Lisbon 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Lisbon

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Manteigaria Miranda, a traditional pasteleria offering delicious pasteis de nata (custard tarts).
  • Visit the Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 16th century to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor.
  • Head to the nearby Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery) and marvel at its Manueline architecture.

Afternoon:

  • Take a short walk to the Alfama District, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and discover the city’s Fado culture in one of the local bars like Mesão do Pavão.
  • Visit the Se Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

Evening:

  • Dine at A Cevicheria, a popular seafood restaurant in the Chiado district.
  • End your day with a stroll along the Rua Augusta and enjoy the illuminated Terreiro do Paço.

Day 2: Modern Lisbon & Bairro Alto

Morning:

  • Begin your day at Time Out Market, a food hall featuring dishes from some of the city’s best chefs.
  • Visit the LX Factory, an creative hub filled with shops, restaurants, and art exhibitions.
  • Explore the Cais do Sodré area, known for its vibrant nightlife and colorful street art.

Afternoon:

  • Take the historic Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift) up to the Bairro Alto district for panoramic views of Lisbon.
  • Visit the Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church), one of the few Gothic buildings in Lisbon that survived the 1755 earthquake, and now serves as a museum.
  • Wander through the narrow streets of Bairro Alto, stopping at local bars for Ginjinha (a cherry liqueur) or a Super Bock beer.

Evening:

Things to Know:

  • Lisbon is built on several hills, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking.
  • Many restaurants close between 3 PM and 7 PM (known as a siesta), so plan your meals accordingly.
  • Uber is widely available, but Lisbon’s public transportation system (Metro, Tram, and Bus) is also efficient and affordable.
  • Euro (€) is the official currency in Portugal. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is spoken by many locals, but learning a few Portuguese phrases can help you navigate and interact with locals more authentically.

Tips:

  • Try the Bifana (pork sandwich) at a local tasca (tavern).
  • Visit the LX Factory on weekends for art exhibitions, workshops, and live music events.
  • Take a day trip to Sintra or Cascais, both easily accessible by train from Lisbon’s main station.