The best one day in Lisbon itinerary

Want to visit Lisbon but you’re short on time and looking to know how to spend one day in Lisbon? You’re in the right place!

Though we spent two weeks in the Lisbon area, most of the time we were working from our Airbnb, or exploring other places that are a short day trip from Lisbon like Cascais and Sintra.

So, when it came down to it we only really explored downtown Lisbon’s city center in a day or two.

I’ve got an extensive guide to how to spend two days in Lisbon, but not everyone even has two days in Lisbon or, if you do, you’re looking for how to do one jam-packed day in Lisbon so that you can go and explore more the following day.

I always get super excited to explore a new city when I first arrive. On my first time in Lisbon, I couldn’t wait to get out and explore all the beautiful buildings, ride the trams and eat as many pasteis de natas as I could in one day. How many is too many anyway?

On one of the days in Lisbon we had, I set off solo to explore the city at my own pace and tick off all the things I wanted to see and do.

The result was this one day in Lisbon itinerary that I’m excited to share with you.

So, if you’re wondering how to make the most of 1 day in Lisbon, read on to find out how I would (and actually did), spend a day exploring the city.

Ultimate 1 day in Lisbon itinerary

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 + Rua Augusta Arch
• Santa Justa Lift
• Carmo Convent
• Bairro Alto district
• Time Out Market
• Lisbon Pink Street

For Lisbon in half a day, you could probably whizz around the above itinerary, without going into the attractions. Alternatively, just ride Tram 28 and you’ll go past most of these sights without having to walk.

One day in Lisbon itinerary map

Click the map below to open up an interactive Google map to use for this one-day in Lisbon itinerary. This map is based on my 2 day Lisbon itinerary guide, but the yellow markers are specifically for this Lisbon one day itinerary.

How to spend one day in Lisbon Portugal

If you only have 24 hours in Lisbon I think you should spend it exploring Lisbon’s city centre which is where you’ll find most of the top Lisbon attractions.

On this 1 day Lisbon travel guide, 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. And, when it comes to reasons why you should visit Lisbon, it’s history is a big part of this.

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.

Grab a coffee if you wish and get ready for a fun morning in 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 as 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 24 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.

When it comes to things to do in Lisbon Portugal in one day riding the Tram 28 is a good option since it’ll give your feet a bit of a rest and help you get up some of the city’s steep hills!

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.

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.

The castle sits on the tallest hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of 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.

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.

Search for the staircase that descends between the two viewpoints and follow it downwards.

Providing directions in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, can be tricky, but half the pleasure is wandering aimlessly down the streets that catch your attention.

Although the streets are narrow, they are bursting with fruit trees, fountains, cosy cafes, and small shops, which give you a glimpse into the way of life in the oldest part of Lisbon.

Despite being one of Lisbon’s most authentic districts, I can see it slowly losing some of its charm as the area becomes more developed and welcomes an increasing number of tour companies. However, for now, it still offers a unique experience, as you’ll feel as though you have been transported back in time a little.

If you want to spend 1 day in Alfama, take your time to stroll the streets, enjoy a leisurely lunch and visit the castle and nearby Miradouros.

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.

This square is one of the top things to see in Lisbon in 1 day since it has such an important historical significance for the city.

North of Praça do Comércio lies Arco da Rua Augusta, an arch constructed to commemorate the city’s triumph over the catastrophic earthquake.

If you want another great view of Lisbon, you can walk to the top of the arch for a small fee.

• 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

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

Once you reach the top of the Santa Justa Lift, you’ll find yourself at the Carmo Convent.

The convent was largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and its remains have become a popular attraction in Lisbon with the ruins standing as a poignant reminder of the earthquake’s impact on the city.

Despite being mostly rebuilt the roof has been left unfixed, creating an open-air museum-like atmosphere.

Nearby, there’s Largo do Carmo, a pretty square just around the corner from the convent.

It’s the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing, sit back, relax and soak up the local atmosphere or watch the changing of the National Guards.

Bairro Alto Neighborhood 

After soaking up the charm of Chiado, it’s time to delve into the two-sided personality of the Bairro Alto district in Lisbon.

During the day, Bairro Alto is a quiet area perfect for strolling and taking in the sights. However, as the sun sets, the neighbourhood transforms into the centre of Lisbon’s nightlife.

Come evening, the narrow streets are filled with locals and tourists alike, flocking to the neighbourhood’s plethora of fado bars and restaurants. The party atmosphere lingers long into the night, making Bairro Alto a prime spot for those looking to dance, socialize and experience the city’s vibrant energy.

As you wander around during your day in Lisbon, the neighbourhood might be starting to wake up by now. Feel free to grab a drink or, if your feet need a break, head back on the metro, or on foot from Baixo-Chiado (where you started) to your accommodation. If it’s now dinner time, make your way to our next stop at the bottom of the hill.

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.

It gets pretty busy at dinner time, and the prices are more expensive than you’ll find in a lot of restaurants in Lisbon, but nonetheless, it’s a good place to go if you have just one day in Lisbon since you can try a variety of foods all under one roof.

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.

One of the most popular bars on Pink Street is Pensão Amor, which is housed in a former brothel and retains many of its original features, including erotic art on the walls and a red velvet curtain entrance. It’s an interesting place for sure!

The bar serves up creative cocktails and has a lively dance floor that stays open until the early hours of the morning.

For a more relaxed vibe, head to Sol e Pesca, a former fishing tackle shop that has been converted into a quirky bar serving up delicious seafood snacks and refreshing drinks.

The walls are adorned with vintage fishing equipment, and the outdoor seating area is the perfect place to watch the world go by while enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine.

Have more than one day in Lisbon?

If you have more time to spend in Lisbon, I highly recommend checking out the Belém district just to the west of the city centre.

There are so many fun things to do in Belem which is a historic area with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the top things to do there include visiting the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and visiting the cool shopping, food and art district that’s the LX Factory.

Alternatively, you can take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra or Lisbon to Cascais to explore these two popular places to visit near the city.

In Sintra National Park you’ll find the beautiful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the Quinta de Regaleira. You can also head out to the Atlantic Coast and explore Cabo da Rocha (mainland Europe’s most westerly point).

If you decide to go to Cascais this is a more laid-back day where you can relax on the beach, enjoy a nice lunch and take a stroll to Boca do Inferno along the waterfront.

Both Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais are less than a 1 hour train ride away from central Lisbon and make great ideas for a one day trip from Lisbon.

Where to stay in Lisbon

For those short on time in Lisbon, it’s best to stay in the city centre so that 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 or just 1 night in Lisbon

• 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

These Lisbon travel tips will help you get around legally and safely.

• 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 Omio.

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 on this one day in Lisbon itinerary

If you only have one day in Lisbon you can still get a taste of the city, its culture, history and cuisine.

By following this jampacked Lisbon 24 hour itinerary, you’ll see some of the top sights including the neighbourhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto, its picturesque squares and some of the city’s best miradouros.

I may be biased, but I think this is a perfect day in Lisbon with some food, culture and beautiful sights.

Of course, there is much more to see and do in Lisbon, and you may wish to extend your trip to Lisbon to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history.

But, for those with limited time, this one day Lisbon itinerary is a great starting point to experience some of the city’s must-see attractions and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful city.

FAQs about a day in Lisbon

Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Hannah