One Day in Lisbon: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Lisbon
Only have one day in Lisbon? Looking for the perfect one-day itinerary in Lisbon? Look no further!
Lisbon is the capital and largest city in Portugal. It’s also one of the oldest cities in Europe.
The city seems small at first, but everything is spread out. You’re not going to be able to see everything in one day, but I will promise you a good taste of the city!
So if you have one day at port on your week-long Mediterranean cruise or a long layover on the way to your final destination, there is something for everyone on this list.
How to Spend One Day in Lisbon – One Day Itinerary for Lisbon
Getting to Lisbon from the Airport
Luckily it’s super easy to get to Lisbon from the airport. Using public transportation is the cheapest way, however, if you want to maximize your time in the city then you’ll need to grab a taxi.
The taxi rank is right outside the doors and even if the queue looks long, it moves quickly.
It takes about 15 minutes to get to the “main area” of the city and will cost you under 20 euros one way.
When you’re ready to head back to the airport, use Uber. There are plenty of Ubers around and your wait will always be under 10 minutes.
How to Get around Lisbon
You can get a transport card for the day and you can use any transport, including the metro and trams. If you aren’t pressed for time, then go this route.
If you are very limited then you’ll have to use Uber to get around… even if you aren’t pressed for time, Uber is so cheap and fast… why wouldn’t you use it?
I was able to see so much more of the city just from using Uber… the majority of the drivers spoke English and were more than willing to offer their favorite local restaurant or non-touristy bar!
One Day in Lisbon Itinerary
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Your first stop needs to be one of the many viewpoints (or miradouros) around the city.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol should be on anyone’s one-day itinerary for Lisbon! It’s one of the more popular viewpoints, but that’s because it’s got an unobstructed view of the city all the way down to the river.
Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge
If you start following the signs for the castle, you’ll eventually come to the entrance. St. George’s Castle isn’t highly recommended (even the locals call it a tourist trap) because of the massive lines to get in and the lack of… well, history.
The castle you see today is actually a mid-1900s replica of what used to stand guard over the city before the 1755 earthquake which pretty much flattened all of Lisbon.
You can get a great view of the city OR you could walk down the side of the castle to the church tower. There’s a 5 euro entry fee, but you also get a drink to take to the top of the tower with you (um, helloooo… opportunity to try green wine!).
AND you’ll most likely have the view for yourself!
Tram 28
Did you really go to Lisbon if you didn’t get on a tram?
Tram travel in Lisbon is like subway travel in New York City. There are tons of trams running, they are everywhere, and they are cheap!
There is no tram more famous in Lisbon than Tram 28. It winds up and down the streets of Alfama, Baixa, Graca, and Estrela.
You can hop on the tram at any of the stops and get off whenever you want. Just pay with the driver directly (and make sure you have the exact change)!
Be warned: this tram can get SUPER overcrowded because it’s so popular and since it’s a tourist hotspot, you’ll also find pickpockets lurking about.
If it’s a weekday and off-season, then you will have no issues hitching a ride.
If trams aren’t your thing, you can always walk the same route as the tram and take the same snaps you would get if you were riding!
Elevador de Santa Justa
Start making your way down to the waterfront. As you’re weaving in and around the streets, you’ll more than likely pass the Elevador de Santa Justa.
The lift was originally built in the early 1900s as a connection between Baixa and Bairro Alto, now it’s a popular tourist attraction with views spreading over the city and across to the castle.
Some people will tell you it’s a tourist trap, but I think it’s got a cool history, it’s beautifully made and the views over the city are majestic!
If the line isn’t long, I say GO FOR IT!
Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Once you’re close to the waterfront, call an Uber and head over to the Belém Tower.
Remember how I said Lisbon is VERY spread out? Don’t even think about walking here and having time to do anything else!
The Belém Tower, known as the Torre de Belém, is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks, so not seeing this gem would be a crime.
The 16th-century tower was a replacement for a ship that was placed in the middle of the Tagus River to protect the shores from attacks, after the massive earthquake in 1755 the river shifted and the tower now sits on the shore.
To the right of the tower is the Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar, a memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers in the Overseas War, and to the left of the Belém Tower is a great view of the Ponte 25 de Abril (a bridge to rival the Golden Gate in San Francisco) and the Cristo Rei statue (a smaller version of Christ the Redeemer).
If you have time, take a short (10-minute) walk to Jerónimos Monastery. The line to get in will probably be outrageous, but if you happen to have the time or the line isn’t long, tickets are 10 euros or free on the first Sunday of every month.
What to Eat and Drink
In between your exploration, I’m sure you’ll get hungry! But with half the menus in Portuguese and the other half low-quality photos in a flipbook, it’s a hard choice!
If you’re adventurous then I HIGHLY recommend trying grilled octopus! If you’re playing it safe but still want to keep it local then try a meat sandwich, you can find one everywhere and each cafe seems to have its own take on it.
Just ask for a tosta mista or a grilled cheese and ham sandwich if you want something simple.
You are surrounded by cafes and bakeries, so finding dessert or a light snack is super simple! You have to try the pastéis de nata because Lisbon is known for them! These custard tarts were created by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery!
Wash it down with a glass of green wine, ginjinha, or a caipirinha. There’s always happy hour somewhere!
Ending Your One Day in Lisbon
You may not fit in everything you want to see during your one day in Lisbon, but at least this is a great taste of the city and culture.
Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport if you are on a layover so you can get through security and passport control.
My advice is to not rush around. You won’t enjoy the city if you are running around trying to fit as much in as possible. Leave yourself something to do when you come back!
Are you heading to Lisbon? What are you planning on doing? Let me know in the comments below!
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