Lisbon, the capital of Portugal There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city, it is the most amazing location for a city break. But, if you only have 24 hours in Lisbon, you’ll want to cram in some sights, some fun and lots and lots of pastel de nata! This is the perfect way to spend a day in Lisbon.

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Lisboa Card

The Lisbon Card gives visitors to the city free public transport within the city, train travel to Sintra and even to the airport. It also includes access to 38 different attractions (some of which we will be covering during your day in Lisbon).

• 24 hours – 22€
• 48 hours – 37€ (18,5€ per day)
• 72 hours – 46€ (15,34€ per day)

It is definitely worth grabbing one of these, especially as it covers airport transport. It means you can hop on and off trams and nip into museums without stressing, knowing it is all paid for already.

Good Morning!

This is going to be a rather long day so wake up bright and early! Grab some very comfortable shoes. I’d recommend you avoid heels as there are many cobbles and hills to battle today, You’ll be out all day so bring layers. This could range from a scarf, jumper and coat in winter to a light cardigan for summer nights. Finally, make sure your phone and external charger are fully charged.

Ready for a day in Lisbon? Let’s go!

The Perfect Portuguese Breakfast – Pastel de Nata

Now, you can’t spend one day in Lisbon without trying its most famous foodie delight. The Pastel de Nata is a custard tart encased in twirly, tasty flaky pastry. These little lovelies were created in Belem, now a suburb of Lisbon but back then, a monastery and convent full of devotees with an eye for a great business venture. Egg whites were used for starching clothes and the leftover yolks were turned into yummy desserts. They sold the tarts and then the recipe to a nearby sugar refinery when the religious orders were closed and the popularity exploded.

Pastels de nata is available all over the city but our favourites are served at:

• Manteigaria – Rua Augusta near Praca de Comercio or Rua do Loreto in Barrio Alto depending on where you are staying.
• Confeitaria Nacional – On the south side of Praça da Figueira, this is both pretty and delicious
• Pastéis de Belém – Well, this is not near town but it is where these delicious little tarts were invented.

If there is a bar in your cafe, stand here and ask for a “bica”. This powerful little espresso costs around €1 and will give you some serious pep!

If you are interested in Portuguese food, check out our Lisbon Food Tour Review

Totally Tourist on Tram 28

Lisbon is full of trams which whisk locals and tourists alike around the city. The small, yellow, street car style Tram 28 has become a firm favourite as it hits many of the sightseeing spots that we will be heading for this morning. The tram cars on this route are historic and too small for commuters so they ply this route up the hill for tourists.

If you board at Rua Conceição, the main stop at Praca de Comecio, there are likely to be a fair few people waiting for the tram. Take your spot and cram on when you can. Alternatively, walk back to the stop called “Chiado” and you may be more likely to get a seat. Your Lisbon Card gives you free public transport so don’t worry about buying a ticket. (remember to watch your belongings as the crush of people makes it a popular space for pickpockets).

Hop off at Miradouro Sta. Luzia and it is a five minute walk up to our next stop.

Explore Castelo de Sao Jorge

There has been some sort of fort on this spot for almost 2000 years. Any human geography fan will know that a port, a river and a hill make this an excellent place to settle! The castle is square but was encircled by a big wall, turning it into a citadel. These days, you will enter through a gate built in 1846. You can explore the grounds and climb right up on the walls, enjoying the turrets and towers…living your best royal court fantasy. Don’t forget to stop and take in the breathtaking views across the city.

Walk back down to Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Check Out Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The views of Alfama from the Santa Luzia viewpoint are matched by the intricate tiles that line the walls. This is a great introduction to Portugal’s famous Azulejo. These pretty painted and glazed tiles can be found on many frontages and in beauty spots like this. The tiles came from the Arabic world and were used to both keep warmth inside the homes and to stop fires from spreading. However, aesthetics soon became the main reason to uphold the tradition. On the church wall, you will see tiles depicting Praça do Comércio before the big earthquake of 1755 and one of the Christians besieging Sao Jorge Castle.

Continue down the hill, walking on the left.

Marvel at Lisbon Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major is a Roman-Catholic church that was built in 1147. It has been modified and rebuilt a fair few times as earthquakes destroyed pieces throughout the years It is quite plain inside but the height, with columns rising to the vaulted roof, is impressive none-the-less. Don’t forget to turn around and check out the large rose window when you enter. Then make your way through and find the cloisters. These were partly excavated in the 1990s and it is possible to see the ruins of the mosque the church was built upon. (There is a small charge for the cloisters).

Choose a Tuna – Canned Fish Shopping

I know this might be weird but stick with me. Portugal is excellent at canning fish! This is NOT the dry tuna sadness you get at home, but plump fillets of fish and all kinds of seafood! Of course, the most common thing you’ll find is sardine but you can also get tender octopus, shellfish including mussels and clams, tasty mackerel and cod. Stop by Conserveira de Lisboa at Rue dos Bacalhoeiros. They have been selling tins since the 1930s and hold lots of adorable Tricana products. Tricana’s super cute, vintage packing is very apt as they have been in business since 1942. A tin or two is a great souvenir.

A Light Lunch – Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

Bacalhau is a big deal here in Lisbon. Sailors brought back incredible North Atlantic cod with them and the particular texture and flavour was quickly the favoured way to enjoy this delicious white fish. The most common way to try it as a snack is in the form of a creamy croquette. There are several spots around this area that all serve the creamy croquettes but this understated spot just off the main drag is great value and their food is super tasty. If the sun is out, it’s lovely to sit under the umbrellas, people watch and sip on a glass of vinho verde.

Stroll Through Praça do Comércio

Passing through the Arco da Rua Augusta you will emerge onto the vast Praça do Comércio. In fact, if you have the Lisboa Card, you can climb the arch for free and check out the statues up close. It was constructed in 1755 to commemorate the rebuilding of the city after a huge earthquake.

The square is a big, open space with a fountain in the centre, that runs down to the Tagus river. It was renamed Commerce Square when it was redesigned after the 1755 earthquake. It became the market hub for the city with goods arriving by sea and making their way to the square through the gates to the south. In 1908 it was the scene of a major assassination. Carlos I, the second to last king of Portugal was gunned down with his family. Despite not being a practical commercial space any more, it remains an important tourist destination with cafes (including the city’s oldest Martinho da Arcada), transport stops and the tourist information centre. If you are doing well for time, pop into the Lisboa Story Centre (free with the Lisboa Card) for a wonderful multimedia history of the city.

Take the Santa Justa Lift

There is probably going to be a queue here but standing in line is a whole lot less taxing than taking the the stairs! The industrial beauty of the lift is in stark contrast to the more traditional buildings that surround it. The wrought iron is definitely striking. When it was constructed, over 100 years ago, it was an important part of public transport but it is mainly for tourists now. I think the invention of cars and motorbikes changed the stress of living in a city full of hills. Scan in and you will enter the large carriage. It slowly rises 45 metres up with wonderful views of the surrounding city.

Grab a Drink at Cafe A Brasileira

For a little pick-me-up or pre-dinner aperitif, it is worth popping into the beautiful Cafe A Brasileira. This is one of Lisbon’s oldest cafes, operating since 1905. They have a full food menu here but dinner isn’t too far away, so instead, grab a drink and/or snack. Two oysters and a champagne? Sounds like an ideal afternoon nibble to me! They do excellent coffee and have a decent bar menu including a few cocktails. You could try the classic sour cherry shot Ginjinha, a Lisbon classic, but there’s another chance to do this later.

Drink in the Views at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Relaxing at a miradouro, especially at sunset, is a very special way to relax in Lisbon. The city’s hills mean there are several of these viewpoints dotted around the city but the most convenient for our route is Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Grab a drink and find a spot to sit and enjoy the changing colours of the sky. If you are lucky, there will be someone strumming a guitar and plenty of chatter around you in this lovely way to take in the view.

Tasty Treats – Time Out Market

Take the steep 8 minute walk downhill, towards the water and on the eastern side of Jardim Dom Luis you will find your spot for dinner. The Time Out Market is a buzzy covered hall stuffed full of tables and small outposts representing some of the best food in the city. You can pick and choose dishes from top-notch seafood food joints like Monte Mar and Narisquiera Azul, chomp on fluffy, strangely comforting potato croquettes at Croqueteria or grab a traditional steak sandwich at O Prego Da Peixaria. There are bars (gotta love an Aperol Spritz pop-up) and delicious desserts for afters.

The night is young, and so it is time for a drink.

Clink a Drink at Pink Street

The great, good and a few Instagrammers head to the famous Pink Street, so-called due its Barbie pink painted floor. The street; Rua Nova do Carvalho used to be the red light district but has cleaned up its reputation. It is now lined with trendy bars with low stalls, good drinks and tasty snacks. You can find fun clubs to dance the night away or just grab a small table and do some people-watching as you chat over the music.

If you are intrigued by the tinned fish we saw earlier, nab a table at Sol e Pesca. Here you can order small plates of tinned fish to go with your drinks.

Find Some Fado

If you are looking for something a little more traditional, make your way to Alfama district for an evening of fado music. Fado is a mournful, powerful form of singing which often tells the story of lost loves and tragic outcomes. It will move you even if you don’t understand the words, and the intimate music lounges are so atmospheric.

Sip a Cherry Night Cap

Wherever you end up, keep an eye out for the typical Lisbon tipple, Ginjinha. This cherry liqueur is traditionally served with sour cherries inside although some spots enhance the sweet treat by serving them in tiny chocolate glasses that you can chomp on afterwards. The base is morello cherries which are steeped in aguardente (a Portuguese fire water. The result is sweet, sour, tangy and smooth all at once. Totally tasty and a bargain at around €1.50 a pop.

Final Thoughts About Your Day in Lisbon

Lisbon is a beautiful city with distinctive culture, design and culinary treats all nestled between the hills and the water. There is so much to see in Lisbon and honestly, just a day in Lisbon is probably not enough. This one day in Lisbon itinerary should be a very good start!

Stay tuned for our One Day in Sintra itinerary to extend you stay in this beautiful part of Portugal.

Rosie xx