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Explore Lisbon in 2 days with a guide crafted from my personal explorations of the city’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture. Maximise your visit to this compact city, leveraging its efficient transport, with my curated itinerary based on firsthand experiences.
Over the course of a decade’s worth of visits, I’ve developed a solid familiarity with Lisbon, a city unique in its maze of pastel buildings sprawled across rolling hills. With this in mind, it is an ideal destination for a city break in Europe.
Its appeal isn’t just in its affordable cost or its wealth of culture, but in the walkability of its streets and the wealth of gastronomy to be found in its many restaurants and bars.
This guide is built from my own discoveries, providing insights on how to fully enjoy the best of Lisbon.
You’ll be equipped with recommendations on both iconic sights to see and the best rooftop bars for a cocktail, all coming from my personal experiences in the city.
Unlike my other city guides, this one provides flexible tips on the must-see experiences during a short visit
I’ve included everything from cultural landmarks to gastronomic delights, all based on my firsthand experience and love for this city.
Lisbon is a city best experienced at a leisurely pace, despite its wealth of must-visit places. To truly appreciate the city, I believe in soaking in the city’s laid-back atmosphere without being bound by a tight schedule.
Navigate local transportation like a local, find the perfect accommodation, savour authentic Portuguese cuisine, and consider day tours if you plan to spend more time.
As a seasoned visitor, I’m excited to guide you through the best ways to spend two days in Lisbon.
Essential resources for booking your Lisbon trip
Search for and book flights on Skyscanner
Book your airport transfer in advance with GetTransfer
Top rated tours in Lisbon:
☆ Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour (*top experience for foodies*)
☆ Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour
☆ 2 Hour Lisbon Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour (for a memorable experience)
☆ Live Fado show in Chiado district, Lisbon
Top places to stay in Lisbon: The Vintage Hotel & Spa (super stylish 5*) // Torrel Palace Lisboa (boutique hotel with pool & views) // Le Consulat (chic townhouse) // Sea Green (luxe for less apartment)
Don’t forget to pack: Pocket Rough Guide to Lisbon // DK Eyewitness Lisbon (Travel Guide) // Universal travel adapter // these **fantastic** compression packing cubes
Where to stay in Lisbon
First things first, find yourself the perfect place to stay in Lisbon, which will form the foundation on which you will build a truly wonderful visit.
There are lots of great accommodations in Lisbon across all ranges of budgets. In particular, there is some fabulous boutique accommodation in Lisbon available in the form of both hotels and vacation apartments, many with a mix of luxury and quirkiness that is uniquely Lisbon-esque (I may have made that word up!)
What is the best area of Lisbon to stay in?
Due to the city centre of Lisbon being quite concentrated within a few kilometers’ radius, you have a plethora of choices when deciding where you want to stay.
Let the sights you want to see or the top restaurants guide your choice, or even the property itself if you really fall in love with it.
You’ll find that the best places in Lisbon to stay include the following long list: Alfama, Baixa, Principe Real, Chiado, Bairra Alto and Avenida da Liberdade, and if you keep to these areas then you really can’t go wrong!
Best vacation rentals in Lisbon
The city is the type of place that lends itself to staying at a holiday apartment. By choosing a rental in a central location, you can easily come and go during the day while exploring the city and the quality, style and wallet-friendly nature of many Lisbon vacation apartments is an extremely appealing proposition.
A Cultured Voyages Guide
Seven shifts that take you from sightseeing to actually understanding a place – the same ones I use on every trip I plan.
I’ve written an entire post dedicated to the best luxury vacation rentals in Lisbon, which you can read here. Some of my favourite properties on that list include Sea Green, for a reasonably priced bolthole.
Doric Gallery has a larger property with a pool and garden and the rather aptly named Bubble Swing, which has, you guessed it, a fabulous swinging chair installed and offers incredible views over the rooftops of Lisbon from its balcony.
Related reading | 18 Best Luxury Apartments & Airbnb In Lisbon Portugal – [2024]
Top luxury and boutique hotels in Lisbon
In a separate post, I’ve written a round up of the best hotels in Lisbon with rooftop pools. You can read that post here.
UBER STYLISH LUXURY
The Vintage Hotel & Spa
*****
Hands down, this has to be one of the most stylish 5 star hotels in Lisbon. Interiors are slick, with deep rich colours reminiscent of the Mad Men series.
This uber-cool pad is located a couple of hundred metres from Avenida da Liberdade and comes complete with a rooftop bar that boasts panoramic views of the city, together with a modern spa with an indoor heated swimming pool.
BOUTIQUE PALACE
Torrel Palace Lisboa
****
Formerly three mansions and occupying a prime location on a hill, this luxurious boutique hotel is set amongst terraced gardens and offers an outdoor swimming pool, together with panoramic views of the city of Lisbon.
Located just above Avenida da Liberdade, this hotel places you above one of the most famous places in Lisbon with an eagle eyed view of the city, and puts you in a prime location for exploring the city.
CHIC TOWNHOUSE
Le Consulat
If you’re looking for a central hotel in Lisbon with trendy interiors then Le Consulat is your choice!
Each bedroom has been carefully decorated in collaboration with the most important art galleries in Lisbon and is conveniently located next to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood.
The Baixa-Chiado metro station is also a mere 1-minute walk away.
Top things to do in Lisbon in 2 Days
So, what are the top things to see during a two-day stay in Lisbon? Everyone likes to travel a little differently, and what interests one person might not appeal to another. With that in mind, I’ve organized my choices below into categories:
- History, art and cultural things to see in Lisbon
- Places to visit in Lisbon Portugal that are unique to the city
- Lisbon’s must-try foodie experiences
Top tip: before kicking things off, I’d highly recommend doing some form of Lisbon overview tour to acquaint yourself with the city (unless you plan on doing a more specialised one as part of your itinerary). Catering to a range of interests, my top picks are:
- Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour (5* rating) – for the walking tour puritans, this 3-4 hour tour is perfect for first time visitors, showing you Lisbon’s rich culture and famous landmarks.
- Lisbon Hills Electric Bike Guided Tour (4.5* rating) – tackle Lisbon’s seven hills with a little bit of help on this 2.5 hour tour.
- Lisbon Street Art Walking Tour (5* rating) – a 3 hour tour that takes you to see murals and graffiti by local and international artists.
- 2 Hour Lisbon Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour (5* rating) – a 2 hour cruise with wine that takes you along the River Tagus at sunset, with informative commentary from the skipper.
History, art and cultural things to see in Lisbon
This category of Lisbon destinations covers many of the city’s top attractions. Many of them are located near to each other, or close to some of the other places I have included in the other categories on this list.
Combine a few of these attractions and dedicate a morning or afternoon to exploring the area they are located in.
Praça do Comércio (the Square of Commerce) – (*must see in Lisbon)
As one of the most instantly recognizable Lisbon sites, this is the iconic main square and was built on the site where the former Royal Palace stood prior to its destruction in Lisbon’s infamous earthquake of 1755.
Located on the waterfront in the centre of the city, you will doubtless make your way through here a number of times. Its focal point is the Rua Augusta arch, which you can climb to obtain a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area of Baixa below.
Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle)
To me, Castelo de Sao Jorge is an emblem of Lisbon and it should not be excluded from your itinerary. Originally built in the 5th century, it was added to by the Moors and was later transformed into a Royal Palace, with its glory days falling in the Middle Ages.
This imposing fortress towers high over Lisbon and from here, you receive tremendous views over the city and the River Tagus. Be warned that it’s a steep walk up the hill to the castle and that you may have to queue for a while for tickets.
Once you’re taking in the sprawling buildings and glistening waters, however, you’ll soon see why this is a frontrunner of the top attractions in Lisbon.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is my favourite tourist attraction and I can thoroughly understand why this is one of the top places to visit in Lisbon.
For its flamboyant cloisters alone, it should make the list on any Lisbon 2 day itinerary, however there is much more to this fascinating collection of buildings.
Jerónimos Monastery is an important site in Lisbon’s voyaging history, as during the Age of Discovery, many of the voyages were launched from the surrounding area and the monastery itself was constructed using the profits made from expeditions to India.
The cloisters of the monastery are extremely still and tranquil, despite their many visitors and are bathed in a warm, golden light that serves to highlight the exquisite details of the cloisters. Attached also is the magnificent Church of Santa Maria, which is the final resting place of famous voyager, Vasca da Gama.
Taking one of the top positions in terms of popularity, it’s a good idea to hop on a scooter and head down to the monastery early in the day. You can avoid the crowds and also the hotter temperatures if you’re visiting during the busier summer months.
Torre de Belem (Belem Tower) & Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
Located close to Jeronimos Monastery, both the Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries are within close proximity to one another. When viewed together with the monastery, these represent Lisbon’s most prosperous period and the powerful position it held in the world.
You’ll no doubt have seen countless images of these in the lead-up to your trip, and together, these two monuments are extremely popular tourist destinations.
The Belem Tower was built as a fortification to protect the entrance to Lisbon Harbour and is the point from which the great voyagers departed and returned to Lisbon.
The Monument to the Discoveries was built in honour of Portugal’s most famous discoverers – look closely and you will see their likenesses have been sculpted into the monument.
Santa Justa Lift
This rather unusual looking construction is an elevator that links the Baixa district to the Bairro Alto district above.
However, I’d advise against using it as your means of getting from one area to the other, as it is now a rather popular tourist attraction! If you don’t mind waiting and would like to experience the novelty, the lift offers superb views over the city below.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The world-renowned Gulbenkian Museum is one of the best things to do in Lisbon Portugal for art lovers.
Formerly the private collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armeniam oil magnate and one of the most prolific art collectors in the world, Gulbenkian willed his collection to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon on his death.
His collection contains over 1,000 pieces ranging from ancient times to the modern day.
Places to visit Lisbon, that are unique to the city
There are some elements that are very unique to the city that automatically make you think “Lisbon!” whenever you encounter them. If you’re wondering what to do that will give you a unique takeaway from the city, here are some gems to help you.
* Wander the winding streets of Lisbon
Lisbon is home to some incredibly picturesque streets. Set across undulating hills and featuring winding alleys full of (sometimes crumbling) tile-clad, gentile buildings.
Grab your camera and set off on foot to explore the visual feast that are the neighbourhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, Baixa and Chiado, which are the best places to go in Lisbon should you fancy a stroll. Keep an eye on your watch, as you will easily lose track of time!
Experience an evening of Fado
Fado is an expressive, mournful style of singing and music that originated in Lisbon. To experience a traditional evening of Fado for yourself, you can attend one of the many venues dotted around Lisbon.
| Book: This Fado show is a great choice, as unlike many other tickets to Fado shows, it does not oblige guests to have dinner in the restaurant as so many other venues do. This means you can explore Lisbon’s foodie scene when you are done and dine at your own choice of restaurant.
Tram 28
I have to include this here as it wouldn’t be a guide to Lisbon without it, but getting Tram 28 has never fully appealed to me.
It’s always extremely crowded and you can just as easily take in the sights you would see along the route by walking it (and without being stuck underneath someone’s armpit)! If you have your heart set on it, however, get one of the first trams when they start in the morning.
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
In the 15th century, King Manuel of Portugal imported tiles from Granada and spawned a trend that would grip the whole of Portugal for centuries to follow!
One of Lisbon’s most distinguishing features are the beautiful tiles (or Azulejos) that are splattered across its buildings – from the narrow streets to its wider boulevards.
Located in the Madre de Deus Convent, the museum traces the story of the Azulejos in Portugal and, as one can imagine, features some pretty snazzy tiles. If you’re looking for something that really is unique to the city, then this is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon.
Go shopping in Lisbon
Not quite a cultural experience, but a great one nonetheless as I find Lisbon to be absolutely wonderful as a shopping destination!
If you’re a shopaholic (no judgement here!), then as part of your Lisbon itinerary you should head to Avenida da Liberdade for luxury shopping, Chiado for international chains such as Zara, Massimo Dutti and H&M (along with the world’s oldest operating bookstore, Livraria Bertrand ) and Principe Real for independent, design-led stores.
What to do in Lisbon for foodies
Do a Lisbon food tour
One of the best activities for foodies is to go on a food tour to better understand the local cuisine and have some fun along the way too. Top Lisbon foodie experiences that I recommend are:
- Treasures of Lisboa Food Tours (5* rating) – founded by a local and Lisbon’s only plastic-free food tour, this experience takes you off the beaten path to discover the authentic side of Lisbon’s cuisine.
- Small group Lisbon Market, Food & Culture Walking Tour (5* rating) – this tour takes you along the Tram 28 line, where you’ll visit local markets, cafes, restaurants and bakeries.
- Pastel de Nata Workshop at Lisbon Bakery (5* rating) – learn how to make these custard-filled delights for yourself at an award-winning Portuguese bakery, during this 2 hour Lisbon cooking experience.
Visit the Timeout Market
A giant food hall filled with sounds of clanking cutlery and content crowds happily munching from the dozens of food vendors that line its walls, the Timeout Market is a convenient stop off when visiting Jeronimos Monastery and/or Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
With food choices to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, it should definitely be on the list for any foodie’s itinerary.
* Sample some Pastéis de Nata
These famous custard tarts, with their crispy pastry casing and delicious creamy filling, can be found dotted around the bakeries. The most famous establishment associated with these tarts is Pastéis de Belém , however it usually has queues out the door.
Instead try Pastelaria Aloma , a local neighbourhood ‘pastelaria’ which has won the competition for best nata in Lisbon in 2012, 2013 and 2015 and where pastries are served straight out of the oven!
Discover Lisbon’s best restaurants and cocktail bars
An activity so good that I’ve dedicated an entire section to it below!
The best places to eat in Lisbon (and drink too!)
Whether it’s traditional Portuguese fare, buzzy brunch spots or boundary-breaking Michelin starred meals that you are in search of, Lisbon has it all.
There are also some great rooftop bars that are the perfect locations to prop yourself up with a sundowner and witness the glorious scene that is sunset over the rooftops of Lisbon enfold.
I’ve included below some of the best restaurants in Lisbon for lunch and dinner, where to get the best brunch, plus where to get the best cocktails too.
My recommendations below.
Where to go for brunch in Lisbon
Area: Baixa
Having garnered a reputation in Lisbon for its speciality coffee, Fabrica Coffee Roasters is now a well-established haunt on the coffee and brunch scene. Perfectly located too in the city centre, it makes a great brunch spot from whence to start your day!
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Copenhagan Coffee Lab & Bakery
Area: Alfama
While there are now four coffee and brunch places in Lisbon bearing the name dotted around the city, we visited the Alfama outlet, so this spot is perfect if you are staying, or starting your day in, Alfama.
A solid breakfast choice, with lots of pastries and bread and of course – good coffee. A large, open, below street-level space so also the perfect spot to set up for a couple of hours with your laptop if you need to do some work.
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Area: Madragoa
Vegan friendly and exceptionally Instagrammable, the beautifully decorated Fauna & Flora serves brunch all day and is one of the best places for a brunch if pancakes, acai bowls or smoothies are your thing.
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Area: Bairro Alto
Grab a toastie, bowl or plate from this Australian-Portuguese venue that serves breakfast and brunch all day. The coffee is also good here!
Where to eat lunch in Lisbon
Area: Principe Real
Mexican is not an automatic choice when visiting Portugal, but hear me out – this is one of the best lunch spots in Lisbon as the tacos are tasty and the margaritas are on point!
We headed here for some sustenance after a morning of climbing the hills of Lisbon. Casual, fast service and perfect for a quick bite! View this post on Instagram
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Area: Principe Real
From Mexico, we move on to a South American neighbour – Peru! A Cevicheria is a legendary location in Lisbon for, you guess it, ceviche! Bookings are not taken and you must queue for a table, so I’m suggesting that you head for lunch instead of dinner to try and escape the evening madness.
While we unfortunately didn’t make it here in the end, every single person who has been to Lisbon that I have talked to has raved about it so I cannot leave it off the list of the best places for lunch! View this post on Instagram
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Location: Madragoa
A former pharmacy located close to the River Tagus, COMOBA could also make the list for brunch, however, come 12pm it becomes one of the best lunch spots, with a lunch menu available that offers larger sized plates that are perfect for filling up after midday.
Where to go for dinner in Lisbon
Location: Alfama
Recommended to us by our Airbnb host, Lisbon native Bruno, we dined in this traditional restaurant in Lisbon on our first night and absolutely adored it. If you are looking for a quality, traditional Portuguese restaurant in the Alfama area, then I would look no further.
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Location: Bairro Alto
Little sister to the well-known Restaurante 100 Manerias, one of the top restaurants in Lisbon, the food here was top-notch, the wine was great and the service extremely attentive. It was also fully booked on the Friday evening that we visited.
The menu offers Portuguese cuisine blended with international inspirations in art-deco surroundings, together with a cocktail bar and lounge for those who fancy a pre or post dinner drink.
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Location: Chiado
There’s a difference between restaurants that bill themselves as having a romantic setting for dinner, and those that actually do. Tagide Restaurant, Lisbon definitely falls into the latter category.
This fine dining restaurant is an institution in Lisbon, occupying a genteel building that overlooks Rossio Square. We sat at an open window, breeze gently blowing in, surveying the sky as the sun set over the rooftops and river of Lisbon.
A thoroughly romantic meal that has to make it one of the best restaurants!
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Location: Parque das Nações
While those looking for Michelin star restaurants in Lisbon might defer to Alma or Belcanto (and nothing would be wrong with these choices, as they are 2 of the top restaurants in Lisbon), the Michelin star restaurant that has me the most excited is Fifty Seconds.
Chef Martin Berasategui is the recipient of a grand total of 8 Michelin stars throughout his career, with Fifty Seconds receiving one a mere year after opening. Tipped for another one soon and offering an extremely suave, salubrious setting, this is where I would be heading for a Michelin starred meal in Lisbon.
Where to go for the best cocktails in Lisbon
Area: Bairro Alto
A hidden rooftop bar on the roof of a graffiti covered carpark where all the cool kids of Lisbon go (yes, there are cool kids everywhere). A great location to watch the sunset from, where you can also stay and dance the night away when there is a DJ night on.
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Area: Principe Real
A quirky rooftop cocktail bar with a terrace that offers stunning views of Sao Jorge Castle. We had a lovely post-dinner drink here, gazing across the rooftops of Lisbon! The terrace also serves food and is a buzzing, boho spot for dinner.
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Area: Avenida da Liberdade
Located in a hidden space just off Lisbon’s most luxurious street, Avenue da Liberdade, this speakeasy bar specialises in Prohibition era cocktails and is the place to go if you’re feeling thirsty and are looking for the best cocktails downtown!
Have an extra day? Best day trips from Lisbon
If you find yourself spending three days in Lisbon, you have the added flexibility of exploring the surrounding areas. The top excursions from Lisbon include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra and the beaches of Estoril and Caiscais.
Take the train from Cais do Sodre to Estoril or Caiscais and spend the day at the beach if you are in need of some sun, sea and sand!
Alternatively, take the train from Lisbon to Sintra and explore Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros (the Moors Castle) and if you have time, Quinta da Regaleira. There is only 25km between Lisbon and Sintra, with trains running as frequently as every 10 minutes in summer and costing less than €5 return.
Book | If you’d like to take the logistics outs of the equation, then it is a great idea to do a guided tour from Lisbon to Sintra, which will spirit you to the palaces in style and where you will have an expert guide.
This small group tour is capped to 8 people, and takes you to both Caiscais and Sintra over the course of the day. If you’d prefer something a bit more palace-focused, then have a look at this tour instead.
Frequently asked questions before your short trip to Lisbon
Is 2 days enough in Lisbon?
If you limit yourself to the city and do not intend on visiting the areas surrounding Lisbon, 2 days are plenty to get a taste of what the city has to offer.
A huge bonus point for Lisbon is that many of its attractions are located within walking distance of each other, or are easily accessible via public transport or taxi so you can cover a lot in a couple of days.
If you are planning a weekend trip, try and arrive on a Thursday afternoon or evening and spend 3 nights in Lisbon, which will then give you 2 full days to explore the city and some bonus time the evening of your arrival and day of your departure.
Nonetheless, if you cannot do this, two days still make it perfectly feasible to explore much of the city.
What is the best month to visit Lisbon?
To be honest, Lisbon is a great year-round destination. However, in order to comfortably bask in all its glory, I would recommend travelling around spring/early summer (March – May) and autumn time (September – November).
As it will be slightly off peak season, the city will be less crowded and nightly room rates will also be lower than summer at this time of the year.
Weather during these times of the year will also be very pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from around 20°C – 25°C (autumn is more susceptible to rain showers, however).
That being said, if you enjoy taking advantage of lower room rates and fewer crowds, and are prepared to compromise a bit on the weather, then winter is also a great time to visit Lisbon.
Is Lisbon walkable?
One of my favourite things about Lisbon is how walkable it is! Be warned that there are many hills however and some paved streets with slightly uneven terrains, so prepare for a bit of a workout as you explore some of the areas that fall just outside of the city centre.
Most of the popular attractions are located within walking distance from each other (some a little further than others).
There are also copious amounts of Lime electric scooters dotted around the city if you don’t fancy walking (we took scooters from city centre out to Jerónimos Monastery, which was a 6km journey).
We also spotted electric bikes when we were there, making it very easy to get between some further spread out Lisbon attractions.
Is Lisbon safe at night?
As previously mentioned, we walked everywhere, with plenty of this walking taking place at night. Never once did we feel uneasy or unsafe. Lisbon is an extremely safe city with very low levels of crime.
Like any large touristic city, I would caution against pickpockets though. On one of the days, I noticed someone following close behind us – and when I turned around he miraculously veered across the road – so have your wits about you and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
It would be the same advice I’d give you no matter where in the world you were going.
Does Lisbon have a beach?
Due to its position at the mouth of the Tagus River and thus its close proximity to the sea, you could be forgiven for thinking that Lisbon has a beach at its disposal. However, it does not! If you do fancy some time at the beach, there are some that are very easily accessible by train from Lisbon.
How far is Lisbon city centre from the beach?
The good news is that you are within half an hour from a beach should you wish to go. Catch a train from Cais do Sodré station and hop off at the seaside resorts of Estoril or Caiscais.
The journey will take 30 minutes to Estoril and an additional 5 minutes from there should you wish to go to the more sheltered Caiscais beach, set alongside this charming seaside town.
However if you want to see any of the city really, then any Lisbon itinerary that’s worth its salt will not have you departing this lively, buzzy city during your visit, so I would leave the beach for another time.
Before you go
Everything I check before a trip now lives on one page.
Seven shifts I run on every trip I plan, each one paired with the story that taught it to me and the steps for using it yourself — built to be printed, kept, and pulled back out before the next one.
It arrives when you join The Cultured Voyages Edit, a fortnightly letter on European cultural travel.
Getting to and around Lisbon
Aside from its cultural and aesthetic draws, one of the huge positives that Lisbon has going for it is how easy it is to get there and once you are there, how easy it is to get around.
Getting to Lisbon by plane
Lisbon airport is serviced by many of the main European airlines, some with several flights a day scheduled from other European cities.
There are also some direct flights from certain cities in the USA and Canada, but where there are no direct flights available, Lisbon is easily reached via a connecting flight through a number of major hub airports.
Getting from Lisbon Airport to city centre
Lisbon Airport is well serviced by public transport, making it easy to reach the city centre from the airport. While there is a bus route, I’d recommend getting the metro, which has a station at the airport and connects you to the city centre.
Purchase a 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card at the airport (these cost 50 cent) and hop on the metro to downtown Lisboa!
If you’re like me and prefer to just arrive at your accommodation as soon as you can, or if you’re travelling in a group and it makes financial sense, then I’d recommend GetTransfer to pre-book a taxi in advance, which should be around €15, or possibly less, depending on which side of city centre you’re going to.
Book your Lisbon Airport transfer here.
If you plan on visiting a number of historical and cultural sites in Lisbon and using public transport, then it might make sense to purchase a Lisboa Card starting at €20, which provides access to up to 26 attractions, unlimited free travel on the bus, metro, tram or elevadores, along with many other discounts.
Getting around Lisbon
Of all the many methods of transport available, these will be your most likely ways of getting around the city and to and from the most popular Lisbon tourist attractions:
- On foot: I like to walk when I visit a destination – you see more, get to soak up the atmosphere and you also burn off some serious calories which means you can indulge guiltlessly in the local cuisine!
Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. Simply strolling through the 7 hills of Lisbon and its meandering, characterful streets is one of the most enjoyable activities. - By scooter: Scooter company Lime operates dockless scooters in Lisbon. Download the Lime app and top up your account, before finding a scooter near you and using the QR scanner to unlock.
I found this a really handy and cheap way to get to places like Belem and Jerónimos Monastery which are located slightly outside of downtown. - By metro, tram or funicular: The neighbourhoods of Lisbon are extremely well linked by its metro, tram and funicular lines. The trams in particular are a great way to indulge in some people watching and Lisbon sightseeing. Watch your belongings though!
- By taxi: taxi fares are low in comparison to other European cities, especially when using apps like Uber and FREE NOW.
If your feet need a break between visiting Lisbon sites, or should you wish to be spirited home from dinner via automobile, then you should have no problem hailing a taxi using one of these apps.
Top tip: purchase a 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card as soon as you arrive in Lisbon (50 cent cost) if you’re planning on taking the metro into the city. This card covers transport on trams, buses, funiculars and the metro in Lisbon. Single journeys cost €1.45, or you can purchase a 1 day unlimited travel pass for €6.30.
Related reading for Lisbon & Tagus
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