48 Hours in Lisbon: The Best Things to Do
Picture this – you find a cheap flight to Lisbon, Portugal and have a weekend off of work. It means you only have around 48 hours on the ground, but you’ve been dying to visit. Do you make the leap? Here you’ll find the best things to do if you only have 48 hours in Lisbon!
Day 1: Lisbon proper
You arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport with your carry on baggage. Hop on the Vm shuttle or take a taxi down to Lisbon city proper, which is about 20 minutes south. Whether you check into your hotel (find the best options here) right away, or get right down to business, you’ll fall in love with the hilly, colourful city of Lisbon.
Tarts and coffee
Portugal is known for their egg custard tarts, Pastel de Nata. This sweet treat was created in the 18th century by Catholic monks in Lisbon! You must try them at Manteigaria. There is often a lineup out the door. This shop specializes in the famous pastry, and also sells coffee. Grab a pair of warm tarts and head to the public square to enjoy them while soaking in the sun.
Wander the Streets
After your breakfast, take a stroll around the area. There are so many tourist staples to see, such as the pink street, R. Nova do Carvalho. A perfect place for a photo op! Av. da Liberdade is a gorgeous street with high end shopping and beautiful tree lined streets.
Cherry Shots
After your light stroll, it’s time to experience another Portugeuse specialty, the cherry shot. A Ginjinha is on way to tram 28, which we’ll get to next. This small bar offers the delicious cherry liquor for one euro per shot. Served in a shot class with a boozy cherry, the drink is made of aguardente, a brandy or fortified wine, that has been infused with sour cherries, sugar and cinnamon. The bar man is quick to serve all the customers as the place buzzes with a pleasant energy. Share a standing table on the street and enjoy.
Tram 28 Tour
Tram 28 is likely an image that comes to mind as you dream about Lisbon. The quaint tram starts from the public square and travels Lisbon’s narrow streets. It’s a great, cheap way to sightsee while getting taken to another part of town. The tram keeps the original features from the 1930’s, including the bright yellow exterior. Stay on until the end to get out at the garden and continue your walk through to the Principe Real area. There may be an art market going on in the park with local artists selling their wares. Walk to the viewing area for an amazing view of the city below. Tip: this view is much better than that from the Santa Justa Lift, and is free!
University of Lisbon Botanical Garden
This garden is a gorgeous and calm place to stop over at. Admire the tropical plants and hear the birds singing. You may bring a blanket and a snack to have a picnic, or just wander up and down the hills.
Waterfront
Ah, the beautiful waterfront of Lisbon! A relaxing place to sit and watch the sunset, or to just stroll. Vendors sell fresh pina colada’s served inside the hollowed out pineapple. The large public square behind the water often has demonstrations. Walk the waterfront towards the Ponte 25 de Abril, the Golden Gate-style bridge, to come across a carnival (possibly not open in winter) and the K Urban Beach club.
Santa Justa Lift
Although this is a tourist staple, it is enough to see it from the street. There will almost certainly be a lineup, and you must pay to go up in the elevator. Because Lisbon is so hilly, there are so many streets you can walk up that have gorgeous views of the city from even higher up. The lift was created in 1902 to connect the lower streets to Carmo Square.
Flea Market
Stop by the Fiera da Ladra Flea Market on Saturday or Tuesday. The market offers vintage items, art, knick knacks, pottery and live music.
Museums
If you still have time on your hands, or if the weather isn’t on your side, one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to take in a museum or gallery, of which there are plenty. The National Museum of Contemporary Art shows local art from the 1850’s to present day. The Pharmacy Museum shows the history of health and pharmaceuticals in Portugal. It isn’t interactive, so may not be very exciting for children, although it is free for kids under 12 years old. An interesting choice to visit is the Money Museum, with hands-on exhibits, coin making and banknote printing.
Nightlife
Lisbon has many options for clubbing and nightlife. Check out which one may appeal more to your style. There is K Urban Beach Club and Ministerium Club on the waterfront, Club Noir, Kremlin, and Musicbox Lisboa which is right on the pink street.
Day 2: Surrounding Areas
For your second day, explore the surrounding areas of Lisbon. Whether you head west to see the castles of Sintra or south to surf in Caparica, seeing more than just Lisbon city will make your 48 hour trip very memorable.
Sintra
Sintra is a romantic village up in the clouds. Take the train one hour from Lisbon, enjoying the scenic ride. The Sintra train station is central in the village. Taxis and people in tuk-tuks will offer to drive you to the castle on top of the hill. Walking is also possible. At the Quinta da Regaleira, walk amongst the beautiful jungle forest and explore underground passages and look out towers. Enjoy a coffee or snack at the onsite cafe.
Cascais
On your trip back from Sintra towards Lisbon, take a detour to Cascais. This town has a scenic seaside promenade and lots of restaurants. You may see people playing volleyball on the beach, or kayaking in the ocean’s blue waters. The train from Cascais to Lisbon travels along the coastline, offering gorgeous views of surf and shore.
Costa de Caparica
For an adventurous day, head over the bridge from Lisbon to Caparica. This journey takes about one hour on transit. A ferry connection is also possible. Caparica is a great place for surfing, which is popular in Portugal but non existent in the city of Lisbon. Walk the long, sandy beach, rent a surf board or take a surf lesson. For lunch, check out Huracan for Mexican and margaritas or Xexexe for delicious vegan fare. Avoid the restaurants right on the beach, as they’re touristy and caused food poisoning.
Enjoy Lisbon!
There is so much to do in beautiful Lisbon and the surrounding areas, but 48 hours can be just long enough to experience the best of the area. Make sure you’re well equipped with quality walking shoes, water bottle and day bag. If you try these places, let me know. Enjoy your travels!