Lisbon in a day! Is it possible?
Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal, is a vibrant and charming destination that offers a rich and varied experience for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, cuisine, nightlife, or nature, Lisbon has something for everyone. But how can you make the most of your time in this beautiful city if you only have one day? Or maybe, more speficifally, 6 - 8 hours if you’re on a cruise.
In this guide, we will show you how to plan a perfect day in Lisbon, covering the main transport options and attractions and maybe some sweet treats that will make your trip unforgettable.
Duque de Terceira Statue - Commemorating the 44th anniversary of the landing of the Duque in Lisbon. Team Five Travel's original photo.
Getting around
Probably your most important decision of the day. How are you going to navigate this massive city, take in everything you want to see and, get back on board in time. Time, in Lisbon, is very important when you are cruising. Lisbon is actually on the same time as the UK so if you have been cruising in Spain or another European country, the ship will most likely change it’s time - Don’t get caught out with this and make sure you change your watch and/or devices.
In Lisbon there are many ways to navigate the city and if you had more than one day, we’d probably recommend using the Metro and trams to get as much an authentic feel for the city as you can. Whilst these are still viable options, at bargain basement prices €7 for 24 hrs on the Metro, they’re not going to make the most of your time and maximise what you see. Therefore, your best options are:
1) Pricey cruise shore excursions - Expensive as arranged through the cruise company, guarantee your ship will wait if you are stuck in traffic or delayed for some other reason. Lisbon is quite a vast city but it’s very accessible form the port and if you’re savvy, you can navigate it in plenty of time so for this port, unless accessibility is an issue, we’d skip this option.
2) Tuk Tuk - You could bag yourself an amazing ride here, especially if you get a local guide with insider knowledge of the city. Prices range from around £75 for 2 hours to £150 for a longer tour although I have seen some prices down to £20. You’ll have to be comfortable one of these, in Lisbon traffic. They are covered through and often have fans to cool the heat. Also, a great way to capture footage on your camera or phone. This is definitely a good option for a small group.
3) The good old Lisbon Tourist Bus. I know, I know, not the authentic option you were hoping for but isn’t the aim of cruising to see as much of the city or stops as possible to decide if you want to explore more?
We decided to use this option on our summer cruise because it was great price for a family of 4, you got access to an app (depending on company) that showed the routes, live bus times and you know roughly how long it would take getting from point A to B.
There are a number of companies offering pretty much the same thing but we used Lisbon Sightseeing (Sightseeing Everywhere, Gray Line Portugal). It cost us £58.00 in total. In our experience the buses were on time and plenty of them. The app was easy to use and accurate.
With Lisbon busy in the summer months it was also a great way of prioritising sites to see and those to miss. Plus, you can get on and off wherever you want so the itinerary really is set by you. Remember though even with the tourist bus, Lisbon is a busy city and it takes a while to get around. If you want to stay on the bus and just go around the red and blue routes, you’ll have time to do this. However, if, as most people do, you get off, you will have to pick wisely. The red route is the most popular as it has all of the major monuments so this is what we’d recommend.
Did you know we also have a travel agency called Team Five Holidays? If you are going to Lisbon and want to pre-book your sightseeing, see Wayne’s Viator page where you can book all Lisbon has to offer.
Lisbon Grey Line red route
Here are some of the highlights of what you can expect to see and do in Lisbon in one day:
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pastéis de Belém, the iconic pastry shop that has been making the famous pastel de nata(custard tart) since 1837. These flaky and creamy treats are a must-try when in Lisbon, and you can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea in the elegant dining room or take them away and eat them on the go.
And later on, if you still fancy some sweet treats why not try Candy Lisa? Run Agosta 249, Lisboa. It’s a really fun sweet shop - pick & mix heaven. We really enjoyed the fun modern take on pick & mix - loaded barrels of sweets for all tastes. Simpsons inside and Superman outside.
Candy Lisa, Lisbon Portugal
Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning example of Manuelinearchitecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive complex was built in the 16th century to commemorate the voyages of discovery of the Portuguese explorers, and it houses the tombs of some of the most prominent figures in Portuguese history, such as Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. You can admire the intricate carvings, the magnificent cloister, and the beautiful church, where you can see the Santa Maria de Belém, the ship that carried da Gama to India.
Explore the Belém Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Lisbon’s maritime glory. This fortified tower was built in the 16th century to defend the entrance of the Tagus river and to serve as a ceremonial gateway. You can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the river and the city, or visit the small museum inside, where you can learn more about the history and significance of the tower.
Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal.
Monument to the Discoveries - A giant monument stands at the edge of the Tagus River, and depicts a caravel—a ship commonly used by Portugal’s 15th-century explorers. It pays tribute to leading figures from Portugal’s seafaring heyday, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan.
Monument to the Restorers, Lisbon, Portugal.
Take a tram ride there are many lines to choose from but one that’s very popular is the Alfama, the oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood in Lisbon. This is where you can experience the authentic and charming side of the city, with its narrow and winding streets, colorful houses, and quaint shops and cafes. You can also visit some of the landmarks of the area, such as the Sé Cathedral, the Castle of São Jorge, and the National Pantheon. And of course, you can’t miss the opportunity to listen to some fado, the traditional and melancholic music of Lisbon, in one of the many fado houses that dot the area.
Lisbon Tram
Eating
There’s an abundance of choice here from high-end restaurants to getting a sandwich on the go. When you don’t have endless amounts of time and you’re still half stuffed form the amount you ate on the ship last night, we opted for food on the go. We got a couple of sandwiches and cakes from Pastelaria Pomarense on the Av. de la Liberdad - it was tasty, value for money and filling. The Pastel de Nata the sugar boost we needed to carry on trekking around. This was after we had completed most of the red route and decided to get off the bus and walk back to the port, exploring the shopping areas as well as the beautiful Parque Eduardo VII.
Pastel de Nata, Lisbon, Portugal.
End your day leaving port with an afternoon cruise out of Lisbon on the Tagus river, where you can admire the stunning views of the city, its monuments and the 25 de Abril Bridge from a different perspective. So grab yourself a drink and watch the video below to immerse yourself in the views you could have causing out of Lisbon.
Reflections
As you can see, Lisbon is a city that has a lot to offer, and you can have a wonderful and memorable day there even if you only have 8 hours. Of course, there is much more to see and do in Lisbon, and you may want to extend your stay (not if your ship is leaving at 5pm though) or come back again to explore more of its secrets and charms. But for now, we hope that this guide has given you some inspiration and tips on how to enjoy Lisbon in one day. It certainly has us wanting more and looking to book another cruise that departs or stops in the Portuguese capital.
Have a great trip! Bon Viaje! Buen Viaje! Bon Voyage!