Lisbon, Portugal is one of Europe’s most iconic, aesthetic, and vibrant cities. With colorful tiled buildings, incredible viewpoints scattered throughout the city, cool street art, delicious local cuisine, and vibrant culture throughout, it’s hard not to fall in love with Portugal’s capital city. While you could spend weeks exploring every little nook and cranny, 2 days in Lisbon is enough time to experience the essence of the city and its “must-visit” locations.

Equal parts action-packed and easily navigable, Lisbon offers the opportunity to see many attractions in a relatively short time, meaning that you can really make the most of your time there! In this itinerary, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spending 2 days in Lisbon, including things to do in Lisbon, where to stay, and the best cafes and restaurants to eat at in the city.

Here is your ultimate itinerary to spending 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal.

Tips for Spending 2 Days in Lisbon

• Get the 48-hour Lisbon City Pass: If you plan to visit a lot of Lisbon’s museums, historical attractions, or utilize public transportation, the 48-hour Lisbon City Pass is great value for your 2 days in Lisbon. For about $45 USD, you’ll get free access to Lisbon’s top attractions, unlimited public transportation, and deals for various restaurants throughout Lisbon. If you take full advantage of this pass, you will end up saving a lot of money in the long run, as entry fees can be a little pricey in Lisbon.
• “Beco” streets: Throughout Lisbon, you’ll find small, narrow side streets labeled “Beco” streets. These streets are dead ends, however, if you decide to explore them you may find some hidden gems like little cafes, artisan shops, etc. So, basically, don’t be opposed to exploring some of these streetways if you have some extra time on hand – you might just find a hidden gem!
• When & where you’ll need cash: It’s always a good idea to have some euros on hand in Lisbon. While most shops accept cards, many street vendors and markets do not. Local shops also may require cash – we had breakfast at a local cafe that did not accept international credit cards, and (of course) we didn’t have cash on hand at the time. Breakfast quickly turned into a stressful situation that could have been avoided by just having some euros with us. Even if you don’t think you’ll need cash at the places you visit, it’s really good practice to have at least a little on you, just in case.
• Public transport in Lisbon: Lisbon has a wonderful public transport system, including train, bus, and of course, the famous trams. Lisbon is overall a very walkable city, however, utilizing public transport will cut down on time spent walking and will maximize your time spent exploring during your 2 days in Lisbon.
• Be wary of pickpockets: As with most major European cities, Lisbon is in general very safe, and the only thing you really need to be wary about are the pickpockets. They mostly target tourists in the busiest, most popular tourist areas, but it’s always good practice to be aware of your surroundings and belongings while exploring the city.

Day 1: Lisbon’s Historical Center

You’ll spend your first full day of 2 days in Lisbon exploring the beautiful historical center. There are plenty of interesting museums, cathedrals, and monasteries to visit in Lisbon, and it would be impossible to see them all in just one day. I suggest choosing to visit a few that interest you the most. The ones I have listed below are all included in the Lisbon City Pass, so if you decide to purchase one for your time in Lisbon, then you will not have to pay any entry fees!

Things to do in Lisbon’s Historical Center

Take a free walking tour of Lisbon

I always recommend starting your time in a new city with a walking tour to help you get your bearings and learn about the city’s history. Check out some of Lisbon’s best free walking tours at takefreetours.com. Just remember that while these tours are free, you should always tip your guide at the end of the tour (that is how they make their money), so make sure you have some euros on you!

Shop at the Flea Market at Santo Campo María (Tuesdays & Saturdays Only)

The Flea Market at Santo Campo María is Lisbon’s oldest and most famous flea market. If you will be in Lisbon on a Tuesday or Saturday, I definitely recommend stopping by to pick up some souvenirs! Make sure to have euros on hand, as most vendors do not accept credit cards at the market.

Explore Castel Sao Jorge

Lisbon’s most famous landmark, Castel Sao Jorge is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Lisbon. Here you can explore castle ruins with great panoramic views of the city. Look out for the free-roaming peacocks that you won’t be able to resist taking photos of! It’s one of the most popular spots to visit in Lisbon so I suggest purchasing a skip-the-line ticket unless you plan to arrive right as it opens.

Visit Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

This is a beautiful monastery near Campo Santa Clara, and is such a lovely hidden gem. The monastery is decorated with beautiful traditional Portuguese tiles and features a panoramic viewpoint that has, in my opinion, some of the best views in Lisbon!

Visit Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)

If you love the colorful tiles that adorn Lisbon’s buildings, make sure to visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum). Located a short 30-minute walk from the city center (or, to save time, you can also take public transportation or an Uber to the museum), this museum is dedicated to the art of Portuguese tile-making, known as azulejo. Here, you’ll find a large collection of the iconic tiles, and also learn the history of Portuguese tilemakers and their craft, which has been a significant part of Portuguese culture for centuries.

Visit Lisbon Cathedral

Another famous attraction in Lisbon’s historical center is the Lisbon Cathedral or Sé de Lisboa. It’s located in the Alfama district and is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in the city. Lisbon Cathedral dates all the way back to the 12th century and blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles, giving it an extremely unique appearance. You can choose to enjoy the cathedral from the outside, or pay the small entry fee and go inside to see the interior and some of the beautiful artwork within.

Explore Lisbon’s Colorful Neighborhoods: Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto

Lisbon’s neighborhoods are part of the city’s charm. Each one has its own unique character, history, and atmosphere. Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and stunning views of the river. Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area, where you’ll find elegant squares, neoclassical architecture, and pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafes. Chiado is an artsy area full of cafes, bookstores, and boutiques, and Bairro Alto is known for its lively nightlife scene. They are all wonderful places to spend some time, and it’s definitely worth exploring each of them!

Check out Pink Street

Pink Street is one of the most famous streets in Lisbon, known for its hot pink color (yes, the street itself) and the bars and decorations that line it. It gets really busy here and the bars definitely mostly cater to tourists, but it’s worth checking out if you are nearby.

Watch the Sunset at one of Lisbon’s Miradouros

Lisbon is famously a very hilly city, so, naturally, there are some really nice viewpoints, or “miradouros” you’ll find at the higher points of the city. These viewpoints are best experienced at sunset, so I suggest heading to a Miradouro for each of your 2 days in Lisbon during sunset. Here are some of the best Miradouros you’ll find in the historical center of Lisbon:

• Miradouro de Santa Catarina: A popular sunset spot with a relaxed vibe, offering a beautiful view of the river.
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia & Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Located in the heart of Alfama, these viewpoints offer a breathtaking view of the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River.
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: One of the highest viewpoints in Lisbon, offering a sweeping view of the city.
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: Located in the Bairro Alto district, this viewpoint gives you a fantastic view of Castelo de São Jorge and the historic center.

Have Dinner at a Fado Restaurant

Experiencing a Fado performance is an absolute must when visiting Lisbon. Fado is a genre of traditional Portuguese music that dates back to the early 19th century and is known for its melancholic and soulful melodies. Performances often take place live while you enjoy a traditional meal, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.There are several great Fado Restaurants in Lisbon’s historical center, with top-rated ones including Duque da Rua,Trovas Antigas, Fado ao Carmo, and Maria da Mouraria – Casa de Fados. We enjoyed a Fado show at Solidó Live Fado Show, and chose this because it was one of the more affordable Fado options, and it came highly recommended by a few other travelers we chatted with. We had a wonderful experience – the singers and instrumentalists were fantastic, and the food was delicious!

Day 2: Belém & The Arts District

After spending your first day in Lisbon exploring the historical center, spend your second day discovering the city’s creative and cultural hotspots! You’ll start out exploring Lisbon’s coolest art district, LX Factory, and then make your way to Belém, a historic riverside neighborhood famous for its landmarks, museums, and the original Pastéis de Belém.

Check Out The LX Factory

Start your second day in Lisbon by heading to LX Factory, one of the city’s trendiest and most creative spaces. Located in the Alcântara district, the LX Factory is located in a former industrial complex and has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, where you’ll find some really cool street art installations, vibey bars and restaurants, and boutique shops. 

If you love unique bookstores, one of the most popular shops located in the LX Factory is Ler Devagar, which was named one of the 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world. It’s located inside a former print factory and offers a large book selection and a cozy cafe inside. It also offers some great photo opportunities if that’s your thing!

The LX Factory is about an hour’s walk from the historical center of Lisbon, and if you don’t want to walk on foot, I suggest taking a 10-minute Uber, or opting for Lisbon’s fantastic public transport. To get to the LX Factory via public transport, take Tram 15E from Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré and get off at Calvário (a short walk from LX Factory). You could also hop on Bus 714 or 727 from Praça do Comércio or Marquês de Pombal and get off at Calvário.

All in all, The LX Factory is a really cool place to visit, but, if you’re not interested in shopping or checking out the art, feel free to skip this and visit places in the historical center that you didn’t get the chance to see yet!

Take in the Views at Miradouro de Santo Amaro

From the LX factory, it’s about a 10-minute walk to a really nice Miradouro with a view of the iconic 25 de Abril bridge. I definitely suggest taking a detour here – there was hardly anyone there when we went (unlike most of the Miradouros in the historical center) and the views were really nice. There is also a beautiful little chapel at the viewpoint that is filled with lots of traditional tiles!

Take a Walk Along the Waterfront Toward Belém

I suggest skipping an Uber or public transport for the next stop and instead opting for a 30-minute stroll along the waterfront toward Belém. It’s a really nice place to walk and take in the beautiful views along the Tagus River. As you walk, you’ll pass by the famous MAAT building (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), street food vendors, local musicians, and some really cool sculptures!

Once you arrive in Belém, you’ll find some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites. Below, you’ll find the best things to do while you’re in Belém.

Best Things to Do in Belém

Visit Belém Tower

One of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, Belém Tower is a UNESCO-listed fortress that dates back to the 16th century. The Belém Tower was originally built as a defense fortress along the Tagus River and features intricate stone carvings, decorative balconies, and medieval turrets. If you decide to pay the entrance fee or purchase the 48-hour Lisbon City Pass, climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of the Tagus River and the city. Even if you don’t opt to go inside, Belém Tower is a fantastic place to watch the sunset, so if you arrive later in the day, I suggest hanging out here as the sun sets! It’s a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, and you’ll likely encounter local musicians playing live music as the sun goes down.

Explore Jerónimos Monastery

Just a short walk from Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most impressive monasteries in Portugal. You can admire the Monastery’s stunning Gothic architecture from the beautiful gardens and courtyards nearby before entering. Once inside, you’ll find a beautiful interior cloister and the tomb of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer who discovered a sea route to India.

Try the Original Pastéis de Belém

No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting the legendary pastel de nata, and the most famous place to try it is Pastéis de Belém! This historic bakery has been making Portugal’s most famous pastry since 1837, using a top-secret recipe that hasn’t changed since opening.

Pastéis de Belém’s rendition of pastel de nata is absolutely delicious. If you’re not familiar, pastel de nata is a flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s seriously so yummy, and Pastéis de Belém has one of the absolute best! Pastéis de Belém’s recipe is a little less sweet and the custard is thicker than a lot of the other versions that we tried, giving it a perfectly addictive flavor profile. It ended up being our favorite and definitely lives up to the hype.

There’s often a line of people eagerly waiting to grab some of these tasty morsels, but it moves fast, and trust me – it’s worth the wait!

Visit Palácio de Belém

Palácio de Belém is the official residence of the President of Portugal, and while you can’t tour the palace itself, you can visit the Museum of the Presidency, which offers insight into Portugal’s political history. The palace grounds are beautiful, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony!

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has a variety of amazing options for accommodation at all price ranges, so there will be the perfect match for you whether you are a backpacker or someone looking to splurge for luxury. The stays I’m recommending are situated in the center of Lisbon for convenience and to ensure that you can maximize your time in the city, but if you plan to stay longer than 2 days or if you don’t mind needing to rely on public transport

Luxury

• The Ivens: This centrally located hotel features extravagant interiors and amenities and offers the ultimate luxury experience during your stay in Lisbon. With a surplus of amazing dining options, bars, and even free on-site parking, you’ll have everything you need to ensure a great visit to Lisbon!
• Four Seasons Ritz: With lavish breakfasts when you wake up, unparalleled views while running on the outdoor track, and extravagantly furnished rooms to wind down in, this hotel will offer you unparalleled luxury through every moment of your stay. 
• Palacete Chafariz d’El Rei: Set in a former 19th-century aristocratic home, this hotel features incredible Neo-Moorish architecture and extravagant Art Nouveau interiors. In a central historic region of Lisbon, you’ll be in the perfect base to get out and explore the city (though you may never want to leave with all of its amenities, including an incredibly beautiful library that is available to guests).

Mid-range

• Heritage Avenida Liberdade Boutique Hotel: Restored from an 18th-century building, this hotel has maintained as many of the original elements as it can and carries on the historical charm of the original construction. With beautiful furnishings, top-notch amenities, and a great location, this hotel offers a unique and wonderfully comfortable stay for your time in Lisbon.
• Lisboa Pessoa Hotel: Inspired by the life and work of famous Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa, this hotel features unique branding and decor. With wonderful amenities, including a delicious restaurant, and beautiful rooftop bar, and a great central location, this hotel is a great option for any Lisbon trip!
• Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel: Set in a 15th-century palace, this locally owned boutique hotel offers iconic rooms in the heart of Lisbon. With views of Lisbon’s famous Almalfa district and the sea, an on-site restaurant, and a uniquely Portuguese identity, this beautiful hotel is a wonderfully unique stay for your visit to Portugal’s capital.

Budget

• Independente Bica: This stylish hotel is set in a 19th-century palace near one of Lisbon’s best viewpoints. With cool on-site amenities, including a super unique, secluded beer garden, and breakfast available, this hotel offers an elevated stay at a more affordable price point.
• Hall Chiado: A centrally located boutique hotel featuring aesthetic common areas and comfortable rooms built and decorated with an emphasis on local materials like vintage tiles and cork. It’s a super comfortable and exceedingly charming option for your stay in Lisbon!
• House Sao Bento: Set in a restored historical building in a quiet part of the city, this hotel provides a peaceful retreat for its guests. Rooms are comfortable and tastefully furnished and the surrounding area is super nice.

Backpacker Budget

Lisbon Destination Hoste

• Lisbon Destination Hostel: A great hostel option with a central location with comfortable rooms. With a super unique interior, themed to feel like an “Urban Jungle”, and lots of fun amenities, this hostel will provide a super fun base for your trip to Lisbon! 
• Home Lisbon Hostel: As the name implies, this family-run hostel feels like a home away from home! With comfortable rooms and tons of opportunities to join in on group activities, including the famous “Mamma’s Dinner”, where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal made by the owner’s mother/hostel matriarch, this hostel will truly provide a memorable and pleasant experience. 
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel: This colorful and fun hostel boasts that despite the many opportunities to socialize, whether just in its comfortable facilities or at one of its many events (ranging from walking tours to bar crawls), you’ll always be able to get a good night’s sleep in its comfortable and quiet rooms.

Where to Eat & Drink in Lisbon

Lisbon is a big foodie city with incredible restaurants, cafes, and bars on every corner and tucked away in every alleyway. There are plenty of other amazing places to eat and drink other than those listed below, and I encourage you to research and find your own favorite spots, but here are a few suggestions of some of the best places to grab a bite to eat or drink in the city:

Best Restaurants in Lisbon

• Palácio Chiado: This unique restaurant offers one of the most beautiful settings for a meal that you can find. Nestled inside an incredibly ornate 18th-century palace, this restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Portuguese and European cuisine. Definitely worth checking out for its stunning interior, especially if you are looking for a romantic experience!
• Cais na Preguiça: A Portuguese restaurant with many traditional dishes, particularly those with an emphasis on seafood. In addition to their specialties, there are also good vegan and vegetarian options and some wonderful outdoor seating options!
• Taberna Media Porta: This restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Portuguese dishes. Featuring a wide variety of small plates, this is a super fun place to grab a meal and try some of Portugal’s iconic flavors.
• Taberna Sal Grosso: A cute, hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Lisbon with some of the best Portuguese food you can find! With limited seating in a super cozy, traditional interior, you’ll find some of the absolute tastiest traditional Portuguese meals prepared with the care and precision of a modern chef, as well as the passion and love of a home-cooked meal.

Best Cafes in Lisbon

• Augusto Lisboa: A trendy and cozy cafe in the heart of Lisbon that has delicious coffee and food, including vegetarian and vegan options.
• Kossies Cafe: A cafe in the heart of Lisbon that is owned and operated by two Australian best friends. They have a cozy interior, delicious breakfast options, and great coffee!
• The Coffee: This international chain has lots of locations in Lisbon and offers delicious coffee, specialty beverages, and small bites. A great option that should be relatively close by no matter where you are in the city!
• The Folks – Breakfast and Specialty Coffee: A local chain that offers delicious brunch and a wide range of specialty coffees. With 5 locations in Lisbon, you should be able to find one nearby no matter where you are!

Best Bars in Lisbon

• Pavilhão Chinês: A super unique museum bar that was converted from an old grocery store and features displays of toys and figures from World War II throughout its rooms. 
• Jam Club: A laid-back spot with retro furnishing, good food and drinks, and frequent live music performances. It’s truly such a fun spot!
• Onda Cocktail Room: Specializing in cocktails, this bar provides an intimate setting to sample delicious, one-of-a-kind drinks. Definitely a spot for a memorable night out!
• 146 Bar: A high-end cocktail bar that offers uniquely delicious cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. Here, you’ll enjoy elevated drinks in a cozy, intimate setting.

What to Eat & Drink while in Lisbon

• Francesinha: This decadent Portuguese sandwich is an absolute must-try (although you’ll probably want to walk a bit extra on the day you try it)! Recipes can vary wildly between restaurants, but no matter where you go you can expect a meaty sandwich topped with melted cheese and drenched in a delicious savory sauce. The version that I tried was a ham sandwich covered with melted cheese, egg, and a tomato-based sauce, served with french fries. The sandwich was absolutely delicious and I definitely recommend trying one while you’re in Lisbon!
• Bitoque: This Portuguese steak and eggs dish is served with french fries, rice, and a wine, butter, and garlic sauce – an absolutely perfect combination! 
• Prego: This traditional Portuguese sandwich is a simple, yet delicious sandwich containing thinly sliced beef that’s been thoroughly seasoned with garlic and other spices and topped with a yummy sauce.
• Bifana: Very similar to Prego, this Portuguese sandwich opts for marinated pork instead of beef.
• Caldo Verde: This delicious and nourishing soup made with potatoes, sausage, and greens is an absolute must-try! Simple and hearty, this dish makes you feel like you’re eating a home-cooked meal.
• Polvo à lagareiro: This Portuguese dish is fresh octopus cooked in olive oil and garlic and served with a side of potatoes – a must-try for any seafood lover!
• Pasteis de Bacalhau: Similar to croquettes, these cod fritters are the perfect bite-sized treat that can be found throughout Lisbon!
• Piri Piri Chicken: Influenced by African culture during Portugal’s Colonial days, this spicy and flavor-packed recipe is world-renowned for good reason.
• Pastel de Nata: As I already mentioned above, this iconic Portuguese sweet is a must-try. This flaky pastry filled with creamy custard is absolute perfection in a bite (especially with a sprinkle of cinnamon) and can be found throughout the city. Don’t miss out on this sweet – once you take a bite you’ll understand why it’s so famous!
• Queijada: Another traditional Portuguese treat, this delicious cheese tart features a lightly sweet filling surrounded by a flaky outer pastry shell. 
• Ginja: Also called Ginjinha, this traditional Portuguese liqueur can be found all over Lisbon. Made with Sour Cherries and spices, and renowned for its sweet taste, it is often served after a meal to aid with digestion. You’ll see lots of vendors offering shots of this drink in edible dark chocolate cups, which is such a fun and even more delicious way to experience it if you get the chance!
• Amarguinha: An alternative to Ginja, this bitter almond liqueur from Portugal is equally delicious. While both are good, I actually preferred this drink to Ginja.
• Licor Beirão: While boasting the title of Portugal’s most consumed alcoholic spirit, this beverage is relatively unknown outside of the country, but it’s definitely worth trying! This herbal liqueur’s mix of ingredients and relatively low alcohol percentage give it a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Port Wine: This fortified wine from the Duoro Valley of Portugal is world famous, and absolutely worth a try during your visit! This sweet wine is enjoyed on its own or in a Spritz and is super refreshing (it really is quite sweet, so if that isn’t your thing then I’d just stick with one of Portugal’s many other great wines).

Conclusion

I hope you can use this information to help plan for an incredible trip to Portugal’s beautiful capital. Lisbon is a truly amazing city that you could spend a lifetime exploring and enjoying, but in 48 hours you can certainly visit the highlights and really make the most of your time!

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