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 attainable. In this submit, we’ll take you thru its greatest neighborhoods and high points of interest, giving insider tips about the place to remain and what to eat. If you’ve two days in the town, comply with this 48 hours in Lisbon itinerary to see the highest points of interest 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, be sure that to e book a resort with breakfast included. Usually, breakfasts at European lodges are superb, with pastries, eggs, gourmand espresso, and tea. We stayed on the Turim Boulevard Hotel positioned in the center of Lisbon on Avenida da Liberdada. You can learn our full article about the place to remain in Lisbon right here.
We discovered an awesome deal on Booking.com to remain at this 5-star resort that was inside strolling distance to the Old Town and plenty of of Lisbon’s high points of interest. Check charges and availability right here.
To get round Lisbon, we used Uber. The app was reasonably priced and straightforward to make use of. We extremely suggest downloading Uber earlier than touring to Portugal.
A Lisbon Card lets you enter lots of Lisbon’s high points of interest and skip the road. If you wish to see lots shortly, it is a nice choice to buy forward of time. So, are you able to discover certainly one of Europe’s most fun cities in two days? Let’s dive in!
Day 1 – The Top Attractions
After breakfast, we known as an Uber to take us to the Belém neighborhood, the place we’d start our Lisbon itinerary at two of the town’s high vacationer points of interest.
The Belém neighborhood is positioned alongside the Tagus River, only a quick tram or Uber experience from Lisbon’s metropolis middle. Belém is the birthplace of the Age of Discoveries and homes a few of Lisbon’s most iconic points of interest.
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 Site. Located immediately on the Tagus River, it’s an effective way to start your Lisbon journey.
An Uber from the outdated metropolis price us 8€ and took about 20 minutes.
We didn’t go inside Belém Tower however admired it from the surface. The price to enter Belém Tower is 6 Euro, and opening hours are from 10 am to six:30 pm from May to September, with an earlier closing of 5:30 from Oct to April. You can reserve your timed entry in advance right here. It can be included in the Lisbon Card.
Since it opens so late, getting in at 10 a.m. actually cuts into the Lisbon Itinerary. We counsel going earlier than the crowds to see this surprise earlier than it opens. You can then proceed down the Tagus River to see extra points of interest.
Jerónimos Monastery
Just a brief stroll from Belém Tower is Jerónimos Monastery, It’s one other UNESCO World Heritage Site that it’s essential to not miss.
Jeronimos monastery was constructed in the sixteenth century to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India; he was the primary European to achieve India by sea.
The monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline structure, showcasing elaborate carvings that pay homage to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Visitors can count on 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, gives 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 points of interest such
Tickets price 12 euros, and you should buy them on-line in advance. They are additionally included in the Lisbon Card.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument of Discoveries
It is just becoming that the Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is positioned close by. Vasco Da Gama was simply certainly one of many legendary explorers from Portugal, and this spectacular monument, constructed on the Tagus River in 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 can go as much as the highest to take in the views of the Tagus River and the Belem neighborhood. Standing at 52 meters excessive, it affords among the greatest views in the town.
The charge is 10€, and it’s open from 10 am to 7 pm through the summer time months.
Pasteis de Bélem
Also positioned in 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 transferring on. The greatest recommendation we obtained was to go inside to sit down down. The line 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 have been seated.
Tagus River Attractions
Walking alongside the Tagus River is a Lisbon attraction unto itself. As we continued alongside the waterfront, we loved the websites of the Belém neighborhood. Along the waterfront, you’ll come throughout monuments and statues, and there are just a few museums price stopping at.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is positioned close to Jeronimós Monastery if you wish to pop into that, and the National Coach Museum is positioned alongside your stroll again in 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 loads of issues to see, and you may hire bikes or scooters to get round as properly.
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Whatever you do, don’t miss the spectacular Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT). Conveniently positioned on the banks of the Tagus River and nonetheless in 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 know-how, showcasing works that provoke thought and encourage innovation. Whether you’re an artwork aficionado, a know-how fanatic, or just seeking to immerse your self in Lisbon’s cutting-edge cultural scene.
It is 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 Factory
We walked all the way in which to the LX Factory, one of many coolest neighborhoods in Lisbon. It is a fancy of outdated industrial buildings positioned underneath the April twenty fifth Bridge that has been changed into an artisan group.
There are eating places, boutiques, artwork galleries, and multimedia shows. This is a good spot to seize a snack and an aperitif and easily people-watch. Even the locals like to hang around at LX Factory, so you’ll really feel like you’re actually immersing your self in the native tradition.
Avenida da Liberdade
After catching an Uber again downtown, we relaxed at our resort positioned on the Champs Élysées of Lisbon, the c As we talked about, that is the realm that we stayed in, and we liked how shut it was to downtown. Still, it was additionally quiet and stylish away from the hustle and bustle.
This lovely treelined avenue was impressed by the boulevards of Paris with a shaded walkway by way of lovely structure. Make 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 certainly one of its many cafes and benefit from the nice boutiques and buying.
For high-end buying, that is the place to go. It is without doubt one of the most costly streets in Portugal and we obtained a tremendous deal on reserving.com on the Turim Boulevard Hotel.
Rooftop Bar for Sunset
Our resort had a rooftop bar the place we loved the sundown. Watching the sundown from a rooftop or certainly one of Lisbon’s Miradouros is important. This metropolis is gorgeous. With its seven hills surrounding the historic city, it is without doubt one of the most lovely scenes in Europe.
Right subsequent door to the Turim Boulevard Hotel is the Tivoli Avenida Hotel Next door. Their Skybar is known and is a wonderful place for a sundown cocktail. We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoeiro in the Algarve and liked the Skybar there as properly. We counsel getting there early, although, as this patio fills up shortly.
The space of Avenida da Liberdade is a good place to seize dinner and benefit from the rooftop bars with beautiful views.
Fado Show
One of the must-do experiences in Lisbon is to observe a Fado Show. UNESCO acknowledges it as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and you too can go to the Fado Museum in Alfama.
Fado is the soulful, haunting music style that captures the essence of Portuguese tradition and emotion. Originating in 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 if we couldn’t perceive what they have been saying, we felt the emotion seep by way of their voices.
Places to see Fado in Alfama
Clube de Fado is certainly one of Lisbon’s most esteemed venues for Fado. It attracts a few of Portugal’s most interesting 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 Guide. While it was only a quick stroll from our resort to the venue, we actually ought to have gone to the Alfama district to expertise this style of music in the town’s oldest district. However, the musicians and singers have been proficient and it was a wonderful efficiency, I simply want we went to a extra native expertise.
Day 2 – Miradorous and Neighborhoods
Day two in Lisbon takes you throughout the Old City to see its vibrant neighborhoods and high points of interest of the Old City. After breakfast, we walked right down to the Old Town to start on the Alfama District.
Alfama District
The Alfama district is Lisbon’s oldest and most culturally and genuine neighborhood. It is the proper 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 points of interest embrace the majestic São Jorge Castle, perched atop a hill providing panoramic views of the 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 be taught extra about Fado, go to the Museu do Fado. Portugal’s most iconic musical expression is acknowledged as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Located in 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 in the Nineteenth century to the current day.
The Museu do Fado gives an immersive expertise with its in depth assortment of Fado recordings, memorabilia, and private objects from legendary Fado singers. Visitors can discover interactive displays, take heed to traditional and up to date Fado performances, and even attempt to play a Portuguese guitar.
National Pantheon
ocated in the historic Alfama district, The National 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 putting white dome and spectacular baroque structure make it a landmark seen from numerous factors throughout the town. Visitors can discover the inside’s ornate design, marvel on the lovely 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 going in to see it.
Alfama a must-visit vacation spot for anybody desirous to immerse themselves in the genuine spirit of Lisbon. Whether you’re a historical past buff, a music fanatic, or just in search of 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 the town’s most picturesque neighborhoods, providing a singular vantage level to discover its historic and cultural landmarks.
Starting 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 Castle, by way of the colourful Baixa district, and by the charming neighborhoods of Graça and Estrela.
As certainly one of Lisbon’s most sought-after points of interest, Tram 28 gives takes you on a journey again in time, permitting vacationers to expertise the genuine allure of Lisbon’s old-world structure and bustling city life.
Its route covers vital websites, making it a handy and pleasurable method to navigate the town for first-time guests. For these seeking to seize the essence of Lisbon, a experience 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 cross is out there, and it’s free with the Lisbon Card. However, every time we glided by a cease, there was all the time a crowd.
Castelo St George
You can simply spend the half a day right here. Start by making your method to the highest and discover Castelo St George. You can see this fort from throughout the town.
The outdated fortifications date again to the 2nd century BC nevertheless it underwent in depth renovations. You can stroll alongside its outdated partitions and take in views of Lisbon. Make certain to get there early or e book your tickets in advance because it will get crowded. Entrance to the fort can be included in a Lisbon Card
Belvedere Lookout
If you don’t wish to tour the Castle, 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. This is the morning to soak in the Lisbon ambiance.
Porto do Sol
Miradouro de Santa Catarina, usually known as “Porto do Sol” by locals is without doubt one of the high stops in the neighborhood with breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the town’s picturesque rooftops.
This scenic viewpoint, nestled in the colourful 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 ambiance, complemented by the mild strumming of guitars and the smooth hum of dialog.
Visitors can take pleasure in a refreshing drink from the close by kiosk or café, making it a great 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 you’re searching for a romantic spot to observe the sundown or a peaceable place to soak in the town’s allure, Miradouro de Santa Catarina guarantees an unforgettable expertise, making it a must-visit vacation spot on any Lisbon itinerary.
Tuk Tuk Tour
You can hop on one other historic tram to tour the town or rent a Tuk Tuk as we did. A tuk-tuk tour could be booked forward of time, however we caught one at Porto do Sol for forty euros every. The 90-minute tour took us to lots of Lisbon’s high points of interest, and we discovered it definitely worth the cash to tick off the remaining viewpoints and church buildings to see in Lisbon.
It is definitely an effective way to see lots of the high points of interest in a brief period of time. If you solely have 48 Hours in Lisbon, we extremely suggest hiring a tuk-tuk.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
One of the most effective views in Lisbon is the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Our tuk-tuk tour included this, and it was price going up for a view over the town.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill in the Graça district and affords unequalled panoramic.
As the very best of Lisbon’s many viewpoints, it gives a serene and picturesque setting the place guests can gaze over iconic landmarks corresponding to São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Lisbon is named the town of seven bridges so taking a tuk tuk tour helped us get to the highest of stated bridges shortly. The adjoining chapel and the romantic ambiance make it a popular spot for locals and vacationers alike.
This quiet oasis in the bustling metropolis is accessible day or night time, providing a special however equally gorgeous expertise with every go to—sunsets listed below are notably 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 is a wonderful panoramic terrace providing among the most gorgeous views of the town, together with the Lisbon Cathedral.
Located in the fashionable Bairro Alto district, this miradouro is a favourite for its breathtaking vistas that span from the São Jorge Castle throughout the outdated city to the Tagus River.
Lush gardens, ornate fountains, and detailed tile work add to the allure of this scenic spot, making it a great location for a leisurely stroll or a second of leisure amidst your Lisbon explorations. There is a restaurant with bathrooms and the point of view can be dotted with kiosks serving refreshments, permitting guests to take pleasure in a drink as they take in the spectacular surroundings. With its quick access from the town middle and proximity to Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife and cultural points of interest, 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 Square
Commerce Square is Lisbon’s grand sq. positioned on the River Tagus. It is as large as it’s lovely, with its distinctive U-shaped association of yellow Nineteenth-century buildings standing on the former Royal Palace of Ribeira. There is lots taking place at this sq., and you may’t miss going to see it.
We had our tuk tuk driver allow us to off right here, so we have been free to discover the realm across the Tagus River.
Pink Street
Pink Street, formally often known as Rua Nova do Carvalho is positioned in the center oof the Cais do Sodré district. Once a gritty space, Pink Street has reworked right into a bustling hub for nightlife.
During the day, it attracts photographers with their sensible telephones to take social media photographs of its pink-painted highway lined with colourful umbrellas.
Open from nightfall to daybreak, this stylish hotspot affords an eclectic mixture of musical genres and atmospheres, catering to all tastes. Whether you’re seeking to dance the night time away, take pleasure in a cocktail in a classy bar, or just soak in the electrical ambiance.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a should go to on any Lisbon itinerary. Located in the previous Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré, this bustling meals corridor brings collectively a curated collection of Lisbon’s greatest eating places, cooks, and meals producers underneath one roof. But take notice, this can be very busy. However, it’s an reasonably priced possibility for lunch.
Open each day, it affords guests an opportunity to indulge in numerous gastronomic delights, from conventional Portuguese dishes to worldwide delicacies, all freshly ready in an open kitchen surroundings.
Whether you’re craving seafood, gourmand burgers, or genuine pastéis de nata, the Time Out Market gives an unparalleled eating expertise that showcases the richness of Lisbon’s culinary scene. Its central location, close to main points of interest and simply accessible by public transport, makes it a handy cease for vacationers.
Rua Agusta
We then spent the afternoon testing the websites alongside Rua Augusta, an extended pedestrian avenue in the center 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 retailers, cafes, and avenue performers that entertain guests at each flip.
The triumphal arch itself, providing panoramic views of the town and the Tagus River from its rooftop, is a must-visit attraction, offering a singular vantage level to understand Lisbon’s historic allure.
The avenue’s pedestrian-friendly structure encourages leisurely strolls, permitting guests to soak in the colourful ambiance and architectural magnificence that outline Lisbon. For these seeking 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 Lift
Throughout this neighborhood, there are many outlets, eating places, and different points of interest, such because the Santa Justa Lift. The Santa Justa raise is open to the general public to go up and take in 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 in the Bairro Alto District to take pleasure in dinner and drinks in this full of life space the place the streets come alive with stay 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 ambiance is unmatched, making it the proper place to expertise Lisbon’s legendary night time scene. Whether you’re seeking to dance the night time away in certainly one 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 night time out, showcasing the perfect of Lisbon’s dynamic and inclusive tradition.
We went for gin and tonic cockails at Gin Lovers cocktail bar in the Portuguese Concept shops, we then at dinner on the terrace with lovely views of the outdated metropolis. This is a good neighborhood to finish your Lisbon Itinerary.
Day 3 Bonus Day Trip to Sintra
If you’ve one other day in your Lisbon itinerary, most individuals go to Sintra, which is only a quick day journey from Lisbon. We spent two night time in Sintra, however it may be accomplished on a day tour to see its high points of interest. Sintra is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Portugal, and in case you solely have a short while in the nation, you actually shouldn’t miss visiting this magical vacation spot. Read all about it 14 Best Things to Do in Sintra, Portugal
And there you’ve our 48 hours in Lisbon. We are heading again there quickly and can share much more issues to do in the town, however for now, try our movies on Sintra, the preferred day journey from Lisbon and included on everybody’s Lisbon Itinerary.