(Content created for the British travel website wanderlustchloe.com)
From sipping ginja liqueur in Rossio Square to wandering the banks of the Tagus River, there is plenty to do on a one-day Lisbon itinerary.
Lisbon is one of my favourite European cities. The capital of Portugal is a perfect mix of the old and the new. The city’s iconic sights — from the magnificent Gothic architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery to the ancient cobbled lanes of Alfama — sit perfectly alongside the city’s hip culture, bustling nightlife and innovative cuisine.
So whether you are in town on a cruise ship, on your way to Porto or other parts of Portugal, or just spending a day and a night in the city on a campervan road trip adventure around Europe, this guide will help you to make the most of your 24 hours in Lisbon.
Getting around and seeing as much as you can
Although Lisbon isn’t a particularly big city, it can be time-consuming navigating it’s many lanes, back streets and avenues. But the good news for anyone who is only spending 1 day in Lisbon is the city’s excellent public transportation system. With a Viva Viagem card you can access the trams, buses and Metro system to easily get around. Riding one of the city’s 40 vintage streetcars, for example, is one of my favourite ways to see the historic Chiado and Bairro districts.
For a look at everyday life in Lisbon, a walking tour with a local guide will get you deep into some of the city’s less well-know areas. As well as experiencing the local sights and culture, you can sample the fiery ginja liqueur (made from sour cherries, sugar and cinnamon) and maybe catch a performance of the traditional Fado music.
Another of my favourite things to do in Lisbon is to take a boat cruise on the Tagus River. As you sip a glass of Muscatel de Setúbal, you can gaze at the sights and soak up a bit of warm Portuguese sun at the same time.
So, as you can see, getting around the city is easy. So now let’s check out a few of the best things to see and do during your 24 hours in Lisbon.
Morning in Lisbon
I recommend that you begin your 1 day in Lisbon with breakfast in the oldest part of the city, the Alfama District. As you wander the narrow lanes you’ll easily find a café where you can fuel up with a breakfast of pastéis de nata at a local bakery. These sweet custard tarts are a Portuguese breakfast staple and the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee or two before you head off on your adventures.
A good way to start your Lisbon explorations is to walk up to the lovely São Jorge Castle, perched at the top of a hill in the Santa Maria Maior district. From the ramparts of the castle, you get a great view of the city so you can get your bearings and plan your day.
A vist to the Belém area is a must for your Lisbon itinerary. In this part of town you’ll find the Jerónimos Monastery, where you can wander the beautiful-preserved halls and gardens that are dedicated to Portuguese heroes such as Vasco da Gama (the first European to reach India).
Down on the bank of the Tagus River you’ll find the graceful Belém Tower. This medieval tower was the place from which many of Portugal’s great navigators set off when they left on journeys of discovery. From the tower, you can stroll along the riverbank towards Commerce Square, a wide open plaza running down to the edge of the river.
At the top of the square, the Rua Augusta Arch is a massive gateway adorned with six columns and all sorts of statues. There are plenty of dining options in this part of Lisbon — such as the fabulous Lisboa Terrazza — so if you feel like a nice lunch, now is a good time for a break.
Afternoon in Lisbon
Start the afternoon of your Lisbon itinerary with a ride on the Elevada de Santa Justa lift. This cast iron lift with cool filigree decorations was opened in 1902 to connect the lower streets of the Rossio District with Carmo Square.
On the other hand, if you feel like giving your legs a rest, you can set off on a Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Tour. This will give you a unique perspective on the city as you whizz through tiny back streets and into little hidden squares.
For a glimpse of the world beneath the waves, the Oceanarium of Lisbon is one of Europe’s best aquariums. It has displays of sea creatures from the North Atlantic, the tropical Pacific and even Antarctica. This is a lovely place to spend a few cool hours during the hottest part of the day.
Evening in Lisbon
After a busy afternoon cramming as much as you can into your 1 day in Lisbon, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the city as it comes to life for the evening. As the sun sets, Rossio Square fills up with locals and visitors alike. This bustling square, with its wave-patterned pavement and tinkling fountains, is a great place for people-watching. Grab a drink at the art-deco Café Nicola and soak up the vibe.
For dinner, Lisbon is loaded with rich gastronomy. A local speciality is bacalhau, a stew of salted cod. My absolute favourite Lisbon restaurant is Loco where the chefs experiment with a constantly evolving menu of “micron-season” dishes. After dinner, you can go from bar to bar and sample more of the local ginja liqueur: each place will have its own secret blend. And if you still have some energy left at the end of your 1 day in Lisbon, the city’s gorgeous Fado music will capture your heart and soul long into the night.
More than 1 day in Lisbon?
If you can fit some extra time onto your Lisbon itinerary, a visit to nearby destinations such as Sintra and Cascais is a must. The mystical forests and enchanting palaces of Sintra make for an unforgettable road trip to one of Portugal’s most magical places. It really is like travelling into a fairytale land.
The highlight is the colourful Pena Palace which is perched on a hilltop surrounded by deep forests with lots of trails and a 9-storey well whose mossy depths represent a depiction of Hell!
The nearby fishing village of Cascais has some lovely beaches, royal mansions, and lots of narrow cobblestone lanes to explore.
My complete guide to putting together an ultimate itinerary for 24 hours in Lisbon is designed to ensure that you experience the best of what this lovely city has to offer. Whether you are navigating the historic streets of Alfama, marvelling at the monuments of Belém or soaking up the sights, smells and tastes of nightlife in Rossio, Lisbon’s blend of history, culture and food makes it a must-visit destination on any travel enthusiast’s list.
And even if you only have 1 day in Lisbon, the city’s easy-to-use public transportation network makes getting around a breeze. So grab a Viva Viagem card, pack your sense of adventure and your taste for delicious food, and set out to find the best things to do in Lisbon on a 24-hour visit.
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