Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and when it comes to capital cities in Europe, Lisbon is one of our favourites. In this city, you can experience Portuguese history, get lost in the beautiful neighbourhood of Alfama, enjoy great Portuguese traditional meals and coffee, as well as watch some of the most beautiful landmarks in Europe.
If this sounds like a lot to explore in one day, don’t stress. Thankfully, the center of Lisbon isn’t that big and even if you only have 1-day in Lisbon you can enjoy a good chunk of the city!
We hope you’re ready for an awesome day in Lisbon! If you have a plan and a list of things you want to see in Lisbon, you should be able to experience a lot of this city. We hope this post can give you some good inspiration for your trip!
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How to experience Lisbon in 1 day
1-Day in Lisbon is all you need to see some of Lisbon’s best spots. Of course, Lisbon has plenty of hidden gems and other amazing things to see, so you won’t be able to see it all. But if you fall in love with Lisbon after your first visit you can hopefully come back and see more of it one day.
Pro tip: Save the shops, viewpoints, and locations to your Google Maps before your trip so you can easily find and map out all the places you’re going to visit.
How to get around Lisbon
In Lisbon, you can easily walk around the streets to get from one area to another. You can also buy a full-day pass for the trams and take the famous tram 28 in Lisbon (the vintage yellow one) that will take you from one stop to another around the city. Either way, you’ll be able to see a lot in your 1-Day in Lisbon.
As we mentioned, if you want to just see all the spots quicker it is best to grab a full day tram ticket and hop on the famous tram 28 and cruise around Lisbon. We personally love walking around new places and find it the best way to see everything but when you’re crunched for time it’s not always possible to walk everywhere!
If you like walking too, you can always do a combination of the two and take the tram between some of the longer stops and then walk between the shorter ones!
Santa Justa Lift
Right in the heart of downtown Lisbon, you’ll find this iconic elevator called the Santa Justa Lift. It’s easy to get to from the metro and very central so it’s a great place to start your day trip around Lisbon.
The Santa Justa Lift is pretty fascinating since it connects the two neighbourhoods of Baixa and Bairro Alto and you can pay €3 and ride it up. If you want a return ticket it’ll cost you €5.15. If you have the full day public transport pass then it’s included in that.
It’s quite crazy though as the elevator dates back to 1902 and its main purpose was to connect all the lower streets with Carmo Square up above. To this day, the Elevador de Santa Justa still serves that purpose but it’s definitely become more of a tourist attraction over the years!
The only downside is the lineup for Santa Justa does get pretty busy. You can see how it is in the morning and if it’s too crazy then you can always come back in the evening for sunset.
Explore the Alfama district
Alfama is probably the most famous neighbourhood in Lisbon because of the beautiful streets, viewpoints, and the character and charm you get from all the classic Portuguese tiles all over the buildings.
If you don’t mind walking around and walking up and down stairs then explore Alfama on foot. There’s a bunch of cute streets, shops, and cafes that you just can’t get to by tram. The trams take you to all the famous viewpoints which are worth seeing in Alfama but to get to the real gems in this part of the city you have to go on foot!
Pastelaria Alfama Doce
This is exactly what we’re talking about. Down one of the narrow and local streets in Alfama, there’s the cutest little bakery called Pastelaria Alfama Doce that makes some of the best Pastéis de Natas in Lisbon in our opinion. An Instagram friend recommended it to us and we’re so glad she did!
If you don’t know what Pasteis de Natas are, don’t worry. You’ll be super familiar with them after a few hours in Lisbon. They’re basically the most famous pastry in the country. A Pastel de Natas is a little pastry filled with custard inside and usually cost about €1 at a local shop and are absolutely delicious. (If you buy them at a tourist shop they can sometimes cost up to €3).
So if you have the time and stumble upon this cute little bakery in Alfama then stop inside and grab a few Pasteis de Natas.
PS: The bakery only takes cash!
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
There are plenty of awesome viewpoints to visit in Alfama and in Lisbon but Miradouro de Santa Luzia is our favourite in the area. You can either walk to this viewpoint from Pastelaria Alfama Doce or take tram 28 as it stops right near it. Alfama isn’t a big neighbourhood, just very steep so it’s a bit of a hike up if you’re at the bottom of Alfama. Either way, this viewpoint is beautiful.
Lisbon is quite a hilly city (like San Francisco) so lots of the viewpoints overlook the city and the ocean behind it. That’s exactly what you get here at Miradouro de Santa Luzia. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see for what feels like miles and miles, and you even see the famous Santuario de Cristo Rei (the big Jesus statue across the river).
Also read: 5 of the Best Viewpoints in Lisbon
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
You might be thinking we’re biased because Jo is Danish but this cafe is excellent. There’s actually two Copenhagen Coffee Labs in Alfama and a total of six in the city so it is a really popular chain in Lisbon. They have delicious coffee, sandwiches, and make excellent breakfast and lunch food.
Their main location in Alfama is down a narrow steep road where tram 28 actually stops right in front of. You wouldn’t notice it if you weren’t looking for it so make sure to put Copenhagen Coffee Lab Alfama into your Google Maps first so you don’t miss it.
Castelo de S. Jorge
There’s so much more to see in Alfama but if you only have 1-Day in Lisbon, you can only see so much of it if you want to see the rest of the city as well. So the last place we recommend exploring is the famous Castelo de S. Jorge.
This beautiful castle is located at the top of the Alfama neighbourhood overlooking all of Alfama and Lisbon. You can do a guided tour of Castelo de S. Jorge for €4 or you can explore the grounds yourself. To save yourself some time, we recommend you buy your entry ticket beforehand so you can skip the line.
If you make it to Alfama early enough in the morning you can see everything mentioned above in this post and even more by noon. Then you’ll still have the rest of the day to see some other great parts of the city!
Walk by Pink Street
Downtown Lisbon you can find one of the most picturesque streets in the whole city. More for the colour of the road than anything but it’s quite fun to check out Pink Street. It’s been this way since 2013 and you can find some really cute bars and restaurants on this street.
If you’re just looking to get a picture you can snap some good aerial shots from the bridge up above. Or else you may have to wait your turn to get a nice photo down on the street because it is quite a touristy place. Anyhow, it’s a fun street to walk by while exploring Lisbon for 1-day.
Time Out Market Lisbon
The Time Out Market in Lisbon is right on the waterfront and one of the most popular places to visit because of the variety of food you can get there. It’s not your traditional market with fresh fruit and veg but more a bunch of small restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and cocktail stands where you can order food and drinks and then sit down at one of the many tables in the center of the market.
The market is very seafood-oriented since it is in Portugal AND next to the sea. That doesn’t mean you can’t get other food too. You’ll find pizza, burgers, sushi, and a whole lot more. There are also lots of cute shops (flowers, souvenirs, canned fish, etc). It really is a cool place to explore and have some food or a drink.
Belem Tower
Since you’re in Lisbon you have to visit one of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal”. The Belem Tower is a short tram ride away from Time Out Market or even walking distance if you’re up for a nice walk along Lisbon’s coast (a little time-consuming though as it’s 6.4 km long).
The tower is built right on the sea coast and depending on how high the tide is the tower can look like it’s surrounded by water. It’s an absolute architectural masterpiece. There’s also a beautiful park right in front of the tower where you can grab an ice cream.
Just a short walk from the Belem Tower is the famous Pastéis de Belém. So if you didn’t get a chance to get a Pasteis de Natas in Alfama maybe this is your chance to try one. This bakery is probably the most famous bakery in Lisbon for Pasteis de Natas.
LxFactory
LxFactory is probably the trendiest place in town and if you’re looking to grab a beer or wine in the sun somewhere cool with good vibes then this is the place. If you think of an industrial area that has turned into an alternative, hip place with some of the best bars, restaurants, and shops then that’s exactly what LxFactory is like.
In a way, it’s sort of a market like Time Out but this place has a totally different vibe. You’ll walk into one building and see an art exhibition or a flower shop. Then you’ll walk somewhere else and you’ll find this classy cocktail and wine bar. Across the street, you’ll find what looks like the most delicious ice cream place in the world. Every corner and every building at LxFactory will totally surprise you. You’re in for a real treat here!
Tasty treat at Scoop n Dough
We wouldn’t recommend just any donut & ice cream shop but we walked by Scoop n Dough and could literally smell the sweet donut smell from what felt like a mile away. Then once we got there the staff was super friendly and told us about all their different donuts and ice cream. And it’s all vegan!!
So if you’re a lover of donuts and ice cream or have a sweet tooth you have to give something a try at Scoop n Dough. They say if it’s your first time then just try the plain donut to get the real taste of their secret recipe. If you’re up for something else then they have a wide variety of amazing donuts.
We didn’t get a chance to try their ice cream because the donuts were enough but the ice cream looks just as good. Prepare your sweet tooth for this one! 😉
Delicious dinner at SR. LISBOA
For dinner, there are tons of good options but there’s one that really stands out to us and it’s SR. LISBOA. It is located within walking distance from downtown and also from some of the tram 28’s stops. The concept of this restaurant is great and the food tastes absolutely amazing.
The atmosphere is cozy and chic and the way they serve their food in a “tapas” style allows everyone to try a bit of everything. They really make going out for dinner fun and exciting and the whole experience was just wonderful. It’s a nice way to start or finish your evening!
Rooftop drink at Topo Chiado
What better way to end the night than with a rooftop drink at a cozy bar overlooking the city? Topo Chiado is a very chill bar, nothing too fancy but the vibe is great – and the view from the terrace is unbelievable.
You can either take the Santa Justa Lift if you didn’t earlier in the day or walk to the bar from one of the upper streets. If the weather is nice then you can enjoy sitting outside under the night sky with Lisbon all around you. The perfect place to spend an evening especially if you only have 1-day in Lisbon!
Where to stay in Lisbon
Budget: Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel
Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel is hands down one of the best hostels in Lisbon. There are tons of other backpackers and travellers staying there – and for good reason. It is pretty affordable AND you can even pay a little extra and have every meal included! We feel like that’s every backpacker’s dream, haha.
It’s a very social hostel and every day they have events and things going on. In the evenings most people gather downstairs and have a few drinks together (some are even on the house). Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel is a really excellent hostel whether you’re staying there by yourself or with a friend!
There are options for private rooms as well if you’re travelling with a partner or looking for more time to yourself. It isn’t a party hostel by any means but a very social one.
Mid-range: LX Soho Boutique Hotel
LX Soho Boutique Hotel is the perfect hotel for those who are looking for a nice hotel at a decent price. We stayed here for one night and were very happy with the facilities, the staff, and the location. Of course, it did help that we got upgraded to a better room for free, but even if we hadn’t I’m sure we would’ve still been very happy with our stay.
Our favourite part about LX Soho Boutique Hotel was the location. It was so close to cute cafes such as Fauna & Flora Café and right next to a metro station as well. Our second favourite part was the breakfast buffet. They had yogurt, fresh fruit, homemade bread and pastries, and they would make you any barista coffee you’d like. All included. Who can say no to that?
Luxury: Blue Liberdade Hotel
Located right in the heart of Lisbon you’ll find Blue Liberdade. This beautiful and classy hotel is right next to some of Lisbon’s most beautiful sights and is perfect if you’re staying for just a night in Lisbon.
Comfy beds, clean rooms, and delicious breakfast! It’s all you really need to have a great stay and you’ll get that at Blue Liberdade. It’s on the pricier side but when you consider what’s included then the value for money is amazing. Blue Liberdade is a gem when it comes to boutique hotels in Lisbon!
Travel insurance
Since we travel full time as digital nomads, we never go anywhere without proper travel insurance.
If you do not have travel insurance, we can highly recommend SafetyWing. SafetyWing is a nomad insurance (a travel insurance created specifically for nomads) but even if you aren’t a nomad, you can still sign up.
Other questions related to Lisbon
Is 1 day in Lisbon enough?
1 day in Lisbon is enough if that’s all the time you have. Of course, the more time you have in Lisbon than the more you can see and there is a lot to see in Lisbon. If 1 day is all you have then it’s best to try and see most of the highlights and follow our guide to 1 day in Lisbon to make the most out of your day.
We do recommend spending at least a weekend or a few days if you can since there is just so so much to see in this beautiful city. Lisbon is full of history, delicious food, fun cafes, and so much more so you do need some time to be able to enjoy Lisbon to the fullest.
How many days is ideal for Lisbon?
To see everything and not rush it, 3 days is ideal for Lisbon. 3 days will give you enough time to walk to all the sights, do any tours you want, and also try out the local food and cafe scene. Lisbon is a vibrant city with things going on at all times of the year so you’ll never be short of activities to do.
On the safe side though 3 days is a good amount of time to be able to see and do most of the things in this beautiful city. We’re sure even after 3 days you’re going to wish you had more time here but with 3 days you’ll be happy with what you see here in Lisbon.
What is Lisbon famous for?
Lisbon is famous for many things but tram 28, colourful buildings, Belem Tower, LX Factory, friendly people, and of course great weather. The list could go on about what Lisbon is famous for but 6 things mentioned above are at the top of the list.
Is there a beach in Lisbon?
Yes, there is a beach in Lisbon and there are actually multiple beaches in Lisbon. One of the most underrated things about Lisbon is the beaches you can find along the coastline in the city.
Actually, some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal are found right around Lisbon. The city and everything in Lisbon takes all the spotlight but the beaches are great as well.
Should I go to Lisbon or Porto?
This is a very tough question to answer and we’d say you should go to both Lisbon and Porto. Both are very different in their own ways. Even when it comes to food, art, and even music they both have a different vibe.
Lisbon definitely has more sights and iconic places to visit simply because it’s a bigger city and has more to do. That shouldn’t take anything away from Porto though as Porto is an incredible city rich in history, night life, and sights to visit.
So to simply answer the question, you have to visit both Lisbon and Porto.
You may also like…
- The Ultimate Packing List for Portugal in 2022
- Best Things to Do in Lisbon in 2 Days (A Weekend Guide)
- 5 of the Best Viewpoints in Lisbon
- Amazing Day Trips From Lisbon You Can’t Miss
Recap of the Ultimate 1-Day in Lisbon
Of course, you can’t see it all in one day but you sure can see a lot. Start in the Alfama district and enjoy one of Lisbon’s most beautiful neighbourhoods. Take in the amazing views from up there before going down to see some of the best markets and even one of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal”.
Finish the day off with some good food and maybe even a drink up on the rooftop patio. Your 1-day in Lisbon is going to go by so quickly but we want you to enjoy every moment of it. So hopefully you found this guide helpful in planning your itinerary so you get to see everything you want to see.
Enjoy your day in Lisbon!
Have fun!
Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures
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