The Best 2 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

Portugal is on the travel hot list. We put together a 2 day in Lisbon Itinerary that will make sure you catch the most important things.

There are so many amazing places to visit in this lovely country, which leaves everyone trying to figure out if 2 days in Lisbon will give you enough time. The answer is yes!

This 2 day Lisbon itinerary was created specifically for people that want to make the most of Portugal’s biggest city and still have time to see other amazing spots.

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Planning your trip to Lisbon last minute? Here are the tours and hotels we recommend. Other helpful posts for Lisbon include a 15 Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon and a Day Trip to Sintra Itinerary.

If you are planning a full Portugal trip, our 2 Days in Porto Itinerary and the best boutique hotels in Porto will behelpful too.

• TOP EXPERIENCES & TOURS IN LISBON
  • Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Day Trip – best day trip from Lisbon
  • Tagus River Sunset Cruise with Wine and Snack – top river cruise at sunset
  • Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk – fun way to see Lisbon
• BEST HOTELS IN LISBON
  • The Ivens Autograph Collection – best 5 start hotel in the center of Lisbon
  • The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – best luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant
  • AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado – great hotel for a romantic stay
• PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR LISBON
  • Get Travel Insurance for Portugal with Safety Wing.
  • Check Discover Cars for great car rental prices in Lisbon.
  • Find the best flight deals to Lisbon on Skyscanner.

Is 2 Days in Lisbon Enough Time?

Like any big city, you could spend weeks in Lisbon and feel like there is so much more to do, however you can actually see the top tourist attractions in a day.

By allowing 2 days in Lisbon, you can get to some of Lisbon’s hidden gems.

What I recommend is actually planning for 3 days in Lisbon with one of those days being a day trip to Sintra.

That way you are able to stay in one Lisbon Hotel for 3 nights and still do sightseeing out of the city.

Afterwards, we highly recommend 2 Days in Porto and visiting some of the best beach towns in Portugal.

The Best Lisbon Itinerary 2 Days

In this travel guide, I’m splitting Lisbon by area so you can see the sights in the most convenient way possible.

The first day will be spend in the Baixa and Alfama areas, which is probably close to where you’ll be staying. Day 2 is for Belem. If you are visiting Lisbon in winter, there are additional fun things to do.

Now that we’re living in Portugal, we have all kinds of advice to make your trip amazing, so let’s jump in.

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Lisbon Itinerary Day 1 – Baixa & Alfama

1. Start Your 2 Days in Lisbon With a Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to get the lay of the land is to take a walking tour of Lisbon. There are actually multiple free tours available and you can find them by heading to one of the large city squares.

Depending on the time of day you arrive, you can do a morning or afternoon tour.

The original free walking tour Lisbon Chill Out Free Tour by Locals meets daily at 10am and 4:30pm in the Praça Luís de Camões (Luís de Camões Square). Many of these free tours end in Praça do Comércio.

From there, it is an easy walk to Alfama, which is a perfect place to be for sunset.

2. Head to Praça do Comércio – Commerce Square

We walked down one of the crowded streets in Baxia and were blown away when it suddenly opened up into this massive 35,000 sq. meter open space that borders the Tagus River.

Praça do Comércio, also referred to as Terreiro do Paço, was completely wiped out by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

It was designed and rebuilt to be a market plaza. The buildings form a U shape with a statue of King José I in the middle.

From here you can head through the Rua Augusta Arch into Baxia to shop or have lunch on Rua Augusta. If you’ve already done that, head towards Alfama, the city’s oldest residential district.

3. Take the Iconic Lisbon Trams up to Alfama – An Itinerary Favorite

To get up to Alfama, you can walk or take the Tram 28. Lisbon is a very hilly city which is why these trams come in so handy. You can pay per ride or get a 24 hour Carris pass.

Alfama is one of the areas that survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake that was so devastating to the rest of the city and consequently one of the oldest and prettiest parts of the city.

While it is a favorite of tourists, it is also well lived in and loved by locals. Plan to spend at least a few hours having a drink or meal and enjoying the views.

4. Take in the Views at Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol & Stop for Lunch

The Portuguese word “miradouro” means view and this hilly city has plenty of viewpoints. In the Alfama district, you will find Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

These popular lookout points have beautiful views of the red roofs of Alfama, the Tejo Estuary and the Tagus river. This is a great place for sunset.

There are plenty of cafes nearby to sit and take it all in. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and catch a band playing.

If you are here at a meal time, this is a perfect place to stop and recharge. Try Audrey’s located in the Santiago de Alfama Hotel. They are known for their stellar brunch and some say they have the best burger in Lisbon..

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5. Walk into Sé Catedral de Lisboa – Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral, built in 1147, is the oldest and most famous church in Lisbon. It is ofter referred to as just Sé (which stands for bishops seat).

The most notable parts of the cathedral are the double bell towers and the centered rose window that was partially destroyed in the earthquake and has been rebuilt.

• Hours: 7am-7pm
• Cathedral Free | Cloister & Treasury €2.5

6. Enjoy the City View From Castelo de São Jorge – São Jorge Castle

You can walk around this castle from the outside and enjoy the lively area. If you’re wondering if you should go in, here are the three reasons why you should visit São Jorge Castle.

1. It has some really cool, panoramic views of Lisbon
2. You can walk the castle walls and that’s always a plus in my book.
3. There are peacocks roaming around.

• Hours: 9am-6pm (9pm March-October)
• Adults €10 | Students €5 |Seniors €8.5 | Kids under 12 Free

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7. Don’t Miss the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift) During Your 2 Days in Lisbon

The most distinctive looking thing in Baxia is the Santa Justa Lift. It is this huge skinny modern building poking up through everything else.

You can ride the elevator up to the lower viewing deck and use that all day tram ticket. The upper viewing platform requires a different ticket.

The one catch is that there is always a big line of people waiting for the elevator. To skip the line and still get the view, there are a few ways to get there.

Walk up the stairs to the side of the elevator, then go to the upper viewing platform. If you are sick up walking up hills at this point, you can take the escalator in the nearby store Mango and shop on the way if you want.

• Hours: 7am-9pm (11pm March-October) Viewing Platform €1.5
• Adults €6 | Students/Seniors/Lisboa Card €3 | Kids under 14 Free

8. Convento do Carmo – Carmo Church

A convent that was ruined in the earthquake of 1775. The church ruins still stand with no roof. The convent is an archaeological museum. It’s in the Barrio Alto Neighborhood and worth a quick look before dinner.

• Hours: 10am-6pm (7pm May-September) Closed Sundays
• Adults €6 | Students/Seniors/Lisboa Card €3 | Kids under 14 Free

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9. Dinner in Bairro Alto is a Highlight on Your Lisbon Itinerary

If you finish your sightseeing day with Carmo Church, you will be perfectly positioned to get dinner in the super cool area of Bairro Alto. There are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars. We ate at Restaurante Carmo in the small plaza next to Carmo Church. You can see all the places we ate down below.

Almost everything I read about Portugal ahead of time lists live Fado music as one of the top tourist attractions but it’s really not my thing. If it’s yours, you can find a spot nearby after dinner for Fado.

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Lisbon Itinerary Day 2 – Belém

Belém is the perfect place to spend your second day. You can see some iconic monuments, check out really cool museums and go to some very cool hipster areas.

1. Start Day 2 of Your Lisbon Itinerary at Belém Tower – Torre de Belém

Either start or end your day with Belém Tower to catch a sunrise or sunset. Built in the 1500’s, as a harbor defense at the mouth of the Tagus river, this small fort is probably the most recognizable building in Lisbon.

There’s a nice view from the top where you can see the bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

• Hours: 10am-5:30pm (6:30pm May-September) Closed Mondays
• Adults €6 | Students/Seniors €3 | Kids under 12/ Lisboa Card Free

2. Walk to Padrão Dos Descobrimentos – Monument to the Discoveries

This monument, on the bank of the Tagus River, was built in 1960 to commemorate the discoveries of numerous territories and maritime routes during the 15th and 16th century.

There are 33 explorers represented here, most notably, Prince Henry the Navigator. You can watch a film and take an elevator to the top if you want or just admire it from the outside.

While the detailed statues of the explorers is impressive, don’t miss the giant world map on the pavement behind the monument that shows the years that various parts of the world were discovered.

It’s an impressive testament to the impact the Portuguese navigators have had on the world as we know it.

• Hours: 10am-6pm (7pm March-September)
• Adults €6 | Students €5 |Seniors €3 | Kids under 12 Free

3. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – Jerónimos Monastery is The Next Stop

The Belém complex, made up of Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are both examples of the late gothic, Manueline style of architecture.

Above is a photo of the ornate cloister which some say is the finest example of the Manueline style. It was commissioned by King Manuel I and donated to the monks so they could pray for the king and other seafarers.

Jerónimos Monastery is one of the must-sees in Lisbon and you can enjoy a pastel de nata, one of the best treats in Lisbon right after your visit.

• Hours: 10am-5:30pm (6:30pm May-September) Closed Mondays
• Adults €10 | Students/Seniors €5 | Kids under 12/Lisboa Card Free Church is free to go in.

4. Your Lisbon Itinerary Treat: Pastéis de Belém

We asked a few people what we should do in Lisbon to make sure we didn’t miss anything important. Each person came back with Pastéis de Belém as the first answer of what to do in Lisbon.

It’s no surprise that every day, 20,000 of these custard pastries are sold from the original shop in Belem.

In 1837 the secret recipe from Jerónimos Monastery started being sold in a shop outside the monastery to keep the tradition alive after the monastery was shut down.

The recipe came about because egg whites were used to do the laundry so they made these pastries with the remaining yolks. It’s the perfect midday snack with a yummy cappuccino.

Pro Tip: You’ll see a long line outside the shop that may dissuade you but that’s the line for “to go” pastries. You can just skip the line and get a table inside the surprisingly large restaurant.

Hours: 8am-11pm| Address: Rua de Belém nº 84 Lisbon

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5. Visit one of the Museums in Belém

These are great Belém museums but you may be a little pressed for time if you are only here for 2 days. Museu Nacional dos Coches Coach has some of the most intricate, beautiful horse drawn carriages from the 17th Century.

MAAT gets mixed reviews from people who love it or think it’s a waste of money, but everyone agrees the outside is totally worth a visit.

MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

The standout part of MAAT is actual the building itself. This architectural gem resembles a wave, is clad in tile as a nod to Portugal and has cool rooftop views especially at sunset.

If you want to venture inside to escape the heat, check the MAAT website to see what’s happening. There’s a great video explaining the architecture here if you’re interested.

• Hours: 10am-5:30pm (6:30pm May-September) Closed Mondays
• Adults €6 | Students/Seniors €3 | Kids under 12/Lisboa Card Free

6. Ponte 25 de Abril & LX Factory is a Must on Your Lisbon Itinerary

In the Alcântara district, a fabric production plant turned creative hub is now Lisbon’s hipster spot. You’ll find a mix of 50 restaurants, bars, stores, coffee shops and special events.

The entrance is located right under Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisbon’s look-a-like Golden Gate Bridge.

You can easily fit in coffee or meal at this must-see spot during your 2 days in Lisbon. It’s a convenient stop on your way to or back from Belém.

Whenever we have guests in town, we always take them to the LX Factory because it’s just a fun place to walk around.

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Day Trips for 2 or 3 Days in Lisbon

The Castles of Sintra

A Day Trip to Sintra is a “do not miss” day trip from Lisbon. If you have 3 days in Lisbon, do this as one of your days. If you only have 2 days in Lisbon, you should see as much as you can in Lisbon on day one and head to Sintra on the second day.

To get to Sintra, take the train from Rossio Train Station in Rossio Square. This Sintra One Day Itinerary will give you everything you need to know about how to do the day trip and what to see.

There are also hotel options if you want to make it an overnight.

RELATED POST: DAY TRIP TO SINTRA’S FAIRYTALE CASTLES

Day Trip to Historic Évora

On a day trip to Évora, Portugal wander through the winding alleys adorned with whitewashed houses and vibrant bougainvillea.

The iconic landmarks, such as the Roman Temple of Évora, the Cathedral of Évora, and the eerie Chapel of Bones are just a few of the unique places to see when you visit.

Take a leisurely stroll through picturesque Giraldo Square and stop for a meal at one of the quaint cafes. Indulge in traditional Alentejo cuisine, accompanied by a glass of regional wine.

On your way back stop to see the monoliths that are older than Stonehenge on the Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour. And if you like Evora as much as we did, stay overnight at one of the best Évora Hotels.

The Beaches of Ericeira

Just a short drive from the city center is the surf town of Ericeira. With its golden beaches and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.

Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before- there are plenty of schools that offer lessons for all levels. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the many beachfront restaurants for some fresh seafood.

Then finish off your day with a walk along the cliffs, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

With its combination of surf, sand, and sun, a day trip to Ericeira is a perfect addition to your Portugal trip. We recommend staying overnight at one of the great Ericeira hotels with dreamy sea views that are walking distance to the beach.

The Walled City of Obidos

About an hour north of Lisbon, you will find medieval Óbidos Castle and the beautiful Foz do Arelho, one of the prettiest beach towns in Portugal.

Evora is east of Lisbon. To get there, you’ll drive through the beautiful Alentejo region and have a chance to explore one of the most interesting cities in Portugal.

Some people also choose to do Porto as a day trip but that involves 2.5 hours in the train each way. We recommend at least 2 days in Porto.

For a visit to a wine region near Lisbon, Palmela Village might be the Portugal hidden gem you are looking for.

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Restaurants in Lisbon

• Ramiro $$$ – Known as the best seafood restaurant in Lisbon, with long lines to match. The garlic shrimp and tiger prawns were so delicious with a glass of local green wine. They give you a ton of bread to sop up the garlic sauce. Oh my!
• Belcanto $$$ – A 2 star Michelin restaurant that made The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Pro Tip: You can make a reservation for the Chef’s Table in the kitchen.
• Restaurante Carmo $$ – In Bairro Alto, this popular with locals, Portuguese tapas restaurant was our 2nd night dinner. One of the things we ordered that you need to try here or somewhere in Lisbon is the Bacalhau – salted cod fritters. It’s a traditional Portuguese dish that’s delicious. Great location. Reservations are a must.
• Ponto Final $$ – A charming terrace restaurant set so close to the water you need to make sure you don’t fall in. Take the ferry across the Tagus River to Almada. It’s an adventure with a a delicious meal.
• Time Out Market $ – A food court market with tons of great restaurants and dishes. It gets very crowded so if you’re headed there for lunch, arrive by 11:30am. A “must visit” in Lisbon!
• Mad Pizza $ – The place to go for a delicious, inexpensive meal on a charming patio.. I don’t know if it’s called Mad Pizza or Green Coffee but we kept walking by it, thought it looked cute and enjoyed it thoroughly for dinner our last night.

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Getting Around for a 2 Day Lisbon Itinerary

Lisbon is really easy to navigate as a tourist. A lot of tourist attractions are situated near each other making it possible to walk.

The most difficult part is that it’s a hilly city and there is a bunch of hill climbing.

If you want to ride, city busses and trams are everywhere. You can pay per ride or buy a 24 Hr. Unlimited Public Transportation Ticket. Lastly, taxis and Ubers are readily available.

If you are visiting Lisbon as part of a Portugal itinerary, we highly recommend getting a rental car as soon as you are done with Lisbon.

Before living in Portugal, we visited the first time without a car and the next time with a car.

The biggest mistake visitors make visiting Portugal is not getting a rental car. If you reserve in advance, you can get a good deal, especially when you use Discover Cars.

We did 3 separate rentals when we were scouting and then moving to Portugal and Discover Cars was often more than $100 cheaper than everywhere else.

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2 Day Lisbon Itinerary: Where to Stay

Here are some great hotel options for your stay in Lisbon. Listed in price order from highest to lowest.

We have a full post on the 15 Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon for more options. The best hotels sell out far in advance. Book early!

• Altis Belém Hotel & Spa – If you are looking for a hotel outside of the tourist area that is completely different than everywhere else, this is for you. The Altis Belém has striking modern architecture, a spa like feel and Tagus river views with a pool/sundeck near Belém Tower. This chain also has Altis Avenida that is much more centrally located.
• AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado Where we would have stayed if we picked a hotel and they weren’t sold out. It’s in a great central location, super chic decor, a great restaurant and guests rave about it.
• Raw Culture Arts & Lofts – A super cool loft hotel with amazing decor and art. The rooms are huge suite type rooms. Well located in Barrio Alto near everything including all the restaurants and bars.
• Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – An affordable well located hotel with all the amenities including a gym and rooftop deck. The decor is light, airy and stylish. They have connecting rooms for families.

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2 Days in Lisbon Neighborhood Guide

When you are only spending 2 or 3 days in Lisbon, you need to make sure you are staying in a convenient location. Here’s some brief information on the main neighborhoods you’ll visit in order of their placement on a map.

• Alfama – A cool neighborhood that you’ve probably seen in pictures with red roofs overlooking the ocean. São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral are there.
• Baixa – This area has long avenues filled with hotels, shops and restaurants. It’s very touristy but we decided to stay here because it’s so convenient – walking distance to Alfama, Chiado and Bairro Alto.
• Bairro Alto – In the hill right above Baixa, Bairro Alto is cool neighborhood where you can find great restaurants and lots of locals.
• Cais do Sodre – a hip, cool area that has a grungy look which is part of it’s character. There are fun places to visit like shops, restaurants, the Instagram famed pink street and more.
• Belém – Belém is a district of Lisbon that borders the Tagus river. There are a lot of attractions and it almost feels like a day trip when you go there even though the ride is about 15 minutes to go the 4 miles. I would recommend staying in a hotel closer to the center of Lisbon though or you will be making this trip multiple times instead of once.

Whether you are spending 2 days in Lisbon for a weekend getaway or as part of a bigger trip to Portugal, you have everything you need here to make the most of your time. You will absolutely love this amazing city.

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