2-Day Family Sightseeing and Relaxation Itinerary in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

2 days

Lisbon, Portugal
Rossio square
City street with yellow funicular
Marques Pombal Square Monument
Statue of King Joze I

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.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Alfama and Belem

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the historic neighborhood of Alfama. Wander through its narrow, winding streets and take in the traditional Portuguese architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the local flea market for some unique souvenirs.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in one of the local restaurants in the area. Try some of the local delicacies like Bacalhau a Bras or Caldo Verde.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Belem district. Here, you can visit the iconic Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Don't forget to try the famous Pasteis de Belem, a traditional Portuguese custard tart.

Dinner

Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant in the Bairro Alto district. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of restaurants offering international and local cuisine.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Tagus River. The riverside area is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering beautiful views of the city and the river.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It's a great place for families, with a wide variety of marine life to see.

Lunch

Have lunch in one of the restaurants in the Parque das Nacoes area. The area offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international dishes.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a tram ride to the historic district of Baixa. Here, you can visit the Praca do Comercio, one of the largest squares in Europe, and the Santa Justa Lift, a historic elevator offering panoramic views of the city.

Dinner

Enjoy your last dinner in Lisbon in a restaurant in the Chiado district. This area is known for its upscale restaurants and boutiques.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Sao Jorge Castle. The castle offers stunning views of the city and is a perfect place to relax and reflect on your trip.

Attractions in Itinerary (8)

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
Belem Tower

2
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

3
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
Tagus River

4
Tagus River

The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, offering boat tours and watersports.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Oceanarium

5
Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the finest aquariums in the world. It houses a large collection of marine species, including birds, mammals, fish, and other marine organisms.

Attractions
Museums
Praca do Comercio

6
Praca do Comercio

Praca do Comercio, also known as Commerce Square, is one of the most important squares in Lisbon. It's known for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and the statue of King Jose I in the center.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Santa Justa Lift

7
Santa Justa Lift

An iconic wrought-iron elevator that offers panoramic views of the city. It was built in 1902 and is a popular tourist attraction.

Attractions
Landmarks
Sao Jorge Castle

8
Sao Jorge Castle

Sao Jorge Castle is a Moorish castle that sits on a hilltop overlooking the historic center of Lisbon and the Tagus River. It's one of the main historical and touristic sites of the city.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks

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

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear (if planning to visit the beach)

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Pajamas

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-sized body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Euros)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Portable power bank

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel guidebook for Lisbon

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Umbrella or raincoat

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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