With so many vibrant Mediterranean destinations, it’s easy to ponder whether or not it’s worth checking Lisbon Portugal off the bucket list. After all, one Mediterranean coastal town is sure to mirror another right? Not so! Here’s why Lisbon Portugal is worth visiting and 21 best things to do on your 2 day Lisbon itinerary.
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Why Lisbon Is Worth Visiting
Whether you’ve been to San Francisco or not, after a visit to Lisbon you’ll feel like you’ve seen highlights of both. From famous Lisbon pastries to San Francisco vibes, here are some fun facts that make this Portugal city different from others:
- The original recipe for pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart created by Catholic monks in Lisbon in the 18th century, is kept in a secret room at Pastéis de Belém.
- Azulejo, meaning polished stone, are the colorful Portuguese tiles that paint Lisbon’s city walls, pavement, churches, and even metro stations.
- Home to fado, a form of Portuguese music and culture that’s typically melancholy and performed by a vocalist and guitar.
- While port is to Porto, ginjinha is to Lisbon. This red cherry liqueur is a must-try in Lisbon.
- A 007 movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was filmed 25km west of Lisbon in Estoril and is considered one of the most romantic movies of the Bond franchise. So Portugal!
- Ponte 25 de Abril is the San Francisco-like suspension bridge that crosses the Tagus River, connecting Lisbon to Almada.
Other Lisbon similarities to San Francisco beyond the bridge?
Sunshine. Believe it or not but Lisbon has an average of 300 sunny days per year, whereas San Francisco has 259. Guaranteed sunshine makes Lisbon absolutely worth visiting any time of year.
Hills. Lisbon has 7 hills making trams a popular and convenient way for tourists to visit the city. While San Francisco is known for the trolley, Lisbon is known for Tram 28.
Red Wine. Between Lisbon’s native Ramisco red wine to the more established Douro Valley varietals, tastings are as fruitful as a Napa Valley visit.
Is Lisbon worth visiting just for hills, wine, and sunshine? Perhaps but here are 21 more reasons to convince you.
21 Things To Do In Lisbon Portugal
Deciding where to go and what to see in Lisbon in 2 days or even only 1 day can be quite a chore. But despite how many days in Lisbon you have to explore, hiring a tuk tuk offers a tailored experience to not miss a thing. In tuk tuk order, here are 21 things to do in Lisbon that make it worth visiting.
1 – Tram 28
Tram 28, Praça Martim Moniz 39, 1150-052 Lisboa, Portugal
This super popular yellow beauty is known for its picturesque ride to Alfama. However, it’s also overpacked during peak tourist months and can take hours waiting in a queue before hopping on one. If you don’t have the time to wait for the tram and you’re trying to see Lisbon in a day, hire a tuk tuk instead. The best place to start the Tram 28 journey or tuk tuk hire is in Santa Maria Maior.
Tram 28 Lisbon
2 – Lady of the Hill
Viewing spot in Sao Vicente overlooking the entire city of Lisbon. Fado musicians are typically playing, orchestrating a perfect start to your first day in Lisbon.
3 – Lisbon street art
Your first impression of Lisbon may perhaps be more about the alarmingly abundant graffiti across the city than the famous Portuguese tiles. But alas, there is really pretty street art, too. Ask your tuk tuk driver to stop to take photos of your favorites.
4 – Mosteiro Sao Vicente
Mosteiro Sao Vicente is a 17th-century monastery and church. What makes this a top thing to do in Lisbon? It’s home to the second largest organ in the world. Additionally, the building’s cloisters are so extensive it’s considered the world’s most vast collection of baroque tiles. And if you love them, the on-site gift shop offers unique tile gifts. It’s free to enter the church and gift shop, with a convenient free restroom to use, too.
Things to see in Lisbon – world’s largest organ!
5 – Doors of the Sun
Sao Vicente viewing spot overlooking the Tagus River with cafes perched on the hillside. If your idea of visiting Lisbon in a day involves a cafe, fado, and views of the sparkly Tagus River cliffside, then Doors of the Sun is for you.
6 – Lisbon Cathedral
While the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, also called the Lisbon Cathedral, may be the oldest church in Lisbon, it’s the south-facing sundial that’s also pretty cool to see.
Go right and look up
7 – Tiles of Alfama
The pretty Portuguese tile is virtually everywhere, but Alfama and Bairro Alto districts boast the most. Searching for the most beautiful buildings dressed in azulejo is one of the best things to do in Lisbon and simply not tire of it.
Tile, tile, tile everywhere
8 – Time Out Market
For a foodie looking to try all the Lisbon favorites under one roof, Time Out Market is where to go. Time Out Market isn’t just a food court. It is THE one place to go for any meal of the day, at any time, and it’s so cool you can easily lose track of time. Grab your sardines, pastel de nata, ginjinha, and about 100 other Lisbon specialties under this one roof.
While Time Out Market is a must do in Lisbon, it does have its downfall. It’s busy and it’s hot in the summer. Prepare to share a table and dress appropriately.
Lisbon’s food court that offers everything
9 – Pastéis de Belém
R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
From the metro station take tram 15 to Belem. Be sure to stop just before Belem Tower to experience the most famous Lisbon pastry at Pastéis de Belém. They sell over 20,000 pastéis de nata a day. Not only is eating a pastel de nata the best thing to do in Lisbon, but it’s also ranked by Guardian as one of the 50 best things to eat in the world!
10 – Belem Tower
Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1515 on the Tagus River to defend against an attack on Lisbon, today it’s a top attraction for Lisbon visitors. A small beach surrounds the northern side of the Tower, situated by a massive green space perfect for picnics or lazy afternoons. As pretty as Belem Tower is on the outside, don’t skip out on seeing the inside. Climb the tower with stops along the way – each floor has a different limestone layout. For the most stunning views be sure to step into the various Belem Tower lookouts.
Window seat view from Belem Tower
11 – Ponte 25 de Abril
Ponte 25 de Abril is the iconic suspension bridge of Lisbon. While it’s truly amazing to see from any part of Lisbon, the bridge is most magnificent when seen along the waterfront. For the best and up close views of the bridge, rent a Bird from Belem Tower.
A look alike to the San Francisco bridge
12 – Santa Justa Lift
Located in the heart of Lisbon’s Baixa district, you can’t miss the top-heavy-looking outdoor elevator called Santa Justa Lift. While the intricate design of Santa Justa Lift is best seen in daylight, it’s prettiest at night. Unfortunately, the lines for the lift are long both day and night. For alternative views, walk up the stairs along the side of the elevator to the upper viewing platform. Or if at night, walk to the right of Convento Carmo towards the back and behold the magical city lights radiating Santa Justa Lift.
Take the elevator to the top for 360 city views
13 – Convento do Carmo
Lisbon’s Convento do Carmo is a convent that was ruined in the 1775 earthquake and subsequently turned into an archaeological museum. The church ruins still stand but there is no roof, lending itself to an excellent music or evening light show venue. Convento do Carmo is located in Lisbon’s Chiado district.
Combine seeing Convento do Carmo with dinner in Chiado
14 – Bertrand
Rua Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisboa, Portugal
Located in Lisbon’s Chiado district, Bertrand is the world’s oldest bookstore.
15 – Commerce Square
Commerce Square, also called Praça do Comércio or Terreiro do Paço is a massive open square surrounded by yellow vibrant buildings that open up on the Tagus River. For the most dramatic view of Commerce Square, walk towards the Tagus from Baixa along R. Augusta.
Commerce Square
16 – Lisbon waterfront sunset & cruise
For what to do in Lisbon at night, head to the waterfront. Book a Lisbon sunset cruise or dining spot along the waterfront. Enjoying the sunset is an absolute must thing to do in Lisbon – especially after walking many hills and stairs all day.
Lisbon sunset dining along the waterfront
Things To Do Near Lisbon Portugal
Book a day trip for sightseeing Lisbon’s nearby Pena Palace and these gorgeous coastal destinations.
17 – Pena Palace
Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Like something from a fairytale, Pena Palace is a 19th century Romanticist Castle. It presides atop the Sintra Mountains and can be seen from Lisbon on a clear day.
Most people are in the front, but the back is even prettier imho
18 – Sintra Village
Explore the narrow Sintra cobblestone alleys lined with shops, restaurants, and ginjinha bars. Be sure to eat a Sintra pillow. (A pillow is even yummier than a pastel de nata – if you can believe it!)
19 – Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of mainland Europe.
The edge of mainland Europe at Cabo da Roca
20 – Estrada do Guincho
Estrada do Guincho is a windsurfers paradise.
21 – Cascais
Wander the shops of Cascais, eat octopus at one of the many seafood restaurants, or lounge on the beaches: Praia da Rainha and Praia da Ribeira.
Cascais beach promenade in waves of black and white tile
How many days in Lisbon do you need?
Ideally 2 days for a day in Lisbon and a day trip to Sintra and Cascais.
2 Day Lisbon Itinerary:
Dedicate an entire day focused on things to do in Lisbon only. There are so many sights to take in that are truly breathtaking that you will not want to miss. While it’s a long list, you’ll be surprised at how much you can see of Lisbon in a day, especially if you hire a tuk tuk.
Then dedicate an entire day focused on a day trip to Sintra and Cascais.
If you have 3 days in Lisbon: 1 day in Lisbon, 1 day trip to Sintra and Cascais, and 1 day in Cascais to relax on the beaches.
Where To Stay In Lisbon
If it’s your first time in Lisbon, book a hotel or Airbnb that is central to everything. Staying central, like at Hotel Da Baixa, provides easy access to top Lisbon attractions, transportation options, and excellent restaurants. Another benefit to staying at a central hotel is that the concierge is more likely to speak English (if you don’t know Portuguese).
Hotel Da Baixa offers the most amazing breakfast. Truthfully, I could spend all morning sitting outside the hotel restaurant sipping a latte and eating fresh prosciutto and melon. Really really really loved the location and amenities of this Lisbon hotel.
Pretty in green at Hotel Da Baixa
What Lisbon Portugal travel is like 2022
The 3 most important things to know if you’re traveling to Lisbon during peak months:
1 – Passport control leaving Lisbon is entirely chaotic. It’s such a problem that our pilot shared it’s been escalated to fix. Anticipate a minimum of 2+ hours just to get through passport control, which is hidden beyond the food court. Don’t get caught up in the duty free shops on the way to passport control. The passport control line isn’t visible until you pass the food court.
2 – Skip Tram 28. Although Tram 28 gets all the Lisbon tourism press, rent a tuk-tuk instead. The Tram 28 queues are an hours long wait, crammed like sardines, and don’t offer a guide of what it is you’re seeing. A tuk-tuk will show you the city fast, with explanation, and stop/go whenever you want. It costs more but is 100% worth it.
3 – On your Lisbon day trip to Sintra, arrive by 9am for Pena Palace. Pena Palace is simply gorgeous, but everyone knows it. If you don’t arrive by 9am, you’ll be standing in a queue for the entire day. This is the busiest sightseeing location I’ve ever been to…possibly moreso than queues at Walt Disney World. It’s absolutely worth seeing, but you have to arrive first to enjoy it.
Final Tips For Things To Do In Lisbon & Why
There are more things to do in Lisbon but here’s why I didn’t fit them on our first visit:
Sao Jorge Castle –
Located on the hill which is named the same, Sao Jorge Castle can be seen from nearly every direction. We simply chose to view from a distance vs closeup since the recommended time at the castle is an entire morning. For a 2 day Lisbon itinerary, the castle didn’t easily fit. Tickets are required.
National Tile Museum –
Although I love design, the fact that tiles surround you everywhere in Lisbon is why I chose to not fit this into a 2 day itinerary. Besides, I’m certain my young kids wouldn’t necessarily appreciate learning about tile designs, traditions, and the history of Portuguese tile work. At least not yet.
Ponto Final –
R. do Ginjal 72, Almada, Portugal
The idea of dining at a table on the very edge of the Tagus River with literally no barricade to protect you from toppling into the river sounds thrilling. However, if you don’t book several months ahead, it’s a stretch to get in. Ponto Final is located in Almada so it requires a 20-minute ferry from Cais do Sodre to cross. Walking down the street from Hotel Da Baixa to La Squadra for an equally fantastic dinner was a lot easier.
While these things didn’t make the 2 day Lisbon itinerary our first time, they will next time. Along with more prosciutto and melon.
Have you been to Lisbon? Add what you loved the most in the comments! x
