The ultimate 2 days in Lisbon itinerary

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city is a beautiful, colourful city that’s full of history, stunning architecture and delicious food.

On my first trip to Portugal, I spent two weeks living near Lisbon and explored some of the best things to do in Lisbon during my first visit to the city.

However, you don’t need two weeks for Lisbon, and much of our time in the area was spent working during the day before exploring in the evenings.

I personally think Lisbon is a great destination for a European city break. It’s a short flight from the UK, and you can see most of the best places to see in Lisbon in 2 days.

With 2 days in Lisbon, you can get a taste of Portuguese culture and experience some of the city’s main attractions.

That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate two-day Lisbon itinerary, highlighting the top sights and activities in Lisbon for anyone short on time.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s been to this city and didn’t enjoy their time there. I believe everyone will find something to love about Lisbon and that’s why I think you should visit Lisbon too!

Check out my ultimate 2-day Lisbon itinerary for the perfect city break to Lisbon!

Overview of the best 2 days in Lisbon Itinerary

Below you’ll find an overview of this Lisbon two day itinerary as well as a map which shows you where the top things to do in Lisbon in 2 days are in relation to each other.

If you have 2.5 days in Lisbon, then follow day 1, then go to either Cascais or Sintra on day two and spend half a day in Belem for the remainder of your time in the city.

Day 1 in Lisbon

If you only have 1 day in Lisbon, the below Lisbon attractions and sights are a must!

• Chiado Square
• Tram 28
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Alfama + Lisbon Miradouro
• Praça do Comércio + Arco da Rua Augusta
• Carmo Convent
• Bairro Alto district
• Time Out Market
• Lisbon Pink Street

Day 2 of 2 days in Lisbon itinerary

As well as the above, factor in one of these into your things to see in Lisbon in 2 days itinerary.

• A more relaxed day in Belem + sailing tour
• OR Day trip to Sintra from Lisbon + Belem
• OR Day trip to Cascais + Belem

Lisbon 2 day itinerary – sightseeing map

Click the map below to open up an interactive Google map to use alongside this two days in Lisbon itinerary.

Day 1 in Lisbon

Your first day in Lisbon is all about exploring Lisbon’s city center and top attractions. We’ll be exploring the squares, the main places to visit in Lisbon including some of its most popular historical buildings, and making time for lunch and dinner too.

Make sure you’re wearing some comfortable shoes as Lisbon is a hilly city with lots of cobbled streets that can get super slippery if you’re not careful.

Before we start, any tour guide in Lisbon will tell you that Lisbon’s history is shaped by the earthquake of 1755.

The earthquake happened on All Saints Day in November when many people in the city were lighting candles.

The earthquake caused these candles to fall, setting the buildings that at the time were mostly wooden, on fire and completely destroying them.

On top of that, a tsunami then occurred which destroyed even more of the city.

Many of the squares and statues that you will see today were a result of a successful town-building after that devastating earthquake by the Portuguese Prime Minister, Marquis do Pombal.

He was pretty visionary for the time and insisted on wider roads (note how much of Lisbon is far wider than the streets you’ll find in Alfama which was unscathed by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami) and picturesque features on the buildings throughout the newly built neighbourhoods.

Another good way to see the city on your first day is to book a walking tour of downtown Lisbon. Though this blog post acts a little bit as a walking tour, giving you directions. Sometimes it can be good to meet with a local and be guided through the city.

You’ll learn from them as you go and be able to ask them questions too. We liked this Lisbon walking tour.

Coffee from A Brasileira and Chiado Square

Let’s kick the day off with coffee from A Brasileira, a historical cafe in the Chiado neighbourhood of Lisbon.

To get here you can walk from your Lisbon accommodation, or take the metro to Baixa-Chiado station.

Cafe A Brasileira has a long history and is said to have been the local hangout for artists, poets and writers of old. You’ll find a statue outside the cafe, in Chiado Square, of one famous Portuguese writer.

This is a good spot to start your packed day of exploring Lisbon!

From Chiado Square, walk towards Praça Luís de Camões (on your right as you stand at the cafe door facing outwards).

Praça Luís de Camões is another well-known square in Lisbon. Here, you’ll find O Trevi, a popular place from Anthony Bourdain’s Lisbon episodes for bifana (a meat sandwich) and beer, as well as Manteigaria which does what I consider the second-best Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon (Pasteis de Belem being the first).

This is also a good spot to get on Tram 28. If you’d rather walk, you can do that too.

Ride Lisbon’s Tram 28

If you knew almost nothing about Lisbon before your trip to Lisbon, I’m sure you still associated it with yellow trams.

Lisbon has trams throughout the city but none of them are quite so famous as Tram 28.

Why is Tram 28 famous?

Simply because it’s the line that goes past most of the historic sights in the city. For that reason, some consider it the sightseeing tram in Lisbon but that’s not quite true.

It’s still used by locals to get around the city though they’ve faced difficulties in recent years since the tram has become so popular with tourists that they can’t get on it!

To help out a bit, avoid using the tram during rush hour.

I got super lucky on the day I rode Tram 28 as one had just left that was packed full of people only to be almost immediately followed by another tram where I not only had a seat but there were spare seats. You’ll see how rare this is during your trip!

Top tip: If you have the 48 hour Lisbon Card, you’ll get free public transport, including on the trams. Otherwise, buy a VivaViagem card at a metro station for €0.50 and top this up during your stay.

The queues for tram 28 can be long and so if you don’t want to wait, you can either walk or take the metro to our next stop.

Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral or Sé de Lisboa, stands near the Alfama district and dates back to the 12th Century.

You can either stay on the Tram and continue riding it up the hill, or get off and take a look inside the cathedral to admire its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Like the castle, it was largely destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and then rebuilt.

The church’s beautiful Gothic and Romanesque style, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass windows are sure to impress. You’ll also find religious icons inside, including a beautiful 14th-century baptismal font and an impressive organ.

Either walk uphill towards the Lisbon Castle or if you stayed on the tram, get off at Graça and make your way there.

Castelo de São Jorge

St. George’s Castle is one of the best things to do in Lisbon and one of the top Lisbon attractions.

The castle sits on the tallest hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Lisbon and it’s a great sunset spot in Lisbon. There’s a large courtyard inside with peacocks and 10 towers to climb for a bird’s eye view which is worth doing.

The original castle dates back to at least the 8th century and has undergone many changes and renovations due to earthquakes and other natural disasters over the years. The castle that you see today is a 20th-century restoration of the original.

Castelo de Sao Jorge is a great place to learn about the history of Lisbon and Portugal, and there’s a small museum on the castle grounds to visit too.

One thing to bear in mind is that the castle does get very busy and so you should purchase tickets in advance.

• Opening hours: Daily, 9 am – 9 pm
• Tickets: €15, buy online here

From the Castle, continue slightly uphill to Miradouro da Graça outside iIsbon’s Church of Our Lady of Grace. From this viewpoint (miradouro) you’ll get some beautiful views of the city below you and it’s well worth walking up the hill to get here.

Wander the streets of Alfama & admire some more of Lisbon’s best miradouro

Now, it’s time to head back downhill via the beautiful streets of Alfama.

From Miradouro da Graça, head downhill Rua São Tomé towards Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

These two miradouro or viewpoints in Lisbon are some of my absolute favourites from the many that I visited. You’ll get great rooftop views out over Alfama and towards the Tagus River and beyond.

They’re popular viewpoints so expect there to be quite a few people about as well as some buskers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink or some food, this is a good place to find something to eat, or somewhere in Alfama (where you’re going next)

When you’re ready, we’re going to head into Alfama.

Look for the staircase going downhill between the two viewpoints and walk down here.

It’s hard to give directions for Alfama, the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon but part of the fun is just wandering down streets that take your fancy.

The streets are narrow, but filled with fruit trees, fountains, small cafes and restaurants and some shops.

This is one of the most authentic parts of Lisbon but it’s quickly becoming less authentic as it gets developed and more and more tour companies visit. For now, at least, you’ll feel a little like you’ve gone back in time.

Praça do Comércio and Arco da Rua Augusta

Once you’ve made your way out of Alfama, head along the water or make your way otherwise, to Praça do Comércio or Commerce Square.

The Praca do Comércio is a large plaza that was built on the ruins of the previous royal palace which was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

This impressive square has played a vital role in Portugal’s political, social, and economic life since the 18th century. It was once the largest public square in Europe and served as the arrival point for Kings and Heads of State when visiting Portugal in the past.

Over time, it has witnessed Lisbon’s evolution, including the transition from monarchy to republic, and has been a witness to countless historical events.

In the middle of the square, you’ll find the statue of King Jose I facing the river Tagus and the Marquis do Pombal just below him who’s credited with rebuilding Lisbon after their natural disaster.

To the north of Praça do Comércio is Arco da Rua Augusta which was built to celebrate the victory of the city against the earthquake.

If you like, you can head to the top of the arch where you’ll get some super impressive views of Lisbon.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €3.50, buy in advance here, included in the Lisbon Card

Otherwise, head under the arch and walk up Rua Augusta until you get to Rua de Santa Justa. Feel free to stop at Manteigaria for a Pastel de Nata along the way if you wish!

Santa Justa Lift and the Carmo Convent Ruins

Once you reach Rua de Santa Justa, look to your left and you’ll see the Santa Justa Elevator.

This lift was created to connect people travelling from Carmo Square to the lower streets of Baixa and vice-versa. It’s an impressive piece of ironwork and it also offers amazing views of the city of Lisbon.

The Santa Justa Elevador has become one of the most photographed attractions in Lisbon and one of the best things to do in Lisbon, drawing long lines at all hours of the day.

There is a way to avoid the queues though and still get amazing views that you get from the top of the elevator.

Head to Largo di Carmo, and look for a small street to the right that goes alongside the church.

Follow this street and you’ll come out to a viewpoint of the famous Santa Justa Lift! From here, you can walk out onto the viewpoint and enjoy the same views for nothing.

• Opening hours: Daily, 7 am – 10:45 pm
• Tickets for the Santa Justa elevator: €2, in person, included in the Lisbon Card

Carmo Convent

From the top of the Santa Justa Lift, you’ll arrive at the Carmo Convent which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and today, the ruins are a popular spot for photos and serve as a reminder of the earthquake’s impact on the city.

Though mostly rebuilt, the roof was never put back on top so it’s a bit like an open-air museum these days.

There’s also a cute square, Largo do Carmo, just around the corner.

Barrio Alto Neighborhood 

From Chiado, it’s time to explore the Barrio Alto neighbourhood which has two personalities.

In the day it’s a peaceful area but come the evenings it’s a prime spot for Lisbon nightlife.

You’ll find fado bars, restaurants, and plenty of people if you visit in the evening. The parties go on well into the night in this neighbourhood!

If your feet need a break, head back on the metro, or on foot from Baixo-Chiado (where you started) to your accommodation. Or, if it’s now dinner time, make your way to our next stop.

Enjoy dinner in Lisbon at Time Out Market

Time Out Market in Lisbon is a top place to visit in Lisbon if you’re keen to try some different food during your trip to Lisbon.

This historic market, Mercado da Ribeira, across from Cais do Sodré train station, was transformed into a food hall by Time Out Group in 2014.

There are over 40 different stalls serving different types of food including Portuguese cuisine and international ones with Portuguese twists. You’ll find savoury dishes, meats, vegetarian, Asian food, deserts and more.

Drinks by Pink Street

If Time Out Market doesn’t have what you’re after, you’ll find a tonne of places nearby in the Cais do Sodre region of Lisbon and Pink Street.

Pink Street was once upon a time Lisbon’s red-light district and today it’s a popular place to grab drinks before heading back to your Lisbon hotel, ready for more sightseeing tomorrow!

Day 2 Lisbon itinerary

When it comes to what to see in Lisbon in two days, you could easily go back into the downtown area of Lisbon and explore more. But, since you’re short on time, I recommend heading out of the city a little bit.

For your second day in Lisbon, there are a few options.

• Option 1: Spend a more leisurely day in Belem with a sailing trip
• Option 2: Take a day trip to Sintra or Cascais and visit Belem in the evening (you can see the Belem attractions from the outside, but you won’t be able to go in them as they’ll mostly be closed)

Spend the day in Belem

For this option, you can have a bit of a more leisurely day exploring the neighbourhood of Belem, eating the BEST Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon (Pasteis de Belem), and enjoying a sailing cruise on the Tague River

Belem tower

Catch a train or a tram into Belem and make your way towards the Belem Tower for the first stop on this tour of the best things to do in Belem.

As one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belem Tower is an absolute must-see for everyone visiting Lisbon for the first time and it’s Lisbon’s architecture like this that many people visit the city for.

Built as a fortification against threats and attacks, this tower replaced a ship that was parked in the middle of the Tagus River with a more permanent structure.

While you can get tickets to go inside the Belem Tower it’s not something we ended up doing. It’s very busy during the day and we’d heard that you basically just queue the whole way around it.

Personally, I think you get good enough views from the outside and, when you do the sailing tour later in the day, you’ll get the best views from the water!

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5.30 pm (closed Mondays)
• Tickets: Buy online tickets here

Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument of Discoveries

Just a short walk away from Belem Tower along the pretty waterfront in Belem is The Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

This monument is a testament to Portugal’s proud history of exploration and discovery during the Age of Discovery. Though clearly, this comes with some sad but important history too.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos showcases 33 prominent figures from the period, including Henry the Navigator standing front and centre.

You can get a ticket to enter the statue where you’ll ride an elevator to the top for amazing views of Belem, the river and Lisbon itself.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €10, buy online here

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or the Jerónimos Monastery

Next up, cross under the road through the pedestrian walkway and through Praça do Império Garden to head over to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

The Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning example of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and an impressive feat of architecture.

This monastery was commissioned in 1496 during Portugal’s Age of Discovery and took over 100 years to build! The monastery survived the infamous 1755 earthquake which saw much of the city left in ruins and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Tickets: €10, buy online here, included in the Lisbon Card

Pasteis de Belem

From the monastery, head into the town of Belem and you’ll find a variety of restaurants and places to get some lunch.

After lunch, be sure to stop at Pasteis de Belem where you’ll get the best pastel de nata of the trip to Lisbon.

They’re flaky, ever so tasty and perfect when topped with cinnamon and icing sugar.

You can choose to get a takeout and sit in one of the nearby parks as I did, or eat in with some tea or coffee in the beautiful tearoom.

Belem Museum of your choice

Belem has loads of museums and art galleries and so after lunch it’s up to decide which one you want to check out.

Some of the museums I recommend are:

• The MAAT: Contemporary art gallery
• Museu dos Coches: A transport museum for old trams in Lisbon
• Museu Coleção Berardo: Contemporary art museum (also has a cafe on the roof with great views and a nice garden)

Sailing tour on the Tagus River from Belem

One of my favourite things we did in Belem was to take a sailing tour on the Tagus River.

The sailing tour on the Tagus River we did was 2-hours long and included drinks and some snacks.

Our tour guide was funny and had loads of information about some of the top things to see in Belem (which you’ve seen from the land) and Lisbon as we made our way to Praça do Comércio.

We took the afternoon tour, but you could also switch things around and do this in the morning.

Check out this guide to the best sailing tours in Lisbon

Shopping and dinner at LX Factory

Located in the neighbourhood of Alcântara super close to Belem is Lx Factory.

The original site of LX Factory dates back to the year 1846, when one of Lisbon’s most important textile manufacturing companies, “Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense”, was set up here before being left neglected for years.

In 2008, LX Factory was created and now it’s full of cool bookstores, restaurants, and shops with local produce, art and more. I liked this area of Belem and it felt like a mix between Granville Island in Vancouver and the Distillery District in Toronto.

There’s no entry fee to walk around but loads to discover.

Day 2: Lisbon Day trip to Sintra + Belem

Alternatively, you can plan another packed full day by taking a day trip to Sintra and then visiting Belem in the evening.

With this option, you won’t be able to go inside the attractions in Belem since they’ll likely be closed, but you may get back for a sunset sailing tour on the River Tagus, and can still visit LX Factory and view the monument and Belem tower from the outside.

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on where you’re staying in Lisbon. You can catch the train from Rossio station near Rossio square in Lisbon and then you’ll arrive in Sintra where you can catch a bus, a taxi or walk to the attractions you want to visit.

There are three main things to do in Sintra on everyone’s list:

• The Pena Palace
• The Moorish Castle
• Quinta da Regaleira

You should be able to visit these all in one day, but that involves an early start and a late finish. You’ll have to allow time for getting between the attractions and waiting in line to enter them.

The Pena Palace is a beautiful yellow castle that sits on top of the hill in Sintra National Park that you’ve probably seen pictures of. You can get great views of it from the walls of the Moorish Castle, which is a little bit like the Great Wall of China in some ways! Quinta de Regaleira is a stunning building with Gothic architecture and a sight called the Initiation Well where you can go down underground on a spiral staircase.

On our day trip to Lisbon, we rented e-bikes which was a quick and easy way to get around and between Sintra attractions. They came with locks and helmets and were stress-free!

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Lisbon to Sintra where you don’t need to worry about additional tickets and transport.

Best guided tours of Sintra:

• From Lisbon, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra and Pena Palace tour 4.5/5 star reviews
• Lisbon to Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Rocha and Cascais day trip 4.8/5 star reviews

On your return to Lisbon, head to Belem and wander along the waterfront to see the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos monastery and the monument of discoveries, before grabbing food in or near LX Factory or back in central Lisbon.

Day 2: Day trip to Cascais + Belem

Alternatively, you can take a Lisbon day trip to Cascais which is a beach town about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon.

This pretty town has some great restaurants and bars, beautiful beaches, parks, attractions and a coo museum.

This is a great way to have a more chilled day while exploring away from Lisbon’s city centre.

Simply catch the train from Cais do Sodre and ride it all the way to where it terminates in Cascais.

Then, take a look at this list of the best things to do in Cascais for how to spend your day.

Depending on when you return, you might want to visit Belem too. The train back to Lisbon from Cascais stops at Belem so you can get off there before wandering along the waterfront to see the Belém Tower, the monastery and the monument of discoveries and then grabbing food in or near LX Factory or back in central Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon

There are a lot of choices when it comes to Lisbon hotels but they can get expensive if you’re staying for longer than a few nights, or in peak tourist season (summer).

Since we stayed in Lisbon for two weeks, we ended up staying outside of Lisbon in Oeiras (about 20 minutes by train). This worked well for us as we could work during the day and the Lisbon Airbnb had lots of outdoor space. We actually really enjoyed being a bit further out of the city and right by the beach.

However, if you’re visiting for a long weekend, it’s best to stay in the city centre. so you’re not far from the top things to see and do in Lisbon. I’ve picked out places I would stay if I was going back to Lisbon for a long weekend trip.

• Home Lisbon Hostel: Stay at Home Lisbon Hostel and enjoy the perfect location in Lisbon’s historic centre, comfortable rooms with balconies, and the incredibly famous Mamma’s Dinners, which are the best meals you will have in Lisbon for the price. With friendly staff and plenty of activities, you’ll feel at home and want to come back time and time again.
• Lux Lisboa Park: Lux Lisboa Park is a 4-star hotel just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Marques de Pombal Square. With an outdoor heated pool, and hot tub as well as an on-site bar, meeting facilities, and terrace you’re perfectly placed for a relaxing stay in Lisbon.
• Lisboa Carmo Hotel: Stay in luxury rooms with classic and contemporary décor at Lisboa Carmo Hotel, located in central Lisbon just minutes from the popular Bairro Alto district with Tagus River views, contemporary-style dining, and a variety of beverages and wines at the bar.
• Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments: Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments offers stylish accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes. Explore popular attractions like Commerce Square and Rossio, with on-site bicycle and car rental services available.

Top Lisbon travel tips

• Visas: Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia do not need visas if they’re staying for under 90 days in Portugal. Starting 2024, you may need to apply for an ETIAS visa online before your travel. Check your nationality’s entry requirements before your visit. Portugal is part of the Schengen zone so make sure you have not spent over 90 days out of 180 in Schengen countries before your trip and that you won’t exceed this while in Portugal.
• Language: Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in Lisbon, but English is also common, and we were able to get by without knowing much Portuguese.
• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro for all transactions as it is part of the EU.
• Safety: Lisbon is a safe city, but pickpocketing is common, especially on public transportation and popular attractions.
• Cash: It is advisable to bring cash as many places do not accept card payments. Alternatively, a card like Wise that allows cheap withdrawals from ATMs can be used.
• Footwear: Lisbon is hilly, so bring good walking shoes with a good grip as the pavements’ cobblestones can be slippery.

How to get to Lisbon

When it comes to how to get to Lisbon, I spent a lot of time researching how to get from London to Lisbon via train as I’m keen to reduce my air miles and emissions. I found that though it is possible, it will take about 3 days which didn’t make sense for us on this trip.

Most visitors to Lisbon will end up flying to Lisbon International Airport like us. I’ve included some more details about how to get to Lisbon below.

Flights to Lisbon

If you’re planning to fly to Lisbon, chances are you’ll land at Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto de Lisboa).

For flights within Europe, TAP Portugal is Portugal’s main airline, and I found them to be great. Although I initially looked into Ryanair or EasyJet, TAP ended up being cheaper once I added baggage fees, and they also offered more reasonable flight times (no 5 am departures!).

If you’re travelling from further afield, it might be worth considering creative options when searching for flights.

For example, booking a flight to a major European airport like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or London and then looking for budget airline flights (such as Ryanair) to Lisbon from there could potentially save you some money.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Trains to Lisbon

If you’re coming from Spain, or other cities in Portugal like Porto to Lisbon or Faro to Lisbon you may arrive by train. When we left Lisbon we caught the train to Faro and it was easy, inexpensive and ran on time so I highly recommend it.

You can book your train tickets in Portugal online through Comboios de Portugal.

Buses to Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, buses are usually the cheapest option.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

How to get to Lisbon from the airport and how to get around Lisbon

If you’re looking to get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, there are a few options to consider. These options are the same as for getting around Lisbon during your trip to the city too.

Metro from Lisbon airport to downtown Lisbon

The metro is a convenient and affordable option. You can take it directly from the airport to the city centre, and while you may need to change lines depending on your destination, the system is easy to navigate.

Bus from Lisbon airport to Lisbon city centre

Buses are also available from the airport, and they are priced the same as the metro. However, be aware that some buses have a luggage limit, so if you’re carrying larger bags, you’ll need to find another mode of transport.

Top tip: Purchase a VivaViagem card for just €0.50, and top it up during your stay in Lisbon. This card can be used on all forms of transportation in Lisbon and the surrounding areas, including trains to Cascais and Sintra, as well as the ferry to Almada across the Tagus River from Lisbon. It’s the easiest way to get around and saves you the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.

Taxi to downtown Lisbon from the airport

If you’re looking for a direct route to your accommodation, taking a taxi is a good option. The taxi rank is located right outside the airport exit, but be prepared for a queue, as there are only four taxi bays. However, the queue moves quickly, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. Alternatively, you can use Uber to get around the city.

Private transfer from the airport to Lisbon downtown

Alternatively, you can arrange for a private transfer from Lisbon airport to downtown Lisbon. With this option, someone will be there to greet you at arrivals (which is always nice), and will then drive you to your accommodation or wherever it is you’ve decided to go first.

This is a great option if you’re pushed for time, travelling with kids and don’t want to deal with taxis or public transport or want something a bit more luxurious.

Book your private transfer here.

Other ways of getting around Lisbon

TukTuks

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Lisbon, consider taking a ride in a tuk-tuk. These colourful vehicles can be seen cruising around the city, typically decorated with vibrant patterns and designs.

However, they are usually more expensive than other forms of public transport and are better suited for larger groups who can fill the entire tuk-tuk car.

Lisbon Trams

One of Lisbon’s most famous attractions is its iconic tram system, with Tram #28 being a popular choice for tourists as it passes by many of the city’s major sites.

However, it’s not all about Tram 28. There are numerous tram lines through the city that connect you to various other parts and other tram lines are just as fun to ride without being quite so busy.

Bike share and electric scooters in Lisbon

Lisbon has several companies offering bike sharing and scooter rentals including Bolt. There are a few rules and regulations about where you can and can’t ride or park them (including not leaving them in a lot of downtown Lisbon), but they’re a good way to get between Belem and central Lisbon and to ride up and down the picturesque waterfront in Belem too.

Pick a company, get their app and you’re ready to ride

Final thoughts about this 2 day Lisbon itinerary

Lisbon is a city that offers a great mix of culture, history, and food.

A two-day trip to Lisbon can be an excellent way to explore the city’s main attractions, try its delicious food, and experience its nightlife but, with so many things to do in Lisbon, you may need to prioritise what you want to see which this Lisbon itinerary will help you do.

Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and art galleries, trying local delicacies, just soaking up the atmosphere, or perhaps taking a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra or Cascais, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.

With this two-day itinerary, visitors can get a taste of what Lisbon has to offer and hopefully be inspired to plan a longer trip in the future. Still wondering what to do in Lisbon for 2 days? Check out my other Portugal travel guides.

FAQs about two days in Lisbon

Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Hannah