One Day In Lisbon For First-Timers

How To Best Spend 1 Day In Lisbon

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One day in Lisbon is enough to fall properly in love with the city, but only if you skip the wrong things.

I’ll be honest, when I first planned this trip, I thought a single day in Lisbon would feel rushed. It doesn’t. Lisbon rewards efficient wandering more than most European capitals, because everything worth seeing sits close together, and the city practically forces you to slow down anyway with its hills and tiled streets.

I spent four days in Lisbon eating my way through the city, mostly convincing myself that “just one more” pastel de nata was a reasonable life choice. So this isn’t a guess at what’s worth your time. It’s a shortlist built from actually being there.

Where you stay matters more than people admit. Alfama looks romantic in photos, but the cobbles and stairs get old fast if you’re there for one night only. Baixa or Chiado makes more sense. Central, walkable, close to everything on this list.

Is Lisbon worth visiting for just one day if you’re passing through? Honestly, I was surprised how much of a yes that is. Couples get golden hour views that feel genuinely romantic, not staged. Solo travellers get a city that’s easy to navigate alone and safe to explore after dark.

One thing sticks with me more than anything else from those four days. Renting an electric scooter and riding along the coast as the sun was setting, the wind doing its own thing, the water turning that soft orange colour.

It’s the kind of moment that makes you forgive Lisbon for how touristy Belém gets at midday.

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Map Of Lisbon

Morning

Once you wake in magical Lisbon, breakfast is the first thing.

I recommend trying the Pastéis de Nata, which I call little tarts of heaven.

These are sweet and flaky egg custard tarts and a tasty thing to eat when spending 1 day in Lisbon. I recommend eating at Balcão do Almirante. Once your belly is full, you can go to Praça do Comércio.

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 that you will find many tourists, live music and it 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.

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 hit by an earthquake in 1755 and then crushed by a tsunami.

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 people watching, and one of my favourite things to do was to have a beer and sit on the wall above the sand, right by the river.

April 25 Bridge

I didn’t think a bridge could have a personality until I met this one.

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. 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.

you can see a design along the river with April 25 Bridge in the background

Don’t exclude it if you have only 1 day in Lisbon. The bridge is free to view from along the riverside.

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

Santa Justa Lift is pictured with people walking across it one day in lisbon

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

Though I think it is completely out of sync with its surroundings, it doesn’t mean it’s an impressive design. It does take a long time to get to the top, and with a return ticket costing €6.20 ($7.07/£5.26), or €1.80 ($2.05/£1.53) on a Navegante card, I suggest not wasting time here if you only have one day in Lisbon.

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.

people enjoy the views at Santa Justa Lift on my one day in lisbon itinerary

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. It does take a long time to get to the top, and if you only have one day in Lisbon, then I suggest not wasting time here.

Rossio Square is another interesting place.

It looks brilliant in the morning light, and if you get there early, it actually feels local, not staged.

It is free to walk around, but you can expect some people there during the middle of the day.

rossario square is the Monument to the Restorers (Monumento aos Restauradores) in Praça dos Restauradores

About 200 metres from the 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 either end of the square are worth admiring too.

To me, this place sums up Lisbon’s style and architecture completely.

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Afternoon

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 the most iconic attractions in Lisbon. It costs €15.00 ($17.10/£12.74) to enter the museum, and you can book in advance here. It is open from 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM.

The tower reopened in Late May 2026 after renovations.

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.

Belém Tower is a mix of Gothic and Manueline styles, and over time has become symbolic of the harbour. While I did not enter due to time constraints, the first thing I will do when I revisit is climb the tower.

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cool 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.

By Marshall Henrie – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29184903

This place is open 09.30 AM–5.30 PM, last entry 5.00 PM, and is closed Mondays.

The Jerónimos Monastery, also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, was constructed in the 16th century and is considered a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. The cost to enter here is €12.00 ($13.68/£10.19) per person.

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.

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Evening

As the sun starts to set, it doesn’t mean the fun is over.

lisbon is pictured from the bridge and skyline with yellow and red buildings

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 great view before you.

There will be plenty of others doing the same, and if the weather is good, you will be treated to a beautiful view of the city. The castle is open from 09.00 AM – 09.00 PM and costs €17.00 ($19.39/£14.43) per person.

There will be plenty of people around at sunset, so just before that, get there and find a comfortable place to sit.

Located in the Alfama district of Lisbon, the iconic castle was built in the 11th century. Most guides send you here at opening to beat the queue; I’d argue sunset is worth the trade-off because the colour of the sky and atmosphere is more relaxed.

sunset over lisbon in my one day itinerary

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

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. One of the popular things to do is ramparts walk. The defensive stone walls will give you the best viewpoint of the city.

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. If you have time, you can also visit the 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 can once again get wonderful panoramas of the sea and surroundings.

Nighttime

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.

I loved walking around the city at night.

The streets are often illuminated, and the lights give off a noir look which I loved. Praça Luís de Camões had many small streets nearby with restaurants, people and chatter.

Bairro Alto is an active neighbourhood, with a busy nightlife, and people go there for a variety of reasons. It is also 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

I did not know how easy it was to get to Lisbon, and that embarrassed me.

Portugal’s capital is very well connected by its airport, seaports and also by roadways. You can get there by plane, train or bus.

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 €1.90 ($2.17/£1.61) per trip plus €0.50 for a reusable Navegante Card.

Additionally, you can get the bus from the airport for a fee of €1.90 ($2.17/£1.61) with a Navegante Occasional Card €1.72 ($1.96/£1.46), and it costs €2.30 ($2.62/£1.95) if purchased onboard.

By Train

There is no direct train from Madrid to Lisbon.

Thanks to the pandemic, this was ceased and 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. 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.

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When To Visit Lisbon?

The best time to visit Lisbon is from March to May and September to October.

people walk past a tram in the street in lisbon

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

But Lisbon is a city that can be enjoyed throughout the year. I visited Lisbon in December. Though I needed a jacket, it was always sunny and dry.

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.

Summer

In summer, Lisbon is hot with highs of 27°C–30°C (81°F–86°F) in July and August.

You will undoubtedly experience the hottest weather of the year in July and August. 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°C (86°F). 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°C (64°F) and 22°C (72°F).

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 I visited in December, the temperatures were very mild. I needed my jacket every day when exploring. The temperatures were always around 10°C (50°F) during the day and colder at night.

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. After spending 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?

Getting around Lisbon was smoother than half the cities I’ve done in Europe.

One option is to get the Navegante Card (formerly the Viva Viagem card). For the metro, bus, ferry and tram, costs are all together under one flat rate.

Standard single ride: €1.90 ($2.17/£1.61)
With Navegante zapping credit: €1.72 ($1.96/£1.46)
24-hour Carris/Metro pass: €7.25 ($8.27/£6.16)

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

You can buy your Navegante 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 ($0.57/£0.42) 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.

I used the scooters so often in Lisbon, and I got used to them. I wish my hometown had these scooters.

You can download an app, add your credit card details, find a scooter, 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.

But it is more dangerous.

Is The Lisbon Card Worth It For One Day?

The Lisbon Card is worth the investment for a day in Lisbon if you plan to see lots and don’t mind rushing.

That's the Monument to the Overseas Combatants is pictured on my one day in lisbon itinerary

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 ($25.09/£18.68) 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 Navegante Card cannot be purchased online, whereas you can order your Lisbon card online.

Belém Tower alone costs €15.00, and a day of public transport runs you about €6.50 with the Navegante card. That’s €21.50, close to the €22.00 card price, before you’ve paid for a single museum. Add in Jerónimos or the São Jorge Castle, and the card pays for itself.

If you plan to spend your time leisurely, then it may not be a good choice.

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Where To Stay In Lisbon?

I stayed in Arroios, but the hotel has since closed.

line of guards are pictured in lisbon in my one day itinerary

I found this to be a great location, only a 30-minute walk to Praça do Comércio. But Lisbon has many different neighbourhoods, all of which have pros and cons for your consideration.

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 have the best restaurants.

Baixa

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

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, 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 not short of colour. Choose from the many eateries and indulge in the famous Pastéis de Nata or Bacalhau 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 great 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.

I would stay in Baixa or Bairro Alto if I revisit because of the nightlife and atmosphere.

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lisbon centre is pictured on my one day in lisbon itinerary

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. 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 (12.00 PM – 03.00 PM in summer). Of course, there is a great metro system which you can use to save energy and your feet.

A quick note: if you’re picturing those famous yellow funiculars, the Glória, Bica, and Lavra have all been closed since a fatal accident in September 2025, and there’s still no confirmed date for reopening. Santa Justa Lift is a separate operation and isn’t affected, but I’d skip it too given the queue, as I mentioned earlier. Tram 28 remains your best bet for saving your legs on the hills.

It leads up through Alfama and Graça’s steepest streets and follows the same route trams have used since 1901. A single ticket costs €3.00 ($3.42/£2.55), and you can buy it onboard; however, it is cheaper with a Navegante card.

But it does get so packed fast, especially in the summer, so don’t expect a seat if you’re boarding anywhere past the first couple of stops.

Is One Day In Lisbon Worth It?

Lisbon is packed full of fun things to do in a single day.

You can certainly experience some of the best places in 24 hours.

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 brilliant 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?

You can have a fantastic one 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 Comércio to start your Lisboa experience. No doubt the city will hook you, 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 Nicer, Porto Or Lisbon?

Both Porto and Lisbon are beautiful cities. I found Porto to be smaller with less sunshine and more rain. Whereas Lisbon is usually sunny and warmer, with lots of day trips to do. I thought Porto was nicer. The food, views and churches in the city are fantastic, but both cities offer great trips.

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