Hey there, fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of Lisbon in just 24 hours? Well, buckle up because I’m about to take you on a whirlwind tour of this captivating city! From the winding streets of Alfama to the vibrant energy of Pink Street, we’re going to pack in all the must-see Lisbon attractions and uncover some hidden gems along the way. Get ready to explore Lisbon in one day!
If you need to know the things to do in Lisbon in a day, you have come to the right place… Get ready to explore ancient cathedrals, ride iconic lifts, and soak in breathtaking views from Lisbon’s best viewpoints. We’ll feast on mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine, sip cocktails in stunning settings, and even learn a secret tip or two. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, join me as we discover the best things to do in Lisbon and create unforgettable memories in just one day!
Morning: Exploring Historic Alfama
I woke up excited to start my day in Lisbon! After a quick breakfast of Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts) and coffee at a nearby café, I was ready to explore. Let me tell you, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with these little tarts, but they were so delicious that I ended up eating them every chance I got!
To kick off our adventure, I highly recommend booking a TukTuk tour with iTukYou. It’s a fantastic way to discover Lisbon with locals who know all the best spots. They offer city tours that’ll give you a great overview of Lisbon’s highlights.
Explore The Lisbon Cathedral
Our first stop was the magnificent Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Church of Santa Maria Maior. This incredible monument dates back to 1147 and has survived battles and earthquakes over the centuries. As I stepped inside, I was struck by the mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. The cathedral’s interior is a treasure trove of history. I was fascinated by the nativity scene created in 1766 and the font where St. Anthony was baptized in 1195. The Gothic cloisters are a must-see, with archaeological excavations revealing layers of Lisbon’s 3000-year history.
Wander to the Santa Justa Lift
Next, we made our way to the iconic Santa Justa Lift. This Neo-Gothic marvel, over 100 years old, stands out among Lisbon’s traditional buildings. It’s not just a means of transport between the Baixa and Barrio Alto neighborhoods; it’s a unique attraction in itself. *INSIDER TIP* There is a way to get up to this lift without paying or waiting in line! Wanna know how? Stick around and I’ll spill the tea…
(OK…Tea Spilled) Now, here’s where I’ll let you in on a little secret. Instead of waiting in the long queue at the base of the Santa Justa Lift, I took a short walk up the hill. In just five minutes, I reached the top and accessed the observation deck for absolutely FREE. The panoramic views of Lisbon from up there were absolutely breathtaking! (I will be posting on Instagram soon, exact directions on how to get to this access point).
Afternoon: Take in the viewpoints of Lisbon
After lunch, I was ready to explore some of Lisbon’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Our tour guide took us to three incredible spots that offered stunning panoramas of the city.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol- Our first stop was the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and wow, what a view! This huge balcony overlooks the entire Alfama neighborhood, and it’s easy to see why it’s on so many postcards. I felt like I was looking at a colorful Mediterranean village cascading down to the waterfront. The skyline was dotted with the towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent and the dome of the National Pantheon. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos! There’s a cute kiosk serving refreshments, perfect for a quick break. I also spotted the famous No. 28 tram passing by, adding to the charm of the scene.
Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte – Next up was the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte, and let me tell you, it was worth the climb! Sitting at the highest point of the Graça neighborhood, this viewpoint offers a 210-degree view of Lisbon. I could see all the way to the Cristo Rei statue on a clear day! The atmosphere here was vibrant, with musicians playing and pop-up bars serving drinks. I loved the shaded garden area – it was a great spot to rest and soak in the views. Our guide mentioned that it’s a popular sunset spot, and I can see why. The westward-facing view must be magical as the city lights start to twinkle on.
Monastery of São Vicente de Fora – Our final stop was the São Vicente de Fora monastery. I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much beyond the views, but I was pleasantly surprised. The rooftop offers an impressive panorama of Lisbon. Inside, I discovered a treasure trove of azulejos (hand-painted tiles) and beautiful marble work. It was a unexpected bonus to our viewpoint tour! As we wrapped up our afternoon of spectacular views, I couldn’t help but feel in awe of Lisbon’s beauty. Each viewpoint offered a unique perspective of the city, and I found myself falling more in love with Lisbon with every vista.
Evening: Sunset walk by the riverfront and dinner
As the sun began to set, I decided to take a leisurely stroll along Lisbon’s beautiful riverfront. The golden light reflecting off the Tagus River was simply magical, setting the perfect mood for the evening ahead.
Dinner with a friend, at a traditional taverna I made my way to a charming local taverna, excited to try some authentic Portuguese cuisine. The menu was filled with mouthwatering options, but I couldn’t resist ordering the octopus and a glass of vinho verde. The flavors were incredible, and I found myself savoring every bite.
Then, we head to the Pink Street for some fun photos and after dinner drinks at some of the most interesting bars
After dinner, I headed to the famous Pink Street, or Rua Cor de Rosa as the locals call it. This vibrant pedestrian street in Cais do Sodré was buzzing with energy. I couldn’t resist snapping some fun photos of the pink-painted pavement before diving into the nightlife scene. I started at Pensão Amor, a quirky bar with bold decor that used to be a former brothel. The atmosphere was electric, and I loved the unique cocktails they served. Next, I popped into Music Box, where live music had the crowd dancing well into the night.
Finally, top off your night with a cocktail at Palacio Chiado the prettiest restaurant & bar in Lisbon! To end the night on a high note, I made my way to Palácio Chiado. This stunning 18th-century palace turned restaurant and bar took my breath away. The elegant interiors and exquisite cocktails made for a truly unforgettable experience. As I sipped my drink, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this perfect day in Lisbon.
So, in conclusion, is it possible to see a lot of Lisbon in a day, yes…should you try to spend more than 24-hours there? Absolutely! This city is amazing and there is so much more to see and do. But, as I always say, if you don’t leave something to do next time, then why would you need to return?
Want more content like this? Make sure you follow me on Instagram and sign up for my Newsletter where I share content to empower women to reclaim their spark through travel! I like to share travel tips, laughs and wanderlust vibes! Join my travel journey!
