Fun Things to Do in Lisbon: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary

2 days in Lisbon, Portugal

Last updated on October 25th, 2024 at 08:40 am

Lisbon, and Portugal in general, had been on my must visit list for years! I try to visit one new place every year and this year Portugal was that place. I was able to spend about a week in Portugal, splitting my time between Lisbon and Porto. It was certainly not enough time for either location, I think you could spend a week in Lisbon and still not see everything you want! But if you have a short amount of time like I did, you can certainly see many of the highlights in Lisbon with a few hidden gems mixed in! 

In this travel guide, I’ll share with you all of the best things to do, see, and eat in Lisbon. At the end I’ll give you a sample two day itinerary.

As with any of my itinerary blogs, I highly recommend you taking these suggestions and making your trip your own! See and do what you want, forgetting what you SHOULD do. 

And have the absolute best time doing just that!

Also, make sure to check out this guide to the best two days in Porto to plan the rest of your Portugal itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

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The Best Time of the Year to Visit Lisbon

Spring or Fall in Lisbon

The best time of year to visit Lisbon is in the Spring, from March to May, or in the Fall, from September to October. These two seasons are considered the shoulder season for traveling to Lisbon as it’s outside of the peak travel season which is the summer. During the shoulder seasons you’ll experience pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation.

I visited the first week in September and the crowds were still very overwhelming. So if that’s not your thing, wait until the end of September or early October. You will also have even more comfortable weather for sightseeing.

Summer in Lisbon

Summer in Lisbon is the most popular time of the year to visit, so expect large crowds, pricier accommodations, and long lines for both tourist sites and restaurants. It’s also hot during the summer months with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F) plus humidity. 

Winter in Lisbon

Winter is the low season in Lisbon and the weather is very mild with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). It’s a bit rainy, but sunny days are still common, making it a comfortable winter escape. Since it’s the off-season, there will be far fewer crowds making accommodation more affordable and it will be easier to visit the city’s tourist attractions.

No matter what time of the year you visit, Lisbon is an amazing place with plenty to offer as long as you’re prepared for the crowd level and weather! 

Rooftops of Lisbon with the castle in the distance.
Tiled building and cobblestone streets of Lisbon.

How to Get from the Lisbon Airport to the City Center

Most journeys to Lisbon start at arrivals at the Humberto Delgado Airport. Once you gather your luggage, there are multiple ways to get to Lisbon’s city center.

Metro

The cheapest way to get to Lisbon is to take the Metro. This is how I got to Lisbon upon arrival at the airport. There are plenty of signs in the airport to direct you to the metro station. Take the escalator down where you’ll see a Viva Viagem card machine. It costs €0.50 for the card and €1.50 for the ride into the city. However, I recommend putting €20.00 on the card so you can use it for the buses and trams to help you get around Lisbon (more on that later). 

You’ll take the red metro line (Linha Vermelha) from Aeroporto Station to the closest stop to your accommodation (Google Maps is great for this). You may need to transfer at Saldanha or Alameda Stations for the green or yellow lines. 

It will take about 30 minutes to get to the city, depending on where you’re staying.

This is a great budget-friendly option, but if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage this will be frustrating as there are stairs to contend with.

Check out more information, including stops, here.

Aerobus

There are two Aerobus lines that connect the airport to Cais do Sodré or the Marquês de Pombal area. 

Line 1: Aerobus Line 1 runs every 20-25 minutes and stops near major hotels around Marquês de Pombal and Cais do Sodré where there are metro and ferry connections. 

Line 2: Aerobus Line 2 runs every 20-25 minutes and mainly serves the area around Marquês de Pombal and the Sete Rios bus terminal and train station where you can catch a train to the Algarve. 

A single adult ticket costs €3.60 and a return costs €5.40. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus or at Turismo de Lisboa desks in the arrivals hall.

Check out more information, including stops, here.

Uber/Bolt

If you have a lot of luggage or simply want to get to your hotel quickly, you can use Uber or Bolt to get from the airport directly to your accommodation. 

I used Uber to get from Lisbon to the airport when I departed as I had an early flight and didn’t want to make the day even longer on the metro. The 20 minute ride at around 7:00 am cost around €11.

Uber/Bolt are convenient ways to get around, especially with luggage and while it’s the most expensive way, compared to prices in California, it’s still a relatively cheap option.

Police car in Lisbon.
Lisbon street with a moped in front.

How to Get Around Lisbon

Lisbon is a very pedestrian friendly city, however, there are plenty of steep hills and staircases to contend with. And some of the attractions like Belém are removed from the city center. Here are a few ways to get around Lisbon.

Public Transportation

Buses, the metro, and the historic tram will help you see just about everything you want in Lisbon. I recommend getting the Viva Viagem card which is accepted on everything except for long distance trains. You simply have to tap your card on the card reader at the front of the bus or tram and go. No fiddling with change!

Historic Tram 28

The Historic Tram 28 starts in Praça Martim Moniz near Baixa, twists through the narrow streets of Alfama, passes the Cathedral, the Rua Augusta Arch, and ends at Campo de Ourique. 

Tickets cost €3.00 for a single trip and can be purchased from the driver or using your Viva Viagem card.

As Tram 28 is incredibly popular, expect long tram lines especially at the main tourist stops. Also be aware of pickpockets on the trams and waiting in lines.

I rode Tram 28 once to get from Chiado to Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Thankfully, there are other ways to get to these top tourist attractions.

Tram 15

Tram 15 is a modern tram that operates on the flat sections of the city. This is the tram you’ll take to get to and from Belém. It also passes the LX Factory!

Buses

With 172 bus routes throughout the city, the bus is a great way to get around Lisbon and will take you to many of the same places as the tram. I used buses quite a bit, especially to get to and from my tile painting class. Google Maps is super helpful and fairly accurate for navigating the bus route you need to take to reach your destination. 

Funiculars and Elevators

To help contend with the steep hills, Lisbon has funiculars and elevators around the city. There is the Bica Funicular, Glória Funicular, and Funicular Lavra. Many of these have amazing views along the ride or at the top!

The most famous elevator in Lisbon is the Santa Justa Lift thanks to its unique iron construction. However, I actually don’t recommend using it (more on that later). There are also elevators nestled in neighborhoods that aren’t particularly attractive but will help you reach the top of a hill without a sweat. 

I took Elevador da Baixa after sunset one night and it was so much better than walking down a bunch of stairs!

View from the Santa Justa Lift to the Castle.
View from the Santa Justa Lift to the Tagus River.

Uber/Bolt

You can definitely use Uber or Bolt to get around the city, especially if you want to reach somewhere quickly. The apps operate pretty much as you’re used to!

Walking

If you can, I think Lisbon is best seen on foot. You can literally walk for hours and not be bored, as long as you can physically handle it. If you’re a walker, then wear your best walking shoes, stop at anywhere that looks cute for refreshments along the way, and expect to get at least 25k steps in a day!

The Lisboa Card

Like most major cities, Lisbon offers a tourist card called the Lisboa Card. This is a tourist pass that grants free or discounted entry to over 50 attractions in and around Lisbon. It also includes travel on Lisbon’s public transportation.

There are three options available, a 24-hour card (€22), a 48-hour card (€37), and a 72-hour card (€46).

Most entrance fees range from €6-10 so if you’re planning to visit many of the popular attractions in Lisbon, the Lisboa Card may be a good option.

You can purchase the Lisboa Card online in advance or at the airport or tourist office.

I opted not to get the Lisboa Card as I was there Sunday-Tuesday and most tourist places are closed on Mondays. If I wanted to go in somewhere, I just paid the single entry fee and I used ti Viva Viagem card for public transportation.

If you think the Lisboa Card will be worth it for your trip and what you want to see, purchase it here!

Tiled building with a cafe.
Tiled building on a steep street.

Fun Things to Do in Lisbon

First, I’ll share all of the fun things to do in Lisbon, including where to eat then at the end I’ll share how I would build a two day itinerary around all these fun activities!

Take a Walking Tour

One of my favorite things to do in a new city is take a walking tour. These, typically free, guided tours will help you get a better understanding of the layout of Lisbon, share fun facts about the city’s history, and even help you meet new people when you’re traveling alone

There are a variety of tours to choose from including tours focused on specific neighborhoods like Alfama, ones on the graffiti of Lisbon, and one that is a well rounded tour that includes stops at all of the main attractions in Lisbon. The tours typically last anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours and are offered multiple times per day. 

While the tours are free, it is always advised to tip your tour guide!

Book your day tour here.

Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

Lisbon is amazing because while each neighborhood has its own vibe, they blend seamlessly together to make Lisbon what it is. They each offer great places to eat and stay so you really can’t go wrong with using any of these popular neighborhoods as your base for your Lisbon itinerary.

Avenida de Liberdades

Avenida de Liberdades is a wide, tree-lined avenue that feels a bit like the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It’s lined with luxury shops and boutique hotels in gorgeous buildings. To be honest, there’s not too much to do here, but it’s a beautiful place to go for a walk. Avenida de Liberdades leads right into the Baxia neighborhood.

Baixa-Chiado

Baixa-Chiado, while technically two neighborhoods, Baixa and Chiado, they are often grouped together and considered Lisbon’s city core.

In the Baixa district you’ll find Rossio Square which has amazing architecture and is now a center for shopping. Around the square you’ll find many international stores and hotels.

Baixa and Chiado are connected by many streets, but the main street is Rua Augusta. This is a wide, pedestrian-friendly street filled with restaurants and pastelerias. You’ll also see many people selling items on the street or approaching to sell you drugs.

To be honest, this street is overwhelming and crowded, I’d recommend using a side street. 

One of these side streets, Rua Áurea is where you’ll see the iconic Elevador de Santa Justa, the iconic steel elevator that takes you up to the Carmo Convent and part of the Chiado neighborhood.

Chiado is where you’ll find the beautiful Arco de Rua Augusta best seen from Praça de Comércio which is a plaza overlooking the Tagus River. There are also some amazing restaurants and shops in Chiado. I stayed in Chiado and loved being so close to everything!

Rua Augusta Arch in Lisbon

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is known for its nightlife. During the day it’s a quiet residential area, but as the sun sets it comes alive with bars, restaurants, and Fado music venues. While it does get crowded at night, it has a welcoming atmosphere. Just be prepared for a bit of uphill walking during your bar crawl.

People eating dinner on the street in Lisbon.
Bairro Alto Views in Lisbon.

Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood where you’ll be able to wander narrow streets with laundry hanging outside of gorgeous buildings. At the top of one of the many hills of Alfama is the famous São Jorge Castle which overlooks the city. In full transparency I did not go in, but I met another solo female traveler who did and she said she could’ve skipped it.

Narrow streets with handing laundry in Alfama.
Tiled building in Alfama, Lisbon.

Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré is a trendy neighborhood along the Tagus River. It’s filled with hip cafes (great matcha lattes), the famous Elevador da Bica, and many restaurants. Here you will find the Instagrammable Pink Street which has hundreds of bars along it, the quieter and charming Green Street, and Time Out Market.

Cafe in Lisbon.
Green street in Lisbon.

Sample the Pastéis de Nata

No trip to Lisbon is complete without indulging in its most famous pastry: the pastel de nata. Taking a bite into the flaky, buttery shell with its creamy custard center is literally like stepping back in time.

The birthplace of the pastel de nata is the iconic Pastéis de Belém, located near the Belém Tower. This bakery has been making these pastries since 1837 using a secret recipe from the nearby Jerónimos Monastery.

To be honest, the pastry from Belém was my least favorite of the ones I tried in Lisbon!

In the city enter there are a few pasteleria’s you need to try one of these little bites of heaven from

Manteigaria, Fábrica da Nata, and Nat’elier are must stops on your pastry journey. I really liked it with a glass of port wine and some cinnamon sprinkled on the top.

Just don’t do what I did and try all three places within hours of landing in Lisbon. I did not feel well afterwards!

You can also take a pastéis de nata making class! 

Book it here!

Pastel de Belem
Pastel de nata.

Take in the View from a Miradouro

If there is one benefit to Lisbon being the City of 7 Hills, it’s that these hills have provided some amazing miradouros, or viewpoints. Most of these viewpoints are in the Alfama neighborhood. While you should check them out, I also recommend wandering around Alafma to find your own unique viewpoint (I’ll share where I found at the end of this section).

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints, and also the most crowded. But for good reason! It’s located in Alfama and offers picture perfect views of Lisbon’s famous terracotta rooftops, the Tagus river, the Pantheon and the São Vicente de Fora Church. It also has beautiful azulejo tiled walls and lush bouganvilleas. It get super crowded, and a bit overwhelming, at sunset. So I’ll share some other great viewpoints to consider instead.

View of Lisbon from Miradouro Santa Luzia
View from the Miradouro Santa Luzia.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Just up the road is from Miradouro Santa Luzia is Miradouro das Portas do Sol. While still crowded, it’s a bit more spacious allowing you to find your own quiet spot to soak in the stunning views. There is a Quiosque here where you can get a glass of wine to enjoy along with the view.

Miradouro do Chão do Loreiro

To be honest, I was seriously overwhelmed by the crowds at each of these viewpoints. So I just went for a stroll around Alfama and found a staircase where the sun lined up perfectly and I watched the sun set there. It was on a quiet residential street and it was just me and a local man enjoying the view. 

But just down the street from the stairs is Miradouro do Chão do Loureiro which offered views of the Santa Justa Lift, the iconic bridge, and planes landing into the airport. It was absolutely stunning.

There is an elevator here that will take you from Baixa straight to the viewpoint. There is also a bar/restaurant which would be a great place to enjoy the sunset.

Ride the Historic Tram 28

Is the tram touristy, yes. Should you ride it, also yes! I live in San Francisco and always tell people to ride the cable cars here! Tourist things are fun!

I don’t think you necessarily need to ride the entire route? But if the opportunity presents itself to help you get somewhere, why not?

I rode it from Chiado to Alfama. It was only a couple of stops, but it was fun and a fond memory of the trip!

Historic Tram 28 on the streets of Lisbon.
Me riding the tram in Lisbon.

Ride the Elevador da Bica

The Elevador da Bica is a bright yellow funicular that connects Cais do Sodré with Bairro Alto passing through the Bica neighborhood. It’s actually a national monument and has been in operation for a century!

As such, it’s super popular to ride, you may have a long wait to get on as it only fits 23 people.

If you don’t mind walking a steep hill, you can also walk on the street along side the funicular to snap a photo of it.

And a third option is to enjoy some oysters and wine at one of the outdoor tables of Vila Bica to watch the funicular go by. I would’ve done this, but I had just eaten and was “walking it off” so I opted to walk the steep hill and snap a photo instead.

A ticket to ride the Bica funicular is €3.80 for two trips, one up and one down on the same day. Or if you’ve purchased the 24-hour Viva Viagem card or the Lisboa card, it’s free. 

Elevador da Bica in Libson.
Elevador da Bica in Libson.

Visit the National Museum of Tiles

One things I really wanted to do in Lisbon, but didn’t have time was visit the National Museum of Tiles. The museum is in a 16th century convent and it showcases the history of azulejo tiles. It explains the origins of the tiles and how they’re used in Portugeuese architecture.

There is an entire room dedicated to a panel that illustrates Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake. It shows monuments that no longer exist as well as buildings that still make up the skyline. 

General admission is €8.00 or it is free with the Lisboa card.

The museum is closed on Mondays.

Purchase your tickets here (it comes with an audio guide!)

Take a Tile Painting Class

One of my favorite experiences in Lisbon was a tile painting class. This was a 3-hour class where the instructor shared a brief history of the famous azulejo tiles and how they’re made. 

We were then given the opportunity to create two of our own tiles!

You get to choose from a variety of designs including geometric patterns, floral designs, and even the historic tram 28.

The instructor then takes your tiles and fires them for you to pick up a few days later.

Since it takes a few days for the tiles to be totally ready, I recommend doing this class early on in your trip to Portugal. 

The tile painting class is good to pair with a visit to the National Tile Museum as they’re located near eachother. So you could do the tile painting class in the morning and then walk 20 minutes (or take a quick bus ride) to the tile museum.

I booked the tile painting class through Visit My Lisbon. The base cost is €40, and then you’ll pay extra if you want a cork backing or another way to frame the tile.

Book your class here.

Tile painting class in Lisbon.
Tile painting class in Lisbon.

Check out the LX Factory

The LX Factory is an industrial complex that was turned into a cultural hub fulfilled with art galleries, unique boutiques, restaurants, and bars. 

Perhaps the most well known store in the LX Factory is Ler Devagar, a three story bookstore that sells mostly books in Portuguese (of course) and some Spanish. There are also records for sale, a cafe, and art gallery!

I recommend stopping here on your way back to the city center from Belém for lunch.

Me in front of street art in Lisbon's LX Factory.
Ler Devagar interior in the LX Factory.

Eat Your Way around Time Out Market 

Time Out Market, also known as Mercado da Riberia is a historic food market hall in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood. In the market you’ll find 26 restaurants, 8 bars, a few shops, and a high-end music venue. The goal of the market is to bring the best of Lisbon food, drink, and art under one roof. 

And let me tell you the place is buzzing. On the perimeter of the market is where you’ll find most of the restaurants and bars and there is common seating in the center. 

I walked through the market and was overwhelmed by the amount of people in the space that I couldn’t even focus on the food that was there. That being said I did visit at the busiest time of day, mid afternoon.

I would recommend checking it out after the afternoon rush!

The market is open daily from 10:00 am – midnight.

Time Out Market Lisbon, Portugal

Drink Ginja

Ginja, also known as Ginjinha, is a traditional cherry liquor that is served in a shot glass with a cherry in the bottom of the glass. The most popular place to try this drink is at A Ginjinha right near Rossio Square. The A Ginjinha bar has been operating since 1840 b the same family! 

It’s a very small space, so once you order your drink, take it outside to enjoy. 

A shot of Ginja costs around €1.50

Relax at a Quiosque

Quiosques were my absolute favorite part of Lisbon. Quiosques (kiosks) are small outdoor cafes located in squares and parks around the city. They offer some light bites, coffees, wine, beer and a laid back atmosphere that is perfect for people watching.

My favorite was the Carmo Quiosque located near the Carmo Convent. It was such a vibe with some buskers playing live music and tourist and locals alike enjoying a beautiful evening. 

I tried to sit at every quiosque I found even for a few minutes to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Quiosque do Carmo in Lisbon.
Quiosque Cafe in Lisbon.

Indulge in a Lisbon’s Nighlife

Admittedly, I did not partake in the nightlife scene in Lisbon, but I have heard it’s pretty legendary. Nights out traditionally start late in Lisbon, around 10 or 11pm, a time when I was already fast asleep. 

There are a few different neighborhoods to check out at night, typically people go to Bairro Alto which is best known for its clubs or Cais do Sodré for the clubs surrounding the Pink Street.

If you’re traveling alone and want to experience the nightlife but are uneasy about doing it solo, join this pub crawl which includes stops and drinks in both Bairro Alto and the Pink Street. 

Book your pub crawl here.

Take in the View from Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa Lift is one of Lisbon’s most iconic architectural landmarks. This elevator was designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel and it was designed to help residents navigate one of the steepest hills in Lisbon that connects the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods.

At the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa you’ll get panoramic views of the city. Over Lisbon’s terra cotta rooftops you’ll see the Tagus River, Rossio Square and São Jorge Castle.

It costs €5.30 to ride the elevator (or free with the Lisboa Card) and there is usually a long line to do it as it only accommodates 25 people at a time. If you want to ride it get in line before 9:00 am or wait until later in the day, close to closing time.

It’s typically open from 7:00am-10:45pm.

If you want to see the view from the top, you can walk the hill and enter the viewing platform for free. There is an alleyway behind the shops of Rua do Carmo which includes a few staircases, but is manageable, if not that pretty. 

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the views for the price of a little sweat!

Santa Justa Lift
View of Rossio Square from Santa Justa Lift.

Visit the Carmo Convent

While you’re in the area, check out the Carmo Convent which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and never rebuilt. The gothic arches remain but open to the sky as the roof collapsed during the earthquake.

There is a small archaeological museum inside as well which includes the tomb of King Ferdinand I, an Egyptian and two Peruvian mummies.

The church is also believed the be the burial site of Christopher Columbus’ wife.

It costs €5.00 to enter and you get a 20% discount with the Lisboa Card

They’re also doing a cool under the stars event at the convent, which is a light show of sorts that depicts the hisotryof Lisbon.

Purchase your “Lisbon Under the Stars” ticket here.

Visit the World’s Oldest Bookstore

If you love books, you need to visit the Livraria Bertrand which is recognized as the oldest bookstore in the world! Located in the Chiado neighborhood on Rua Garrett, this bookstore has been selling books since 1732! 

There are several vaulted rooms filled with current best sellers, classics, and everything in between. Obviously, the books are in Portuguese, but there is a small English section as well.

At the back of the bookstore is a small cafe which is perfect for settling in with a coffee and pastry and your new book!

Interior of Livraria Bertrand.
English bookshelves of Livraria Bertrand.

Go Shopping at the Feira da Ladra

If you’re in town on a Tuesday or Saturday and love thrifting then you need to head to Alfama for Feira da Ladra. This is a flea market that dates back to 1272! Today it’s held in Campo de Santa Clara behind the São Vicente de Fora monastery.

You’ll see everything from tiles, to clothes, to CDs, to jewelry and more!

However, I’ve been told not to purchase tiles from the flea market as they may be stolen from the buildings in Lisbon! There are some other great places to get tiles that I’ll share below.

Aside from that, grab a coffee from Copenhagen Coffee Lab and head into the market to see what you can find!

Flea Market in Lisbon.
Matcha Latte on a table with the Flea Market in the background.

Visit Belém

Belém is a must-visit to learn about Lisbon’s history of exploration and discovery. There are multiple monuments to visit and you could easily spend a half-day here, or more, trying to see them all. I’d recommend picking one or two to focus on visiting.

Belém is located about 3 miles outside of the city center. To get there you’ll need to take tram 15E from the city center. It’s about a 20 minute ride depending on where you get on. 

A few tips for visiting Belém:

  • There is a lot of walking between the monuments and very little shade. Bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
  • There are some restrooms along the harbor that you pay around 0.50 to use. You can also buy french fries from the McDonald’s to use their restroom.
  • If the chance to buy tickets in advance or skip the line tickets – do it. These monuments are super popular and I’ve seen videos of incredibly long lines to get in.
  • Everything is closed on Monday. I happened to visit on a Monday thinking the monastery was open – it’s not. I still enjoyed seeing the monuments from the outside, but it’s a good thing to plan around.
  • There is a pretty garden called Jardim da Praça do Império which is a good spot to rest and has some shade!
Jeronimos Monastery Facade.
Belém tower

Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)

One of Lisbon’s most famous monuments is the Belém tower. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 16th centure fortress once guarded the entrance to the city’s harbor and was a ceremonial gateway for explorers setting off on their voyages.

You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the river!

The tower is open from 10:00 – 17:30 with the last admission 30 minutes before closing.

It costs €9 or is free with the Lisboa Card.

Buy your entry ticket here.

Belém tower

Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

I’m so sad I was unable to go inside Jerónimos Monastery. The monastery was built to commemorate the return of explorer Vasco da Gama from India. It’s built on the site of a former chapel where Vasco da Gama and his sailors prayed before sailing to India. 

You can see Vasco da Gama’s tomb at the entrance as well as the tomb of Portuguese poet Luis de Camões.

Aside from the tombs, the most popular part of the monsastery is the two-story cloister. The columns of the cloisters are carved with sea monsters, coral, and other sea themes. 

Admission to the church is free, but you do need to purchase tickets to see the cloisters and the museum. 

Tickets range from €12-30 depending on if you get an audio tour, a skip the line ticket, or combine it with a ticket to Belém tower. There is free admission with the Lisboa Card.

See your ticket options here and book in advance during peak travel season.

Jeronimos Monastery

Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

The third monument to see in Belém is the Monument of the Discoveries which is shaped like a ship’s prow and was built to hono Henry the Navigator who discovered the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde.

Henry the Navigator is at the front of the monument with other explorers along the side. 

There is an observation deck at the top of the monument that is reached by stairs or an elevator. 

Entrance tickets costs between €5-10 depending on the type of ticket you purchase. You can get a 20% discount with the Lisboa Card.

It is open from 10:00-19:00 in the summer and 10:00-18:00 in the winter.

Monument of the Discoveries
Monument of the Discoveries

Take a Day Trip from Lisbon

Sintra Day Trip

Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon and should be on your Lisbon itinerary. Since it’s so popular, it’s time to practice patience as it will be crowded.

The main attraction in Sintra is the Palácio da Pena (National Palace of Pena), the colorful palace perched above the forest. 

Sintra Castle in Lisbon.
Sintra Castle in Lisbon.

King Ferdinand II constructed the palace in the 1800s and it is known as one of the world’s best expressions of 19th centure Romanticism. The fantastical palace has watchtowers, a gorgeous gateway with a drawbridge, and battlements. 

The King was also heavily interested in botany so the park is filled with trees and plants from around the world.

Also take time to wander around the charming town of Sintra trying one of the pastries their known for, a Queijadas. It looks like a pastel de nata but it uses cottage cheese instead of custard and is just as delicious! Sintra also has some great places to eat and narrow streets to wander. 

Home in the town of Sintra.
Sintra pastry in front of the shop.

I recommend doing a guided tour of Sintra so you can make the most of your time there. 

I booked this half day tour and felt like it was the perfect amount of time to see the exterior of the palace and enjoy some time in the town of Sintra.

You could also book a full day tour if you want time to enter the palace and see the interior rooms.

If you’re doing to DIY this day trip, book your tickets well in advance! Also be aware that the hill to get to the palace is extremely steep. You can pay for a tuk tuk ride to the top, which I 100% recommend doing.

Sintra Castle in Lisbon.
Sintra Castle in Lisbon.

Cascais Day Trip

Cascais was a day trip I wasn’t able to fit in my itinerary. Just another reason to go back right?!

Cascais is a beach town about 30 minutes from Lisbon by train. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a bit of a break from the crowds and heat of Lisbon.

You can go for a swim a Praia da Rainha and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants!

To get to Cascais, take the train from Cais do Sodré station directly to Cascais. Once there, everything is within walking distance.

Alternatively, you can book a day tour that combines a visit to Sintra and Cascais!

Where to Eat & Drink in Lisbon

Lisbon is a foodie’s dream! I loved eating all of the seafood I could in Lisbon. There is also a newer breakfast culture taking over the city, which could be from the amount of digital nomads and foreigners flocking to Portugal.

One thing to note about eating in Portugal is that they will not rush you out! Which is what I love about eating there. You can take your time with your meal and enjoy it. That being said, meals do take a bit longer than you’re used to if you’re coming from the States, so just be sure to factore some extra time into your itinerary.

Here are some of my favorite places I ate while in Lisbon:

Breakfast in Lisbon

Comobå: I loved the matcha latte and pancakes from Comobå in Cais do Sodré. It’s a beautiful space as well!

Pancakes, smoothie and matcha latte in a cafe.
Matcha latte in a cafe.

Cotidiano – Chiado: This was a lovely breakfast just next to where I was staying. The avocado toast was perfect and the color of the egg yolks absolutely amazing! The matcha was good too!

Hygge Cafe Baxia: The mushroom toast was delicious! 

Co-op Layday: This breakfast spot was directly across the street from my Airbnb so I popped in one morning and had the best eggs benedict! Again the egg yolks were so rich and vibrant. The matcha latte was good too!

Eggs benedict and matcha latte in a cafe.
Interior of a cafe in Lisbon.

Matcha in Lisbon: You know how I love my matcha (I actually don’t drink coffee at all). Here is a list of some of the best matcha I had in Lisbon in addition to the places mentioned above: The Coffee, Hello Kristoff, Buna, and Copenhagen Coffee Lab.

Matcha Latte from Hello, Kristoff in Lisbon.
Matcha latte and book on a cafe table.

Lunch/Dinner in Lisbon

Marisqueira Uma: A small spot right near the Santa Justa elevator that is a must for their seafood rice!

O Portuguese Chiado: The best octopus salad I’ve ever had. The chocolate mousse was delicious too. You need a reservation. I showed up without one and every single table was full, but they let me sit outside. Sitting outside was actually quite fun as the historic tram has a stop nearby so it rolled by every 30 minutes or so.

Interior of a Lisbon restaurant.
Octopus salad and a glas of wine on a table in Lisbon.

Nova Wine Bar: Amazing little wine bar with great food and selection of wine. They will point you in the right direction for what kind of wine goes well with the food you order. 

Octopus salad and a glass of wine in a wine bar in Lisbon.
Chocolate mouse and brandy in a wine bar in Lisbon.

Solar da Madalena: Try the traditional bifana sandwich. It’s basically pork on a bun, add some mustard and you have a cheap and tasty lunch!

Bifana sandwich in Lisbon
Bifana restaurant in Lisbon

Where to Buy Tiles in Lisbon

Cerâmicas Na Linha: This is an amazing spot to get a variety of ceramics, including tiles!

Cortico & Netos: I didn’t have a chance to stop here, but it is recommended on many blogs to go here for your tiles!

Ceramics and tile shop in Lisbon.
Ceramics and tile shop in Lisbon.

The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary for Lisbon

There is so much to do and see in Lisbon, that it’s hard to pick what is essential on your two day itinerary. I recommend picking a morning activity and an afternoon activity for each day so that you can see what is a priority for you and then fill in the space around it with yummy food! 

Here is a sample two day Lisbon Itinerary: 

Day 1 in Lisbon: City Center

Morning: Take a walking tour or ride the historic Tram 28 into Alfama. In Alfama wander the narrow streets and check out the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese at a tasca or visit one of the places I mentioned above.

Afternoon: Head back into the city center to explore Baixa-Chiado. Visit Livraria Bertrand, sample some pastéis de nata, and, take in the view from Santa Justa Lift. Maybe enjoy an afternoon drink at a quiosque. Alternatively, check out a museum that interests you!

Evening: Go to Time Out Market for dinner before heading to Bairro Alto for a drink or two. End the night with a shot of Ginja!

Day 2 in Lisbon: Day Trips

Morning: Head to Belém to see the monuments and try the original pastel de nata pastry from Pastéis de Belém.

Lunch: Head to the LX Factory to explore the art, see the Ler Devegar and have lunch.

Afternoon: Take a half day trip out to Sintra to see the gorgeous palace! Have dinner in Sintra!

Evening: Return to Lisbon and have a nightcap in one of the wine bars!

Where to Stay in Lisbon

As I planned my Lisbon itinerary I did quite a bit of research about where to stay. I looked for apartments, hostels, and boutique hotels. I even considered well known chains like Hilton and Marriott. 

My original plan was to stay in a hostel to save money, but ultimately decided on this Airbnb for my first three nights in Lisbon. I really wanted a private room and they were all sold out in hostels and what was available was more expensive than a hotel room. 

I know that Airbnbs are a problem in Lisbon, creating a housing crisis for locals. I only chose this Airbnb because it was a private room in a local’s home. Otherwise I avoided private apartment Airbnbs. 

For my last night, before my flight I stayed in a private room at We Love F Tourists. The staff were super welcoming, there are events every night to help you meet people, and the room was clean and comfortable. They even gave you a little toiletry of shampoo and body wash!

The Best Hostels in Lisbon

Selina Secret Garden Hostel

I do really want to stay in a Selina hostel sometime soon! The Selina secret garden hostel looks incredibly charming, offering a great rooftop with a pool. 

It’s located in the Cais de Sodre neighborhood just steps away from some of the best restaurants and cafes in Lisbon. 

Check rates and availability here. 

Home Lisbon Hostel

This hostel is extremely well reviewed and was one of my top options for a place to stay. I love that there are family dinners created by the owner. It seems like a social place without having a total party atmosphere. 

It’s also really well located just steps away from the top tourist attractions in Lisbon. 

Check rates and availability here. 

We Love F Tourists

We Love F Tourists is one of the most popular and highly rated hostels in Lisbon. It’s perfectly located in the Baixa neighborhood just a few minutes walk from the Rossio metro station and it has views of São Jorge Castle.

They also provide daily tours to Sintra as well as different activities nightly so you’ll always have something to do and ways to meet new people.

I stayed in a private room here for one night before departing Lisbon. The staff was super welcoming and the hostel is in the perfect location. However, it is up 5 flights of very steep stairs. So be prepared for that.

Check rates and availability here. 

Mid-Range Accommodation in Lisbon

Casinha das Flores

I was in the process of reserving a room with a balcony at this cute hotel and someone booked it right out from under me! It’s located in the Chiado neighborhood just steps away from all of the fun things to do in Lisbon.

The rooms are large and beautifully decorated and breakfast is included!

Bonus points: the rooms have air conditioning.

Check rates and availability here. 

1908 Lisboa Hotel

The 1908 Lisboa Hotel is located in a stunning building outside of the city center. While it’s a few minutes walk from the main area, the hotel more than makes up for it with it’s incredibly welcoming and helpful staff and stunning rooms. All of the 5 star reviews say so!

Breakfast is also included with your room!

Check rates and availability here. 

Hotel da Baixa

Hotel da Baxia is a stunning boutique hotel located in the Baixa area just a few minutes walk from the Rossio station. There is a daily buffet breakfast, the staff is positively reviewed and the rooms look like the perfect place to relax in between sight seeing.

The library looks gorgeous as well. I can imagine putting on a record and cozying up with a good book.

Check rates and availability here. 

Luxury Accommodation in Lisbon

The One Palácio da Anunciada

The One Palácio is a luxury hotel in the heart of Lisbon. Once a 16th century palace, this gorgeous hotel maintains that elegance with its stunning lobby, a large garden, outdoor pool with cabanas, an on-site spa, and modern rooms.

Check rates and availability here. 

Bairro Alto Hotel

The Bairro Alto Hotel is a 5-stat hotel located in the Bairro Alto area of Lisbon. It’s a gorgeous hotel in an 18th century building with beautifully designed rooms, a rooftop restaurant with amazing views, and excellent staf.. Plus they offer an airport shuttle service and breakfast is included in your stay!

You’ll be just steps away from all of the beauty in Lisbon, while being able to retreat into a beautiful room to relax.

Check rates and availability here. 

Memmo Alfama Hotel 

The Memmo Alfama Hotel has been rated on of the best new urban hotels in the world. Located in the charming Alfama neighborhood, this trendy hotel has beautiful rooms many with windows overlooking the orange rooftops of Alfama and the Tagus River. 

There is a terrace with a pool overlooking Alfama where you can grab a drink from the bar, order some tapas, and relax. 

The hotel also offers walking tours and other guided tours of Lisbon and beyond.

Check rates and availability here. 

Well, that was a lot of information and writing this makes me want to go back to Lisbon so I can do all of the things I didn’t quite have time for! I hope you take the suggestions and tips in this post to make your own dream Lisbon itinerary a reality! As always, let me know what you get up to in Lisbon in the comments!

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How to spend 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal
The best 2 day itinerary for Lisbon, Portugal
How to spend 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal

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