Lisbon is Portugal’s coastal capital metropolis and one of many first stops on most individuals’s Portugal itinerary. We spent an unforgettable 48 hours in Lisbon, packing in as a lot as potential. On this publish, we’ll take you thru its greatest neighborhoods and high sights, giving insider tips about the place to remain and what to eat. When you’ve got two days within the metropolis, comply with this 48 hours in Lisbon itinerary to see the highest sights and to take pleasure in a few of its tradition, meals, and structure.
Two Days in Lisbon Itinerary
When spending a few days in Lisbon, make certain to guide a lodge with breakfast included. Often, breakfasts at European resorts are superb, with pastries, eggs, connoisseur espresso, and tea. We stayed on the Turim Boulevard Resort situated within the coronary heart of Lisbon on Avenida da Liberdada. You possibly can learn our full article about the place to remain in Lisbon right here.
We discovered an awesome deal on Reserving.com to remain at this 5-star lodge that was inside strolling distance to the Previous City and lots of of Lisbon’s high sights. Verify charges and availability right here.
To get round Lisbon, we used Uber. The app was reasonably priced and simple to make use of. We extremely advocate downloading Uber earlier than touring to Portugal.
A Lisbon Card lets you enter a lot of Lisbon’s high sights and skip the road. If you wish to see loads rapidly, this can be a nice choice to buy forward of time. So, are you able to discover one in every of Europe’s most enjoyable cities in two days? Let’s dive in!
Day 1 – The High Points of interest
After breakfast, we known as an Uber to take us to the Belém neighborhood, the place we might start our Lisbon itinerary at two of town’s high vacationer sights.
The Belém neighborhood is situated alongside the Tagus River, only a quick tram or Uber trip from Lisbon’s metropolis middle. Belém is the birthplace of the Age of Discoveries and homes a few of Lisbon’s most iconic sights.
Belém Tower
Belem Tower is without doubt one of the few monuments to outlive the 1755 earthquake. It is without doubt one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Positioned instantly on the Tagus River, it’s an effective way to start your Lisbon journey.
An Uber from the previous metropolis price us 8€ and took about 20 minutes.
We didn’t go inside Belém Tower however admired it from the skin. The fee to enter Belém Tower is 6 Euro, and opening hours are from 10 am to six:30 pm from Could to September, with an earlier closing of 5:30 from Oct to April. You possibly can reserve your timed entry upfront right here. It’s also included within the Lisbon Card.
Because it opens so late, getting in at 10 a.m. actually cuts into the Lisbon Itinerary. We recommend going earlier than the crowds to see this surprise earlier than it opens. You possibly can then proceed down the Tagus River to see extra sights.
Jerónimos Monastery
Only a quick stroll from Belém Tower is Jerónimos Monastery, It’s one other UNESCO World Heritage Website that you have to not miss.
Jeronimos monastery was constructed within the sixteenth century to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India; he was the primary European to succeed in India by sea.
The monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline structure, showcasing elaborate carvings that pay homage to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Guests can anticipate to be mesmerized by the monastery’s gorgeous cloisters, every intricately designed with columns richly adorned with maritime motifs and symbols of exploration.
The church of Santa Maria, housing the tomb of Vasco da Gama, offers a poignant connection to Portugal’s navigational achievements. Open to the general public, the Jerónimos Monastery invitations vacationers to step again in time and marvel at its breathtaking magnificence, expansive dimensions, and historic significance. With its shut proximity to different notable sights such
Tickets price 12 euros, and you should buy them on-line upfront. They’re additionally included within the Lisbon Card.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument of Discoveries
It is just becoming that the Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is situated close by. Vasco Da Gama was simply one in every of many legendary explorers from Portugal, and this spectacular monument, constructed on the Tagus River within the twentieth century, celebrates these nice explorers with Prince Henry the Navigator on the entrance.
This monument celebrates the Portuguese explorers who charted unknown territories worldwide. You possibly can go as much as the highest to absorb the views of the Tagus River and the Belem neighborhood. Standing at 52 meters excessive, it affords among the greatest views within the metropolis.
The price is 10€, and it’s open from 10 am to 7 pm throughout the summer time months.
Pasteis de Bélem
Additionally situated within the Belem Neighborhood is the birthplace of Portugal’s well-known Pasteles de Nata. Pastéis de Belém has been serving its secret recipe since 1837 and affords the unique model of the creamy custard tart that has develop into an emblem of Portuguese culinary custom.
The historical past of those tarts dates again to the early Nineteenth century when monks crafted them. When the monastery closed, the recipe was handed to the bakery, making certain the legacy of this scrumptious deal with.
This is a wonderful place to seize a espresso and snacks earlier than shifting on. The perfect recommendation we received was to go inside to take a seat down. The road could appear lengthy, however the restaurant is big, and the turnover is quick. We solely stood in line for about 5 minutes earlier than we had been seated.
Tagus River Points of interest
Strolling alongside the Tagus River is a Lisbon attraction unto itself. As we continued alongside the waterfront, we loved the websites of the Belém neighborhood. Alongside the waterfront, you’ll come throughout monuments and statues, and there are a couple of museums value stopping at.
The Museum of Modern Artwork is situated close to Jeronimós Monastery if you wish to pop into that, and the Nationwide Coach Museum is situated alongside your stroll again in the direction of downtown.
We continued to stroll alongside the waterfront, having fun with the views of the Tagus River, together with The Sanctuary of Christ the King – a monument that reminded us of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro. There are many issues to see, and you’ll lease bikes or scooters to get round as properly.
Museum of Artwork, Structure and Expertise
No matter you do, don’t miss the spectacular Museum of Artwork, Structure, and Expertise (MAAT). Conveniently situated on the banks of the Tagus River and nonetheless within the Belém district, MAAT stands as a beacon of up to date tradition and innovation.
Inside, guests are handled to a dynamic array of exhibitions that bridge the hole between artwork and expertise, showcasing works that provoke thought and encourage innovation. Whether or not you’re an artwork aficionado, a expertise fanatic, or just trying to immerse your self in Lisbon’s cutting-edge cultural scene.
It’s open from Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., making it an ideal addition to your Lisbon journey. With the Lisbon card you get a ten% low cost.
LX Manufacturing unit
We walked all the best way to the LX Manufacturing unit, one of many coolest neighborhoods in Lisbon. It’s a advanced of previous industrial buildings situated underneath the April twenty fifth Bridge that has been became an artisan group.
There are eating places, boutiques, artwork galleries, and multimedia shows. This can be a great place to seize a snack and an aperitif and easily people-watch. Even the locals like to hang around at LX Manufacturing unit, so you’ll really feel like you’re actually immersing your self within the native tradition.
Avenida da Liberdade
After catching an Uber again downtown, we relaxed at our lodge situated on the Champs Élysées of Lisbon, the c As we talked about, that is the world that we stayed in, and we cherished how shut it was to downtown. Nonetheless, it was additionally quiet and stylish away from the hustle and bustle.
This stunning treelined avenue was impressed by the boulevards of Paris with a shaded walkway by way of stunning structure. Be certain to take a stroll alongside the road to see the monumental statues that stand middle of its roundabouts, cease in for an aperol spritz or espresso at one in every of its many cafes and benefit from the nice boutiques and buying.
For prime-end buying, that is the place to go. It is without doubt one of the costliest streets in Portugal and we received an incredible deal on reserving.com on the Turim Boulevard Resort.
Rooftop Bar for Sundown
Our lodge had a rooftop bar the place we loved the sundown. Watching the sundown from a rooftop or one in every of Lisbon’s Miradouros is crucial. This metropolis is gorgeous. With its seven hills surrounding the historic city, it is without doubt one of the most stunning scenes in Europe.
Proper subsequent door to the Turim Boulevard Resort is the Tivoli Avenida Resort Subsequent door. Their Skybar is famous and is a wonderful place for a sundown cocktail. We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoeiro within the Algarve and cherished the Skybar there as properly. We recommend getting there early, although, as this patio fills up rapidly.
The world of Avenida da Liberdade is a superb place to seize dinner and benefit from the rooftop bars with beautiful views.
Fado Present
One of many must-do experiences in Lisbon is to look at a Fado Present. UNESCO acknowledges it as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and it’s also possible to go to the Fado Museum in Alfama.
Fado is the soulful, haunting music style that captures the essence of Portuguese tradition and emotion. Originating within the 1820s in Lisbon, it’s acknowledged for its deeply melancholic melodies and lyrics that usually discover themes of affection, loss, and longing, reflecting the Portuguese idea of “Saudade” — a profound sense of nostalgia and craving.
Even when we couldn’t perceive what they had been saying, we felt the emotion seep by way of their voices.
Locations to see Fado in Alfama
Clube de Fado is one in every of Lisbon’s most esteemed venues for Fado. It attracts a few of Portugal’s best Fado singers and classical guitarists (enjoying the Portuguese guitarra), pouring their hearts into each efficiency.
We made the error of reserving a Fado present on-line with GetYour Information. Whereas it was only a quick stroll from our lodge to the venue, we actually ought to have gone to the Alfama district to expertise this style of music within the metropolis’s oldest district. Nevertheless, the musicians and singers had been gifted and it was a phenomenal efficiency, I simply want we went to a extra native expertise.
Day 2 – Miradorous and Neighborhoods
Day two in Lisbon takes you throughout the Previous Metropolis to see its vibrant neighborhoods and high sights of the Previous Metropolis. After breakfast, we walked all the way down to the Previous City to start on the Alfama District.
Alfama District
The Alfama district is Lisbon’s oldest and most culturally and genuine neighborhood. It’s the good place to start out day 2 of your 48-hour keep.
The Alfama district is a labyrinth of slender streets and alleys that echo with the soulful sounds of Fado music. This historic neighborhood is a spot to spend the morning exploring its treasure trove of cultural landmarks and breathtaking viewpoints.
Lisbon Cathedral
Key sights embody the majestic São Jorge Fort, perched atop a hill providing panoramic views of town, and the spectacular Lisbon Cathedral.
Strolling by way of Alfama, guests will encounter charming plazas, vibrant markets, and hidden courtyards, every telling a narrative of Lisbon’s previous.
Museo do Fado
If you wish to study extra about Fado, go to the Museu do Fado. Portugal’s most iconic musical expression is acknowledged as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Positioned within the historic Alfama district, only a stone’s throw from the Lisbon Cathedral, this museum is devoted to celebrating the historical past and tradition of Fado, from its origins within the Nineteenth century to the current day.
The Museu do Fado offers an immersive expertise with its intensive assortment of Fado recordings, memorabilia, and private gadgets from legendary Fado singers. Guests can discover interactive displays, take heed to basic and modern Fado performances, and even attempt to play a Portuguese guitar.
Nationwide Pantheon
ocated within the historic Alfama district, The Nationwide Pantheon was initially a church and now serves as the ultimate resting place for a few of Portugal’s most esteemed personalities, together with Presidents, Fado singers, and explorers.
Its placing white dome and spectacular baroque structure make it a landmark seen from varied factors throughout town. Guests can discover the inside’s ornate design, marvel on the stunning azulejos (Portuguese tiles), and climb to the terrace for panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. It was closed after we visited, however we’re going again to Lisbon quickly and plan on getting into to see it.
Alfama a must-visit vacation spot for anybody desirous to immerse themselves within the genuine spirit of Lisbon. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a music fanatic, or just searching for picturesque scenes, Alfama affords an unforgettable exploration of Lisbon’s coronary heart and soul.
Tram 28
Historic Tram 28 is a classic yellow tram that weaves by way of town’s most picturesque neighborhoods, providing a singular vantage level to discover its historic and cultural landmarks.
Ranging from Martim Moniz and culminating in Campo de Ourique, this journey takes passengers by way of a maze of slender streets in Alfama, previous the majestic São Jorge Fort, by way of the colourful Baixa district, and by the charming neighborhoods of Graça and Estrela.
As one in every of Lisbon’s most sought-after sights, Tram 28 offers takes you on a journey again in time, permitting vacationers to expertise the genuine appeal of Lisbon’s old-world structure and bustling city life.
Its route covers vital websites, making it a handy and fulfilling approach to navigate town for first-time guests. For these trying to seize the essence of Lisbon, a trip on Tram 28 is a must-do exercise that mixes scenic views, historic exploration, and the pleasure of gradual journey, all wrapped into one memorable expertise.
Tram 28 prices 3 Euros and goes by way of a few of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods. A 24-hour go is on the market, and it’s free with the Lisbon Card. Nevertheless, every time we glided by a cease, there was at all times a crowd.
Castelo St George
You possibly can simply spend the half a day right here. Begin by making your approach to the highest and discover Castelo St George. You possibly can see this fort from throughout town.
The previous fortifications date again to the 2nd century BC but it surely underwent intensive renovations. You possibly can stroll alongside its previous partitions and absorb views of Lisbon. Be certain to get there early or guide your tickets upfront because it will get crowded. Entrance to the fort can also be included in a Lisbon Card
Belvedere Lookout
Should you don’t need to tour the Fort, there’s a Miradorou proper beside Castelo St. George that we went to as a substitute. It prices €5 to go up the steps to the bell tower, however there’s a glass of wine included. It has a pleasant little memento store and the views are implausible.
After the Alfama neighborhood, we continued to stroll down by way of the steps resulting in the waterfront. It’s a cool stroll by way of graffiti and winding alleyways, so take your time. That is the morning to soak within the Lisbon environment.
Porto do Sol
Miradouro de Santa Catarina, usually known as “Porto do Sol” by locals is without doubt one of the high stops within the neighborhood with breathtaking views of the Tagus River and town’s picturesque rooftops.
This scenic viewpoint, nestled within the vibrant neighborhood of Santa Catarina, turns into a magical spot because the solar units, portray the sky in shades of orange and pink. It’s a favourite amongst each locals and vacationers for its relaxed environment, complemented by the mild strumming of guitars and the mushy hum of dialog.
Guests can take pleasure in a refreshing drink from the close by kiosk or café, making it a perfect location for a serene night after a day of exploring Lisbon’s bustling streets. The panoramic views from Porto do Sol present an ideal backdrop for memorable photographs, capturing the essence of Lisbon’s magnificence. Whether or not you’re looking for a romantic spot to look at the sundown or a peaceable place to soak within the metropolis’s appeal, Miradouro de Santa Catarina guarantees an unforgettable expertise, making it a must-visit vacation spot on any Lisbon itinerary.
Tuk Tuk Tour
You possibly can hop on one other historic tram to tour town or rent a Tuk Tuk as we did. A tuk-tuk tour may be booked forward of time, however we caught one at Porto do Sol for forty euros every. The 90-minute tour took us to a lot of Lisbon’s high sights, and we discovered it definitely worth the cash to tick off the remaining viewpoints and church buildings to see in Lisbon.
It’s truly an effective way to see lots of the high sights in a brief period of time. Should you solely have 48 Hours in Lisbon, we extremely advocate hiring a tuk-tuk.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
The most effective views in Lisbon is the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Our tuk-tuk tour included this, and it was value going up for a view over town.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill within the Graça district and affords unequalled panoramic.
As the best of Lisbon’s many viewpoints, it offers a serene and picturesque setting the place guests can gaze over iconic landmarks comparable to São Jorge Fort, the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Lisbon is called town of seven bridges so taking a tuk tuk tour helped us get to the highest of mentioned bridges rapidly. The adjoining chapel and the romantic environment make it a popular spot for locals and vacationers alike.
This quiet oasis within the bustling metropolis is accessible day or evening, providing a unique however equally gorgeous expertise with every go to—sunsets listed below are significantly mesmerizing, casting a golden hue over the cityscape.
São Pedro de Alcântara
Our tuk tuk driver additionally took us to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This can be a stunning panoramic terrace providing among the most gorgeous views of town, together with the Lisbon Cathedral.
Positioned within the fashionable Bairro Alto district, this miradouro is a favourite for its breathtaking vistas that span from the São Jorge Fort throughout the previous city to the Tagus River.
Lush gardens, ornate fountains, and detailed tile work add to the appeal of this scenic spot, making it a perfect location for a leisurely stroll or a second of leisure amidst your Lisbon explorations. There’s a cafe with bogs and the point of view can also be dotted with kiosks serving refreshments, permitting guests to take pleasure in a drink as they take within the spectacular surroundings. With its quick access from town middle and proximity to Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife and cultural sights, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a must-visit for anybody desirous to seize the essence of Lisbon’s magnificence, providing an ideal mix of pure panorama, city panorama, and historic ambiance.
Comercio Sq.
Commerce Sq. is Lisbon’s grand sq. situated on the River Tagus. It’s as huge as it’s stunning, with its distinctive U-shaped association of yellow Nineteenth-century buildings standing on the former Royal Palace of Ribeira. There’s a lot taking place at this sq., and you’ll’t miss going to see it.
We had our tuk tuk driver allow us to off right here, so we had been free to discover the world across the Tagus River.
Pink Avenue
Pink Avenue, formally generally known as Rua Nova do Carvalho is situated within the coronary heart oof the Cais do Sodré district. As soon as a gritty space, Pink Avenue has reworked right into a bustling hub for nightlife.
In the course of the day, it attracts photographers with their good telephones to take social media photographs of its pink-painted highway lined with colourful umbrellas.
Open from nightfall to daybreak, this fashionable hotspot affords an eclectic mixture of musical genres and atmospheres, catering to all tastes. Whether or not you’re trying to dance the evening away, take pleasure in a cocktail in a trendy bar, or just soak within the electrical environment.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a should go to on any Lisbon itinerary. Positioned within the former Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré, this bustling meals corridor brings collectively a curated number of Lisbon’s greatest eating places, cooks, and meals producers underneath one roof. However take word, this can be very busy. Nevertheless, it’s an reasonably priced possibility for lunch.
Open day by day, it affords guests an opportunity to bask in varied gastronomic delights, from conventional Portuguese dishes to worldwide delicacies, all freshly ready in an open kitchen setting.
Whether or not you’re craving seafood, connoisseur burgers, or genuine pastéis de nata, the Time Out Market offers an unparalleled eating expertise that showcases the richness of Lisbon’s culinary scene. Its central location, close to main sights and simply accessible by public transport, makes it a handy cease for vacationers.
Rua Agusta
We then spent the afternoon trying out the websites alongside Rua Augusta, an extended pedestrian avenue within the coronary heart of Lisbon’s bustling Baixa district.
Framed by the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta at one finish and the sprawling Praça do Comércio on the different, this avenue is a bustling hive of exercise, providing an array of outlets, cafes, and avenue performers that entertain guests at each flip.
The triumphal arch itself, providing panoramic views of town and the Tagus River from its rooftop, is a must-visit attraction, offering a singular vantage level to understand Lisbon’s historic appeal.
The road’s pedestrian-friendly format encourages leisurely strolls, permitting guests to soak within the vibrant environment and architectural magnificence that outline Lisbon. For these trying to immerse themselves in Lisbon’s dynamic metropolis life whereas having fun with quick access to its historic sights, Rua Augusta is an unmissable vacation spot.
Santa Justa Carry
All through this neighborhood, there are many outlets, eating places, and different sights, such because the Santa Justa Carry. The Santa Justa carry is open to the general public to go up and take within the views from the platform (the platform was closed throughout our go to), and it acts as public transport to take you as much as the Largo do Carmo space.
Bairro Alto District
We ended our two days in Lisbon within the Bairro Alto District to take pleasure in dinner and drinks on this full of life space the place the streets come alive with dwell music, bars, and eating places as soon as the solar goes down.
Bairro Alto is the pulsating coronary heart of Lisbon’s nightlife. This historic neighborhood turns right into a full of life hotspot when the solar goes down, the place slender cobbled streets come alive with the sounds of Fado music, emanating from quaint bars and intimate eating places.
This space is a haven for nightlife seekers, providing a various array of leisure choices, from stylish rooftop bars with gorgeous views over Lisbon to cozy taverns the place locals and vacationers alike mingle over glasses of vinho verde and plates of petiscos (Portuguese tapas).
The district’s bohemian environment is unmatched, making it the right place to expertise Lisbon’s legendary evening scene. Whether or not you’re trying to dance the evening away in one in every of its many nightclubs or just take pleasure in a leisurely night stroll amidst the colourful avenue artwork and historic structure, Bairro Alto guarantees an unforgettable evening out, showcasing the easiest of Lisbon’s dynamic and inclusive tradition.
We went for gin and tonic cockails at Gin Lovers cocktail bar within the Portuguese Idea shops, we then at dinner on the terrace with stunning views of the previous metropolis. This can be a nice neighborhood to finish your Lisbon Itinerary.
Day 3 Bonus Day Journey to Sintra
When you’ve got one other day in your Lisbon itinerary, most individuals go to Sintra, which is only a quick day journey from Lisbon. We spent two evening in Sintra, however it may be executed on a day tour to see its high sights. Sintra is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Portugal, and in case you solely have a short while within the nation, you actually shouldn’t miss visiting this magical vacation spot. Learn all about it 14 Greatest Issues to Do in Sintra, Portugal
And there you may have our 48 hours in Lisbon. We’re heading again there quickly and can share much more issues to do within the metropolis, however for now, take a look at our movies on Sintra, the preferred day journey from Lisbon and included on everybody’s Lisbon Itinerary.