overlooking the city, it calls to curious tourists, but we found there’s not loads to see in the castle. The redeeming pearl that makes it worth the price of admission?? A beautiful view of Lisbon! However, there’s other (arguably better) viewpoints that won’t cost you a penny! 

Wining & Dining

The self-paced walking expedition is organized to walk you through in a loop that takes an hour to an hour and a half— but that’s before you stop to take in what each spot has to offer. By the time you’ve conquered your daily allotment of stairs and uphill climbs, you just might be ready to head back to your hotel or Airbnb to cool off in the AC and give your feet a rest.

The time of year will dictate how the rest of your evening goes. If you’re visiting in the summer, you have time to grab dinner and a drink somewhere because the sun doesn’t set until almost 9pm. In the winter months, you might want to catch the sunset first and then grab dinner. 

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte 

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is arguably the best spot in the city to watch the sunset. You’ll be glad you took a little evening rest because, as with most of the viewpoints in the city, you do have a bit of a climb ahead of you. But man oh man is it worth it!!! Watching the sun set over the city is just the most amazing way to end your first day. This spot will fill up, so it doesn’t hurt to get there 30 minutes before sunset to ensure you can snag a good spot! 

L’ape Italian Lounge is the perfect pre-sunset dinner spot as it’s just a short walk from the viewpoint and the caprese bruschetta and lasagna are live-rent-free-in-my-mind amazing.

Free Walking Tours

If you love the idea of a wandering walking tour of the city but are keen to have a guide, check out the free walking tour options! The tours run about three hours so you can listen and learn, but also still have time to do your own exploration. While there is no specific cost associated with the tour, the guides do make money off of tips, so if you go and you enjoy it, be sure to show them a little love. 

Tours are an awesome because there’s not much information posted outside theres historic buildings, so if you want to learn more, you need to either head inside and explore or have a guide provide you with the spark notes!

DAY TWO 

Today your travels will bring you to the southwestern-most district of Lisbon: Belém! While it’s totally possible to walk the hour and a half there, a tram ride or uber will get you there in about 10-15 minutes, so in order to make the most of your time, we recommend using the automated transportation of your choice to expedite your commute. You’ll still get your steps for the day in as the following itinerary will keep you moving and shaking!

Belém Tower 

The iconic Belém Tower stands tall in the waters of the Tagus. Once the ceremonial gateway of Lisbon, this 16th century defense system makes for a perfect way to start your day. Its picturesque architecture is reminiscent of a castle, with a walkway-moat for visitors to cross and explore the interior. Tours inside are options if you’re itching to see more.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Padrão dos Descobrimentos translates to Monument of Discoveries, and was built as a celebration of the Portuguese Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. This is a bit of an opportunity for a choose-your-own adventure. We just stopped by and looked at the monument from the outside on our way to the Jerónimos Monastery, but tickets to the the exhibition, viewpoint, and educational film are super reasonable if you have time for a bit more wandering. 

Jerónimos Monastery

A couple minutes down the road, you’ll find the stately Jerónimos Monastery. The late Portuguese Gothic Manueline architecture makes exploring the inside of the castle a must— worth is just to appreciate the vast and ornate cloister! A word to the wise: arrive early and order your tickets in advance so you don’t waste time waiting in line. Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower together are one of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal. While it may seem like there’s loads of historic stops on our sight-seeing bucket list, they’re all unique and worth the individual stops. 

Pastéis de Belém

Often imitated, never duplicated, Pastéis de Belém has been making pastries since 1837. The original pastel recipe was created in the Jerónimos Monastery, but when the monastery closed in 1833, the pasteis de belem lived on in a small cafe just down the road. This patented egg tart pastry is made by hand every day in Pastéis de Belém— if you like custard delights, you absolutely must stop and sample one of these tasty treats! You’ll see them sold in bakeries all over the country, but this is said to be the original recipe for their inception.

cristo rei

Time for a bit of zig-zagging— across the river that is! Head over to Almada to take in the Cristo Rei (picture above). While I haven’t been to Rio to see Christ Redeemer, Dana was just there a few months ago (pictured below). She can confirm that they are quite different, but still very much worth visiting. Even if you have no interest in the statue of Christ, it’s rather fun to drive across the 25 de Abril Bridge. Even more impressive is the view of Lisbon for the other side of the river!!!

To make the most of your time, we recommend ubering here as well as back across the river when you’re done taking it all in. It will be a little more expensive than you’d expect (we generally found ubers in Portugal to be pretty cheap)— just because there’s a toll to cross the bridge, but overall worth it for the economy of time.

LX Factory 

As you arrive back across the river, make your way to the LX Factory. This isn’t a production facility, but more of a factory of experiences. LX Factory houses restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retail, and office spaces, making it a lovely spot to explore small business in the community. There’s loads of fun shops and eateries to check out, as well as Livraria Ler Devagar… a fun bookstore— with floor to ceiling options for you to peruse! The only downside? Most of the books are in Portuguese (as they should be)!

Fado Show 

Fado is a folk-style music with multi-cultural origins; however one thing is for certain: it’s a staple in the Lisbon entertainment scene! The overarching artistic themes of love and destiny prevail, but you absolutely must go listen to truly understand. Restaurants called ‘Fado Houses’ serve dinner and employ artists to perform every night. The Fado performances are more than just background music– conversation comes to a halt and the guests savor the cultural experience. Tickets can get a little spendy, but if you love local, live music, this would be a must-do activity!  

Lisbon Food: 

Food recommendations can be a little tricky as everyone has their own personal taste, and Lisbon has SO MANY options for food. These were all places we tried and loved or spots that were recommended to us!

Lisboa Card

Lisbon offers a “city pass” type card that provides free and reduced price of admission into many of the key tourist attractions. In addition, it also provides one with free use of all metro, trams, buses, lifts, buses, and trains within the general Lisbon area (i.e. will cover your train in and around Lisbon and even out to Sintra but not all the way up to Porto). While a Lisboa cardholder has access to all the free and discounted rates, the card itself comes at a price— which varies depending on how long you plan to use it. 

	24 hours	48 hours	72 hours
Adults	€21,00	€35,00	€44,00
Children	€13,50	€19,50	€23,00

The Lisboa Card can be purchased here. If you decide this is an option that makes sense for your trip agenda, make the purchase! Moments later, you will receive an email with a voucher redeemable upon arrival in Lisbon at the Lisboa Welcome Center, Foz Palace, or Lisboa Airport for your very own Lisboa Card. Just FYI, these are totally fine to purchase in advance— the card is valid for a full 365 days after its purchase date and is validated upon its first use.

A gentle word of caution would be to look at your plan for the day and decide if you’d truly save money with the Lisboa Card, or if it would actually cost you more. It will provide free entrance into some places but in other places it only offers a 10% discount. Don’t just assume it’s going to get you in everywhere for free! I will say, if you are daunted by the hilly nature of Lisbon and the extent of walking required in this itinerary, you might enjoy the unlimited access to the city transit!

But Wait, There’s More

While two days is enough to pack in the big highlights of Lisbon, we actually recommend staying in the city for at least three days. Why? Lisbon’s surrounding cities have some incredible day trips to explore. From castles to world class surfing, this pocket of Portugal just keeps drawing you in for more! The following cities can be explored individually or as part of a combined touring adventure. We’ve linked a few tours that might be helpful to facilitate your outside-the-big-city exploration. 

Sintra

Both whimsical and extravagant, this historic town is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and so many vibrant castles. You can either take the train to Sintra and explore on your own or visit with a guide service (tour options here). The vibrant Pena Palace alone is worth making the trek for!

Cascais

This Portuguese fishing town turned resort town boasts bustling beaches and historic monuments alike. It’s also a popular surfing spot! You can explore your tour options here. 

Nazaré

Known as a fishing town with amazing ocean views and a 17th century baroque church, this town lets you pull away from the crows and enjoy nature’s beauty. Perhaps most illustrious is Praia do Norte, which is famed for its surfing conditions! Check out your tour options here. 

Berlenga Islands

A small archipelago about 8 miles off the coast of Peniche, these islands are home to marine life and birds that thrive amongst its cliffs and ocean ecosystem. Berlenga Grande is accessible only by boat, which adds to the thrill of adventure. It also means this area is best explored with a tour guide. 

Where to pick largely depends on your overall Portugal itinerary. If you’re only spending time in Lisbon, you might enjoy taking the time to go see the Atlantic coastline. We knew we were going to spend time down on the Algarve coast, so we deferred some of the Lisbon adjacent coast/beach towns in favor of Sintra and all her castles. As such we can say with confidence that it’s an AMAZING way to spend that day, but you really won’t regret any of your choices for exploration! 

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Lisbon offers rich character, amazing views, delicious food, and profound history. Two or three days here will fly by! Where are you headed next? Will your travels take you to Porto, Portugal’s wine country (check out our Porto blog post here)? Or perhaps go take in the gorgeous southern coastline in the Algarve?? It’s amazing how each region embodies the Portuguese landscape and culture in a different way. Happy travels!

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