Staying in Lisbon for 2 days?

You're staying for two days in Lisbon, Portugal? How short is that?

I'd say it gives you only enough time to breathe the city in a fast mode. However, there are still a lot of things you can do and see while you're there. So let's focus on that and explore as much as possible. Let's go!

Day one:

I'd recommend starting by exploring old downtown Lisbon as it's where you'll find a city that was rebuilt from the ashes after the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake that destroyed almost everything.

Going there will give you a glimpse of the beauty of ancient Lisbon with old monuments, but also the chance to get to know better the vibes of an urban city that is full of life and wonders.

Let's start your journey...

1) Restauradores Square is an area always full of life and people where you can find some unique architectural buildings that have kept the façade from the past along with modern buildings in a perfect combination (Restauradores Obelisk, Art Deco Eden Hotel, and Foz Palace).

Also don't forget to put your eyes on the floor and observe the Portuguese pavement called "Calçada Portuguesa" with beautiful small stones of white and black forming a unique mosaic pattern.

2) Then get into one of those yellow vintage trams in the Rua da Glória (Elevador da Glória) that will take you to the top where you'll see the wonderful S. Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint with some stunning sights over the city. Then you'll be next to one of the most traditional neigborhoods in Lisbon called Bairro Alto where you'll find Fado clubs and traditional stores with narrow, steep streets to wander around.

Here I'd advise you to go towards Príncipe Real and visit the National Museum of Science and Natural History which also has a beautiful Botanic Garden inside to explore. It'll take you at least 1-2 hours to see it all so you can either go in or skip it.

3) Then go towards Luís de Camões Square and in the middle way you'll find a beautiful Jesuit Church with astonishing painted ceilings and giltwood named St. Roque Church.

4) After going near Armazéns do Chiado (a small local mall) you descend towards Rossio railway station which is quite a piece of Neo-Manueline façade art to see from the inside and outside. Illuminated by night makes it even prettier.

5) Go in the direction of Rua do Ouro where there are lots of small stores and don't forget to stop next to Santa Justa Lift because it is worth it. Now you can either pop inside and go to the top where you'll find the Carmo Convent or you continue your journey straight ahead towards the Rua Augusta Arch and the Comércio Square where you'll find the Tagus River. Also next to this area you'll find the Cais das Colunas Pier.

6) Now go towards Praça da Figueira and get a Tuk-tuk, which is an easy way to go to those steep streets that lead to St. Jorge Castle as well as a fun way to meet some other points in the city as they stop next to the major viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It is worth doing this trip with the family apart from being really fun and safe!

7) St. Jorge Castle is a Medieval castle with some parts in ruins where you can get the perfect picture of the city from above. There are some parts to explore inside with old cannons and if you do a tour you'll get to know its story too. It's quite an interesting and adventurous one!

8) Nearby you've also the National Pantheon to see if not from the inside from the outside and it's a rare beauty.

Day 2:

a) Explore Parque das Nações in Lisbon.

Start by going to the Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) which is one of the world's largest saltwater aquariums.

b) Ride on the cable car and get a stunning view of the city from above.

c) Wander around and check out the Portugal pavilion known for its unique masterpiece undulating concrete roof designed by the world-known architect, Siza Vieira.

d) Check out the futuristic Vasco da Gama tower and go up to the top to have great sights of the city (the tallest building in Lisbon!).

e) Go for a walk and take a snapshot of the beautiful Vasco da Gama Bridge (one of the longest bridges in Europe) that connects Lisbon to the Setúbal district (It's called "a passagem para a outra margem"). Also, explore this area on foot as there are many places where you can sit and admire the river.

f) Explore the Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva if you have the time as it's totally worth it. It's a hands-on place where kids and adults can do many experiments related to Science in a fun and engaging way. There are also exhibitions like the one about the Dinosaurs ("The Return of the Giants"). A must-see!

By the end of the day, you'll be tired but happy and fulfilled with the sense that you've captured the beauty of this part of the city of Lisbon, and you'd have collected so many great memories to bring with you home.

Most of all have fun and immerse yourself in a multicultural city with lots of interesting things to do and eat. The latter I'll spare for details in another post! Have fun, relax, and enjoy happiness!

Here are some other videos with ideas for your trip.

See you soon!

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