2 Days in Lisbon – The Perfect Itinerary in the Portugal Capital

Traveling for 2 days in Lisbon? Then this guide is for you! Located on the banks of the Tagus River and stretching over several hills, Lisbon is a must in your Portugal itinerary.

I visited Lisbon for the first time during a weekend trip with friends and stayed over for an extra couple of days by myself to learn more about this intriguing city, walking around and following an itinerary I made based on the city lookout points. It turned out to be a spectacular itinerary, with stunning views over Lisbon, murals, local places and more.

There is so much to do and to see in Lisbon and probably two days are not enough to see everything, but certainly enough to get the feel of it and enjoy some of the best highlights of the city.

In this post I will share a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time, based on my personal experience.

So, what to do in 2 days in Lisbon? Read on to learn about the perfect Lisbon itinerary.

💡INSIDER TIP – I am writing a separate post about the things you should know before traveling to Lisbon but if I have to share one piece of knowledge right now is this: DO NOT THINK THAT LISBON IS CHEAP or Portugal in general. It used to be very affordable about 10 years ago, but it’s not anymore. In recent years, Portugal has become not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole world but also because of the high number of immigration from all over the world to Portugal. And for many good reasons. Aside from its natural beauty and history, this coastal country on the Iberian Peninsula offers one of the best climates and (USED TO BE) one of the most affordable destination in Europe. Well, the quality of life is still the same and the entire country is still of an extraordinary beauty, but the prices went up. You will realize that when you try to book a place to stay.

High costs aside, Lisbon, is an ideal place if you seek good weather delicious food bustling nightlife, and historical landmarks. So, Let’s get to our Lisbon 2-day Itinerary.

Two Days in Lisbon itinerary at a Glance

Lisbon’s attractions are rich in culture, color, and personality. Walking around the streets you will find spectacular graffiti, iconic tiled-covered buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere. Both tourists and locals alike love to hang out in the numerous green areas and squares scattered around the city, especially near spectacular lookout points.

Although the Portuguese capital is relatively small, it has a wide range of activities and tourist attractions. Lisbon has been catching the attention of all sorts of people, especially digital nomads.

And this is mainly because it mixes creative co-workspaces, trendy bars, and alternative options for all tastes with the traditional cobblestone streets, tiled facades, and the sound of fado.

In a way, Lisbon is a metropolis with a country town vibe.

2 days in Lisbon itinerary: practical tips

Before getting to the suggested itinerary, let’s cover more practical information that you will need to know, especially if you have never been to Lisbon.

How to get from the Lisbon airport to the city

First things first… You will probably arrive in Lisbon by plane so how do you go from the airport to the city?

The easiest and cheapest option is to take the subway. Keep in mind that from the airport to the city center, you need to take the Red Line and maybe transfer to a different one, depending on where you will be staying.

In the metro ticket machines, you can buy the VIVA VIAGEM card, a rechargeable card that allows you to insert credits for all public transport, and best of all, it costs only 0,5€ + the ride cost.

It has a 1-year validity, and after you buy it, you just need to insert as many credits as you want to spend on transport including the subway, buses, trains, trams, and even elevators. If you intend to move around the city by public transport, you may want to consider getting a day card. It costs about 8 € and lasts 24 hours from the first ride.

However, if you travel as a group or with a lot of luggage, it might be worth checking the prices for taxis, Uber, or Bolt. Taxis are the most expensive and are known to rip tourists off, unfortunately. I am sorry for the category. I know there are a lot of honest taxi drivers around the world but this is an issue that I am seeing more and more anywhere I go. Too bad.

Between Uber and Bolt, the cheapest is Bolt, but in both cases you will need to walk a bit further away from the arrivals because they cannot collect passengers in the official Taxi spot.

Another option, which is more expensive but practical, is to prebook your private transport in advance. This way you will find somebody waiting for you as soon as you get out of the airport. He will help you carry your bags and take you to the car. I used this option and I was impressed by the personalized service.

This is the best option especially if you are coming from a long-haul flight and you are dead-tired.

How to Move Around Lisbon 

When it comes to the means of transportation to move around in Lisbon you have quite a few options.

In fact, although Lisbon’s subway does not have many lines, it covers the most important areas of the city and it’s fast. But also there are other options such as buses, trains, the famous streetcars (or electric trams), and elevators.

But, overall, Lisbon’s transport network is very good and covers all the regions you might want to visit.

Just so you have an idea, tickets purchased on the subway ticket machines cost 1.50€, and the card to ride unlimited times for one day in the subway is 8€.

Another good option is the Lisboa Card. Besides public transport, this card includes entrance to some monuments and train tickets to Sintra and Cascais. The price of this card is around 17,50€ for a 24h period and 36€ for a 72h period.

Of course, you always have the option of renting a car but in a city like Lisbon, or actually in any city, I recommend moving around with public transportation.

Also, Lisbon is a very walkable city if you do it by neighborhood, and you are not afraid of exercising:)

A fun alternative is renting an electric scooter for a few hours which allows you to get to all the top landmarks and places to see in no time. However, I would recommend this option if you are used to driving scooters in cities with so much traffic and narrow streets.

A few Words on Tram 28

The famous old trams in Lisbon are called “eléctricos.” Among these, the most iconic is Tram 28, which is a popular route that takes passengers through many of the city’s historic districts. These vintage yellow trams seem like a charming and picturesque way to explore Lisbon’s steep, narrow streets.

However, I would discourage you from taking them. For two main reasons. First, there is always a long line waiting to hop on the tram and besides the fact that you will waste a lot of your precious time. But most of all it’s because you will cause a serious issue among locals who have to use the tram for commuting.

In fact, although it has become a very touristy tram, this is actually a regular public transport used by locals to go to work or shop and sometimes this is the only way for them to reach their destination and live their life.

So my recommendation is to be a respectful tourist and enjoy a nice walk instead of using this tram. Or, if you are in the line and see a local waiting, give them priority.

You can still enjoy spectacular views while walking or if you are in a rush, take another bus or the even more convenient Metro.

This is one of the things you should know before visiting Lisbon. More tips on a new article I working on.

Top Things to do in Lisbon 

As you have probably guessed, some of the most famous landmarks in Portugal can be found in Lisbon. But, besides the obvious attractions, the Portugal capital has so much more to offer! Here is a list of places that you cannot miss when visiting Lisbon.

The Streets of Lisbon

Without a doubt, Lisbon’s greatest attraction is its urbanization and the way it occupies its steep hills. Lisbon streets are angular with many houses overlapping each other, creating beautiful angles never seen before.

But with such beautiful streets, you may end up taking longer than necessary to reach your destination as you might want to photograph every corner.

Torre de Belém

Of course, no list of Lisbon highlights would be complete without Belém Tower. The 98-foot-tall tower, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built to serve as a military defense in the middle ages.

The construction is made up of a medieval keep in Moorish architecture, with Islamic and oriental characteristics. The tower which has served as a fort, jail, customs house, and lighthouse, is now the main postcard of Lisbon.

Castelo de São Jorge

Built to protect Lisbon from enemy invasions, the São Jorge Castle is nowadays one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal.

The structure, perched on a hill, has the scars of more than eight centuries of wars and Moorish history. Apart from enjoying the castle’s architecture, you can climb one of the towers for a scenic view of Lisbon. To avoid the line, you should either get there early or buy a Lisbon Card.

However, since you only have 2 days I would recommend check out other amazing lookout points that are scattered around the city.

They are free, there is no line to get there, and they offer amazing views of the city, including benches to sit on or sometimes a bar where to have a drink and a snack while enjoying the spectacular views.

Visit the top lookout Points

I went on a mission one day to visit as many lookout points as possible and I drew my itinerary on Google Maps based on their location in one particular area of Lisbon. The most beautiful ones were:

📍The viewpoint of Monte Agudo – where you can find benches and a small bar with chairs and tables and people chiiling and walkig their dogs.

📍 Miraduro da Senhora do Monte – this is one of the most popular which the touristy tuk-tuck tours would take you. It was quite crowded but worth a stop. You will have a close look at the Sao Jorge Castle and you will also see the Miraduro Da Graça further downhill.

📍Miraduro Da Graça – spectacular views near an old convent that you can visit for 5 Euros and have access to their tower as well, for more stunning views.

📍Miraduro da Santa Luzia – another very crowded place with spectacular views overlooking the cruise terminal. Here you will also find a lot of bars and restaurants on an extended terrace, souvenir stalls, and more.

Top organized tours in Lisbon

2 days in Lisbon Itinerary

No, two days are not enough to see all the incredible places to visit in Lisbon, but you can get a taste of it by following this practical itinerary to see a lot and spend little! So, here is how I recommend you plan for two days in Lisbon.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Lisbon

Depending on where you are staying you may want to take a nice walk through the narrow and winding streets of Lisbona. Start your first day in Lisbon by exploring Praça do Comércio, the main square in Lisbon. Close by is the Rua Augusta Arch, from where you have a view of Lisbon’s pedestrian street itself, Rua Augusta, where the main international stores are.

Or you can use this itinerary I have created of the best lookout points starting from the highest point Miraduro do Monte Agudo and walking your way down.

A note worth stopping is Rua da Graça in Largo Natalia Correia to be precise, where you will find a spectacular Mural.

If you continue to walk you will get to the lively Alafama neighborhood, featuring some of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, such as Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

From there you can walk to the Sao Jorge Castle but if you want to visit it I suggest you should get there first thing in the morning to avoid the line.

And if you happen to be there on a Tuesday or Saturday, be sure to visit the Feira da Ladra, an antique fair that takes place next to the National Pantheon.

On the way down from Alfama district, it is time to visit the Church and Museum of São Vicente de Fora. There you will find the largest collection of baroque tiles in the world. Remember that Portugal is the tile capital of the world!

Continue walking towards the city center with the sea on your left and you will arrive at the Igreja da Sé. Also known as Lisbon Cathedral, this is the oldest church in the city and very beautiful.

You can then continue to walk towards the ocean to the Casa do Bico home to the Saramago Foundation. If you are an avid reader you will enjoy that. The entrance fee is only 3 Euro.

From the Casa do Bicos you can continue your walk and get to the immense Plaza do Comercio. All the area behind the Plaza is considered the most touristy one full of shops and tourist attractions.

There you can find some of the best souvenirs from Portugal, but make sure you compare prices because this is where you get the most expensive items. Also in Rua Augusta is the Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau, which sells creamy codfish cakes that can be accompanied by a glass of wine.

The price is kind of high and it is not where the locals eat. I would suggest you should walk further in one of the lesser-known streets and look for a “Tasca” a more local restaurant with a less touristy look. There you can find the real Lisbon culinary delights.

Leaving the most touristy area behind you can walk all the way to Rossio Square, yet another very important and popular square in Lisbon. On the corner of the square is A Ginjinha, which is a traditional place in Lisbon to taste the Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries.

You should also take a look at the Rossio train Station’s beautiful facade and then continue to explore Bairro Alto on your way to Baixa-Chiado. And the best way to get there is for sure going up the Santa Justa Lift.

This metallic structure, kind of gothic, has a walkway at the top of the lift which serves as a viewing platform. It is included in your day ticket or Lisbona Card. However, you will have to wait in line, depending on the time of the day and the day of the week it can be quite busy.

I would recommend walking, instead, it’s a beautiful walk and not that strenuous. As you make it up, right behind the Elevador de Santa Justa is the Carmo Church and Convent with its medieval ruins and archaeological museum.

This is also a great region to go shopping. I highly recommend a stop at Ale-Hop and Livraria Bertrand, some of my favorite places to buy books and souvenirs in Lisbon.

There I bought my book on the history of Portugal, but they have a lot of choice even in English.

Walking a little further, you will soon reach Praça Luís de Camões, where I suggest you stop for traditional Portuguese tapas at Taberna da Rua das Flores.

Day 2: Exploring more of Lisbon + Belém Tower

Head down to Cais do Sodré first.

After visiting churches and historic squares on your first day, it is time to see the alternative side of Lisbon. So, follow Rua do Alecrim until you reach Rua Nova do Carvalho, popularly known as Pink Street, in Cais do Sodré.

This used to be an alley of prostitutes and sailors, but since 2013 it has been revitalized, with pink painted floors, graffitied walls, and lively bars.

And then head to Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market. It is a very touristy place to eat and therefore more expensive, but delicious food. It’s a nice place to hang out and have a glass of wine. So maybe you can keep it in mind for the end of the day.

I recommend strolling around the annexed Mercado de Ribeira, where local go grocery shopping.

At TimeOut you will also find an interesting shop showcasing the best of authentic Portuguese products from accessories to houseware, and much more. A great place to buy some high end souvenir of certified quality.

Right in front of Time Out Market, you will find tram 15E which takes you right to Jeronimos Monastery from where you can walk to Belem Tower.

You can visit the Jerónimos Monastery first but keep in mind you will need to stand in the line for a while, or you can just admire its architectural beauty from the outside and move on to the Belem Tower.

On the way to the Belem Tower there is plenty to see along the way! Start by crossing the Praça do Império Garden until you reach the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

This monument in the shape of a caravel is another tribute to the brave navigators of the Great Navigations. On the floor, there is a map with the dates of when the Portuguese arrived at their destinations. And there were many destinations!

If you are a bit hungry, right in front of the monument you can have fresh seafood at the Ostras Sobre Rodas.

Walking a little along the banks of the Tagus River, it is easy to get to the Torre de Belém, a Manueline-style fortress offering breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

Time for the best pastry in Portugal!

Going back along Avenida Brasilia, it is time to try the real pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Their history is old and since 1837 Pastéis de Belém has kept the same secret recipe that makes it the best of the best. Or so they say.

However there may be a line outside the shop, so if you don’t want to wait, you can just take a picture and move on, like I did. I tried the one at Fabrica da Nata and they were out of this world. You can also see how they make them in real-time.

The next stop is a little over 10 minutes’ walk away, and it is MAAT, Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology. Opened in 2016 with a futuristic architectural style, the museum is known for its art and technology exhibitions.

You can finish off your day by walking or taking the tram 15E back to LX Factory (or take an Uber to save time), which is a historic industrial complex with several art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. When visiting the LX Factory, one of the bars to visit is Rio Maravilha.

You can have a drink on the rooftop while looking out at a wonderful view which includes the Cristo Rei statue and the 25 de Abril Bridge, which resembles the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

But what if you want to stay an extra day?

In case you have 3 days in Lisbon, I highly recommend exploring the most modern area of the city.

Regardless of where you are staying, it is always easy to get to Oriente station, the main station in this area which is most known as Parque das Nações.

Upon arrival, head to the Lisbon Cable Car from where you get a breathtaking view of Lisbon and the Tagus River below you. After boarding on one side and traveling 3,300 ft, you reach the other side which is 66 ft high!

The next attraction to be visited in this neighborhood is the Centro Vasco da Gama. With modern architecture, this mall has more than 170 stores. It is a good option for lunch and to look for souvenirs. Even if you have no intention of shopping or eating there, a walk through this shopping complex is well worth it

And to finish up, why not visit the Tile Museum? Do you know those famous white and blue Portuguese tiles? Well, in this museum you will have the opportunity to discover where this tradition came from!

Alternative Options

And what if you want to get out of town and go on a day trip? Well, you have some really good options which, by the way, including exploring some of the most beautiful towns in Portugal.

Day trip to Cascais

19 miles from Lisbon, Cascais is a very popular day trip, especially in the summer because of its beautiful beaches.

But it is worth taking a stroll along the boardwalk and in the center of Cascais before spreading out a towel on one of the beaches. A great option is to rent a bicycle to ride around Cascais.

Among its highlights is the impressive Boca do Inferno cliff. It was named so because the opening in the rock has a shape that resembles a mouth and also because the sea waves hit it and produce a frightening noise.

Some of Cascais’ main attractions include the marina, the fortified Old Town, and Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum.

Book a tour to Cascais

Day trip to Sintra

Sintra is certainly the most classic of all the Lisbon day trips. Located just 18 miles to the west, the historic town is nothing like the busy capital.

Standing among the mists of the Sintra Mountain Range, Sintra’s scenery dazzled even the Portuguese royalty, who chose Sintra as their refuge from the heat and spent the summer months there.

The two must-see Sintra castles are the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, both located next to each other at the top of the mountain. At the bottom, be sure to take a walk through the friendly historic center and taste the famous queijadas (cheesecakes)

To get from Lisbon to Sintra you can either Book a tour to Sintra or take the train. It’s not recommended to get a car because you will have and hard time finding a car park.

Day trip to Óbidos

Óbidos is a small medieval village overflowing with charm with its labyrinthine alleys flanked by white houses, colored by flowers, and surrounded by an impressive 14th-century wall. The town which is actually a castle is so unique it was a wedding gift from King D. Dinis to his wife, D. Isabel.

It is very easy to visit Óbidos in just one day since the historic center is very small and does not concentrate a large number of attractions. Do not miss the Porta da Vila with its tile-decorated oratory, the colorful and lively commerce on Rua Direita, and the church of Santa Maria.

But the city’s greatest attraction is really its walls and you can explore its entire mile of extension free of charge. At some points, it reaches 43 feet above ground level, which guarantees incredible views of the white village below.

Book a tour to Obidos

Best places to eat in Lisbon

Portugal is the synonym of good food filled with their local olive oil, plenty of seafood, and delicious pastries. Of course, you can find restaurants with all types of but what about typical and traditional Portuguese food? What are the best restaurants in Lisbon?

Budget eating: Located in Baixa, Restaurante Floresta das Escadinhas offers simple Portuguese food filled with local flavors. Cooked to perfection, they are most known for the octopus and squid dishes!

Mid-range prices: Close to Cais do Sodré, you will find a modern seafood restaurant, the Frade dos Mares. Also quite popular for their octopus, you cannot go wrong with the shrimp risotto and the traditional Cataplana.

Fine cuisine: With 2 Michelin stars, ALMA Henrique Sa Pessoa serves local meat and fresh seafood to accompany their extensive wine list. Located in Chiado, they offer a tasting menu with a great mix of traditional Portuguese food with a dash of international influence.

Where to stay in Lisbon

One of the most important decisions when planning any travel itinerary is choosing where to stay. So, which is the best region in Lisbon?

Imagine that Baixa is the region that is at sea level, while Chiado is one level above Baixa and Bairro Alto is still one level above Chiado. These three regions together form the coolest parts to stay in Lisbon.

Baixa

Even though it is not official, I consider Baixa to be the center of Lisbon, because it is the commercial center, with many people walking from one side to the other every day, and it has a face of an urban center since this is where the daily life of Lisbon’s inhabitants happens.

Staying close to Augusta Street guarantees a good location near the city centre. Yes! Lisbon Hostel is an award-winning hostel perfect for solo travelers, as is the Lisbon Lounge Hostel.

Chiado

In Chiado, you can feel the traditionalism of Portugal and still be in the middle of a bohemian atmosphere that blends with the modernity and elegance of the neighborhood.

It is a relatively small proportion of Lisbon, which practically blends with Baixa and Bairro Alto. Alface Hall Hostel & Bar is a great option for those who are willing to share a hostel room.

Bairro Alto

Closely related to Chiado, Bairro Alto is almost a continuation of the neighborhood except that it extends uphill past Luís de Camões square. If I stated that Chiado was a bohemian neighborhood, Bairro Alto can be considered the “after-party”.

Surrounded by bars, clubs, and lots of people on the streets, it is the perfect place to enjoy the night in the capital.

If you want to stay in the heart of the hustle and bustle, this is your place. For those who like hostels, Lookout Lisbon! The hostel is very simple but successful among budget travelers. For those who like a hotel full of charm and personality, Bairro Alto Hotel is the best option.

Having said that, we stayed in Intendente, as we found a beautiful 3 bedroom apartment suitable for the 5 of us. It was a great choice because the area is safe and near the underground station although we have walked to the city center multiple times. It’s near restaurants, supermarkets, bars, and bus stops as well. If you are traveling in a group of +5 people you should check it out.

The best time to visit Lisbon

As the weather in Lisbon is very good all year round, there is no perfect season when it comes to climate, but the best time for those who want to enjoy all the attractions in Lisbon is from April to September when the weather is always sunny, and the days are longer.

It is also worth mentioning that rain in Lisbon is not a problem and people do not stay home because of it. In Lisbon, rain is usually light and not very frequent. So, this should not be an issue for you, provided you know what to pack for Portugal.

The peak season in Portugal occurs in summer, between June and August, and in winter, between December and January. During these months, airline tickets and hotels are more expensive all over Europe because of school vacations and the end-of-year festivities.

Therefore, there is much more tourism in Lisbon at this time, and everything is more crowded and expensive. If you want to make the most of Lisbon and not spend so much, try to travel in off-season months, where everything is cheaper and emptier.

In my opinion, springtime in Lisbon is one of the most breathtaking times of the year, a new city seems to blossom, and Portuguese society looks more cheerful, in a more peaceful and pleasant climate.

However, don’t forget that Lisbon in winter can also be magical, besides cheaper and with fewer crowds.