Visit Lisbon in 2 days

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Location matters in Lisbon because the city is compact but famously hilly, and traffic or long uphill walks can eat into a two-day schedule. Choosing a base close to the Tagus or to a major transport hub saves time: you’ll want to be able to reach the Monument of the Discoveries and the Jerónimos Monastery quickly while still having easy access to the rest of the city for an evening stroll or a quick tram ride.

Lisbon is organised as a series of neighbourhoods radiating from the river and the downtown grid. The western riverside is where many of the big maritime monuments sit, while the central districts around the Baixa, Chiado and Cais do Sodré connect to trams, metro and trains that serve the hills. For a two-day visit, think in terms of riverfront clusters rather than individual streets: you’ll spend most of your time walking short distances or hopping on a single tram or train line.

If your priority is the riverfront monuments — the Monument of the Discoveries, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Figuras femininas and the Monument Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral — base yourself in or near Belém for immediate access. For a central base that makes it easy to combine riverfront visits with historic quarters, consider staying around Chiado or Cais do Sodré, which put you a short tram or taxi ride from Belém and within easy evening walking distance of restaurants and viewpoints. If you prefer characterful lanes and fado atmospheres, Alfama keeps you close to downtown while offering a very different experience.

Transport-wise, use the yellow tram 15 or the frequent buses and the suburban train from Cais do Sodré to reach Belém quickly. Lisbon’s metro, trams and ferries are straightforward for short stays — buy a rechargeable card and plan a couple of journeys rather than trying to overbook every sight. Remember that taxis and rideshares fill in gaps late at night or when you’re carrying luggage.

For reassurance: focus on location rather than luxury when time is short. A small guesthouse or an apartment near a tram stop will give you more time on the monuments and less on transit. Check access (few old buildings have elevators), confirm arrival details, and pick a place with clear walking directions from the nearest tram or train stop — that little bit of planning keeps a busy two-day Lisbon trip relaxed and manageable.

Getting Around Lisbon

Lisbon’s public transport feels friendlier than it looks — the city leans into a compact network of trams, buses and a straightforward metro that stitches together hills and rivers. With a bit of curiosity you’ll find that the ornate yellow trams and the sleek metro are not just for photos but real, practical ways to move between neighborhoods. The system is run by a few main operators, and signage is clear; even if you don’t speak Portuguese, route numbers and station names make sense. I love how a short tram ride can turn a long walk into a scenic glide along the Tagus, and that feeling is contagious once you’ve taken your first trip. 🚇

One practical tip: pick up a Viva Viagem card as soon as you arrive. It’s a rechargeable smartcard (small fee for the card itself) that works on the Metro, buses and trams run by Carris, plus many commuter trains in the Lisbon area. You can load single fares, Zapping credit or day passes depending on how much you’ll use public transport. Keep your card handy because inspectors do check tickets, and tapping in/out is how you pay — no need to fumble for exact change on a historic tram. 🎫

Use Google Maps (or Citymapper) to plan routes in real time: it tells you which tram number to take, where to board and when to change to a metro line. If you’re headed to Belém, for example, it will often suggest the scenic Tram 15 or the Cascais train from Cais do Sodré, while rides across the old central neighborhoods usually show the faster metro plus a short walk. Google also shows live departures and platform information, which is a huge confidence-booster when stations have multiple exits on steep streets. 🗺️

To save money, compare single fares against day passes or the Lisboa Card if you plan museum visits and unlimited transport. Zapping on the Viva Viagem usually gives a reduced pay-as-you-go rate versus paper tickets, and a 24-hour pass can be worth it if you’ll hop on and off all day. Also remember that many scenic lifts, like the funiculars and Elevador de Santa Justa, take the same card or offer combined options that beat multiple taxi rides.

I remember one sunny morning when we wanted to go from the Monument of the Discoveries in Belém to the Palácio dos Condes de Almada in the city center. We took the no-fuss Tram 15 back toward Cais do Sodré, tapped our Viva Viagem, jumped off and walked a few minutes to the metro for one short stop into Baixa — the palace was an easy stroll from there. The whole trip felt seamless: scenic tram, quick metro, and a pleasant walk through squares where you suddenly felt like you belonged. That simple chain of tram + metro is my go-to whenever I show friends how accessible Lisbon really is.

What to Pack for Lisbon

Lisbon is a city made for wandering — steep hills, tiled facades, miradouros (viewpoints) and endless streets of azulejos. I’ve spent long days there (once walked about 15 miles over two days and was out for 10+ hours exploring Alfama, Baixa and Belém), so these are the practical things I always pack. Each item solved a real problem for me, so I’ll say why it matters, not just what to bring.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I swear by a sturdy pair like Merrell Moab 2 or Salomon X Ultra — grippy soles for cobblestones and arch support for long climbs. On day one I climbed 200+ stone steps to a viewpoint; my friends in sneakers had sore feet by sunset. Lisbon’s streets are uneven and hilly, so the right shoes let you keep walking without pain.

2. Cross-body bag (anti-theft): I use a zipped, close-to-body cross-body bag and once had it jostled near Rossio — nothing taken because it was secure. Pickpockets can be a thing in crowded trams and tourist spots, so a bag you can see and keep in front is peace of mind while you take photos or sip a coffee.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + rain shell): Lisbon’s microclimate can flip—sunny mornings, cool breezes at viewpoints, and sudden drizzle. I pack a light merino tee, a thin fleece and a compact rain jacket. Layers meant I could enjoy a windy miradouro without freezing and still be comfortable inside cafés and churches.

4. Power adapter (Type C/F, 230V): Portugal uses the two-round-pin plugs (Type C/F) and 230V. I forgot mine once and paid hotel shop prices. Having a small travel adapter saved me from frantic searches when I needed to charge a camera battery before sunset photos at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh+): My phone hit 5% halfway through a 10+ hour day before I bought a 20€ tram ticket — not fun. A 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank will keep your phone and camera topped up for long photo sessions, navigation and ticket apps.

6. Optional extras — refillable water bottle & sunscreen / lightweight scarf: I refill a stainless steel bottle at cafés to save cash and stay hydrated on hot days; sunscreen and a hat are lifesavers in summer. A lightweight scarf is useful for chilly evenings or modesty when popping into churches.