If you'll be in Lisbon for just a few hours or only one day, we give you an excellent itinerary so you can enjoy some of Lisbon's wonders in very little time.
NOTE: If you don't like walking, you'd better not read this article!
Grab a coffee in the center of Lisbon
We're going to start in the heart of Lisbon, specifically at Rossio Square. One of the most special squares in the city, with its photogenic cobblestone pavement and fountains. From down here you have a view of the Convento do Carmo.
If you fancy a break with a delicious Portuguese coffee, we have some info to help you know what to order — check out our post on how to order coffee in Lisbon.
You can also try a shot of ginjinha right there in the center, next to Rossio Square, one of the most iconic things to do in the city — a wonderfully sweet liqueur!
Explore the Baixa
Next, we recommend heading into Rua Augusta, Lisbon's main pedestrian street, lined with shops and restaurants. Keep an eye out so you don't miss the Santa Justa Lift, a beautiful iron structure built in 1902.
At the end of Rua Augusta, you arrive at the stunning, sweeping Praça do Comércio, surrounded by grand government buildings, terrace cafés, and the Tagus. From here you get a lovely view of São Jorge Castle.
After taking in this vast open space, you can continue on foot to the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), and walk around it to the left, following the tram line until you reach the Santa Luzia viewpoint.
Visit Alfama
Your next step is to get wonderfully lost in the age-old labyrinth that is Alfama, the most celebrated neighborhood in Lisbon, undeniably historic and still standing, despite the devastating earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the city in 1755.
This is a place to wander without a plan — there are no rules, just walk and venture down the neighborhood's tiny streets. Every corner holds a story, and you never know what you might find. You'll come across everything from gourmet restaurants to tiny, traditional fado houses. This is the place to hear the best fado in Lisbon.
While you're in the area, you can stop by the National Pantheon. And if it's a Tuesday or Saturday morning, you can also visit the Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's most popular flea market.
From Alfama you can head up to the neighboring district of Graça, with its charming local atmosphere and viewpoints, or head down toward the river to take the metro from Santa Apolónia station and return to the city center, getting off at Baixa/Chiado, to explore the neighborhood of Chiado. Right next to it is Bairro Alto.
You could also head back to Baixa from Graça or Alfama on the iconic Lisbon Tram 28.
There is no doubt plenty to discover in Lisbon, and the question of "what to see" remains a very personal one. If you want a specialized tour, we recommend a guided tour.
Getting to central Lisbon from the Airport
Assuming you are arriving and departing by plane, one of the best options for getting between the city and Lisbon Airport is the AeroBus. It runs every 20 minutes and the ticket costs €3.50, valid for 24 hours in both directions and at all stops along the AeroBus route from the airport to the city center, with several stops of interest for visitors. The first departure is at 07:00 and the last at 23:00 from the Airport to the city center. In the opposite direction, departing from Cais do Sodré, it operates from 07:45 to 22:30.
Once you board the AeroBus, if you are not planning to stay overnight in Lisbon and want to start the route we recommend, get off at Praça dos Restauradores. This small square is characterized by its central obelisk, surrounded by shops, cafés, restaurants, and more. It is located at one end of Avenida da Liberdade, next to Rossio Square (where the route described in this post begins).
You can also take the metro. Or even an Uber. You can find more options on our Lisbon transportation.
page. If you would rather skip all the steps mentioned above, or if your arrival time does not match the bus schedule, book a transfer from Lisbon Airport to the city center or your hotel.
