Welcome to Portugal’s coastal capital of Lisbon. Immediately, we’re going to information you thru the final word sooner or later in Lisbon itinerary, exhibiting you the very best this metropolis has to supply in simply sooner or later.
Should you’re staying in Lisbon longer, it would be best to take a look at our different weblog posts, 48 Hours in Lisbon, The place to Keep in Lisbon, and Finest Day Journeys from Lisbon. However for now, let’s get began with 1 day in Lisbon.
One Day in Lisbon Itinerary
The primary burning query that must be answered is, are you able to see Lisbon in simply sooner or later? Whereas it’s rather more tough to see every part in Lisbon than, say, Porto, it’s potential to get pleasure from its highlights and high points of interest in a single very jam-packed 24 hours. So, we’re going to present you the route that we predict you need to take.
Morning
Belem Tower
Begin your one-day journey to Lisbon within the Belem district with an early morning dawn at Belem Tower. You possibly can go inside Belem Tower, however it doesn’t open till 10 a.m., and the crowds are fierce. This attraction will be loved from the skin, and you’ll really feel fulfilled. Should you go for dawn, it should simply be you and some photographers capturing this UNESCO World Heritage Website, one in all Portugal’s seven wonders.
It’s situated instantly on the Tagus River. This stunning tower was in-built 1515 to defend Lisbon from invaders coming in alongside the Tagus River.
Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Leaving Belem Tower, it’s only a brief stroll alongside the waterfront promenade to the Monument of Discoveries. Portugal was a land of explorers; the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a tribute to Portugal’s legendary explorers. You possibly can’t miss this monument because it towers over the Tagus River.
Standing 52 meters excessive, it’s a formidable sight. It was constructed within the twentieth century, however it’s no much less spectacular. For a small price, you’ll be able to take an elevator up for views over the Tagus River, or you’ll be able to stroll up the steps. It doesn’t open till 10 a.m., so we are saying to easily benefit from the views.
Make sure that to cease and try the Compass Rose adorning the sq. in entrance of the Monument of Discoveries. It was a present from South Africa and pays tribute to Portugal’s journies within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Throughout the design, search for a mermaid, Neptune, fave compass roses, and blowing faces.
Should you actually need to see the views of the Tagus, you’ll be able to return and take the elevator instantly after your cease at our subsequent Lisbon attraction.
Jerónimos Monastery
Strolling up from the waterfront, you’ll come throughout Jerónimos Monastery. That is the primary cease that we advise you go inside. Guide your time entry ticket for the primary entry of the day. After seeing Belem Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, it needs to be the proper time to enter Jerónimos Monastery, which opens at 10 am.
Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and it too is one in all Porugal’s seven wonders as it’s a masterpiece of Manueline structure. Its stunning marble design is to not be missed. Inside, you’ll need to discover the cloisters, the courtyards and gardens, and the chapel. The monastery additionally homes the tomb of Vasco da Gama, who was the primary European to succeed in India by ship.
We recommend spending an hour right here after which be in your method. As a result of keep in mind, you solely have sooner or later in Lisbon, and if you get residence, individuals will ask, “Did you see this?” “Did you see that?” and you’ll say, “Sure, I did!”
Improve to a Lisbon Card at no cost entry to public transport and high points of interest, together with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and extra
Pateis de Bélem
Persevering with our journey by way of Belém, we see that it’s time for a snack break. You might have been going since dawn, and in the event you didn’t e book a lodge with breakfast included (which we extremely advocate as a result of it saves time and cash), you may be able to eat.
Pasteis de Bélem is an icon of the town, and whether or not you might be hungry or not, it’s essential to go inside to style this well-known Portuguese custard.
Besteis de Bélem is the unique Pastel de Nata that you’ll eat all through Portugal. The enduring Portuguese custard tart was began right here on the Monastery when the nuns used egg whites to starch their habits. They’d left-over yolks and didn’t know what to do with them, so that they made a custard that they stuffed into pastries and offered to earn cash for the Monastery. And thus, Pastel de Nata was born. Then, the Monastery was closed, they usually gave the recipe to the bakery subsequent door. They’ve been serving Pasteis de Belem ever since.
Don’t be afraid in the event you see a protracted line. The restaurant is big, and the strains transfer shortly. We have been inside inside a couple of minutes.
Noon / Lunch
You possibly can take the tram again to Placa Do Comercio (the principle sq. situated on the waterfront) from Belem and journey one in all Lisbon’s historic trams whilst you make your option to its stunning waterfront sq.. This provides you the chance to get pleasure from one in all Lisbon’s high points of interest – driving its iconic trams – whilst you make your method again to the outdated metropolis.
You possibly can rent an Uber, like we did. Should you rent an Uber, have it drop you off on the Time Out Market, the place you may be having lunch. Should you take the tram, the Time Out Market is only a 15-minute stroll from Comercio Sq.. Earlier than you make your option to the market, you’ll be able to take a look at the gorgeous sq. and Rua Agusta Arch
Rua Agusta
From Comercio Sq. stroll to the Rua Agusta Arch in the direction of the pedestrian road of Rua Agusta. Rua Agusta is 6 blocks of outlets, eating and vitality with road performers entertaining prospects as they eat their lunch.
Pull up a chair at one of many outside cafes to get pleasure from some genuine Portuguese meals. It is a stunning road that isn’t to be missed, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of the town. Stroll alongside this road, taking within the sights and going into the Bacalau, Pasteis de Nata, and Portuguese cans shops.
Afternoon
Alfama District
The Alfama District is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and a very good place to spherical off the remainder of the afternoon. If you wish to stroll, it’s simply 5-10 minutes from Rua Agusta to the beginning of your strolling tour of Alfama. It’s right here that you simply’ll actually really feel the historical past of Lisbon as you wander its slim streets.
Lisbon Cathedral
Begin your time in Alfama on the Lisbon Cathedral. It’s the oldest church within the metropolis, relationship again to the twelfth century. You possibly can go inside at no cost, however to see its cloisters, there’s a small price of about €2
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Portas do Sol is the following cease, a brief stroll uphill. This is among the hottest Miradouros in Lisbon, because it appears to be like out over the river and metropolis. See the terracotta rooftops that feels as in case you are overlooking a Meditteranean village cascading into the ocean.
It’s situated on a big balcony, providing loads of room to soak up the panoramic view. Issues to maintain a watch out for is the Monastery of St. Vincen and the Nationwide Pantheon.
Tram 28
From Portas do Sol, you’ll be able to hop on Tram 28. No journey to Lisbon could be full with out getting on one in all its historic trams, and Tram 28 is iconic. Tram 28 changed the unique horse-drawn carriages in 1914. Lisbon is called the town of hills, and these trams assist locals journey by way of its steep hills. Tram 28 is a 7m route that takes you thru the favored vacationer districts of Lisbon, Graca, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Santa Catarina & Estrela.
It takes 50 minutes to journey the complete route, however we advise utilizing it as a type of public transport as an alternative. Should you solely need to take it a few stops, you’ll be able to rent an Uber. The tram runs till 10 or 11 pm (relying on the season), so you’ll be able to at all times hop again later to see every part.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
From Portas do Sol, Tram 28 will take you subsequent to the Monastery of St. George, the place you’ll be able to hop off to discover inside, or you’ll be able to merely benefit from the view and wait in your subsequent cease, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Time might be getting tight now, so you could need to skip it and head on to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
That is the very best level in Lisbon and is value stopping for an overhead view of the town.
Castelo de São Jorge
Take a stroll alongside the fort’s historical partitions and benefit from the unbelievable views of the town from excessive above. Castelo de São Jorge is open till 9 pm in the summertime and is a superb spot for sundown.
You’ll have entry to its gardens and may be a part of a guided tour. There’s a museum inside that’s free to enter, and naturally, the fort partitions and views of the town are stunning. This web site is a big historic vacation spot, with settlements relationship again to the seventh century BC.
Night/Dinner
To spherical your sooner or later itinerary in Lisbon, make your option to Barrio Alto. That is the place for nightlife in Lisbon, and there are a number of decisions for dinner in Bairro Alto. We liked the Gin Lover’s Bar in Barrio Alto. We had a cocktail right here earlier than having fun with a scrumptious meal on the outside terrace.
Nightlife
After dinner, you’ve gotten a number of decisions: you’ll be able to benefit from the nightlife of Bairro Alto, go bar hopping, and seek for some Fado performers. Should you actually need to see a Fado present, we advocate reserving an organized efficiency upfront right here. This extremely rated tour.
Nicely, that was a busy sooner or later in Lisbon, Portugal! From historic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and gorgeous views from its miradouros, we’ve proven you the right way to benefit from your day AND night time on this gorgeous metropolis. If you’re spending extra time in Lisbon, take a look at our put up 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
For much more high sights, the very best locations to eat, and probably the most environment friendly methods to navigate Lisbon, take a look at our weblog The Finest Issues to Do in Lisbon.