24 hours in Lisbon? Here’s how to spend them

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/12/2022 (645 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I’m the kind of traveller who tries to maximize every available minute in any destination. I like to do advance research to identify nice sites to see, interesting places to go, and unique experiences. Then I’ll determine where different locales are in proximity to each other, figure out how much time I have to play tourist, and make my plan of attack.

This approach takes some effort but is well worth it. Especially if you only have a short amount of time, and you’re in an exceptionally fascinating place. Like that time I had one day to spend in Lisbon, Portugal – a city with a bazillion things to explore. With a little pre-visit prep, good walking shoes, and Google Maps, I was able to narrow my focus down enough to enjoy a memorable day in Portugal’s largest city.

First thing to do in Lisbon (or any city) is get up early, pack your daypack, and hit the road. Take sunscreen, a hat, jacket, water, snacks, and a phone charger (just in case). Bring everything you’ll need to be out for the entire day so you won’t waste precious time going back-and-forth to your hotel.

First stop is a local coffee shop to pick up a morning beverage and portable breakfast. Then take a walk to the nearest gardens or park, have a sit-down, and watch the world go by. The largest park in central Lisbon is Parque Eduardo VII, named after the U.K.’s Kiing Edward VII and built as a symbol of the allegiance between the two countries. There are sculptures, a botanical garden, tree-lined walkways, and rows of perfectly manicured hedges laid out in geometric patterns.

From the north end are magnificent views of the city. At the south end is Marques de Pombal Square and a massive monument dedicated to its namesake, the prime minister who rebuilt Lisbon after a devastating earthquake in 1755. The roundabout that circles this important site is bordered by several corporate and banking headquarters. It also marks the start of Avenida da Liberdade, a world-famous street stretching to the south. While it’s known as one of the most expensive and exclusive shopping streets in all of Europe, the window-shopping and people-watching is always free.

Lisbon Cathedral, known as Sé de Lisboa, dates back to 1147 and is the city’s oldest and most significant church. Its design is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque, with two large bell towers framing a central rose window. Inside the main entrance is the fountain where Saint Anthony – Lisbon’s main patron saint, also known as the ‘matchmaker saint’ – was baptized in 1195. He was born nearby, at the site where a church named after him now stands. Outside Igreja de Santo António is a statue of the saint holding baby Jesus, with an open book in his hands. It is said that if you toss up a coin and it lands and stays on the book, love will come your way.

A day in Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the River Tagus, which borders the city on two sides. Passeio Carlos do Carmo is a boardwalk that spans several kilometres of waterfront on the way to Torre de Belém. Constructed in the 16th century, this medieval-looking defensive structure was initially built to be a lookout for protecting the entrance to Lisbon’s port. It also became a landmark for explorers who came and went, and later, a customs checkpoint for people arriving at the city.

Today, this picturesque tower looks like something right out of a fairy tale. If you time your visit for the end of the day, you’ll be treated to spectacular sunset views. It’s the perfect place to sit back, soak it in, and reflect upon your beautiful day spent in Lisbon.