Best itinerary for 2 days in Lisbon (written by a local)

Places to add to your 2-day Lisbon itinerary

Welcome to Lisbon! I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Lisbon. But you might wonder what to see in the capital, Lisbon, Portugal. Well, there is a lot. And to be honest, two days will not be sufficient to see everything in central Lisbon. But you will be able to catch many highlights! As a local, I decided to create this 2 day Lisbon itinerary so you can make the most of your trip to Lisbon.

This Lisbon itinerary included tips on where to eat, hotels and, of course, the many sights to see. Later, I will also explain the easiest ways to get around Lisbon, including the cheapest options to visit all attractions. So, let’s dive in! I hope you will have a wonderful time 🙂

Day one of 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal

Let’s start your first day in Lisbon in the Belém District. Belém contains some of Lisbon’s most visited top attractions, such as the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. Take Tram 15 from Praça do Comércio in the city center of Lisbon, or take the train from Cais do Sodré to Belém. The train is the fastest (less than 10 minutes!) and the best way to reach Belém. It’s the perfect place to start sightseeing in the city!

The Jerónimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery is one of the most visited landmarks in Lisbon and a top tourist attraction. The early morning is the best time to skip the long lines. Ensure you booked a ticket online before visiting, or have your Lisboa Card ready. The UNESCO World Heritage Site contains both the monastery and the church.

Inside the Jerónimos Monastery, you’ll learn more about Portugal’s history and admire the Portuguese Gothic Manueline architectural style. The church contains the tombs of explorer Vasco da Gama and poet Luís de Camões.

Pasteís de Belém

After visiting the monastery, it’s time for a coffee break. And what better way to enjoy a hot cuppa with a tasty pastel de nata? The original recipe came from the monks at the monastery, and the bakery Pastéis de Belém is one of the best places to try the custard tarts. They are often still warm from the oven!

Pastéis de Belém serves many more hot and cold or sweet and savoury snacks. It’s an excellent place for a break, even if the lines are long. It usually doesn’t take long to get a seat as the cafe is large inside. If you prefer to eat your pastel de nata in the park in Belém, you can order some takeaway custard tarts!

Torre de Belém

Once refreshed, it’s time for the next famous landmark. The Belem Tower is located at the shore of the Tagus River. There can be long queues again at the Belem Tower, so ensure you book your tickets online or use the Lisboa Card for free entrance. You’ll cross a small footbridge before entering the fortress.

The Belem Tower is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built in the same Manueline style as the monastery. The tower was constructed to protect the city of Lisbon and replaced a boat! The tower had several uses over the centuries, including a prison. You’ll see multiple floors inside the building and enjoy stunning views over the river.

MAAT Museum

Even if you are not into art, visiting the MAAT Museum (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) will be worthwhile! The structure of the modern museum is simply stunning, and you can climb to the roof! You have an incredible view of the river Tagus and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge from the top.

It’s also a lovely location to see the sunset over Lisbon. If you do like museums, remember to visit the current exhibition. The museum contains two parts, so you can discover the former power station after the art museum. This area is excellent for kids, too, and seeing the big machinery is impressive!

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The last sight in Belém is Padrão dos Descobrimentos. The Monument of the Discoveries celebrates the time of the Portuguese discoveries, known as the Age of Discovery. It opened during the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940, but the original was replaced in the 1950s. The new monument contains many statues of important figures such as Henry the Navigator, Afonso V, Queen Philippa of Lancaster and Vasco de Gama.

The LX Factory

You can easily make a full-day trip to Belém, but it’s time to get back towards Lisbon by Tram 15. You can exit the tram near the famous Ponte 25 de Abril bridge to visit the LX Factory. The former warehouses have been transformed into one of the hippest places in town! It’s an excellent spot to enjoy delicious food and look at some shops.

One of the most unique places is the bookshop Ler Devagar. There are many English books for sale, as well as vinyl books. There is often live music, and at night, it’s an excellent spot for dinner. If you’re here on a Sunday, you can enjoy the market!

The viewpoints in the Alfama district

One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon is Miradouro de Santa Luzia. In the early morning, it’s pretty quiet, and during the day, more and more tourists flock to this stunning site. In summer, the Bourgainvilleas are in bloom, and the views over the historic city center of Lisbon are incredible.

Another viewpoint is a short walk from Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Soak in the surrounding area and views over the Pantheon and the monastery and church of São Vicente de Fora from the large viewing platform. You will also find the statue of São Vicente.

Saint Vincent was the Patron Saint of Lisbon until 1981. Saint Anthony is the Patron Saint of the city now. There are many more stunning miradouros in Lisbon. Examples are Miradouro da Graça and the highest point at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Click here to see them all!

A photoshoot in the Alfama district

Would you like some lovely memories of your time in Lisbon? Then, booking a photo shoot with me is an excellent idea. I’m a local Alfama district resident, and I know the labyrinth of streets like the back of my hand. My photo shoots in Alfama are partially walking tours and photo sessions, so you get to see many beautiful places and have your pictures taken at the same time. Discover more about the shoots in Lisbon, which are available from 30 minutes to 4 hours!

Castelo de São Jorge

One of the best things to see in Alfama is the Castelo de Sao Jorge on top of the hill. You’ll reach São Jorge Castle after walking through the narrow streets of Alfama or by taking bus 737 or a taxi. It can be bustling at peak season, and arriving early or buying a skip-the-line ticket is recommended.

The castle offers some of the best views over Lisbon, and it’s one of the top things to do in Lisbon with kids. Many peacocks live in the trees and gardens. There was once a royal palace, which was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake, but the views from this area are phenomenal!

Lisbon Cathedral

Sé de Lisboa, or Lisbon Cathedral, is the oldest church in the city. The building is already beautiful from the outside, but you can also see the church’s interiors. You will visit a museum with religious artefacts and see the church from inside. One of the highlights is the massive rosary window. You can also visit the small and narrow balcony here.

Time for a break

Alfama has some fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy lunch. But especially at night, the old neighbourhood is terrific. Come back later to enjoy a Fado show or find a restaurant for lunch. There are great options for vegetarians at Augusto Lisboa (busy) and Café da Garagem (lovely views!). If you follow the narrow roads toward the Tagus River and the Fado Museum, you’ll discover plenty of traditional Portuguese restaurants that offer fish and meat dishes.

Can you hold off for a moment? You can also head over to Time Out Market. This indoor market contains some of the best restaurants in Lisbon! At a little extra cost, you enjoy fantastic meals made by top chefs in the city! Time Out Market is close to Cais do Sodré, where you can also find the famous Pink Street.

Baixa

After lunch, it’s time for the next stop. You can start exploring the Baixa District in central Lisbon. This area is entirely flat, and it is easy to find some of the best tourist attractions in the city. Highlights include Praça do Comércio, where you can also see the famous arch Arco da Rua Augusta. Did you know you can climb to the top? From the arch, you can walk along the main shopping street, Rua Augusta.

Then, you’ll easily spot one of the main attractions in Baixa: the Santa Justa Elevator! You can ride the lift to the Bairro Alto district and the Carmo Convent, but the lines are extensive in the high season! Click here to read about riding the elevator or find the easiest way to bypass the queue. Once at the top, you can visit the Carmo Convent or look inside the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand! When you buy a book, they will even stamp it for you!

If you stay downtown, it’s worth looking around Rossio Square. Look inside the incredible church Igreja de São Domingos, which burned down years ago. Nearby, you can also try the local drink Ginjinha. Lovely places to try this cherry-like liquor are Ginjinha Sem Rival and A Ginjinha. There is also a hidden gem in this area many people don’t know about. Only the doors to Casa do Alentejo are visible from the street. You can enter for free and look at the stunning courtyard.

Remember to enjoy a vegan ice cream at Scoop n Dough on hot days! It’s only a short walk to Avenida da Liberdade, where you can find unique shops and beautiful buildings. If you want to continue to Bairro Alto from here, take the cable tram at Calçada da Glória for an authentic ride uphill! Or head back to Rossio Square to discover the rest of downtown Lisbon.

Bairro Alto District

The Bairro Alto District lies on top of another one of the seven Lisbon hills, with many more sights to discover. Coming from Cais de Sodré, you can take a ride with one of the famous trolley trams, the Bica Funicular. You can walk up, too, but go at your own pace, as this one is steep!

Once at the top, make a short detour to the viewpoint of Miradouro de Santa Catarina. This is a great spot to see the sunset over Lisbon, and many people gather here with a drink to listen to some street musicians.

Make your way through the labyrinth of small streets in Bairro Alto to discover another viewpoint: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This area is very close to Príncipe Real, where you’ll find many fabulous restaurants. If you like going out, be sure to come back for the Bairro Alto nightlife!

This tourist hotspot is a good place to enjoy a few drinks and meet fellow travellers. There are many hotels and apartments as well in Bairro Alto. Ensure they have soundproof windows, as certain streets are loud at loud (unfortunately speaking from experience!).

2 day Lisbon Portugal itinerary with kids

Lisbon is also a fantastic city for children! A great location is Parque das Nações, as you’ll find the famous Lisbon aquarium here. Oceanário de Lisboa has a huge main tank with sharks, manta rays and other colourful creatures. Have a look at the penguins, too, and see the otters play! Right next door, you can visit the science museum Pavilhão do Conhecimento, which offers plenty of activities.

Is the weather too nice? Ride the cable car Telecabine Lisboa along the shores of the Tagus River. You can visit Torre Vasco da Gama there, which offers some of the best views over Lisbon and the Tagus Estuary! Check out this post with plenty of activities for kids in Lisbon!

What do you do in Lisbon for 2 days when it rains?

Is it raining on the days you’re in Lisbon? No worries, as there are some incredible indoor activities. First of all, there are wonderful museums like Quake, MAAT, the Gulbenkian Foundation, and the Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB. If you like the colourful azulejo tiles, the Azulejo Museum and the monastery and church of São Vicente de Fora are great.

The nearby Pantheon is also primarily indoors. Discover more activities on a rainy day, such as enjoying a massage, shopping in Lisbon, or joining a pastel de nata baking workshop! There are also plenty of indoor markets in Lisbon.

Hidden gems in Lisbon

Certain Lisbon attractions get very busy in summer. During your 2 days in Lisbon, you can add some incredible hidden treasures away from the crowds on your Lisbon itinerary. Firstly, Lisbon’s many parks and gardens are so peaceful! Enjoy a moment in nature and discover beautiful flowers. There are also many markets, and a nice local one is Mercado de Campo de Ourique. It is a great spot to grab something to eat! Or take a look at the beautiful Estrela Basilica and nearby park!

Close by, you will also find Park Necessidades and the huge Parque Florestal de Monsanto. Great for hiking, and the abandoned Panorâmico de Monsanto is amazing! If you want to visit some local neighbourhoods, Anjos, Marvila, and Saldanha are great. Don’t expect many tourist highlights, but lovely restaurants instead. Bring a book to a local coffee shop and watch the world go by during your holiday.

How to get around in Lisbon, Portugal

Before you start your 2-day itinerary in Lisbon, knowing how to get around the city is helpful. Choosing how you want to get from point A to B is a good idea. The town is very walkable, even though Lisbon is a hilly city! There are many elevators and lifts to take you to higher points in the city, and especially in downtown Lisbon, you can easily walk from one place to the next.

Rossio Square is near famous landmarks such as the Santa Justa Elevator and the Carmo Convent. From Baixa, you can reach Bairro Alto and Alfama with ease. Let’s dive into some popular ways to explore Lisbon.

Join a Walking Tour

If you like being active, a walking tour in Lisbon is excellent! An experienced guide will show you all the highlights in a specific area of the city. You can join a history tour and learn more about the past. Foodies will love the food-walking tours where you can taste the local cuisine and learn more about Portuguese culture. There is no risk of getting lost, and it will be an educational and fun day! For those who prefer not to walk, there are segway tours and excursions on electric bikes in Lisbon as well.

Public transportation

Public transport works well in the city; you can take the bus, metro, tram and ferry! You can buy a Navegante Occasional Card at any metro station to save money on your travels. If you decide to ride Tram 28 and the Santa Justa Lift, you’ll save a lot of money.

You can buy a day ticket for only € 7.00. This will give you access to all public transport in the city centre of Lisbon for 24 hours from the moment you first use it. Public transportation will be the cheapest way to explore Lisbon, but it might take longer to reach the famous sights.

The Lisboa Card

To save even more money, you can purchase a Lisboa Card. You can buy one for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Public transport is included with the Lisbon Card. But on top of that, you’ll also receive free entrance to attractions like the Arco da Rua Augusta, the Jerónimos Monastery, the National Tile Museum, and the Belém Tower! You’ll often receive a discount if the entrance to these landmarks is not included.

The Lisboa Card also offers discounts for restaurants and tours. It’s convenient as you don’t have to buy multiple tickets for each attraction, and you’ll receive a free guidebook with information about Lisbon. If you plan on using public transport and visiting numerous sites, it is well worth buying the Lisbon Card! You can pre-book these online and pick them up at several points in the city and at Lisbon Airport in the arrivals hall.

The Hop-on, Hop-off bus

Another convenient way to see all the highlights in Lisbon is by booking a hop-on, hop-off bus. There are four different lines in the city to choose from. You can check first which sights you’d like to see and book a ticket accordingly, or you can book a 3 -in-1 ticket for different hop-on hop-off tours. Tickets are available for one or multiple days, and stop at all major attractions in Lisbon! Besides, there is a free audio guide in multiple languages.

It’s excellent value for money, and the bus stops at multiple points of interest. Examples are Portas do Sol, Praça da Figueira, the aquarium Oceanário de Lisboa, MAAT Museum, the Jerónimos Monastery and other Belém sights, Marquês de Pombal, and Graça.

Tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon Portugal

One of the best ways to see as much of the city as possible is by booking a tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon! They are a convenient mode of transport for the seven hills, and in only half a day, you can see a lot of landmarks in Lisbon! So, if you plan to visit the sights but not enter them, this option is great! You’ll have a great time with your guide who will show you many highlights in Lisbon.

There are even speciality tuk-tuk tours with themes like street art or food. The best of all worlds catered to your interest. A tuk-tuk tour is one of the more expensive ways to see the city, but it is perfect if you have limited time. These are usually private excursions, but recently, I noticed some group offerings. Ideal for solo travellers in Portugal!

Taxis in Lisbon

Lastly, you can travel easily from A to B by taxi. Uber and Bolt are widely available in the city and are often cheaper than regular taxis. They do have some restrictions, however. For example, some streets near São Jorg Castle are only for local travel, buses and official taxis. Uber and Bolt don’t have the right to drive in these car-free zones, but they can drop you off nearby. Uber and Bolt are relatively cheap in the capital and perfect for any trip, including the airport and Sintra.

Where to stay during your 2 days in Lisbon

​Lisbon has many fabulous hotels in all neighbourhoods. For a central location, My Story Hotel Rossio is fantastic. You’re within walking distance from many attractions and near metro and tram stations. The LX Boutique Hotel is near Cais do Sodré and is a 5-minute walk away from all restaurants and bars. Close to Rossio Square and downtown Lisbon are many hotels for every budget!

Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon offers dorm and private rooms, and the Lisbon hostel is beautifully decorated. It’s an excellent option for travelling in style but on a budget. For a luxurious stay in the city, Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel (with a pool in a national monument!), EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel (with a rooftop pool), and the Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel (with stunning rooms in the heart of Alfama), are some of the best choices.

Where to eat in Lisbon

Besides the sweet pastel de nata, the traditional Portuguese cuisine is amazing! While exploring Lisbon, Portugal, you can go on the hunt for some of the best restaurants. Not only are the conventional dishes great, but there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and international options.

As mentioned, at Time Out Market, you can find many different restaurants under one roof. Food connoisseurs should take advantage of this spot! Below, I’ve listed some of my favourite restaurants in Lisbon!

• Bar das Colunas (traditional Portuguese)
• LX Bohemia (Fado)
• Caffè di Marzano Vermuteria (breakfast/lunch)
• Manteigaria (pastel de nata)
• Ofício (traditional) 
• Honest Greens (vegetarian/vegan)
• Rocco (one of the most beautiful) 
• Lost In (Mediterranean-Asian fusion)
• Yakuza by Olivier (sushi)

FAQ

Conclusion

​Two days in Lisbon are enough to get a first glimpse of the city. You can cover many sights, especially if you do some research about the places you’d like to visit. Try combining a few sights per location to minimise travel times. Public transport is great in Lisbon, but taking the hop-on hop-off bus or a tuk-tuk tour is a better option when you’re short on time. This way, you get driven to all the significant landmarks in Lisbon without getting lost.

Booking online tickets ahead of time is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. This goes especially for sights like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. The Lisboa Card is also great, allowing you access to many landmarks and free public transport. This way, you don’t have to book many sights in advance, as you can access them all with one ticket.

If you have more time, I recommend staying longer. This way, you can take a day trip to Sintra to admire all the palaces. Lisbon is also a great spot to take multiple-day trips from. The city is centrally located, and there are many places to visit nearby! I hope this 2-day Lisbon itinerary will help you find the best places to see!

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