Lisbon is one of the most exciting cities in which to spend weeks without running out of ideas for things you can do.
But even when my girlfriend and I visit Lisbon, we can only sometimes spend four days rather than two weeks at a time.
You may only have a two-day stopover when traveling and want to make the best of your visit.
For this reason, I’m here to help maximize your time with my detailed 2-day Lisbon itinerary. Also, make sure to check out my 1-day Lisbon itinerary as well.
With my list, you will notice all the highlights and can enjoy from day 1 to day 2 when you leave.
Crafting the Perfect 2-Day Lisbon Itinerary: What to Experience in 48 Hours
Lisbon is a vibrant, colorful city with history, culture, great food, narrow streets, and lively nightlife.
With its postcard-perfect views, pastel buildings, and cobblestone streets, it’s easy to see why Lisbon is becoming an increasingly popular destination.
While you could easily spend a whole week exploring Portugal’s capital, you can still get a good taste of the city in just 2 days if you plan your time wisely.
This 2-day Lisbon itinerary will help you maximize your time in this beautiful city.
Equip Yourself With Tickets and Tours to Public Transport
Lisbon has an excellent public transportation system of buses, trams, trains, and funiculars that can get you anywhere you want to go.
The most cost-effective way to get around is by loading a Navegante card with money, and you tap to ride. You can purchase this card at any metro station.
Another good option is the Lisboa Card, a popular choice that includes free transportation plus free or discounted admission to major sights. If you plan on visiting many paid attractions, this card can save you money.
Hot Tip🔥: Check how to use the Lisboa Card and save.
Joining a hop-on hop-off bus tour is convenient for getting oriented in Lisbon and seeing all the major landmarks. Several companies are offering these tours with routes through the city.
So, you can do your best using the above with the 2-day Lisbon itinerary here.
Getting to And From Lisbon Airport
The Lisbon Portela Airport is located just 7km from the city center. There are several reliable and affordable ways to get downtown:
- Metro train ticket – An easy metro connection with just one line change will take you from the airport to downtown in about 20 minutes for just 1.90 EUR.
- Bus – The Aerobus offers a direct nonstop connection for 3.60 EUR.
- Taxi – A taxi will cost around 10-15 EUR and take 15 minutes. Make sure to use licensed taxis only.
- Rideshare – Services like Uber cost around 10 EUR.
Day 1 in Lisbon Of The 2-Day Lisbon Itinerary
On your first day, explore some of Lisbon’s most famous and historic neighborhoods, including Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto. Ride tram 28, wander the winding streets, enjoy the views, and experience Lisbon’s exciting nightlife.
Alfama District
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, with narrow cobblestone lanes and ancient houses decorated with colorful tiles.
This neighborhood survived the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the city.
Wander through Alfama’s streets, admiring the architecture of some impressive churches like the Igreja de Santo Antonio and Se Cathedral.
Then, stop at viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia for panoramas over the city’s red rooftops.
Visit the charming Fado Museum to learn about Portugal’s traditional melancholic singing.
Have a seafood lunch at one of the family-run restaurants in this atmospheric neighborhood.
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
Tram 28
No trip to Lisbon is complete without riding the iconic yellow tram 28. This historic tram winds through Lisbon’s most exciting neighborhoods, from Estrela to Campo de Ourique.
Board the tram near Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique to avoid long lines.
Ride the entire loop for great views of landmarks like the Alfama district, Graça Church, Estrela Basilica, and the best miradouros (viewpoints).
Remember to validate your ticket! I recommend doing this on the 1st day of your 2-day Lisbon itinerary.
São Jorge Castle
At the top of one of Lisbon’s seven hills lies São Jorge Castle, dating back to the medieval period when it served as a Moorish royal residence.
From the hilltop, you’ll have spectacular 360-degree views over Lisbon. You can explore the ruins of a palace, chapel, and watchtowers inside the imposing stone walls.
The onsite museum displays artifacts discovered on the grounds spanning 2000 years of Portuguese history.
Take advantage of the camera obscura for amazing views of the city. I recommend booking the skip-the-line ticket that includes a guided intro.
Allow yourself up to two hours to explore the castle inside and the grounds. The castle opens daily from 9h00 to 21h00 daily.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In June 2024
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in May and every month moving forward from today.
It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon. A lot of hidden gems.
Praça do Comércio
This grand square facing the Tagus River is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
The Praça do Comércio features a triumphal arch, symmetrical buildings, and a giant statue of King Jose I at its center.
Stroll through the arcades along the square, stop for a drink at an open-air cafe, and admire the views of the river and 25 de Abril Bridge.
A lively farmer’s market is held here on Saturdays from March to October. So plan your visit with the 2-day Lisbon itinerary during these months.
Elevador de Santa Justa Lift
For beautiful 360 views over Lisbon’s skyline, head to the top of this 150-year-old Gothic-style elevator.
The Elevador de Santa Justa connects downtown Lisbon with the steep streets of the Bairro Alto, and Largo do Carmo above.
Tickets cost around 5 EUR for a roundtrip ride plus access to the observation platform at the top, where you will enjoy beautiful views. If you have a Lisbon Card, it is free.
Enjoy panoramic views of the castle, downtown, and river from the walkway encircling the platform from 7:30 to 21:00 with this day trip.
Pink Street
Are you looking for a trendy bar scene and some of Lisbon’s best shopping? Head to Rua Nova do Carvalho, known as the Pink Street, thanks to its pink-colored pavement.
By day, this street offers an alternative shopping experience with record stores, retro clothing shops, and street art.
Once night falls, Pink Street becomes the epicenter of Lisbon’s nightlife, with crowded bars pumping music into the street. So, remember to end your day during your 2-day Lisbon itinerary.
Bairro Alto District
On the 1st day, head to Bairro Alto, which takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Alfama district. Or you can take the 28E bust from Largo das Portas to hop off at Calhariz – Bica. It takes about 15 minutes.
During the day, Bairro Alto presents a chilled scene with great shops and trendy cafes. But it also is a vibrant nightlife district, sitting on a hill above the central downtown.
Its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleys is packed with over 200 bars and restaurants, making this the place to go for nightlife.
Wander the charming laneways lined with facades of decorative tiles, stopping to grab sangria or a craft beer at one of the many hole-in-the-wall bars.
Soak up the lively atmosphere at Fado performances and late-night revelry in Bairro Alto.
Elevador da Bica
This funicular tram, dating from 1892, is located in the heart of Lisbon. It connects the Cais do Sodré station with the streets of Bairro Alto and Santa Catarina above via a steep incline.
Riding the wooden tram is fun and offers pretty views over the city. At just 3.50 EUR for a roundtrip ticket, it’s a cheap Lisbon experience.
Try to go early or late to avoid long lines during peak times, or stand next to it for an Instagram shot.
The Miradouro Sunset
Some of the best views over Lisbon are from the many miradouros (viewpoints) around the city. Head to one as the sun goes down for an incredible sunset panorama.
Recommended sunset spots include Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and Miradouro da Graça, offering stunning views overlooking the castle and downtown.
Enjoy the golden hour lighting up the pastel buildings while sipping on local wine.
Bairro Alto Restaurants & Bars
Dining in Bairro Alto means you’ll be far from Lisbon’s buzzing nightlife. Try Cervejaria Trindade, which opened in 1836 and serves excellent seafood in elegant tile-lined dining rooms for authentic cuisine.
A fun way to experience several restaurants is on a dinner Bairro Alto food tour. For drinks, head to Pensão Amor – an erotic-art-themed bar with risqué decor and burlesque shows.
Or check out Portas Largas, known for fado music, live jazz, and an extensive Portuguese wine list. Or check out my list here with the extra time you have available:
- Visit Lisbon Winery, which sells traditional ports and other wines. You can stop here for wine tasting to pair with the most delicious cheeseboards. You can learn about the different wines from the informative staff while testing them.
- Another place to enjoy traditional Portuguese wine is the BA Wine Bar do Bairro Alto. They have a vast selection of wines with cheese to enjoy with it. Here, you can hang out before enjoying a meal at any other place on the list.
- A top restaurant in the district is A Nossa Casa, which is reasonably priced. You can enjoy traditional cuisine from Brazil or Portugal here. But I recommend booking ahead of time.
- In the heart of Bairro Alto you find Restaurante Momento HB. It is a cozy place to enjoy meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Here, it also helps to book a table ahead of time.
- If seafood is high on your list, then Versiculo do Faia is a must-visit. They have excellent service and a nice wine list.
- Lastly, visit Bairrices-Tapas for a vast selection of tapas dishes and cocktails to end the night.
Then, head to your hotel for a good night’s rest before day 2 of your itinerary starts. Still, if you want to find a perfect hotel, check out my list of the ten best hotels in Alfama Lisbon.
Day 2 in Lisbon of The 2-Day Lisbon Itinerary
On your second day, cross the Tagus to explore the following tourist attractions in the Belem and Parque Das Nações district, famous for its monuments linked to the Age of Discoveries, like the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Discoveries Monument.
You’ll find the famous landmarks above; the district is about 6 km west of the city center. Fuel up on the renowned custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem for a scenic walk or food tour.
You can take the tram 15, found at Fiqueria Square, but be aware of pickpockets when it gets crowded.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Belém Tower
This fortress on the Tagus River was the gateway to Lisbon during the Age of Discoveries during the 16th century, protecting the harbor where Portuguese explorers embarked on their adventurous sea voyages.
Tour the interior of Belem Tower to see exhibits about the history of the tower and Portugal’s explorers.
Climb to the top of the tower for excellent views over the riverfront. Take advantage of the expansive outdoor patio area. If you like, you can buy a ticket in advance online before the time. Tickets cost €6.
The tower opens from 10:00 to 17:30 and is closed on Mondays. So, making a weekend trip might be best to visit these iconic sights with your 2-day Lisbon itinerary.
Pasteis de Belém
No trip to Lisbon is complete without trying the iconic Portuguese egg custard tart called pasteis de nata or pastel de nata.
The best place to sample this delicacy is Pasteis de Belem cafe near Jeronimos Monastery, which uses a secret centuries-old recipe.
Join the lines of eager customers craving the warm, flaky, creamy tarts dusted with cinnamon. You can’t go wrong ordering a few (or more!) to eat in or take away.
Jerónimos Monastery, a Stunning Building
This grand monastery, dating back to 1499, is a prime example of Portuguese historic buildings in beautiful limestone. The Gothic architecture is fantastic.
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery was built to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India.
Admire the ornate Manueline-style detailing on the exterior, then head inside to see Vasco da Gama’s tomb in the church.
Don’t miss the two-story cloisters with graceful arches surrounding a courtyard. The entry fee is €10 per adult, and it is open from 10:00 to 17:30 daily and closed on Mondays.
You can book your tickets online before then.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Situated along the Tagus River, this monument shaped like a caravel ship celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos features sculptures of historic explorers like Vasco da Gama and Magellan along its 56-meter-high facade.
Take the elevator up to the observation deck for sweeping views over Belem. There is also a fascinating maritime museum inside the monument.
Opening hours daily from 10:00 to 19:00, and the entry fee is €6
Lisbon Food Tour
After enjoying a whole morning of exploring, what better way to explore Lisbon’s food scene than joining a culinary walking tour?
Try out favorite local bites like salty cod fritters, grilled sardines, and the famous custard tarts. Taste different Portuguese wines and cheeses.
Check out well-known establishments as well as hole-in-the-wall eateries you might otherwise miss. A food tour is a delicious way to discover Lisbon’s cuisine and culture.
You can end your 2-day Lisbon itinerary here, and if you are staying longer, check out my 3 to 4-day Lisbon itinerary guide coming soon. Also, make sure to visit the Time Out Market for tasty restaurants.
Wrap-Up
While Lisbon deserves much more time to experience all it offers, this 2-day itinerary will help you see the top highlights, including historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa, ride the iconic tram 28, and take panoramic views from various miradouros.
Make sure to sample delicious Portuguese cuisines like fresh seafood, sardines, and pasteis de nata! To maximize sightseeing, utilize transportation like the metro, tram, and tuk-tuks to maximize your limited time.
Consider purchasing a Lisboa Card for free or discounted admission to attractions and transportation. Pre-booking activities like fado shows and food tours also help streamline your visit.
With a vibrant culture, mouthwatering food, and stunning scenery, Lisbon will enchant you even with a brief two-day trip. Once you taste its charms, you’ll be eager to return and spend a week or more exploring this fantastic city!
