Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Soumya
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of the most charming cities in the world. It is easy to spend two days in Lisbon roaming the cobbled streets of Alfama, eating Pastel de Nata, or looking over the horizon at one of Lisbon’s many beautiful miradouros.
Are two days in Lisbon good enough?
Well, maybe not. But there’s so much you can do to make those two days worth your while.
That is why we put together this super easy and compact 2-day itinerary for Lisbon so that you don’t miss out on the top things to do and see in Lisbon. 48 hours in Lisbon is a short time and we don’t want you to miss out on the best attractions.
Here’s what this Lisbon itinerary tells you.
- How to efficiently manage your time during the two days in Lisbon
- Easy ways to see the best of both Alfama and Belem in your short two-day trip to Lisbon
- Travel tips to make your visit to Lisbon memorable
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Lisbon Itinerary Day 1: Historic Center
Lisbon is a historical city. It is the second oldest capital in Europe after Athens and one of the most vibrant cultural capitals. Any trip to Lisbon is incomplete without a tour of the city’s historic center that includes the beautiful neighborhood of Alfama.
On the first day of your two-day stay in Lisbon, tour the areas of Alfama, Baixa, and Rossio—all of which form Lisbon’s historic center. Start early to beat the crowds.
If you are up before 9:00 am, you can take the famous Tram #28 (I would not recommend it otherwise – it gets too crowded between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm) and go directly up to Sao Jorge Castle, where we begin our first day in Lisbon.
Before we get started, I suggest you get a Lisbon Card before planning your Lisbon itinerary. This card will be a lifesaver if you’re planning to visit many Lisbon attractions and take public transport.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
If there is one historic monument that you wish to add to your 2-days in Lisbon itinerary, then the Sao Jorge Castle should be it. Built by the Visigoths in the 5th century, this beautiful Lisbon monument has been here forever and has seen it all.
Walk the fort ramparts, explore the well-articulated museum, and enjoy stunning views of downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus from here.
The castle is open between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm every day, and it is pretty empty if you are among the first to get here.
Tickets are pricey – as far as I know this is the most expensive Lisbon attraction.
✦ Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during peak hours (10:00 am – 3:00 pm), be sure to get a skip-the-line ticket for Sao Jorge Castle. If you can come early, getting a ticket from the box office will be much cheaper.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Head next to one of the prettiest viewpoints in Lisbon – Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
If you have fallen in love with all those pictures of red and orange tiled homes in Lisbon with a shimmering Tagus behind, then this is the place to see it.
But it is not just the views. The miradouro is a splendid attraction in itself. One side of the miradouro is flanked by the Church of Santa Luzia whose walls have two beautiful azulejo panels painted on them. Pink and red bougainvillea cover the entire terrace.
There is also a café where you can get some refreshments .
Quite clearly, Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most romantic places in Lisbon!
✦ Pro Tip: If you love city views, Lisbon has plenty of amazing viewpoints. They are called miradouros in Portuguese. Here’s our collection of 10 best miradouros in Lisbon.
Se Cathedral
Once done, walk down the charming streets of Alfama and arrive at the Se Cathedral. Also referred to as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Sé is the most important church in the city.
I do not consider the Se to be the most picturesque but it is a great place to learn about Lisbon’s religious and architectural history.
The church has seen the most famous baptisms, weddings, and funerals in Portuguese history.
The cathedral is free to enter but you need to pay a small amount to explore its cloisters and treasury.
📖 Read Next: Visiting Lisbon? Check out the 10 most beautiful places in Lisbon that you cannot miss.
Praca do Comercia & Rua Augusta Arch
Praca do Comercio is Lisbon’s most beautiful square and was once the site of Lisbon’s Royal Palace. However, the devastating earthquake of 1755 destroyed everything around it.
Then the entire square was rebuilt. And how!
Today, three sides of the square are surrounded by earthquake-resistant buildings. They are yellow and white and flaunt the most beautiful arches. These Pombaline buildings are one of the most gram-worthy locations in Lisbon.
Right in the middle of the square is Arch of Rua Augusta that was built to commemorate Lisbon’s triumph over the 1755 earthquake. Climb here for some more great panoramic views of the city and the river.
Entry to Arco da Rua Augusta is free with the Lisbon Card. Entrance is not very expensive, otherwise.
The arch is open between 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
✦ Trivia: Pombaline engineers used an ingenious technique to test these buildings for earthquake resistance. Find out how they did that in our article on 25 curious facts about Lisbon.
Santa Justa Elevator
Santa Justa Elevator, one of Lisbon’s bucket list items, is only 10 minutes away from the Commercial Square.
This is the only surviving vertical urban lift in the city and fun to ride. But only if it isn’t crowded which more often than not, it is.
The lift’s observation deck offers stunning views of the Pombaline Baixa district and great shots of Carmo Convent.
✦ Pro Tip: If you do not want to jostle for space inside the elevator or wait for long hours outside, I recommend you take the stairs by the side of the Carmo Convent and head to the Santa Justa observation deck from there. Same view but you save on the elevator costs!
Carmo Convent & Museum
Another unmissable thing to do if you only have 2 days in Lisbon is to visit the Carmo Convent & Museum.
An old Catholic church that was almost destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, Carmo Convent stands in ruins today. And that is what makes it truly stand out in this otherwise busy Lisboa neighborhood.
Carmo was once the largest church in Lisbon. What remains now is a roofless nave held together by strikingly beautiful arches.
Inside the main altar, now there is a small archaeological museum that is home to some impressive tombs, historical artifacts, and queer mummies.
Buy a Lisbon Card to get 20% off your Carmo Convent tickets.
✦ Pro Tip: The church is closed on Sundays, Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. So, plan your Lisbon 2-day itinerary accordingly.
Rossio Square
End your day at the most happening Rossio Square or Praça do Rossio. Rossio Square has some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops.
The historical Café Nicola is right here. It was once the meeting place of Lisbon’s intellectual elite. Today, it sports an art deco façade and serves great coffee.
Other places of interest nearby include the Column of Pedro IV, The National Theatre, Rossio Railway Station, and several beautiful fountains.
✦ Pro Tip: Hungry after a long day of sightseeing? Check out our guide on the best things to eat in Lisbon.
Map for Day 1 in Lisbon
Lisbon Itinerary Day 2: Belem
On your second day in Lisbon, head to the heritage district of Belem from Lisbon to see the two main Lisbon attractions – The Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower. Also enjoy the best Portuguese dessert – Pasteis de Belem.
Belem Tower
Belem Tower is one of the two great monuments that form the UNESCO World Heritage Ensemble in Belem. The other one is the Monastery of the Hieronymites or the Jeronimos Monastery.
Built in the early 15th century, Belem Tower served many important purposes. It was a defense port, state prison, customs port, and even a lighthouse.
Today, it is a worthy reminder of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. It is from here that the great navigators of Portugal went on to discover the Orient and South America.
Torre de Belem, as Belem Tower is locally known, isn’t huge and won’t take you more than an hour to explore it all. However, it is almost always busy which is why you must buy your skip-the-line tickets in advance.
✦ Pro Tip: Come here in the early hours of the morning for the best photographs. In the morning, the rising rays of the sun cast a golden hue on the monument, which makes for great pictures.
Monument of Discoveries
170ft (52m) tall, the Monument of Discoveries is a tribute to the seafaring success of Portugal. It was inaugurated in 1960 to commemorate Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
The most exciting part of the monument is the group of sculptures of various navigators who made the journey abroad. They all stand on a small sailing ship, raring to go. Prince Henry, The Navigator leads.
From the top of the monument, you can see the marina and the 25th April Bridge. At the foot of the monument, you can get an incredible bird’ s-eye view of the Compass mosaic.
📖 Read Next: Plan a epic day in Belem with our complete Lisbon to Belem travel guide.
Jeronimos Monastery
The Monastery of Hieronymites or the Jeronimos Monastery is another must-visit monument if you’re visiting Lisbon for two days or more. Even if you are in Portugal for a day, I suggest visiting this one—it is a must-have on every Portugal itinerary.
Jeronimos is one of the most impressive monasteries in Portugal and the world. You should visit here for two reasons.
- The exotic Manueline architecture.
- This was where Vasco da Gama spent his last hours before leaving the shores of Portugal and discovering the sea route to India. His tomb lies inside.
You can visit the church at Jeronimos for free. If you want to see the cloisters (which are gorgeous), you need to pay an entrance fee. The lines are usually very long – so it is best to buy your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time.
Even better, get a Lisbon Card and zoom through the first entrance on the left of the church. This entrance usually has smaller queues.
✦ Pro Tip: Visit Jeronimos Monastery around midday. The crowd usually clears up then. Or come back after 4 p.m. The monastery is open between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Archaeology Museum
On the left of the monastery is the National Archaeological Museum, which houses Portugal’s most impressive collection of historical artifacts.
The display dates from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. And the Egyptian and Islamic halls are extraordinary.
This Lisbon museum is free to enter with the Lisbon Card.
Pasteis de Belem
Right next to the Jeronimos Monastery is the famous pastelaria, Pasteis de Belem, which serves the most delectable Portuguese tarts in the world.
These delicious Portuguese desserts are called Pasteis de Belem. You have to bite into one to know what you have been missing all your life.
The café has been around since 1837. Its tart history started off solely as a selling place for sweet pastries from the monastery next door. How it went on to become the sole creator of that exotic pastry is detailed on the history page of its website.
Even today, the recipe of Pasteis de Belem is a closely guarded secret.
Here’s a small tip. Don’t get a takeaway from the cafe. The takeaway queues are way longer. Go inside (the café’s interior is a tile museum in itself), take a seat, and have as Pasteis de Belem as you like.
📖 Read Next: Love desserts? Here are the 9 best Portuguese desserts you should be trying on your next trip.
Belem Coach Museum
The National Coach Museum in Belem is more of a hidden gem in Lisbon but well worth seeing.
Here, you can see several antique coaches on display. Most of them belonged to the Portuguese royalty.
Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, most are ornately gilded, and some terribly ostentatious. Nonetheless, they provide a sneak peek into the lives of Portuguese nobility and the wealth they had amassed.
Cruise on the Tagus
End day 2 in Lisbon with a sunset cruise on the Tagus.
Here’s a highly-rated, small-group sailboat tour to enjoy Lisbon’s historic waterfront, beginning at the Discoveries Monument.
Map for Day 2 in Lisbon
Practical Information for seeing Lisbon in 2 days
Getting around Lisbon
Getting around Lisbon is easy and cheap, with many public transport options. There are trams, buses, funiculars, and, of course, the metro.
I recommend buying the Lisbon Card for your trip. In addition to discounts and free entry at many of Lisbon’s attractions, the Licbon Card gives you free and unlimited public transport. One-day, two-day, and three-day versions of the card are available.
Getting on a hop-on, hop-off bus can be convenient, too, but it may not be the most flexible option because these buses run on fixed routes.
Apart from using public transport, you can always walk and explore Lisbon. Most sights in Lisbon’s historic center are located quite close to one another. Just don’t forget to pack a good pair of shoes because Lisbon is hilly.
When planning your trip to Belem, refer to our Lisbon to Belem guide, which includes all kinds of transport options: tram, train, and taxi that’ll ensure that you have an easy trip.
Airport transfers
There are various ways to get to the city center from Lisbon Airport. You can take the Lisbon Metro, but this may require one or two train changes. If you do not have too much luggage, then the metro is doable.
You can also take the Aerobus, which is probably the easiest way to get to and from the airport and also cheaper than a taxi. A bus leaves every 30 minutes. Click here to check their departure times and fares.
If you have a lot of luggage and/or traveling in a group, it makes sense to book an airport transfer. Book this affordable taxi transfer in advance.
Where to stay in Lisbon for 2 days?
If you are planning to spend only two days in Lisbon, I recommend staying in the city center, within walking distance of Alfama and Baixa. That will save you time and commuting costs.
Here are some of the best hotels in the area.
- Pousada de Lisbon: This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Lisbon. It is almost like staying in a museum here.
- Hotel da Baixa: Located only 200m from Rossio Square, this 4* hotel has rave reviews for its impeccable rooms and friendly staff.
- My Story Hotel Rossio: A 3* hotel located in the city center, this place provides fantastic views of the city, comfortable beds, and an excellent breakfast.
- Little Alfama Town: Centrally located, this charming apartment is perfect for a short stay at an amazing cost.
Packing Essentials for Lisbon
Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting Lisbon. There is a lot of walking involved.
Do not forget to bring your hat and sunscreen. Carry water when touring the city.
Wear comfortable, light clothing, especially if you’re visiting in summer or during the shoulder months. Lisbon can get terribly hot.
More than 2 days in Lisbon?
If you have more than 2 days in Lisbon, visit Sintra on a day trip and check out its magnificent castles. Pena Palace and Quinta de Regaleira in Sintra are not to be missed.
To plan your day, refer to our guide on how to travel to Sintra by train.
Pro tip: Make sure to buy skip-the-line tickets for Pena Palace. The queues are really long there.
If you have one or two more days in Lisbon, refer to our offbeat Lisbon guide to check out some of the most hidden gems in the city. No crowds. You literally have these places to yourself.
Also check out the 6 best day trips from Lisbon that are easy, affordable, and quick. There’s enough to fill up a week in Lisbon!
| Experience more of Lisbon and Nearby Read our posts on Best Things to Do in Lisbon | From the most popular attractions in Lisbon and the best hidden gems to stunning viewpoints and the charming alleys of Alfama, explore Lisbon with our perfect bucket lists. Lisbon Food | Wondering what to eat in Lisbon? Check out our epic Lisbon food guide, or try the best Portuguese desserts. Perfect Lisbon Itineraries | Explore Portugal’s capital with our perfect 2-day in Lisbon itinerary. If you’re visiting for a short time, then our 24-hour Lisbon itinerary is sure to help you. Lisbon Day Trips | Spend some more time around Lisbon with these epic Lisbon day trips. |
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Useful post, I was trying to get a brief guide on obtaining a Portugal Visa UK. Your easy to follow instructions might help me in getting a Portugal visa effortlessly.
We had planned to visit Lisbon last year in May but then Covid happened and it had to be cancelled. Its such a pity because I know I would have fallen in love! We will make it (hopefully) in 2021 May now and we are likely to have 2 days so this itinerary is just about perfect for us! Definitely getting the Lisboa card. I’d love to walk around the city for 2 days, so cool that most places are close by!
I highly doubt that i will find 2 days enough for Lisbon, when i finally get to tick off Portugal from my European Travel Bucket List. What i love is that, you have suggested the itinerary in such a way, that one can tick off the attractions, one after the other, without spending too much time on travel in between. I bet evening walks along the waterfront, would be an amazing experience in itself.
That’s right Arnav. Don’t leave Lisbon without talking a walk by the Tagus. It is just so beautiful.
I do fear that I might need more than just two days in Lisbon. There is so much to see – from Se Cathedral to Jeronimos Monastery – the latter being super cool in terms of its carvings. I would love to even see Sao Jorge castle – though as you said, it might be heavy on your pocket. Ultimately it is not everyday that you go to Lisbon
So true. I highly recommend spending at least 4 days in Lisbon. But if you are really strapped for time, then this Lisbon itinerary for 2 days should do the trick.
I didn’t know that Lisbon is the second oldest capital in Europe. I haven’t visited the city (and the country as a whole), but the yellow colors in several buildings always attracted me – whether it’s original or added recently. Yellow is my favorite color, so I will like Lisbon. Carmo Convent & Museum looks unusual without the roof. The Jeronimos Monastery looks fantastic with its sculptures. You are right to put it as a must-see, and it would be great also to see Vasco da Gama’s tomb.
Right Umiko. There are just so many wonderful things to do in Lisbon. And yes some of those yellow buildings are old but those of the main commercial square were built only after the devastating earthquake of 1755. You can read all about them in my post on the most interesting facts about Lisbon.
I’ve only been to Porto and the northern parts of Portugal. I fell in love with the country since that first trip, and thinking of going to Lisbon next. Since I don’t usually stay in one place for very long at a time, this 2 day itinerary in Lisbon would be perfect for me! Thank you for all the additional tips as well.
I am so glad you found this helpful. This 2-day Lisbon itinerary is just perfect for busy travelers like you.
A great guide to Lisbon, lots of exciting tips and information. I love Lisbon. The city is perfect for a weekend gateway. I like Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower. I love Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Carmo Convent & Museum. I hope to back there soon.
Same here, Agnes. I have been hoping to get back to Lisbon as soon as I left there. It is, indeed, a beautiful city.
I had the pleasure of visiting Lisbon several years ago and it’s such a fantastic city, really enjoyed the parts you’ve highlighted here. Great shout out on catching the #28 Tram before 10am! We tried and gave up on it at one point during our visit. The Santa Justa Elevator was so unusual to me and we loved this little interlude while visiting, a quick journey with great views.
Santa Justa is exactly what you call it, unusual. A vertical lift standing in the middle of a bustling city. It is truly an very different experience.
Wow, you really made great use of your time in Lisbon! Portugal is one of the places in Europe that I have not made it to yet. Lisbon has always attracted me, as I’ve heard many people say it is one of their favorite cities in Europe. I hope you got to experience that too, even with only two days!
Yes, Lisbon was beautiful. Even with a short two days in the city, we were able to experience the rich culture and history of Lisbon. And I loved it.
Fantastic guide for those who are visiting Lisboa for the first time. I have been there for 4 days and it is one of my favourite cities in Europe, so much different to any other capital. There was more of a South American vibe to the place which I have never experienced before which was an added bonus. I love the Belem area of the city, I spent hours at each place like the tower, monastery and monuments. I always say to everyone, if you are going to Lisbon, you got to do a day at Sintra. Would I return to the city, yes!
I am so glad you had such a great time in Lisbon. It is definitely an amazing city with a unique vibe to it. Belem is awesome. And yes, a day trip to Sintra is a must especially if you have one more day in Lisbon. I would love to go back too.