One Day in Lisbon Itinerary — Not the Typical Tourist Attractions

I have been living in Portugal since autumn 2021. I don’t live in Lisbon though, I live in a smaller city called Setubal which is about a 40 minute drive to the south of Lisbon. But with such an easy commute that means I’ve spent a great deal of time in Lisbon. I have spent full days in Lisbon, or I’ve gone up just for the afternoon, just for dinner, or just for a show. I’ve explored the cafes and the bars and the museums and the shops. I certainly have more to explore, I imagine I always will. But I feel very qualified to outline this one day in Lisbon itinerary for you. 

I also want to note here that you will not find a lot of the top Lisbon attractions on this list. There are plenty of bloggers telling you about the most predictable spots in the city — so you can find that information easily. Here I’ve outlined a less typical day in Lisbon. So if you like getting away from the tourists hot spots, this is the one day in Lisbon itinerary for you!

If you have more questions about Lisbon or want help putting together a personalized 24 hours in Lisbon, Portugal itinerary, message me — I would love to help. 

Is One Day in Lisbon Enough?

One day anywhere will never truly be enough, will it? One day in Lisbon, Portugal can give you a nice taste of the city, two days in Lisbon would allow you to go more in depth and get out of the city center a bit more. But, if I’m being honest, if you have more time in Portugal, I think you should just leave Lisbon behind all together. I live to the south in a small city called Setubal. It’s a gem and there is so much to do and see here, and that’s just one of so many destinations beyond Lisbon. So, if I were creating a complete Portugal itinerary I would limit myself to one day in Lisbon, maybe two, and then I would get out and see other areas of this beautiful country. 

Why Spend One Day in Lisbon?

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city. It is steeped in history, gorgeous architecture, and stunning views. There are great restaurants and bars all over. You have amazing viewpoint after amazing viewpoint. There is shopping — big chain stores, local boutiques, second hand shops, and markets. There are art museums and history museums and so much more. Basically, Lisbon is a thriving metropolis with a lot to see and do, and no matter what your interests are you will find something to do in Lisbon in 24 hours.

How to Get Around in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city of many, many hills. So though I usually advise people to walk as much as possible on their travels, walking too much in Lisbon is going to wipe you out real fast. Luckily, there is a great network of public transportation. There are buses and metros and trams. The trams are not just for tourist routes, they are very much part of the everyday network which keeps the city moving. Additionally, you can hop in an Uber or Bolt and get almost anywhere in the city quickly for just a few euro. Whatever you do, don’t be tempted by the tuktuks, they are the best scammers in the city. They’ll show you one price and then charge you another, plus they move incredibly slowly (understandably but unnecessarily so).

A one day pass to access all of the buses and metros is just €7, or a single trip is €1.85. You can buy these passes at any metro station.

Is the Lisbon One Day Pass Worth It?

For this itinerary, definitely not. The only thing on this Lisbon itinerary which has an entry fee is the Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade. But that entrance fee is just €3. The Lisbon one day pass is €27. And though that does also include public transportation, a 24-hour pass for all of the trains and buses is just €7. So again, if you’re following this itinerary, no, the pass is not worth it. 

One Day in Lisbon: The Best of the City in 24 Hours

Before we get started, I want to tell you that this list for one day in Lisbon what to do is really ambitious. If you do have two days, spread it out. Or wake up really early, or look through and decide what you’d be happy to skip. Even though I’ve created a wild day, I don’t want you to feel you need to rush through. Remember to enjoy yourself!

The itinerary and Lisbon walking map

If you were to walk this entire itinerary, Google maps estimates you would be walking for five and a half hours. I don’t recommend that. Some distances are more walkable while others can be done by bus, and others still I would recommend hopping into a ride share for.

Morning

Breakfast at Quase Café

Rua do Salvador 32, 1100-465 Lisboa

If you want to have a Portuguese breakfast you can go to any little cafe you come across, get an espresso, sit on the patio and light a cigarette, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add a pastel de nata to the mix. But, at least for me, that would not be enough to get me through a full one day trip in Lisbon (plus I don’t smoke or drink coffee…) so instead, head to Quase Café.

Here you can have a nice sitdown meal. There are all of the breakfast classics, I like a salmon benedict. Plus if you’ve read any of my blogs before you’ll know that I am an absolute sucker for a chai latte, which you can find here. 

Learn more about the country’s past at Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade

R. Augusto Rosa 42, 1100-059 Lisboa

Cost €3.00

This is the Museum of the Resistance and Liberty, and it is housed in a former prison. This is one of the lesser-visited museums in Lisbon, so it is not overrun and you won’t need to wait in any queues to get in. 

This museum does a fantastic job of laying out life during the dictatorial regime in Portugal — from 1926 – 1974. It honors those who lost their lives to the regime, and it outlines the resistance. There is a lot throughout the museum that makes up the permanent exhibit, but there are also temporary exhibits. For example, 2024 was the 50th anniversary of the fall of the regime, so there was a temporary exhibit which was meant to reflect on achievements since that time. 

This is an excellent museum if you are interested in exploring more about Portugal’s recent past, which undoubtedly still affects the country and its population today. 

Go shopping at EmbaiXada

Praça do Príncipe Real 26, 1250-184 Lisboa

While EmbaiXada is technically a mall, it is a lot more than that. The physical space was once a palace, built in the 19th-century, and the bones of that structure are still very much intact. There is a gorgeous inner courtyard surrounded by marble columns, grand staircases and balconies. There is crown molding on the ceilings and around the doors and windows — which are enormous and allow natural light to spill across the space. Each shop has a chandelier hanging in the center. And that brings me to the next item, the shops. 

This is certainly more upscale shopping, but it is not the cookie cutter Hermes or Louis Vuitton, instead it is local Portuguese designers. There is men’s and women’s clothing, home decor, accessories, lotions, perfumes, stationary, and so much more. Each space is intentional and welcoming and it is a great way to be introduced to local artisans. 

Check out the views from Panorâmico de Monsanto

It would be quite a trek to get up to this viewpoint by foot — though doable, you might consider ordering an Uber or Bolt, or hopping on a bus which can at least get you close. 

Monsanto Park sits to the west of Lisbon’s city center. It spreads across a hillside and is full of paths. There are dirt bike paths, roads, and well maintained walking trails. If you want to spend some time escaping the city, this is a great place to do it without going too far. However, if you’re going just for the view, head straight to the top.

At the top you’ll find Panorâmico de Monsanto. The building was once a high end restaurant, but it has been abandoned for years and people now visit to enjoy the views. You can head up to the higher levels and see all across Lisbon and the Tagus River. As well as the views, there is a lot of art built in and added to the space. There are stained glass windows, tiled walls, and a lot of really cool graffiti — some more purposeful than others, but all of it adding to the allure of the abandoned structure. 

Afternoon

Indulge in lunch at Pigmeu

R. 4 de Infantaria 68, 1350-274 Lisboa

At this point you’re probably ready to fuel up again. One of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon is Pigmeu — where everything is made from all the different parts of the pig. Needless to say, this is not the spot for vegetarians, but if you are a meat eater you are going to be in heaven. The menu is always changing as the chef works with what he has. They work their way through entire pigs, no part left to waste. But don’t just expect a slab of bacon or a pork steak, the dishes are creative and delicious. 

Vegetarian alternative to keep you on track: Hummusbar Lisboa – Mercado, R. Coelho da Rocha, 1350-075 Lisboa

Head for a wine tasting at Adega Belém Urban Winery

Tv. Paulo Jorge 9, 1300-444 Lisboa

There are so many good wineries all around Portugal. I’ve been to nearly 52 (I’m working towards that number) and you can read more about the first chunk of Portuguese wineries I went to here. But if you’re not going to have a chance to get out of the city and see more rural wineries, Adega Belém Urban Winery is an excellent alternative. 

As the name implies, this is a winery in the city. The space is a converted car garage and it is so much fun to be out here. You’ll want to book in advance. Sometimes the doors are open for walk-ins, but it’s best not to risk it. They also do some small sampling platters (again you would need to indicate you wanted this in advance), but presuming you’ve just eaten you could plan just to stick to the wine. 

The winery is owned by a German couple who have a background in science. It’s extremely interesting to talk to them about their story and how the winery came to be, plus their process these days. 

The best way to get out here after lunch is by bus. 

Throw axes at LX Factory

LX Factory was started as an arts center, but has become quite the tourist attraction, in fact it is by far the most mainstream touristy thing in Lisbon that I’ve included on this list. Because, ultimately, it draws people there for a reason.

The “factory” is full of all sorts of different spaces. There are restaurants and bars, street art and bookstores, you can pick up sardine souvenirs, CDs, or even go throw some axes.  

Evening

See the bras along R. da Atalaia

Make a quick detour to see the bras which hang from the balconies along R. da Atalaia. It’s a photo op, nothing else. 

Stop for dinner at BacoAlto

R. do Norte 33, 1200-141 Lisboa

To get back into the city center after your time out to the west, hop on a bus. If you’re down for a light dinner of tapas, and maybe another glass of wine, head into Bairro Alto and stop off at the small, friendly, locally owned BacoAlto. 

Go on a bar crawl to all of the cool spots

There are a myriad of cool bars all around Lisbon. I’d recommend choosing a neighborhood and going on a little self-made bar crawl there. Here are five around downtown which you could fit into a night along with a little after dark city exploration. 

1. Javá Rooftop, Praça Dom Luís I 30, 1200-152 Lisboa

For some great city views (and slightly overpriced cocktails).

2. Pensão Amor, R. do Alecrim 19, 1200-292 Lisboa

Located on the famous pink street, this was once a brothel (thus the name) and has a series of cool rooms which full up later on.

3. Associação Loucos e Sonhadores, R. da Rosa 261, 1200-385 Lisboa

Translated literally to “Madmen and Dreamers Association” this is a very typical, non-touristy late night Portuguese bar. Everyone is seated and the vibe is laidback and immaculate. 

4. Toca da Raposa, R. da Condessa 45, 1200-302 Lisboa

On the trendier edge of the spectrum, I really like the cocktail offerings here. 

5. Outro Lado Craft Beer, Beco do Arco Escuro 1, 1100-585 Lisboa

Lisbon has an impressive craft beer scene. And though I am not a regular beer drinker, I enjoyed one of their lighter options. 

I hope this itinerary helps you get a good idea of what to visit in Lisbon during your trip. Whether you have one day in Lisbon from a cruise ship or are passing through as part of a complete Portugal trip, this guide should help you make the most of your time in the capital city. 

If you’d like more help putting together a more customized itinerary based on your interests, please reach out, I’d love to help!