From late-night bars to late-Gothic musings and winding cobblestone streets, Live Music Lisbon provides an array of options that it’s easy to imagine visitors who visit on weekends to feel overwhelmed. However, there’s no need to be concerned; in only two days, you’ll cover vast territory in Lisbon’s sprawling, hilly capital city.
We’re here to assist you in getting it done with a schedule organized by place so you don’t have to move back and forth through the city. We’ve also incorporated the intensity of your sightseeing with breaks to eat local snacks, like pastel de nata in One of the city’s top bakeries. We’ve gone through many Tripadvisor reviews to discover the things travelers enjoy most, ensuring that you’re bound to get the best of everything.
Day One Day Two Know Before You Go
DAY ONE
MORNING: A classic tram and fortress amble
If we only had one hour in Lisbon with a couple of dollars in our wallets, we could take the famous yellow Tram 28. The famous funicular runs through the sloping streets of Alfama along with onto attractions beyond. It’s not an undiscovered treasure, so get in early at the first point, Martim Moniz, to stay clear of a jammed-packed tram, and you can even find a wooden bench. Take advantage of the winding, narrow streets and panoramas; however, be aware of pickpockets.
Get off to Portas do Sol for an authentic Lisbon adventure: a grueling climb to a picturesque overlook. From the summit of the hill, you’ll be treated to stunning city views and an impressive Moorish castle dating to the eleventh century. It’s possible to spend up to an hour in this area exploring Castelo de Sao Jorge and its walls, taking in the view and attempting to get the perfect photo from one of the inhabitants, including peacocks.
Travelers have said: “The #28 is a vintage 1930s remodelado tram which rumbles and weaves through the streets of Lisbon and up to the Alfama zone. I was enthralled by the beauty of the original features, such as wood floors, wood-paneled interiors and the old-fashioned sash windows. It’s an arduous ride at times and there were times that there was a tenseness between the homes that we could’ve just leaned over and washed the dishes from the balcony.” –@ Mairwen1
AFTERNOON: A charming medieval maze
Are you hungry after your workout? At the castle’s entrance, Miss Can Petiscaria serves charming containers of Portuguese fish. Purchase a few and pair it with crispy bread for a traditional tapas dinner, and then think about purchasing some extra tins to use as souvenirs.
After you’ve had a fill-up, stroll the quaint streets of Alfama south, towards the ocean (technically an estuary of Tagus River). If a long, arduous walk stresses you, you can head to Lisbon Cathedral. Lisbon Cathedral is the impressive 12th-century church on the west side of Alfama’s neighborhood.
ALFAMA/OLD TOWN TOUR OPTIONS
- Get hungry for this incredible three-to-four-hour tasting excursion of Alfama that combines city tradition with local dishes such as chorizo, sardines, and pastel de Nata.
- If you need help navigating Alfama’s streets, try this three-hour tour on e-bikes that includes the neighborhood and the hills above it without harming your quads. The terms are limited to 15 participants for the most intimate experience.
- Are you pressed for time? Do you have time? This 90-minute Segway trip is an enjoyable and effective way to explore the hills of Alfama without falling.
Evening APRIL: Dinner and dinner and
Alfama is known for its Fado, a Portuguese style of music that’s part classical guitar, as well as mournful vocals (and is on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list). To hear it for yourself, you must make reservations at the family-owned Sr. Fado de Alfama, which, like many fado spots, serves as a dining place. Its red wines and fish stews are delicious; however, its music selection is a true highlight.
A few worthwhile detours to take on the way
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte3,536Lookouts
- Church of St. Anthony1,686Churches & Cathedrals
- Casa dos Bicos-Museu de Lisboa25History Museums
- Museu Militar de Lisboa245Military Museums
DAY TWO
AM: Massive squares and a Manueline tower
Begin your day with a stroll in Baixa in the heart of downtown Lisbon located on the vibrant Rossio Square (a.k.a. King Pedro IV Square) and its column of Pedro IV two fountains and trippy cobblestone floors. If you’re looking for a quick way to get going, turn across the street to the Ginjinha Bar, a popular location to sip an ice-cold Ginjinha (the sour cherry liqueur locals enjoy). It’s open early, at 9:00 am.
With a jog on your feet, take an excursion south along Baixa’s main drag: shops-filled Rua Augusta. Stop to snap a photo of the Neo-Gothic Elevador de Santa Justa, a unique alternative to travel from the Lower Baixa neighborhood to Bairro Alto (Upper City). You’ll eventually pass through the six-columned stones of Arco Do Triunfo and end up on Praca do Comercio. The size of the plaza is remarkable. It’s one of the largest public squares in Europe. It also appears to extend directly to the sea.
Visit the square, then get on tram 15 for the 30-minute journey towards Torre de Belem, which is a 16th-century building and memorial to Portuguese maritime culture that appears as if it’s floating in the Tagus River. It’s a classic illustration in Portuguese early-Gothic style architecture; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also houses an abbey. Although it’s most striking from the outside, going inside is enjoyable if the lines seem short.
AFTERNOON: Late-Gothic ode to Vasco de Gama
In the afternoon, you can relax and enjoy tacos and tapas from the Seaside food trucks Mister Tapas and then stroll towards the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, built in memory of Portuguese explorations Vasco de Gama. Visit the monastery and the adjacent church, where you can view the graves of Vasco de Gama and Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes. It’s free to visit the church. However, you must purchase a ticket to the monastery. Consider buying one in advance because lines can be extended (though less in the afternoon after the tour groups have left).
If you’ve had enough of late-Gothic glamor, stroll across the street to Pasteis of Belem for a different Lisbon must-have to try: Pasteis de Nata (egg custard tarts). This establishment’s selections are widely regarded as the finest in Lisbon.
Travelers report: “Highly recommended to visit the church first (at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos], since it gives a good background for the monastery itself. The monastery itself is amazing. The cloisters are stunning and offer incredible photography opportunities around every corner.” –@ ProsperoDGC
BELEM TOUR OPTIONS
- It’s a 4.5-hour bike tour that takes you from Lisbon’s central area through Belem and includes stops for the essentials, such as pasties of Nata. It’s also among the cheapest times in Lisbon and does not require Tour deFrance-level endurance.
- If you’re DIY but want to take advantage of one thing, Free Tours by Foot provides self-guided walks that will take you through Belem’s best hits.
- Are you not a fan of cycling? Are you tired of walking? Get out to sea! Two hours of sailing! Lisbon Sunset Sailing Tour is a popular choice for Tripadvisor tourists and offers Portuguese wines, a commentary, and, if all goes well, a stunning sunset. At the same time, you cruise by Belem’s top attractions.
Evening: Night in the city, Lisbon style
Get on Tram 15 for an hour-long ride through Cais do Sodre, a party spot that is a beachy paradise. Stroll through the waters before eating dinner in the Time Out Market Lisboa, a food hall with more than a dozen stalls, including some of Lisbon’s best bars and restaurants. Can’t choose? You’ll always be happy having croquettes at Croqueteria.
If you’re feeling ready, don’t hurry, because the party starts late in Lisbon, so make your way to an establishment on Pink Street. The one we recommend for this is Pensao Amor–formerly an old brothel decorated with velvet and frescos. You can drink drinks, watch an evening of burlesque, or take in live performances if you’re still in the area after 2 am. You can try to get into the club. MusicBox can be found right around the next corner. Or, hire a taxi to Lisbon’s most renowned venue, Lux.
