There are few cities in Europe that can compare to Lisbon. This vibrant city has everything, from great weather, to delicious food, to lots of sightseeing. Its proximity is also great as it is located very close to Spain, and only a few hours’ trip from the UK. However, since the city has so much to offer, it is easy to get overwhelmed on your trip, particularly if you are only spending 2 days in Lisbon. This is why I have put together the perfect 2 day Lisbon itinerary, so you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
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How to get to Lisbon
✈️ The easiest way to travel to Lisbon is by flying there. You can book a flight into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) from your nearest international airport. From there, you can take a taxi, bus or metro to get to your final destination.
How to get around Lisbon
The public transport is very well developed in Lisbon. From trams and buses to metro, there are lots of options to getting from one destination to another.
I would recommend taking the time to explore the city on foot. This way you will discover a lot more and maybe even come across some hidden gems along the way. The distances between central places are not very big, making it easy to get around on foot.
The metro has a total of four lines, and it goes to most places in the city. It is also pretty straight forward and very easy to use. A one way ticket costs €1.80.
There are six tram lines in the city. If you want to see views, don’t forget to take the famous tram route 28E. It goes through famous spots such as Alfama, Graça and Chiado, and you can get off and get back on the tram route to explore these neighbourhoods along the way. As this is a very popular tourist activity, it gets crowded so get here early if you want to avoid lining up.
Taxis and Ubers are also very common here and they tend to be a lot cheaper than other European capital cities.
Is 2 days enough in Lisbon?
Lisbon is the perfect place for a weekend trip. While 2 days in Lisbon may not be enough to see everything in the city, it is a good amount of time to get a good idea of it and see the main landmarks. If you do have more time, I would suggest doing a day trip to Sintra as this is really something that cannot be missed.
Where to stay
Budget: Dear Lisbon – Gallery House
Located in the Misericordia district of Lisbon, this hotel is only a short walk away from Barrio Alto, one of the must see neighbourhoods of the city. The stylish rooms here will you make this hotel feel like your home away from home and the boutique feel of the hotel is perfect for a city break. It is a very highly rated hotel for only about £100 per night.
Mid-range: Memmo Alfama – Design Hotels
Located in the Alfama neighbourhood and not far from Commerce Square, this is one of the best value for money hotels in Lisbon. It is only 2 km from the city centre and 700 metres from St. George’s Castle so it is very easily accessible to most landmarks and attractions.
It is one of the few hotels in the city with an outdoor pool. The rooms are very stylish and offer a stunning view of the river.
High end: The One Palácio da Anunciada
This gorgeous hotel is an oasis in the heart of Lisbon and is truly the perfect place to stay. One of the standout features of the hotel is a stunning courtyard with a swimming pool where you can enjoy breakfast outside. Other facilities include an indoor pool, a restaurant and a fitness centre.
It is the best place to stay if you are in Lisbon for a short time as the hotel is located right next to Commerce Square.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Morning
Rua da Silva
Start your first day of your 2 days in Lisbon by visiting a hidden gem known only by the locals – Rua da Silva. This is the perfect spot to start your day, as the street is located between two neighbourhoods: Santos and Santa Catarina, right in the centre. It is the ideal spot to take some pictures and discover some hidden coffee shops, art galleries and boutiques that makes Lisbon the charming city that it is. This is definitely a place that you will not find in most itineraries – but in my opinion, I think it must be visited. The street is often nicknamed “Rua Verde” (Green Street) due to its green colour.
Elevador de Bica
The Rua da Silva is located a walking distance to the iconic Elevador de Bica, which is a spot you absolutely cannot miss during your 2 days in Lisbon.
This is a funicular that connects two of the most popular neighbourhoods of Lisbon – Cais de Sodre and Bairro Alto. You can of course buy a ticket to ride the funicular up or down and see amazing panoramic views of the city. We enjoyed watching as the funicular went up and down, as this gives you a pretty unique view as well.
Tip: if you want to get a picture for the funicular, be aware that some of them tend to be covered in grafitti. If you wait for a while, you will be able to see the one that is not.
Manteigaria Bakery
If there is one thing you cannot miss during your 2 days in Lisbon, it’s trying pastel de nata, traditional Portuguese tarts. Despite the fact that you can find pastel de nata at almost every corner, Manteigaria Bakery is one of the best and most authentic places to try it. Better yet, you can watch how they make them through the glass window, to add to the Instagrammable quality.
There are multiple locations where this bakery is located, but the most accessible and central location is in the historic neighborhood of Chiado, specifically at 2 Rua do Loreto.
Another thing to note is that the bakery is quite small inside – it will accommodate space for you to eat a pastel de nata, but the sitting space is limited. It is also good to be aware that this location tends to get busy due to its popular location, but it is absolutely worth the wait!
Comercio Square
The Comercio Square is the most iconic and important square in Lisbon. Built in the place of the Royal Palace which used to exist here, this square is important as it used to be an entry port into the city. Located right by the river, the square used to be considered the “door” to Lisbon.
Today, the square is a very popular tourist spot. You find find here the Rua Augusta Arch, perhaps one of the most defining landmarks of the city. The area is usually buzzing with people, therefore it is a great place to walk alongside the promenade and enjoy the river views.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Time Out Market
By this time you will most likely be hungry, so head to the Time Out Market. This market is the go-to spot in Lisbon to grab some food. You will find here everything from Portuguese food to Asian, Italian, and much more. The worst thing about this place is that there is just too much choice…
The atmosphere here is always amazing as the place fills with locals and tourists, especially around lunchtime. Also don’t miss the chance to have a drink and try out one of the delicious bakeries here.
Pink Street
The Rua Nova do Carvalho, otherwise known as Pink Street today, has a fascinating history. It was not always the Instagram-worthy pink street that it is today. In the past, this street was known for gambling dens, brothels, and lots of shady bars often frequented by criminals.
However, in an urban renewal project, the pavement was painted pink and this place became known as the Pink Street. This is also where you will find the colourful umbrellas hanging overhead.
Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift in my opinion is a unique tourist attraction, but not worth visiting if you just want to see views of Lisbon. The lift is cool to see as it is a 19th century industrial elevator, and the construction of it is very beautiful.
However, what I didn’t like about this lift is the fact that it costs €5 and you will most likely have to wait in a very long line. Once at the top, the view is great but all of it is behind a barricade. This means that it is not ideal for picture opportunities.
Luckily for you, I know a hack where you can see the same view for FREE and take a picture with it too. Right behind the Carmo Convent museum, you will find a staircase that leads up. Take the stairs and you will see this exact view – unobstructed and completely for free!
Carmo Convent
Carmo Convent is one of the most interesting museums in Lisbon and definitely not to be missed. Founded in 1389, it is a former catholic convent. Since it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, only ruins remain today.
The Carmo Convent Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts spanning different periods of Portuguese history, such as ceramics, art, sculptures and much more. You can also find here medieval tombstones which are fascinating to see and give a glimpse into the history of the convent.
Additionally, there is a roof terrace here offering great city views.
Day 1 – Evening
Seen Rooftop Bar
If you are looking for a place to wind down and enjoy great vibes in the city, make sure to check out Seen Rooftop bar. The bar is located on the rooftop of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel on Avenida da Liberdade, one of the most popular avenues in Lisbon.
It offers great city views alongside snacks and delicious cocktails. If you find yourself here on a weekend, it may be difficult to find a spot. Make sure to book ahead or get here relatively early.
JNCQUOI Avenida
There is no better way to end your first day in Lisbon than by visiting a restaurant that has a disco toilet.
Yes that’s right, this unique and fun restaurant is definitely one to add to your bucket list. The food here is a mix of Portuguese, Italian and Spanish, and the dishes are absolutely delicious.
The atmosphere feels very chic and sophisticated, but also very fun. After a certain time a DJ starts playing downstairs and you absolutely must visit the disco toilets.
Day 2 – Morning
Santa Luiza Mirador
Start day 2 of your 2 days in Lisbon by visiting the Santa Luiza Mirador in the Alfama district – arguably the most beautiful viewpoint in Lisbon. From this romantic terrace, you will be able to see the iconic view of the red-roofed buildings. This viewpoint is very popular and tends to get busy so I suggest coming here as early as possible to be able to take pictures without people.
Take Tram 28
One of the most popular things to do in Lisbon is to take the Tram 28. This tram line is popular due to the fact that it goes through some of the most popular and must-see locations in the city. It connects the neighbourhoods of Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique, going through Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca. This route is very scenic as the yellow tram passes through some of the most scenic spots in Lisbon.
If by this time you have already seen many of these spots, I would suggest taking it for part of the route. This way you can get off at the stops you want to see and don’t have to go all the way to the end.
The tram gets extremely busy and due to the restricted space, the queues tend to get very long. I would advise riding the tram early or late in the day, or boarding at Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique.
Day 2 – Afternoon
Ferry to Ponto Final
Here is a unique lunch idea if you are looking for something different. Take a ferry to Almada, and walk to Ponto Final restaurant. This is the best hidden gem in Lisbon, serving the freshest fish in the city.
However, this restaurant has recently become a not-so-hidden-gem, because you will still find huge queues here at lunchtime. We arrived around 12:45 and had to wait about 10-15 to be seated. I would suggest getting here around 12:30-1 pm to get a table.
The concept of the restaurant is very simple but the food speaks for itself. This is also a great spot to come for sunset as the views are beautiful.
Belém Tower
Belem Tower is one of the most iconic places that cannot be missed on your trip to Lisbon. Built in the early 16th century, the building is an iconic symbol of Lisbon’s maritime history. The tower was strategically positioned to defend the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour as it stands at the edge of the Tagus river.
In 1983, Belem Tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is one of the most iconic buildings in Lisbon and in the world.
Jerónimos Monastery
This is UNESCO World Heritage site in Lisbon. The Jeronimos Monastery is located in close proximity to Belem Tower and is an iconic building not to be missed. The monastery was built by a Portuguese architecht Diogo de Boitaca to commemorate the return of Vasco de Gama from India. The construction began in the 16th century and took about a year to complete.
I also recommend going inside the monastery if you can as it is very impressive inside. The tickets cost €12 for an adult.
Pasteis de Belem
Known as the best pasteis de nata in the whole of Lisbon, this place is known among locals and tourists as the go-to. The history of this place originates back to the 19th century. The monks from Jeronimos Monastery started selling these tarts to the tourists to make a living when the monastery closed. Since then, the secret recipe has been used by Pasteis de Belem for many years. They pride in making the most authentic and delicious Portuguese tarts in town.
LX Factory
A former factory, the LX factory is a very unique cultural and creative hub located in the Alcântara neighbourhood of Lisbon. With over 50 shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, there is a lot to discover here. It is a great place to visit for a fun atmosphere, and to explore unique food and concept stores.
Day 2 – Evening
Fado Music Experience
To end your 2 days in Lisbon, head to a restaurant that offers the traditional Fado music experience. Fado is the folk music of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods. Watching it performed is definitely a key part of a cultural experience in Lisbon.
Here are some of the best restaurants where you can experience this:
- Mesa de Frades – this restaurant will give you a very authentic and intimate experience. It is located inside a 17th century chapel with typical Portuguese tiles (azulejos).
- Parreirinha de Alfama – this one is similar to the first one, very traditional and with low ceilings.
- O Faia Fado House – this restaurant is slightly more upscale.
- A Severa – this is the oldest Fado house in Portugal and a little more popular with tourists.
If you have more time…
Day Trip to Sintra
Even if you are visiting Lisbon for 3 days, a day trip to Sintra is a must. The best way to get here is to take the train from the city centre, and the journey takes only about 40 minutes.
Sintra is known for its stunning catsles, lush forests and beautiful views. Places that cannot be missed here include Pena Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Quinta da Regaleira, fascinating gardens with underground pathways, castles and more.
You should expect to spend the whole day here, or stay overnight to make the most of your trip here.
Sâo Jorge Castle
This majestic castle needs to be on your bucket list when visiting Lisbon. Standing on a hilltop and overlooking the city, the caste offers some of the best views of the city and the Tagus River. It dates back to the 9th century, from when the Moorish ruled Lisbon. It was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake and only re-opened to the public in the 20th century.
Today, the Sâo Jorge Castle is a popular tourist attraction. I would suggest doing an audio walking tour to explore the interior and the exterior of the castle and learn about its interesting history.
Lisbon Aquarium
As one of the largest aquariums in the whole of Europe, the Oceanário de Lisboa is really worth a visit if you have more time.
You can see a huge variety of different species here, including sharks, colourful tropical fish, otters, tuna, and many more. In the middle of the aquarium, you will find a 5 litre water tank that is meant to mirror the ocean. It is beautiful to observe and a unique experience both for adults and children.
Museu Nacional do Azulejo
If you want to visit a museum that can only be found in Lisbon, then check out Museu Nacional do Azulejo – the tile museum of Lisbon. Here you will find an extensive collection of tiles, from medieval times to the modern days. You will learn how the tile making techniques have changed through generations and will have plenty of opportunities for pictures. Since tiles are a big part of Portuguese history, this is indeed a very fascinating museum to explore.
I hope that you enjoyed this 2 days in Lisbon itinerary and it helps you plan your trip. Please don’t forget to share and check out some more European itineraries below!
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