1 day in Lisbon: How to see Lisbon in a day and make the most of a short trip

If you are trying to see Lisbon in a day, but don’t know where to start, you have come to the right place. Lisbon happens to be one of our favourite European capitals, with its beautiful weather, stunning architecture, and don’t even get us started on the food *chefs kiss*. Having 1 day in Lisbon might be slightly daunting, you only have a short time but want to see as much as possible. That is why we have put this guide together to help you plan your day in the Portuguese capital.

Whether you are visiting as part of a stopover, or on a cruise, we give you all the information you need to know about spending 1 day in Lisbon. So if you want to know about costs, food, drink, and top attractions, then read on.

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1 day in Lisbon Itinerary Factsheet

Country: Portugal

Language: Portuguese but English is widely spoken

Currency: Euros

Famous for: Mosaic tiled buildings, incredible food and even better weather

As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a hugely popular tourist destination. With it’s dramatic hills, and coastal surroundings, you certainly will not struggle to find things to do in this city.

Lisbon is the perfect mix of old world and modern. For starters it is one of the oldest capital cities in Europe, and this is a fact that won’t surprise you as you explore the winding cobbled streets in Alfama, or visit the fortifications in the castle district. But then you have these really modern, places like the Pink Street, or the LX factory, that attract young people with their vibrance.

It’s a hugely cultural city, and you will definitely notice this even if you only have 1 day in Lisbon. You only have to walk past a cafe or restaurant, to see that the people of Lisbon know how to enjoy their food, drink, and life.

In 2020 Lisbon was granted the award of European Green Capital, from the European Commission. Promoting sustainable urban living is something that the government are taking seriously, as they try to promote more and more green spaces.

Finally, you might be pleased to know that Lisbon is also one of the cheaper European capital cities, particularly in Western Europe. So you can plan your 1 day Lisbon itinerary, without worrying about breaking the bank.

Getting to Lisbon

Your 1 day in Lisbon will either start at Lisbon Portela Airport or Lisbon Airport as it is more commonly known, or one of the cruise terminals. Here is a rundown on each option.

Travelling from the airport

Lisbon Airport is one of the better airports in Europe, and it is quick and easy getting into the centre from here. You have a few options such as bus, train, or taxi.

Getting a taxi to the centre will be your quickest option, and will set you back at the most around €20.

Alternatively, you can get the Metro which will be your cheapest option at €1.45. You do need to purchase a Viva Viagem or 7 Colinas card, and top this up as you use it, but that is an additional 0.50 cents. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the centre, and runs between 6.30am- 1am.

Finally you have the option of taking the Aerobús. This is basically a shuttle bus that takes you straight into the centre of Lisbon. It costs €4 each way, and leaves every 20 minutes between 7.30am and 9pm.

If you are in Lisbon for a layover, one of the best tours you can do is this one, that takes you to all the key locations.

Travelling from the cruise terminal

Most cruise passengers will have the option to take a shuttle bus into the centre of Lisbon. If you decide to make your own way into the centre though, you have a few options depending on which terminal you leave from.

Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal

This is the closest cruise terminal to the city centre. In fact it’s only about a 10 minute walk into Baixa.

Our recommendation though is to get one of the hop on hop off buses around the cruise terminal. They take you to all the main city attractions, and provide you with commentary on your trip. It’s definitely one of the best ways to see Lisbon in a day.

Alcântara Dock

If you happen to dock at Alcântara you can either get a taxi, or hop on hop off bus to take you into the centre. Alternatively, you will need to get a bus or a tram from the main road across from the dock. These will take you either to Praça do Comércio which is the city centre of Belem which is west of the centre.

Where to stay during your 1 day in Lisbon

Your 1 day in Lisbon may not include a night in the city, but if it does, here is a rundown on the best areas to stay in.

Alfama

This is one of the most beautiful areas in Lisbon. It’s got so much character and you could spend the day wandering around the winding alleyways. The accommodation here is more apartment based but you do also get the occasional hotel. There are also lots of restaurants and bars, in the area, so it’s a great base for 1 night.

Baixa

Baixa is very touristy, but it is also close to the key attractions. There are lots of restaurants and bars, and it is really the heart of Lisbon. If you only have 1 day in Lisbon this is where we recommend staying. You are close to the key attractions, and public transport links too.

Bairro Alto

Another good area to stay when you only have 1 day in Lisbon is Bairro Alto. It’s full of cobbled streets, graffiti clad walls, and lots of places to eat and drink. It can be quite lively in the evenings, so not ideal if you want a bit of peace and quiet.

Belem

Belem is quite far out, so unless you are planning to travel onwards to Cascais for instance, it isn’t worth staying in. At least not when you only have 1 day in Lisbon.

Things to do as part of your 1 day Lisbon itinerary

In all honestly, 1 day in Lisbon doesn’t give you a great amount of time to see everything. So in this list of things to do as part of your 1 day in Lisbon we will group the key attractions by location. That way you will be able to make a decision on what you want to see and what is nearby.

Alfama

Alfama is one of the most beautiful districts in Lisbon. It’s a labyrinth of back alleyways, steep hills, friendly cafes, and a whole lot more. If you are going to explore any neighbourhood in Lisbon make it this one. Walking around Alfama is an attraction in its own right, but there are several must sees in the neighbourhood such as the following:

Lisbon Cathedral

The cathedral is one of the most recognised religious buildings in Lisbon. It is located in the Alfama District, and is a great place to go to start your journey through the area. Entry is free, so going inside is a must if you have the time. If not, the exterior is also really beautiful and for a top tip, this is a great place to go to get a photo of the famous tram 28 as it snakes its way past.

Listen to Fado

Ok what on earth is Fado you might be wondering? Fado is a type of music that is known for its melancholy style. It began in Lisbon in the 1820’s, but some argue it has been around even longer.

It’s very expressive music and it’s usually quite a large affair that involves dinner and drinks whilst listening to it. It’s a big deal particularly in Alfama where you will find a lot of places to go and listen to it. Admittedly this is more of an evening thing, so if you have a night in Lisbon this is a must.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Alfama is really hilly, which admittedly is a bit of a pain when you find yourself trudging up in the heat. But, believe us when we say that getting up the hills is worth it. There are a number of really beautiful viewpoints in Alfama, and one of our favourites is Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

It’s essentially a terrace, and viewing platform, located in the hills of Alfama, and the views are incredible. But what makes it one of our favourite spots, is also the atmosphere. You can sit and relax, or people watch. When we arrived there were buskers playing songs, and couples, and families, strolling along enjoying the views and the gardens.

Portas Do Sol Viewpoint

At the top of Alfama, you will find another photogenic location which is the Portas do sol viewpoint. Again this is a great place with some fantastic views over Lisbon. There are a few bars and cafes around here as well, so grab an Aperol, and enjoy the views and the sunshine.

Lisbon Story Arch

The Lisbon story arch is one of those unique little hidden gems that you may come across when exploring Alfama. It’s a mural that depicts the history of Lisbon in a sort of humorous way. It can be tricky to find, but once you do it is worth checking out.

Do a guided tour

With only 1 day in Lisbon you might find it easier to do a tour of Alfama, that way you get shown all the highlights, and can learn all about the area too. You have several tour options from walking tours to segway tours.

St George’s Castle

St George’s Castle is pretty hard to miss, as it towers over the Alfama District. It’s a very popular tourist attraction in Lisbon and a great sunset spot too. It does get super busy so you should think about purchasing tickets online in advance. And go with the skip the queue option too.

The castle that you see today is actually a restored version of the one that collapsed in the 1755 earthquake. It was also a royal residence, before the King decided to move closer towards the water.

Baixa

Baixa is another popular area in Lisbon with its pedestrianised streets, and array of restaurants. It’s a lively area, although it can get busy with tourists. It’s filled with a number of squares and historical places. Here are some of the key attractions in Baixa.

Praca do Comercio

Praca do Comercio is one of the main squares in Lisbon, located right near the Tagus river. It was also the home of the Royal Ribeira Palace until it was destroyed in 1755 in the earthquake. After this it was remodelled into what you see today.

We loved coming here around sunset. We ended up sitting by the Tagus, with a view of the Ponte 25 de Abril, which is Lisbon’s iconic suspension bridge. It’s really nice watching the sun go down, and enjoying the calm of the water.

Santa Justa Lift

Apart from the square, one of the main attractions in Baixa is the Santa Justa Lift. It was designed to connect the lower down area of Baixa with the higher streets of Largo do Carmo. Although today, it’s probably more touristy than practical mode of transport. Especially because the queues can be really long.

The Lift was designed by Raul Mesnier, who was a student of none other than Gustave Eiffel. You may know him from his work with a particular Parisian landmark.

Carmo Convent Ruins

Lisbon experienced one of the most deadly earthquakes in its history in 1755. The city suffered a lot of damage, and the Carmo Convent and Church was one of the places that was pretty much destroyed. It is now a tourist attraction, that serves as a reminder of the city’s history.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is known for its picturesque narrow streets, exciting nightlife, and shops. It is also the place to go to ride those famous funiculars. Here are some of our top suggestions on things to do in Bairro Alto.

Ride the Funiculars

I’m pained to admit this, but one thing we haven’t done in Lisbon (yet) is actually ride the funiculars. I mean we have seen them, and walked the streets around them, but for some reason actually riding them has never happened.

I guess the point I’m trying to make by telling you this, is that you don’t have to actually ride the funiculars to experience them, although it is a lot of fun ( we’ve heard) and does help!

Lisbon is built on 7 hills, but I swear it feels like more. So it makes sense that the funiculars exist. It was in the 19th Century that Raoul Ponsard, and engineer who I can only assume was wanting to help citizens avoid climbing up these massive hills. Particularly in the heat!

These days, they are still functioning modes of transport, although you may find more tourists riding them than locals.

Belem

Belem is another hugely popular tourist area in Lisbon, but is quite a bit further out than the others mentioned in this article. If you only have 1 day in Lisbon it might not be possible to properly explore it, but it is worth mentioning anyway as it is home to some big tourist attractions.

Belem Tower

One of the must sees in Belem is of course the Belem Tower. It was built in the early 16th Century as part of a defence system at the start of the Tagus river. The tower is a popular attraction with 4 floors to explore. But it does get very busy so if you are visiting, sort your tickets out in advance.

Jerónimos Monastery

Another popular attraction in Belem is the Jeronimos Monastery. It used to be a monastery of the Order of St Jerome and is also a prime example of the Manueline style of architecture you can find throughout Lisbon.

This is another place that gets pretty busy, so again you are best off buying your ticket online in advance.

Pasteis de Belem

This might be a controversial statement, but even something even better than Belem Tower, and Jeronimos Monastery, has to be Pasteis de Belem. This is possibly the best place in Lisbon to get custard tarts. And you might think to yourself, can a custard tart really be worth trekking to the other side of Lisbon for? And the answer is YES! They taste so good.

If you are visiting the Belem area make sure you stop by. The lines can be crazy but honestly it is worth it. Trust us, when you bite into one of the perfectly crispy, gooey, custardy tarts you will thank us.

Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré is becoming a pretty trendy part of Lisbon. It is essentially where a lot of the cool bars, and restaurants are located. It is a little bit down from Baixa and Bairro Alto, so you can definitely squeeze it in to your 1 day Lisbon itinerary if you are either of these areas. Here are the top sights.

The Pink Street

One of the more modern sights to add to your 1 day Lisbon itinerary, has to be the Pink Street. You will know you are in the right place when you see none other than the bright pink street. It used to be home to the seedy Red Light District, and now, it is one of the best places to go for nightlife in Lisbon.

If you are around the in daytime do stop by, it’s quirky and colourful, and a great place to go for some fun photos.

Time Out Market

For a real culinary feast, head to the Time Out Market. It is a bustling food hall located in the Mercado da Ribeira. Inside there are Michelin star vendors serving different types of food. If you want to sample some traditional Portuguese food, this is a good place to go as well.

It gets busy so try and get in early. The general rule is, grab yourself a table, and then get ordering.

Miscellaneous Areas

Here are some of the other top sights and attractions that don’t quite fit into the neighbourhoods above, or even cover several of them.

Tram 28

If you get the time we highly recommend taking a ride on Tram 28. It’s one of the most well known tram routes in the city because it pretty much passes through some of the most beautiful areas of Lisbon.

It used to be for locals, but the secret is well and truly out. If you want to get on at the start of the route then you will need to make your way to Square Martim Moniz in Baixa. Admittedly, the queues can be really crazy. So our advice is to get on at a later stop throughout the route.

Do a river cruise

Another great way to experience Lisbon is to do a river cruise along the Tagus. You get to see Lisbon from a completely different viewpoint and learn about the history of the city as well.

What are the must dos for 1 day in Lisbon

Your must dos during your 1 day in Lisbon will of course be personal to you, but these are some of the top attractions that we recommend and why.

Explore Alfama

Alfama is really high on our list of neighbourhoods to explore in Lisbon. And if you only have 1 day in Lisbon, it is the perfect place to explore. There are beautiful viewpoints, lovely bars and restaurants, and you can even do a guided tour to save yourself some time.

Ride the funicular

Even if you don’t ride the funicular per se, we do recommend you at least go see one of them. They are a big part of the city’s identity, and the streets surrounding the are also great to explore.

Belem Tower

Admittedly you might not quite make it to Belem Tower during your 1 day in Lisbon, because it is quite far out. But a good way to see the tower is to do a cruise. Just make sure you choose one that leaves from around Praça do Comércio like this one. The cruise lasts around 2 hours and you get to see attractions like the Belem Tower and the 25th April Bridge.

Our recommendation when coming up with a 1 day Lisbon itinerary, is to pick 1 or 2 main attractions that you want to see. Or pick 1 or 2 districts you want to explore. Decide what your must sees are, and look at what is around them that you could also fit in.

Lisbon in a day – Eating and drinking

One of the best things about travel, at least in our minds, is eating and drinking new food. If you too enjoy tasting local treats then this section will be right up your street. Here are the foods that we think you should try during your 1 day in Lisbon.

Sardines

I know sardines don’t sound super exciting but they are a bit of a big deal in Lisbon. And it feels like every restaurant in the city has a dish that includes this oily delicacy.

Peixinhos da Horta

Tempura vegetables are another big thing in Lisbon. And you might be surprised to learn that tempura was actually invented in Portugal and not Japan.

Peixinhos da Horta, a dish consisting of green beans and tempura is one of the best foods to try in the city. It is a centuries old dish that was originally made on Portuguese ships to keep vegetables from going bad. These days, it’s a nice treat that you will find on menus around Lisbon.

Salted Cod

Speaking of things you will find on menus around the city, you will hard pressed not to find somewhere serving salted cod when exploring Lisbon in a day.

It’s a bit of an acquired taste. But the simplicity and versatility of the fish means that it can be served in many different way. In fact it has been said there are over 356 ways to prepare a salted cod dish.

Bacalhau à Brás

Said to have originated from the Bairro Alto district, Bacalhau à Brás is a good introduction to salted cod. It is a dish that includes shredded cod, thinly cut potatoes, onions, and parsley and is held together with scrambled egg. It’s actually quite good.

Ginjinha

A day in Lisbon is not complete without sipping on some Ginjinha. It’s essentially a Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherry. You sip it from a shot sized glass, and it is very easy to drink. Sometimes too easy. Although a few of these does make walking up Lisbon’s many hills a lot easier.

Pastéis de nata

If you spend a day in Lisbon, and don’t try Pasteis de Nata, then you need to go back immediately. These custard tarts are a signature dish in Portugal, and honestly we have never tasted any as good as the ones we had in Lisbon. If you want to know some of the secrets in making them then sign up to this 2 hour cooking class.

How to get around during your day in Lisbon

If you are spending a day in Lisbon then you will be pleased to know that public transport is really convenient and easy to use. We recommend purchasing a Viva Viagem card, for 0.50 cents. And you can get this from Metro stations. Once you have the card you just top up your transport fare.

The easiest thing to do is get a 24 hour ticket. This will cover buses, trains, and trams (including the 28) for little over €10 per person. Or you an buy tickets on the buses, trams, or funiculars in the city. Just be mindful that these will be more expensive then if you pay with a Viva Viagem card. Here are the transport options in a bit more detail.

Metro

There are 4 metro lines in Lisbon identifiable by their different colours (Blue, Yellow, Green and Red). The metro is frequent and convenient running between 6.30am and 1am daily.

Trams

There are 6 tram lines in Lisbon including the very popular Tram 28. The trams are operated by Carris and take you across the city. We actually didn’t end up using the trams all that much except to get to Belem and of course to do Tram 28.

Funicular & Lift

They may look touristy but the funiculars and the vertical lift in Lisbon are all genuine modes of transport. They are ideal to help you ascend some of Lisbon’s steepest streets.

Bus

We ended up getting the bus quite a bit in Lisbon, as they tend to go to areas not accessible by tram or metro. They operate between 5am to 11pm, and the easiest way to work out where you are going and where to get off is to follow your route on Google Maps.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

The other option for getting around is to do a hop on hop off city tour. This is always useful if you are wanting to see as much as possible, and learn all about it on the way.

Budgeting for your day in Lisbon

Budgeting for your day in Lisbon will obviously be very much dependant on what you want to see and do when you get there. But what we will say, is that Lisbon is a pretty cheap city for tourists. This is particularly true when you compare it to other European capitals.

For a mid-range trip, where you see a lot of attractions, and have decent sit down meals, and a few drinks, we would budget around €100 per person. You can do things much cheaper though, by limiting the number of paid attractions you see, and by eating at bakeries or food markets instead of restaurants.

Mos places in Lisbon accept card, but it is always worth having some cash (Euros) with you as some of the smaller hole in the wall type bars/ restaurants may only accept cash.

Best time of the year to plan your 1 day Lisbon itinerary

Lisbon is one of those places that is great to visit year round. But like with everywhere you have your pros and cons for visiting at certain times of the year. When you only have 1 day in Lisbon it’s important to visit at a time you can make the most of the good weather. Here is our seasonal breakdown.

Visiting Lisbon in summer

Unsurprisingly the summer months of June, July, and August, are incredibly popular in Lisbon. But you should keep in mind during these months it can get very hot. Temperatures can get well into the 30s (Celsius), and Lisbon has a lot of hills so it can be hard work getting around in the heat.

It’s also peak travel season, particularly August with school holidays, so expect it to be busy.

Visiting Lisbon in winter

Winter in Lisbon isn’t an ideal time to visit. Sure it is warmer than other European capitals at this time of year, but the weather is still quite cool, and daylight hours are limited. I think people assume that Lisbon is hot all year round, but it’s important to know that it is also the rainy season.

Temperatures are mild though (again in comparison to other European capitals), so expect it to be somewhere between 8-15 degrees Celsius.

Winter in Lisbon is a different kind of holiday, don’t expect your al fresco dining or beach days. That being said there are far less tourists at this time of year, and you get a more authentic Portuguese feel.

So when is the best time to spend 1 day in Lisbon

If you are going to spend 1 day in Lisbon our recommendation is to visit during the shoulder months. October is a good time to go, and our last visit to Lisbon was at this time. The temperatures were mild averaging between 23-26 degrees Celsius. The sun was out, and outdoor dining was in full swing. We had to wear light jackets in the evening, but during the day it was warm enough without them. It was still busy in Lisbon but nothing like the summer months.

March-May are also good times to visit due to the milder temperatures, and lower number of tourists. You can have your beach days, and sit outside in the sunshine, but with fewer tourists. It also means cheaper accommodation.So it is basically win win.

What to pack for your day in Lisbon

What you will need for your day in Lisbon will of course depend on what time of year you visit. Here are some must haves to consider when visiting.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layered clothes, as it can be cooler in the evenings
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses, hat, sunscrean
• Rain jacket

Tips for planning your 1 day Lisbon itinerary

Here are some final tips for planning your 1 day Lisbon itinerary.

• Book tickets to attractions in advance and if there is a skip the queue option then we recommend paying extra for it.
• Similarly if there are any restaurants that you really want to try, book a table in advance.
• Wear a good pair of walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun.
• Choose 1 or 2 neighbourhoods and attractions that you absolutely have to see, and plan your itinerary from there.

Should I spend 1 day in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a very popular destination, and even though 1 day in Lisbon will be short, it will definitely be a sweet experience. A lot of cruises dock in Lisbon, allowing passengers the day to explore the city. There is a lot to do, but if you plan your Lisbon itinerary in advance, and pre-book any tickets then you should be able to make the most of your 1 day in Lisbon.

We hope this article was helpful for you, and if there is anything you think we should add that would be useful for someone planning a 1 day Lisbon itinerary then please let us know in the comments.

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Happy Travels!