Spend the perfect 2 days in Lisbon with this itinerary. While 2 days might not feel long enough, we cover some of Lisbon’s best food, drinks, and sights in just 48 hours.
Many of the best things to do in Lisbon can be covered in two days. This itinerary is organized to make the most of your time and ensure you explore the city using efficient routes. Lisbon is a walkable city with many points of interest in the same general area.
This post includes some of Lisbon’s best things to do in the city’s most popular neighborhoods. I’m also sharing some of my favorite places to stay in Lisbon for all price ranges. And if you’re planning to visit other parts of the country, check out some of the best places to visit in Portugal—beyond Lisbon!
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, hotels and experiences that I personally use, love and spend my own money on.
How to Spend 2 Days in Lisbon, Portugal
This two-day Lisbon itinerary highlights some of my favorite things to eat, drink, and see in the city. But as I mentioned, general wandering is also one of my favorite things in Lisbon.
This guide aims to strategically provide landmarks that will help you weave through the charming streets of Lisbon. Based on this approach, walking is intended to get between each of the spots I’ve included in this itinerary for two days in Lisbon.
The best part about walking between my recommendations is that you will likely discover your unique spots, views, hidden gems, and some impressive Lisbon street art.
Let’s get started with my version of 2 days in Lisbon. If I had to plan my ideal Lisbon itinerary and only had 48 hours, this is what it would look like.
Tight on time? Consider taking a Lisbon sightseeing tour like this to help you knock out many of the city’s must-see spots.
Day 1 in Lisbon: Bairro Alto to Belem
We will start in the Bairro Alto area to kick off this two-day Lisbon itinerary. I like to start in Bairro Alto because it is very central. This is the area that I often stay in when I visit Lisbon.
From Bairro Alto, we will work our way downhill towards the water, making some stops along the way. In the afternoon, we will head outside the city center and visit the Belém district.
Manteigaria
With only 2 days in Lisbon, there’s no time to waste. It’s time to start experiencing some of the city’s best food. Grab your morning coffee with a light snack to pair with it at Manteigaria, home of one of Lisbon’s favorite pastéis de nata.
If you are not familiar with pastéis de nata, you’re about to be. The famous Portuguese dessert is an egg custard tart topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. This tasty treat is world-famous, and there are many opinions about where to get the best one in Lisbon.
Different folks will give you different responses as to which Lisbon bakery makes the best pastries. Manteigaria is up there with the best. You have two days in Lisbon, so there’s plenty of time to try them all and decide for yourself. You can even consider learning how to make pastel de nata yourself!
Funicular da Bica
You will likely see these multiple times throughout your 2 days in Lisbon, but if you want to get that postcard photo, then this is the spot. The funicular da Bica is that yellow cable car you’ve likely seen pictures of.
The Bica funicular is one of three funicular lines in Lisbon. This one, in particular, runs from Cais do Sodré, down by the water, and takes riders up the steep hill to Bairro Alto. This spot is where the line ends, making for a great photo opportunity when the funicular is idle.
If riding the cable car interests you, this is one opportunity. I don’t care to fight the crowds of people wanting to ride, so I take advantage of the photos and then walk downhill.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
‘Miradouros’ means viewpoints in Portuguese; the city has a handful of them offering incredible views. One of my favorite things about Portugal is how they mark these locations on the map. These signs help make the best views easy to find.
Visiting some of the city’s miradouros is necessary for a 2-day Lisbon itinerary. As you descend from Bairro Alto towards the river, quickly stop at Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Admire the view with locals and travelers alike.
This hilltop vantage point provides a beautiful view over Lisbon’s rooftops to the glistening water and the unmissable bridge. It’s one of the many angles from which I can’t help but feel like I’m looking at my home city of San Francisco. There are so many striking similarities between these two cities.
Barbica
If you’re looking for a place to kick your feet up for a few minutes, check out Barbica. I also love the outdoor dining scene in Lisbon.
Barbica has a handful of tables outside on a side street right next to the launching point of the Bica funicular. Few things feel more quintessential in Lisbon than sitting with a glass of Portuguese wine on a cobblestone terrace while watching the charming yellow cable car go uphill.
I did not eat here, so I cannot vouch for the food. But it was a nice place to take a break and have a cold drink.
Elevador da Bica
You’re now almost at the starting point of the Bica funicular. If you look down the hill, you might spot one of the famous cablecars inside the tunnel, loading another trip of passengers.
Standing here right at the beginning of the route is another one of my favorite spots to get some great photos of Lisbon. You can hang around, watch the cable car take off from below, and go uphill. It’s a great angle to see it climb the narrow, colorful street, and pretty impressive to see the angle of the incline these little things have to ride on!
If you’re interested in riding it, know they can be pretty busy. If fighting the crowds stresses you out (like me!), consider joining an experience like this one.
TimeOut Market (Mercado da Ribeira)
Time Out Market, or Mercado da Ribeira, is a must-see foodie experience during your two days in Lisbon.
The original market is Mercado da Ribeira, which has existed since the late 1800s. The addition of Time Out Market has made it a heavily visited foodie destination.
The open-air market has a food court featuring stalls from some of Lisbon’s hottest restaurants and some of Portugal’s most famous chefs. This place gets packed, and understandably so. The food here is top-notch.
If you can beat the rush, I recommend coming for an early lunch. In addition to the countless delicious dining options, it’s also fun to check out the other side of the market, where local produce, meat, seafood, and other delicacies are sold.
Belém
Belém is a Lisbon waterfront district located a few miles west of the central area. In Belém, you will find a few sights and snacks that make this area worth visiting at some point during your 2 days in Lisbon.
There are a few simple options to get to Belém from Time Out Market. You can walk across the street towards the water to the Cais Sodré station and take the 728 bus to Belém. This is a 15-20 minute ride. You can also catch the 15E from Corpo Santo. The other easy option would be to hail a cab or order an Uber, which would likely cost you just a few dollars.
If you feel ambitious, you can always walk, but walking is estimated to take over an hour. If there were a lot of worthwhile stops along the way, I might recommend walking, but I’d rather spend that time experiencing the Belém district.
Belém Tower
One of the most famous sights on any Lisbon itinerary is the Belém Tower. Built in 1514, it sits on the bank of the Tagus River and dates back to 1514, when construction began.
Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout its history, it has served as a fortress and a port for the Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discoveries in Europe. The tower’s architectural design shows many visible Moorish influences and elements.
Visitors can enter the tower for a fee or with a Lisbon Card. I have never been inside the tower during my trips to Lisbon. I have always admired it from the outside and have been told by many that the outside is far more impressive than the interior. I particularly love how the tower looks at night when it is illuminated.
Pastéis de Belém
I started this Lisbon itinerary with a morning pastry and coffee at Manteigaria. I mentioned that their pastéis de nata are highly debated as one of Lisbon’s best. Well, here is what might be its biggest competition—Pastéis de Belém.
Pastéis de Belém is probably the most sought-after bakery in Portugal. It’s rare to find a Lisbon itinerary or travel guide that does not mention Pastéis de Belém. A few years ago, I read that this bakery was the most-reviewed eatery on TripAdvisor in 2017; that’s how insanely popular it is.
If you are in Lisbon for two days, you should probably stop at Pastéis de Belém to see the fuss. The bakery has existed since 1837, and the secret recipe has remained unchanged.
The interior is surprisingly spacious, consisting of multiple rooms. The lines get long, but they pump those things out constantly, so they move quickly. The good thing about the long line is that each visitor receives fresh pastries from the oven, which are still warm.
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, check out one of the pastry class experiences in Lisbon.
Jardim de Belém
Since the bakery is often packed with people, I sometimes order the treats for takeaway and sit in the park across the street. Jardim de Belém is directly across from Pastéis de Belém, so you can’t miss it.
If you approach the park, you will see benches where you can sit and enjoy your snack. Just be sure to take your trash with you when you leave. I saw a lot of the takeaway packaging from Pastéis de Belém left behind in the park—not cool.
Jerónimos Monastery
The grand and ornate Jerónimos Monastery, built in 1502, is near the bakery. Like the Belém Tower, it is another Lisbon site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument. An entry ticket is needed to visit the monastery, or you can join a Belem walking tour that includes a monastery visit.
The details of the design and architecture here are pretty incredible. This is a key example of what became known as the Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture. The monastery has experienced damage over the years after periods of abandonment and earthquakes. It underwent restoration projects over the last century.
Prince Henry the Navigator played a significant role in building Jerónimos Monastery. The monks at the monastery were on duty to assist Portuguese sailors leaving for long journeys during the Age of Discoveries.
One of the most famous stories about this place is the visit of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. The night before he set off on his long voyage, he slept and prayed at the monastery. This journey would result in da Gama being the first European to reach India by sea, connecting Europe and Asia by an ocean route.
Restaurante Cervejaria O Prado
If all of the Belém district sightseeing has you hungry, check out Restaurante Cervejaria O Prado. This restaurant is just a few blocks from Pastéis de Belém, so it’s easy to walk.
Restaurante Cervejaria O Prado is a typical, casual Portuguese restaurant serving everyday local dishes. It’s near a tourist hotspot, so I found it reasonably priced and affordable. My group and I enjoyed a few simple seafood dishes and Portuguese wine.
Bairro Alto Nightlife
If you still have energy left, Lisbon is a great nightlife city.
The Bairro Alto neighborhood is a popular area for nightlife. Roaming its streets after dark is necessary to get a feel for the Lisbon bar scene.
I should warn you, though, that in Portugal, they get a much later start than many of us are used to, particularly those of us from the US. So if the streets don’t seem lively before 11 p.m., it’s likely because everyone has yet to come out. Bars stay open very late in Lisbon. Some are open until 6 a.m., so you can understand why the night peaks much later.
There are so many bars concentrated in this area. Many are small, but you can take your drink outside in Lisbon and enjoy it in the street. The street fills up with people drinking outdoors, creating a fun environment.
I included the address of one of the bars I visited in this area, Portas Largas. They had a trio playing live music, and the energy was excellent, with people dancing and singing along. Using this as a starting reference point, you’ll quickly see all the other options surrounding you. // R. da Atalaia 105, 1200-043 Lisboa, Portugal
Need ideas for your Portugal itinerary? Check out the 15 best places to visit in Portugal
Day 2 in Lisbon: Chiado to Historic Alfama
For the second of your two days in Lisbon, we will work in the opposite direction. We will head from Chiado to Lisbon’s historic Alfama district.
Fabrica Coffee Shop
Coffee is one of my favorite parts of traveling, and I drank a lot during my two-day trip to Lisbon. Fabrica Coffee Shop is one of my favorite coffee shops in Lisbon.
Fabrica Coffee Shop is a local Lisbon coffee roaster that started in 2015 and has been serving high-quality coffee ever since. There are a couple of locations throughout the city, and you can also purchase their beans to take home with you.
In addition to caffeinating, you can grab something light to eat here to hold you over until lunch.
Livraria Bertrand
Book lovers and history lovers alike will enjoy this place. Livraria Bertrand is said to be the world’s oldest bookstore and is still in operation today.
Livraria Bertrand opened in 1732 and is still selling books in central Lisbon. Although it has changed names and ownership over the last few centuries, it is still here.
Walk from the coffee shop to Livraria Bertrand and pop in to check it out. This route will lead you through high-traffic areas, where you may find other exciting things.
Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)
The Elevador de Santa Justa is our walking route’s next point of interest. This iron Neo-Gothic structure is 148 feet high.
The lift was built in 1902 by Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel. Thus, you may recognize some similarities between Elevador de Santa Justa and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The lift was originally built to make the hills of Lisbon more manageable and accessible, but today it is purely a tourist attraction. At the top, you will find panoramic views of Lisbon. Note that the line here can be pretty long.
I have not paid to visit the top, mainly because the lines are always lengthy. If Lisbon didn’t have many other incredible viewpoints, maybe I would be more inclined. But since there are so many areas to get a good view and photos of the city, I prefer to enjoy the architecture of Elevador de Santa Justa when passing by below.
If you want to visit the top of Elevador de Santa Justa, I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.
Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square)
Praça Dom Pedro IV is often referred to as Rossio Square. It is the city’s most buzzing area and a common stop on most Lisbon itineraries.
Located in the Baixa neighborhood, Praça Dom Pedro IV is at the north end of Rua Augusta. The square is gorgeous. I adore the cobblestone wave design that covers the entire area. Throughout the square, you’ll see a few fountains and a central statue dedicated to Dom Pedro IV.
This area is an excellent place to take a quick break, grab a seat, and people-watch. Many cafes and restaurants surround the square, and you can also grab a coffee or drink.
Cervejaria Ramiro
Cervejaria Ramiro is one of Lisbon’s most popular seafood options. I felt like it was much more out of the way than it is. If you are at Rossio Square, it’s only a half-mile walk. You could also hop in a cab and be there in minutes. I’d travel multiple times further for this place.
Cervejaria Ramiro has been around since the late 1950s. The three-story beer hall serves some of the best, freshest seafood I’ve ever had. Unsurprisingly, a line forms outside of this place before opening.
At the time of my visit, Cervejaria Ramiro opened at noon. We arrived around 11:30 a.m., and there were already about 20 people ahead of us in line. The restaurant is spacious, but they don’t fill all the tables immediately. If I were to go back again, I’d probably try to be in line around 11:15 a.m.
The dishes here are remarkable. Most seafood is prepared simply, and you enjoy its natural greatness. The prices are also hard to beat when it comes to seafood.
Cervejaria Ramiro is an excellent place to share a meal with a group. It’s designed to be eaten family-style. If I were traveling alone, I’m not sure I would eat here because the portions are large and might feel wasteful.
And in case you are wondering what we ate, we had so many things. The crab was incredible, and I’d rank it over the lobster. I also love that their dessert item is a steak sandwich. There was no way I had room left for one, but my fiancé had to do it.
Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte
If you need to get some cardio after all of that seafood, check out the nearby Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte. This is another one of Lisbon’s incredible viewpoints.
You’ll be presented with stairs to climb to Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte, but the scene you will be rewarded with is worth it. The walk from the restaurant is only 0.4 miles.
A Ginjinha
Now we will head back towards Rossio Square. On the way back, you must stop by one of Lisbon’s most historic bars, A Ginjinha.
A Ginjinha has no seating. It’s more like a stall or food stand. It’s open-front and faces the square it sits on. Guests walk up to the bar, place their orders, and enjoy the beverage standing outside.
The bar is appropriately named for the one drink it serves—ginjinja, or ginja for short. Ginja is a cherry liqueur served as a shot in only two ways: with a cherry or without.
This drink originated in Lisbon, so it’s a must on any Lisbon itinerary. A Ginjinha has been serving ginja here since 1840, so this is the perfect place to give it a shot (no pun intended).
Rua Augusta
On the other side of Rossio Square, you will find the start of your walk down Rua Augusta. This is one of the busiest areas of Lisbon and, for me, probably one of the spots that feels the most touristy.
“Touristy” doesn’t always have to be bad, but I want to be honest and provide realistic expectations. Rua Augusta is a pedestrian street closed to traffic, so it is a nice stretch to stroll down. That said, it can be crowded and feel similar to other streets in other big cities, so perhaps it doesn’t give you the most unique or authentic feeling regarding some of the shops and dining options.
The street is full of shopping, from brand-name stores to tiny street vendors. You’ll also see many street-front cafes, bakeries, and places to grab a drink.
Walking down Rua Augusta isn’t the first place I’d send someone visiting Lisbon, but it’s a convenient way to get to another area we want to explore. I don’t mind taking it; there are some neat things to see along the way. The cobblestone, architecture, and colorful buildings are enough to keep me happy.
Arco da Rua Augusta // Praça do Comercio
My favorite part about walking Rua Augusta is keeping my eye on the beautiful arch that frames the end of the street. The arch was completed in 1873 and symbolizes the city’s reconstruction after the devastation of the 1755 earthquake.
Once you pass under Arco da Rua Augusta, you will find yourself in Praça do Comercio. This riverfront square was constructed after the great earthquake of 1755. Here used to sit a royal complex, Paços da Ribeira, which was destroyed by the tsunami following the quake.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
After admiring the waterfront at Praça do Comércio, it’s time to start heading uphill through one of my favorite areas of Lisbon. Head towards Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where you will find one of the best views.
From this viewpoint, you can look over a sea of typical orange tile rooftops and into the water. It’s a classic Lisbon scene where you will want to take many photos. This miradouro is also a great place to sit down and take a break before you continue your walk deeper into Alfama.
Alfama District
From this viewpoint, continue walking uphill, and you will head deeper into Alfama. This charming district is a destination in itself for me. Alfama is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon and arguably one of the most enchanting. The narrow cobblestone streets will lead you uphill from the Tagus River to São Jorge Castle.
Walking through Alfama, you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. I don’t know how to describe it other than everything feeling so incredibly old. A Lisbon trip doesn’t feel complete without getting a feel for the city’s beautiful historic district.
São Jorge Castle
While in Alfama, you may want to consider a visit to São Jorge Castle. The fortification’s history dates back to the mid-11th century when the Moors built it. Over the years, the castle has served military purposes, been a home for royals, and undergone several restoration and renovation projects.
I feel the same about castles in Europe as I do about churches in Europe—there are many. That’s not to say I don’t immensely enjoy both, but I tend to feel maxed out on each occasionally.
You may want to consider this when deciding to visit São Jorge Castle. If you’ve never visited a castle, check it out. If you’ve visited fifty castles, it may be less attractive to you and perhaps not necessary for your 2-day Lisbon itinerary.
Dinner Options
I have two recommendations for the last dinner of your two days in Lisbon. Depending on how tired you feel from your jam-packed itinerary, you may lean towards one or the other. Both options lead back to the Bairro Alto / Chiado area.
Bairro do Avillez
This place is the sit-down dinner recommendation, while the second is a faster takeaway option. Bairro do Avillez is the creation of one of Portugal’s famed chefs, José Avillez. He has another popular restaurant in Lisbon called Cantinho do Avillez, which I believe is another step up in price range.
Bairro do Avillez is a buzzing, trendy, beautifully designed restaurant space that houses multiple concepts. Here you will find a Mercaria, Taberna, Páteo, and Beco. I ate at The Taberna, and the menu offered hearty food and many takes on traditional Portuguese dishes. I loved dinner here!
Páteo focuses on seafood, while Beco offers a cabaret show with an internationally inspired tasting menu. Dining at any of Avillez’s concept restaurants is bound to be a memorable part of any Lisbon itinerary. My group and I were able to walk in and get a seat on a weeknight with a short wait, but reservations are likely helpful if you can plan ahead.
O Trevo
I decided to provide two dinner recommendations because sometimes, after a busy day exploring, I want to grab food and take my shoes off. Also, I love both places, so it worked out perfectly to provide two choices.
O Trevo is a casual, traditional tasca serving simple Portuguese pleasures: beer, snacks, and bifanas. A bifana is a Portuguese sandwich and a must-eat during your 2 days in Lisbon.
The bifana is made with thinly sliced pork; when you order at the counter, you can see the staff slapping the meat on the griddle. The pork is served on a perfectly-crusty Portuguese bread, a match made in heaven. The pairing is basic, but damn, is it good.
Deciding What to Do For 2 Days in Lisbon
The city is unique because there are few major “sights” you feel obligated to see. For example, take Rome or Paris. When visiting either of these European cities, there is a long list of major must-see sights you must cram into your time there.
I make this comparison when I talk to people about traveling to Lisbon because I want to accurately describe what it’s like to experience this city. This is not to say that either type of travel experience is better or worse. The goal is to highlight that visiting Lisbon feels much different than some of the other capital cities in Europe.
Since Lisbon has a limited list of major sights to visit, I travel much more slowly here than in other destinations. And that’s a nice, refreshing change. It’s likely one of the reasons that I love my time in Lisbon so much.
If you want to get out of the city, check out these amazing day trips from Lisbon.
Is 2 Days in Lisbon Enough Time?
Sure, it would be easy to spend a week in Lisbon. The city is beautiful, built on hills with surprising views around every corner. The architecture is charming, the buildings are colorful, and the streets are covered in cobblestone. It’s the city you could wander through and get lost in for days straight.
That said, 2 days in Lisbon is far better than zero days in Lisbon. The city is highly walkable, and I find it one of the best ways to explore. A lot of ground can be covered in 2 days. Lisbon will make the perfect weekend getaway if your home city is within a reasonable flight time. I’d spend weekends there if I weren’t located halfway across the globe.
Are you also considering a trip to Porto? Check out this Lisbon vs Porto comparison post to help guide your travel plans.
Where to Stay for 2 Days in Lisbon
Lisbon is a great city to explore on foot. If you have 2 days in Lisbon, it would be wise to stay pretty central so you can walk to almost everything you want to see.
Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are the three centrally located neighborhoods I stay in each time I visit Lisbon. These neighborhoods make the perfect home base for exploring Lisbon for two days.
Below are some of my favorite lodging options for a 2-day stay in Lisbon. These options are all conveniently located and priced from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Lisbon
YES! LISBON HOSTEL: This award-winning hostel is among the highest-rated hostels on Hostelworld.com. It is located in a convenient and central area, so you can easily explore the city by foot. Yes! Lisbon Hostel is great for solo travelers looking to meet people, as it hosts pub crawls, walking tours, and group dinners.
HOME LISBON HOSTEL: This award-winning hostel is also known for the incredible budget dinners cooked by the hostel owner’s mother. It is located in the city center and has been praised as one of the best hostels in the world.
Mid-Range Places to Stay in Lisbon
HOTEL DA BAIXA: This property is located in what I’d consider to be one of the most central spots for tourists in Lisbon. Rossio station is just a few minutes away by foot, which is incredibly convenient. I love the green tile exterior of this hotel. The lively area is the perfect home base for two days in Lisbon.
MY STORY HOTEL ROSSIO: This hotel is just a few minutes from Rossio station on Rossio Square. The interior is stylish, clean, and trendy, and you can walk everywhere you want to go during your two-day stay in Lisbon. It’s hard to beat this super central location.
Splurge-Worthy Places to Stay in Lisbon
SANTIAGO DE ALFAMA—BOUTIQUE HOTEL: If you want classic yet modernized Portuguese charm, this is the place. This stunning boutique hotel is in a restored 15th-century former palace in the Alfama District, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. You will love this area’s tiny streets and colorful old buildings.
THE LUMIARES: This stylish boutique hotel and spa is located in the heart of one of my favorite areas, Bairro Alto. This neighborhood is full of food, culture, and nightlife, but the hotel is the perfect quiet escape when you are ready for some R&R. The property is beautiful and immaculately clean.
