Lisbon Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Portugal’s Unmissable Capital
Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal’s charming capital city. In this fast-paced and walkable itinerary, prepare to see how Lisbon’s steep cobblestone streets turn a 10-minute walk into 30 minutes of strenuous exercise! This coastal city will give you the perfect sea breeze while you admire pastel buildings and old ruins. I had the pleasure of visiting last January, and even in the dead of winter, the city pulsates with warmth and energy. Be sure to leave your puffy jacket at home, come with an empty stomach, and enjoy this Lisbon travel guide in 48 hours.
Table of Contents
Day 1
(1) Feira da Ladra
The most intriguing way to start your tour of Lisbon is by perusing the hundreds of stalls at the Feira da Ladra. This intense market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday from dawn to dusk, with more gems available during the early hours of each day. From souvenirs to vintage leather to handcrafts and everything in between, seeing what locals have for sale at the Feira da Ladra is a fantastic start to your day.
(2) Praça do Comércio
Next, head down to Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s most noteworthy and famous squares. Providing gorgeous views of the Tagus Estuary, this massive 175x175m plaza houses tons of archways and the city’s oldest café, Martinho da Arcada, founded in 1782. Luckily, none of the food or coffee is still from that era!
(3) Try Pastel de Nata and Ginjinha
It’s snack time, and pastel de nata and ginjinha are two must-try items in Lisbon. Start off by heading to A Ginjinha, a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar with no seating space. Enjoy your cherry-like liqueur outside, popular among tourists and locals alike. While ginjinha is served in a small glass, do not take it like a shot! Sip your sweet drink slowly, and when you’re done, it’s time to try the next snack on the list.
Pastel de Nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart. The Castro shop near Praça da Figueira is a great option to pick up a couple (or a dozen) of these fan-favorite treats. With a velvety texture, the cream-filled pastries are unsurprisingly the most popular dessert dish in Lisbon.
(4) Take the Tram E28
After your snack and drink, you’re at the perfect place to hop on Tram E28. This classic yellow tram takes you through historical districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and starts right at the Praça Mortim Moniz. Hop off along the route, or ride it all the way around if you’re feeling more sluggish. If you are only in Lisbon for a short weekend, buy the single trip ticket for €3.00. If your stay is longer, consider getting the Lisboa Card which offers free rides so you won’t have to buy a new pass every time.
(5) Mirador Area
Along the tram line is my favorite mirador, an area that contains both the Mirador de Santa Luzia as well as Mirador das Portas do Sol. If you’re lucky enough to time your visit to the mirador towards the end of the evening, enjoy the sunset over Lisbon’s white buildings with brown clay roofs. These miradors often have locals casually playing guitar and is a great place to admire traditional mosaic tiling.
(6) Time Out Market
Finally, end the day with a visit to Lisbon’s Time Out Market. While Time Out Market is a chain in various cities around the globe, Lisbon’s version will leave you drooling. With around 36 food stalls, you are sure to find an option for dinner. Time Out Market is especially great for big groups as everyone can wander through the food hall on their own and meet up in the communal seating area. That’s all for the first day in this Lisbon travel guide.
Day 2
(7) Belém Tower
Start your second day in Lisbon by admiring the waterfront of the majestic Tagus Estuary. A perfect landmark along this waterfront is the Belém Tower, a fort that dates back to the 16th century. From the tower, wander along the picturesque riverside of the Santa Maria de Belém neighborhood.
(8) Parque Florestal de Monstanto
If the steep streets haven’t been enough exercise for you yet, head to Parque Florestal de Monstanto, a massive urban park which is said to be 3 times the size of Central Park in New York! With almost 1,000 hectares, you can choose to run, walk, bike, or simply relax in this dense forest.
(9) National Palace of Pena
From the park, it’s about a 30-minute taxi drive to the next must-see highlight on your Lisbon bucket list. The National Palace of Pena, overlooking the town of Sintra, is a beautiful romanticist castle made recognizable by its bright red and yellow façades. Walk around the many terraces along the outside and admire the interior modeled to look like its appearance in 1910. I haven’t returned to Pena since 2013 and will spare everyone from seeing the photo of my young teen self, so enjoy this royalty free stock photo instead!
(10) Bairro Alto
Finally, end your trip to Portugal by enjoying the bustling nightlife of Bairro Alto with tons of quirky bars lining the cobblestoned streets. While the steep roads will have you catching your breath at every turn, there is no shortage of tiny, yet impactful bars to choose from. Those with claustrophobia – beware! Bairro Alto gets packed on weekend nights and in such small bars, four people is a crowd.
That is all for this Lisbon travel guide! We hope you enjoyed this fast-paced and walkable itinerary of one of Portugal’s most beautiful coastal cities. If your legs aren’t too sore from walking up and down the cobblestoned streets, check out other cities to add to your European bucket list.
Happy sampling!