48 hours in Lisbon | practical itinerary

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably planning a trip to Portugal and need a practical and concise itinerary to explore the country’s capital, am I right?! If that’s what you’re looking for, my tips for enjoying 48 hours in Lisbon will help you a lot!

Like every major European city, Lisbon offers plenty of tourist attractions and interesting tours, so 48 hours in Lisbon won’t be enough to see everything. However, you’ll have the chance to visit the essentials. Ideally, you should set aside 4 to 6 days to fully enjoy the capital and a few nearby towns.

How to get there

Lisbon is the capital and most populous city in Portugal. It is located in the central region of the country, making it a great starting point for those who want to explore more of Portugal’s beauty.

It’s easily accessible, both for travelers coming from Brazil and from other European countries. The city has a very good international airport, which receives frequent flights from various cities in Brazil and other parts of the world.

For example, a direct flight from Belo Horizonte/MG takes 9 hours to reach Lisbon. Meanwhile, a direct flight from Dublin takes approximately 3 hours. If you’re in Spain or another nearby country, you can rent a car for a road trip or use other forms of ground transportation to get there.

48 hours in Lisbon

I suggest starting the first day of your 48-hour itinerary in Lisbon at Praça do Comércio. From there, you can explore several parts of the city, but if you prefer, you can reverse the itinerary and begin with the Belém Tower area instead.

Praça do Comércio

It is located in the Baixa district, near the Tagus River. While there, you can walk to the river, then stroll along Rua Augusta (a popular shopping street) or hop on tram 28 to head up to the higher part of the city.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

If the weather is clear, head to this viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of Lisbon. Afterwards, walk down on foot and stop at the next spots on the itinerary.

Castelo de São Jorge

The castle is one of those must-do experiences when visiting the city, as it offers a deeper understanding of Lisbon’s and Portugal’s history!

It’s open every day of the week, closing only on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st. The entrance fee for a regular visit is €10, and the guided tour costs €12.50.

To get there, you can walk from Praça do Comércio, it's less than 900 meters, though it’s uphill. Alternatively, take tram 28, get off near the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and walk to the Castle (this way it’s downhill).

Sé de Lisboa

Also known as the Church of Santa Maria Maior, it is located in Largo da Sé, 550 meters from São Jorge Castle. Its architecture blends Gothic and Baroque styles, making it one of the most visited landmarks in the city!

Parque das Nações

Afterwards, you can head down to Praça do Comércio and take public transportation to Parque das Nações. Set aside at least 3 hours to explore the area.

For those doing the 48-hour Lisbon itinerary with kids, a great option is visiting the Oceanarium. It's an educational and very cool attraction, great for the whole family. It’s open every day of the week starting at 10 a.m. Tickets cost €19 for people aged 13 to 64, and entry is free for children aged 0 to 3.

Belém Tower

To start day two of the 48 hours in Lisbon itinerary, I suggest heading to the Belém area and exploring the tourist attractions there.

You can begin with the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. The tower is a beautiful fortification located on the banks of the Tagus River. It’s possible to visit the inside, but in my opinion, the exterior is more interesting. From there, you can walk to the Monument to the Discoveries, as it’s only 950 meters away.

While in the Belém area, don’t forget to try the famous Pastel de Belém!

Jerónimos Monastery

Close to the Monument to the Discoveries is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the capital! The Jerónimos Monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is a stunning example of 16th-century Portuguese architecture.

It is open for visits every day of the week, closing only on specific holidays (January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, June 13th, and December 25th). Tickets cost €10 and can be purchased at the ticket office.

Chiado

From the Belém area, you can take an Uber or public transport to Chiado. Once there, take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood’s streets. Visit the famous café “A Brasileira” and the Santa Justa Lift.

To end your 48-hour Lisbon itinerary, you can attend a fado performance and have dinner at a restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese food.

Keep in mind, I’ve only mentioned the most basic sights in Lisbon. If you can, stay longer in the city and in the country!

These were my tips for enjoying 48 hours in Lisbon, did you like them? If you still have any questions, leave them in the comments below! Oh, and if you’re planning a backpacking trip or traveling to other countries in Europe, take a look at my other posts! There are plenty of great tips here on the blog!

Kisses and see you soon!