This two-day Lisbon itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want a complete introduction to the city without wasting time figuring out routes, transport, or tickets. You will cover Lisbon’s historic districts, hilltop viewpoints, classic food, Fado music, Belém’s monuments, and a sunset on the Tagus, all in a logical order that avoids backtracking.
9 PM:Dinner in Belém (dinner to be enjoyed before the cruise in summer)
Day 1: Lisbon’s Hills, Historic Streets, and Classic Food
Today gives you a full introduction to Lisbon’s layout, flavors, and culture. You will explore major districts with a guide, then slow down in the evening with traditional food and music.
Morning: Private Tuk Tuk Tour Through Lisbon’s Historic Districts
Start with a private electric tuk tuk tour through Baixa, Alfama, Graça, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. This is the most efficient way to understand Lisbon’s geography, see major viewpoints, and visit narrow medieval streets without climbing steep hills.
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 + Walk Through Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto
Head to Time Out Market for a quick lunch featuring dishes from some of Lisbon’s best chefs. After eating, walk to Praça do Comércio, pass under the Arco da Rua Augusta, and continue uphill toward the Santa Justa Lift area before exploring the historic streets of Chiado and Bairro Alto. Follow this route!
Insider tip: The Baixa to Chiado walk is uphill, so take your time and use the Santa Justa Lift viewpoint ticket if you want an elevated city view without more climbing.
Evening: Lisbon Food and Wine Tour + Fado Show
Join a guided Lisbon Food and Wine Walking Tour through Baixa and Rossio, where a local expert leads you to traditional taverns for classic tastings like bifana pork sandwiches, codfish cakes, chouriço, cheese, port wine, and ginjinha. This tour is important because it helps you avoid tourist restaurants and understand the role of food in Portuguese daily life.
After the tour, head to a Fado show in the Baixa neighborhood to hear Lisbon’s traditional music in an intimate setting.
Insider tip: The food tour ends in the Baixa neighborhood, so plan to stay in the area afterward for Fado. Check out Lisbon in Fado to purchase tickets in advance!
Day 2: Castles, Alfama, Belém, and the Tagus River
Your second day focuses on Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and its Age of Discovery landmarks along the river. You will end the trip with the city’s best skyline views from the water.
Morning: São Jorge Castle and Alfama
Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views over Lisbon’s red rooftops and the Tagus River. After exploring the castle grounds, walk downhill through Alfama’s narrow lanes, passing tiled façades, small squares, and local cafés.
Insider tip: Buy São Jorge Castle tickets online to skip the ticket line. Take a taxi, tuk tuk, or bus uphill in the morning, then explore Alfama on foot as you walk downhill.
Afternoon: Belém Waterfront and Monuments
Travel to Belém to explore Lisbon’s maritime district along the river. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, then stop at Pastéis de Belém for the original custard tart that has been baked here since the 19th century.
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
End your trip with a small-group sunset sailboat tour departing from Belém Dock. Over two hours, you will cruise past the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King statue, Belém Tower, and Lisbon’s skyline, while the crew shares context about the landmarks from the water.
Insider tip: Arrive at Belém Dock 15 minutes early and bring a light jacket since winds on the Tagus can feel cool after sunset.
Make This 2-Day Lisbon Itinerary Your Own
This plan hits the essentials, but you can tweak it depending on your style:
Slower pace: Skip Jerónimos Monastery and spend more time wandering Belém’s waterfront at your own speed.
Families: Replace the sunset cruise with a visit to the Lisbon Oceanarium, perfect for kids of all ages.
