2 days in Lisbon – a perfect itinerary
Are you about to spend 2 days in Lisbon and can’t come up with the perfect itinerary? I totally understand that since Lisbon has so much on display.
I had the same issue when I drafted the itinerary for our trip to Portugal’s capital. Eventually, we managed to tick everything off our list without too much effort.
Even though 2 days might seem like a short time, when you organize your trip accordingly, you can see more than you might be expecting. And that’s why I’m here—to help you achieve your goal.
As my husband always says, I am the best at making huge lists of places to visit and actually managing to see them all.
Don’t worry; you will also have time to eat and enjoy your Lisbon trip!
This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
2 Days in Lisbon – the ultimate itinerary
Before we discuss the things to do and see during your 2 days in Lisbon, let’s start with some practical information.
Where to stay in Lisbon
For me, waking up and drinking my coffee with a stunning view has always been a criterion based on which I choose my accommodation whenever I travel.
Finding charming places in Lisbon with great interior design, pretty views, and perfect locations is not that hard.
All these apartments can be easily considered Instagram spots, and you can have some incredible pictures without even leaving your house:
Marino Lisboa Boutique Hotel. This place is in the very heart of Lisbon, within walking distance from Martin Moniz and Rossio station. It caught my eye because of its beautiful, clean, simple design that blends in traditional Portuguese patterns. I also liked the rooftop terrace where breakfast is served.
Feeling Chiado 15. I like everything about this place, and I am not the only one. The design, the rooms with a view over Lisbon, the location right in the Chiado area, with all the stores and singing streets at your feet. Also, I’ve seen that some of the rooms are in the attic, and I’ve always had a soft spot for this kind of room, with a window in the ceiling making me feel like I can lay in my bed and stare at the stars.
See availability and prices here!
River View Alfama Historic Lisbon. One word can describe this place: royal! It is, in fact, a whole apartment tucked on the streets in the Alfama area, with a pretty little balcony overlooking the river and an amazing interior design.
Casa do Jasmim by Shiadu. With its special design, you can either love or hate this place. I personally like it a lot, and if you are lucky enough to have the top floor, oh wow, what a view!
Getting around Lisbon
Getting from the airport to Lisbon city center or to the accommodation you choose is not hard, and there are options for anyone, regardless of budget.
Metro is the cheapest way of getting to the city center of Lisbon. The metro station is right in front of the arrivals terminal, and you won’t miss it since it looks like a big red dot. To use public transportation in Lisbon, you will need to buy the Viva Viagem card and add money or trips accordingly.
AeroBus takes you from Lisbon’s airport to its city center. To get to the city center, take Line 1, which ends at Cais do Sodré.
Bus. Several lines pass by the airport ( 705, 722, 744, 783, 208), and you can buy the ticket with the Viva Viagem card.
Taxi. Just be extra careful because, as we’ve heard, they might try to scam you and ask for huge prices when taking them from the airport. We used Uber.
Private transfer. With many options available, you can choose the closest to your style, depending on your budget and needs. Check out the options here!
To get around town, it might be worth investing in a Lisbon Card. With it, you get unlimited free trips by public transportation, so you won’t have to worry about how many buses or metros you take in a day.
Additionally, you get free admission to top attractions and discounts at various landmarks. Depending on how many places you want to visit and how many of them charge admission, it might be cheaper to buy the Lisbon Card for 24 or 48 hours.
If you choose to follow this itinerary, I would suggest opting for the 24-hour Lisbon Card. Check out the options & book your card here!
Day 1 in Lisbon
As you can notice from the map, today you will be spending your time along the sea, exploring the prettiest places in Lisbon. However, you will get to see some important landmarks in Portugal’s capital, get to taste delicious food, and have a drink with a view!
Belem Tower
Start your day by making your way to the Belem Tower and stepping on the steps of Portuguese explorers who would embark and disembark from this fortification, one of the must-see places in Portugal.
Come before it gets open to capture some pretty pictures without the crowds on the bridge.
Additionally, you will have the chance to go inside the tower and climb to the rooftop terrace without having to wait a lot for the light to change – and the stairs to be free.
Book your skip-the-line ticket for Belem Tower and make the best out of your time!
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Jerónimos Monastery
Only a few steps away from the Belem Tower, once you pass and see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos – the monument that celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery, and the Rose Compass – another monument of the discoveries – head to the Jeronimos Monastery.
The church that hosts Vasco da Gama was built in the Portuguese late Gothic style between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Lastly, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one landmark you won’t want to miss.
Book your ticket in advance here, and don’t worry about the lines or waiting time!
Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Pastéis de Belém
It is time for a break and a sweet bite. And what else to choose than the delicious traditional egg tart: pasteis de nata?
This is one of the most popular cafes in Lisbon, and it is considered to bake the best pasteis in town.
Since it is so close to the Jeronimos Monastery, it would be a pity not to stop for at least 30 minutes and to taste the famous sweets with a coffee.
Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
Congress Center of Lisbon
Take the bus for a few stops or walk all the way to the Congress Center of Lisbon.
The place itself is not much of an attraction, but the space outside offers an incredible view over the river, the 25 Abril Bridge and the colorful houses lined up behind.
You can also bring some pasteis and enjoy the delicious treats with a view!
Address: Praça das Indústrias 1, 1300-307 Lisboa, Portugal
Bairro Alto
Jump on the bus or metro (get off at Baixa-Chiado) and make your way to the Bairro Alto neighborhood. With the literal translation of “the high neighborhood,” I could have spent hours and days exploring every little corner.
The streets go up and down, and you’ll encounter countless colorful buildings, restaurants, terraces, people singing on the street, cafes, viewpoints, and popular tourist attractions.
Moreover, you’ll find many of the iconic streets where you can capture the popular yellow tram in motion. Towards the top of Bairro Alto, you can get to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and towards the bottom, don’t miss out on the Arco da Rua Augusta, the Elevador de Santa Justa, and the Convento do Carmo.
Lastly, you can also plan to finish off your day in Chiado with an amazing fado concert at the popular “Fado in Chiado.” This is a place recommended by many travelers, with many positive reviews.
Unfortunately, we didn’t do our proper research before going, so we ended up having dinner and a Fado show at Luso. While the music was amazing, the food wasn’t so good, and we ended up paying much more than we were told in the beginning.
That’s why I would encourage you to book “Fado in Chiado” way in advance. It is a popular place, and it is definitely an experience worth having when in Lisbon. See more information here!
Alfama
Another popular neighborhood in Lisbon, Alfama, is not as lively as Bairro Alto, but it has the best views in town.
Here are most of the famous miradouros, these magnificent free things to see in Lisbon. But I suggest choosing only one for sunset. You can see all the others on a walk before or after sunset, but you won’t want to miss this incredible nature show.
Some of the most beautiful ones you’ll want to see:
MIRADOURO DA GRACA. Maybe not as popular as the next 2, but it was one of our favorite places for sunset. It is part of a square with a few terraces where you can sit and drink a glass of wine and maybe listen to some music.
MIRADOURO DAS PORTAS DO SOL is the easiest to get to and, thus, the most crowded one. It is located right in the heart of Alfama and offers some of the most iconic views of Lisbon. Sure, there are plenty of people playing music, the yellow tram passes by, and people selling stuff, but there are also fancier restaurants and cafes.
MIRADOURO DE SANTA LUIZA. I’m sure most women will love this particular miradouro because of its beautiful blue tiles, the small pool, and colorful flowers.
Don’t leave Alfama without tasting some traditional ginjinha from the ladies selling it on the streets and stairs of this old town.
It is a sweet alcoholic drink made from sour cherries, sometimes served in chocolate glasses.
Day 2 in Lisbon
My proposal for your second day in Lisbon won’t be exactly in Lisbon, but you will visit some of the area’s most charming castles.
You’ve guessed it: you’ll be taking a trip to Sintra.
You can always choose to take the train or bus, but it would be much harder to get around, and you will only get to see a few things.
We booked a private tour, and we were super happy with the choice. Not only did we get to see all the most important attractions in the area, but the guide also took us to some hidden gems and suggested a really delicious seafood restaurant for dinner!
The usual tour includes the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Cabo da Roca. However, as you will see from our personal experience, there is plenty of time to see other places.
I hope that you’ll enjoy your 2 days in Lisbon! It is not a trip you will regret taking, and you’ll probably return for more.
Other City Break Options
- Spend 4 days and discover Hong Kong
- The Ultimate 4 days in London
- 2 days in Vienna
- 3 days in Budapest
- Ho Chi Minh Itinerary: Discover Vietnam’s largest city.
- 2 days in Berlin
- One day in Nuremberg
- One day in Frankfurt
- 3 days in Seoul: A Complete Itinerary
- One day in Bruge
- Unusual things to do in Amsterdam
- Love at first sight: 3 days in Stockholm
- Things to do in Barcelona
- One Day in Bologna
- 3 days in Thessaloniki
- Your perfect 2 days in Rome
- 2 days in Athens
PIN FOR LATER!
