How to spend 48 Hours in Lisbon
If you only had two days in Lisbon, where would you go? The city is full of tiled streets, pastel-coloured houses, and more viewpoints than you could possibly count, but to really experience it you have to slow down and soak it all in.
View from rooftop of Memmo hotel in Alfama
Experience the City Like a Local
When I was living in Lisbon, one of my favourite rituals was heading to the tiny pastelarias tucked away in the neighbourhoods. I’d order an espresso and a pastel de nata, fumbling my way through a few words of Portuguese, then sit outside on the metal chairs and watch the world go by. Nothing fancy. Just a daily rhythm that made me feel part of the city.
This is what I think real travel is about. Not just checking off the must-see attractions, but mixing those in with the small local moments: a chat at the bar, a walk through backstreets, a sunset view from a random road or viewpoint that you’ve stumbled across by chance.
After getting to know the ins and outs of the city, I’d consider myself fairly well versed in where to go and what to do. So if you’ve only got 48 hours in Lisbon, here’s how I’d spend it.
Day One
View from walking up Rua Damasceno Montiero
Morning: Alfama + Feira da Ladra
Kick things off in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. On Saturdays (and Tuesdays) the area hosts Feira da Ladra, a sprawling flea market at Campo de Santa Clara. It’s full of old trinkets, tiles, and treasures, and even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a wander.
Getting there is part of the adventure. I remember walking up a huge hill and stopping halfway to take in this crazy view over the city. Terracotta rooftops rolling down towards the river with a view of the famous 25 de Abril bridge sitting behind it all on the skyline. From there I got lost in the backstreets, snapping photos and eventually finding myself at Fora Artisan Pastry for coffee and breakfast. The pastries were flaky, the espresso strong, and just what I needed after the climb.
Stepping back outside, I stumbled across the Church of St. Vincent de Fora, a quiet reminder of how Lisbon reveals itself when you least expect it.
Afternoon: A Rooftop Escape
After wandering the market and side streets, head to a hidden spot: the rooftop of Memmo Alfama Hotel. There’s a pool, a terrace, and panoramic views of the city and the river. Sitting with a drink in hand, looking out over Alfama’s maze of streets, is the perfect way to pause in between exploring (but keep this one secret).
Evening: Sunset from a Miradouro
As the day winds down, make your way to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Both are classics for a reason. Grab a beer from the kiosk and watch the city light up as the sun sets over the hills.
Day Two
Outside the MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Morning: Start with a Pastelaria
Begin your second day the way locals do: at a neighbourhood pastelaria. Order an espresso and a pastel de nata, sit outside on the metal chairs, and watch the world go by.
Late Morning: Tram + Tiles
Hop on one of Lisbon’s vintage trams (skip Tram 28 if you want to avoid the crowds) or just wander Chiado and Baixa on foot. Admire the tiled facades, duck into a café for another bica, and let yourself get lost in the rhythm of the city.
Afternoon: Slow Wandering + A Bifana
One of my favourite afternoons was just walking with no plan. I ended up at a small bar, ordered a bifana (a classic Portuguese dish of a pork sandwich), and struck up a conversation with an American traveller at the counter. We both sat and had a drink, swapped stories, and went our separate ways. One of those random encounters you get from walking and being open to new encounters and talking to strangers.
Evening: Rooftops + Bairro Alto
Wrap up your weekend in Bairro Alto or Principe Real. You’ll find everything from lively bars to laid-back rooftops. Have dinner, listen to fado, and toast to the fact that even in just 48 hours, Lisbon leaves its mark.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon isn’t a city you tick off. It’s a city you feel. Yes, see the viewpoints and museums, but also leave space for the spontaneous moments: the espressos at corner cafés, the flea market finds, the conversations with strangers.
If you want even more of our favourite spots, from hidden viewpoints to the best places to eat and drink, check out our full Guide to Lisbon here. We’ve pulled everything into one place so you can spend less time planning and more time just being in Lisbon.
Words by Hamish Johnston.
