One Day In Lisbon: How To Best Spend 24 Hours (Includes Map)

How To Spend 1 Day In Lisbon

Does spending only one day in Lisbon sound impossible? Well, it’s totally not.

After exploring 11 European countries and spending over a year travelling through Asia, I’ve written this detailed guide to help you experience the best of Portugal’s capital in just 24 hours.

Having immersed myself in the city for 4 full days, I’ve visited the absolute must-sees in this perfect itinerary.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer or travelling as a couple, this guide will ensure you don’t miss any of Lisbon’s highlights.

From historic trams climbing steep hills to the aroma of freshly baked pastéis de nata, I’ll show you how to make every minute count in this enchanting city.

What makes this guide special? No tourist traps, just authentic experiences that showcase the best of Lisbon’s culture, cuisine, and charm.

Let’s see what Lisbon has to offer.

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1 Day Lisbon Itinerary Map

Fonte Norte do Rossio in fossil square Lisbon at night time. this time facing back at the southern Fonte Sul do Rossio

Morning: 1 Day In Lisbon

Once you wake in magical Lisbon breakfast is a must.

I recommend trying the Pastéis de Nata , which I call little tarts of heaven. These are a sweet and flaky egg custard tart and a must-try when spending 1 day in Lisbon. Magical stuff!

Once your belly is full you can go to Praça do Comércio.

a busy Praça do Comércio in the centre of lisbon. blue sky with many people walking through the middle

Praça do Comércio is one of the biggest squares in all of Europe and it is impressive to walk around on a sunny morning and soak up the great atmosphere.

It is in this square where you will find many tourists, live music and is a great place for a beer beside the Tagus River.

You will be able to join a walking tour in the square which is always great for learning about a new city and you will see guides standing about with some groups or doing their best to attract you.

What struck me was the architecture.

a busy Praça do Comércio in the centre of lisbon. blue sky with many people walking through the middle. this time with views to the sea

You will be surrounded on three sides by magnificent structures where Ribeira Palace – the residence of the Portuguese Royal Family once stood until it was crushed by a tsunami and 1755 earthquake.

Today, the palace has been replaced by the Commerce Square Arch, aka Rua Augusta Arch, a triumphal arch which serves as the entrance to the square. One of my favourite pieces of Lisbon’s architecture.

Spend some time time people watching and one of my favourite things to do was to have a beer and sit on the wall beside the beach.

April 25 Bridge

You can get great views of the April 25 bridge, situated on the other side of the Tagus River.

No doubt this view is postcard-worthy so make sure you get a photo here for Instagram too if that’s your gig.

Check out this post to see the top 10 best viewpoints in Lisbon!

Praça do Comércio is not only a significant historical and architectural landmark but also a vibrant and lively space which showcases the charm and beauty of Lisbon.

You could spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours here.

Don’t exclude it should you have only 1 day in Lisbon!

Once you complete Praça do Comércio make the ten-minute walk to another famous site in Lisbon – Santa Justa Lift.

a view from the ground of Santa Justa Lift. Many people can be seen on the platform

Designed by Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard this 45-metre-tall lift was built in 1902 to bridge Baixa district with Carmo Square.

Though I think it is completely out of sync with its surroundings it doesn’t mean its an impressive design.

I could imagine it being part of a Batman movie, but no, it’s in the centre of Lisbon waiting for eager tourists and locals.

At the top, you will be treated to wonderful views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The Santa Justa Lift isn’t purely for display as it is functional as well as a fine construct.

This place is well worth a visit!

a view from the ground of Santa Justa Lift. Many people can be seen on the platform. this time from a more acute angle

Rossio Square is another awesome point of interest.

Fonte Norte do Rossio in fossil square Lisbon at night time. 1 day Lisbon Itinerary

About 200 hundred metres from Santa Justa lift you can walk here or rent an electric scooter. This mode of transportation is very popular in Lisbon and so much fun!

As you walk through the square you may feel like the ground is moving but no. The black and white design is a quirky and unique style which gives the square its edge.

Watch out for Fonte Sul do Rossio, Praça Dom Pedro IV and Fonte Norte do Rossio which are the main highlights in the square.

Also, the Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II and Arco do Bandeira at eighter end of the square are worth admiring too. To me, this place sums up Lisbon’s style and architecture completely.

Afternoon: 1 Day In Lisbon

The public transportation system in Lisbon is great. You will see many trams gliding along the streets so make sure you use this to your advantage if you want to cram as much as possible into 1 day in Lisbon.

From Praça do Comércio you can use the tram to get to Belém Tower one of if not the most iconic attractions in Lisbon.

Belém Tower. many people walk across the wooden bridge to get there. the sun reflects onto the tower

In the 16th century, Lisbon needed something powerful to guard the city’s harbour. The result is Belém Tower, a fortress which was key in the country’s maritime adventures back in the age of discoveries.

The architecture of Belém Tower is a stunning blend of Gothic and Manueline styles, and over time has become symbolic of the harbour.

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Lisbon in one day.

Once finished at Belém Tower you can walk twenty minutes to Jerónimos Monastery another iconic site in Lisbon.

a photo from inside Jerónimos Monastery. Magical architecture related to maritime — photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jer%C3%B3nimos_Monastery#/media/File:The_Jer%C3%B3nimos_Monastery_or_Hieronymites_Monastery.png

The Jerónimos Monastery, also known as the Hieronymites Monastery was constructed in the 16th century and is considered a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.

Suitably this monastery is renowned for its maritime motifs which fit well with Lisbon as a city located on the coast.

King Manuel I wanted to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India and therefore chose to erect this impressive landmark.

If you look closely you will see the ropes, anchors and sea life recreated with the architecture and it is within this monastery where Vasco De Gama is laid to rest.

Today, the Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Lisbon’s most visited landmarks.

Evening: 1 Day in Lisbon

As the sun starts to set it doesn’t mean the fun is over. Lisbon city centre is a hive of activity 24/7!

For me, one of the most memorable things to do in Lisbon is to walk up to Castelo de S. Jorge (Saint Jorge Castle). Here you can sit with a beer and enjoy the stunning view before you.

There will be plenty of others doing the same and if the weather is good you will be treated to an awesome view of the city.

wonderful view of the city of Lisbon from saint Jorge Castle

Located in the Alfama district of Lisbon, the iconic castle was built in the 11th century.

If you enter inside you can explore the courtyard, and high walls and feel like royalty as you gaze down upon Lisbon.

If you have time you can enter the castle museum too and get a deeper insight into the castle’s significance.

You can see as far as the Sanctuary of Christ the King on the other side of the Tagus River.

If you are tired you can take the outdoor elevator up or walk if you have the energy. Either way, this will be the highlight of your one day in Lisbon in my opinion.

wonderful view of saint Jorge Castle from the city of Lisbon — photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Jorge_Castle#/media/File:LisbonCastle.jpg

If you have time, you can also visit the secret viewpoint in Lisbon – Torre Da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge. This is only a few minutes walk from the castle.

It is easily accessible and you once again can get wonderful panoramas of the sea and surroundings.

Nighttime: 1 Day in Lisbon

At night you can enjoy some of the best Portuguese food and wine followed by lively dancing and partying if that is what you want.

Bairro Alto nightlife is an active neighbourhood and people go there for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, Bairro Alto is famous for its numerous bars and clubs. Here you can find live music and DJ sets, or even if you want to enjoy a casual drink with friends, you’ll find the perfect place.

Getting To Lisbon

Thankfully, Portugal’s capital is very well connected by its airport, seaports and also by roadways.

By Air

If you fly into Lisbon, you will land at the biggest airport in the country.

Humberto Delgado Airport has flights coming from South America, North America, Africa and Europe.

Lufthansa, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Emirates all fly into Lisbon.

From the airport, you can get the Metro (red line) to the city centre for a fee of €1.45 per trip plus €0.50 for a reusable Navegante Card.

Additionally, you can get the bus from the airport for a fee of €1.80 with a Navegante Occasional Card (€0.50), and it costs €2.10 if purchased onboard.

By Train

There is no direct train from Madrid to Lisbon.

Thanks to the pandemic, this was ceased and till has not resumed.

To get to Lisbon by train, you need to get off in Badajoz and take the bus from there, making the journey much longer and more difficult.

You will be much better off flying from Madrid to Lisbon.

By Bus

As mentioned above, you can get the bus from Badajoz to Lisbon.

The city is much better connected by bus than by train.

Incredibly, you can get to Lisbon from many major European cities such as Amsterdam, Seville, Barcelona, Paris and even Milan.

Sure, they will take a long time with numerous stops along the way, so flying is a no-brainer.

For a cool city to explore further north, you could drive from Lisbon to Porto if you have the time.

When To Visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is a city that can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and what you want to experience.

I visited Lisbon in December. Though I needed a jacket, it was always sunny and dry.

a boat with the sun setting in the background an the Tagus river ion Lisbon

The city has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and hot summers.

Spring

For a comfortable one day in Lisbon, consider travelling in April, May or June.

The weather is very pleasant, and the temperatures are usually mild. Somewhere between the high teens and low twenties. This sounds just perfect if you ask me.

Think eating outdoors, slow strolls through the streets and enjoying the sunshine all throughout the day.

What’s not to love?

Summer

In summer Lisbon is interesting.

You will undoubtedly experience the hottest weather of the year in July and August. Even in the winter, it can be warm. Also, most tourists will flock to Lisbon during this time.

Bring water. The weather is hot and very dry. The temperature will easily reach the high twenties and maybe hit 30 degrees.

However, the city will be buzzing with life, festivals and outdoor concerts.

You can expect to see the beaches packed with people. Swimming is common, and you will have more daylight at this time of year.

Fall

For a much cooler experience than the hot summer months and a little milder than the winter, spend your one day in Lisbon between October and November.

The weather will be a nice, mild temperature somewhere between 18 and 22 degrees, to be honest.

I would argue it’s a great time to see all the attractions listed above to avoid the sweltering summer months and chilly winter weather.

Winter

If you want to find the best time to visit Lisbon with the fewest number of other tourists, then December, January, or February is for you.

When we visited in December, the temperatures were very mild. I needed my jacket every day when exploring. The temperatures were always around 10 degrees Celsius during the day and colder at nights.

Luckily, I could experience the Christmas atmosphere although it was a few days after Christmas. The silly season vibe was in motion, and it felt good to be around the city at this time.

All things considered, the best time to go to Lisbon will be based on what YOU want.

After spending an amazing 4 days in the city, in the winter, I would love to see what it’s like in the summer months. When you go, no doubt it will be worth visiting.

How to Get Around Lisbon in One Day?

One option is to get the Navegante Card (formerly the Viva Viagem card).

The beauty of the card is that you can use it on pretty much all public transport in Lisbon.

Your one day in Lisbon can be spent moving about on ferry, tram, train, metro and bus though you may not need to use them all!

a view of the April 25 bridge in Lisbon with one people walking along the Tagus river. The sky is blue and beautiful

You can buy your Nevegante card at any metro, train or ferry station.

There are many scattered around the city so once you find the nearest one top it up and you are good to go.

A one-time purchase of €0.50 means it is reasonable. You can check your balance once you enter the card in any metro station machine.

If that isn’t exciting enough for you, there are hundreds if not thousands of electric scooters idle around the city.

You can download an app, add your credit card details, find an abandoned scooter and scan the QR code and there you have your scooter.

You can rent it for a few hours or a day. Choose wisely as it can be expensive if you don’t rent it for the full day.

This is a fun way to travel to the city of Lisboa!

Albeit more dangerous!

Is The Lisbon Card Worth It For One Day?

If you want to see as much as possible, then the Lisbon Card could be for you.

As public transportation in Lisbon is vast and has many good options, it will allow you to move smoothly and quickly.

Costing from €22.00 per person, it gives buyers access to the best museums and sites in the city, meaning you will have a full itinerary for your day in Lisbon.

The Navegente Card cannot be purchased online where as you can order your Lisbon card online.

Both are great options for maximising your time exploring Lisbon.

You can always visit Sintra if you have more time in Lisbon.

Where to Stay in Lisbon?

Lisbon has many different neighbourhoods all of which have pros and cons for your consideration.

night time in Lisbon. people walk through the narrow cobblestone streets with lights above their heads

But to maximise your activities in one day in Lisbon, I will list the three main neighbourhoods to consider.

They are close to public transport, located centrally with most tourist attractions and they the have best restaurants.

Baixa

Baixa is a great first choice to go with when visiting Lisbon. Why?

This neighbourhood is located in the heart of Lisbon, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.

Many of the city’s top attractions, such as Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square, are within walking distance.

The Baixa-Chiado metro station allows you to easily access different areas of Lisbon.

Baixa is famous for its neoclassical buildings and wide tree-lined boulevards. It is a beautiful part of the city to set up camp.

Also, Baixa is a lively neighbourhood with a lot going on all day and night too. If you want energy and locals looking to mingle with then this will be top of your list!

Bairro Alto

If you’re visiting Lisbon, staying in Bairro Alto would be a fantastic choice!

Bairro Alto has a lively feel and good fun at night. If you are seeking to meet new people when you get to Lisbon, then this is the place for you.

Walk the charming narrow streets which are certainly short of colour. Choose from the many eateries and indulge in the famous Pastéis de Nata or Bachalau to get a full Lisboa experience.

When the sun sets, be prepared for the volume to rise as the streets come alive with music, bars and other entertainment. Enjoy a few Sagres with the locals to top off a great day exploring this wonderful European capital which I loved and couldn’t recommend enough.

Alfama

For a more rustic stay, consider Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods. With its narrow, colourful streets, it captures the true essence of Lisbon.

One advantage of staying in Alfama is its proximity to the iconic Castelo de S. Jorge.

Having this popular landmark on your doorstep makes exploring convenient, and the stunning views from the castle’s heights are unforgettable.

While the castle is a major draw, Alfama offers even more attractions.

You might find yourself enchanted by traditional fado music drifting from local bars, inviting you in for an authentic Portuguese experience.

You can check out some more Portugal accommodation options right here.

Is Lisbon Easy to walk around?

Lisbon does have many hilly areas.

Bairro Alto and Alfama are the most difficult to navigate. But overall, the city is generally easy to walk around in. The streets are pedestrian-friendly with well-maintained sidewalks.

When I visited, I did find my quads burning at times from the hills, but nothing too tricky.

You can use many of the elevators like Santa Justa Lift to make it easier. Wear comfortable shoes with decent grip. The streets are cobblestone and if it’s a little wet, you want to have good footwear.

Another thing to do is to avoid the steepest hills during the hottest part of the day in Lisbon (12pm-3pm in summer).

Of course, there is a great metro system which you can use to save energy and your feet.

Why not take advantage of this, especially when it can be so hot.

Conclusion/Final Thoughts

That is my one day in Lisbon itinerary.

It’s packed full of amazing things to do in a single day. My personal favourite was the view from Castelo de São Jorge and Praça do Comércio.

The architecture, the colours, and the vibes did it for me. The cobblestone streets are remarkable, and the food, don’t get me started on the food again!

The most amazing seafood can be found in Lisbon, and if you only have 1 day in Lisbon, you need to make the most of it.

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Any questions, just ask.

Thanks for reading,

James

FAQs

Can You Do Lisbon In One Day?

Of course not. Is there any capital that can be fully completed in one day? I doubt it. But that doesn’t mean you can have a fantastic 1 day trip to Lisbon. The wonderful transportation system allows you to easily move and there is no shortage of things to do, eat and drink. Make sure you visit Santa Justa Lift, Rossio Square and Praça do Comérciot to start your Lisboa experience. No doubt the city will hook and if you can only spend one day here this time around, it will call you back in no time for more.

What Not To Miss In Lisbon?

The things you cannot miss in Lisbon during one day include the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and Praça do Comércio. These sites are the essence of Lisbon. The look and feel of these attractions are unique, and I urge you to include them on your one-day trip. You need to try pastéis de nata too, the quintessential Portuguese treat.

What Is The Prettiest Part Of Lisbon?

For me, the most beautiful part of Lisbon is Alfama. The red-tiled roofs at sunset bathe the city in a reddish-pink glow that’s truly magnificent. The narrow, winding streets are delightful—you never know what hidden gem you’ll discover around the next corner. From atop Castelo de São Jorge, the views of the city are absolutely postcard-perfect. When visiting Lisbon, make sure to include at least one of these spots in your day trip.

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