How to Spend 24 Hours in Lisbon

24 hours in Lisbon just isn’t quite a lot of time. But when it’s all you may have, you higher benefit from it! 

You don’t should go far to absorb Lisbon’s attraction, regardless of the place you’re staying within the metropolis. Each nook has a narrative to inform and one thing tasty to strive. Plus, breathtaking views of town are by no means too far-off. Simply be ready to climb just a few steep hills alongside the best way.

With solely at some point in Lisbon, it’s essential to plan your time rigorously. So, hold studying for an entire information to taking advantage of 24 hours in Lisbon.

In search of a spot to remain? Take a look at: Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon

Right here’s a breakdown of the itinerary:

Make the Most of Your 24 Hours in Lisbon: Be part of a Strolling Tour

Becoming a member of a strolling tour, just like the Best of Lisbon Walking Tour with River Cruise, Jeronimos Monastery, & Alfama by Take Walks, is the proper method to dive deep into the center of Lisbon.

Prepare for breathtaking views, fascinating historical past, awe-inspiring structure, and even a scrumptious native deal with. 

From Belém to Alfama, this tour takes you on a journey to discover Lisbon’s high sights with a neighborhood knowledgeable who brings town’s tales to life.

Worth: From €74
Period: 6.5 hours
Assembly Level: Meet your information in entrance of the principle door of the Cais do Sodre practice station (Cais do Sodre, 1).

Right here’s a breakdown of how you can spend your day in Lisbon, beginning with this tour.

Book this tour directly with Take Walks!

One Day in Lisbon Itinerary

We hope you bought an excellent night time’s sleep and packed your strolling footwear since you’ve bought a busy day lined up!

Put on your most snug and Instagrammable outfit—simply so that you’re prepared for these picture alternatives! For those who’re visiting Lisbon in Summer time, be ready for the warmth. It will get scorching, so put on breathable clothes. Pack a backpack with every little thing you want for the day, together with sunscreen, sun shades, hat and water.

Morning: The Historic Coronary heart of Lisbon

When you’re prepared, head to town heart and meet your information in entrance of the principle door of the Cais do Sodre practice station (Cais do Sodre, 1).

For info on how you can get there, try: How to Get Around Lisbon.

8:45 AM – Beginning the Journey

Your day begins in Lisbon’s vibrant metropolis heart. Right here, you’ll meet your information and a small group of fellow vacationers, able to discover. A fast practice experience takes you to Belém, the maritime district testomony to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

9:30 AM – Jeronimos Monastery

The primary cease is the Jeronimos Monastery, the place the grandeur of Manueline structure awaits. As you wander by way of the cloisters, you’ll stroll the identical halls as Vasco da Gama and different explorers who prayed right here for secure voyages.

10:15 AM – A Candy Deal with

Subsequent, bask in Portugal’s well-known custard tarts on the unique bakery. Take pleasure in this candy second as your information shares tales of explorers and the Age of Discoveries, setting the stage for what’s subsequent.

11:00 AM – Belém’s Monuments

Uncover Belém’s iconic monuments, together with the Monument of the Discoveries and Belém Tower. Find out about Portugal’s navigational triumphs and the empire that spanned continents.

For those who’re planning your 24 hours in Lisbon by yourself (with out becoming a member of a tour), try: How to Buy Tickets to the Tower of Belém in Lisbon.

Noon: Scenic Views and Hidden Gems

Now that you simply’ve coated some historic sights, it’s time to discover some scenic views and contact on the tradition and delicacies of Lisbon.

12:00 PM – River Cruise Rest

After exploring on foot, a scenic boat journey presents a unique perspective of Lisbon. Glide beneath the twenty fifth of April Bridge and previous the Cristo Rei statue, having fun with unparalleled metropolis views of Lisbon.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break

Again in Lisbon’s metropolis heart, lunch awaits! That is your alternative to immerse your self in Portugal’s wealthy culinary scene. 

Right here’s how you can make it unforgettable:

• Get native suggestions: Skip the vacationer spots. Ask locals—your tour information, a shopkeeper—for his or her go-to locations.
• Discover facet streets: Genuine eateries are sometimes hidden away from essential roads. These spots are the place you’ll discover real Lisbon flavors.
• Hunt down seasonal specialties: Go for menus that showcase recent, seasonal produce. It’s the essence of Portuguese delicacies.
• Use on-line critiques well: A fast scan of critiques can information you to noteworthy spots, specializing in ambiance and standout dishes.
• Go for family-run eating places: These institutions promise a homely vibe and conventional cooking, enriching your eating expertise.
• Attempt conventional dishes: Don’t go away with out tasting classics like bacalhau, cozido à portuguesa, or a bifana. It’s a style of true Portugal.

For foodies, try: How To Eat Like a Local in Lisbon

Afternoon: Alfama’s Labyrinth

Time to get misplaced in Alfama!

2:00 PM – Alfama’s Secrets and techniques

As your tour continues, you’ll step into Alfama, the soul of Lisbon and its oldest surviving district. This space is a residing museum, a canvas painted with the wealthy hues of historical past, tradition, and custom. 

Right here’s what makes Alfama really particular and what you need to hold an eye fixed out for:

• Wealthy historical past: Strolling by way of Alfama is like traversing centuries, with its medieval attraction and layers of historical past seen in its structure and streets.
• Architectural gems: From viewpoints to Gothic church buildings and azulejos-covered homes, Alfama showcases the essence of Portuguese design and custom.
• Fado music: Expertise the soul of Portugal with a go to to a Fado home in Alfama, the place the standard music style fills the air with melancholic tunes.
• Genuine native life: Witness the real day by day lifetime of Lisbon’s residents, a residing instance of neighborhood and custom.
• Breathtaking viewpoints: Don’t miss the panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River from spots like Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
• Historic websites: Discover landmarks like São Jorge Fort and the Sé Cathedral to delve deeper into Lisbon’s wealthy spiritual and historic heritage.

When visiting Alfama, let curiosity be your information. Have interaction with the locals, savor the small particulars, and permit the rhythm of the neighborhood to steer you. Alfama is not only a spot to go to; it’s an expertise to be lived, providing a profound connection to the soul of Lisbon.

Associated learn: A Guide to Lisbon Neighborhoods

3:15 PM – Ending within the Fort’s Shadow

The Take Walks tour wraps up close to Lisbon’s imposing fortress. Whereas admission isn’t included, you’re inspired to discover the fortress’s wealthy historical past and beautiful views at your leisure.

Visiting São Jorge Fort (Castelo de São Jorge) is like stepping again right into a pivotal chapter of Lisbon’s historical past. Perched atop certainly one of Lisbon’s highest hills, this iconic fortress presents a journey by way of the previous and a number of the most beautiful views of town and the Tagus River.

The fortress’s origins hint again to the eleventh century when it was a Moorish royal residence. As you wander by way of its sturdy partitions and towers, you’ll stroll by way of centuries of historical past, from the Islamic interval to the age of Portuguese exploration and past.

The fortress’s vantage level gives breathtaking panoramic views. You possibly can see throughout Lisbon’s rooftops, the winding Tagus River, and past from its ramparts. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and anybody trying to seize town’s essence from above.

The fortress’s gardens are a serene retreat from the bustling metropolis beneath. Right here, you possibly can benefit from the shade of olive and cork timber, accompanied by the resident peacocks that roam freely, including an unique contact to the fortress’s ambiance.

It’s a beautiful spot to loosen up after a busy day in your toes and within the solar!

Book this tour directly with Take Walks!

Night: Discover Lisbon on Your Personal

After a day of taking within the historical past, meals and tradition, it’s time to take pleasure in a enjoyable (or enjoyable) night in Lisbon.

Relying in your journey model, power ranges and preferences, listed below are just a few choices to spend your solely night in Lisbon:

Sundown at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Make your method to Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a beloved native spot identified for its beautiful sundown views. This picturesque terrace overlooks the Lisbon skyline, the Tagus River, and the twenty fifth of April Bridge, providing a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples because the solar dips beneath the horizon.

It’s a second of pure magic, shared with locals and vacationers alike, usually accompanied by road musicians’ light strumming of a guitar. Deliver a small picnic or seize a drink from the close by kiosk, discover a spot, and let the panoramic views and ambient sounds present an ideal finish to the afternoon.

Dinner in Bairro Alto

As night time falls, Bairro Alto comes alive. This historic neighborhood, with its slim cobbled streets and conventional buildings, transforms into certainly one of Lisbon’s most vibrant eating and nightlife areas.

From conventional Portuguese eating places serving classics like Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with potatoes and eggs) and grilled sardines, to fashionable eateries providing fusion delicacies, Bairro Alto caters to all tastes.

Wander the streets and select a spot that catches your eye—the realm is understood for its welcoming ambiance, the place the scrumptious cooking smells fill the air, and the sound of energetic conversations creates a buzz.

Fado Expertise

To immerse your self in Portuguese tradition, finish your night with a dwell Fado efficiency. Fado, a UNESCO-listed music style, is characterised by its melancholic tunes and lyrics that categorical the Portuguese idea of “saudade,” a deep sense of longing.

Alfama is house to many intimate Fado homes the place you possibly can expertise these emotional performances up shut. Venues like Clube de Fado, A Baiuca, or Sr. Fado de Alfama supply dinner and present mixtures, permitting you to take pleasure in conventional dishes whereas being serenaded by Fado singers and guitarists.

It’s a soul-stirring expertise that connects you to the center of Portuguese custom, making for an unforgettable conclusion to your day in Lisbon.

We’ve coated just a few of the highest spots right here: Top Cafes, Restaurants and Fado Bars in Lisbon

The Better of Lisbon in One Day

Spending 24 hours in Lisbon is an exhilarating journey by way of time, tastes, and tales. From the historic depths of the Jeronimos Monastery to the charming alleys of Alfama, and concluding with the rhythm of Fado, Lisbon presents a day you’ll always remember.

We hope you handle to squeeze in as a lot Portuguese taste, spirit, historical past and tradition into your 24 hours in Lisbon. It doesn’t matter what you find yourself doing, one factor is for certain: you’ll go away planning your subsequent go to to this thrilling metropolis.

If in case you have an additional day to spare, try: Exploring Lisbon in 2 Days