If you only have one day in Lisbon, this guide will help you maximize your time so that you can see the best that Lisbon has to offer.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
I highly recommend the Alfama district. This district in Lisbon has narrow, cobblestone streets, lots of great viewpoints, and is walking distance to the rest of Lisbon’s main attractions. At night, the neighbourhood comes alive with Fado music.
Another plus side to staying in the Alfama district is that it is close to the Santa Apolonia station, which has the metro line, buses, and trains that can easily connect you to Porto in the north of Portugal by taking a 3 hour train ride.
Another area recommended to stay during your one day in Lisbon is the Baixa-Chiado district. It is very central, well connected to public transport, and lively at night. It is located close to all of the places in this list.
Booking.comHow to get around Lisbon
If you are only in Lisbon for one day, then it is recommended to walk. However, the underground metro system is safe and easy to use. The trams are also a fun way to get around the city AND to see views at the same time.
The app “Citymapper” is an easy and reliable way to navigate around the city, and what I used during my entire stay there.
To buy tickets for the metro, this is a useful post here. I had spent about 10 days in Lisbon, and purchased the frequent Viva Viagem “zapping” card, and chose to download about 15 Euros onto it (follow the instructions on the ticket machine). There is also an option to buy a single use ticket as well.
To use the metro card, you tap your card at the gates to enter the metro, and the remaining fare will display. When you leave the station, you will need to use your card to open the gates to leave. If you are running low on money, or don’t have enough money on your card to enter, then the gates won’t open. But there is ALWAYS a ticket machine a few steps away so that you can enter your card into the machine and top up.
The good news, is that the “zapping” card can be used on the trams, buses, metro, and even the train to get to Sintra!
What to do during one day in Lisbon
Below is a map of where to find each location in the list below. The red pins are what to do if you have one day in Lisbon, and the purple pins are what to do if you have extra time (or an entire extra day!).
1. Walk around the Alfama District
Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, and is the only district that wasn’t completely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. So much of what you see is the original layout. It is a gorgeous area, with narrow, cobblestone alleys, hills that lead up to panoramic viewpoints (Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills, so get ready for lots of hills!), beautiful cathedrals, and historic buildings. It is must-see area in Lisbon, and worth a few hours to explore.
2. Ride a tram
Lisbon is known for their iconic trams, and riding one is such a fun experience. The famous #28 tram and #12 tram travel through the Alfama district and pass by almost all of the famous landmarks in Lisbon.
If you only have one day in Lisbon, and if you’re not near the front of the line to get on tram (or if it’s too full), then take another tram line instead. If you don’t get a window seat, you have to stand up and then it’s harder to see. Be mindful of your belongings on this tram since it is prone to pickpockets.
3. Visit the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint in Alfama
While you are in the Alfama district, there are several viewpoints to see the sweeping views of Lisbon from above. The #28 and #12 tram line stop at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, so it is a convenient location to visit.
This viewpoint overlooks the orange-covered roofs of the Alfama district, the waterfront, and views of the Se Cathedral and Castelo de Sao Jorge. There is also a small kiosk that sells pastries and drinks, with room to sit and enjoy the view.
4. Lisbon Cathedral
This historic cathedral doesn’t take long to visit during your one day in Lisbon, and has free admission. This Cathedral is along the #28 and #12 tram route, so it is a perfect place to visit before or after the Portas do Sol viewpoint (only about 7 minutes away either by tram OR walking).
5. Praça do Comércio
Another location close to the Lisbon Cathedral is the Praca do Comercio square. If I think of Lisbon, I envision this square. It is along the waterfront, and trams pass by the large and impressive Arco da Rua Augusta.
6. Walk up Rua Augusta
Pass under the gorgeous Arco da Rua Augusta and walk up this bustling, pedestrian road until you reach Rossio Square. Along the roads there are lots of shops and beautiful architecture.
7. Time Out Market
A very popular market that is worth going to since there are lots of options for any dietary preference. Even if you don’t eat here, browse around and see what they have to offer and to appreciate the lively atmosphere.
8. Pink Street
A very instagrammable location that I need to mention because it’s so cute with it’s pink road and umbrella canopy above. It’s only a 5 minute walk from the Time-Out Market so it’s a quick and easy place to stop-by.
9. Listen to Fado Music
Listening to Fado music is the perfect way to end the day, and to encompass the Portuguese music culture. While you are eating dinner, choose a restaurant that also offers Fado music.
There are LOTS of choices for where to listen to Fado, and the best place to do this is in the Alfama district. This is another reason why the Alfama neighbourhood is the best place to stay during one day in Lisbon! Just literally follow your ears and you will hear Fado music being performed in almost every restaurant. The performances are small and intimate, and usually start to begin at around 8pm.
If you have extra time during your one day in Lisbon
If you were able to visit all of the places mentioned above, or have more time in your day, then below are a few more options to consider during your one day in Lisbon. Of course, if you have 2 days in Lisbon then exploring every location in this entire list will be easy to do, and more ideal. But just in case, here are a few more options:
10. National Tile Museum. A hidden gem! The location of the museum is about a 10 minute bus ride away from the Alfama Train Station, so it is a bit out of the way from all of the other locations in this itinerary. But if you have the time, or if it’s a rainy day, then it may be a worthwhile stop during your one day in Lisbon.
Almost all of the buildings in Lisbon are covered in gorgeous tiles, so visiting the museum to see their history and how they are made is very interesting. It is located in a gorgeous old convent and the interior is reminiscent of an art gallery.
11. St. George’s Castle
I didn’t get the chance to visit St. George’s Castle since it was closed on Christmas Day, but I did walk around the outside perimeter and would definitely love to go back. There are beautiful views, and who doesn’t love exploring a castle?
12. Visit the Belem district
A 15 minute Uber ride away (or a 40 minute tram ride) is the UNESCO world heritage site with lots to do. Visiting this area could take up half the day or more, so if this area interests you, and you only have 24 hours, then plan your day accordingly. Below are a few notable places:
- Eat pastries at the original Pasteis de Belem shop. These pastries are EVERYWHERE, but this place is the best.
- Jeronimos Monastery. This is a gorgeous place to visit, and it will feel like you are walking around Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Book your ticket online in advance (you can buy your ticket online the day-of, literally as you are standing in line if you have access to the internet with a wifi connection or data plan) so it doesn’t have to be that far in advance!). Once you buy your ticket online, you will be able to bypass everyone waiting in line to buy a ticket.
- Belem Tower. This is an iconic landmark in Lisbon, and definitely worth checking out. It is near-by to Jerimos Monastery, so it is easy to visit.
Do you have any recommendations for what to do during one day in Lisbon Portugal? If it is your first time going to Lisbon, what are you looking forward to doing the most? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? Save it for later!
