How to get the most out of 2 days in Lisbon
Have you got 2 days in Lisbon? Perfect – there’s so many wonderful things to see and do. Firstly, Portugal’s vibrant capital is full of history, art, colourful streets and yummy food (including the tasty Portuguese tarts). After visiting the city 3 times, it’s clear that this European city is one that you can visit time and time again.
Usually I like to spend about 2 to 3 days in the city, depending on whether I fancy a day trip out to the beach or to one of the pretty towns. In this 2 days in Lisbon guide, you’ll find all the best things to see, do and eat in and around this wonderful part of southern Europe. This could accompany a bigger Portugal trip, or you could just have a fun city break or a weekend away. These are the highlights of Lisbon.
When is the best time to visit for 2 days in Lisbon?
If you are lucky enough to be able to visit outside of July and August then you should. The city is the busiest and hottest in these months, and it can be uncomfortable. Unless you are going to incorporate a beach holiday and you want the heat. That being said, aim to visit in the shoulder months of April to June or September to October, as the weather will still be lovely and the prices won’t be as expensive.
How to get to Lisbon
With many low-cost airlines flying to Lisbon, it’s usually not too expensive to go from all major European cities. I have managed to fly for less than £45 return with Ryanair from London. It is one of Europe’s busiest airports and is served by over 40 airlines.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is less than 5 miles away from the city. From here there are 2 main options to get to the city centre:
Taxi: it will cost around €20 and take about 20 minutes into the centre. Alternatively you can get an Uber which will be cheaper.
Transfer: we selected one of the best, most trustworthy and most convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your airport transfer. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers and 24/7 support.
- Train: the cheapest and most convenient option is to get on the red metro line. This costs around €1.50 for a single ticket and only takes 20 minutes. If you are choosing this option, you may want to buy a Metrocard.
How to get around for 2 days in Lisbon
Luckily, Lisbon is quite easy to get around and the public transport is convenient and reliable. I used the app Citymapper to get around on public transport and Maps.Me to walk around. If you’re interested in the best travel apps click here for the best 10.
To get around Lisbon, you can:
- Walk: wear some comfortable shoes because walking is a great option in Lisbon, you can get to most of the main sights – if you can brave the hills!
- Ride with an electric Scooter: download the appropriate app, scan the QR code and off you go. For example use the company Lime Scooters. Just be careful and wear a helmet!
- Alternatively, use public transport: metro, train, tram and bus (the historic tram is one of Lisbon’s main attractions).
- Taxi or Uber (usually not too expensive).
Top things to See and Do in or near Lisbon
Use this list to create your own custom itinerary for 2 days in Lisbon. You may wish to do all of the things in the centre on the first day and then take a day trip on the second day. Or you might want to take things much slower? Who am I to judge how you want to spend your city break?
Personally, the first time I came to Lisbon, I was desperate to have a beach day and the weather was NOT on my side. But don’t worry you can pick and choose from this list. No matter what month you visit, no matter rain, shine or heat. You will certainly have fun on your 2 days in Lisbon with this list.
City Attractions
Praça do Comércio
Located in the Baiza district and by the river is Lisbon’s main square. It showcases the beautiful Rua Augusta Arch, the Statue of King Joseph I and bright yellow buildings. The architecture is impressive which makes it a popular spot for tourists.
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and is located on the top of a hill in Alfama. The castle is medieval and you can learn about its history while getting incredible views over Lisbon’s red rooftops and the red bridge. Full price adult tickets cost €10. You can hike to the top, but it involves a lot of steps and if it’s a hot day, you’ll need to bring some water.
Elevador de Santa Justa (The Santa Justa Elevator)
You’re probably wondering, why would I visit a lift if I only have 2 days in Lisbon? However, this lift takes you 45m up to a viewing platform to see the city from above. It is not used in the same way it was when it was built in 1902, and is considered quite a touristy thing to do. It usually opens from 7am, costs €5 to return and you might find queues to go up. Keep in mind that the journey is very short, so if you’re looking to save time and money you might want to walk up to a viewing platform instead.
Tram 28
It would be wrong to have a 2 days in Lisbon guide and not mention this iconic tram. The tram dates back to 1930 and has become one of the ‘must do’ of Lisbon. In the summer months, it can get extremely busy and there are sometimes queues where you’ll have to wait at least 20 minutes. However, if you get there early enough you won’t have any issues, just remember locals use this service too.
Pink Street and Bairro Alto
Rua Nova do Carvalho (better known as the pink street) is one of the coolest areas in the capital. At night, it’s lively with many bars and during the day it’s an Instagram haven. If you wake up early and head here you won’t get any people in your snaps. Although, I quite enjoyed seeing this street full of people.
Alfama District
The neighbourhood of Alfama is the perfect place to walk around due to its colourful houses and narrow alleys. It’s the oldest but also the most beautiful part of the city. Of course, there are many stunning districts but if you’ve only got 2 days in Lisbon, this one should be at the top of your list. It’s full of character and charm and you may find yourself discovering the unexpected. Luckily, you can reach this district by catching Tram 28 or by walking up the steps to the top of the hill.
Lisbon Bridge
No, that’s not the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s the 25 Abril Bridge. Interestingly, this bridge connects northern and southern Lisbon and is definitely an iconic site. You can see it close up or get views above from one of Lisbon’s many viewing platforms or the castle.
Day trips out of Lisbon centre:
Sintra:
Sintra lies around 40 minutes out of the city centre and is just a fabulously magical UNESCO world heritage site. You can reach it via train, taxi (Uber) and on organised tours. It is very touristy and it will take a whole day out of your 2 days in Lisbon trip. For example, I visited the second time I did a weekend trip to the city. I loved walking around, but you may want to get a bus ticket because it was steep and hot to get to the main attractions. These are:
Palácio da Quinta da Regaleira – visit the Initiation Well and walk the picturesque grounds.
Pena Palace – the most famous palace in Sintra with the multi-coloured buildings. It’s postcard perfect.
Cascais
Another 30 minutes train ride out of the city; you will find yourself in Cascais. What’s more, the train journey itself is gorgeous as it goes along the coastline passing the sandy beaches. This is a great afternoon or even day activity. You can relax on the beach; explore the town and visit Boca do Inferno point to see the waves crashing and the rock formations.
Top places to eat and drink for 2 days in Lisbon
Popular places to go:
- Timeout Market: lots of Portuguese dishes all under one roof. This market is over 100 years old and can get very busy. However, every time I visit Lisbon, I go again and again.
- Bairro Alto: the place to be in the evening to drink and eat, especially at the weekend. There are many places you can go here depending on what you like. I loved to eat at Sol E Pesca because it was quirky in every way.
Vegan restaurants I loved:
- Ao 26: this place is just cool, we grabbed a coffee/matcha here and the menu changes daily.
- O Botanista: lovely vibes and healthy food.
- Nicolau Lisboa: try the delicious pancakes. Trust me.
Food you must try in Lisbon:
Pastel de Nata. It would be a crime to leave Lisbon without having one of their delicacies – the egg custard pastry. In most places they will only cost €1-2 and the tip that I heard is that the browner it is on top the better it is. Hurry, you’d better test out that theory.
Where to stay for 2 days in Lisbon
If you’re searching for a place to stay for your 2 days in Lisbon, the areas of Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama would all be great choices to explore the city.
There’s definitely a range of places to stay, from fancy hotels, to Airbnb and hostels. Therefore, no matter your budget there will be somewhere for you.
Finally, I hope you enjoyed this 2 days in Lisbon itinerary. Lisbon is a fast growing capital city that is firmly in the top city breaks in Europe category. It’s actually the 9th most visited city in Europe I’m sure after your taste of 2 days, you’ll soon book your next trip back. I always find it fascinating how much you can see in one or two days, but if you’re into a slower pace of travelling then you will have to return. What a shame…
Photo credit: averagelives.com, pexel, unsplash.
I’m dying to go to Lisbon some day. It looks like such a beautiful city with so much to see!
I’d love to visit Lisbon! It looks like such a vibrant and colourful city! I’d love to visit the pink street! Cascais sounds like a beautiful place too, I’d definitely love to include a day trip in my itinerary! Thanks for the great guide!
I love Lisbon, I went there two times and can’t wait to go back! I love your post!
Lisbon is amazing. I’ve been during the off-season and it was still quite busy. LOved your recommendations. I would encourage a food tour as well.
I’m currently in southern Spain so I would love to hop over the border at some point and visit Lisbon. Your post will be really helpful when I plan my itinerary!
We visited Lisbon a few years ago in December and we had such a great time. The weather was actually quite lovely, and luckily it wasn’t packed with tourists so I agree with you, definitely need to visit Lisbon outside the peak season.
Thanks for sharing this. Seems a very packed 48 hours, my kind of holiday. The crepes with the strawberrys look divine!!
I always skip to the food parts first, because that’s really the best way to experience a place, and I am not disappointed. The food sounds lovely and those pancakes, wow! I’d love to visit Portugal, looks like you can do a lot in a couple of days in Lisbon, it’s such a beautiful city