The Best 2 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: How to Spend Two Days in Lisbon, Portugal

Trying to decide what to do in 2 days in Lisbon? Perfect! This article is for you!

It’s difficult not to be swooned by those gorgeous photos of the iconic yellow trams trundling their way up the ancient, narrow cobbled streets and the classic panoramic shot of the colourful houses of Alfama overlooking the Tagus River.  

Despite being the nation’s capital, Lisbon is compact a compact city. With this two days in Lisbon itinerary, you’ll have enough time to enjoy all the main highlights in a short time,

This Lisbon in 2 days guide covers the city’s top landmarks, including exploring the photogenic historic centre, riding on the iconic yellow Number 28 tramway and exploring the once-underbelly district of Alfama. Thrown in are plenty of stops, to sample the mouth-wateringly delicious pastel de nata as well as a trip out to the nearby dreamy town of Sintra.

Lisbon quickly scaled the ranks to become one of my favourite European cities, and I’m sure after you visit Lisbon you’ll feel the same way. 

The Best 2 Days in Lisbon Itinerary

This Lisbon in 2 days itinerary is divided into sections to make it easier to skim for the information you need. 

The first section is a glance that gives an overview of what to do in Lisbon in 2 days. The second section breaks down each day in detail. Finally, there is a useful FAQ section at the end.

If you don’t have the time to read the whole article now then download this what to see in Lisbon in 2 days information sheet straight to your inbox instead. 

What to See in Lisbon in 2 Days

• Praça do Comercio
• Lisbon Cathedral
• E28 Yellow Tram
• Alfama
• São Jorge Castle
• Santa Justa Lift
• Carmo Convent
• Rossio Square
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
• Belém Tower

…and if you opt to visit nearby Sintra, then Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Castelo dos Mouros

Two Days in Lisbon – Day by Day Overview

Day 1: Visit the most iconic Lisbon landmarks in the old town and explore the picturesque cobbled streets of the Alfama district. 

Take the ride on the iconic Tram 28 and view the city from São Jorge Castle. Discover the ruins of Carmo Convent and how the city was nearly lost during the Great Earthquake of Lisbon. 

Then immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of the Fado. If you have time, then visit the famous UNESCO sites of Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.

Day 2: Escape the city and head to nearby Sintra to see some of Europe’s most beautiful castles and palaces. 

Spend the day marvelling at the visually stunning Pena Palace, and lose yourself in the underground grottoes and labyrinths at Quinta da Regaleira. Hit the town in the evening around Lisbon’s lively and trendy area of ‘Pink Street’.

Lisbon in 2 Days – Know Before You Go

Lisbon is truly an outstanding city to visit.

In this section, I’ll share a few helpful tips and information to make your 2-day itinerary in Lisbon as straightforward as possible.

Getting to Lisbon

To reach Lisbon, you have multiple transportation options. You can go via plane and land at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) – the main gateway to the city. Or you can enjoy a scenic ride on a boat or ferry arrive at Lisbon’s port, and enter the city via the waterfront.

Another option is to drive to Lisbon with several highways connecting the city to other regions in Portugal and Spain.

Getting From Lisbon Airport to the City Centre

The best option to reach the city centre is to hop on the Metro. It’s fast, convenient and cheap. Just look for the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line and you’ll be in the city centre in no time.

Another option is to take the Airport Bus, but be aware that it has some limitations on how much luggage you can bring  – they may charge extra for oversized pieces, plus it takes a bit longer than the Metro.

Or, if you want the hassle-free ride option, you can book an airport transfer in advance and enjoy a direct transfer to your accommodation.

Getting Around Lisbon

This Lisbon city break guide has been designed to be explored on foot. 

The historical centre of Lisbon and the surrounding areas of Alfama is fairly compact, if not hilly! Wear comfortable shoes. If you don’t want to walk, then you could use the Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus to take you to all the iconic landmarks.

Outside of the centre, everywhere else is easily accessed by public transport such as bus and train. You will not need a car.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

If you have the flexibility to travel at any time, then the best time to go to Lisbon is the shoulder season of late spring or early autumn. 

This takes advantage of the good weather, quieter crowds and shoulder season prices. Taking that into consideration, the best month to visit Lisbon is either May, June, September and October.

Is Lisbon Safe?

On the whole, Lisbon, like most of Europe, is an incredibly safe destination. However, as with all major cities, be careful of pickpockets in busy areas (such as on the tram). This 2 days in Lisbon guide, the locations are central, and you’ll frequently see police out patrolling the streets if you do need any help.

Naturally, the safest thing is to lock valuables in your room and be aware of where high-value items, such as mobiles and cameras are (use common sense – don’t keep your phone in your back pocket). However, for extra peace of mind, it could be worth investing in an anti-theft bag to keep your belongings safe.

Best Lisbon Tours

If you’re wondering what to do in Lisbon in two days, you could start by joining a guided tour to get your bearings, and then continue exploring by yourself. Here are my top picks for the best Lisbon tours.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

There are so many options for places to stay during your Lisbon two day itinerary. This Lisbon guide has been designed without the use of a car, so each of these recommendations is close to the main things to see. Here are my recommendations of where to stay in Lisbon.

Boutique Accommodation – AlmaLusa Baixa Chiado

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Budget Accommodation – This is Lisbon Hostel

Tips for Visting Lisbon

• Lisbon is a fairly compact city and the main highlights are all fairly central. Make the most of the efficient and affordable public transport system for getting about. Or, if you’re looking for convenience, you could use the Lisbon hop-on-hop-off bus, which is a great way to see all the famous Lisbon landmarks efficiently.

• Make sure you’re wearing a comfortable pair of shoes with grippy soles. Although you’re in a city, the pavements are often made of slippery polished cobbles. There is a lot of walking involved in this Lisbon itinerary, it’s also worth noting that Lisbon is a hilly city, so be prepared for some serious leg work at times.

• If navigating a city fills you with dread, and you want the easy option of seeing all the famous landmarks in Lisbon by foot, then there are numerous city walking tours. Your guide will give you plenty of insights into the history of the city as well as be a great source of local Lisbon insider tips for photo opportunities, cafes and free things to do.

• If you’re able to spend longer than a couple of days in Lisbon, then it might be worthwhile taking advantage of the Lisboa Card. This card gives you unlimited use of public transport and entry to loads of the city’s top attractions, so could end up saving you money.

Two Days in Lisbon Itinerary

Do you want to know all the things you must-see in Lisbon in two days? I’ve got your back! This two-day Lisbon itinerary includes the top sites to visit to make your trip memorable and enjoyable. I’ve included all the highlights, however, you can of course chop and change things out to suit your interests. 

Lisbon 2 Day Itinerary – Day 1

Visit the most iconic Lisbon landmarks in the old town and explore the picturesque cobbled streets of the Alfama district. 

Take the ride on the iconic Tram 28 and view the city from São Jorge Castle. Discover the ruins of Carmo Convent and how the city was nearly lost during the Great Earthquake of Lisbon. 

Then immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of the Fado. If you have time, then visit the famous UNESCO sites of Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.

Praça do Comercio

Your Lisbon 2 day itinerary starts at the Praça do Comercio (Commerce Square). This is one of Lisbon’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks. 

The large square has one open side facing out to the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). The other three sides are lined with beautiful buildings with columned walkways as colourful yellow trams trundle past in front of the giant Arco de Rue Augusta (or the Rua Augusta Arch). 

This is a perfect place to start your two days in Lisbon. This is also the location where lots of Lisbon guided walking tours start from too.

Historically the square was called Terreiro do Paço, named after the Paços da Ribeira (Ribeira Palace), which was the king of Portugal’s residence. They stood here until it was destroyed by the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755.

What stands here now are bright yellow facades of buildings that gleam in the sunlight into the square. If you want to find out more about the history of Lisbon, on the east side of the square I recommend the Lisboa Story Centre.

Location: Praça do Comércio MB, 1100-148 Lisboa

Lisbon Cathedral

From the Praça do Comercio hear in a northeast direction and walk to Lisbon Cathedral. The Sé de Lisboa (Cathedral of Lisbon) is located at the junction between two streets which the trams run along; Largo da Sé and Cruzes da Sé. The Cathedral was built by Lisbon’s first king and is the oldest church in Lisbon.

This junction is one of the best photo spots in Lisbon. If you wait a short while, you’ll get that famous picture of the pretty yellow tram going past the front of the Cathedral. You’ll find this iconic picture of Lisbon on loads of postcards, prints and posters in every tourist shop.

If you’re worried about getting lost in the city and missing out on some of the top sights in Lisbon, then you might prefer a walking tour with a guide, and let someone else do the navigation for you.

Location: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa

Take A Ride on Tram 28

No Lisbon bucket list would be complete without a ride on the iconic yellow tram. If this is a bit gimmicky for you, then you can easily take the 10-minute walk up to Alfama (your next destination on this Lisbon 2 days itinerary).

Depending on the time of day there may or may not be a queue. At peak times, it’s often quicker to walk. The waiting time for the E28 Lisbon tram can be long. However, if your mind is set on having a ride on the E28 line, then hop on just outside of the Cathedral. 

The tram route winds through the narrow and curvy streets, stopping at various points all over the city. If it’s too busy outside the Cathedral, then head to one of the other tram stops, it passes through the districts of Graca, Estrela, Baixa and then eventually up to Alfama. If you have the time, and you’re staying 3 days in Lisbon you could sit on here and do the whole circuit!

Location: There is a tram stop just outside the Cathedral

Time-Saving Tip: Lisbon Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Lisbon is a hilly city, and if you don’t fancy walking, or you’re pushed for time then take advantage of the Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off bus to take you to all the famous landmarks.

Alfama District

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon. The streets are narrow and steep, so no public transport can come in here. This pedestrian-only district of Alfama covers the steep hill between the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River. Because Alfama is situated outside of the old city walls, in the past this area was associated with poverty and crime.

Thankfully, the area of Alfama was not destroyed during the 1755 earthquake, so the layout of the area has remained pretty much unchanged and why it’s kept its charming narrow streets and small squares. It’s steeped with history and very easy to pass an hour or so wandering about and getting lost in the labyrinth of streets and alleyways.

If you want to learn more about the are, then check out this Alfama Disctrict walking tour.

One of the top things to do in Lisbon in 2 days is to explore this quaint district. Over recent years there has been a resurgence and the area has now been transformed into a trendy, artisan district with intimate restaurants and cafes. If you read up on any hipster guide to Lisbon, Alfama ranks pretty high.

The pleasant thing about Alfama is that it’s still a residential area. You’ll get a glimpse of local life, as they go about their daily lives. It’s not uncommon to see laundry hanging out in the street and the delicious smell of home cooking wafting out from their kitchens.

Alfama is also the home of the emotive and soulful Fado. You’ll find intimate music venues dotted all around this area. The Fado is a type of music, synonymous with Alfama. It’s based on folk and blues, with lyrics often about the hardship of life. Be sure to experience a live Fado Show and learn about the music that expresses the true soul of Lisbon. Be sure to add this to your Lisbon bucketlist.

Location: Alfama district covers the area between the Cathedral and Sao Jorge Castle.

Climb up to São Jorge Castle

Keep heading upwards and out of Alfama. Eventually, you’ll find São Jorge Hill. At the top of the hill is Sao Jorge Castle. This is one of the most recognisable places to see in Lisbon, the castle can be seen from most places around the city.

The first fortifications at the top of São Jorge Hill date back to the 1st century BC when Lisbon was under Roman rule. However, what you see today is a mix of hundreds of years of history all amalgamated into one. It dates from the 5th to the 11th century.

Inside the castle walls, you’ll find pretty gardens, eleven towers and turrets as well as the castle wall to walk around. You might even see the resident peacocks strutting their stuff. It’s also a great vantage point to take some beautiful Lisbon city pictures.

While you’re checking out the view, see if you can spot the Santa Justa Lift, you’ll be heading here shortly. If you have time in the evening, come back to São Jorge Hill for one of the best places to watch the sunset in Lisbon.

Location: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portuga

Ride the Santa Justa Lift

Continue your first day in Lisbon as you head down the hill from São Jorge Castle. Make your way towards the lively district of Chiado in the city centre, this is where you’ll find the Santa Justa Lift. You’ll find this area bustling with shops, cafes and restaurants. Stop off here for lunch before moving on.

The Neo-Gothic style structure was completed in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. Look at the style and architecture of the lift, does it look familiar? Ponsard was actually a student of Gustav Eiffel the architect behind the iconic Eiffel Tower, in Paris.

The Santa Justa Lift was built to connect the lower part to the upper part of Lisbon. The lift has now become a tourist attraction more than anything. Take a ride up the 45m lift to the viewing platform which overlooks the city it’s also a great Lisbon photo location, as you’ll have a great view of the São Jorge Castle you’ve just visited.

Location: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa

Explore the Ruins of Carmo Convent

From the Santa Justa Lift walk to the nearby Carmo Convent. You might have noticed that I’ve mentioned the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 quite a few times in this Lisbon two day itinerary. 

These beautiful Gothic ruins of the Carmo Convent are a result of that.

If you’re a regular follower of my blog, you’ll know I can’t resist an ancient ruin. The roofless columns and walls of the Carmo Convent are a relic from that dark day in 1755.

Inside there is a museum that houses various religious artefacts, mummies and tombstones. The old convent has a tranquil feel to it. I spend ages here exploring the beautiful ruins, it was one of my personal highlights of Lisbon.

Location: Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa

Rossio Square

From the Carmo Convent, turn right and follow the street, down the steps and towards the highly photogenic Rossio Square. 

The lively square is surrounded by stunning architecture, you’d be hard-pushed to miss the geometric pattern of the black and white cobblestones. This square makes for one of the most Instagramable pictures of Lisbon.

There are often markets and pop-up stalls around here as well as a hub for locals to meet. If you enjoy a spot of people-watching, this is your place. If you’re feeling exhausted from all the walking about, then stop in one of the bars here.

Location: Rua dos Correeiros, 204, Lisboa

Alternate Suggestion – Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)

The easiest way to get here from Lisbon centre is by catching Tram number 15. Walk to Cais de Sodré station to pick up the tram. The grounds and building from the outside are both visually stunning, so even if you don’t go inside (it’s closed on Mondays) at least swing by the outside for a look.

Construction of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos started in 1500 and then took 100 years to complete. This 500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage-listed site was built from money derived during Portugal’s age of exploration. Most of the wealth came from the taxes on imported goods from both Africa and the Far East.

Location: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa

Belém Tower 

A short walk from the Jerónimos Monastery is where you’ll find the Belém Tower. This famous landmark features somewhere on most Lisbon itineraries. 

The Belém Tower was built in the 16th Century to protect the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour during the age of exploration. Belém Tower shares the UNESCO World Heritage title with Jerónimos Monastery.

From the outside, the fortress looks quite ‘blocky’ to say the least. That’s down to its combination of Medieval and Gothic architectural styles. Originally, Belém Tower was built on an island, however, after the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake, the course of the river shifted which is why now the tower sits on a little rocky outcrop, right on the shoreline.

The Belém Tower also offers a great vantage point to watch the sunset and a great spot to finish off your first day in Lisbon.

Location: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa

Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument

This relatively modern statue was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition and then was made a permanent feature in 1960 to mark 500 years since Henry the Navigator’s death. It’s also known as the Monument of the Discoveries.

The monument features a stylised group of men set out on a caravel (which is a small, fast Portuguese sailing ship from between the 15th–17th centuries). Henry the Navigator is standing at the front. He was an important figure during Portugal’s overseas expansion and Age of Discoveries.

It was built in Belém facing out to the River Tagus, as this was where boats embarked on their journeys to explore the unchartered seas and lands from the 14th century.

Location: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa

Watch & Listen to a Fado Performance

Finish off the first of your two days in Lisbon itinerary by heading back to the Alfama district to watch a Fado show. The Fado is unique to Portugal and it’s said that Alfama is the birthplace of it.

The Fado is a music genre that could be likened to blues music, where the sole singer emotionally sings about their woes, love and life. The first Fado dates back to around the early 1800s. They often take place in small intimate settings of bars and restaurants. There are over 40 venues in Lisbon to choose from.

Lisbon 2 Day Itinerary – Day 2

Escape the city and head to nearby Sintra to see some of Europe’s most beautiful castles and palaces. 

Spend the day marvelling at the visually stunning Pena Palace, and lose yourself in the underground grottoes and labyrinths at Quinta da Regaleira. Hit the town in the evening around Lisbon’s lively and trendy area of ‘Pink Street’.

Sintra

The whole area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. I don’t even need to try and argue why. It’s remarkable in every way. This easy day trip from Lisbon is popular, so a word to the wise; start early. to make the most of Sintra before the crowds.

Once you arrive at the train station in Sintra, you’ll notice how green the area is. The station is located a little way from where you want to be but there will be a multitude of buses to take you up to your first stop. Seeing as you’re only in Lisbon for 2 days, rather than take the train, you might find it more efficient to book a tour to see the highlights of Sintra instead.

The green hilly slopes are the polar opposite of the built-up capital. You’ll pass through the picturesque town of Sintra which is a bustling hive of shops, restaurants and cafes and you could spend quite a bit of time wandering about here. However, I suggest the first thing you do is head up to Pena Palace before the crowds do.

Pena Palace

If you’ve ever typed ‘beautiful castles in the world’ into an image search, I guarantee one of the images you get back will be of Pena Palace. The pretty region of Sintra plays host to some of Portugal’s most beautiful landmarks.

Built in the Romanticism style, this 19th-century castle is the most colourful castle I have ever seen. Situated in a lavish landscape of well-manicured grounds and gardens the brightly coloured castle featuring contrasting red and yellow walls with black and white striped roofs is a photographer’s dream. It’s so photogenic and a bit of a playground if you’re wanting to get trigger-happy and artsy with the camera.

There are so many beautiful details covering every surface of this castle that you could spend hours perusing the marvellous carvings, archways, turrets, doorways and alcoves. The whole place really is quite magical. It’s worth buying a ticket for Pena Palace in advance to avoid the crowds

Location: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra

Quinta da Regaleira

From Pena Palace, head back down the hill, through Sintra town and out towards Quinta da Regaleira. Depending on where you are on the grounds of Pena Palace, the walk will take about an hour. Although it’s a very picturesque walk, if you are pushed for time, get the shuttle bus instead.

The 20th-century house was built in the Gothic style and situated in stunning landscaped gardens with waterfalls, follies, underground labyrinths, lakes and grottos. It would have been a fantastic aristocrats’ playground back in its heyday, today, these wonderful grounds are enjoyed by adults and children alike!

One of the most iconic things to see at Quinta da Regaleira is the Initiation Well. This 88-foot-deep well has a spiral staircase twisting along the walls, winding right down to the bottom.

Along the staircase of the well, columned archways give the place a regal yet slightly creepy feel. It was built for secret ceremonies, exactly what went on here will probably always be a bit of a mystery. It leads down into a subterranean labyrinth, eventually leading back out into the lower gardens. If you’ve ever seen the film Pan’s Labyrinth or other twisted fairy tales, Quinta da Regaleira wouldn’t look out of place as the backdrop.

Once you’ve explored the grounds, head into the house. Similarly, the attention to detail in the main mansion is extraordinary. You’ll probably want to spend a decent amount of time exploring it. It’s the quirky fantastical charm, again like with Pena Palace, that makes Quinta da Regaleira a photographer’s dream.

Location: R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567, Sintra

After exploring the area of Sintra, catch the train back to Lisbon to enjoy your final night. In this Lisbon itinerary, 2 days is pretty intense, so find a great rooftop or terrace bar on the hill of São Jorge, to relax and catch the sunset.

Explore Lisbon’s Lively Nightlife

Like most countries in mainland Europe, the nightlife doesn’t really kick off until around 11 pm. You’ll be spoilt for a choice of places to go, however, the famous Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) in Cais do Sodré district is one of the livelier areas of Lisbon to party. 

If you’re stopping for at least 2 nights in Lisbon, then I recommend you head there at least once.

If you want something a little less lively, then there are a multitude of trendy cocktail bars along Bairro Alto, or if you’re after something with more of a vintage feel, then Foxtrot on Principe Real.

Where to Eat in Lisbon

Time Out Market, Mercado da Ribeira

Eating here is certainly worth making time for at some point during your itinerary. Lisbon certainly knows how to do fresh food well! Located close to Cais do Sodré, Time Out Market is a super trendy food hall that opened in 2014. It boasts over 40 different restaurants, shops and cafes serving some of the Capital’s best artisan foods. It’s at its liveliest during the weekend and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.

If you’re a foodie, you could easily spend hours here trying a handful of small tapas-style small dishes from a whole range of outlets, while washing them down with delicious local wine or beer.

Location: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa

LX Factory in Alcantara

Similar to Time Out Market is the LX Factory. This old factory was renovated into an equally trendy outlet. The 100-year-old building is now home to a variety of hip and urban shops, restaurants and cafes and a haven for food lovers.

Location: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa

Pastel de Nata

So this isn’t specifically a place to eat, BUT it’s a local speciality that you HAVE TO TRY at least once, during your Lisbon two days itinerary. You’ll be forgiven for trying these at every given opportunity; they are delicious!

This Portuguese sweet treat is essentially a vanilla-flavoured egg tart, sometimes with a hint of cinnamon, made in a flaky buttery pastry shell. They are baked so the top gets a slightly caramelised flavour. You can even attend a workshop to learn to cook your own Pastel de Nata!

Pretty much every café across Lisbon will sell them, with a multitude of venues claiming to sell the ‘best’ pastel de nata. 

Two of the more famous cafes for pastel de nata are Confeitaria De Belém which is located just outside of the station when you arrive in Belém. The other is Santo António located close to São Jorge Castle. BOTH cafes get busy, so you will have to queue. 

All I’m going to say is, go and ‘sample’ LOTS of them and make up your own mind who serves the best one.

2 Days in Lisbon Portugal – Useful Tips & FAQs

So, can you see Lisbon in 2 days? Yes! Absolutely! Now that you know what you can see and do in the city, here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your Lisbon vacation.

How’s Your 2 Days Lisbon Itinerary Shaping Up?

You’ve just read how to make the most of Lisbon in 2 days. 

From the historic landmarks to the vibrant nightlife, this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re a culture lover, a foodie, or into historical landmarks, you’ll find your perfect match during your two days in Lisbon. 

It’s crept up to be one of my favourite European cities, and when you visit, I’m sure you’ll see why.

Looking for more things to do on your Portugal itinerary? read more inspirational articles here…

• 34 Famous Landmarks in Portugal
• Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip
• 16 Great Reasons to Visit Lisbon
• The Best Lisbon in One Day Itinerary