Lisbon in Two Days
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Planning a trip to Lisbon? We've got you covered. Everything you need to know, places to visit, and how to organize your trip for a perfect experience.
Lisbon is a charming city that combines panoramic hills, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Strolling through its cobbled streets, enjoying its viewpoints, and savoring its traditional dishes are just some of the experiences that make this city an unforgettable destination.
Introduction to Lisbon
Geography: Located in the south of Portugal, Lisbon stretches along the coast of the Tagus River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic location has been crucial throughout history, serving as an important commercial port and a gateway to the European continent.
History: Lisbon has a fascinating history that dates back to its origins as a Phoenician settlement. For centuries, the city was under Moorish rule until the Christian Reconquista in the 12th century. In the following centuries, Lisbon experienced its golden age as a center of spice trade during Portugal’s colonial splendor. However, in 1755, a devastating earthquake changed the city forever. Overcoming this disaster, Lisbon flourished again. In the 20th century endured decades under a dictatorship, which ended in 1974 with the Carnation Revolution, ushering in democracy. Today, Lisbon is a vibrant and dynamic city, constantly evolving.
Literature: Portuguese authors, blessed with a language as rich as it is pleasing to the ear, have left behind countless literary and poetic masterpieces. José Saramago, Nobel Prize in Literature, is one of the most internationally recognized writers. A perfect book to read on the plane is "The History of the Siege of Lisbon," which you will carry in your thoughts as you explore São Jorge Castle and the streets of Chiado.
Best Time to Visit: Portugal has become a top tourist destination in Europe. The high season in summer combines large crowds with oppressive heat, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. April and May offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, while September and October are also excellent options, with moderate temperatures, more affordable prices, and fewer tourists.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as Lisbon’s hills and steps can be challenging for uncomfortable footwear. Although Lisbon is a safe city, it’s always good to follow the usual safety recommendations of any big city. Especially on trams and in crowded places, be wary of pickpockets.
This blog will guide you through the best places, hidden gems, and our recommendations for culinary and cultural experiences. Let’s explore Lisbon!
Rossio Plaza with its wavy mosaic pavement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| First Day | |
| Hotel Check-In, freshen up and leave luggage | 30 minutes |
| Rossio Square | 20 minutes |
| Coffee on Rua Augusta | 45 minutes |
| Commerce Square Esplanade | 45 minutes |
| Pink Street | 30 minutes |
| São Paulo Square | 5 minutes |
| Bus to Jerónimos Monastery | 30 minutes |
| Jerónimos Monastery | 2 hours |
| Belém (including walk) | 1 hour |
| Bairro Alto/Dinner | 3 hours |
| Second Day | |
| Optional 5k run | 45 minutes |
| Breakfast at Folks Chiado | 45 minutes |
| Tram 12/Miradouro Portas do Sol | 30 minutes |
| São Jorge Castle | 1 hour |
| Castle/Alfama/Lunch | 3 hours |
| Lisbon Cathedral | 30 minutes |
| São Nicolau Church | 30 minutes |
| Carmo Convent | 1 hour |
| A Brasileira Café | 1 hour |
| Tram 28 | 1 hour |
| Tasca da Chico (Fado night) | As long as you like |
Arrival in Lisbon
Airport: Once you've completed your migration and customs procedures and exited to the arrivals hall, you'll find the visitlisboa.com counter. This is the perfect opportunity to buy the Lisbon Card, which might save you money and make it easier to access public transport and key tourist sites. Here's how to use it to maximize its benefits (see explanation at the end of this section).
Transport: You have the following options to reach downtown Lisbon:
Metro: If you have little luggage and your hotel is near a station, this is the most economical option. Lisbon's metro is modern, clean, and many stations are true works of art. The entrance is in front of the terminal in a red building marked with an "M". You can't miss it. There are escalators and elevators. The red line is the one that reaches the airport and connects with Oriente station (if your hotel is in Parque das Nações), Alameda (for transfers to historic center stations), and São Sebastião (if you're staying near the Santa Apolónia train station). You can use your Lisbon Card to activate its use for the next 24 hours if you buy the one-day card, or buy a single ticket, which costs 1.5 euros per person.
Taxi or Uber: Another option is to take a taxi or Uber. When I travel to cities I haven't visited before, I prefer to use Uber and have the piece of mind of knowing the cost of the trip in advance. Uber prices are reasonable in Lisbon. For example, the ride to Rossio cost us 14 euros. After being cooped up on a plane for several hours, and since it was Sunday morning with light traffic, we opted for Uber. Plus, our excitement about seeing Lisbon for the first time made this option even more attractive. To take an Uber, you need to go to a small parking lot called "Kiss and Fly". The best way to get there is to take the escalator in the terminal to the right before the exit doors. After the escalator, take the first exit, cross the street, and you'll be at "Kiss and Fly". Once we ordered the Uber, it arrived in about ten minutes. There is a small roof, so if it rains, the only inconvenience would be crossing the street. "Kiss and Fly" (kiss and fly), since we've already flown, only the kissing remains.
These options will allow you to reach your destination comfortably and efficiently, so you can start exploring Lisbon without worries. Welcome to Lisbon!
First Day in Lisbon
We made the most of our first day since our transatlantic flight arrived early in the morning. The following map outlines our itinerary and is shared on Google Maps so you can save and use it. [Link to Google Maps]
First Day in Lisbon
Hotel Check-In
We arrived early at the Rossio Plaza Hotel, left our luggage, and were given a place to change clothes. We were greeted with Pasteis de Nata and a smile. Check our review.
Rossio Square
Rossio Square, with its elongated and elegant shape, features a statue of Pedro IV, who was King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil. According to historians, the elongated shape of the square is due to it being a Roman hippodrome in ancient times. The wavy mosaics on the ground add a unique touch to the place. It's a spot with great vibes, perfect to start our tour of Lisbon.
Coffee on Rua Augusta
We enjoyed a coffee al fresco, watching people go by and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio was the site of the royal palace before the 1755 earthquake. Now, it houses several ministries and is known for the equestrian statue of King José I, depicting the king on horseback, and the impressive "Arco da Rua Augusta" with Vasco da Gama and Marquês de Pombal (responsible for Lisbon reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake) . We walked along the esplanade, starting at the two pillars in front of the square. There was an exceptional street artist singing jazz, adding a magical touch to our walk.
Pink Street
We headed to the colorful Pink Street, a pedestrian block that is part of Lisbon's urban renewal project. In 2015, the New York Times named it one of the 12 most popular streets in Europe. It's super photogenic and definitely worth a stroll.
Colourful Pink Street. Lisbon
Bairro Alto
We got off the tram at Conde Barão station and headed to Bairro Alto via the street where the Bica funicular runs. The funicular was full, so we walked up the hill and had dinner at an excellent local restaurant, A Baiuca da Bairro Alto. We enjoyed octopus, fried chicken breast, good wine, and excellent service.
Return to the Hotel
We returned to the hotel exhausted, taking the stairs between the Convento do Carmo and the Elevador de Santa Justa. The cherry on top of a great day of touring was an exceptional street artist playing "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla on the violin against the illuminated wall of the Convento do Carmo, creating a spiritual moment.
Second Day in Lisbon
5k jog in Lisbon
5K Run
For the runners out there, if you're staying in Chiado, you can enjoy a brief 5 km morning run on relatively flat terrain, though you need to be cautious of the cobblestones. I always think running in cities is a wonderful way to get to know them, and the occasional greeting from another runner is always enriching. I’m including a photo of my Strava route.
Breakfast at The Folks Chiado
The morning run worked up an appetite, and a full breakfast was necessary. The Folks Chiado, with its delicious latte and gourmet scrambled eggs, did not disappoint. It’s a modern and elegant place with great people-watching.
The Folks Chiado Breakfast
Tram 12/Miradouro Portas do Sol
A great way to reach the castle is to take tram 12 in the morning. Most tourists wait for the popular tram 28, and tram 12 generally has space to ride up to Alfama and the castle with just a brief walk afterward. If you bought the Lisbon Card the day before, it will likely still be active, and you can use it to pay for the ride. The driver will probably tell you it doesn’t reach the castle, but the walk is pleasant and manageable (albeit steep). The Miradouro Portas do Sol offers spectacular views of Lisbon's terraces with the Tagus River in the background.
São Jorge Castle
Entrance to the castle costs 15 euros per person and is not included in the Lisbon Card. It's worth it for the views, the pleasant park, and the camera obscura experience. São Jorge Castle was founded by the Moors in the 11th century and played a crucial role during the Siege of Lisbon in 1147, when it was taken by Christian crusaders. The 1755 earthquake caused significant damage, but today it has been restored and stands as a fascinating testament to Lisbon's history.
The castle park is beautiful and home to majestic peacocks that roam freely. Don't miss the camera obscura exhibit, which explains this ancient optical device and offers a very entertaining narration. It's definitely worth it.
Sao Jorge Castle
Castle/Alfama/Lunch
You’ll notice there’s no set itinerary for the Castle and Alfama neighborhood on the map, just location markers. That’s because following a strict itinerary through these narrow, character-filled streets would be a crime. This area is meant for getting lost and enjoying. And if you do get lost, try asking someone in Portuguese how to get to your next destination. Google Maps in these context is for yuppies and novice travelers.
Map produced from openstreetmap.org/copyright. Alfama highlights
Must-See Stops:
Try Ginjinha: Have a shot of Ginjinha at a couple of places. Ginjinha is Lisbon’s sweet cherry liqueur made from ginja berries. It usually sells for around two euros a shot and is worth every cent. Every vendor claims to have the best Ginjinha in Lisbon, and it’s your duty to find out if they’re right.
Rua de São Miguel: Walk along Rua de São Miguel in Alfama and take a photo with the narrow street and the white church in the background.
Largo de São Miguel Square: Visit this charming square.
Escadinhas de Santo Estêvão: Climb the stairs to reach the miradouro de Santo Estêvão.
Old Alfama Square and Rua da Judaria: Explore the old square of Alfama and Rua da Judaria, which was the Jewish quarter before the expulsion by the Inquisition.
Rua da Judaria can be your last stop, as the Cathedral is just a few blocks away and is our next destination. There are plenty of places to stop for a snack and a beer.
The Jews and the Inquisition in Lisbon
During the Middle Ages, Jews in Lisbon experienced a period of relative prosperity and freedom. Their own neighborhoods were known as Judiarias, where they could practice their religion and traditions.
The Inquisition in Portugal
The Portuguese Inquisition began in 1536 and marked a dark period in the history of the Jewish community in Portugal. The Inquisition sought to identify and punish converted Jews (conversos or New Christians) who were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism. This led to widespread persecution, forced conversions, and the expulsion of many Jews from Portugal.
Impact of the Inquisition and Destruction of the Judiarias
As a result of the persecution, many Jews had to flee the country or live a double life, pretending to be Christians while practicing their religion in secret. The earthquake of 1755 destroyed many of the buildings in the Judiarias, and the streets were widened during the city's reconstruction. Despite these challenges, the Jewish influence endured in the culture and society of Lisbon.
In the case of Lisbon, the factor that most influenced the destruction of the Judiarias was the 1755 earthquake. During the reconstruction of the city after the earthquake, the Judiarias were completely modified to create wider streets and build larger buildings.
Today
Today, Alfama's narrow streets stand as witnesses to the once-thriving Jewish community. There is a Jewish community center on Rua da Judiaria (judiarialisboa.com) that organizes tours and events. We didn't have time to visit during our short stay in Lisbon, but those interested in learning more about the history of the Jewish people in Lisbon can contact them.
In the Afternoon we started with the Lisbon Cathedral, walk through Baixa to check some spots we missed the first day, headed to the Elevador de San Justa, Convento de Carmo and finished in elegant Chiado having coffee at a Brasileira. Link to google maps.
Itinerary Day 2 Afternoon
Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest church in the city, built in the 12th century. From the outside, it resembles a fortress and is a blend of various architectural styles. Two towers, which look more like those of a castle than a church, flank a beautiful rose window (rosetón). Entry is free unless you want to visit the rooms with art and goldsmith works and access the balcony under the rose window. The interior doesn't contain renowned art pieces, but it is beautiful, especially because of the light streaming through the rose window, giving it a unique color.
Sé de Lisboa
Chiado and São Nicolau
After visiting the cathedral, we strolled through the Chiado neighborhood, famous for its elegant shops and bohemian atmosphere. We stopped at the Church of São Nicolau, a Baroque gem with impressive frescoes and architectural details.
Convento de Carmo
We visited the Convento de Carmo, an old Gothic church partially destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Today, its open-air ruins are a reminder of Lisbon's history and resilience, and a paradise for Instagrammers and influencers.
A Brasileira
We relaxed at A Brasileira, one of the most iconic cafés in Lisbon. Here, we enjoyed a coffee while admiring the decor and the display of delicious pastries and pasteis.
Tram 28
Tram 28 offers a beautiful and iconic route, which is why it’s usually packed with tourists. While the ride is exceptional, you can only truly enjoy it if you get a seat. Standing makes it hard to see outside, and balancing to hold on while taking photos is more of a juggling act than a tourist activity. My recommendation is to ride it only if you can sit. We took an opportunistic approach, passing by the tram 28 stops several times over both days, hoping to find a moment when we could get a seat. By the end of the second day, we were lucky in Bairro Alto and enjoyed the ride.
Fado Night at Tasca do Chico
Fado is the music of Lisbon. The guitars and the soulful, melancholic female voices create a unique artistic expression that can only be truly experienced in Portugal. There are several options for listening to fado, some more touristy than others. We had good recommendations for an elegant restaurant with excellent fado, but we wanted a more authentic experience. We found it at Tasca do Chico. There is a line to get in, but since there are several breaks between shows, it moved faster than we expected and was worth the wait. The audience was equally divided between tourists and locals, and the place exuded character and history. The performers were top-notch, making for a great experience. Vinho verde, camaraderie, and fado music made for an unforgettable night.
Fado at Tasca do Chico
Conclusion
Lisbon is a city full of history and charm. There is undoubtedly more to see and do, but I believe these two days gave us a good sense of the city, its history, spirit, and allure. While the pace of this itinerary is steady, it allows time to leisurely enjoy breakfasts, al fresco lunches, afternoon snacks, and take in the views at a relaxed pace. What do you think? Leave us a comment. Any questions or doubts about the itinerary, let us know. Thank you for your attention and happy travels!
