Planning a trip to the Portuguese capital? Then take a look at our Lisbon itinerary to find out how to make the most of a weekend in the city.
Lisbon is a charming city that offers a great mix of history, culture and gastronomy. From the winding streets of the ancient neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto to the stunning viewpoints overlooking the city and the Tagus River, the Portuguese capital has so much to offer. With its pleasant climate, it rightfully ranks among the best cities to visit in Europe.
Despite being relatively small, it can be tricky figuring out what to see in Lisbon with only a few days available. That’s why we’ve designed an itinerary that includes all those unmissable highlights plus places to try the city’s delicious gastronomy.
Take a screenshot of our maps and keep reading the itinerary to discover how to make the most of two days in Lisbon.
Lisbon Itinerary: Day 1
9.00: Take the iconic tram 28, from Estrela (basilica) towards the center
Estimated walking time: 40 minutes
Tram 28 is part of the public transportation network, but due to its route and its inherent charm, it’s also one of the city’s most famous attractions. With both original carriages from the early 20th century and others newly built but with a vintage feel, this yellow tram is hard to miss. It passes through the historic neighborhoods of Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Graça, navigating narrow streets where you could almost touch the buildings alongside.
Due to its uniqueness, Tram 28 is very popular, making it quite challenging to find a seat. That’s why we recommend taking the tram from the Estrela (Basilica) stop towards the city center, covering the entire route until the final stop at Martim Moniz.
Pro tip: If Tram 28 is too crowded, Tram 12 is an excellent alternative. It’s also an eléctrico (the typical trams of Lisbon) and follows the same route as Tram 28 from Largo das Portas do Sol to Baixa.
10.00: Take a guided tour of Castelo de São Jorge
Estimated visit time: 2 hours
The final stop at Largo Martim Moniz is located at the foot of São Jorge Castle, which looks over Lisbon from the top of the hill. To reach it, you can either take a leisurely walk of about 15 minutes or take Tram 12 and get off at S. Tomé (a convenient option if you want to avoid the uphill climb).
Once here our advice is to join a guided tour, which lasts about an hour. With the tour you’ll not only discover the history of the castle but also that of the city, which was devastated and forever changed by the terrible earthquake of 1755. Finally, from here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
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12.30: Lunch in Alfama
Alfama has the most character of any neighborhood in Lisbon. Just descend a bit from the hill, and you’ll find yourself in its charming narrow streets, which you can explore in the early afternoon. While you’re here, it’s worth taking a small lunch break.
Farol de Santa Luzia is an excellent option, offering a diverse menu of traditional cuisine. It’s also literally a stone’s throw away from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Alfama, with its stunning pergola decorated with azulejos.
14.00: Have a coffee on the terrace at Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Take a few more steps from Miradouro de Santa Luzia and you’ll find yourself at Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which you may have already noticed during your ride on Tram 28 . Here, take a few more minutes to sit at the terrace bar, order a coffee and enjoy the view.
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14.30: Admire the Lisbon Cathedral
Estimated visit time: 30 minutes
Continue towards the river making a brief stop at the impressive Lisbon Cathedral. Also known as Sé de Lisboa, this majestic church dates back to 1150, and has been destroyed and partially rebuilt several times. You can spend a few minutes exploring its interior, or if you have more time purchase a ticket to access the cloister and the Cathedral’s Treasury.
15.00: Stroll around the Praça do Comércio
Estimated visit time: 30 minutes
Finally you’ll arrive at the Praça do Comercio, one of the most beautiful and largest squares in Europe, and the vibrant heart of the Baixa district. Here, you can stroll among historical buildings and monuments, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Among the square’s many attractions, it’s impossible to miss the Arco da Rua Augusta, the triumphal arch that connects the square to Rossio. There are also the two Cais das Colunas, the symbolic entrance to the city, and the statue of King José I in the center of the square. And if you feel like taking a quick break make a stop at Café Martinho da Arcada, a historic café frequented by artists and poets.
16.00: Visit the National Tile Museum
Estimated visit time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Finish your day by exploring the world of azulejos, the decorated ceramic tiles that you’ve surely noticed by now on the facades of many buildings. The last entry to the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is at 5:30pm, so make sure not to get there too late. Housed in a former convent, the museum exhibits azulejos from the 15th century to the present day.
To reach it from Praça do Comercio we recommend taking a 15-minute tram ride. You can also get there on foot, but it will take you a good 40 minutes.
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Enjoy an evening of Fado
No trip to Lisbon is complete without attending at least one Fado performance. Melancholic, poignant, and unforgettable, this music has been recognized by UNESCO for its Intangible Cultural Heritage.
There are plenty of options for experiencing a Fado show: you can have dinner at a small restaurant in Alfama with the concert playing in the background or get a drink at a bar while enjoying the show. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour or book tickets for a more exclusive performance in the Chiado neighborhood. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a heart-rending experience.
Lisbon Itinerary: Day 2
10.00: Esplore the Praça Dom Pedro IV
Estimated visit time: 1 hour
Also known as Rossio, this square is the perfect starting point for your second day in Lisbon. Since the Middle Ages, it’s been an important meeting place and the site of significant events, executions and bullfights. Today, it’s a popular tourist site and a meeting place for locals, thanks to its central location and the surrounding attractions.
One such attraction is the Igreja de São Domingos (the Church of São Domingos). This church has suffered much damage over the centuries, and the effects of the 1959 fire are still visible on the marble, statues and pillars, becoming a distinctive part of the church. If you have time, take a look inside.
In the square, you’ll also see the impressive Queen Maria II National Theatre (Teatro Nacional D. Maria II). Don’t miss the beautiful fountain and the statue of Pedro IV, to whom the square is dedicated.
11.00: Step into the past at Convento do Carmo
Estimated visit time: 45 minutes
Looking up from Pedro IV Square, you can already see the Convento do Carmo. Walk for just six minutes to reach the convent and admire the Gothic ruins of its church. The convent and the Church of Carmo were severely damaged during the earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755. Now the church is a special attraction and an eternal reminder of this tragic event. Inside, you can admire the tall columns and the skeleton of the church, which stand alone without a roof.
Today, the ancient monastery houses an archaeological museum (Museu Arqueológico do Carmo) with a small collection that tells the history of Lisbon, from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Among the highlights are the collection of Paleolithic artifacts and the Sarcophagus of the Muses from the Roman era.
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12.15: Lunch at Time Out Market
Feeling hungry? Just a 15-minute walk from the Convento do Carmo, you’ll find one of Lisbon’s most popular markets: the Time Out Market. This large food market is a true delight for food lovers. The best culinary experiences from Lisbon, including dishes from Michelin-starred restaurants, have been brought together under one roof. With 26 restaurants, eight bars, and numerous shops, you could easily spend hours there, tasting the most delicious snacks and beverages. But save room for dessert, which you can enjoy at our next stop on the itinerary!
13.45: Taste the original egg custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém
Estimated visit time: 30 minutes
If you’re in the mood for some sweetness, hop on the tram towards Belém. Here you’ll find Pastéis de Belém, the oldest pastry shop in Lisbon that has been making and selling these traditional pastries since 1837. Both tourists and locals come here to enjoy a pastéis or two (maybe more!) in this charming establishment decorated with blue and white azulejos.
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14.15: Discover the Jerónimos Monastery
Estimated visit time: 1 hour
Let’s continue our journey towards one of Lisbon’s main attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos). This Jerónimos monastery is known as the pinnacle of Manueline architecture (the late Portuguese Gothic). A UNESCO World Heritage site, the complex dates back to the 16th century and was built to celebrate the age of Portuguese explorers, which is reflected in the mix of architectural styles. The impressive cloister, the tall and richly decorated spires, and the tomb of Vasco da Gama are just some of the unmissable attractions of this monastery.
15.45: Snap a selfie at the Torre de Belém
Estimated visit time: 45 minutes
After the pastéis and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, complete your visit to Belém by admiring this iconic limestone tower. Dating back to the 16th century, it has become a symbol of Lisbon. Once part of the city’s defense system, it was also considered a gateway to the Portuguese capital. If you have time, purchase a ticket to climb the tower: the chapel and its terrace offer stunning views. There’s also a park where you can sit on the grass and admire the tower from a distance.
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17.00: Take a cruise on the Tagus
Estimated visit time: 2 hours
Finish the day with a cruise on the Tagus River. There are several options to choose from, including private cruises and sunset boat tours, all of which are a wonderfully relaxing way to see the city. Sail past the Tower of Belém, the 25th of April Bridge, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Praça do Comércio, and snap some photos while listening to the crew’s anecdotes.
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Dine in a Portuguese restaurant
After two days of sightseeing in Lisbon, it’s time to recover from all that wandering with some delicious Portuguese cuisine. Lisbon has many excellent restaurants to choose from, but we have our favorites. For a slightly more elegant experience, head to Taberna Moderna, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral. Here, they serve traditional Portuguese dishes with a contemporary twist. Otherwise, if you’re looking for an authentic local restaurant with incredibly fresh seafood, Marisqueira Uma is the place for you. They only serve seafood rice, and trust us, after one mouthful you won’t want anything else.
If you still have some energy left, put on your dancing shoes and head towards Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s nightlife district.