Itineraries for Your Trip to Lisbon
Sunset falls on Lisbon, Portugal.
Editor’s note: The Belém Tower is currently closed for renovations.
Lisbon—let me count the ways I love you. Portugal’s capital might have experienced a dramatic spike in popularity these past few years, but it hasn’t let this new-found fame go to its head. Thanks to its compact size, the city still maintains an intimate charm that’s heightened by the cobbled streets, brightly colored buildings, and atmospherically lit bars of its neighborhoods.
I’ve been visiting Lisbon annually for more than a decade now since my mum moved from England to the Algarve. I always insist on taking the detour as the city never fails to offer up something new, whether that’s in the form of a world-class gallery, chic restaurant, or secret beach on its outskirts. If you’ve got two days in one of my favorite places in Europe, here’s how to spend them.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Sintra—it’s like stepping into a fairy tale.
Climbing Lisbon’s seven hills can be sweltering in summer, so take extra water and sun protection if you’re exploring from June through August.
Spend your first morning getting your bearings in Lisbon on a tuk-tuk tour that covers top attractions such as Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), the city’s grandest square; Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood; and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte), a stunning lookout point.
This afternoon, eat your way around the lively Baixa District (Lower Town) on a food and wine tour. Sample the famous pork bifana sandwiches, flaming chorizo, and local cheeses in traditional taverns, and stop along the way to admire churches and landmarks scattered throughout the cobbled streets.
Now that you’ve explored the city on land, take to the Tagus River this evening to watch the sunset over the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) and Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle). Back on terra firma, squeeze in a wine-tasting session before heading out to dinner in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, famous for its wealth of restaurants.
This morning, head beyond the city limits to the fairy-tale land of Sintra, where UNESCO–listed landscapes are home to the candy-colored Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena) and the 8th-century Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros), with its dramatic hilltop perch. Opt for a tour with skip-the-line admission tickets to make the most of just a morning in this extraordinary enclave.
Back in Lisbon, it’s time to jump on a bike and head out to the riverfront district of Belém, famous for its exquisite pasteis de nata (custard tarts) and historical architecture. Admire the UNESCO–listed Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), a medieval monolith, and the 16th-century Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos).
