If it’s your first time in Lisbon and you want to see the highlights without climbing every hill, this 1-day itinerary is for you. You’ll get a full sense of the city’s character, including historic neighborhoods, riverfront landmarks, and famous viewpoints, while leaving time to relax and enjoy a sunset sail on the Tagus.
9 PM:Dinner in Belém (dinner to be enjoyed before the cruise in summer)
Morning: Private Tuk Tuk Tour Through Lisbon’s Historic Districts
Start your day with a private electric tuk tuk tour that covers Alfama, Baixa, Graça, Chiado, and Bairro Alto in three hours. You will glide up Lisbon’s hills effortlessly, pause at the city’s best viewpoints, and explore streets that buses and cars cannot reach. This is the quickest and most scenic way to understand the city’s layout and history.
Insider tip: Wear shoes you can step out in for a few quick photo stops, and don’t be shy. Ask your guide to point out hidden gems along the way!
Afternoon: Time Out Market Lunch + Belém’s Waterfront Monuments
Finish your tuk tuk ride near Time Out Market and grab lunch from one of Lisbon’s top chefs under one roof. Fresh seafood, hearty Portuguese classics, and local snacks make it easy to fuel up quickly.
Next, head to Belém. Tram 15E or a short Uber takes you straight to the waterfront. Walk past Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO sites, and make a stop at Pastéis de Belém to taste the original custard tart that has been baked from a secret recipe since 1837.
Insider tip: Buy timed-entry tickets online for Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to skip lines. This is especially important in spring and summer.
Evening: Sunset Sailboat on the Tagus River
From Belém Dock, board a small-group sunset cruise. Over two hours, glide past the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King statue, and Alfama’s skyline as the golden light hits the city. It is a calm and unique perspective that you will not get on land and a perfect way to end a busy day.
Insider tip: Pack smart! This itinerary has you out and about all day, so be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen for the afternoon in Belem and an extra layer for the cruise.
Make This 1-Day Lisbon Itinerary Your Own
This plan hits the essentials, but you can tweak it depending on your style:
