If you only have two days to explore Lisbon, you’ll want to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. This jam-packed 2-day itinerary takes you on a highlights tour, visiting top attractions and neighborhoods with carefully planned routes. Get ready to discover castles, cathedrals, viewpoints, and delicious food. Read on!
Lisbon 2-day itinerary for a memorable Portugal holiday
Ready to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Lisbon? Then you’re at the right place. Here’s your Stop-by-Stop Lisbon itinerary for a quick Lisbon tour!
Day 1 – Enjoy an eventful day in Lisbon
1. Belém Tower, one of the best places to visit in Lisbon
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and start your first morning in Lisbon at the iconic Belém Tower. It’s a 16th-century fortified tower located along the Tagus River. Admire the tower’s distinctive Manueline architecture and ornate stonework.
Afterward, head to the impressive Jerónimos Monastery just across the way. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 16th century with an interior filled with intricate carvings.
2. Visit the historic Jerónimos Monastery
Take your time exploring the Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery, especially the church and cloister. Check out Vasco da Gama’s tomb here before grabbing some pasteis de nata from nearby Pastéis de Belém. These are considered the best custard tarts in Lisbon!
Fuel up on coffee and these iconic tarts before continuing on your heritage tour. Expect a bit of a wait to get into this popular pastry shop!
3. Have lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro
After a busy morning, stop for lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro. This lively, no-frills seafood eatery serves up superb lobster, giant tiger prawns, garlic shrimp, and other delights. Come hungry – the portions here are massive!
Don’t leave without trying some local beers, wines, or the strong ginjinha cherry liqueur.
4. Explore the Commerce Square
After lunch, walk off your meal by exploring the grand Commerce Square, with its 18th-century arcades filled with shops and cafés.
Look for the iconic Triumphal Arch and the striking façade of the Church of São Domingos. This bustling plaza is a great spot for people watching over an espresso.
5. Visit Saint George’s Castle
No first-timer’s itinerary is complete without visiting the imposing Saint George’s Castle. Dating back to the 6th century, this hilltop structure offers sweeping panoramas from its ramparts and towers.
Wander through old Moorish quarters where villagers once lived before walking back downhill through the atmospheric Alfama neighborhood.
6. Have dinner at Chapitô à Mesa
For dinner, head to Chapitô à Mesa, located in an old circus school near the castle with a laidback vibe and one of the best Lisbon views. Share plates of contemporary Portuguese cuisine made with quality ingredients while watching the sunset over the city.
7. Enjoy delicious rooftop drinks at Park Bar
End your eventful first day with gorgeous sunset views and cocktails atop one of Lisbon’s best rooftop bars, Park Bar. This hip spot has a slick interior and outdoor terrace overlooking the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood.
Sip Portuguese wines or artisan gin and tonics while enjoying live DJ sets or jazz nights. Book your Portugal visa appointment today to kickstart your short Lisbon getaway!
Day 2 – Go on an incredible tour of Lisbon
1. Discover the Alfama District
Start the second day with a scrumptious breakfast in your hotel or a nearby café. Then, head over to the enchanting Alfama district. It’s the oldest neighbourhood in the city cascading down the hill from St George’s Castle to the Tagus River.
Get lost in its maze of Medieval streets, blend in with locals at tiny neighborhood food shops, and take the #28 tram for postcard-worthy views.
2. Join a food tour of Mouraria District
Take a passionate small-group food tour of Mouraria. It’s Lisbon’s most ethnically diverse and charismatic neighborhood known as the birthplace of fado music.
Walk through vibrant squares and Moorish-style alleys to discover authentic restaurants and specialty food stores. Taste secret family recipes passed down for generations!
Sample Portuguese comfort foods like cured meats and cheeses, bacalhau cod fritters, seafood stews, custards, egg pastries, and wines. It’s a delicious crash course in local Lisbon cuisine and culture!
3. Visit Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Visit the National Azulejo Museum dedicated to the iconic painted tiles that decorate Portugal’s buildings.
Wander chronologically arranged galleries showcasing over 1,000 tile panels illustrating Portugal’s rich history and artistic styles through the centuries. Marvel at massive 23 x 15 ft tile murals while learning about this traditional artisan craft.
Don’t miss the landmark Church of Madre de Deus. This place showcases a lavish gold-leaf baroque interior completely covered in intricate blue and white tiles. It’s the perfect place to admire the creativity and detail behind Azulejo art!
4. Explore the artsy Bairro Alto
Head over to Bairro Alto, an artsy neighborhood packed with:
- Intimate fado houses
- Hole-in-the-wall tascas (taverns)
- Buzzing pre-party drinks scenes bursting from every corner bar.
Bar hop your way through the twisting cobblestone lanes, floating in and out of bars to soak up the electric nightlife ambiance.
5. Take the Santa Justa Lift
Make your way to the Santa Justa Lift. It’s an impressive ironwork elevator linking the Baixa district with the Carmo Ruins up on the Chiado plateau.
Take the rickety elevator 45 meters up while getting 360-degree views across Lisbon. Afterward, stroll past the haunting Carmo Convent ruins down towards the Tagus waterfront.
6. Go on a riverfront dinner Cruise
For your final night in Lisbon, take a sunset river cruise along the Tagus. Enjoy another unique perspective of this colorful capital from the water. Most dinner cruises feature live fado performances onboard. Expect stunning views with lit-up monuments like the 25th April Bridge!
It’s the perfect way to bid Lisbon “adeus” after an amazing two days in this vibrant city!
Where to stay in Lisbon for a 2-day trip?
1. Hostels
- Lisbon Destination Hostel
- Home Lisbon Hostel
- Sunset Destination Hostel
The prices range from €20-50 per night for one person. With hostels like these, you can expect prime locations, free breakfasts, walking tours, and nightly activities.
Most have private and shared room options with bunk beds. These are great for solo travelers or friends on a budget!
2. Boutique hotels & guesthouses
- Santiago de Alfama
- Memmo Alfama Hotel.
Expect stylish rooms with balconies, roof terraces, and gourmet breakfasts in these beautiful accommodations. The prices range from €100-250 per night and you can book rooms or guest houses according to your budget.
3. Luxury hotels
- Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel
- Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
- Bairro Alto Hotel.
Travelers seeking upscale accommodations will enjoy Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon featuring old-world glamour and Michelin-star dining. Boutique luxury hotels like Corpo Santo and Bairro Alto Hotel tempt with sleek rooms, hip cocktail bars, and luxe spa treatments. Expect prices to be around €250-500+ per night.
Helpful tips for your Lisbon trip
- Get a Lisboa Card for free or discounted access to public transportation and major attractions.
- Book tours and attraction tickets online in advance to skip long ticket queues.
- Pack good walking shoes – Lisbon is very hilly with lots of cobblestones.
- Bring cash for meals, drinks, and shopping at old-school thrift shops.
Ready to visit Lisbon Portugal?
Over just two action-packed days you can cover the iconic highlights, savor Portuguese cuisine, and dive into Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods. Now that you have the ultimate Lisbon checklist, it’s time to start planning your Portuguese getaway. Make sure to apply for a Portugal visa from UK in advance for a hassle-free trip.
P.S: Just don’t be surprised if two days leave you longing to linger longer in this special European capital!
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Lisbon?
Lisbon’s compact city center is very walkable, but the historic trams, funiculars, and metro system help connect major landmarks across different neighborhoods.
Where should visitors stay in Lisbon?
The central Baixa district puts you within walking distance of major sights. Bairro Alto and Chiado offer trendy boutique hotels and nightlife. Waterfront neighborhoods like Alfama, Graça, or Belém boast old-world charm.
What is the Lisboa Card and is it worth purchasing?
The Lisboa Card offers unlimited use of public transit, free entries or discounts at top museums and monuments, and other exclusive perks. If you are cramming lots of sightseeing, it’s great value.
What should I eat in Lisbon?
Seafood reigns supreme in Lisbon, whether simply grilled fish or buttery pastéis de bacalhau cod cakes. Also try cozido (meat stew), grilled sardines, alheira sausages, egg tarts, and the classic Portuguese sandwich, the bifana.
Is Lisbon expensive to visit?
Compared to other Western European capitals, Lisbon offers good value. Using public transit and eating at smaller family-run restaurants can save money for budget-conscious travelers.
Mirela Letailleur, a seasoned travel blogger living in the South of France, is your go-to expert for an unforgettable Lisbon 2-day itinerary. Writing for her blog, The Travel Bunny, she combines her Romanian roots with her passion for budget-friendly European travel, offering vibrant stories and practical tips. Mirela’s unique approach weaves cultural richness into every journey, ensuring a travel experience that’s both affordable and deeply immersive.
Renowned for her free, meticulously crafted travel guides, Mirela’s insights into Lisbon are particularly noteworthy. Her recommendations enable travelers to efficiently explore both the hidden gems and iconic sights of Lisbon, making the most of a short visit. Her problem-solving skills and deep knowledge make her guides indispensable for anyone seeking an authentic Lisbon adventure, solidifying her status as a top local travel expert.
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