What to See in Lisbon in 2 Days: The Complete Itinerary for the Visit

Discover Lisbon in just 2 days with our comprehensive guide. Explore historic landmarks, wander through the narrow streets, enjoy the viewpoints, and savor local cuisine at the best spots.

Key Takeaways

Lisbon is a key destination in Portugal, a perfect spot for the first acquaintance with the country, its rich history, architecture, and countless attractions. We offer a detailed itinerary to make the most of your visit to Lisbon and see all its major landmarks. 

 

Itinerary for the First Day:

 

1. Avenida da Liberdade is a picturesque avenue in the heart of Lisbon.
2. Praca Rossio is a historical square that is a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
3. Rua Augusta is a colorful street located right on the way from Praca Rossio to Praca do Comercio.
4. Praca do Comercio is the grand square with breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the 25 April Bridge. 
5. Chiado is a cultural district with a vibrant atmosphere and is the cultural center of Lisbon.
6. Alfama is a district with medieval charm, safely kept until our times. 
7. Time-Out Market is a pure paradise for foodies, with a variety of authentic restaurants. 
8. Pink Street is a trendy nightlife destination with numerous bars and clubs.
9. St. George's Castle is one of the main symbols of Lisbon’s history.
10. Belem is an iconic historical district and a symbol of Portuguese heritage.
11. Authentic cuisine with must-try dishes. 

Find out more in our article What to see in Lisbon in 1 day .
 

Route on Google Maps

 

Itinerary for the Second Day:

 

After seeing all the major tourist spots of Lisbon on the first day, it’s time to slow down a bit and dedicate one more day to two more attractions that can’t be seen shortly but need some time as there are numerous other attractions:

 

1. Park of Nations & Lisbon Oceanarium: This modern district in Lisbon was created for the World Expo in 1998 with the objects of contemporary architecture, and the most known spot among tourists is the Vasco da Gama Tower. Within the park is located the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe with thousands of species of marine life.
2. Cristo Rei Statue: the monument overlooking Lisbon from the south bank of the Tagus River. An inspiration for its creation was the statue in Rio de Janeiro. The statue is a symbol of peace and protection from the horrors of World War II.

 

Route on Google Maps

The Must-Visit Attractions of Lisbon for 2-Day Trip

Lisbon is a major city and a destination that deserves attention due to its abundance of attractions and unforgettable atmosphere. It is located between the hills and at the mouth of the Tagus River, and the combination of a traditional and, at the same time, cosmopolitan city gives the Portuguese capital great appeal.
 

The soul and essence of Lisbon can’t be understood in 2 days. But within this time, you can fall in love with the terracotta roofs, yellow trams, and festive atmosphere.

 

There is no need to try to cover all the main spots in just 2 days. It’s better to plan every day and then come back for longer. You can do it on your own or get a perfectly created experience to see the best parts of Lisbon with us: . 

 

The attractions in the list below are recommended as must-visit spots. 

The Most Significant Landmarks of Lisbon for the First Day

Explore iconic sites in Lisbon, such as the historic BelemTower and Jeronimos Monastery, or the Commerce Square with its lively, vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the viewpoints with stunning city views, finishing your day with delicious local cuisine.

1. Avenida da Liberdade

 

The main avenue of Lisbon is ideal for slow walking to feel the atmosphere of Lisbon. Even the residents consider it to be the most beautiful in the city. The wide boulevard paved with Portuguese tiles, with fountains, sculptures, and street cafes in the shade of trees, connects Restauradores Square and Marques de Pombal Square, in the center of which stands a bronze Marquis. 

 

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2. Praca Rossio

Praca Rossio is the heart of the city, where visitors and locals gather before going for a walk around Lisbon or having dinner at one of the many restaurants.

 

The square creates a wide open space framed by majestic buildings, in the center of which there are two fountains made in France from bronze and installed in 1889. The square is lined with bricks of black and white colors in the shape of waves to create a 3D effect. 

 

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3. Rua Augusta

Rua Augusta connects Rossio Square with Commerce Square. It’s a modern social space with beautiful mosaic sidewalks, nice outdoor cafes, and an abundance of boutiques of international and local brands, with numerous performances by artists, musicians, and painters. It’s the perfect spot to buy various souvenirs and traditional jewelry and relax in one of the cafes while the artist paints your portrait.

 

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4. Praca do Comercio

Commerce Square is one of the largest squares in Europe and the center of the cultural and social life of the city. Here, near the Tagus River, are located the most important city institutions, including the royal palace of Ribeira. 

 

You can see buildings with arcades in the place where the ruined palace was. There are two square towers on the south side, where visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tagus River and get to the river by going down the stairs. 

 

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5. Chiado

 

Chiado, an old district of Lisbon, is located between Bairro Alto and the center of Baixa Pombalina. Known for its Art Nouveau buildings of high cultural and historical significance, this eclectic area is home to some of Lisbon's best cafés and restaurants. 

 

The main reason visitors come here is Chiado's cosmopolitan atmosphere with charming bookshops, the National Theatre, cozy cafes, and delicious eateries. Contact us to see the best places and locations, and to visit art galleries, theaters, and antique shops.

 

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6. Alfama

Alfama is one more important spot to be visited on the first day in Lisbon. It's the oldest part of Lisbon, which safely keeps the treasure of the old heritage of Portugal. 

 

Alfama was safely kept after the earthquake in 1755, preserving its medieval spirit to this day.

 

The entire area is a perfect spot for slow walks. It is located on rocky hills and consists of small, narrow, winding streets. This place can easily be called the “soul” of Lisbon. Alfama is a good choice for an evening with Fado, as there are numerous houses for acquaintance with this traditional Portuguese music performance. 

 

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7. Time-Out Market

 

Time-Out Market in Lisbon is a place where more than 30 restaurants are located. Here, visitors have the opportunity to try a little of everything. Mercado da Ribeira is an ambitious project by TimeOut magazine that houses several dozen restaurants and cafes. The market is popular among both tourists and residents. Many compare it to the San Miguel market in Madrid.

 

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8. Pink Street

 

Rua Nova do Carvalho is very popular among tourists, being one of the busiest streets in Lisbon and the center of the city's nightlife. The street has been mentioned several times in major publications such as the New York Times. Nowadays, this street is painted pink and closed to traffic, being one of the most fashionable and visited streets in Lisbon. 

 

Rua Nova do Carvalho is not all pink, as most of it is covered with ordinary asphalt. Most of the visitors come here for a nice photoshoot and a vibrant atmosphere.

 

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9. St. George Castle

The Castle of St. George (Castelo de Sao Jorge) is one of the main attractions of the city, from where its centuries-old history started. To save time, it's highly recommended to take a taxi or use our service, as we know the best routes to create an unforgettable impression of Lisbon.

 

While you are here, don’t forget to visit the Camera Obscura to experience the fascinating optical illusion of Lisbon in real-time mode.

 

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10. Belem

 

Belem is an old district of Lisbon that houses numerous famous attractions, easily accessible on foot. But the best idea to get there is to take a taxi or contact us. We have carefully created a detailed half-day tour of Belem to show it in all its beauty and prosperity: https://onedaytours.pt/en/experiences/belem-walking-tour/.
 

Here's a list of must-see places:

 

• Belem Tower 
• Monument to the Discoverers
• Jeronimos Monastery
• Pastel de Belem
• The Embankment

 

A more detailed review for those who come to Lisbon for one day is here. The guide is carefully created to make the brightest impression of Lisbon and spend time in the city in the best way possible.

 

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Authentic Portuguese Cuisine in Lisbon

 

Lisbon is a gastronomic paradise. To experience real Portuguese cuisine, it’s highly recommended to visit restaurants in non-tourist places, paying special attention to local Tasca, and feeling like a resident who came for lunch with family or colleagues.

 

The restaurant with Fado is a top choice for dinner on your first day in Lisbon. It's a great final touch at the end of the day. Fado is a traditional emotional song sung in Lisbon's authentic taverns. You can't get the full experience of Lisbon and feel the soul of Portugal without Fado, so it’s worth visiting at least once.

 

Portuguese food is a separate attraction and indulgence, but if you visit regular restaurants, it is important to remember that most of them are open during lunch (before 15-00) and after 19-00.

The Most Significant Landmarks of Lisbon for the Second Day

Start your second day in Lisbon with our comprehensive itinerary to see the capital from another perspective. Dedicate your day to slow exploration of the Park of Nations, enjoying the scenic beauty of the city from above, and visiting one of the most prominent viewpoints of the city.

1. Park of Nations & Lisbon Oceanarium

Park of Nations is an exhibition site that was created for the international exhibition Expo-98. The park was kept even after the event and became the youngest district of Lisbon. 

 

The cable car is a perfect spot to see the park and its surroundings from above. To experience it on your own, remember that cabins begin their movement at the entrance of the Oceanarium. 

 

The park, with its lush greenery, is located on the banks of the Tagus River. It's a great idea to spend the whole day together, as there are options for all the family members. Even a lazy walk with your children here is a good idea to spend a wonderful day. There are numerous opportunities for lunch and dinner, as in the Park of Nations are located numerous cozy cafes and restaurants, a shopping area at the Vasco da Gama shopping center, and interactive entertainment. 

 

Among the most popular attractions of the park that deserve attention are the famous Vasco da Gama Tower, an observation deck on top of it, and the Lisbon Aquarium. Additionally, there is the Pavilion of Knowledge, the best interactive science museum in Lisbon. To learn more about the Park of Nations, join our guided tour. 

 

The Oceanarium in Lisbon is a must-visit attraction, as it’s the largest in Europe. Its unique design and architecture were created by renowned designer Peter Chermayef, who projected the largest aquarium in the world in Osaka. 

 

It has the form of an aircraft carrier berthed at sea. The main entrance to the aquarium is characterized by a very conceptual design in the form of a long undulating corridor, which connects the two main buildings at height.

 

The Lisbon Oceanarium is home to a large collection of 450 marine species - birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and other sea inhabitants (the total amount is approximately 16,000). Its depth is 7 meters, creating the illusion of an open ocean. 

 

One of the symbols of the place is a huge sunfish. The four aquariums around a large central one are created with optimal conditions for the species from the North Atlantic rocky coast, the Antarctic coastline, the kelp forests of the temperate North Pacific, and the tropical coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. 

 

There is an illusion of one large aquarium, but basically, each reservoir is separated by large acrylic sheets from the others. On the ground floor are located 25 small themed aquariums.

 

The Lisbon Aquarium is also a place to see real penguins, for which a rocky coastline has been created. And just a few steps away, there is a pavilion with tropical flora and fauna. 

 

Three times a day, the visitors can enjoy the otters feeding, as the level of sweetness of these small creatures is fantastic.

 

All in all, the underwater world of the ocean impresses with its abundance of species, colors and lively atmosphere. The Portuguese aquarium recreates the unique atmosphere of marine life. There are small benches where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful spectacle of the underwater world, and soothing background music will only enhance your experience.

 

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2. Cristo Rei Statue

One more attraction for the second half of the day in Lisbon is Christ the King (Cristo Rey), located in the city of Almada. If the weather is good, don’t miss an opportunity to come here and witness the breathtaking view of Lisbon from above. 

 

The total height of the monument is 110 m, while the height of the statue of Christ itself is 28 m. In comparison to the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, it’s 10 meters shorter. At the top, there is an observation deck with breathtaking views of the capital of Portugal.

 

Back in 1934, the idea to build a statue of Christ in Portugal came to Cardinal Manuel Gonçalves after he visited Brazil. The statue of Christ was officially unveiled on May 17, 1959, and became a symbol of gratitude to God for the gift of peace.

 

The area around the statue is also a great spot for rest, as there is a cafe, a picnic area, and an exhibition hall.

 

The statue of Christ is located on a hill near the Tagus River. It’s possible to get there by bus No. 101 from the Almada metro station or the Pragal train stop. The observation deck of the Christ statue is available at any time of the year.

 

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Summary

Lisbon is one of the top destinations among travelers in 2024. Of course, it’s not possible to cover all its beauty and prosperity in 2 days. But our 2-day itinerary is a great option to get acquainted with the main attractions of the Portuguese capital. 

 

The guide includes a selection of Lisbon's most prominent landmarks to create an unforgettable impression for first-time visitors. An impression of Lisbon can’t be complete without savoring local delicacies, so don’t skip the opportunity to try them at Tasca, a traditional Portuguese restaurant. Finish your day with a traditional dinner with Fado music.

 

2 days in Lisbon is just the beginning of a long journey into the history and vibrant culture of the country, and the perfect choice for the city from different perspectives before moving further.