Visiting Lisbon will likely exceed any of your expectations. The cuisine, architecture, and culture make this a tremendous place to visit. But If you only have a couple of days to see the city, using this Lisbon 2 day itinerary will ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
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DAY ONE
Belem Tower
Visiting one of the most popular sites in Lisbon is an excellent way to start your tour of the city. Depending on where you’re staying, taking the 15E tram from the central part of Lisbon is the best way to reach the site.
You’ll enjoy not only the tower but the surrounding grounds which make the tower stand out even more. Since you only have two days, you can simply enjoy the tower from the outside.
If you think you have the time you can purchase tickets and explore the inside. The tower is striking in its position on the banks of the Tagus River. Allow plenty of time for photos.
Jeronimos Monastery
Following the Belem Tower, you can take the 15E tram down to The Jeronimos Monastery. This is one of the more striking buildings in a city full of them.
The Gothic architecture is immediately eye-catching from the outside and that theme is continued with great effect on the inside. Its intricately designed corridors and arches make for a fantastical experience to tour.
You can purchase tickets online ahead of time and kids 11 and under are free. There is also a church onsite to tour.
Pasteis de Belem
Pasteis de nata is one of the best reasons to visit Portugal and this is one of the most popular places to sample them. This location is just a few steps from the Jeronimos Monastery and will likely be busy. You can easily request to eat inside to avoid the line which will save a lot of time.
Rossio Square/Praca Dom Pedro IV
Taking the 15E tram into central Lisbon to the final stop in Praca da Figueira will place you right next to Rossio Square. This square is also known as Praca Dom Pedro IV.
The ground of this splendid square is covered in intricately designed patterned tiles. It also includes two fountains and a towering monument at its center. With the benches conveniently installed, it makes for an excellent place to relax and watch Lisbon go by.
Rua Augusta
Heading south out of the square there are several roads to take. The one that you want is the Rua Augusta which is a pedestrian walkway. This is one of the preeminent streets in Lisbon.
Follow it down towards the Arch that’s named after it. On the way, you’ll enjoy the tiled buildings and street. These tiles, or azulejos are one of the more interesting things about Lisbon.
There are several restaurants with tables out along the walkway which provide a meal with a great view.
Praca do Comercio/Arco da Rua Augusta
Following the Rua Augusta to its end will bring you here, to the Arco da Rua Augusta. Crossing under the arch you’ll immediately notice the colonnade to the right and left which surrounds the square on three sides.
This high arching point is quite the exclamation point to the end of the famed street.
Once you’re in the square you’ll be amazed at the expansive size of the area. A statue of King Jose I sits in the middle with so much open space around it. The southern end opens up to the Tagus River which creates a fascinating view.
TimeOut Market
After a long day of walking and touring it’ll be time to get something to eat. The Timeout Market is a great place to go for variety. A collection of some of the best restaurants and chefs is present here.
Once you have what you want to eat, you can enjoy it in a food hall, communal-style atmosphere.
DAY TWO
Tram 28
Depending on where you’re staying you can use Tram 28 to make the journey up into Alfama to start your day. This tram is both a tourist experience and a practical way to save your legs from the steep hills of Alfama.
Lisbon Cathedral
This cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece situated in the heart of Alfama. A ticket will give you access to the cathedral as well as a trip upstairs for a great perspective of the church inside and the neighborhood outside and down the Tagus River.
You’ll love the massive ceilings, arches, and gothic architectural features present throughout.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Continuing up the ever-present hills (either by foot or by tram) will bring you to one of many miradouros spread throughout Lisbon. Santa Luzia is a fascinating space that is separated into two sections.
An upper space and a lower space. The lower space is much smaller and more intimate, while the upper space has a longer vine-covered pergola, a more expansive view, and a garden. Both are worth checking out.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Just around the corner from Santa Luzia lies Miradouro das Portas do Sol. This area is much more open with sweeping views of Alfama and the Tagus River.
There are numerous great viewpoints from among the terraces featured here. This is a great place to take some time to rest and take some amazing photos.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Heading back towards Miradouro de Santa Luzia you can take Largo do Contador Mor uphill towards the castle. It’s a bit of a walk, but the whole area is charming. As you make your way onto the castle grounds you’ll notice the walls begin to emerge.
You can purchase your ticket ahead of time to make the entrance a bit quicker. The moment you enter you’ll be in a wide tree-covered courtyard with one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon. This alone is worth the price of admission.
Once you’ve enjoyed the views and taken your pics you can proceed to the interior of the castle and it’s an enthralling journey. You’ll find yourself climbing steps, following long elevated walkways, entering lookout points and watchtowers.
As fascinating as the Jeronimos Monastery is, Sao Jorge castle ended up being my favorite spot in Lisbon.
Alfama
Whatever time that you have remaining should be spent wandering and exploring the winding streets and alleys of Alfama. It’s also a great place to find some great Portuguese cuisine including more pasteis de nata.
You can continue near the castle and then make your way back down towards Miradouro das Portas do Sol which contains a stairwell that will lead you down to the lower part of Alfama as well.
WHAT TO DO IN LISBON IN 2 FOR DAYS
While 2 days probably isn’t enough to fully enjoy Lisbon, you can see just enough that you’ll be happy with the experience. You’ll have time to visit sites such as the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Sao Jorge castle, Lisbon Cathedral, Praca do Comercio and of course, explore Alfama.
While you have your itinerary in tact, check out these articles which will tell you what to pack for your visit to Lisbon, the best areas to stay in Lisbon as well as some helpful tips for your trip. Safe travels!
