Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a stunning city that will enchant you with its beautiful architecture and colourfil tiles and its lively and warm atmosphere.
If you plan to visit Lisbon, one day is certainly not enough. However, if you have to go to Lisbon before, say, going on a road trip to Algarve, then stopping for a day there can offer you a nice glimpse of this beautiful city, an appetizer for a future visit if you want.
This is what this post is about: giving you a quick and easy one day itinerary to see Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.
It won’t require you go further away from the centre, and apart from a few things here and there, it is absolutely free, so perfect if you are exploring Lisbon on a budget.
1 Day Express Itinerary in Lisbon
Morning: Baixa and Chiado districts
These are two of Lisbon’s most famous districts, and those that contain the most landmarks.
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You could easily wander about each of these districts for hours, but for the purpose of this one day itinerary, you’ll have to keep an active pace.
Baixa is the most famous and lively area of Lisbon, always busy and packed with nice shops and restaurants, it is quite touristic and has a very elegant and clean atmosphere.
Chiado is an elegant area, filled with nice cafés and restaurants. You can reach it by using the Santa Justa lift or by taking the famous tram 28, though it is also possible of course to go by foot or through the Rossio Station in Baixa.
To see Baixa and Chiado in a morning, here is an itinerary you can follow:
- Start at Praça dos Restauradores
- Visit the Igreja de São Domingos (and maybe stop by A Ginjinha to take a shot of ginjinha, the traditional portuguese cherry liquor)
- Pass by Praça do Rossio and the Rossio Station and take the escalator inside the Station to reach the Chiado neighbourhood
- Visit the Museu Arqueologico do Carmo and the roofless medieval church
- Checkout the Santa Justa lift and go back down to Baixa
- Take a detour to visit Livraria Bertrand, the oldest library in the world
- End up in the beautiful Praça do Comercio and walk around the area, admiring the stunning arch the beautiful river
Alternative option: Free Walking Tour
Free Walking Tours – or walking tours in general – are a great solution if you want to get a glimpse of a place you are visiting.
I like to go on free walking tours to see the most famous landmarks and have the guides’ insights and explanations, and then if I was particularly curious about a place, go back there and explore it more in depth.
In Lisbon, most free walking tours will only take you to the Baixa and Chiado districts and last a couple of hours. You’ll pass by the main touristic spots and if you want you can go inside some buildings after wards.
Are Free Walking Tours really free?
Free walking tours are free in the sense that you don’t have a fixed price that you pay upfront. However, it is standard practice to leave a tip to your guide. Depending on the area covered, the time spent and the quality of the tour, I think a minimum of 10/15 euros is a good place to start, but you can always give more!
Afternoon & Evening: Alfama and Bairro Alto districts
These two iconic Lisbon neighbourhoods will really make you feel Lisbon’s vibe and are best explored by foot and wandering about their streets, so that is what I would recommend.
Alfama
It is the oldest and most characteristic district of Lisbon, and it is there that the traditional fado music originated. You will love its cobbled streets, beautiful houses adorned with colourful azulejos.
The best thing to do in Alfama is simply to get lost in its streets and wander about the cute independent shops, stopping by the numerous miradors that offer a stunning view over the city, especially the Santa Luzia mirador.
While you wander about Alfama, make sure to stop by the Cathedral of Lisbon (Sé de Lisboa) and watch the famous tram 26 make its way through the beautiful streets.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is also one of the oldest districts of Lisbon and it is very similar to Alfama but has a more artistic and alternative vibe.
There, you can check out of the picturesque Bica funicular and admire the views over the city from the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara
It truly comes to life in the evening with a bustling nightlife and many people coming there to have a drink, eat at great restaurants and enjoy the great atmosphere. During the day, you’ll find plenty of independent shops and bookstores.
Bairro Alto is also the perfect place to see a fado show in the evening!
More time?
If you have more time in Lisbon, here are other things you might want to do:
- visit the Saint George Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
- go to the famous Belém district and see its tower (this would require a whole morning)
- go on a day trip to Sintra
FAQ – One day in Lisbon
Is one day enough to visit Lisbon?
No. It would require you at least 2-3 days to see Lisbon, and ideally a bit more.
I never really recommend visiting places in only one day, especially when they are bigger cities like Lisbon. But if you happen to be in Lisbon and your schedule only allows you a day there, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to visit it.
In 1 day in Lisbon you will only get a glimpse of the city, but it can inspire you to come back for a longer time in the future!
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Assuming you are in Lisbon on the way to get somewhere else – that’s why you are only there for a day – I would recommend staying in the central districts like Baixa and Chiado. They are easily accessible by metro and close to many bus stops and train stations.
What to eat and drink in one day in Lisbon?
- Bifanas: a famous pork spiced type of sandwich. You’ll find great ones at Bifanas do Afonso and Amigo Antônio.
- Pastéis de Nata: these custard-filled tarts are absolutely a must-try in Lisbon and in Portugal in general. You’ll find great ones in A Manteigueira, Fábrica de Nata and the original ones, in Belém in Pasteis de Belem.
- Bacalhau: salted cod is very popular in Lisbon and you’ll find it in many restaurants and types of dishes. Ones of the most famous ways to eat it is in a sort of croquette (pastéis de bacalhau).
- Ginjinha: a traditional cherry liquor. You can drink it at A Ginjhina sem Rival or A Ginjjinha.
Where to listen to fado music in Lisbon?
I recommend booking a fado show or dinner at a fado restaurant in advance, as most places might be full if you just go there alst minute.
For fado music, you can try Mesa de Frades around the Alfama neighbourhood and Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto.
Do you need a car to explore Lisbon?
Absolutely not! Most landmarks and viewpoints are located around pedestrian streets, and while you could go up the different hills in a car, it just sounds like a nightmare. If you can’t walk too much, I would recommend taking public transport, especially the trams and funiculars to get you to the highest points if you want to.
Do they speak English in Lisbon?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Portugal’s capital, so you won’t have too much trouble in stores and restaurants.
That being said, learning a few words of Portuguese will always be greatly appreciated by the locals!
When to go to Lisbon?
The ideal time to visit Lisbon would be spring or late summer/early autumn: there are less crowds and the heat will be more bearable, especially as you will definitely walk a lot!
