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Lisbon is a city of light, but it will enchant you with its subtle shadows, its flavours and its small suntrap squares. The capital, and largest city in Portugal, is located at the mouth of the Tagus River and extends over seven hills, offering multiple viewpoints from which to admire its splendour. An ideal city for a getaway at any time of the year, Lisbon is lively, colourful and dynamic. Its city centre is full of history which can easily be explored on foot: even if you only have one day there, you can still experience all of its old-world charms.
Here is a mini guide that will help you discover Lisbon in 24 hours: follow our tips on the essential things to see and what to eat in the city… you’ll be hungry for more time in Lisbon.
Breakfast with a view in the Alfama district
Photo: author's own
Your day in Lisbon can only begin with a visit to one of the most beautiful and emblematic places in the city: the Praça do Comércio. Arriving by the Arco da Rua Augusta, a huge square will open before you, lined with the arcades of the former Royal Palace and facing out onto the Tagus. In the past, it was one of the city gates, welcoming kings and heads of state visiting Portugal. After basking in the light of this incredible place, a change of scenery: explore the winding and colourful alleyways of Alfama, a popular, authentic district, which is best visited at the beginning of the day because… it involves a climb!
If you prefer, you can also take the legendary tram 28 to enjoy the view. Admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maior, the oldest church in the capital, and the countless facades decorated with azulejos (typical Portuguese tiles), before proceeding to the Miradouro de Santa Luiza. Travelling on foot or by tram, a little gourmet break is now needed: take yourself to the Bar Terrazo Santa Luiza, which offers a wonderful view over the colourful roofs of the city, to drink a coffee, a freshly-squeezed orange juice and some homemade cakes, perfect to regain your energy before climbing up to the marvellous castle which overlooks the city.
Lunch at Time Out Market
Photo: iStock
For lunch, head to the Time Out Market. Located in the port district of Cais do Sodré and renovated in 2014, the historic Mercado da Ribeira has been transformed into a huge food court where you can taste the best of Portuguese specialities and much more besides. It is an essential stop-off for food lovers passing through town. Here you can make your gourmet purchases, from cheeses to charcuterie, wines, pastries and local specialities – there is something for all tastes and wallets. We fell for a francesinha by Miguel Castro e Silva. This Porto speciality is a sandwich topped with fresh sausage or ham, covered with melted cheese and a spicy tomato and beer sauce, with optional added fried egg and fries. Here, you can taste traditional cod-based specialities too at the Petiscaria Terra do Bacalhau by chef Luís Gaspar: don't miss his pasteis de bacalhau – gourmet cod croquettes with a melting centre.
The Tower (and Pasteis) of Belém
Photo: iStock
Leaving the Mercado da Ribeira, you can take tram 15E to reach a picturesque neighbourhood located west of the city centre, where you can enjoy two of the city's must-see monuments, the Tower of Belém and the Jeronimos Monastery, and take a stroll along the quays with a view of Ponte 25 de April. But, let it be said, one of the main motivations for getting here is to visit the “temple” of pasteis de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tarts. The Fabrica do Pasteis de Bélem has been making these delicacies since 1837, according to an old recipe from the monks of the monastery located a few steps from this old confectionery. Here you can sip a good coffee and taste the best hot and cinnamon-flavoured Lisbon pasteis.
A timeless tea time and the unmissable ginjinha
One Palácio da Anunciada. Photo: author's own
Take the tram back to the city centre and explore the Rossio district and its streets full of life, shops and cafes. If you fancy a charming pit stop in an ancient palace, the luxurious One Palácio da Anunciada is the place. Located a few steps from Praça do Restauradores, this boutique hotel is housed in a 16th-century building. Here you can enjoy delicious tea, sitting on the sun-drenched hotel roof garden, which hosts an incredible ‘Dragon’, a century-old tropical tree. Leaving the palace, you will find yourself just a few steps from a small historic shop where you can taste ginjinha, the delicious local cherry liqueur “com” (with) or “sem” (without) cherries: an essential stop in town!
Sunset at Barrio Alto and an aperitif with a view
The soft afternoon light is perfect for discovering the narrow streets of Barrio Alto. Located west of Avenida da Libertade, this authentic, lively district will give you a glimpse of the life of the Lisbon people. Sitting at the kiosks, on the terrace or in the gardens, the locals enjoy life and share drinks and conversations in peace. Take a tour of the delicious botanical garden and enjoy the marvellous view of the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, where musicians and street artists often perform. Then set off up the steep streets and return to the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade, a chic, tree-lined avenue, lined with luxury shops, where you can admire the most beautifully decorated sidewalks in Lisbon.
It’s now time for aperitif and the best Lisbon spot to enjoy one is undoubtedly, Seen. Whether you go for a drink on the terrace or for dinner, this restaurant located on the ninth floor of the prestigious Tivoli Avenida hotel offers a breathtaking view of the city: it is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Signature cocktails are made according to the rules of the art, and dishes are inspired by an eclectic and cosmopolitan world cuisine, with a delicious fusion of Portuguese and Brazilian flavours. Here the evenings start to the rhythm of the music orchestrated by the resident DJ until late in the night.
Traditional dinner… or not
If for dinner you want to taste Portuguese specialities reinterpreted in contemporary fashion, go to XXL, by famous Portuguese chef Olivier da Costa. Located in front of the Assembleia da República, the restaurant takes the place of an iconic restaurant that closed its doors after the pandemic, the XL. With an extra "L", this new place pays tribute to Portuguese cuisine while respecting tradition. An example? The delicious grilled lobster served with an egg, sunny-side-up, white rice and fries, a twist on the bitoque, a traditional dish shared at family tables. Or, try the cod a lagareiro, served on a bed of grelos (green sprouts of Portuguese turnip) and garnished with candied onions and red peppers. If you really must have dessert, then have the dulce de leche soufflé.
If you are in the mood for aged meats, another of da Costa’s places, the K.O.B., is recommended.
End the evening on a fado note
Photo: iStock
To end your day in Lisbon, there is nothing better than a little traditional fado, at the Mesa de Frades. Located in the heart of Alfama, this former 18th-century chapel hosts renowned singers and musicians, who perform here every night. If you don't want to dine on-site, arrive late to sip a drink and enjoy the sounds of this melancholic music. A perfect atmosphere to gently end your long day in Lisbon.
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