1. Lisbon in 2 days
Only have two days to visit Lisbon ? Don’t panic! With good planning, you can discover the must-sees of the Portuguese capital and enjoy an authentic experience. This optimized itinerary allows you to see UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic neighborhoods, and soak up Lisbon’s unique atmosphere.
This guide offers a detailed schedule, practical tips, and the best ways to get around. Get ready for 48 unforgettable hours!
2. Route Overview
Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage
- Morning : Belém Tower (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Lunch in Belém
- Afternoon : Jerónimos Monastery (1.5 hours)
- Evening : Walk in Belém, Pastéis de Nata
Day 2: Alfama & City Center
- Morning : São Jorge Castle (2 hours)
- Lunch : Lunch in Alfama
- Afternoon : Alfama alleyways, National Pantheon (1 hour)
- Evening : Traditional Fado in Alfama
Total visit time : 8-9 hours
Distance travelled : ~15 km (public transport)
Estimated budget : €100-150 (excluding accommodation)
3. Day 1: Belém & UNESCO World Heritage
Morning: Torre de Belém (8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.)
Preparation :
- Arrive in Belém at 8:00 am (before it opens at 10:00 am)
- Book your tickets online the day before
- Priority access without waiting
In Belém:
- Explore the 5 floors of the tower
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the Tagus River
- Take photos from the upper terrace
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy better visiting conditions.
Book your Torre de Belém tickets
Lunch: Lunch in Belém (10:30-12:00)
Where to eat:
- Pastéis de Nata Tradicional : Iconic pastries (€2)
- Café Belém : Café with a view (in the tower)
- Restaurante Vela Latina : Portuguese cuisine, Tagus river view (€15-25)
- Mercado da Ribeira : Food market (€10-20)
Specialties to try:
- Pastéis de Nata (pastries)
- Grilled sardines
- Fresh seafood
- Portuguese wines
Afternoon: Jerónimos Monastery (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Access :
- A 5-minute walk from the Belém Tower
- Or take Tram 15E to Jerónimos
To have :
- Spectacular cloister (Gothic masterpiece)
- Main Church
- Archaeological Museum
- Tombs of illustrious figures
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: €12 (free on Sunday mornings)
Tip: Visit the cloister in the late afternoon for better photographic light.
Evening: Walk in Belém (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Activities :
- Walk along the Tagus
- Visit to Belém Park
- Exploring the adjacent streets
- Souvenir shopping
Where to have a drink:
- Terraces with views of the Tagus River
- Traditional cafes
- Modern bars
4. Day 2: Alfama & City Center (500 words)
Morning: São Jorge Castle (8:00-10:30)
Access :
- Metro line 12 (Azul) to “Santa Apolónia”
- Then walk uphill (15 min) or take Tram 28
- Or Uber/Taxi (€5)
To have :
- Medieval fortress
- 360° views of Lisbon
- Integrated Museum
- Castle gardens
Duration: 2 hours
Price: €10
Tip: Go up early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best views.
Lunch: Lunch in Alfama (11:00-12:30)
Where to eat:
- Traditional restaurants : Alfama alleyways
- Mercado da Ribeira : Food Market
- Local cafes : Authentic atmosphere
Specialties:
- Cod in Brás (bacalau in Brás)
- Caldo verde (traditional soup)
- Grilled sardines
- Pastéis de Nata
Budget: €10-20 per person
Afternoon: Alfama & Pantheon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Exploring Alfama:
- Medieval cobbled streets
- colorful azulejos
- Miradouros (viewpoints)
- São Jorge Church
- Duration: 2 hours
National Pantheon:
- impressive Baroque basilica
- Tombs of illustrious figures
- remarkable architecture
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: €5
Tip: Explore Alfama without a specific itinerary, let yourself get lost in the alleyways!
Evening: Traditional Fado (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Authentic experience:
- Fado in Alfama (traditional Portuguese music)
- Restaurants with entertainment
- An intimate and moving atmosphere
Where to go:
- Fado em Mim : Traditional Fado (25-35€)
- Clube de Fado : Authentic atmosphere (30-40€)
- Restaurante Lá Goa : Fado + cuisine (35-50€)
Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Practical Tips for 2 Days
Transportation
Viva Viagem card:
- 24-hour subscription: €10
- 72-hour subscription: €25
- Unlimited access to metro, tram, bus
Key routes:
- Belém ↔ Alfama: Tram 15E + Metro (15 min)
- Alfama ↔ Castle: On foot (10 min)
- Castle ↔ Pantheon: On foot (5 min)
Important times
- Torre de Belém : 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (high season)
- Jerónimos Monastery : 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- São Jorge Castle : 9am-9pm
- National Pantheon : 10am-5pm
- Fado restaurants : 7pm-11pm
Estimated budget (2 days)
| Cost |
Item |
| Accommodation |
€60-120 |
| Meals |
€40-60 |
| Attractions |
€30-40 |
| Transportation |
€10 |
| Fado + drinks |
€30-50 |
| TOTAL |
170-280€ |
Packing essentials
- Comfortable shoes (hills)
- Camera
- Water and sun protection
- Lightweight clothing (summer) or jacket (winter)
- Small backpack
Expert travel tips!
✅ Book Torre de Belém online
✅ Visit Belém in the morning (less crowded)
✅ Explore Alfama without a specific itinerary
✅ Book the fado in advance
✅ Wear good shoes (hills)
✅ Bring water (hot climate)
6. Alternatives & Variants
If you have more time
- Day 3 : Sintra (Pena Palace, Moorish Castle)
- Day 3 : Cascais (beaches, cliffs, Estoril)
- Day 3 : Museums (Gulbenkian, Azulejo, MAAT)
If you have less time (1 day)
Morning :
- Belém Tower (1 hour)
- Jerónimos Monastery (1 hour)
Afternoon :
- Alfama (2 hours)
- São Jorge Castle (1 hour)
Variant: Focus on local life
- Mercado da Ribeira (market)
- Príncipe Real district (cafes, shopping)
- Tram 28 (historical route)
- Fado in Alfama
7. Ready to visit Lisbon in 2 days?
Book Torre de Belém – Skip-the-line tickets for the main attraction
Visiting Lisbon in 3 days – More detailed itinerary
Visit Lisbon in 4 days – Complete exploration with excursions
Complete Lisbon Guide – Back to the main guide
