I kicked off my one-month Europe trip just right—with Portugal’s charming capital, Lisbon! Before visiting, I only thought of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese pastries, and that Portugal is next to Spain. But spending only 48 hours in Lisbon totally changed my view. This city, built on seven hills, welcomed me with stunning blue-tiled buildings, fado music, the cool Atlantic breeze, and a lively vibe. Plus, Portugal is one of the most budget-friendly spots in Europe—perfect for an amazing summer trip without overspending.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything from getting around and costs to the best places to visit—so you can have an awesome, stress-free time.
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How to Get Around Lisbon
With only two days, I suggest using public transport and Uber. Lisbon is very walkable, but the hills and heat can get tough—Uber rides rarely cost more than $10. Electric tuk-tuks with local guides are also popular and a fun way to explore.
Best Places to Stay in Lisbon
Affordable:
Rossio Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel right in the heart of Lisbon’s historic center, perfect for exploring cultural landmarks on foot.
Mid-range:
LX Boutique Hotel – Located in the trendy Cais do Sodré neighborhood, this spot offers a great balance of comfort, style, and affordability.
Luxury:
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon – A high-end hotel with opulent rooms, exceptional service, and a rooftop pool/bar with panoramic city views.
Day 1: Exploring Lisbon’s Iconic Streets and Landmarks
Explore São Vicente and Santa Maria Maior Neighborhoods
Do you see this? Lisbon’s neighborhoods carry a mix of historical beauty and present-day charm. With their pastel-colored buildings so faint yet distinct, you will be living in scenes directly from your European Pinterest boards. Walk till’ you drop in order to witness the stunning tiles and cobblestone streets lined with the cutest cafes, you will feel like you have the perfect backdrop at every turn.
The stunning viewpoint pictured above is located in Sao Vicente called 📍Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Relax at Praça Júlio de Castilho
If you want a quiet escape, Jardim Julio is a green oasis filled with grapevines and bright bougainvillea purple flowers. Sit by the garden’s edge and soak up views of Lisbon while listening to local street performers.
Indulge in Pastel de Nata & Visit Praça do Comércio
You can’t visit Lisbon without trying Pastel de Nata—the classic Portuguese custard tart that’s crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Stop it, im drooling. Find these pastries everywhere, and they’re always a 10/10.
Visit 📍Praça do Comércio, a square overlooking the Tagus River. Walk towards the Cais das Colunas, a broken castle-like viewpoint that is the remains of the Ribeira Palace. A little history fact, the palace was once the residence of the Portuguese kings but was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. Today, the ruins serve as a picturesque spot where visitors can sit, relax, and admire the scenic views of the Tagus River.
Sangria by the Waterfront at Ribeira das Naus
I had some of the best memories here. This lively promenade along the river is where locals and tourists come to chill with a cold Sangria and good vibes. You get great views of the 25 de Abril Bridge—Lisbon’s Golden Gate lookalike—and plenty of street music.
Eat at Time Out Market
On to one of my favorite topics… food. Time Out Market is a vibrant indoor food market where you can indulge in a variety of dishes prepared by chefs. This place can get quite packed and the seats to eat fill up quickly, but it is a great place to grab a bite and people-watch. From 5-star burgers to seafood to mouth-watering desserts, all the options make you want to come back for more!
Day 2: Explore Lisbon’s Neighborhoods and Coastal Beauty
Start at Praça Luís de Camões & Shop on Augusta Street
Begin your day at Praça Luís de Camões, a lively square in the heart of Lisbon. We took an Uber here from our hotel and walked towards Santa Maria Maior and Augusta Street. Augusta Street located in the vibrant Baixa district, is a shopper’s paradise, featuring a wide range of name-brand stores, boutiques, souvenir shops as well as restaurants and pastry shops. Here I found a cute one called 📍 Fabrica de Nata I satisfied my sweet tooth and got to capture my ideal Portuguese mood-board shots.
Don’t miss the Elevador de Santa Justa, a historic elevator offering panoramic city views. Pro tip: locals say there’s a secret way to skip the long line—ask around!
Discover Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto, is my definition of a perfect place to capture the Lisbon aesthetic. It is a neighborhood with artistic flare and an energetic atmosphere. Situated on a steep hill, these grid-like streets provide breathtaking sunset views, making it a perfect spot for memorable pictures. They say you get two different experiences during the day versus the night, where in the day it is calm and at night it comes alive!
Pictured above: 📍Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo is one of Lisbon’s most iconic streets, known for its steep incline and the famous yellow Tram 28 running through its narrow tracks.
Getting here: Hop on Tram 28 from the Baixa or Chiado districts for a scenic ride through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, including Bairro Alto. It’s one of the most charming (and photogenic) ways to explore the city.
Relax at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
One of my favorite viewpoints, this spot offers stunning views, a charming fountain, and vendors selling refreshing Sangria, which you can have with sparkling or regular wine (so good!). It has a lively but chill atmosphere—great for sitting down and soaking it all in.
Visit Belém Tower
A symbol of Lisbon’s maritime history, Belém Tower looks like a small castle rising from the river. It’s perfect for photos and a bit of history.
💵Entrance costs around €6.50. 🚗You can get there easily by tram 15E, buses 714 or 727, or a quick taxi ride.
Day Trip to Cascais
After exploring all of Lisbon’s best attractions and food, you’ll probably be craving some beach time — I know I did! Cascais is the perfect escape for that.
Just an hour from Lisbon, this coastal town has no shortage of picturesque beaches:
- Guincho Beach – great for surfing
- Praia da Rainha – calm and relaxing
- Praia da Conceição – perfect for families
- Praia do Tamariz – beautiful and iconic
Beyond the beaches, Cascais is full of lively neighborhoods, great food spots, and tons of shops to explore.
🚗Getting there:
The best way to get to Cascais is by train. Head to Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon and hop on the Cascais Line. It’s a scenic coastal ride with stops at Algés, Belém, Santo Amaro, Oeiras, and Carcavelos before arriving in Cascais. 💵Tickets cost around €2.25, and Cascais station is the final stop.
Planning a Euro trip?
If Portugal is part of your itinerary, be sure to check out my other travel guides for Morocco, Budapest, and Prague. Each city has its own unique charm and plenty of must-see spots to add to your adventure!
Until next time, adios! ❤️