Exploring Lisbon in just one day is entirely possible with a well-crafted plan. Here’s a suggested travel itinerary to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Morning
Start at Praça do Comércio
So where do we start?
Begin your day at this iconic square: Praça do Comércio by the Tagus River. Enjoy the view and take a few photos by the grand arch, Arco da Rua Augusta.
Alfama District:
Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) and explore the Castle of São Jorge for stunning views over the city.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia:
Head to the beautiful viewpoint of Miradouro de Santa Luzia for panoramic views of the Alfama district and the river.
Midday
Baixa and Rossio Square
Walk down to the Baixa district, known for its grid-like layout and neoclassical architecture. Spend some time at Rossio Square, which is the heart of Lisbon.
Santa Justa Elevator
Take a ride on this historic elevator to enjoy another perspective of the city from the top.
Lunch
Stop for lunch in Baixa or Chiado. You can find many restaurants offering traditional Portuguese cuisine. I suggest you try dishes like bacalhau à brás (shredded cod) or pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes).
Afternoon
Chiado and Bairro Alto
Stroll through the elegant Chiado district with its historic cafes, bookstores, and shops. Then, head to the Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and street art.
Time Out Market
Visit the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) in Cais do Sodré for a dessert or a quick snack. The market features a variety of Portuguese dishes and delicacies. My favourite is Crush Doughnuts (these are obviously not Portuguese, but the crème brûlée doughnut is sooo good!)
Belém Lisbon
Take a tram or taxi to the Belém district. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Belém Tower. Don’t forget to try the famous Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts) from the nearby bakery.
Evening
LX Factory Lisbon
Head to LX Factory, a trendy area with shops, restaurants, and art spaces housed in a former industrial complex. It’s a great spot to relax and grab dinner.
MAAT Sunset
Walk to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) and enjoy a beautiful sunset by the river.
Fado Music in Alfama:
Afterwards return to Alfama for a traditional Fado show. Fado is a genre of Portuguese music known for its expressive and melancholic character.
Here is a list of a few more locations where you can experience a Fado performance:
- Lisbon: Fado Musical Experience with Portuguese Appetizers
- Lisbon: Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner
- Lisbon: Evening Intimate Live Fado Music Show with Port wine
This 1 day itinerary covers the key highlights of Lisbon and gives you a taste of its rich history, culture, and culinary delights.
Travel Resources
Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass
Enjoy free admission to top attractions and discounts at various landmarks with the Lisbon Card: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass which provides unlimited free access to the public transport system.
Here is a list of my favourite travel resources to ensure your trip not only goes smoothly but that you have the best time ever! I created the ultimate digital mobile travel planner to help you plan the perfect trip, and if you´re going on a road trip you might want to check out our digital road trip planner (Google maps included). Lastly, if you are travelling as a family this family travel planner is just what you need.
Amazon Must Haves Budget Travel Essentials
Here is a lit of my top AMAZON MUST HAVES BUDGET TRAVEL ESSENTIALS.
Enjoy your day in Lisbon! Visiting Porto on the same trip? I recommend you check out my blog post UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN PORTO PORTUGAL.
Leave a Reply