24 hours in Lisbon shouldn’t be a variety of time. But when it’s all you’ve, you higher benefit from it!
You don’t need to go far to take in Lisbon’s appeal, irrespective of the place you’re staying within the metropolis. Each nook has a narrative to inform and one thing tasty to attempt. Plus, breathtaking views of the town are by no means too far-off. Simply be ready to climb a couple of steep hills alongside the best way.
With solely at some point in Lisbon, it’s worthwhile to plan your time fastidiously. So, maintain studying for an entire information to taking advantage of 24 hours in Lisbon.
Searching for a spot to remain? Try: 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 right technique to dive deep into the guts 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 prime sights with a neighborhood knowledgeable who brings the town’s tales to life.
Value: From €74
Period: 6.5 hours
Assembly Level: Meet your information in entrance of the principle door of the Cais do Sodre prepare station (Cais do Sodre, 1).
Right here’s a breakdown of the way to spend your day in Lisbon, beginning with this tour.
One Day in Lisbon Itinerary
We hope you bought a very good night time’s sleep and packed your strolling footwear since you’ve acquired a busy day lined up!
Put on your most snug and Instagrammable outfit—simply so that you’re prepared for these photograph alternatives! In the event you’re visiting Lisbon in Summer season, be ready for the warmth. It will get scorching, so put on breathable clothes. Pack a backpack with the whole lot 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 the town heart and meet your information in entrance of the principle door of the Cais do Sodre prepare station (Cais do Sodre, 1).
For data on the way to get there, take a look at: 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 prepare trip 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 via the cloisters, you’ll stroll the identical halls as Vasco da Gama and different explorers who prayed right here for protected voyages.
10:15 AM – A Candy Deal with
Subsequent, take pleasure in Portugal’s well-known custard tarts on the unique bakery. Get pleasure from 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. Study Portugal’s navigational triumphs and the empire that spanned continents.
In the event you’re planning your 24 hours in Lisbon by yourself (with out becoming a member of a tour), take a look at: How to Buy Tickets to the Tower of Belém in Lisbon.
Noon: Scenic Views and Hidden Gems
Now that you just’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 Leisure
After exploring on foot, a scenic boat journey affords a special 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 the way to 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 most important roads. These spots are the place you’ll discover real Lisbon flavors.
- Search out seasonal specialties: Go for menus that showcase recent, seasonal produce. It’s the essence of Portuguese delicacies.
- Use on-line opinions neatly: A fast scan of opinions can information you to noteworthy spots, specializing in environment 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, take a look at: 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 must maintain an eye fixed out for:
- Wealthy historical past: Strolling via Alfama is like traversing centuries, with its medieval appeal 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 every day lifetime of Lisbon’s residents, a residing instance of group 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 Citadel and the Sé Cathedral to delve deeper into Lisbon’s wealthy spiritual and historic heritage.
When visiting Alfama, let curiosity be your information. Interact with the locals, savor the small particulars, and permit the rhythm of the neighborhood to guide 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 Citadel’s Shadow
The Take Walks tour wraps up close to Lisbon’s imposing citadel. Whereas admission isn’t included, you’re inspired to discover the citadel’s wealthy historical past and gorgeous views at your leisure.
Visiting São Jorge Citadel (Castelo de São Jorge) is like stepping again right into a pivotal chapter of Lisbon’s historical past. Perched atop considered one of Lisbon’s highest hills, this iconic fortress affords a journey via the previous and among the most gorgeous views of the town and the Tagus River.
The citadel’s origins hint again to the eleventh century when it was a Moorish royal residence. As you wander via its strong partitions and towers, you’ll stroll via centuries of historical past, from the Islamic interval to the age of Portuguese exploration and past.
The citadel’s vantage level offers breathtaking panoramic views. You’ll be able to 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 the town’s essence from above.
The citadel’s gardens are a serene retreat from the bustling metropolis beneath. Right here, you’ll be able to benefit from the shade of olive and cork timber, accompanied by the resident peacocks that roam freely, including an unique contact to the citadel’s ambiance.
It’s a stunning spot to chill out after a busy day in your toes and within the solar!
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 stress-free) night in Lisbon.
Relying in your journey fashion, power ranges and preferences, listed here are a couple of choices to spend your solely night in Lisbon:
Sundown at Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Make your technique to Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a beloved native spot identified for its gorgeous 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, typically accompanied by road musicians’ mild strumming of a guitar. Carry 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 slender cobbled streets and conventional buildings, transforms into considered 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 trendy eateries providing fusion delicacies, Bairro Alto caters to all tastes.
Wander the streets and select a spot that catches your eye—the realm is thought for its welcoming environment, the place the scrumptious cooking smells fill the air, and the sound of full of life 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 dwelling to many intimate Fado homes the place you’ll be able to expertise these emotional performances up shut. Venues like Clube de Fado, A Baiuca, or Sr. Fado de Alfama provide dinner and present combos, 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 guts of Portuguese custom, making for an unforgettable conclusion to your day in Lisbon.
We’ve coated a couple of 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 via 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 affords 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, take a look at: Exploring Lisbon in 2 Days
