Lisbon in 2 Days: everything you need to know
If you're thinking of a weekend getaway to Lisbon, check out this guide to visiting the Portuguese capital in 48 hours.
Aerial view of Lisbon | ©Gemmmm
It is possible to see Lisbon's main monuments and get to know the city in a weekend. And, what's more, we can do it in relative peace and quiet, enjoying it at our leisure. To that end, I share with you this itinerary for visiting the city in 48 hours. Although some less important points will be left out, in two days you will have time to see the historic centre, the most important neighbourhoods and monuments such as the Jerónimos Convent and the Belém Tower.
Day 1: Visit the historic centre: Alfama and Baixas neighbourhoods
The first day of the itinerary is designed to discover and enjoy the historic centre of Lisbon. The route runs through the neighbouring districts of Alfama and Baixas, in whose streets we will find some of the most significant points of the city: Lisbon Cathedral, St. George's Castle or the Commerce Square are some of the main points of this first day in Lisbon.
Take the best snapshots from the viewpoints of Porta do sol and Santa Lucia
The day can start at the viewpoints on the hill of St. George's Castle. Portas do Sol and Santa Lucia are two of the best for their views of central Lisbon with the Tagus River in the background, and you're sure to get the chance to see more if you book a guided tour of Alfama and St. George's.
Near both viewpoints there are several terraces that are perfect for breakfast and to get your strength for the day.
Enter St. George's Castle
At the top of the hill in the heart of the Alfama district is St. George's Castle, a must-see if you book a guided tour of St. George's Castle. The effort of walking up the steep streets is well worth it to see this 12th century castle.
The €10 entrance fee gives you access to the castle's interior, which features the periscope viewpoint of the Tower of Ulysses, the archaeological site and the castle gardens where you can stroll surrounded by ducks and peacocks while enjoying the spectacular views of the city.
Don't miss Lisbon Cathedral
As you walk down from the castle towards the Tagus you will come across the Lisbon Cathedral. The most important temple of the city can be visited for free and for an extra €2.5 you can add to the visit its cloister and the treasure that houses this church of Romanesque origin. A highly recommended visit that you can learn more about if you book a guided tour of Lisbon.
Discover the Alfama neighbourhood
After seeing its monuments, it is advisable to take a short walk through the streets of the Alfama neighbourhood. Originally a fishermen's neighbourhood that grew under the walls of St. George's Castle, it is now one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Lisbon.
If you let yourself get lost in its streets you will surely come across a street musician singing Fado, as this neighbourhood is considered to be the cradle of this Portuguese musical genre. We can take advantage of the walk to go into a restaurant and enjoy Portuguese gastronomy. Cod and other fish dishes are especially recommended as Alfama is a neighbourhood historically linked to fishing.
And if you prefer not to miss any detail about the history of this popular and peculiar neighbourhood, don't hesitate to book a guided tour of Alfama.
Stroll around Pedro IV Square
From the Alfama neighbourhood we walk down to Pedro IV Square, one of the stops on our guided tour of Lisbon. Formerly known as Rossio Square, it is one of Lisbon's nerve centres. In the centre of the square is the column-shaped monument to Pedro IV, the first emperor of Brazil and Portuguese constitutional king.
In the surrounding area there are endless shops and restaurants that we can take advantage of to eat if we haven't already done so. However, I recommend that you look for better dining options in the streets near the square as the prices in the square are on average higher.
Take a walk along Rua Augusta
This street is one of Lisbon's main thoroughfares and connects the Pedro IV square with the Praça do Comércio square. The two most important squares in Lisbon, which you can visit if you book a guided tour of Lisbon.
Rua Augusta is a pedestrian street and its more than 600 metres are lined with the city's main shops and businesses. We can take advantage of the walk to sit on a terrace to have a coffee and go into the shops to buy a souvenir or simply indulge ourselves.
Don't miss the Commerce Square
Late in the afternoon we will arrive at the famous Commerce Square. One of the most representative places in Lisbon. We access it through the arch of Rua Augusta which we can access to climb to its viewpoint and see the square and Augusta Street from above.
It only costs €2.5 to climb up to the viewpoint. In the Plaza del Comercio we can also see the equestrian statue of José I and the pier that overlooks the Tagus River and its excellent panoramic view.
This is a good place to end the day as it offers a beautiful sunset over the river and nearby there are plenty of dining options for dinner before returning to your accommodation or starting to enjoy Lisbon's nightlife. If you don't want to make a mistake with where to go, don't hesitate to book a gastronomic tour of Lisbon.
Day 2: Enjoy the Santa Justa Elevator, the Convento do Carmo and Belém
We already know the centre of Lisbon, so on the second day it's time to finish the job and visit the Belém neighbourhood, home to two of the most important monuments in Lisbon and Portugal. But that's after taking a particular lift up to visit an impressive ruined church.
Take the Santa Justa elevator
The second day in Lisbon can start with a visit to the Santa Justa elevator. Located on Rua do Ouro, this particular lift links the Baixa Pombalina and Chiado neighbourhoods via an elevator and a 45-metre-high walkway. The upper part houses a terrace with good views of the centre of Lisbon.
As queues are frequent, it is advisable to go early in the morning. The elevator starts operating at 7.30am and costs €5.30, which includes a return trip in the lift and access to the observation deck.
Visit the Convento do Carmo
As we exit the upper walkway of the Santa Justa lift we come across the former Convento do Carmo. This was the most important Gothic building in Lisbon until 1755. In 1755 a historic earthquake struck, leaving this and many other buildings in ruins.
Today you can visit the ruins of the church which houses the Do Carmo Archaeological Museum. The main structure of the temple is preserved but without the roof, which makes for a simply spectacular postcard. A visit to the convent and museum costs €5.
Take the tram to Belém
One of the most authentic experiences in Lisbon is riding the trams. Since our next destination is the Belém neighbourhood and it's a bit far from the centre, don't hesitate to book the Lisbon sightseeing tram to get there.
It's best to take a 10 or 15 minute walk from the Do Carmo convent to the Comercio square where you can catch the number 15 tram which will take you to Belém in about 20 minutes.
When we arrive and before visiting the Jerónimos Monastery, we will look for a place to eat. There are many options near the monastery itself. I recommend eating beforehand as the visit to the monument can take longer than you think.
Let yourself be dazzled by the Jerónimos Monastery
We will get off the tram at the stop right in front of the Jerónimos Monastery. This building has the recognition of being a World Heritage Site thanks to its artistic and architectural value. Its convent and church are spectacular and make it a must-see in Lisbon.
I recommend that you book your ticket to the Jerónimos Monastery in advance, as it is the most visited monument in Lisbon. The price starts at around €17. It is open every day of the week except Mondays.
Taste the pastries of Belém
While in the Belém neighbourhood, you can't miss the opportunity to try the traditional pastries. These are puff pastries made by the monks of the Jerónimos monastery.
You can taste them all over the city, but next to the monastery you will find the original factory and it is the best and most typical place to taste these sweets. It is well worth making a stop on the way to try this famous snack.
Admire the view from the Monument to the Discoveries
After replenishing our strength with Belém pastries, we will visit the Monument to the Discoveries. This impressive construction is located near the monastery next to the Tagus River. The construction of more than 50 meters high was erected as a tribute to all the adventurers and discoverers who marked the history of Portugal. It is a nice place to stop for a few minutes to admire and take pictures next to the Tagus.
End your tour at the Belém Tower
As you can see, it is possible to see Lisbon's main monuments and enjoy the city in 48 hours. The last stop on this itinerary will be at one of Lisbon's most famous monuments, the Bélem Tower. This tower juts out into the river and was built to serve as a fort and lighthouse.
Note that if you buy your ticket for the Belém Tower you can visit the inside to see the dungeons and climb to the top to see the views. The price to enter the interior is approximately €19.
When you leave, it is advisable to sit for a few minutes and wait for the sunset. The waters of the river bathed in the setting sun is the best possible way to bid farewell to Lisbon.