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|Updated on November,24,2024|

Lisbon, one of Europe’s hidden gems, offers so much to explore in just 48 hours. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or vibrant neighborhoods, this city has it all. To make the most of your trip to Lisbon, plan at least two days to explore this vibrant city.

 

On my first visit to Lisbon, I was captivated by its vibrant neighborhoods and stunning viewpoints. I’m not sure what it was, but there was something about Lisbon that felt so good—almost like I’d found a part of myself there. The rhythm of the city, the sounds of trams rolling by, and the warmth of the locals created a sense of belonging.

 

Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for another bite of the city’s charm, this 2-day itinerary has something unforgettable for you. This carefully written 2-day Lisbon itinerary is your guide to maximizing your experience during this brief stay.

 

Lisbon attracts an increasing number of global tourists each year. This is partially due to the city’s accessibility from nearby European countries, with many budget airlines offering convenient flights, making travel times relatively short depending on your departure location.

 

Lisbon is an incredible place to visit, and even if you have a couple of days to spend there, you will be amazed and surprised at how much it offers. Visiting Lisbon should be a must on your bucket list, as Lisbon’s attractions are amazing, and just exploring a city worth every single minute. This 2-day Lisbon Itinerary guide will help you to plan your trip accordingly.

 

One of the first things that might amaze you in Lisbon is how close the airport is to the city. It’s just 6 km away, and interestingly, it happens to be one of the busiest airports in Europe and planes fly right over the town.   It also means there are always big lines at the airport. *So plan your arrival time accordingly. The location of Lisbon airport is perfect as you can get to the city easily by using public transportation.

 

Did you know that Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in Europe?! It has approximately 2800 hours of sun per year.

 

2 Days Lisbon Itinerary: What to Do, See, and More

Best Way to Get Around Lisbon

The best way to get around Lisbon is to use public transportation. A one-way metro ticket costs €1.50. However, for the first time, you will have to buy a re-loadable Viva Viagem card for €0.50, which you can use for any public transport network in Lisbon. Metro tickets can be purchased from the ticket counters and automated ticket machines at the airport.

 

The “Aeroporto Saldanha” line will take you to Lisbon’s downtown in 20 minutes. This is a convenient and cheap way to get to the city instead of hiring a taxi. If you want to take a Lisbon bus instead, it will cost you from €1.50-2  (on-board). Keep in mind that when taking a bus, there are specific rules and limitations regarding baggage. If your baggage exceeds 50*40*20cm, you must use a particular bus only.

 

Check here to learn how to buy a Lisboa VIVA card.

 

You can also download a Lisbon metro app to your phone to stay updated with the latest schedule changes or see the transport information immediately without searching for it online.

 

Spending only two days in Lisbon is undoubtedly a short time, but I made an effort to explore as much as possible and make the most of my time. If you can, I recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Lisbon. This way, you can fully enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer.

 

If you’re planning to spend just a few days in Lisbon, I should tell you that it is not enough, but possible. In 2 days, you can see the main sights of Lisbon without sacrificing your time. Here’s my Lisbon itinerary for a few days, created especially for first-time travelers who might not be familiar with the city.

Day 1 Lisbon Itinerary

1. Check-in at Your Accommodation Place

Check-in at the Loft Lisbon Hostel. This lovely and peaceful hostel is situated in an ideal location in Lisbon. You’ll find everything you need just a short walk away, including shops, restaurants, the metro, grocery stores, and more.

 

There is no 24-hour reception, and their check-in is from 8 to 10 pm only. Be sure to contact them before your arrival because if you arrive after their working hours, you won’t be able to access the hostel. It’s tucked away in a residential building on a quiet street, making it a bit challenging to find initially.

 

If you are more comfortable staying at hotels, you can check all Hotels in Lisbon by rating and reviews here.

 

2. Eat Something Tasty

After you check-in, it is time to go to eat and take some rest from the long flight. There are many places where you can get a delicious aroma of coffee with something tasty or grab lunch or dinner.

 

3. Go Shopping

Get wild on your two-day itinerary in Lisbon and do some shopping. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the choice of fantastic stores you can discover in Portugal compared to the US.  Most of them will be European brands, such as Zara, Mango, Pull and Bear, etc. If you plan your trip for the late summer period, you’ll have the chance to enjoy sales and secure some excellent bargains. Do not miss the chance to renew your wardrobe for less.

 

4. Take a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

As Lisbon is a big city with many things to see and do, I suggest taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore the city. However, exploring the city in 24 hours is very hard as you might get tired fast and you won’t have enough time. Also, expect some long lines at popular spots, and remember that the summer heat in Lisbon can make waiting a bit uncomfortable.

 

To make things easier, I recommend purchasing a 48-hour pass instead. This way, you can use the same pass on the second day if you don’t have enough time to see everything in just one day.

 

As I stayed in the perfect area, the bus station for the hop-on-hop-off bus was very close to my hostel. So I bought a 48-hour pass and could use it for 2 days. One day was not enough to see everything.

 

You can buy the tour pass online or inside the kiosk (depending on the location). I suggest buying online as there might be long lines and no tickets available for a specific time. Also, don’t forget your headset, as the headset you will get on the bus might not work, and you will be so disappointed that you can’t hear what the tour guide is saying.

 

Also, take a bottle of water with you. It is very hot in Lisbon in the summer.

 

One great aspect of the hop-on-hop-off bus is that it covers all the major attractions in Lisbon you need to see (those are covered in the section below). You can explore them at your own pace without getting too exhausted, as you’ll be traveling between destinations on the bus instead of walking the entire time.

 

5. Visit Parque Eduardo VII

The hop-on-hop-off bus station is located right next to the park. Therefore, it is an excellent opportunity to visit the park first and take a tour after. The Parque Eduardo is huge. It is a quiet, ample greenery space with some comfortable benches. A bike station is nearby if you want to explore the city by bike.

 

Walk to the very top of the park to enjoy the fantastic views of the stylish lawns toward the Tagus River, located north of the Avenida da Liberdade and Marques de Pombal Square. There are also many areas to explore nearby, so feel free to observe.

Day 2 Lisbon Itinerary

1. Eat Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at one of Lisbon’s lovely spots. I recommend having breakfast outdoors to take in the city’s scenic views. Don’t forget to request an English menu, as some places might initially provide a menu in Portuguese only.

 

2. Head to Sintra

Sintra is undoubtedly one of Lisbon’s famous attractions worth exploring. Sintra is a small town in the foothills of the Mountains, about an hour away from Lisbon. The area is hilly and forested, and it has fantastic palaces and villas, which make it a must-see for most visitors to Portugal. Traveling to Sintra from anywhere in the city is incredibly convenient.

 

Simply take the metro to the central Rossio station, where you can catch a direct train to Sintra. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey typically lasts no more than 40 minutes. A round trip will cost you €4.60.

 

Once you arrive at Sintra station, you must take a bus from there if you plan to go to Pena Palace. You can walk, but it will take an hour or more, and the road has many ups and downs, so it’s better to take a bus. Sintra Station is a  10-minute walk from the town center. However, Pena National Palace and the Moorish Castle are located 5km from the town on a steep hill.

 

Keep in mind: If you didn’t buy a pass to Sintra, which also includes a bus ride, make sure you have exact cash as you won’t be able to use a card on the bus. Also, start your trip as early as possible, as there will be so many people in line wanting to get in.

 

You will also need to buy a ticket to visit Sintra. Be patient, as there will be lines. You should be able to pay with your card, but if you want, there will be an ATM in front of the entrance. You can skip a line entrance ticket to Sintra here. I highly suggest buying an admission ticket to Sintra online to avoid long lines and save time.

 

TIP: Buses heading to Sintra offer charging stations, so if your phone is running low on battery, take the opportunity to charge it while you’re on the bus. This can be a lifesaver if you find yourself with a dead battery during your journey

 

Plan to spend the whole day at Sintra by walking around and visiting castles. That is why it is highly recommended to come as early as possible to avoid the crowd and spend as much time there as possible.

 

The city is charming and peaceful, with souvenir shops, dining options, and picturesque city views. However, it’s not easy to come across ATMs or currency exchange locations, so it’s better to carry some cash with you.

 

TIP: Do not drive to Sintra in any case, as the roads are very tiny, and finding parking is challenging.

 

Read here for the directions on how to get from Lisbon to Sintra.

 

3. Take Some Rest

After a long day, go back to your hostel/hotel, stop by a grocery store, and buy some local food instead of eating out on your last day. Cook some meals, relax, and enjoy your time in Lisbon.

 

That is more than enough for two days in Lisbon. Of course, there is much more to see, but it is physically impossible to cover all the things to see in Lisbon in 2 days, which is an excellent reason to return :).

Best Things to Do and See in Lisbon, Portugal

1. Visit Belem

If you’re exploring Lisbon, you can’t miss Belem! Situated along the scenic Tagus River, it’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Belem is a top spot in Lisbon, located along the Tagus River. It’s home to iconic places like the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. These landmarks are must-sees for anyone visiting the city. You’ll love the mix of history and stunning architecture while exploring Belem’s streets.

 

There is a park near Belem where you can rest and enjoy your long day of walking. If you want to go inside the tower, you will need to pay a fixed amount, and you can explore inside.  The tower has five floors and a roof terrace. The entry fee is ~€10, but it will be free if you buy a Lisbon card.

2. Walk to the Monument of the Discoveries

Located along the Tagus River, this monument is only a short walk away from the Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower.  This monument is a noteworthy addition to your list of must-see attractions in Lisbon. This Monument was built in 1939 to honor the Portuguese Discoveries of the golden XV and XVI centuries.

 

Walk around the Monument and enjoy the beautiful river views. You can also get to the top of the Cultural Centre to get a unique view of Prača do Império.

3. Ride a Funicular

One of the best things about Lisbon is riding a funicular. It’s an absolute must, especially if you’ve never tried one before. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun! You will notice those cute funiculars with open windows and iron lattice doors in the streets of Lisbon. Take a chance and ride it. It is a fun experience that will leave lots of good memories.

 

You can find the funicular at a lower station of the Ascensor da Glória at the corner of the Avenida da Liberdade and Calçada da Glória where you can walk from the Rossio station. The funicular runs from the square to the top station without stopping.

 

At the top station, you’ll see the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This Miradouro offers beautiful views of Bairro Alto, Chiado, Alfama, and Castelo. If you walk from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara to the Ascensor da Bica, you will find the most famous and photographed tiny funicular.

 

Lisbon also offers another similar mode of transport – trams. The most popular tourist tram is Tram 28, but keep in mind that it can get quite crowded and is a hotspot for pickpockets.

 

Check the Lisbon Tram Map here.

4. Explore Rossio Square

Depends where you are,  to get to the Rossio Square you can take a Tram 28, walk for 20 minute if you are in Alfama, or take any other public transport that goes there. Experience the authentic lifestyle of Lisbon locals. Officially named Pedro IV Square, the spot marks the heart of the Pombaline Lower Town, located between the Tagus and Baixa rivers. You can relax on the benches, watch the locals play dominos in the park, feed pigeons, and enjoy elaborate Baroque fountains babbling under the sun.

5. Get Lost in Alfama

This neighborhood used to be the whole city before Lisbon became the actual Lisbon. Alfama is one of the most incredible places to see in Lisbon on your visit. Alfama is the best place to explore on foot, which offers many authentic Portuguese restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and narrow streets. At Alfama, you will also find Tram 28, the most famous tram in Lisbon.

 

There are a few places in Alfama to observe the incredible view of the city: Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. They are best to visit late afternoon or early evening when the sun goes down, and you can enjoy the beauty of the colorful sky and the city.

 

Check out the Lisbon attractions map for more things to see

6. Visit Famous Portuguese Shows

There are so many places to go in Lisbon, and going to shows is no exception. Lisbon is famous for its yearly festivals as well. So if you happen to be in Lisbon on one of the days with incredible festivals, don’t miss the opportunity to get to know their culture more and enjoy the beautiful music.

5 Lisbon Travel Tips

1. Buy Lisboa Card

To make the most of your time in Portugal and save money on Lisbon’s attractions, you can buy a Lisboa Card (Lisbon Card). With a Lisbon card, you will get access to over 30 attractions in Lisbon. The price depends on the length and age and starts from €27 and goes up.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Be sure to put on comfortable shoes when exploring Lisbon, as the city’s hilly terrain means you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your visit.

3. Check First if the Complimentary Food/Snaks are Free

The appetizers offered in many restaurants without your order are not complimentary. If you don’t intend to pay for extras, be cautious not to touch them and inform the waitress that you don’t require them.

4. Join a Free Walking Tour

Join a Free walking tour in Lisbon. It is always the best opportunity to learn the history of the city. Knowledgeable fun guides will walk you through its vibrant streets, sharing fascinating stories and insights along the way, making your visit both educational and enjoyable. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Lisbon’s cultural treasures as you only pay tips.

5. Be Flexible With Dates

Consider staying longer than planned to fully experience all that Lisbon has to offer. Extending your stay gives you time to explore not only the city’s iconic attractions but also day trips to places like Sintra or Cascais. More time means less rushing and more chances to soak in the city’s charm and culture.

 

Spending more than 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal, and planning a trip to the closest countries? Check this Barcelona travel guide.

 

FAQ About Lisbon

1. Is Lisbon expensive to visit? Lisbon is relatively affordable compared to other Western European capitals. Dining out, public transport, and accommodation offer great value for money, especially in comparison to cities like Paris or London.
2. How do I get from Lisbon Airport to the city center? From Lisbon Airport, you can take the AeroBus service, a taxi, or the Metro (Red Line). The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
3. What are the best day trips from Lisbon? Some of the top day trips include a visit to Sintra, with its stunning Pena Palace, the coastal town of Cascais, and the UNESCO-listed Óbidos village.
4. Is Lisbon safe for tourists? Yes, Lisbon is one of the safest cities in Europe for tourists. However, like any major city, you should be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Baixa and Alfama.
5. Where should I stay in Lisbon? For tourists, Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama are ideal districts to stay in. These areas are central, with easy access to main attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Alternatively, consider Bairro Alto for a lively nightlife scene.
6. Can I walk around Lisbon’s hills easily? Lisbon’s seven hills can be steep, but they offer amazing views. Use Tram 28 or electric bikes to make the journey easier and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

I fell in love with Lisbon at first glance. I loved how beautiful and different this city is from other European cities. Lisbon’s mosaic and colorful architecture made my heart melt.

 

The 2-day itinerary was not enough to see all of Lisbon’s top attractions, but this itinerary helped me see this fantastic city’s main beauty, and I had a great time exploring it.

 

There are so many other things to see and do in Lisbon, which I would love to see another time. What to do in Lisbon for 2 days is entirely up to you. You can either follow my itinerary or craft your own adventure, but rest assured, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience no matter what you choose.

I hope this Lisbon 2-day travel guide helped you plan a great Lisbon vacation and you found your points of interest in Lisbon from my post. Thanks for reading.

 

I’d love to hear about your own Lisbon adventures. Have you discovered a hidden gem in the city? Drop a comment below!

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