Welcome to Portugal’s coastal capital of Lisbon. At present, we’re going to information you thru the last word at some point in Lisbon itinerary, displaying you one of the best this metropolis has to supply in simply at some point.
In case you’re staying in Lisbon longer, it would be best to take a look at our different weblog posts, 48 Hours in Lisbon, The place to Keep in Lisbon, and Finest Day Journeys from Lisbon. However for now, let’s get began with 1 day in Lisbon.
One Day in Lisbon Itinerary
The primary burning query that must be answered is, are you able to see Lisbon in simply at some point? Whereas it’s far more tough to see the whole lot in Lisbon than, say, Porto, it’s potential to take pleasure in its highlights and prime points of interest in a single very jam-packed 24 hours. So, we’re going to present you the route that we predict you need to take.
Morning
Belem Tower
Begin your one-day journey to Lisbon within the Belem district with an early morning dawn at Belem Tower. You may go inside Belem Tower, however it doesn’t open till 10 a.m., and the crowds are fierce. This attraction might be loved from the skin, and you’ll really feel fulfilled. In case you go for dawn, it would simply be you and some photographers capturing this UNESCO World Heritage Web site, considered one of Portugal’s seven wonders.
It’s situated immediately on the Tagus River. This lovely tower was inbuilt 1515 to defend Lisbon from invaders coming in alongside the Tagus River.
Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Leaving Belem Tower, it’s only a brief stroll alongside the waterfront promenade to the Monument of Discoveries. Portugal was a land of explorers; the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a tribute to Portugal’s legendary explorers. You may’t miss this monument because it towers over the Tagus River.
Standing 52 meters excessive, it’s a powerful sight. It was constructed within the twentieth century, however it’s no much less spectacular. For a small charge, you’ll be able to take an elevator up for views over the Tagus River, or you’ll be able to stroll up the steps. It doesn’t open till 10 a.m., so we are saying to easily benefit from the views.
Be certain to cease and check out the Compass Rose adorning the sq. in entrance of the Monument of Discoveries. It was a present from South Africa and pays tribute to Portugal’s journies within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Inside the design, search for a mermaid, Neptune, fave compass roses, and blowing faces.
In case you actually wish to see the views of the Tagus, you’ll be able to return and take the elevator immediately after your cease at our subsequent Lisbon attraction.
Jerónimos Monastery
Strolling up from the waterfront, you’ll come throughout Jerónimos Monastery. That is the primary cease that we recommend you go inside. E-book your time entry ticket for the primary entry of the day. After seeing Belem Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, it ought to be the proper time to enter Jerónimos Monastery, which opens at 10 am.
Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and it too is considered one of Porugal’s seven wonders as it’s a masterpiece of Manueline structure. Its lovely marble design is to not be missed. Inside, you’ll wish to discover the cloisters, the courtyards and gardens, and the chapel. The monastery additionally homes the tomb of Vasco da Gama, who was the primary European to achieve India by ship.
We recommend spending an hour right here after which be in your means. As a result of bear in mind, you solely have at some point in Lisbon, and if you get dwelling, individuals will ask, “Did you see this?” “Did you see that?” and you may say, “Sure, I did!”
Improve to a Lisbon Card without cost entry to public transport and prime points of interest, together with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and extra
Pateis de Bélem
Persevering with our journey by way of Belém, we see that it’s time for a snack break. You will have been going since dawn, and if you happen to didn’t e book a lodge with breakfast included (which we extremely advocate as a result of it saves time and money), you can be able to eat.
Pasteis de Bélem is an icon of the town, and whether or not you might be hungry or not, it’s essential to go inside to style this well-known Portuguese custard.
Besteis de Bélem is the unique Pastel de Nata that you’ll eat all through Portugal. The enduring Portuguese custard tart was began right here on the Monastery when the nuns used egg whites to starch their habits. They’d left-over yolks and didn’t know what to do with them, so that they made a custard that they stuffed into pastries and bought to earn cash for the Monastery. And thus, Pastel de Nata was born. Then, the Monastery was closed, they usually gave the recipe to the bakery subsequent door. They’ve been serving Pasteis de Belem ever since.
Don’t be afraid if you happen to see a protracted line. The restaurant is big, and the traces transfer shortly. We had been inside inside a couple of minutes.
Noon / Lunch
You may take the tram again to Placa Do Comercio (the primary sq. situated on the waterfront) from Belem and journey considered one of Lisbon’s historic trams whilst you make your approach to its lovely waterfront sq.. This offers you the chance to take pleasure in considered one of Lisbon’s prime points of interest – driving its iconic trams – whilst you make your means again to the outdated metropolis.
You may rent an Uber, like we did. In case you rent an Uber, have it drop you off on the Time Out Market, the place you can be having lunch. In case you take the tram, the Time Out Market is only a 15-minute stroll from Comercio Sq.. Earlier than you make your approach to the market, you’ll be able to take a look at the gorgeous sq. and Rua Agusta Arch
Rua Agusta
From Comercio Sq. stroll to the Rua Agusta Arch in the direction of the pedestrian road of Rua Agusta. Rua Agusta is 6 blocks of outlets, eating and vitality with road performers entertaining clients as they eat their lunch.
Pull up a chair at one of many outside cafes to take pleasure in some genuine Portuguese meals. It is a lovely road that isn’t to be missed, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of the town. Stroll alongside this road, taking within the sights and going into the Bacalau, Pasteis de Nata, and Portuguese cans shops.
Afternoon
Alfama District
The Alfama District is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and place to spherical off the remainder of the afternoon. If you wish to stroll, it’s simply 5-10 minutes from Rua Agusta to the beginning of your strolling tour of Alfama. It’s right here that you simply’ll actually really feel the historical past of Lisbon as you wander its slim streets.
Lisbon Cathedral
Begin your time in Alfama on the Lisbon Cathedral. It’s the oldest church within the metropolis, courting again to the twelfth century. You may go inside without cost, however to see its cloisters, there’s a small charge of about €2
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Portas do Sol is the following cease, a brief stroll uphill. This is without doubt one of the hottest Miradouros in Lisbon, because it appears to be like out over the river and metropolis. See the terracotta rooftops that feels as if you’re overlooking a Meditteranean village cascading into the ocean.
It’s situated on a big balcony, providing loads of room to soak up the panoramic view. Issues to maintain an eye fixed out for is the Monastery of St. Vincen and the Nationwide Pantheon.
Tram 28
From Portas do Sol, you’ll be able to hop on Tram 28. No journey to Lisbon could be full with out getting on considered one of its historic trams, and Tram 28 is iconic. Tram 28 changed the unique horse-drawn carriages in 1914. Lisbon is called the town of hills, and these trams assist locals journey by way of its steep hills. Tram 28 is a 7m route that takes you thru the favored vacationer districts of Lisbon, Graca, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Santa Catarina & Estrela.
It takes 50 minutes to journey all the route, however we recommend utilizing it as a type of public transport as an alternative. In case you solely wish to take it a few stops, you’ll be able to rent an Uber. The tram runs till 10 or 11 pm (relying on the season), so you’ll be able to all the time hop again later to see the whole lot.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
From Portas do Sol, Tram 28 will take you subsequent to the Monastery of St. George, the place you’ll be able to hop off to discover inside, or you’ll be able to merely benefit from the view and wait to your subsequent cease, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Time might be getting tight now, so it’s possible you’ll wish to skip it and head on to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
That is the best level in Lisbon and is price stopping for an overhead view of the town.
Castelo de São Jorge
Take a stroll alongside the fort’s historical partitions and benefit from the unimaginable views of the town from excessive above. Castelo de São Jorge is open till 9 pm in the summertime and is a good spot for sundown.
You’ll have entry to its gardens and may be part of a guided tour. There’s a museum inside that’s free to enter, and naturally, the fort partitions and views of the town are lovely. This web site is a big historic vacation spot, with settlements courting again to the seventh century BC.
Night/Dinner
To spherical your at some point itinerary in Lisbon, make your approach to Barrio Alto. That is the place for nightlife in Lisbon, and there are a number of selections for dinner in Bairro Alto. We liked the Gin Lover’s Bar in Barrio Alto. We had a cocktail right here earlier than having fun with a scrumptious meal on the outside terrace.
Nightlife
After dinner, you’ve a number of selections: you’ll be able to benefit from the nightlife of Bairro Alto, go bar hopping, and seek for some Fado performers. In case you actually wish to see a Fado present, we advocate reserving an organized efficiency upfront right here. This extremely rated tour
Effectively, that was a busy at some point in Lisbon, Portugal! From historic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and beautiful views from its miradouros, we’ve proven you find out how to take advantage of your day AND evening on this beautiful metropolis. If you’re spending extra time in Lisbon, take a look at our submit 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
For much more prime sights, one of the best locations to eat, and probably the most environment friendly methods to navigate Lisbon, take a look at our weblog The Finest Issues to Do in Lisbon