Welcome to Portugal’s coastal capital of Lisbon. Immediately, we’re going to information you thru the final word sooner or later in Lisbon itinerary, exhibiting you one of the best this metropolis has to supply in simply sooner or later.
When you’re staying in Lisbon longer, it would be best to try our different weblog posts, 48 Hours in Lisbon, The place to Keep in Lisbon, and Finest Day Journeys from Lisbon. However for now, let’s get began with 1 day in Lisbon.
One Day in Lisbon Itinerary
The primary burning query that must be answered is, are you able to see Lisbon in simply sooner or later? Whereas it’s way more troublesome to see the whole lot in Lisbon than, say, Porto, it’s attainable to take pleasure in its highlights and high sights in a single very jam-packed 24 hours. So, we’re going to present you the route that we predict it’s best to take.
Morning
Belem Tower
Begin your one-day journey to Lisbon within the Belem district with an early morning dawn at Belem Tower. You possibly can go inside Belem Tower, however it doesn’t open till 10 a.m., and the crowds are fierce. This attraction could be loved from the surface, and you’ll really feel fulfilled. When you go for dawn, it’s going to simply be you and some photographers capturing this UNESCO World Heritage Web site, one in all Portugal’s seven wonders.
It’s positioned straight on the Tagus River. This lovely tower was in-built 1515 to defend Lisbon from invaders coming in alongside the Tagus River.
Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Leaving Belem Tower, it’s only a quick stroll alongside the waterfront promenade to the Monument of Discoveries. Portugal was a land of explorers; the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a tribute to Portugal’s legendary explorers. You possibly can’t miss this monument because it towers over the Tagus River.
Standing 52 meters excessive, it’s a formidable sight. It was constructed within the twentieth century, however it’s no much less spectacular. For a small payment, you possibly can take an elevator up for views over the Tagus River, or you possibly can stroll up the steps. It doesn’t open till 10 a.m., so we are saying to easily benefit from the views.
Be certain to cease and try the Compass Rose adorning the sq. in entrance of the Monument of Discoveries. It was a present from South Africa and pays tribute to Portugal’s journies within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Inside the design, search for a mermaid, Neptune, fave compass roses, and blowing faces.
When you actually wish to see the views of the Tagus, you possibly can return and take the elevator straight after your cease at our subsequent Lisbon attraction.
Jerónimos Monastery
Strolling up from the waterfront, you’ll come throughout Jerónimos Monastery. That is the primary cease that we recommend you go inside. E book your time entry ticket for the primary entry of the day. After seeing Belem Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, it must be the right time to enter Jerónimos Monastery, which opens at 10 am.
Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and it too is one in all Porugal’s seven wonders as it’s a masterpiece of Manueline structure. Its lovely marble design is to not be missed. Inside, you’ll wish to discover the cloisters, the courtyards and gardens, and the chapel. The monastery additionally homes the tomb of Vasco da Gama, who was the primary European to achieve India by ship.
We propose spending an hour right here after which be in your approach. As a result of bear in mind, you solely have sooner or later in Lisbon, and if you get house, individuals will ask, “Did you see this?” “Did you see that?” and you may say, “Sure, I did!”
- Improve to a Lisbon Card free of charge entry to public transport and high sights, together with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and extra
Pateis de Bélem
Persevering with our journey via Belém, we see that it’s time for a snack break. You may have been going since dawn, and for those who didn’t ebook a lodge with breakfast included (which we extremely suggest as a result of it saves time and cash), you may be able to eat.
Pasteis de Bélem is an icon of town, and whether or not you’re hungry or not, you could go inside to style this well-known Portuguese custard.
Besteis de Bélem is the unique Pastel de Nata that you’ll eat all through Portugal. The enduring Portuguese custard tart was began right here on the Monastery when the nuns used egg whites to starch their habits. They’d left-over yolks and didn’t know what to do with them, in order that they made a custard that they stuffed into pastries and bought to earn cash for the Monastery. And thus, Pastel de Nata was born. Then, the Monastery was closed, they usually gave the recipe to the bakery subsequent door. They’ve been serving Pasteis de Belem ever since.
Don’t be afraid for those who see a protracted line. The restaurant is large, and the strains transfer shortly. We had been inside inside a couple of minutes.
Noon / Lunch
You possibly can take the tram again to Placa Do Comercio (the primary sq. positioned on the waterfront) from Belem and trip one in all Lisbon’s historic trams whilst you make your method to its lovely waterfront sq.. This provides you the chance to take pleasure in one in all Lisbon’s high sights – using its iconic trams – whilst you make your approach again to the previous metropolis.
You possibly can rent an Uber, like we did. When you rent an Uber, have it drop you off on the Time Out Market, the place you may be having lunch. When you take the tram, the Time Out Market is only a 15-minute stroll from Comercio Sq.. Earlier than you make your method to the market, you possibly can try the gorgeous sq. and Rua Agusta Arch
Rua Agusta
From Comercio Sq. stroll to the Rua Agusta Arch in direction of the pedestrian avenue of Rua Agusta. Rua Agusta is 6 blocks of outlets, eating and vitality with avenue performers entertaining prospects as they eat their lunch.
Pull up a chair at one of many out of doors cafes to take pleasure in some genuine Portuguese meals. This can be a lovely avenue that’s not to be missed, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of town. Stroll alongside this avenue, taking within the sights and going into the Bacalau, Pasteis de Nata, and Portuguese cans shops.
Afternoon
Alfama District
The Alfama District is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and a very good place to spherical off the remainder of the afternoon. If you wish to stroll, it’s simply 5-10 minutes from Rua Agusta to the beginning of your strolling tour of Alfama. It’s right here that you simply’ll actually really feel the historical past of Lisbon as you wander its slender streets.
Lisbon Cathedral
Begin your time in Alfama on the Lisbon Cathedral. It’s the oldest church within the metropolis, relationship again to the twelfth century. You possibly can go inside free of charge, however to see its cloisters, there’s a small payment of about €2
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Portas do Sol is the subsequent cease, a brief stroll uphill. This is without doubt one of the hottest Miradouros in Lisbon, because it appears to be like out over the river and metropolis. See the terracotta rooftops that feels as if you’re overlooking a Meditteranean village cascading into the ocean.
It’s positioned on a big balcony, providing loads of room to absorb the panoramic view. Issues to maintain an eye fixed out for is the Monastery of St. Vincen and the Nationwide Pantheon.
Tram 28
From Portas do Sol, you possibly can hop on Tram 28. No journey to Lisbon could be full with out getting on one in all its historic trams, and Tram 28 is iconic. Tram 28 changed the unique horse-drawn carriages in 1914. Lisbon is named town of hills, and these trams assist locals journey via its steep hills. Tram 28 is a 7m route that takes you thru the favored vacationer districts of Lisbon, Graca, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Santa Catarina & Estrela.
It takes 50 minutes to trip your entire route, however we recommend utilizing it as a type of public transport as an alternative. When you solely wish to take it a few stops, you possibly can rent an Uber. The tram runs till 10 or 11 pm (relying on the season), so you possibly can at all times hop again later to see the whole lot.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
From Portas do Sol, Tram 28 will take you subsequent to the Monastery of St. George, the place you possibly can hop off to discover inside, or you possibly can merely benefit from the view and wait on your subsequent cease, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Time might be getting tight now, so chances are you’ll wish to skip it and head on to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
That is the very best level in Lisbon and is value stopping for an overhead view of town.
Castelo de São Jorge
Take a stroll alongside the fortress’s historic partitions and benefit from the unbelievable views of town from excessive above. Castelo de São Jorge is open till 9 pm in the summertime and is a superb spot for sundown.
You’ll have entry to its gardens and might be a part of a guided tour. There’s a museum inside that’s free to enter, and naturally, the fortress partitions and views of town are lovely. This web site is a major historic vacation spot, with settlements relationship again to the seventh century BC.
Night/Dinner
To spherical your sooner or later itinerary in Lisbon, make your method to Barrio Alto. That is the place for nightlife in Lisbon, and there are a number of decisions for dinner in Bairro Alto. We cherished the Gin Lover’s Bar in Barrio Alto. We had a cocktail right here earlier than having fun with a scrumptious meal on the out of doors terrace.
Nightlife
After dinner, you’ve got just a few decisions: you possibly can benefit from the nightlife of Bairro Alto, go bar hopping, and seek for some Fado performers. When you actually wish to see a Fado present, we suggest reserving an organized efficiency upfront right here. This extremely rated tour.
Nicely, that was a busy sooner or later in Lisbon, Portugal! From historic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and gorgeous views from its miradouros, we’ve proven you how one can take advantage of your day AND night time on this gorgeous metropolis. If you’re spending extra time in Lisbon, try our publish 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
For much more high sights, one of the best locations to eat, and probably the most environment friendly methods to navigate Lisbon, try our weblog The Finest Issues to Do in Lisbon.
