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Find the perfect itinerary for you
Lisbon caters to all souls, from the solitary wanderer seeking inspiration to families needing engaging fun, and history lovers tracing the steps of past explorers. Below, we’ve crafted three tailored 2-day itineraries for solo travelers, families, and history buffs. These plans strip away the guesswork, using the Hop-on Hop-off network to deliver a condensed yet rich experience of the Portuguese capital.
For solo travelers
For families
For history buffs
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Pois Café in Alfama is where you can sink into a sofa with a book and enjoy their hearty brunch plates. This is a living room away from home.
Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle)
The city’s crown jewel, this hilltop fortress offers shaded gardens, peacocks, and commanding views over the Tagus River.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Castelo S. Jorge (Castle Line)
- City Sightseeing: Martim Moniz (connect via walk/tram)
Highlights:
- Finding the hidden door to the northern ramparts for a quieter view.
- Watching the resident peacocks strut through the castle gardens.
- Identifying the distinct neighborhoods of Lisbon from the miradouro (viewpoint).
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle; there are fountains inside, and staying hydrated on the exposed ramparts is key.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute scenic walk downhill.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Taberna da Rua das Flores is a tiny, authentic tavern where the menu changes daily. It’s perfect for counter-dining and chatting with staff.
Chiado & Baixa
The elegant shopping and literary district meets the grand 18th-century downtown grid. It’s the beating heart of Lisbon’s daily life.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Praça da Figueira
- City Sightseeing: Rossio / Praça da Figueira
Highlights:
- Observe the striking contrast between the ruined Carmo Convent and the blue sky.
- The buzzing atmosphere of Rua Augusta, with its street performers and mosaic calm, cannot be missed.
- Spot the historic brass statue of Fernando Pessoa outside Café A Brasileira.
Pro tip: Peek inside the Manteigaria shop nearby to watch the chefs making pastel de nata through the glass window.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Short bus ride or funicular trip.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
A dual-level garden terrace that serves up one of the most complete views of the Castle and the river, especially at golden hour.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Príncipe Real
- City Sightseeing: Restauradores (access via Glória Funicular)
Highlights:
- The tiled map on the balustrade helps you name every landmark you see.
- Soak up the vibrant atmosphere with local musicians often playing near the fountain.
- The lower garden level is often quieter and more romantic. So head there for a moment of calm.
Pro tip: Grab a drink from the on-site kiosk and sit on the benches. It’s the best front-row seat for the sunset in the city.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Stay nearby for dinner.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Time Out Market is a haven for solo diners, offering everything from Michelin-starred concepts to classic burgers at communal tables where it’s easy to mingle.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day at Pastéis de Belém, where history and sugar meet. The warm custard tarts here are the gold standard for a reason.
Belém Tower
A Manueline fortress sitting in the river, originally built to defend the harbor, is now a symbol of Portugal’s maritime age.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém
- City Sightseeing: Belém Tower
Highlights:
- Admire the rhinoceros gargoyle carved into the stone, one of the first depictions of the animal in European art.
- Note the loggia with its Venetian-style arches overlooking the water.
- Observe how the narrow spiral staircase requires a traffic light system to manage the flow of visitors.
Pro tip: Admire the tower from the wet sand at low tide for a unique angle that most tourists on the walkway miss.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk along the promenade.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Grab a massive baguette sandwich from Pão Pão Queijo Queijo and find a spot in the park for a cheap, tasty, and local meal.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
A futuristic, reptile-like structure that reflects the light of the river. It’s a modern counterpoint to the historic Belém monuments.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: MAAT
- City Sightseeing: Electricity Museum / MAAT
Highlights:
- Admire the cantilevered roof that hangs over the riverfront path.
- Don’t miss the sundial effect created by the building's ceramic tiles.
- Discover a blend of old and new, contrasting the glossy museum with the brick power station.
Pro tip: Walk the roof structure (it's open to the public) to bridge the gap between the city streets and the riverfront.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
LX Factory
A reimagined industrial complex under the bridge, bursting with energy, concept stores, and urban art.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Alcântara
- City Sightseeing: Alcântara
Highlights:
- Visit the Ler Devagar bookstore, famous for its hanging bicycles and walls of books.
- Take note of the diverse range of graffiti and murals covering the factory walls.
- The flea market stalls (often on Sundays) sell vintage finds and crafts. So visit and shop!
Pro tip: Don't just stick to the main street; explore the upper floors of the factory buildings to find hidden artist studios.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Stay for dinner.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Cantina is a former factory canteen that retains its industrial soul, serving wood-fired dishes in a lively, unpretentious setting.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Head to SeaTheFuture near the Oceanarium. A calm spot to fuel up with pastries and juice before the aquatic adventure begins.
Oceanário de Lisboa
A stunning centerpiece of modern Lisbon, this aquarium immerses families in the magic of the marine world with its massive central tank.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário
- City Sightseeing: Oceanário
Highlights:
- Stop by the main tank, where kids can sit and watch sharks glide by for hours.
- The sea otters section is always a crowd-pleaser due to the creatures’ playful antics.
- Visit the distinct oceanic ecosystems (Antarctic, Indian, Atlantic, Pacific) housed in the corners.
Pro tip: Start at the top level and work your way down; the spiral ramp makes it easy to navigate with a stroller.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Capricciosa is located right on the docks. This pizzeria offers plenty of high chairs and room for kids to move around.
Pavilion of Knowledge (Pavilhão do Conhecimento)
A hands-on science museum where hands-on interaction is the rule. It’s designed to spark curiosity through play and experimentation.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário
- City Sightseeing: Oceanário
Highlights:
- Head to the construction zone with blue foam blocks for building forts.
- Check out the circus science area, where kids can safely try tightrope walking.
- Visit the interactive water exhibits that explain physics in a splashy way.
Pro tip: Check if there’s a temporary exhibition on. They are usually high-quality and very interactive for all ages.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Telecabine Lisboa (Cable Car)
A peaceful gondola ride floating above the Tagus, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Expo '98 architecture.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Oceanário / Vasco da Gama Tower
- City Sightseeing: Parque das Nações
Highlights:
- Spot tiny boats and people from high above.
- Get a full view of the endless Vasco da Gama Bridge.
- The gentle ride is often soothing enough to calm down over-stimulated toddlers.
Pro tip: Take the round-trip ticket if you want to end up back near the transport hub.
Suggested time to spend: 45 minutes
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk away
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Honest Greens in Parque das Nações is a quick, healthy, and customizable place that means even picky eaters find something they like.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Pão Pão Queijo Queijo lets you grab a quick bite to maximize your time playing in the parks of Belém.
Belém Tower Gardens
The expansive lawns surrounding the tower are perfect for letting kids run wild while parents admire the history.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém
- City Sightseeing: Belém Tower
Highlights:
- Watch the amphibious buses splash into the river nearby.
- Take fun perspective photos where your kids are “holding" the tower.
- Enjoy a picnic snack on the grass with a river view.
Pro tip: Skip the line for the tower interior. The stairs are steep and tricky for little legs. The outside is where all the fun lies.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Nosolo Italia is a safe bet for families with a menu of pizzas and gelato, and located right at the riverfront.
National Coach Museum
A garage of royal dreams, this museum displays magnificent horse-drawn carriages that look straight out of a fairy tale.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Museu dos Coches
- City Sightseeing: Belém
Highlights:
- Admire the gilded Oceans Coach with its golden statues.
- Observe the differences between the tiny pony carriages and the massive ceremonial ones.
- The modern hall’s spacious layout allows kids to see the vehicles from all angles.
Pro tip: Challenge the kids to find the carriage with the most gold on it. It will keep them engaged as you walk through.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Electricity Museum (MAAT Central Tejo)
An industrial wonderland of pipes, dials, and machinery housed in a beautiful red-brick power station.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: MAAT
- City Sightseeing: MAAT
Highlights:
- Explore the Coal Circuit, where you can trace the path of fuel through the station.
- Soak up the buzzing and clicking of the old control panels.
- Play interactive games that teach kids about different energy sources.
Pro tip: It’s often quieter than other museums, making it a great low-stress option for the end of the day.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Return to city center.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Hard Rock Cafe in Restauradores offers a familiar menu and loud, fun music that families often appreciate after a long day.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Confeitaria Nacional lets you step back into the 1800s. This elegant pastry shop is a historic landmark in its own right.
Castelo de São Jorge & Archaeological Site
More than just a view, this site is a palimpsest of Lisbon's history, from Iron Age settlements to the residence of Moorish kings.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Castelo S. Jorge
- City Sightseeing: Martim Moniz (Walk required)
Highlights:
- Discover the excavations showing the foundations of the Moorish living quarters.
- Admire the Moniz Gate, legendarily the entry point for the Christian reconquest in 1147.
- Check out the museum displaying pottery and tools recovered from the hill.
Pro tip: Spend time reading the panels in the archaeological dig. They explain the layers of the city better than anywhere else.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Dine at São Jorge Restaurant, within the castle's shadow, enjoying traditional flavors in a space that respects the area's heritage.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) & Roman Theatre
A fortress-church built on a mosque, standing near the ruins of the city’s Roman theater.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Sé / Alfama
- City Sightseeing: Praça da Figueira (Walk up)
Highlights:
- Admire the sheer defensive weight of the Romanesque facade.
- Discover the excavated cloister revealing Roman streets and Islamic cisterns below.
- Explore the Roman Theatre museum, offering a glimpse of Olisipo (Roman Lisbon).
Pro tip: Look for the Arabic inscriptions reused in the cathedral’s walls, a subtle reminder of the building’s complex past.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute bus ride.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
National Pantheon
A baroque monument to Portugal’s national heroes, famous for its majestic dome and tumultuous construction history.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Panteão Nacional
- City Sightseeing: Santa Apolónia (Walk up)
Highlights:
- Pay your respects at the empty tomb of Vasco da Gama (a cenotaph honoring his legacy).
- Roam the expansive terrace offering a unique view over the Alfama rooftops.
- Admire the intricate marble floor patterns that dazzle from the upper gallery.
Pro tip: It’s a quiet, reverent space perfect for reflecting on the figures who shaped Portuguese history.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk away.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: End the day at Clube de Fado, where the music of fate and longing plays in a restaurant with historic architectural roots.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Enjoy the monastic secret recipe that has been delighting visitors since the 19th century at Pastéis de Belém.
Jerónimos Monastery
The ultimate expression of Manueline art, this monastery was built with pepper money and stands as a testament to the Age of Discovery.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
- City Sightseeing: Jerónimos Monastery
Highlights:
- Admire the maritime motifs (ropes, coral, sea monsters) carved into every column.
- Discover the tomb of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s greatest poet, near the entrance.
- Explore the peaceful, expansive cloisters that seem to glow in the morning light.
Pro tip: Notice the coral and rope carvings on the columns that have symbols of the sea voyages that funded this massive structure.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: O Navegador is a spot that celebrates the seafaring tradition, serving hearty meals surrounded by nautical decor.
Monument to the Discoveries
A stylized ship prow leaning over the river, celebrating the navigators, cartographers, and missionaries who expanded the known world.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- City Sightseeing: Belém
Highlights:
- Identify the figures on the ramp, including Magellan and Vasco da Gama.
- Discover the wind rose mosaic on the plaza floor, a gift from South Africa.
- Admire the view from the top, which aligns perfectly with the monastery behind it.
Pro tip: The limestone reflects the sun intensely; sunglasses are a must when admiring the statues up close.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Maritime Museum
Located in the monastery's west wing, this museum houses the tangible artifacts of Portugal’s naval dominance.
Nearest stops:
- Yellow Bus: Belém
- City Sightseeing: Belém
Highlights:
- Discover the wooden statue of Archangel Raphael that accompanied Da Gama to India.
- Admire the stunning collection of royal barges in the separate pavilion.
- Don’t miss the detailed models of caravels showing how they were rigged for ocean travel.
Pro tip: Don't skip the map room! Seeing the progression of Portuguese cartography changes your understanding of how they saw the world.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Stay in Belém.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Enoteca de Belém is a refined setting to discuss your journey through time over excellent wine and food.