2 Day Lisbon Itinerary
Two full days, split so you’re not backtracking, with Belém and the river on day one and the Alfama and Bairro Alto on day two.
Two days in Lisbon is enough to properly cover Belém’s monuments and the old town’s steep charm, and still get out to Bairro Alto for a proper evening. Here’s how I’d split it, day by day.
Belém & the River
Start at Belém Tower, then walk to the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a short stroll of each other. Grab a pastel de nata for lunch from a proper Belém bakery, then take in the Monument to the Discoveries on the riverfront.
In the afternoon, walk along the Tagus riverfront back toward the centre, or take the train if the legs are tired. Finish the day with dinner in the Chiado district.
Afternoon The Monument to the Discoveries, the riverfront
Evening Dinner in Chiado
The Alfama & Bairro Alto
Spend the morning riding Tram 28 through the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, then climb to São Jorge Castle for the best panoramic view in the city. The miradouros scattered through the district are worth seeking out too, each with its own character.
In the afternoon, head to Bairro Alto, a properly bohemian neighbourhood by day and one of the liveliest nightlife districts in the city after dark. Catch a fado performance in the evening if you can, a genuinely moving Lisbon tradition.
Afternoon Bairro Alto
Evening Fado and dinner in the Alfama or Bairro Alto
Getting around across both days
Lisbon is genuinely hilly, worth using the funiculars and elevators that connect the steeper districts rather than walking every incline. Tram 28 and the metro both cover the city efficiently, a day ticket is worth it over paying per journey.
If you only have time for one thing each day
Day one, make it Belém Tower, genuinely the single most recognisable symbol of the city. Day two, make it the Alfama, a proper contrast to Belém’s grandeur and the neighbourhood that best captures Lisbon’s character.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
