Is 2 days In Lisbon Enough? Itinerary + The Best Viewpoints in Lisbon!
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Lisbon is the charming capital city of Portugal that has captivated travelers with its vibrant culture, live music, rich history, and stunning architecture. If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of things to do in this beautiful city. But you may be wondering if you have limited time- Is 2 days in Lisbon enough?
From exploring the narrow streets and colorful neighborhoods, to indulging in local cuisine and wine, Lisbon offers an unforgettable experience for all.
Lisbon is my favorite European city I have been to so far. I really loved the whole country of Portugal; filled with culture, history, great food, nice people, and beautiful sights.
In this article, I will guide you through 2 days of exploration in Lisbon, highlighting some of the must-visit attractions and hidden gems that will make your visit truly memorable. I share the best places to stay, what Lisbon is famous for, and a 2 day itinerary.
So pack your bags and get ready for an exciting adventure!
Where is Lisbon, Portugal?
The country of Portugal shares a border with Spain to the East and to the West lies the Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the Western side of the Iberian peninsula, between the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and also its’ largest city with a population of just over 500,000 people.
How to get to Lisbon
Fly into Lisbon’s International Airport, Humberto Delgado Airport, that is located just 20 minutes by car from the city’s center.
By Metro: Take the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ Metro line to get to the city from the airport in about 35 minutes. A single ride costs just 1.65 euro. This metro arrives every 6-10 minutes.
By Taxi/Car: In light traffic, the 20 minute drive to the city center by taxi will cost you about 15 euro. There is Uber in Lisbon; identify your Uber driver by the TVDE stickers on their front and rear windows.
Is Lisbon a walkable city?
Lisbon is a very walkable city, but keep in mind that the city was built on 7 hills. So it can be very steep to walk around with many staircases scattered throughout the city. It’s nothing impossible or to be intimidated of if you are able bodied, but it is important to keep in mind. However- the city’s center is relatively flat and easy to navigate for most.
Luckily if you’re unable to climb all the stairs and up the steep streets of the rest of the city they have a great public transportation system with many buses, trams, and the Metro. The city is also only 38 square miles so it is easy to see a lot if you have limited time.
Is Lisbon safe?
Yes! Lisbon is a very safe city to visit. It is a popular solo female destination as well. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing do happen, just like any other major city, so still use your street smarts and keep your electronics and belongings out of sight.
Pickpockets tend to target people who are distracted and not paying attention, especially tourists that stop to watch street performers. Be extra cautious and aware around the city center when it is busy. Also avoid walking alone at night around the city.
What is Lisbon best known for?
Lisbon is best known for being a very hilly city with vibrant street art, beautiful weather year round and having many viewpoints (or miraduoros in Portuguese).
It is a city rich in history also known for its yellow trams that go up and down the steep and narrow city streets, traditional fado music, and its charming tiled walls.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon
If you want to enjoy sunny temperate weather and fewer crowds, visit during the months of March to May or September to October.
Summers in Lisbon are warm, dry, and sunny while winters can get chilly, wet, and partly cloudy. But it is overall a pretty temperate climate since the lowest average temperature in the winter is 47°F and the highest average temperature in summer is 82°F.
The clearest month all year is July, and the cloudiest month is December. November and December are the rainiest months with approximately 8 days of rain each month, averaging 3″ a month of rainfall.
Best Places to Stay in Lisbon
The areas of Baixa and Chiado are great places to stay if you want to be in the heart of Lisbon and within walking distance to many attractions. I personally stayed in Alfama in an Airbnb which I enjoyed since it was off the beaten path a bit. It has a local feel to it but the area is super hilly. Stay in Barrio Alto for some of the cheapest accomodations. This area also has the best nightlife. Belem is a great option in Lisbon, though it is a bit far from the city center so you have to take public transportation to reach the hot spots during the day.
- Budget: Lisbon is full of hostels for those on a low budget. The Rossi Hostel is a highly rated option that is located centrally in the Bairro Alto district and has many room options. There is also breakfast included. The Hotel Ibis Lisboa Saldanha is a budget option outside of the city center but close to a Metro station to access the tourist spots. These rooms are newly renovated and modern.
- Mid Range: The Hotel Principe Lisboa is highly rated still at a great price point with a free breakfast and located right next to a Metro station. Or consider renting an apartment along the water with a terrace or balcony within walking distance to the city center.
- Luxury: Stay at 138 Liberdade Hotel in the city’s center that has a rooftop with the most amazing view of the city and breakfast included. Or stay at the Pousada de Lisboa. Their superior rooms have views of the Praça do Comércio, Rua do Ouro or Lisbon City Hall, and some include a balcony.
Note that the neighborhoods of Anjos and Mouraria should be avoided after dark.
Is 2 days in Lisbon enough?
Yes! I think it is a great amount of time to spend in the city. While I would have liked another day or two, 2 days is enough time to see the top sights while still taking it slow and enjoying yourself. It is a compact city with great public transportation options so it is easy to quickly get around town.
Lisbon 2 Day Itinerary
Day One: Stroll the charming streets of the Alfama district in the morning before heading up to some of the best viewpoints, or Miraduoros. Enjoy a snack and cocktail with a view at Cerca Moura. Afterwards explore Castelo de Sao Gorge. Then take a stroll around Praca do Comercio and maybe grab a pizza at Lupita to take to the waterfront while the sun goes down. End your night by going to see a show of the the city’s famous music of Fado.
Day Two: Start your day with a walking tour to learn more about the city from an expert guide, seeing different parts than you did the previous day. Afterwards grab some lunch and then take a ride on one of the infamous yellow trams around Lisbon! If you have some extra time- dive into more history by taking a tour of the Belem tower. End your day with a sunset sailboat cruise along the River Tagus to see the city from a different perspective.
Top things to do in Lisbon in 2 days
Visit the Alfama District
Alfama is filled with cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, and old buildings with tons of character. In the past, Alfama was a poor district of Lisbon built on the outside of the city walls. Explore and get lost in these narrow streets and alleyways. Do be prepared; its basically all steps and stairs everywhere so your legs will be screaming.
Praca do Comercio
In the center of Lisbon you will find Praca do Comercio, which translates to Palace Square. The plaza was built in 1873 over the grounds of the palace that was destroyed by an Earthquake in 1755.
You’ll find the Acro da Rua Augusta, a picturesque arch that leads into central Lisbon. As well as a statue of King Joseph I.
There is plenty to see and do around this lively square with street performers, vendors, cafes, and restaurants.
Visit Castelo Sao de Jorge
The castle dates all the way back to Roman times and was established 2000 years ago in the 1st century BC. Throughout periods of time, the castle has been highly regarded and maintained as seats of power. It was also damaged in a few earthquakes throughout hundreds of years and has been used as a prison and arsenal.
Its latest reconstruction in 1938 restored its history and beauty, making it one of the best tourist attractions today in Lisbon. There are also many great lookout points around the castle of the surrounding city. Most people spend about 1 to 1 1/2 hours here.
Sao Jorge castle is open year round: November – February from 9 am to 6 pm and March – October from 9 am to 9 pm.
Cost of admission for adults is 10 euro, 5 euro for students, seniors & disabled guests are 8.50 euro, and children under the age of 12 enter for free.
Take a sailboat tour of the city
Be sure to add this unique activity to your two day Lisbon itinerary. On my visit to Lisbon I did a sailboat cruise in the morning, but sunset would also be a spectacular time to go.
Cruise along the River Tagus to enjoy the city from a unique perspective, sailing by many historical monuments and under the famous 25 de April Bridge. Also see the Cristo-Rei Statue which resembles the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.
Go on a walking tour to learn of the city’s history
What better way to learn about the history of Lisbon than from a local expert?
On this particular walking tour you will see some sights you didn’t see the previous day such as the São Pedro de Alcantâra viewpoint, the Church of São Roque, and the Santa Justa lift to an incredible view of the city.
Ride on one of the famous yellow trams
There are five tram routes to take around Lisbon. The historic tram #28 is the most popular and can lead to VERY long lines. The #15 tram is more modern and also well traveled.
If you want to escape the crowds take the #12 tram that goes around Lisbons’ old city in under a half hour and past major attractions such as the cathedral and Saint Anthony’s church. The #25 tram runs along the river and a few local neighborhoods.
You can get a ticket to ride while onboard. The more modern tram #15 will have a ticket machine onboard; otherwise have cash on hand to pay the driver. Note that you should have the exact money for a ride since sometimes there is no change to give back.
To save time and potentially money, go to a metro station before your tram ride to buy a day pass or get a Viva Viagem card to preload credit on it.
One single tram ride is 3 euro when purchased onboard. Or you could purchase the day pass (mentioned above) for only 6.40 at a metro station if you plan to ride the tram more than twice.
See a Fado show
Fado, translating to fate or destiny, is a classic folk music sung by locals of Lisbon’s poor neighborhoods. Fado is coined the ‘Lisbon blues’ since it is very sad music sung about heartbreak, those that have passed, and sailors lost at sea.
Restaurants that have live Fado music sung tend to get expensive. Tasca do Chico is a popular bar to see Fado that won’t break the bank.
Belem Tower
On the banks of the Tagus River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the early 1500s. It was first built to defend the city but was turned into a lighthouse and a customs center. The tower has five floors and a roof terrace with great views of the river.
To get to each floor note that you have to climb a few narrow spiral staircases. In peak tourist season be sure to get here early to beat the crowds and heat.
The Belem Tower is open October – April from 10 am to 5:30 pm. May – September from 10 am to 6.30 pm.
It is just 6 euro for adults. Seniors and students receive 50% off and children under the age of 12 get in for free.
Best Viewpoints in Lisbon
Miradouro Portos do Sol. Here you can enjoy live music from street bands and drink beer or sangria just admiring the view! We ended up spending quite a few hours here just hanging out and enjoying ourselves on our first day. Years later it’s still one of my fondest memories of the trip, and I felt that spot really captured the vibe of Lisbon.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is an observation deck just above Miradouro Portos do Sol. At this viewpoint you will see the river more with a panoramic view of the city. The observation deck area features colorful tiles and during the spring there were flowers blooming.
Miradouro da Graca is located in the Graca neighborhood, just about a ten minute walk from Miradouro Portos do Sol.
Walk 25 minutes from Miraduoro da Graca to Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara. This viewpoint offers a different perspective from the previous ones. You can also catch a distant view of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.
Best places to eat in Lisbon
- For breakfast go to Quase Cafe or Brick Cafe Lisboa, both highly rated and have large portions to fuel up for your full day of exploring!
- A Valenciana: An economical place to get the famous Portuguese charcoal grilled piri-piri chicken.
- A Taberna da Rua das Flores: A traditional tapas restaurant with fresh seafood.
- Ze da Mouraria or Ze dos Cornos: For cheap Portuguese cuisine in a no frills setting.
- Manteigaria: Visit this bakery that specializes in Portugal’s famous pasteis de natas- a sweet custard tart. I think I had 1-2 a day while in Portugal and couldn’t get enough of them!
Have more time in Lisbon?
- Take a wine and food tour of Lisbon or take a pastry class to learn how to make pasteis de natas.
- There are also some awesome day trips from Lisbon to Sintra to the Pena Palace or to the countryside of Portugal.
Want to explore more in Portugal?
Take a 4 hour bus to the seaside town of Lagos with amazing sandstone cliffs and beaches.
If you’re a wine lover- you’ll have to check out Porto! It is a 4 hour train ride away or 3 hrs on the road if you’re renting a car. You can also book a private drive here. Porto is famous for its’ port wines; and being smaller than Lisbon it is a more walkable city. Porto was not damaged by the earthquakes that affected Lisbon, so the city looks the same as did centuries ago since it didn’t have to rebuilt.
If you’re craving some nature off of the beaten path- check out Madeira. You can fly to these islands in under 2 hours from Lisbon. Madeira is known as the ‘Hawaii’ of Europe and is quickly becoming a more popular destination.
Or visit neighboring Spain to see the beautiful Sevilla and infamous city of Barcelona. Be sure to check out my 10 Day Portugal & Spain Itinerary.
