Summary of 48 Hours in Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s coastal capital city and one of the first stops on most people’s Portugal itinerary. We spent an unforgettable 48 hours in Lisbon, packing in as much as possible. In this post, we will take you through its best neighborhoods and top attractions, giving insider tips on where to stay and what to eat to help you plan your trip when you visit Lisbon. If you have two days in the city, follow this 48 hours in Lisbon itinerary to see the top attractions and to enjoy some of its culture, food, and architecture.
Two Days in Lisbon Itinerary
When visiting Lisbon, make sure to book a hotel with breakfast included. Usually, breakfasts at European hotels are amazing, featuring pastries, eggs, gourmet coffee, and tea. We stayed at the Turim Boulevard Hotel located in the heart of Lisbon on Avenida da Liberdade.
To get around Lisbon, we used Uber. The app was affordable and easy to use. We highly recommend downloading Uber before traveling to Portugal.
A Lisbon Card allows you to enter many of Lisbon’s top attractions and skip the line. If you want to see a lot quickly, this is a great option to purchase ahead of time. The Lisbon Card also includes public transport.
So, are you ready to explore one of Europe’s most exciting cities in two days? Let’s dive in!
Day 1 – The Top Attractions
After breakfast, we called an Uber to take us to the Belém neighborhood, where we would begin our Lisbon itinerary at two of the city’s top tourist attractions.
The Belém neighborhood is located along the Tagus River, just a short tram or Uber ride from Lisbon’s city center. Belém is the birthplace of the Age of Discoveries and houses some of Lisbon’s most iconic attractions.
Belém Tower
Belem Tower is one of the few monuments to survive the 1755 earthquake, and it is not to be missed when visiting Lisbon. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located directly on the Tagus River, it is a great way to begin your Lisbon adventure.
The cost to enter Belém Tower is 6 Euro, and opening hours are from 10 am to 6:30 pm from May to September, with an earlier closing of 5:30 pm from October to April. You can reserve your timed entry in advance.
Since it opens so late, arriving at 10 a.m. really cuts into the Lisbon Itinerary. However, the next time we visit Lisbon, we are going to go inside.
We suggest going before the crowds to see this wonder before it opens. You can then continue down the Tagus River to see more attractions.
Jerónimos Monastery
Just a short walk from Belém Tower is Jerónimos Monastery. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site that you must not miss. Jerónimos monastery was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India; he was the first European to reach India by sea.
This monastery showcases elaborate carvings that pay homage to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Visitors can expect to be mesmerized by the stunning cloisters, each intricately designed with columns richly adorned with maritime motifs and symbols of exploration.
Tickets cost 12 euros, and you can purchase them online in advance.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument of Discoveries
The Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is located nearby. Vasco Da Gama was just one of many legendary explorers from Portugal, and this impressive monument, built on the Tagus River in the 20th century, celebrates those great explorers with Prince Henry the Navigator at the front.
This monument celebrates the Portuguese explorers who charted unknown territories worldwide. Standing at 52 meters high, it offers some of the best views in the city.
The fee is 10€, and it is open from 10 am to 7 pm during the summer months.
Pasteis de Bélem for the Original Pastel de Nata
Also located in the Belém Neighborhood is the birthplace of Portugal’s iconic Pastel de Nata. Pastéis de Belém has been serving its secret recipe since 1837 and offers the original version of the creamy custard tart that has become a symbol of Portuguese culinary tradition.
The history of Pastel de Nata dates back to the early 19th century when monks crafted them. When the monastery closed, the recipe was passed to the bakery, ensuring the legacy of this delicious treat.
This is an excellent place to grab a coffee and snacks before moving on as they do serve other foods besides pastel de nata. The best advice we got was to go inside to sit down. The line may seem long, but the restaurant is huge, and the turnover is fast.
Tagus River Attractions
Walking along the Tagus River is a Lisbon attraction unto itself. We continued to walk along the waterfront, enjoying the views of the Tagus River, including The Sanctuary of Christ the King – a monument that reminded us of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located near Jeronimós Monastery if you want to pop into that, and the National Coach Museum is located along your walk back towards downtown.
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Don’t miss the impressive Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT). Inside, visitors are treated to a dynamic array of exhibitions that bridge art and technology. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s cultural scene, it is worth a visit.
It is open from Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., making it a perfect addition to your Lisbon adventure.
LX Factory
We walked all the way to the LX Factory, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Lisbon. This is a great spot to grab a snack and an aperitif and simply people-watch. Even the locals like to hang out at LX Factory, so you will feel like you are really immersing yourself in the local culture.
Avenida da Liberdade
After catching an Uber back downtown, we relaxed at our hotel located on Avenida da Liberdade. This beautiful treelined street was inspired by the boulevards of Paris with a shaded walkway through beautiful architecture. Make sure to take a walk along the street to see the monumental statues that stand in the center of its roundabouts.
Rooftop Bar for Sunset
Our hotel had a rooftop bar where we enjoyed the sunset. Watching the sunset from a rooftop or one of Lisbon’s Miradouros is essential. This city is beautiful, and with its seven hills surrounding the historic town, it is one of the most beautiful scenes in Europe.
Right next door is the Tivoli Avenida Hotel. Their Skybar is an excellent place for a sunset cocktail. We suggest getting there early, though, as this patio fills up quickly.
Fado Show
One of the must-do experiences in Lisbon is to watch a Fado Show. UNESCO recognizes it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Fado is the soulful, haunting music genre that captures the essence of Portuguese culture and emotion.
Even if we couldn’t understand what they were saying, we felt the emotion seep through their voices.
Day 2 – Miradores and Lisbon Neighborhoods
Day two in Lisbon takes you all around the Old City to see its vibrant neighborhoods and top attractions. After breakfast, we walked down to the Old Town to begin at the Alfama District. This is a beautiful neighborhood full of character, shopping, cafes, and great food.
Alfama District
The Alfama district is Lisbon’s oldest and most culturally authentic neighborhood. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys that echo with the soulful sounds of Fado music.
Lisbon Cathedral
Key attractions include the majestic Castelo de Sao Jorge, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of the city, and the impressive Lisbon Cathedral. Strolling through Alfama, visitors will encounter charming plazas, vibrant markets, and hidden courtyards.
Museu do Fado
If you want to learn more about Fado, visit the Museu do Fado. This museum is dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of Fado, from its origins in the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, listen to classic and contemporary Fado performances, and even try to play a Portuguese guitar.
National Pantheon
Located in the historic Alfama district, The National Pantheon serves as the final resting place for some of Portugal’s most esteemed personalities, including Presidents and explorers. Its striking white dome and impressive baroque architecture make it a landmark.
Tram 28
Historic Tram 28 is a vintage yellow tram that weaves through the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods, offering a unique vantage point to explore historical and cultural landmarks. As one of Lisbon’s most sought-after attractions, Tram 28 provides a convenient and enjoyable way to navigate the city for first-time visitors.
Castelo de São Jorge – Castelo St George
The old fortifications date back to the 2nd century BC, but it underwent extensive renovations. You can walk along its old castle walls and take in views of Lisbon. Make sure to get there early or book your tickets in advance.
Belvedere Lookout
If you don’t want to tour the Castle, there is a Miradouro right beside Castelo St. George that we went to instead. The views are fantastic.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina – Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro de Santa Catarina is one of the top stops in the neighborhood, with breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the city’s picturesque rooftops.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
This scenic viewpoint provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city streets, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely morning. Visitors can enjoy refreshments from the on-site kiosks while soaking in the breathtaking landscape.
Tuk Tuk Tour
You can hire a Tuk Tuk to explore the city. A tuk-tuk tour can be booked ahead of time, but we caught one for a 90-minute tour that took us to many of Lisbon’s top attractions, making it worth the money to tick off the remaining viewpoints and churches.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
One of the best views in Lisbon is the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. As the highest of Lisbon’s many viewpoints, it provides a serene and picturesque setting where visitors can gaze over iconic landmarks.
São Pedro de Alcântara
This is a beautiful panoramic terrace offering some of the most stunning views of the city. Lush gardens, ornate fountains, and detailed tile work add to the charm of this scenic spot.
Comercio Square
Commerce Square is Lisbon’s grand square located on the River Tagus. It is as massive as it is beautiful, with its distinctive U-shaped arrangement of yellow 19th-century buildings.
Pink Street
Pink Street, officially known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, has transformed into a bustling hub for nightlife. During the day, it attracts photographers with its pink-painted road covered with colorful umbrellas.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a must-visit in Lisbon. Located in the former Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré, this bustling food hall brings together some of Lisbon’s best restaurants, chefs, and food producers under one roof.
Rua Agusta
We spent the afternoon checking out the sites along Rua Augusta, a long pedestrian street in the heart of Lisbon’s bustling Baixa district. There are outdoor cafes, street performers, and plenty of shopping.
Arco da Rua Augusta – Rua Agusta Arch
Framed by the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta at one end and the expansive Praça do Comércio at the other, this street is a hive of activity, offering an array of shops, cafes, and street performers.
Elevador de Santa Justa – Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is open to the public, offering views from the platform and serving as public transport to take you up to the Largo do Carmo area.
Lisbon Food Tour
This is a great time to enjoy traditional Portuguese food. You’ll immerse in the rich history of Lisbon and traditional Portuguese cuisine while walking through its streets.
Bairro Alto District
We ended our two days in Lisbon in the Bairro Alto District to enjoy dinner and drinks in this lively area where the streets come alive with live music, bars, and restaurants once the sun goes down.
How to Get Around Lisbon
Navigating Lisbon is a breeze with its comprehensive and user-friendly transportation options. The Lisbon Metro Station has an extensive network of lines, offering a fast and affordable way to traverse the city.
We used Uber to get around and found it to be fast and reliable. Traditional taxis are also readily available, offering reliable service perfect for those looking for a classic Lisbon experience. Tuk Tuk tours have become increasingly popular, offering guided explorations combined with the insights of knowledgeable local guides.
How to Get to Lisbon
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport is a major hub for European and intercontinental flights and provides a direct and efficient gateway to the city. The airport is well-connected to the city center through various transport options, including the Lisbon Metro’s Red Line.
For those exploring Europe, taking a train to Lisbon is a scenic and affordable journey. Whether you’re flying into the heart of Lisbon, enjoying picturesque landscapes by train, Lisbon’s accessibility makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in its rich culture and beauty.
And there you have our 48 hours in Lisbon. If you only have a short Lisbon trip, this itinerary will show you the best of Lisbon from the Old City. There is a lot to see and do!
