Explore Lisbon, Portugal: A Comprehensive 1-Day Itinerary

Lisbon, Portugal

1 days

Sao Jorge Castle
Belem Tower or Tower of St Vincent on the bank of the Tagus River
City street with yellow funicular
Statue of King Joze I
Building of Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

About Lisbon, Portugal

Discover the enchanting city of Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital. Nestled on seven hills, Lisbon offers breathtaking views, historic neighborhoods, and a blend of traditional and contemporary cultures. Explore the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery, the iconic Belém Tower, and the colorful Pena Palace. Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama district, the city's oldest quarter, or enjoy a ride on the vintage Tram 28. Indulge in delectable Portuguese cuisine, particularly the famed Pastéis de Belém. Visit the bustling Mercado da Ribeira for a taste of local produce. With its rich seafaring history, stunning architecture, and lively nightlife, Lisbon promises a captivating travel experience. Don't forget to enjoy a Fado performance, Portugal's soulful folk music, to complete your Lisbon journey.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the historic and cultural highlights of Lisbon

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the historic neighborhood of Alfama. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the river from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Don't forget to visit the impressive Lisbon Cathedral, a mix of different architectural styles that tells the story of the city.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in a local restaurant. Try the famous Bacalhau a Bras, a dish made with cod, potatoes, and eggs. Pair it with a glass of Vinho Verde, a young Portuguese wine.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the district of Belem. Visit the iconic Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Pasteis de Belem, a delicious custard tart.

Dinner

For dinner, head to the trendy district of Bairro Alto. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and its wide variety of restaurants serving both traditional and international cuisine.

Evening

End your day with a Fado show. Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre, characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics. It's a unique cultural experience that you shouldn't miss while in Lisbon.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

Alfama

1
Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, filled with narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and offers a great view of the Tagus River.

Neighborhoods
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

2
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

This is the highest viewpoint in Lisbon, offering panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River.

Attractions
Landmarks
Lisbon Cathedral

3
Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral, often called simply the Sé, is a Roman Catholic church located in Lisbon. It is a mix of different architectural styles including Gothic and Romanesque, and is the oldest church in the city.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Bacalhau a Bras

4
Bacalhau a Bras

Bacalhau a Bras is a traditional Portuguese dish made from shredded cod, potatoes, and eggs. It's a popular comfort food in Lisbon and can be found in many local restaurants.

Food and Drink
Vinho Verde

5
Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is a unique Portuguese wine that originated in the historic Minho province in the far north of the country. It is a light, fresh and slightly effervescent wine, perfect to accompany a meal or to be enjoyed on its own.

Food and Drink
Belem Tower

6
Belem Tower

A fortified tower located in the Belem district of Lisbon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Age of Discovery.

Monuments
Landmarks
Jeronimos Monastery

7
Jeronimos Monastery

A stunning example of Manueline architecture, this monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the Maritime Museum and the National Archaeology Museum.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Pasteis de Belem

8
Pasteis de Belem

Pasteis de Belem, also known as Portuguese custard tarts, are a popular dessert in Lisbon. They are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy custard filling, and are often sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Food and Drink
Bairro Alto

9
Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is a central district known for its vibrant nightlife, with a multitude of bars and restaurants.

Neighborhoods
Fado show

10
Fado show

Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre, characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics. Watching a Fado show is a must when in Lisbon.

Entertainment
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata

A traditional Portuguese custard tart that is a staple in Lisbon. It's a sweet pastry filled with creamy custard and dusted with cinnamon.

Bacalhau à Brás

Bacalhau à Brás

A popular dish in Lisbon made from shredded cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes in a bound of scrambled eggs. It's a classic Portuguese comfort food.

Francesinha

Francesinha

Originating from Porto but popular throughout Portugal, this sandwich is filled with different meats, covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce.

Polvo à la Lagareiro

A traditional Portuguese dish that consists of a whole octopus roasted in the oven, typically served with boiled potatoes and drizzled with a generous amount of olive oil.

Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines are a staple in Lisbon, especially during the popular Saints' Festival in June. They are usually served with a salad or boiled potatoes.

Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde

A traditional Portuguese soup made from shredded kale, potatoes and chorizo. It's a hearty and comforting dish, especially popular in the colder months.

Bifana

Bifana

A simple and delicious sandwich made with marinated pork cutlets. It's a popular street food in Lisbon.

Azeitão cheese

A creamy sheep's milk cheese from the Azeitão region, just south of Lisbon. It's often served as an appetizer or dessert.

Ginjinha

Ginjinha

A traditional Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. It's a popular drink in Lisbon, often served in a chocolate cup.

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde

A young, slightly sparkling wine from the Minho region in the far north of Portugal. It's a refreshing drink, especially popular in the summer.

Port Wine

Port Wine

A fortified wine from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It's a popular after-dinner drink and comes in a variety of styles, from sweet to dry.

Super Bock or Sagres

The two most popular beers in Portugal. Both are light and refreshing lagers, perfect for a hot day in Lisbon.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Lisbon, Portugal is during the spring months of March to May or the fall months of September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, not too hot or too cold, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak summer season. These off-peak seasons also often offer more affordable accommodation rates. However, if you're interested in festivals and nightlife, summer, particularly June, is when Lisbon's streets come alive with various festivities.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 13

Tue

Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day

March 19

Tue

St. Joseph's Day (Santarém)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 16

Tue

Our Lady of Mércoles (Castelo Branco)

April 25

Thu

Liberty Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day (Beja)

May 12

Sun

St. Joana's Day (Aveiro)

May 20

Mon

Azores Day (Azores)

May 22

Wed

Leiria Day (Leiria)

May 23

Thu

Portalegre Day (Portalegre)

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi

June 10

Mon

Portugal Day

June 13

Thu

St. Anthony's Day (regional holiday)

June 24

Mon

St. John's Day (regional holiday)

June 29

Sat

St. Peter's Day (Évora)

July 1

Mon

Madeira Day (Madeira)

July 4

Thu

St. Elizabeth's Day (Coimbra)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

August 20

Tue

Our Lady of Sorrows (Viana do Castelo)

August 22

Thu

Our Lady of Graces (Bragança)

September 7

Sat

Faro Day (Faro)

September 15

Sun

Birth of Bocage (Setúbal)

September 21

Sat

St. Matthew's Day (Viseu)

October 5

Sat

Republic Day

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

November 27

Wed

Foral of Sancho I (Guarda)

December 1

Sun

Restoration of Independence

December 8

Sun

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Lisbon's trams are one of the most iconic ways to explore the city. The most famous route is Tram 28, which winds its way through the city's most historic districts.

Buses are a reliable and extensive mode of transport in Lisbon. They cover the entire city and its suburbs, making it easy to reach any destination.

The Lisbon Metro is a quick and efficient way to travel around the city. It has four lines that cover a large part of the city.

For longer distances, such as trips to the suburbs or nearby towns like Sintra or Cascais, trains are a good option. Lisbon's main train stations are Santa Apolónia and Rossio.

Taxis are plentiful in Lisbon and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. They're a convenient but more expensive way to get around.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis.

Lisbon has a growing network of bike lanes, and several companies offer bike rentals. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city, though be prepared for some hilly terrain.

Many of Lisbon's most beautiful areas are best explored on foot. The city is known for its compact, walkable neighborhoods and stunning viewpoints.

Ferries cross the Tagus River, offering a unique perspective of Lisbon and easy access to the district of Almada.

Electric scooters are available for rent throughout the city. They're a fun and quick way to get around, especially in the flatter areas of Lisbon.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC 0

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Lisbon, Portugal as a first time visitor

1

Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal.

2

The official language is Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can be helpful.

3

The currency in Lisbon is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 46-59°F (8-15°C) in winter and 63-81°F (17-27°C) in summer.

5

Public transportation in Lisbon is reliable and includes buses, trams, and a metro system. The Viva Viagem card can be used on all forms of public transport.

6

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in Lisbon.

7

Lisbon is a hilly city, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

8

Tipping is customary in Lisbon. It's common to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants.

9

Lisbon is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

10

The city is in the Western European Time Zone (WET, GMT +0).

11

Lisbon is known for its seafood. Try local specialties like bacalhau (codfish) and sardines.

12

Portugal is famous for its wine, particularly Port and Vinho Verde. Don't miss the chance to try them.

13

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.

14

Lisbon has a rich history, and you'll find many buildings and streets that date back to the Middle Ages.

15

The city is also known for its beautiful azulejos (painted, tin-glazed ceramic tilework) that adorn many of its buildings.

16

Lisbon is a great city for shopping, with a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and local markets.

17

Smoking is banned in enclosed public places and on public transportation in Lisbon.

18

The standard voltage in Portugal is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F.

19

Lisbon has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and music venues.

20

The city is also a great base for exploring other parts of Portugal, such as the nearby towns of Sintra and Cascais.

Basic Portuguese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Olá

O-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adeus

Ad-ey-oosh

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Por favor

Por fa-vor

When asking for something

Thank you

Obrigado

Ob-ri-ga-doo

After receiving something or someone's help

Yes

Sim

Seem

Agreeing with someone or something

No

Não

Nown

Disagreeing with someone or something

Excuse me

Desculpe

Desh-kool-pe

Getting someone's attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Lamento

La-men-to

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Fala inglês?

Fala in-glesh?

When you need to communicate in English

I don't understand

Não entendo

Nown en-ten-doo

When you don't understand what's being said

Where is the bathroom?

Onde é o banheiro?

Onde eh o ban-he-ro?

When you need to use the restroom

How much does this cost?

Quanto custa isso?

Kwan-to kus-ta is-so?

When you want to know the price of something

I would like...

Eu gostaria...

Eh-oo go-sta-ria...

When you're ordering food or asking for something

Help!

Socorro!

So-ko-ro!

In case of an emergency

Call the police!

Chame a polícia!

Sha-me a po-lee-see-ya!

In case of an emergency

I'm lost

Estou perdido

Es-to per-di-doo

When you can't find your way

Can I use your phone?

Posso usar seu telefone?

Pos-so u-zar seu te-le-fo-ne?

When you need to make a call and don't have a phone

Good morning

Bom dia

Bom dee-ya

Greeting someone in the morning

Good afternoon

Boa tarde

Boa tar-de

Greeting someone in the afternoon

Good night

Boa noite

Boa noi-te

Greeting someone in the evening or before bed

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Sweater or light jacket

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size toothpaste

  • Toothbrush

  • Deodorant

  • Travel-size shampoo and conditioner

  • Razor

  • Travel-size body wash or soap

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Euros)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power adapter (Europe)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Travel guidebook for Lisbon

  • Map of Lisbon

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Travel-size first aid kit

  • Reusable shopping bag

Weather Conditions

Lisbon, Portugal, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature ranges from 46-59°F (8-15°C) in the coldest month, January, and 63-82°F (17-28°C) in the warmest month, August. If you're planning to visit Lisbon, the best time to do so is from March to May or September to October. During these periods, the weather is usually pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 59-77°F (15-25°C), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you're a beach lover, the summer months of June to August would be the best time for you. The temperatures during this period can go up to 82°F (28°C), perfect for a dip in the sea. But remember, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowded beaches and higher prices. Always carry a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, as evenings can be cool. Also, don't forget your sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong, especially in the summer months. Rainfall is highest from November to February, so if you're visiting during these months, make sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Despite the rain, temperatures remain relatively mild, rarely falling below 46°F (8°C). Lastly, Lisbon is known for its sudden changes in weather, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

14° / 8°

January is the coldest month in Lisbon, but it's still relatively mild compared to many European destinations. Expect occasional rain showers.

February

15° / 9°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still a bit chilly. Rain is less frequent than in January.

March

17° / 11°

March marks the beginning of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds.

April

18° / 12°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures and less rainfall. The city starts to get busier with tourists.

May

22° / 14°

May is a beautiful month to visit Lisbon with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. It's perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

June

24° / 16°

June is the start of summer with long, sunny days. It's a popular time for tourists, so expect some crowds.

July

28° / 18°

July is the hottest month in Lisbon with high temperatures and very little rain. It's a great time to hit the beaches.

August

28° / 18°

August is equally hot as July with plenty of sunshine. It's the peak tourist season, so book your accommodations in advance.

September

27° / 17°

September is a fantastic time to visit with slightly cooler temperatures than the summer months. The tourist crowds also start to thin out.

October

23° / 15°

October sees a drop in temperature but it's still warm enough for outdoor activities. The city is less crowded making it a great time to explore.

November

18° / 12°

November is the start of the cooler season with more frequent rain showers. It's a quiet month for tourism.

December

15° / 9°

December is a festive time to visit Lisbon with Christmas decorations and markets. The weather is cool and there's a chance of rain.

Did you know?

Did you know that Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating other European capitals such as London, Paris, and Rome by centuries?

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