How to Spend One Day in Lisbon: Everything You Need to Know!

If you’ve only got one day in Lisbon, you better make the most of it.

From historic neighborhoods to stunning viewpoints, this city has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an art lover, you’ll find plenty to discover in this vibrant city.

Lucky for you I’ve made the perfect itinerary for spending one day in Lisbon.

You’ll hit up all the big tourist spots, plus hang out at a few hidden gems that my local friends introduced me to during my time in there last year.

I’ve even answered all the most frequently asked questions about visiting Lisbon.

So grab a pen, take some notes, and get ready to spend the best 24 hours in Lisbon!

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Is One Day in Lisbon Enough?

One day is not enough to see everything in Lisbon, but it’s definitely enough time to get a taste of the city and experience some of its highlights.

With just one day in Lisbon, you can explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, visit some of its iconic landmarks, and indulge in its delicious cuisine.

Just prioritize and plan your day carefully to make the most of your time.

I’d focus on one or two neighborhoods and explore them in-depth. For example, you could spend your day exploring the historic Alfama neighborhood, which is known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views.

Or you could visit Belem, which is home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, including the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.

Ultimately, whether one day in Lisbon is enough depends on your travel style and priorities,but if you’re short on time and want to experience as much as possible in a day, you can definitely make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Is the Lisbon Card Worth it for One Day?

The Lisbon Card is a discount card that offers free or discounted admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions, as well as free public transportation. It costs €20 for 24 hours, €33 for 48 hours, or €39 for 72 hours.

When deciding if the Lisbon Card is worth it for one day, consider how many attractions you plan on visiting.

The Lisbon Card also includes unlimited free travel on public transport, which can be very convenient if you plan on moving around the city a lot during your one day there. With the card, you can take buses, trams, metro, elevators, and funiculars without having to worry about buying individual tickets.

However, if you only plan on visiting a few attractions and don’t expect needing public transportation much, the Lisbon Card may not be worth it for you.

Depending on your plan’s, it’s best to calculate the cost of individual attraction tickets and transportation tickets to determine if the card will save you money.

Get your Lisbon card today!

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Lisbon?

Lisbon has a great public transportation system that is both efficient and affordable.

The most popular way to get around Lisbon is by taking the tram. The historic trams, known as “elétricos,” are a tourist attraction in themselves and offer a unique way to see the city.

Tram 28 is the most famous and takes you through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon, including Alfama and Chiado. However, it can get crowded, so be ready to wait in line.

If you’re looking for a faster way to get around, the metro is a great option. It’s clean, safe, and easy to use. The metro has four lines that cover most of the city, and trains run every few minutes. You can buy a rechargeable Viva Viagem card for €0.50 and load it with a single fare or a daily pass.

The daily pass is a good value if you plan on taking multiple trips throughout the day.

Ubers are also available, but they can get stuck in traffic during peak hours. If you’re short on time, it’s best to avoid them.

However, if you want to explore areas outside of the city center, taking an Uber is likely going to be your best option.

Overall, the best way to get around Lisbon depends on your itinerary and personal preferences. If you want a scenic route and don’t mind waiting in line, the tram is a superb choice.

If you want to save time and cover more ground, the metro or an Uber is a better option.

Morning

Have Breakfast at Fauna and Flora

Start your day in Lisbon with a delicious breakfast at Fauna and Flora. This cozy cafe is in the trendy Principe Real neighborhood and offers a variety of tasty options to fuel your day of exploring.

Try their famous avocado toast or their mouth-watering pancakes. They also have a great selection of coffee and tea to choose from.

The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff is friendly, making it a great way to start your day.

After breakfast, head to Belém to see some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.

Address: Rua da Esperança 33, 1200-655 Lisboa, Portugal

Visit Belém Tower

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks.

This tower was built in the 16th century and served as a fortress to protect Lisbon’s harbor.

It’s a wonderful spot to take some photos and enjoy the beautiful views of the Tagus River.

Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Book your tickets to the tower today!

Check Out the Monument to the Discoveries

Located just a short walk from Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries is another important landmark in Lisbon.

They built this monument to honor the Portuguese explorers who helped to discover new trade routes and territories during the Age of Discovery.

Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

See the Jerónimos Monastery

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jerónimos Monastery, is a stunning example of Manueline architecture.

Built in the 16th century, this monastery is home to the tomb of Vasco da Gama, one of Portugal’s most famous explorers.

Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

Take a tour of the monastery to learn more about its history and architecture.

Afternoon

Indulge in a Sweet Treat at Pastéis de Belém Bakery

After exploring the stunning historical sights of Lisbon in the morning, it’s time to indulge in some sweet treats at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.

This bakery is well-known for its traditional Portuguese custard tarts, which are a must-try while in Lisbon.

I swear they are so delicious that my ex and I were averaging at least two a day on my last visit.

The bakery is in the Belém district, so lucky for you, it’s a short walk away.

Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

Stroll Through Praça do Comércio

Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, take a stroll through Praça do Comércio.

This beautiful square is in the heart of Lisbon and offers stunning views of the Tagus River.

It’s a great place to relax, do some shopping, and people-watch while taking in the sights.

Eat Lunch at Maria Catita

Next, head over to nearby Maria Catita for a delicious lunch.

This restaurant is popular with locals for fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes, making it the perfect place to try some of the local cuisine and take a break from sightseeing.

Fair warning though, you need to like fish in order to enjoy this spot.

Address: R. dos Bacalhoeiros 30, 1100-389 Lisboa, Portugal

Ride Tram 28 Through Lisbon

After lunch, take a walk to Martim Moniz to catch Tram 28.

This iconic tram takes you through the narrow streets of Lisbon and offers stunning views of the city.

Fair warning, it will be a crowded ride, but it’s definitely worth it.

This tram takes you through some of the most historic and picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon, including the famous Alfama neighborhood.

It’s a great way to explore the city quickly, while still getting a feel for its unique charm.

Don’t like public transport? Hire this vintage tuk tuk to drive you around the city instead!

Evening

Visit Castelo de São Jorge

If you have just one day in Lisbon, you need to see Castelo de São Jorge.

This castle offers stunning views of the city, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Plus, they have lots of peacocks roaming around, which are cool to see, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

The castle is open until 9 pm, and admission is €10.

Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal

Gurantee seeing the castle by booking your tickets today!

Watch Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

For an even more breathtaking view of the sunset, head a short walk away to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

This viewpoint is in the Graça neighborhood, and it offers some of the best panoramic views in the city.

Fair warning, it can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

Address: Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa, Portugal

Have Dinner at Chapitô à Mesa

For dinner, head to Chapitô à Mesa, a restaurant in the Alfama neighborhood.

The restaurant offers delicious Portuguese cuisine and stunning views of the city.

It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for the experience, and you’ll definitely want to make reservations early!

Address: Costa do Castelo 7, 1149-079 Lisboa, Portugal

Have a Nightcap at Pavilhão Chinês

End your evening with a nightcap at Pavilhão Chinês, a unique bar in the Príncipe Real neighborhood.

This bar has a really eclectic decor, which includes vintage toys and other collectibles.

It offers a wide selection of drinks, including cocktails and wine.

If you feel like going out more after this, head to either Bairro Alto, a neighborhood known for its lively nightlife and restaurants, or Cais do Sodré, a neighborhood with bars and clubs.

Address: R. Dom Pedro V 89, 1250-093 Lisboa, Portugal

Wrapping Up One Day in Lisbon

I hope you have a fabulous day in Lisbon.

Let me know in the comments below where you’re most excited to check out during your 24 hours in the city!