How to Get the Most out of Your Two-Day Visit to Lisbon, Portugal, Including a Detailed Itinerary

Welcome back to Focus on the Journey. Thanks for joining us! In this two-day Itinerary, we’ll be exploring some of the most unique neighbourhoods that make up this beautiful city. During these detailed walking tours, we’ll be visiting museums, exploring an ancient castle, listening to traditional Portuguese music, eating some amazing food, watching the sunset from some beautiful vantage points, trying some Ginjinha (a traditional Portuguese liqueur), taking the ferry over to Cacilhas for views of Lisbon, and enjoying some great seafood.

Also, for those of you who are interested and still have some energy left at the end of the evening, we will be enjoying some exciting nightlife! Many of these experiences are discussed in our post, “Top 10 Experiences in Lisbon, Portugal ”. For some great recommendations on places to stay, eat, experience Fado, enjoy the city’s nightlife and more, please read our post, “Tips and Recommendations: Helping You Create Your Perfect Journey to Lisbon, Portugal ”. For a delicious recipe for Portuguese Fish Stew, read our post “How to Make Caldeirada de Peixe (Portuguese Fish Stew)”.

   **Please note, due to the tragic accident involving the Elevador da Gloria, all of the CARRIS lifts & elevators are temporarily closed until further notice. Our hearts go out to everyone involved. **

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we would get a small commission if you decided to make a purchase through one of them, at no extra cost to you and you would be supporting our small Canadian business. This would allow us to continue creating informative travel content. All the businesses we are recommending are ones we use in our travels and feel comfortable doing so!

Table of contents:

1. Itinerary Day 1
2. Itinerary Day 2
3. References
4. The Wrap-Up

This two-day Itinerary is designed into four separate sections that can be mixed and matched depending on how fast you go through each walking tour, or you can flip them, depending on closing days for some of the sites. For example, most sites in Belem are closed on Mondays, and the Se Cathedral and the Carmo Convent are closed on Sundays. As for the maps, there are keys on each of them to help give you a visual of the walking tour. We go through the different districts, (or neighbourhoods), numbered points of interest, that guide you through the streets. It shows you where the walk starts and ends, as well as extra optional sites (if interest and time permits). On some, it will show you where to get on and off the tram to start your walk. I would still recommend getting a city map from the tourist office, as they would likely be more detailed as far as street names and transit. Lastly, I do use North/East/West/South when referring to some of the directions I give, so just remember while in Lisbon, the water is always south, Sao Jorges castle is North, Alfama is to the east of the city centre, and Chiado is west. That said, here’s what we are proposing for day 1.

1. Itinerary Day 1

Today you will be riding the Iconic Tram 28, exploring the historic Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Chiado districts, taking a ferry across the river to watch the sunset from a beautiful vantage point, and having dinner along the water with views of Lisbon. If you’re up for it, once you’ve returned from across the river, you could go for a drink on a rooftop terrace or experience some nightlife. For some suggestions on where to go, check out our post, “Tips and Recommendations: Helping You Create Your Perfect Journey to Lisbon, Portugal ”. Depending on where you’re staying, the morning walk to the Martim Moniz Tram 28 stop should be approx. 1.5 to 2kms if staying in the city. If not, take the metro to the Martim Moniz station. The daytime walk will cover approx. 3.5kms, and the evening walk will cover approx. 3kms (1.5kms each way). Today is relatively flat (if you ride the funicular when suggested), but comfortable shoes are still important.

Let’s get day 1 started. Depending on where in the city you’re staying, make your way to the Martim Moniz Tram 28 stop. This is its first stop for the tram, so you’ll have a better chance of getting a seat, especially if you start early. Hop on and ride the tram through the pretty neighbourhoods of Graca, Alfama and into the Baixa, which will take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Tram 28 runs from 5:40am till 11:30pm every 15 minutes during the week and 6:45am till 10:30pm on the weekend. By doing this, you can see some of the sights and get your bearings straight as far as this city’s layout. If you wait till mid-day, you likely won’t get a seat, as it will be crowded, and there is a better chance of pickpockets.

Get off the Tram 28 at the R. Conceica tram stop and walk south to Praca Comercio to start the walking tour.

If you want photos of the famous Pink Street without the crowds, get off at Lg. Academia Nacional Belas Artes Tram stop. Walk south/west on Rua Vitor Corden, then turn left on Rua Calcada Ferragial, which curves to the right. Keep walking straight ahead, and it will turn into Pink Street (Rua Cor de Rosa). The walk should take approx. 6 mins. Pink St. used to be an unsavoury area of town, but since 2011, it has been revitalized into a hot spot for cafés, great nightlife, and of course, its painted pink streets.

Whether you’ve done the photos of Pink St. or not, make your way over to #1 Praca do Comercio, the city’s main square, and the start our tour. Take in the views of the Tejo River to the south, the Statue of Jose I, King of Portugal (from 1750 to 1777) in the middle of the square and the Augusta Arch to the north. On each side of the square, there are lots of restaurants and the Lisboa Story Centre, which showcases Lisbon’s history (open 10:00 to 7:00 and 7.00 euros each or free with the Lisboa card). There is a tourist Information spot (open 10:00 to 7:00), and there is the Museu do Cerveja (Beer Museum, open 12-9pm), which does beer tasting as well.

Head North to #2 the Augusta Arch. You can take the lift to the top and enjoy the amazing 360-degree views of Lisbon, from the terracotta tiled roofs to the beautiful waters of the Tejo River (open 10:00 to 7:00 every day, 3.50 euros each or free with the Lisboa card).

When you reach Rua de Santa Justa, look down the street to your left (west) and you’ll see the Elevador de Santa Justa, which is a Portuguese National Monument. It opened in 1899 and was designed by Raul Mesnier de Pongard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The elevator is 148ft tall, made of iron, in the Neo-gothic style. It connects the Baixa and the upper Largo do Carmo in the Chiado district (you’ll see this again later in the walk).

Continue up Rua Augusta to Rua da Betesga and turn right towards #4 Praca da Figueira. Stroll through the square, taking in the views of the hilltop Castelo de Sao Jorge to the east, the Pombaline town houses surrounding the square, and the centre statue of King John I, ruling in the 1300s.

Move on to #5 Praca do Rossio, the city’s historic centre. Given its long shape, historians believe it used to be a Roman racetrack 2,000 years ago. It has beautifully laid mosaic tiles in an ocean wave pattern. In the centre of the square, there is a pretty fountain and a large column with a statue of King Dom Pedro IV (king in the 1820s) on top. There are some beautiful buildings surrounding this square, including the National Theatre and the Rossio Train Station, which is in the Neo-Manueline style, with beautiful arched doorways.

On the east side of the square, there is a place called #6 Ginjinha Espinheira. It’s the oldest bar of its kind in Lisbon. It opened in 1840, serving Ginjinha, a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from the ginja berry (sour-cherry tasting) and alcohol, one of the musts in Lisbon. So if you’re up for it, now is your chance. It’s open 9:00am to 10:00pm.

Next, make your way to #7 Praca dos Restauradores, which translates to Restoration. There is an obelisk here that celebrates the restoration of the Portuguese independence from Spain in 1640.

To the west side of the square, you’ll find #8 the Elevador da Gloria or funicular, which has been operating here since 1885. The funicular runs about every 12 minutess starting at 7:15am until approx. 9:00pm and is 3.80 euros round trip (or free with the Lisboa Card). It’s a short ride, but entertaining, and your legs will thank you! Take advantage of the funiculars, elevators and trams when you can. This is a very hilly city!

Once you reach the top, turn to your right, and you’ll see #9 Miradouro do Sao Pedro de Alcantara lookout and garden. There are great views here of the city, castle, and river, as well as a pretty park with a nice fountain. I enjoyed sitting in the shade and taking in the beauty all around. This is also a great place to take photos!

From here, head south into Bairro Alto and explore some of the many back streets. Here would also be a great place to sit and have a bite to eat. There are many restaurants in the area. A few suggestions: Bar e Restaurante Lumi Rooftop (good food and view, at R. de Sao Pedro de Alcantara 35) or Leve Leve Tapas Bar (good food, and tapas is always fun, at Travessa da Boa Hora 39).

After lunch, head south/east towards the Chiado district, to Largo do Carmo and #10 the Carmo Convent. This is a church that was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake and left as it was to serve as a reminder and monument of that devastating day and is now a museum. The church was originally built in 1389 in the Gothic style. It’s open 10:00am to 7:00pm (till 6:00pm in the winter) and is 7.00 euros per adult or 5.00 euros with the Lisboa card. Students and seniors over 65 are 5.00 euros, free for those 14 and under. It’s closed Sundays.

From here, walk along the south side of the church to #11 the Elevadore de Santa Justa and take in the views of its observation deck (1.50 euros or free with the Lisboa card). This is one of the best views in the city. You can see the Baixa, the castle, and the river. Another great place for photos!

After, ride the elevator back down to the Baixa area (the ride is 5.30 euros for a return ticket or free with your Lisboa card. It’s open from 7:00am to 11:00pm in the summer) and walk back down to Rua Augusta (south) to the Praca do Comercio. At this point, you would have the option to visit the Lisbon Story Centre or Beer Museum if you didn’t take the time earlier.

If the line at the elevator is too long and you prefer not to wait, then make your way south through the Chiado area, exploring as you go. You could also stop by Pink Street if you didn’t see it earlier. End up back at the Praca do Comercio.

Now, I would suggest heading back to your hotel. Relax a little, maybe shower and change and get yourself ready for the evening. (I do it this way, so that I can just get up and go early in the morning and not have to worry about showering. Plus, after all the walking and possible heat, it’s nice to be able to rest and clean up before dinner).

Once ready, head to the Cais do Sodre ferry terminal and take the ferry across the river to Cacilhas, avoiding the hour between 5:00 and 6:00pm due to rush hour crowds. Tickets are 1.40 euros each way. The ferry leaves approx. every 15 mins and takes 10 mins to cross the river. Once you get off the ferry, head south/east along the water, past the lighthouse to the #1 D. Fernando ll e Gloria Frigate. This is a wooden-hulled 50-gun frigate navy ship that was built in 1843 and remained in service until 1878. In 1990, the Portuguese Navy decided to restore it and use it as a floating museum. It is open 10:00am to 5:00pm or until 6:00pm from May 1 till Sept. 30. It costs 5 euros for adults, 2.50 euros for youth 4 -12 and seniors 65+, or free for those 3 or under. If you make it here before closing and are interested in seeing inside, do so now. If not, you can marvel at the exterior and move on.

Next head west from the ferry terminal along the waterfront to #2 Jardim do Rio (about a 15-min walk). Along the way, stop and pick up some drinks. Once you get to Jardim do Rio, find somewhere to sit and take in the beautiful sunset, as it’s one of the best spots in the city, with views of Lisbon and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. Check out Lisbon sunset times here.

As an optional site, if you’re interested in seeing Cristo Rei statue up close, it’s a 2 km walk each way from Jardim do Rio (or you can take the #3001 bus). There is a terrace by the pedestal that’s free to visit, or if you want to check out the views from the top, there is a 6.00 euro charge from July to October and 5.00 euros the rest of the year; children from 8 -12 are 2.50 euros. It’s open from 9:30am to 7:30pm from mid-July to the end of August and 9:30am to 6:00pm from Sept. to June.

After, walk back along the river towards the ferry terminal and stop at one of the many #3 Harbour front restaurants for a dinner of steak and seafood. Some suggestions, but there are a lot: Vale do Rio (great seafood, at Lgo Alfredo Dinis 12-13) or Ponte Final (for the seafood and views at R. do Ginjal 72, closer to the garden. May need reservations). I don’t typically like to make reservations unless I really, really want to eat somewhere. I generally just look for a place, preferably somewhere not too touristy.

After dinner, head back to the terminal and take the ferry across to Lisbon and back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, or if you’re not tired yet, head over to the Biarro Alto district or Pink St. for a drink and some great night life. Check out our post “Tips and Recommendations: Helping you Create Your Perfect Journey to Lisbon, Portugal ” for recommendations on places to experience some Lisbon nightlife or for a great place to have a rooftop drink.

2. Itinerary Day 2

Today, you will be exploring the historic Alfama and beautiful Belem districts, with some Fado music at dinner to cap it off! You will be going back in time while visiting St. George’s castle, admiring the amazing view from several vantage points, wandering through historic cobblestone streets and enjoying delicious tarts. The morning walk will cover about 5 kms, but there are a few more hills. I have you starting at the top and working your way down for the most part, but there are still some uphill sections. The afternoon in Belem will cover approx. 2-3 kms but is mainly flat.

I’m sure you’re excited to start day 2, hop back on the Tram 28 (the earlier the better) and get off at the Largo da Graca stop. Walk north (yes, unfortunately, uphill) to start, but this should wake you up! It’s about 350m up to #1 Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This is Lisbon’s highest lookout, has breathtaking views and where Day 2’s walking tour begins!

After you’re done taking in the beautiful views of Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, head south, downhill, back past the tram stop you got off at, to #2 Igreja da Graca (church). Here there is a pretty church and another beautiful lookout to enjoy.

Next, head south to the #3 Castelo de Sao Jorge. This is one of Lisbon’s main attractions, so I suggest getting there by about 8:45am. It opens at 9:00am, but there can be a bit of a line up just before opening. It doesn’t get too busy until after 10:00am, so take advantage of this time. Walk through the castle ruins, take in the views, enjoy the amazing finds in the castle museum, take a guided tour of the archeological site that is still being worked on (book your tour when you get your ticket if you’d like to see this. It’s included with your ticket, but needs to be booked) and marvel at the beautiful peacocks wandering around the grounds. The oldest fortification on this hill dates back to the 2nd century B.C., but human occupation dates back to the 8th century B.C. Tickets are 15 euros each for adults, 7.50 euros for those 13 to 25, 12.50 euros for those 65+, and free for those 12 and under. It’s open every day from 9:00am to 9:00pm in the summer and 9:00am to 6:00pm in the winter.

If time permits, walk around the little streets inside the castle walls, it’s well worth it and fairly quiet in the morning, a great time to take some photos. So, if you arrive at the castle before 8:45am you could explore this area ahead of going into the castle or take some time afterwards.

Once you’re ready to move on, make your way down to #4 Miradouro das Portas do Sol, one of the most popular viewpoints. It has a large balcony with all of Alfama as the backdrop, a definite must-see.

#5 Miradouro de Santa Luzia is right next door to Portas do Sol. It’s another lookout, but also has a church and beautiful garden with flowering bougainvillea trees and a covered terrace. Worth the stop!

Next stop is an optional site, the Mosteiro de Sao Vicente de Fora, or the “Monastery of Saint Vincent, outside the walls”. It was founded in 1174 by King Afonso I, who had this monastery built outside of the castle walls and named after the patron saint of Lisbon. The monastery is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm and costs 8.00 euros for adults or 7.00 euros with the Lisboa card. Some of the things you can see here are the Royal tombs in the Pantheon, a 12th century cistern that held rainwater used by the monastery, the 18th century Noble Entrance Hall, The Sacristy (which is still used today and holds tombs that are thought to belong to crusaders who fought with King Alfonso I in 1147), and a beautiful terrace with 360-degree views over Lisbon and the river. Lots to see here.

Whether you explored the monastery or not, head south from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia to #6 Largo de Sao Miguel. This area is the heart of Alfama. It has retained its medieval, maze-like street plans that were originally designed this way to confuse and frustrate invaders. Now it’s charming and fun to explore, so enjoy! After you’ve finished your wandering in this area, head east on Rua de Sao Pedro, then south towards the river to #7 the Fado Museum. It’s open from 10:00am to 6:00pm but closed on Mondays. It is 5 euros for adults, or 4 euros with the Lisboa card. It’s 2.50 euros for those 13 to 25 or 2 euros with the Lisboa card and 4.30 euros for those over 65. Here you will discover the history of Fado music, a Portuguese style of melancholy story-telling music, dating back to the early 1800s.

If the Fado Museum is not for you, skip it and head south/west to #8 Se de Lisboa, Lisbon Cathedral. It’s open 10:00am to 6:00pm but closed on Sundays. It costs 5 euros for adults or 4 euros with the Lisboa card, 3 euros for those 7-12, and free under 7. The Se de Lisboa was built in 1147, and although it has been damaged, it has survived many earthquakes. It has been renovated and restored many times, so it is now a mix of architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. It is also an active archaeological site, with ongoing finds.

Next is our second optional stop on the walking tour, Museu de Lisboa – Roman Theatre. Admission is 3 euros for adults, 1.50 euros for those 13 to 25, and 2.60 euros for those over 65, which includes this museum and 4 others around the city. They are open from 10:00am to 6:00pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. The Roman Theatre dates back 2000 years; it was built on the slopes of the castle and could be seen in all its grandeur by visitors arriving to the city by ship. At this point in history, Lisbon was ruled by the Romans and the city was known as Felicitas Lulia Olisipo, named by Emperor Augustus. The Olisipo Theatre could seat 4,000 spectators. It was originally discovered in 1798 during the reconstruction of the city after the 1755 earthquake, then abandoned and buried and rediscovered in the late 1800’s. In 1964, they started the excavation works and in 1967, it was classed as a building of public interest, it is currently under reclassification as a national monument. In 2001, the museum opened and in 2015, there was some remodeling and rebranding and the current Lisbon Museum – Roman Theatre reopened. The history in this city is truly amazing!

From the Se Catherdral (or Roman Theatre), head west to the Praca Do Comercio, where you started day 1. This is a great spot to have lunch in one of the outdoor restaurants or go straight to Belem and eat at one of their waterfront cafés.

Once ready, take the Tram 15e west to Belem. You should be able to get it from the street north of the square, and it takes about 30 mins. Get off at the Belem, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos stop, walk south towards the water, through the Jardim da Praca do Imperio (garden), and look for the underpass, which will take you to #1 The Monument to the Discoveries. This monument stands 172ft tall and has Prince Henry the Navigator at the front, with 32 leading figures from the Age of Discovery (16 on each side). They include monarchs, explorers, (Vasco da Gama), cartographers, artists, scientists and missionaries. It was built between 1958 and 1960 to commemorate 500 years since the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. The South African Government gifted the square in front of the monument, including a 160ft diameter rose compass. If you’re interested, you can climb to the top of the monument for amazing views of the river, bridge and Belem. Tickets cost 10.00 euros for adults or 8.30 euros with the Lisboa card, 5.00 euros for those 13 to 25, or 8.50 euros for those over 65. It’s open from 10:00am to 7:00pm daily during the summer and 10:00am to 6:00pm during the winter.

After the monument, walk west along the river, towards #2 Torre de Belem. It’s about a 10-minute beautiful walk with great views. There are cafés and kiosks selling snacks and drinks, some selling piña coladas in pineapples, which were delicious, but get heavy to carry after a while!

The Torre de Belem was built between 1514 and 1520 in the Manueline style and is 100ft tall. It was the last thing the explorers saw as they sailed out to sea and the first thing they saw on their return. It was built as the first line of defense for Lisbon. The views from the top terrace are beautiful with sights of Belem, the April 25th bridge, and the river. The entry cost for the tower is 8 euros for adults or free with the Lisboa card or 19 euros as a combination ticket with the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. The tower’s summer hours are 10:00am to 6:30pm, closed on Mondays.

When you’re done admiring the views, head back the same way you came, all the way to the tram stop and head north across the street to #3 Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. This amazing and beautiful building was built between 1501 and 1601. It is 300 yards long and built in the Gothic, Manueline style. It’s one of the best examples around. King Manuel had this built as a tribute to the explorers from the Age of Discoveries. The king put a 5% tax on spice that was brought back from India and used that money to build the monastery.

The summer hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm, with the last entry being at 5:30pm. It’s best to get here after 4:00pm (which should work out well with this itinerary) as there will be less crowds. It is also closed on Mondays, so make sure you plan accordingly for your time in Belem. The monastery costs 10 euros for adults, 19 euros if combined with the Torre de Belem, or 12 euros if combined with the Archaeology Museum, which is inside the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. If you buy your tickets at the museum, the lines are usually shorter, and when you’re ready to go into the monastery, you can line up in the line for ticket holders, which moves quicker. Both the monastery and the museum are free with the Lisboa card. Alternatively, if you don’t have the time or the lines are too long, you can just go into the church free of charge, and the lines are generally shorter. Here you can get a feel for the grandeur and style of the building.

Your last stop in Belem is definitely a must-see: #4 Pasteis de Belem! This bakery is where this delicious custard tart called Pastel de Nata originated, but here they are called Pastel de Belem. The bakery has been making these delicious tarts since 1837 from a secret recipe passed down to them by the monks from the monastery. It is said that only 3 people know the actual recipe. The tarts are so popular, they make over 20,000 of them per day!

This bakery is open from 8:00am to 9:00pm daily. There are two lines. One is for takeaway (to the left), and one is for dine in. If the takeaway line is long, try the dine-in option. It usually moves faster, as the dining room area is deceivingly large. Having these sweet treats hot out of the oven is a highlight of Belem! I highly recommend this experience!

After the bakery, depending on the timing and your interest level, there are two optional sites to visit. The first is the National Coach Museum. It’s a 7-minute walk from the bakery, heading east towards Lisbon, through the Afonso de Albuquerque Garden. This museum has one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world. It’s open every day but Monday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and is 8.00 euros for adults (free with the Lisboa card), 4 euros for those under 18 or over 65, and free for those 12 and under.

The second optional site is the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology). It’s a 10-minute walk east form the Coach Museum. It’s open from 10:00am to 7:00pm every day but Tuesday. Cost is 11.00 euros for adults and 8.00 euros for those under 18 or over 65. You could go in and explore or simply check out their rooftop Miradouro or waterfront promenade. Perfect for a sunset view!

When you’re done in Belem, hop back on the Tram 15e heading east, back to Lisbon. Once back at your hotel, relax, rest, and shower before your dinner and a show.

Once you’re ready to head out for dinner, a Fado experience is a must. This will need to be booked in advance. Please read our post “Tips and Recommendations: Helping You Create Your Perfect Journey to Lisbon, Portugal”. Here we have listed some of the best places to experience a Fado dinner show.

**All pricing, opening/closing hours and days listed here are as of May 2024 and are subject to change, so be sure to check before you go. I like these websites for all your current information:

LisbonLisboaPortugal.com
VisitPortugal.com

3. References

All this information, research and suggestions came from my own experiences I had while exploring this beautiful city and the walking tours I enjoyed. As well, I spent countless hours reading travel books, like DK Eyewitness, Portugal and DK Eyewitness Top 10 Lisbon, as well as Rick Steves Portugal and Lonely Planet, Pocketbook Lisbon. I read multiple Travel blogs and Portugal/Lisbon tourism websites like, lisbonlisboaportugal.com and visitportugal.com. I also used google maps to check out walking distances between sites and the Rick Steves app, which is a great tool and is free to download.

4. The Wrap-Up

I hope you enjoy these walking tours of this beautiful city as much as we did and find this information helpful. I have added website links to most of the major sites so you can check them out and see what piques your interest! If you have any questions, ask away. Feel free to comment, give advice, join our mailing list, follow, like, pin, share with friends… anything goes. Let’s talk travel!

Thank you,

From Focus on the Journey,
with Wild Meadow Studio
A Travel and Photography Blog