by Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a city of color, character, and charm. From its cobbled streets to the vibrant, painted tiles that decorate its buildings, Lisbon exudes a unique energy. For anyone visiting Lisbon for a short period, a 24-hour itinerary may seem daunting, but let me assure you, it’s more than possible to experience some of the best highlights the city has to offer.
I will share my personal experience of how to spend 24 hours in Lisbon, making the most of your time while discovering its history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere.
A Perfect Day in Lisbon: My 24-Hour Itinerary
From dawn till dusk, here’s how to make the most of your one day in Lisbon, experiencing everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that will leave you falling in love with this magnificent city.
Morning: Start Your Day in Baixa and Chiado (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Lisbon is a city of contrasts, where tradition and modernity exist side by side. The morning is the perfect time to begin your day in one of the most famous neighborhoods – Baixa. Baixa is the heart of downtown Lisbon, and it’s where you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks, local cafés, and historic squares.
1. Breakfast at Café A Brasileira (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Location: Rua Garrett 120, 1200-203 Lisboa
- Ambience: Elegant, Historic Café
- Cuisine: Portuguese Pastries, Coffee, and Light Breakfast
- Recommended Dish: Pastéis de Nata (Custard Tarts) and Bica (Portuguese espresso)
I started my day with breakfast at Café A Brasileira, one of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Lisbon, located in the bustling Chiado district. As soon as I entered, I felt the old-world charm and grandeur. The café exudes an inviting, historical atmosphere and is often frequented by both locals and tourists.
The Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts, are a must-try. With a flaky, buttery crust and a creamy filling, it’s the perfect treat to start the day. Pairing it with a strong Bica (the Portuguese version of an espresso) was the ultimate way to kick off my Lisbon experience. The vibrant atmosphere, mixed with the sounds of coffee machines and chatter, added to the authentic Lisbon café vibe.
Pros:
- Great way to experience Lisbon’s café culture.
- The location is perfect – situated right at the start of one of the main streets in Chiado.
Cons:
- The café can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so it’s a good idea to go early.
- Prices are slightly higher than in smaller, more local cafés.
2. Explore Praça do Comércio and Arco da Rua Augusta (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Location: Praça do Comércio, 1100-148 Lisboa
- Recommended Activity: Walk around the square, take photos, and visit the Arco da Rua Augusta.
After breakfast, I took a short walk over to Praça do Comércio, one of the largest and most important squares in Lisbon. The square faces the majestic Tagus River, and it’s a perfect spot to soak in Lisbon’s historical atmosphere. The Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch located at the square’s northern side, is an impressive landmark. I decided to climb up to the top of the arch to get a panoramic view of the Baixa neighborhood and the river.
This square has been an integral part of Lisbon’s history, and you can’t help but feel the weight of centuries of history around you. I loved how well-preserved the architecture was, and the views from the arch were absolutely breathtaking.
Pros:
- Free to visit and walk around.
- Amazing views and photo opportunities.
Cons:
- The climb to the top of the Arco is a bit narrow and steep, which could be challenging for some.
- It can get very crowded with tourists, especially in the afternoon.
3. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Location: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa
- Recommended Activity: Explore the cathedral and take in the views from its cloisters.
Next, I visited the Sé de Lisboa, also known as the Lisbon Cathedral, located in the Alfama district. This grand, Romanesque-style cathedral is one of Lisbon’s oldest buildings, and it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich religious history. The inside of the cathedral is beautiful with its intricate details, and I loved exploring the quiet, atmospheric cloisters, which offer stunning views over Alfama.
While visiting the cathedral, I took some time to reflect on the centuries of history embedded within its walls. It was an awe-inspiring experience that offered a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pros:
- Free to enter, though there’s a small fee for access to the cloisters.
- Rich in history and architectural beauty.
Cons:
- The interior is quite simple compared to other European cathedrals, but it’s still worth the visit.
Afternoon: Discover Alfama and the Views (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
By now, it was time to move on to one of Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods – Alfama. Known for its narrow, winding streets, Alfama is the perfect place to get lost and soak in the old-world charm of Lisbon. The afternoon was all about enjoying this charming district, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying panoramic views of the city.
4. Ride Tram 28 and Explore Alfama (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Location: Starts at Martim Moniz Square
- Recommended Activity: Hop on the famous Tram 28 to explore Alfama and enjoy the view.
I hopped on the famous Tram 28 for a scenic ride through some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. This tram is known for its iconic yellow color and rattling ride through the narrow streets. It was a fantastic way to see the sights of Alfama without getting too tired from walking, and I loved how the tram passed through the winding, picturesque streets of this historic neighborhood.
The tram stopped at several beautiful spots, and I was able to hop off and explore a few of them, including Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints. The view of the red rooftops and the river below was absolutely stunning.
Pros:
- Affordable and convenient way to explore Alfama.
- The tram route is scenic and covers several of the city’s key neighborhoods.
Cons:
- Tram 28 can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- It can be a bit slow due to the narrow streets.
5. Visit the Miradouro de Santa Luzia (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Location: Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa
- Recommended Activity: Take in the panoramic views of Alfama and the Tagus River.
I couldn’t visit Alfama without taking some time to appreciate the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the city. This spot offers incredible panoramic views of the neighborhood’s red rooftops, the winding streets, and the Tagus River in the distance. The tiled benches and the flowers around the viewpoint made it a perfect place to relax, take a few photos, and enjoy the serenity of Lisbon.
Pros:
- Free to visit and offers one of the best views of Alfama.
- A peaceful escape from the busier parts of the city.
Cons:
- It can get crowded in the late morning and afternoon, so try to visit early for a quieter experience.
6. Lunch at a Traditional Portuguese Restaurant (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
After wandering through the picturesque streets of Alfama, I was in the mood for a traditional Portuguese lunch. I stopped by Ramiro, a local seafood restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes, especially bacalhau (salted cod), amêijoas (clams), and sardinhas (grilled sardines). The service was excellent, and the atmosphere felt very local, with many Lisbon residents eating there, which is always a good sign!
Pros:
- Delicious traditional Portuguese seafood.
- The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.
Cons:
- It can get quite crowded, especially at lunch hours.
- The prices are on the higher side, but the food quality justifies the cost.
Evening: Sunset Views and Dinner in Bairro Alto (3:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
7. Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
- Location: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, 1170-253 Lisboa
For my final stop before dinner, I decided to head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. The viewpoint offers one of the best views of the city, especially during sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I watched the city transform into a glowing sea of lights. The view from this spot was absolutely mesmerizing, with the vibrant hues of the sunset reflecting off the river and illuminating the buildings of Lisbon.
Pros:
- A less touristy viewpoint, so it’s quieter than other spots like Santa Luzia.
- Stunning panoramic views of the city.
Cons:
- It’s a bit of a walk uphill to get there, so it might not be ideal for those with limited mobility.
8. Dinner in Bairro Alto and Fado Performance (6:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Location: Bairro Alto, 1200 Lisboa
- Recommended Activity: Enjoy dinner and Fado music.
For my last activity of the day, I headed to Bairro Alto, a lively neighborhood known for its bars and Fado music. I had dinner at Adega Machado, a restaurant that specializes in Fado performances. The traditional Portuguese cuisine, combined with a Fado performance, was the perfect way to end my day in Lisbon.
A Memorable 24 Hours in Lisbon
Although 24 hours isn’t nearly enough to experience everything Lisbon has to offer, this itinerary gave me a glimpse into the city’s soul. From historic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and delicious food, I discovered why Lisbon is such a beloved destination. Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, or just someone who enjoys beautiful views, Lisbon offers something for everyone. If you’re ever in the city for a short visit, I highly recommend this itinerary. You’ll experience some of the most iconic spots while discovering the charm and beauty that make Lisbon so unique.
