Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is exceptionally beautiful. Situated on 7 hills, with winding cobbled streets and colorful houses overlooking the Tagus River. I loved visiting this vibrant city, from the picturesque viewpoints created by the hilly landscape to its lively culture and delicious cuisine. Lisbon offers many attractions with a mix of rich history and contemporary charm.
Before visiting Lisbon, it’s important to learn about the major catastrophic event that occurred in 1755 and greatly influenced the city’s current state. I am talking about the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which was followed by a tsunami and fires, resulting in the extensive destruction of the city. The massive quake led to the development of innovative earthquake-resistant building techniques and the implementation of a uniform grid street plan that is visible today in many neighborhoods, such as the central Baixa neighborhood.
I have put together an itinerary for spending one day in Lisbon, highlighting the best things to do. The plan includes visiting some of the most stunning viewpoints in Lisbon to enjoy the city’s beautiful vistas, as well as exploring the top attractions and iconic landmarks that capture the city’s unique atmosphere. Additionally, I have included restaurant recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I will wrap up this one day Lisbon itinerary with a hotel suggestion.
How to Move Around Lisbon
Lisbon offers numerous attractions to visit, and luckily, most of them are located in central Lisbon within walking distance. However, as I mentioned earlier, Lisbon is a hilly city, and walking in some neighborhoods may be strenuous. If you only have one day in Lisbon, I wouldn’t want you to waste your valuable time walking. Therefore, I recommend making use of the vast transportation options in Lisbon.
Lisbon has an efficient metro system that covers most of the city with high frequency. It’s a great way to get around, but some neighborhoods aren’t covered by the metro, so the best way to reach them is by tram. The iconic yellow ‘Remodelados’ trams are a historic symbol of the city and a popular attraction. Another fun way of transport is the traditional funiculars, reaching the higher hilly neighborhoods. A unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.
A Perfect One Day in Lisbon Itinerary
Morning
I started my one day Lisbon itinerary with breakfast at the popular A Brasileira Café. In the morning, I planned to ride the famous Santa Justa Lift after admiring the amazing views of Lisbon from its upper platform and then visit the attractions in the distant Belem neighborhood.
Breakfast at A Brasileira – an iconic art deco café in Lisbon. This popular historic café is frequently visited by intellectuals and artists and is the oldest café in Lisbon, which gives it a charming, historic atmosphere. Since it’s so popular, it can get crowded, so you might need to wait to be seated. However, it was worth it. I had great coffee and chose a delicious Pastel de Nata from a great array of cakes and pastries. They also have many savory options for a nice full breakfast.
Morning Activities
Santa Justa Lift
Santa Justa Lift is a popular and unique attraction in Lisbon, offering panoramic views over the historic center of the city from its observation deck. This architectural marvel was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard and has been operating since 1902. The elevator connects the lower streets of the Baixa neighborhood with the higher Largo do Carmo in the Chiado neighborhood. The ticket to ride the elevator costs €5.30, but it is free with a transportation card such as the Lisboa Card or Navegante Card.
Due to its popularity, Santa Justa Lift often gets extremely busy with long waiting lines. Here’s a helpful tip to avoid the crowds: enter at the upper station instead of the lower one! I personally didn’t have to wait at the upper station, while the lower one had a very long line. You can find the upper station within a 5-minute walk from A Brasileira Café, and the entrance is located on the right to the Carmo Convent. Take the elevator down to continue the itinerary.
Belem Tower
Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the banks of the Tagus River. Belem Tower was built in the 16th century by the architect Francisco de Arruda under the plans of King D. Joao II. This Manueline Gothic-style fort was built to defend Lisbon from enemy ships. It is located in the Belem neighborhood, about 7 km from the center of Lisbon. Although it is not located in the center, it is a must-visit attraction, even if you have just one day.
The easiest way to get to Belem Tower is by taking Tram 15, which is a modern, long tram. It begins its route from Praca da Figueira, just a 5-minute walk from the lower station of Santa Justa Lift. The tram ride takes about 50 minutes and costs around €3, but it is free with a transportation card. Alternatively, taking an Uber will cut the time by half, but it will be about 4 times more expensive.
Belem Tower is a very popular attraction, and there is usually a long queue to enter the tower. Inside, you can admire the detailed architecture and enjoy panoramic views over the Tagus River, with the 25 de Abril Bridge and Christo Rei on the other side. Having only one day, I suggest not wasting your time waiting in lines and instead admiring its beauty from the outside. I recommend entering only if there is no queue. The entrance ticket costs 6€ and it is free with a Lisboa Card.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
A huge impressive monument, named The Monument of the Discoveries, it was conceptualized in 1940 and constructed in 1960 by the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida and designed by the architect Cottinelli Telmo. The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries, serving the country’s impressive maritime heritage and adventurous spirit. It took me around 15 minutes to get there from Belem Tower.
There is an option to climb to the top for amazing views. The entrance fee is 10€, but it’s free with a Lisboa Card. The lines here are not as long as at the Belem Tower, so it’s worth considering a visit. Inside, there are large floor maps of the world showcasing the vast territories explored and colonized by the Portuguese.
Lunch at Time Out Market Lisboa
Time Out Market Lisbon is a vibrant marketplace with a huge variety of food stalls offering different cuisine options, from traditional Portuguese to Asian and International dishes. I tried the Croqueteria, which had a great selection of croquettes and also sampled some Baos from the Asian Lab, and everything was delicious. Time Out Market Lisboa is located in Cais Do Sodre, right in front of the 15E tram station.
Afternoon
After lunch, my plan for the afternoon was to ride up the Bica Funicular and then hop on the iconic Tram 28 to visit the attractions in the charming Alfama Neighborhood. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Lisbon, known for its narrow winding cobbled streets, colorful houses, historic landmarks, and stunning views from several picturesque viewpoints.
Afternoon activities
Bica Funicular
Bica is one of three funiculars in Lisbon, operating since the 19th century. It is considered the most scenic funicular of the three, as it goes over a steep slope with views of the Tagus River in the background. The Bica Funicular connects the Cais do Sodre neighborhood from Rua de Sao Paulo to the Bairro Alto neighborhood on Largo do Calhariz.
In addition to saving you from some tough elevations to climb, riding the funicular is a great experience when visiting Lisbon and a must-do in my opinion. A ticket costs €3.80, and it is free with transportation cards. Bica Funicular is located within a 5-minute walk from the Time Out Market Lisboa.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon located in the Alfama Neighborhood. This beautiful viewpoint overlooks Eastern Lisbon and the Tagus River, offering views of the National Pantheon and Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora. The surrounding area is vibrant and busy, don’t miss the authentic Fado performances in local taverns and restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
To get there, the best way is to take the iconic traditional Tram 28, which stops near the upper station of Bica Funicular. Riding the historic ‘Remodelados’ trams is an experience in itself that takes you back in time, as trams have been operating in Lisbon since the 19th century. Although they have been renovated with new electric engines, the wooden interior remains original, making it a historic remnant in Lisbon. A single ticket for the tram costs around €3.00, and it’s free with any of the transportation cards.
Se De Lisboa
Lisbon’s Cathedral is located within a 5-minute walk from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Se De Lisboa is the oldest cathedral in Lisbon, as it was only slightly damaged by the 1755 earthquake. The cathedral is a Catholic church, built in 1147 after the siege of Lisbon when the Portuguese took rule from the Muslims. It was built on the site of the main mosque.
While the cathedral is impressive from the outside, I recommend exploring the inside as well. The highlights include the museum, the large painted glass rosette, and the views from the small balcony in the High Choir. The entrance ticket costs €5.
Dinner at Porter Bistro
Porter Bistro is a modern, upscale but reasonably priced restaurant. I tried the Mushroom risotto, the Beef tenderloin, and a strawberry dessert, and each dish was delicious. On top of the great food, they offer unique and tasty cocktails. The restaurant is located near the main plaza of Lisbon, Praca do Comercio, which is worth visiting.
Night
The Bairro Alto neighborhood is famous for its vibrant nightlife as it comes alive at night with countless bars, live music venues, and street parties.
Spending the night?
I stayed at the BessaHotel Liberdade, which is centrally located on Avenida da Liberdade near Restauradores Square, and I absolutely loved it. It is a 4-star hotel, modern and luxurious with an indoor pool. My room was beautifully designed and had a Juliette balcony overvlooking the Avenida da Liberdade.
Author’s Box: Alina Kaplanov, born in Russia, has been exploring the world with my husband for over 15 years, together visiting more than 35 countries. Whilst she works as a small animal veterinarian, traveling is her true passion. She shares her experiences through detailed itineraries and travel guides, helping others plan unforgettable trips.
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