Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and is known for its beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, and friendly people. So if you’re spending a day in Lisbon, you’ll want to make the most of it.
While there’s plenty to see and do in the city center, there’s also plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas. Here are some ideas for how to spend your day in Lisbon.
How to Spend One Day in Lisbon
9:00 am: Start your day with a pastel de nata from one of Lisbon’s many famous bakeries. A pastel de nata is a Portuguese egg tart pastry that is delicious. We recommend going to Pastéis de Belém which is one of the most popular bakeries in Lisbon.
10:30 am: After enjoying your pastel de nata, take a walk through Parque Eduardo VII. This park is huge and has something for everyone, from flower gardens to fountains to playgrounds for kids. You can even rent a bike and explore the park that way.
12:00 pm: For lunch, we recommend heading to Botequim Bottega. This restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. Their menu changes frequently but some of our favorites include the codfish fritters and the grilled octopus.
2:00 pm: After lunch, walk off your meal by taking a stroll through some of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods. We recommend exploring Alfama (Lisbon’s oldest district), Chiado (a fashionable shopping district), and Baixa (Lisbon’s central district). As you wander through these beautiful neighborhoods, be sure to keep an eye out for some of Lisbon’s famous tile work.
4:00 pm: When you start to feel fatigue setting in, head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a quick nap. Trust us, you’ll need it for the rest of your day.
7:00 pm: For dinner, we recommend going to Cervejaria Ramiro. This seafood restaurant is world-famous for its lobster spaghetti, definitely something you don’t want to miss. They also have an extensive wine list if you’re looking to pair your meal with a nice glass of vinho tinto.
9:30 pm: After dinner, walk down Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s main boulevard. This street is full of high-end shops. However, even if you’re not looking to spend any money, it’s still worth checking out. At night, the street is lit up with beautiful lights and there’s always something going on.
11:30 pm: To end your perfect day in Lisbon, head to one of the city’s many rooftop bars for some drinks with a view. Our personal favorite is Park Bar at Hotel Mundial. This bar has an amazing view of both the city and the river below.
Other Great Sites to See in Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country with so much to offer visitors. If you’re spending more than a day in Lisbon, we also recommend checking out some of the other great sites Portugal has to offer.
1. The Algarve Coast. This coastline is known for its stunning beaches and rocky cliffs. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for some relaxation time by the water.
2. Sintra. This historic town is located in the mountains west of Lisbon and is home to some of the most beautiful palaces and castles in the country.
3. The Douro Valley. This wine-growing region is located in the north of Portugal and is known for its terraced vineyards and charming villages. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re a wine lover.
4. Porto. This city is located in the north of Portugal on the Douro River. It’s known for its port wine and beautiful bridges.
5. Madeira Island. This island is located off the coast of Africa and is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush gardens, and sandy beaches.
Ready, Set, Go: Getting Started in Lisbon
Lisbon is a beautiful city with so much to offer visitors. We hope this guide has helped you plan the perfect day in Lisbon. Remember to pace yourself and take some time to enjoy all that this city has to offer.
If you’re looking for somewhere to store your luggage while you’re out, there are plenty of options. Many hotels offer luggage storage in Lisbon. There are also a few local businesses as well as the transportation hub, the Oriente Station, that offer storage for a fee.
Once you get that settled, a great way to see a lot of Lisbon is to take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This will allow you to see all the main sights and attractions, as well as allow you to explore some of the areas that interest you the most.
Another perfect way to see Lisbon is on foot. The city is full of narrow streets and alleyways, so it’s the perfect place to wander around and explore. No matter what you’re looking for, Portugal has something to offer everyone, in every way.
