Lisbon in 2 Days - Itinerary & Things to Do

May 31, 2024
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

🤩 My reflection

Being one of those “good weather, good food” cities in Europe, Lisbon is a place almost everyone seems to enjoy. It’s full of character, viewpoints, and small moments that make the trip feel special. With its hills and the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril stretching across the city, many people even compare it to Istanbul, which adds to that familiar, almost homely feeling. Lisbon is not a city to rush — it’s best experienced slowly, through its rhythm rather than just its sights.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete 2-day Lisbon itinerary (with an optional bonus day trip to Sintra and Pena Palace), including must-see sights, great restaurants, and practical travel tips. The route is designed based on location proximity to minimize travel time and help you see as much as possible in a short stay.

🔍 Trip overview

Day 1: Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto and Alfama - Explore Lisbon’s historic center, starting in Baixa and Chiado, continuing through Bairro Alto famous for its nightlife atmosphere and viewpoints, and ending in Alfama, the city’s oldest and most traditional neighborhood.

Day 2 - Belém, Ajuda, Alcântara - Discover Lisbon’s riverside side, including Belém’s iconic monuments, Ajuda’s quieter local feel, and Alcântara’s modern waterfront and creative spaces.

Bonus - Day 3: Sintra and Palace of Pena - Take a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage town in the mountains, and visit the colorful National Palace of Pena, one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks.

✍🏻 Itinerary

Day 1: Baixa (Downtown), Chiado, Bairro Alto and Alfama

Time Out Market Lisboa – modern food hall with top local chefs
Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s grand riverside square opening onto the Tagus River
Arco da Rua Augusta – triumphal arch marking the entrance from river to downtown
Rua Augusta – pedestrian main street of Baixa lined with shops and cafés
Elevador de Santa Justa – neo-Gothic iron lift with panoramic views over Baixa
Carmo Convent – atmospheric Gothic church ruins left after the 1755 earthquake
Café A Brasileira – historic café known for writers and intellectuals
Livraria Bertrand – world’s oldest operating bookstore
Praça Luís de Camões – lively square connecting Chiado and Bairro Alto
Rua do Norte in Bairro Alto district – narrow street full of bars, street life, and evening energy (Bairro Alto is a historic district famous for nightlife and small bars)
Praça Dom Pedro IV – Lisbon’s central square (Rossio) with wave-pattern pavement
Largo de São Domingos – small historic square with church and cultural mix
Tram 28 – iconic historic tram connecting central Lisbon to Alfama and Graça

Board at Martim Moniz station and drop off at Portas do Sol station

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – highest viewpoint in Lisbon, best for sunset
São Jorge Castle – medieval castle with panoramic views over Lisbon
Lisbon Cathedral – oldest church in the city and starting point of medieval Alfama

Dinner at VDB Bistronomie

Day 2 - Belém, Ajuda, Alcântara

Padrão dos Descobrimentos – monument celebrating Portuguese explorers
Belém Tower – iconic riverside fortress
Jerónimos Monastery – UNESCO masterpiece of Manueline architecture
Break at Pastéis de Belém – original custard tart bakery
Ajuda National Palace – royal palace with ornate interiors

Break at LX Factory – industrial complex turned creative hub

Ponte 25 de Abril – suspension bridge often compared to Golden Gate
Cristo-Rei (from distance) – giant Christ statue overlooking Lisbon skyline

Dinner at Solar dos Presuntos

Drinks at Red Frog Speakeasy

Bonus - Day 3: The city of Sintra and National Palace of Pena

Day trip to the town of Sintra, including the Pena Palace

Sintra – a historic town near Lisbon, known for its lush green hills, romantic palaces, and fairytale castles, and one of the most popular day trips in Portugal
Palácio da Pena – a colorful fairytale palace on a hill in Sintra, famous for its Romantic architecture and panoramic views

What to Eat

Pastéis de Nata: A creamy egg custard tart with a crispy, flaky pastry. The best place to try it is Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of this dessert.
Ginjinha: A sweet cherry liqueur served in small shot glasses, sometimes with a cherry inside.
Grilled octopus / seafood (Polvo à lagareiro): Grilled octopus served with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes.
Sardines: Grilled sardines, especially popular during summer festivals. There are also dedicated canned sardine shops with colorful, aesthetic packaging.
Bifana: A spicy marinated pork sandwich served in a soft bread roll
Bacalhau (salted cod): Portugal’s national ingredient, prepared in many different ways.

📢 Essential tips

Here’s everything you need to plan your 2 days in Lisbon, including where to stay and when to visit:

Where to stay in Lisbon:

We stayed in Chiado, and I’d recommend Baixa, Chiado, or Bairro Alto as they are the closest to the city center and main attractions.

Best time to visit Lisbon:

As winter can be a bit chilly and summer can get quite hot for walking around, I’d say April to June and September to October are the best times to visit.

How to get around in Lisbon:

Although it’s hilly, if you’re an average healthy adult like we are, it’s still very walkable. You can also try the famous Tram 28 as both an experience and a way to get up into Alfama. Other than that, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are quite affordable. In 2024, we paid around €13 for a 45-minute ride to Palácio da Pena in Sintra.

What to wear in Lisbon:

Lisbon has quite a lot of hills and stairs, so pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uphill walking.

What cultural experience to try

Portugal has its traditional music called Fado, a deeply emotional style known for melancholic melodies and lyrics about love, loss, and longing. It is traditionally performed in small, intimate restaurants and taverns. It’s definitely worth setting aside one evening to experience it.

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