Whether you’re heading to Lisbon for a long weekend or tacking it onto a bigger Portugal itinerary, this city is packed with vibrant colors, winding streets, incredible food, and postcard-worthy views. This guide will give you my personal recommendations for 48 hours (or longer) in this magical city.
And just a heads up: this itinerary covers a Friday to Sunday in Lisbon, because what city doesn’t shine brightest on a weekend? Read on for 48 hours in Lisbon, Portugal, where I’ll share exactly what we did, what I’d do differently, and where to eat, drink, stay, and explore.
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Table of Contents
- Details about Lisbon
- How to Get to Lisbon
- How to Get Around the City
- Where to Stay in Lisbon (my favorite hotel!)
- What is the Weather Like in Lisbon?
- Map of Things to Do in Lisbon
- How to Spend 48 Hours in Lisbon
- Extra Things to Do in Lisbon (If You Have More Time)
- What I Packed for Lisbon (Hot Weather Approved!)
- Two Things That Surprised Me About Lisbon
Details about Lisbon
If you read my 7-Day Portugal Itinerary, you already know I had mixed first impressions of Lisbon. At first, it felt underwhelming and honestly left me wondering what I was missing. It could’ve been the Instagram expectations, or maybe it was just one of those cities that takes a minute to fall in love with. But by the end, I was eating, loving every meal, and photographing my way through the city with a huge smile on my face.
That said – I’ll let you form your own opinion. In this guide you’ll find a custom Google Map, honest tips, and my favorite meals below. If you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments. I always answer!
How to Get to Lisbon
Lisbon is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The airport (LIS) is just 20 minutes from the city center by Uber or metro. We started our vacation in the Algarve, (that post is coming next!) and then drove from Albufiera to Lisbon. It was a an easy drive, but let me remind you – you do not need a car in the city. We dropped the car off at the rental company as soon as we got into the city and just walked over to our hotel.
How to Get Around the City
First up, this is a city you will do a LOT of walking in. Over the course of our 48 hours we walked close to 50,000 steps. Lisbon is a walker’s city, but it’s not flat—so bring comfy shoes! This is without taking much public transportation, aside for a short iconic cable car ride of course! You can easily hop on and off any metro, tram os bus throughout the city and just pay with Apple Pay. You will just tap on like you would do in London or New York in the underground. You could also purchase a 24 or 48 hour transport card if you want to hop on and off throughout the city. Get your card here!
Where to Stay in Lisbon (my favorite hotel!)
We stayed at Hotel Hotel, part of the Design Hotels collection. It’s super central, the rooms were adorable, and the included breakfast was genuinely good. We try to stay at a Design Hotel when we travel, and this one didn’t disappoint – plus, it made getting around the city easy and convenient. Book here!
What is the Weather Like in Lisbon?
Lisbon is one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, with over 280 days of sunshine a year (amazing right?), so chances are, you’ll have good weather when you visit. Here’s a rough guide to the weather throughout the year.
- Spring: Mild and sunny, with temps ranging from the high 50s to low 70s°F (15–22°C). A great time to explore without the summer crowds.
- Summer: Hot and dry, but not unbearable. Expect highs in the 80s°F (26–30°C). Bring sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated.
- Fall: Still warm, especially in September. Even November can feel like a light-sweater day.
- Winter: Cooler and wetter, but rarely freezing. Temps stay in the 50s°F (10–15°C), and some days are beautifully clear.
Map of Things to Do in Lisbon
How to Spend 48 Hours in Lisbon
Okay this guide starts on Friday, so maybe it’s *techincally* a little longer than 48 hours? But here’s the deal. I love being in a new city on a Friday night. What city isn’t lively on a Friday? It lets you check the vibe of the city, have a fun night out, and you can get a good nights sleep before having a full two days.
Friday: Arrival + Exploring
Afternoon: Check-In + Explore Arroios & Intendente
After checking into your hotel (we stayed at Hotel Hotel—a Design Hotel in a great central location), head out for a slow wander around Arroios and Intendente. These neighborhoods are slightly under-the-radar, but full of color, cool street art, and local Lisbon energy. Great for getting your bearings and soaking in first impressions.
Golden Hour: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Walk uphill to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the best viewpoints in the city, and much less crowded than the popular Santa Justa spots. You’ll catch sweeping sunset views over Lisbon’s rooftops and river. A dreamy start to your trip.
Dinner at Trinca
This spot is special. Trinca serves tacos that are honest, deeply flavorful, and downright emotional (yes, I cried). If you’re a food lover, this will be a highlight. It’s in the same general area, so you won’t need to travel far.
Drinks at Holy Wine
End your night at Holy Wine, a cozy, intimate bar known for natural wines and small bites. It’s the perfect nightcap without venturing far. And if you are staying near the city center this will bring you back closer to your hotel as well. You can also head here on another day, they are open 3pm-Midnight on the weekends.
Saturday: Iconic Lisbon
Morning: Alfama Stroll + Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Start your morning in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Wind your way through narrow cobblestone streets, tiled facades, and traditional shops. Pause at Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning views and a classic tile photo moment.
Stop by Sé Cathedral on the way – Lisbon’s oldest church is right in the neighborhood and easy to pop into.
Late Morning: São Jorge Castle
Walk (or take a tuk-tuk) up to São Jorge Castle for one of the best views in the city. Give yourself some time to explore the grounds, take photos, and enjoy the hilltop breeze.
Lunch at Prado
Head down toward Baixa and grab lunch at Prado, a beautiful restaurant focused on seasonal, local ingredients and natural wine. We didn’t have a reservation and got lucky, but you may want to book ahead. Note: this was ranked as one of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants! Check it out here.
Afternoon: Baixa + Rossio Square + Elevador de Santa Justa
Wander through Baixa, the downtown area known for its grid-like streets and patterned tile sidewalks. Snap a photo in Rossio Square, and walk past the Santa Justa Elevator—a neo-Gothic structure worth admiring, even if you don’t ride it.
Optional: Carmo Convent Ruins – Just next to the elevator, the open-air ruins of this church are peaceful and stunning. Great quick cultural stop.
Evening: Dinner at O Velho Eurico
This cozy tavern serves classic Portuguese food in a lively setting. It’s a bit hyped up online, but for good reason. If you don’t have a reservation, try walking in near the end of lunch or go early for dinner.
Nightcap at Foxtrot or a walk through Bairro Alto
If you’re up for it, grab drinks at Foxtrot (a moody speakeasy vibe), The Monarch Cocktail Bar, or simply bar-hop through Bairro Alto for a fun, casual night.
Sunday
Morning: Tram or Uber to Belém
Start your day in Belém, a historic area west of central Lisbon. Here’s how to spend your morning:
- Pastéis de Belém – Grab one (or three) of the original custard tarts at this iconic bakery.
- Jerónimos Monastery – Right next door, this UNESCO site is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
- Belém Tower – Walk along the waterfront to this photo-worthy Lisbon landmark.
- MAAT Museum – Even if you don’t go in, the architecture is striking and the rooftop is a vibe.
Midday: LX Factory for Shopping + Drinks
From Belém, it’s a short ride to LX Factory, a converted industrial complex full of boutique shops, bars, cafés, and live music. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink, browse, and relax before heading back to the city.Bonus: We Were There for Festas dos Santos!
Travel Note: If you happen to visit in June, you might catch the Festas dos Santos. It’s a huge city-wide celebration with live music, dancing in the streets, and of course, grilled sardines everywhere. Total summer street party energy and one of the highlights of our trip.
Extra Things to Do in Lisbon (If You Have More Time)
If you’re staying longer than 48 hours, want to swap out part of the itinerary, or just love having backup options, here’s a list of extra things to do in Lisbon, organized by vibe and location so you can build out your trip however you like. I’ve also included this spots in my Lisbon map, and linked more restaurants for you to try, or pick and choose! Check it out here.
Popular Tourist Spots
Elevador da Bica | A classic yellow tram climbing a steep hill lined with graffiti and azulejo tiles. Super photogenic and located near Cais do Sodré.
Ride Tram 28 | The famous (and usually packed) vintage tram that winds through the city’s key neighborhoods. Go early in the morning or at sunset for fewer crowds.
Time Out Market | If you want a buzzy, indoor food hall experience, or just need to simply escape the heat, this is fun. Pro tip: skip the mains and go for dessert or a cocktail instead (the food is just ok, but drinks and sweets are fab!).
Lisbon Oceanarium | If you’re traveling with kids or need a rainy-day activity, this is one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
Santa Justa Lift (Ride it) | In the main guide we only stop to admire it, but you can ride up for a different city view. There’s often a line, so go early.
Outdoor Spots & Viewpoint
Miradouro das Portas do Sol | Very close to Santa Luzia, this lookout has a big open terrace and sometimes live music.
Jardim da Estrela – A beautiful green park in a local neighborhood near the Estrela Basilica. Great for a mid-day coffee or picnic.
Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII | Further north but offers a dramatic view straight down to the river.
Day Trip Ideas
Sintra | Obviously. The fairytale castles, the lush gardens, the misty mountain vibes—it’s a must.
Cascais | A coastal town with beautiful beaches, cute cafés, and an easy 40-minute train ride from Lisbon.
Costa da Caparica | For a more local beach day. Chill, surfy vibes and great seafood restaurants.
What I Packed for Lisbon (Hot Weather Approved!)
Two Things That Surprised Me About Lisbon
The smell. Like many big cities, Lisbon has some less-than-pleasant aromas. But there were multiple times we saw men peeing in public and, well… that explains a lot. The city reeked. Not a dealbreaker, but just something to be aware of.
We were offered drugs multiple times just walking around. It totally threw me off. Not something I’ve experienced in other cities, and honestly not something I’ve seen mentioned anywhere else.
Lisbon wasn’t love at first sight for me, but it was still a really special trip, and the food alone made it worth the visit. I’d honestly love to go back with fresh eyes and a slower pace. If you’re headed there soon, I hope this guide helps you have an amazing time. And if you’ve been and had a totally different experience—I’d love to hear it!
Have any questions? Want help picking a restaurant? Leave a comment, I always answer.
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