The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Lisbon
From Lisbon’s year-round mild weather to a vibrant culture, there are a number of reasons to visit Portugal’s capital city. Whether you’re drawn in by the medieval churches, romantic architecture, endless panoramic viewpoints or the deliciously dreamy egg custards, you’ll undoubtedly leave Lisbon with plans to return in the future.
Whatever gets you to Lisbon, we promise you’ll uncover even more reasons to stay, but we understand that not everyone can afford a relaxed week-long stint in Lisbon. While the city has so much to offer, it’s surprisingly possible to visit the major highlights in a short period of time.
Only have a day or two to spare in Lisbon? Here’s our guide to one day in Lisbon which is sure to make your time well spent!
Can You Explore Lisbon in a Day?
To accomplish seeing a few major highlights of Lisbon, yes, you can explore Lisboa (in Portuguese) in one day. Will you truly understand and visit everything worth seeing? Definitely, not! 24 hours in Lisbon is just not enough time to get to the core of the it.
Lisbon is a city with a story to be told and a proper trip should last about one week. Traveling to Lisbon for one day will hopefully give you a glimpse and taste of the many reasons you should come back for longer. Nonetheless, there are still a handful of places you must see in Lisbon which can be done in one perfect (yet busy) day.
Stop reading here if you’re not interested in a self-guided day trip of Lisbon. Instead, book the guided walking tour below and experience the best of the best with a local expert.
Travel Tips For Visiting Lisbon
When to Visit Lisbon
For consistently sunny and clear weather, visiting Lisbon in the summer is most advised. Temperatures can reach as high as 28°C (82°F) in the height of summer! However, for an entire day of walking around, the months of July and August may be too hot for some travellers.
Visiting Lisbon in April or May is most ideal for travellers looking to be outdoors or sightsee. The weather is warm with a few days of rainfall and you can get away with only wearing a light jacket. During the spring time, crowds are still in hiding as Lisbon becomes most popular during peak summer months. Coming to Lisbon between March – May is ideal for enjoying the city without mass tourism and with lower priced hotels.
If you are only visiting Lisbon for one or two days, do not schedule your visit for a Sunday. Lisboa observes the practice of closing shops and restaurants on Sundays, similar to its neighbouring countries. There may be a handful of places open on a Sunday but you would still be missing out on a great deal.
Currency & Tipping
Portugal has used the euro (€) since the late 90s and made the euro its primary and sole currency in 2002. This makes visiting Lisbon for a day or two a convenient choice for those already travelling throughout Europe where the euro is widely prominent.
Tipping in Portugal is slightly different than it is in Spain, its direct neighbour. Leaving a tip in Portugal is much less expected and nobody will think twice about it if you leave no tip at all. If you are still interested in tipping at a restaurant, 5-10% is a nice gesture that will go a long way. For taxi rides or similar services where someone is helping you with luggage, tipping €1 per bag is typical.
Language in Portugal
Portuguese is the most common and official language spoken in Portugal. When visiting Lisbon, the country’s capital, you’ll find that many people speak English or even Spanish as well. Although located right next to each other, the Spanish and Portuguese language is quite different. Studying a few Portuguese phrases or words for your one day in Lisbon is highly recommended and always a nice way to get along with the locals.
Hello: olá
Good morning: Bom dia
Please: Por favor
How’s it going?: Como vai?
Thank you: Obrigada (female), obrigado (male)
Yes: Sim
No: Não
I’m sorry: Desculpa
Tourist Traps in Lisbon
Lisbon is relatively new to becoming a hot city escape and destination, particularly compared to a place like Paris. This means you’re bound to run into your share of tourist traps as the city is piggybacking off the success it’s seen in skyrocketed tourism over the past decade.
Our advice for dealing with tourist traps is applicable in any major city. Keep an eye on your pockets, bags and be skeptical of any offers that may not seem entirely legitimate. Trust your gut!
After visiting certain European countries (like Italy), you may be used to receiving free snacks with your alcoholic drinks at bars. This is not the case in Lisboa and if you are welcomed with a tapas plate, it is not free. You can kindly deny the snacks and then you will not be charged for them.
Getting From and to Lisbon Airport
Spending a short amount of time or one day in Lisbon means you’ll want to enjoy Lisbon as soon as possible! Luckily, Lisbon’s international airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) is equipped with a metro system. The subway station at the airport leads directly to the center of Lisbon in 20 minutes. There is truly no quicker, affordable and convenient way to get from and to the airport in Lisbon. A single fare ticket costs €1.45.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive option, book a taxi ahead of time with Kiwitaxi. Transfers between Lisbon’s airport and city center can be found for under €40.
Best Places to Stay in Lisbon for One Night
Lisbon has a staggering variety of places to stay. As the city is constantly expanding its offers for travellers, new accommodation is popping up regularly. For one day in Lisbon, it’s recommended to stay as centrally located as possible in order to see the most number of highlights in the shortest amount of time.
Home Lisbon Hostel: Best Hostel
Lisboa Central: Best Budget
54 São Paulo: Best Luxury
Getting Around Lisbon
On Foot
Unsurprisingly, walking is by far the best way to get around, particularly for one day in Lisbon. The city is very hilly with many steep inclines and set of stairs. This means it’s crucial to come prepared with a good pair of walking shoes. Although seeing Lisbon on foot is no walk in the park, we still stand by the fact that there’s simply no better way to see a city than by walking it. Trust us, this one’s worth it!
Public Transportation (Tram and Metro)
The most efficient way to get around Lisbon for a day is to utilize public transportation. Lisbon offers both a metro and tram system, which you’ve probably heard about. The iconic and vintage tram may be charming but also very useful! It’s as equally the best prop to take a photo with as it is a functional form of transportation.
For a tourist, the best place to catch the Tram 28 is here. The ride takes you through numerous sites including São Jorge Castle and through the popular neighbourhoods of Baixa, Alfama, Graça and Bairro Alto. It is the best way to see the city without walking all day and only costs €3 (cash only onboard).
Elevador da Bica or The Bica Funicular is the easiest way to tackle the vertical streets of Lisbon. Riding the funicular can be both a way of actually getting somewhere or a sightseeing activity itself. Access the beginning of the ride here.
🎟 Best Public Transportation Fare in Lisbon: Lisbon offers a 24-hour ticket which gives unlimited access to the tram, metro and bus for under €7. This pass is available for purchase at any metro station.
Metro
Utilizing the 24-hour pass is the easiest and cheapest way to ride Lisbon’s metro system which operates underground. A single ride costs €1.50 and is usually the quickest way to get from point A to B in Lisbon. Entrances into subway stations are marked with a large “M” and found throughout the entire city. There are four subway lines and it’s recommended to study or download the map here when planning your one day in Lisbon.
Taxi
If you’re in a rush or interested in reaching a place slightly outside of the city center, travellers will be happy to know that Uber is also available in Lisbon. Traditional taxis are also available and great when you need a transportation solution instantly.
🌊 Read More: Algarve Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Lisbon Tourist Map
What to See in Lisbon in One Day
Since the day is short and the list of things to see in Lisbon is long, you’ll likely stick to a condensed radius for the areas you’ll be exploring. The easiest way to go about this is to plan a route from one direction to the other. Our recommendation for one day in Lisbon is based on our own walking route from east to west which covers many major attractions and places to eat.
Whichever way you choose to structure your one day in Lisbon, there are a couple of things you can enjoy all day and anywhere in the city. First, is the street and tile art found on every block. This is something that makes Lisbon very unique, beautiful and joyful. The colourful iconic tiles bring everything to life and you can’t help but notice the incredible attention to detail. Even sidewalks in Lisbon refuse to be boring with unique patterns running along the walkways.
Secondly, if you only plan on eating one pastel de nata (Portuguese egg custard) during your day in Lisbon, you aren’t eating enough. You’ll likely want to visit the popular bakeries such as Pastéis de Belém which claim to have the best ones. But the truth is, you’ll likely find the best pastel de nata at a small shop on the corner, nowhere near where tourists gather. This is why you must seize any opportunity you run into during your visit to Lisbon to eat a pastel de data and find the best one.
How to Spend a Morning in Lisbon
The Alfama district is the perfect place to begin a morning in Lisbon. If you happen to be visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday, stopping by Mercado de Santa Clara is an absolute must. This flea market has everything from random memorabilia from around the world, homemade jewellery pieces and eclectic house decor. It’s a great opportunity to find something small to take home with you as a souvenir.
Botto Machado Garden is a small garden which sits above the market with a gorgeous view and local vendors selling snacks. In this same area, you’ll also see the National Pantheon, a grand mausoleum for national celebrities which can be admired from the outside.
Next, stop for coffee and pastries at Alfama Doce before heading to one of many viewpoints overlooking Lisbon and the water. You can choose between (or visit all of them) Santo Estêvão Belvedere, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
As you head west and towards the true center of the city, make a stop at Lisbon Cathedral for some culture. Sé de Lisboa also sits just opposite of St Anthony’s Church so you can meet your church quota efficiently! Right above, you’ll find Castelo de S. Jorge which is a 11th-century castle open for visitors and worth the tour if you have the time.
🤫 PRO TIP: Elevador Castelo is located here and is a free elevator to reach the higher streets near the castle without walking.
Continue the trek or funicular ride even further up until you reach the delightful Igreja da Graça. Here you will find Miradouro da Graça, a terrace with a breathtaking view and in our opinion, the best viewpoint in Lisbon’s city center. Around the corner is one of the best hidden gems of a bakery named Pastelaria Lagares.
An Afternoon in Lisbon
Once you’ve built up an appetite, consider stopping at an untraditional choice for lunch at Yak and Yeti before heading back down the hill. Near the waterfront, check out Praça do Comércio, a sprawling plaza with the historical arch of Arco da Rua Augusta and views of the sea. The site of Cais das Colunas are the ancient remains of an old pier and worthy of a visit.
From the town square, take a stroll up the bustling commercial street of R. Augusta towards Praça Dom Pedro IV. Along the way, check out Livraria Bertrand, the world’s oldest bookstore and a staple on any Lisbon itinerary. A longer walk down the picturesque tree lined boulevard of Av. da Liberdade will jumpstart your cravings for a snack. Scoop n Dough is a popular pitstop for ice cream and donuts.
To view a well preserved gothic church without a roof, head to Carmo Convent which also doubles as an archaeological museum.
Enjoying the Evening in Lisbon
Grabbing dinner or pre dinner snack at Time Out Market is the perfect place to begin your evening. Although a bit touristy, it’s hard to turn down a food market comprised of some of the best food in Lisbon. Along with restaurant stalls, you’ll also find florists, a produce section and shops selling Portugal’s famous canned fish. This is the easiest gift to bring back from your day in Lisbon!
In the mood for something different? Javá is a trendy alternative located across the street and has a marvellous rooftop with views.
Next, take the tram along the waterfront to LxFactory. The once historic industrial complex now turned art center is possibly the hippest place in Lisbon. The LxFactory is made up of numerous art stalls, outdoor exhibits, shops and restaurants. At night, it’s a great place to grab a handcrafted cocktail at one of the bars and sit down for dinner with a vibe.
Lisbon’s Bairro Alto neighbourhood is essential to Lisbon’s nightlife and the best place to wander around for a nightcap. Whether you’re in the mood for a jazz club, an Irish bar or local rock concert, you’ll definitely something interesting here after dark.
Optional Sites to See in Lisbon
If you are a time management wizard or do have moments to spare during your one day in Lisbon, we highly recommend a few extra places to visit.
Ponto Final
With a short ferry ride from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, you can reach the opposite and less frequented side of Lisbon. Along the coastline and in the Almada neighbourhood, you’ll find the Panoramic Elevator of Boca do Vento, an (often) free panoramic elevator ride. Ponto Final is an enchanting place to stop for lunch along the river and a reason alone to take a ferry ride. The restaurant has seating directly in the water on a narrow pier with a beautiful view of the bridge and a selection of fresh seafood.
Panorâmico de Monsanto
This site is an abandoned hotel in the middle of the forest perched above Lisbon. You can either walk from the city center or drive right up to it. This panoramic viewpoint is unique, not crowded and provides a different perspective of the city. The abandoned structure itself is interesting enough to warrant a visit as it’s submerged in graffiti and local street art. For us, this is definitely a highlight in Lisbon!
Book a Food Walking Tour
Opting for a food walking tour is an exceptional choice of activity when visiting anywhere in a short period of time. There are a handful of short tours available if you don’t want to commit to something for an entire day. Since you are with a local guide, you’re maximising your time by truly only seeing, doing and eating the best there is. Eliminate the guesswork and spend your one day in Lisbon to the fullest.
Travel Tools for a Lisbon Day Trip
TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
FLIGHTS: 
ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago
ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
