Spending 1 day in Lisbon? I have got the itinerary for you!
Wander through a city full of colorful tiles and delicious pastries, and gaze at sunsets that look like fiery paintings.
Spending just one day in Lisbon is enough to do all that and more!
The best things to do during 1 day in Lisbon are snapping photos at the iconic tram, eating pastel de nata, exploring incredible viewpoints, visiting the Castelo Sao Jorge, and shopping at the oldest operating bookstore in the world.
We’ve got you covered on the most amazing things to do during 1 day in Lisbon- let’s dive in!
1-Day Lisbon Itinerary
Belem
Begin your day in the neighborhood of Belem. I recommend beginning here because it is the farthest from all of the other attractions in Lisbon!
After finishing your two stops here, you can zip right back into the center of town for the rest of your day.
I recommend spending one hour between the infamous Torre de Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery if it fits into your schedule.
The towering church has immaculate architecture, both outside and inside.
1. Torre de Belem
Torre de Belém is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress was originally built to defend the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can explore the tower’s intricate architecture, climb to the top for panoramic views, and learn about Lisbon’s maritime history. Entry costs €6, and it’s open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
Since Belem is not walking distance from other central neighborhoods of Lisbon like Alfama District or Barrio Alto, it will be essential to take a bus through the public transportation system or ride share like Uber or Bolt.
Time: 30 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: ☀️ Summer: 10:00am-6:30pm. ❄️ Winter: 10:00am-5:30pm. ⏐ Website ⏐ 💲Price: Free to explore outside. $6.50 to enter inside⏐
2. Jeronimos Monastery
Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning example of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was built in the 16th century to honor Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India.
Visitors can admire the intricate stone carvings, vast cloisters, and the ornate church. Entry costs €10, and it’s open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
This will be your final stop in Belem. Consider snagging a pastry at Pasteis de Belem or heading directly to the Barrio Alto neighborhood.
Time: 30 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: Free. Paid options for garden ⏐
3. Eat Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is literally the best. It is not overrated, and I stand by this! (I considered getting a pastel de nata tattoo, story for another time).
Pastéis de Belém is the perfect place to try Lisbon’s famous Pastel de Nata.
This iconic pastry shop has been serving these custard tarts since 1837, using a secret recipe. The tarts are freshly baked and perfectly crispy on the outside with a rich, creamy filling.
⭐Popular Lisbon Hotels
Barrio Alto
4. Wander Cobblestone Roads
Wandering the cobblestone streets of Bairro Alto gives you a feel for Lisbon’s historic charm. The narrow alleys are lined with colorful buildings, traditional tiles, and cozy cafés.
The area is peaceful during the day and lively at night with bars and restaurants.
5. Snap a photo of the Tram
Let’s be real- the vibrant, yellow tram at the top of a cobblestone hill is an icon of Portugal. (And one of the best Lisbon Instagram spots).
The famous Tram 28 route takes you through the historic neighborhoods of Graça, Baixa, and Alfama.
The tram is particularly photogenic at spots like Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, where it climbs the steep hill, or Largo do Carmo with its stunning architecture in the background.
Riding the tram costs about €3, but you can snap great shots from the street for free.
⏐ Time: 1 Hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: Varies ⏐
⭐Popular Lisbon Tours
Graca and Alfama
6. Castelo Sao Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge offers some of the best views in Lisbon.
Perched on a hill, the castle overlooks the city, the Tagus River, and São Vicente de Fora Monastery. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and gardens.
Time: 1 hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: $16.23. Purchase online or at entrance ⏐
7. Miradouro de Senhora do Monte
Located footsteps from the castle in the Graça neighborhood, one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon is your next stop!
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of Lisbon. From this elevated viewpoint, you can see the Tagus River, São Jorge Castle, and the city’s red rooftops stretching across the horizon.
Tip: Extra time in Graça? Stop at the nearby chapel or take a leisurely stroll down to the eclectic Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s oldest flea market.
Want to go viewpoint hopping? You are just a 4-minute walk from another famous viewpoint, Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Time: 30 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐
8. Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
This was my favorite spot in the Bairro Alto neighborhood of Lisbon. Out of nowhere, this park has one of the best views in all of Lisbon!
You literally go from charming, narrow cobblestone rows to an incredible, vast lookout. I loved it!
It is located on a beautiful plaza, allowing you to spend even longer to enjoy these views.
The park features local vendors selling pineapple drinks and more. It’s a great location to stroll, relax, and appreciate some incredible views.
Website ⏐💲Price: Free ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 24 hours ⏐
Evening
9. Livraria Boltrand
Livraria Boltrand is the oldest operating bookstore in the world.
It actually kind of surprises me I don’t see it on more itineraries!
You definitely don’t come across a gem (and fun fact!) like this every day. Guinness World Records confirms it!
Livraria Boltrand is conveniently located on the main street of the Chiado neighborhood.
Its vaulted rooms provide a historic touch to modern architecture. Rooms upon rooms of books feature classics as well as new books. Books at the store are written in both Portuguese and English.
The best part? Every purchase is stamped with a special “Oldest Bookstore in the World” sticker after you purchase!
Tip: Visiting Livraria Boltrand makes for a great alternative visit from the Lello Bookstore in Porto, famous for its claim to the start of Harry Potter inspiration.
Time: 30 minutes ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐
10. Dinner: Time Out Market
Ready for dinner? Your next stop is a 15-minute walk from the library. Lisbon’s Time Out Market is a culinary wonderland where the charm of Lisbon’s food scene comes to life under one roof.
And the best part? No one has to compromise – grab a table with your pals, and everyone can dash off to whatever stall calls out to them.
I’m totally a sucker for markets- but especially Time Out Markets. My other favorite is in Chicago!
Time: 1 hour ⏐ 🕑 Hours: 10:00am – 12:00am ⏐ Website ⏐
Conclusion
How magical a day in Lisbon can be! From the picturesque sunrise at the miradouros to the nostalgic chug of Tram 28, there is so much to experience.
If it’s your first time in Lisbon, you’re really in for a treat. Get ready to fall in love with the city, one cobblestone at a time!
