Do you only have 1 day in Lisbon and looking for the best sites and attractions to see? Although we think one day is not enough to explore this stunning city in Portugal, we’ve crafted the perfect itinerary to help you make the most of your limited time. This guide is packed with must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and local favorites to ensure your day in Lisbon is maximised. So get ready to experience the best 1 day Lisbon itinerary!
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Recommended Tips:
There are so many unique things to do in Lisbon! Want to pack in as much as you can in one day? Consider doing one of these tours:
4-Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Tour: See Lisbon’s highlights while traveling in an eco-friendly way, plus you can customize your trip!
2.5-Hour Small Group E-Bike Tour: Explore Lisbon on an electric bike with a local guide.
Small Group Walking Food & Wine Tour: Explore Baixa and Mouraria, stopping at some great hidden gems for tastings (including VIP access to a local fado house run by a Michelin-starred chef!)
How to Spend 1 Day in Lisbon
With only 1 day in Lisbon, where do you start? We get it – 24 hours in Lisbon isn’t nearly enough time to explore this amazing city, and we usually love spending a month or more to really soak it all in. If you are considering staying longer, there are some amazing Lisbon luxury apartments that you can rent! If not, don’t worry, here’s an itinerary to help you maximize your limited time. Packed with landmarks, hidden gems, and our favorites, this guide will help you plan your one day in Lisbon itinerary.
Early Morning: Discover Belém
Start your day with an early morning visit to Belém, a historic district located along the Tagus River. Your first stop is the iconic Belém Tower, a unesco world heritage site. While the tower is open from 9 am to 5 pm, the lines to go in can be quite long – we opted not to go inside, avoiding the long queues, and instead soaked in the beauty from the riverbank. It was the perfect way to start the day!
Next head up to the famous Pastéis de Belém to indulge in the Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Nata or ‘Pastéis de Belém’ as they call it here. This iconic bakery has been operational since 1837, so we definitely think it’s worth a visit for your morning in Lisbon to try the delicious egg custard tarts here! If you’re in the mood for coffee, either enjoy one here or take a short stroll to Augusto Lisboa for a perfect caffeine fix.
Other Sites of Interest in Belém:
- Jerónimos Monastery: A stunning example of Manueline architecture, we loved the intricate details here.
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos: A monument celebrating the Age of Discovery.
- Jardim da Praça do Império: A beautiful park perfect for a leisurely walk, the gardens are meticulously maintained!
From Belém, catch a tram to Baixa. On your way, you can make an optional stop at LX Factory. This former industrial textile complex is now a hub of creativity, and has some trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and the renowned Ler Devagar Book Shop. If you visit on a Sunday, don’t miss the LX Factory Sunday Market, open from 11am to 8pm.
Tip: Belém is one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon if you are with a family!
Afternoon: Explore Baixa and Alfama
Once you reach Baixa, get off at the Praça do Comércio stop to explore this historic site. You’ll have a great view of the Tagus River on one end, and the iconic Rua Augusta Arch on the other and its a must do if you are visiting Lisbon for a day. From here, it’s just a short 7-minute walk to the famous Santa Justa Lift. While you can go up the lift (and it’s on the public transportation card), again, there are lines. We decided to skip the queue and walk up to the Largo do Carmo viewpoint instead, just take the stairs behind Rua do Carmo, or follow the road up the hill.
Right around the corner is Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square), where you can find some great eateries, cafes, and traditional shops. For a tasty vegan meal, Manjerica is a fantastic spot.
Next, walk to the Alfama district, the historic city center which sits on a hilltop above the city. Alfama is perfect for a slow stroll through its narrow, cobblestone streets. If you’ve got time, consider visiting the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) or the uniquely designed Casa dos Bicos (the house of spikes).
From the Lisbon Cathedral, it’s about a 10-minute walk up to Castelo de São Jorge, a must do in Lisbon, Book your ticket online to skip the long lines and spend some time exploring the castle. The views over Lisbon from here are truly spectacular and were a highlight of our visit.
Next, head to either the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, adorned with classic Portuguese azulejos, or the Miradouro das Portas do Sol for sunset. Both offer incredible viewpoints over the town and a must do for your 1 day in Lisbon! The Portas do Sol Viewpoint was our favorite, especially at sunset when the colorful homes glow in the fading light.
From here, you can catch the iconic Tram 28 to your next destination, an iconic Lisbon experience!
Want a different experience for sunset? Consider going on a sunset sailing in Lisbon tour, with wine and snacks provided.
Evening: Dining and Nightlife in Alfama and Beyond
After a day of exploring, it’s a great chance to enjoy some of Lisbon’s food, and wine! Alfama offers a great variety of spots to choose from. Here are some of our favourites to consider for your 1 day in Lisbon:
- SEM Restaurant & Wine Bar: Is an incredible zero-waste restaurant which serves conscious food from regenerative producers and low intervention wines.
- Madame Bacchus: Is a great wine bar with delicious food and live music on Fridays.
- Maria Palato: Another excellent wine bar, perfect for trying some delicious Portuguese port.
- Santa Clara dos Cogumelos: A must-visit for mushroom lovers, they offer a range of curious mushroom dishes.
- Santa Pausa: Offers yummy tapas and a wide selection of wines.
If you’re in the mood to continue the night with some entertainment, Red Frog is Lisbon’s renowned speakeasy, offering an intimate and unique cocktail experience. For live music, head to Bairro Alto to Páginas Tantas or Alface Hall’s Bar. Galeria Zé dos Bois is another excellent venue for a vibrant night out.
1 Day in Lisbon Itinerary: Optional Tours and Activities
If you have some extra time or prefer guided experiences, consider joining one of these highly recommended tours to make the most of your 1 day in Lisbon:
Have more time? Do spend one day exploring Sintra, Pena, Regaleira and Cascais on one of the day trips.
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