Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has a ton of cool things to do. Spend at least one day in Lisbon to be able to see all the main sites. It should be part of any Portugal itinerary and can also be paired with a trip to Spain. Lisbon is one city that is worth visiting.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Lisbon here.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!
History of Lisbon
The history of Lisbon dates back to the Neolithic Period when tribes built up a lot of religious buildings. During the Roman era, the Romans built up the area even more. Lisbon fell to Barbarian invaders after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Then, during the Middle Ages, Lisbon was taken over by Muslim invaders. Throughout this time, Lisbon changed hands many times as it continued to expand and grow and eventually became one of the largest cities in Europe. In 1255, it became the capital of Portugal.
Present-day Lisbon remains the capital of Portugal and one of its largest cities. It continued to host various events and attracts millions of visitors a year.
When to Spend One Day in Lisbon
Lisbon is a fun place to visit any time of the year. During the summertime, it will be very hot and crowded. In wintertime, there might be some snow, and the highs are typically in the 50s-60s. No matter when you visit, there is plenty to see during one day in Lisbon.
How to Get to Lisbon
Lisbon has one major airport: Aeropuerto de Lisboa. There are flights here from all over the world. TAP Airlines frequently offers long layovers as part of their flights. We opted to visit on a long layover during our flight from the United States to Fes.
How to Get From the Airport to City Center
At the airport, head to the Aeropuerto Metro Stop. From there, it is about a 30-minute ride on the red line to the city center.
Transportation in Lisbon
It is very easy to get around Lisbon by walking, taking the metro, or riding the bus. I recommend buying the day pass for €6.50. It is good for 24 hours and you can use it as many times as you would like during that period.
Where to Stay in Lisbon
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Lisbon hotels here!
We opted to stay at the Residencial Horizonte, right across from the Parque metro stop. The location was great, it came with a good breakfast, and it was not very expensive. However, it was not the cleanest place. You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price.
The following hotels are also some great options, especially if you are using points.
- Hyatt Regency Lisbon
- Vignette Collection Covent Square Lisbon
- Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Av Liberdade
- The Ivens, Autograph Collection
- Moxy Lisboa Oriente
- Duo Hotel Lisbon
What to do During One Day in Lisbon
Lisbon has the perfect amount of things to see to keep you busy for a day.
Tram 28
Cost: €2.80
Start out your one day in Lisbon with a ride on Tram 28. Tram 28 is a trolley car that winds its way through the main parts of the city. It can get very crowded, so make sure to get there early to beat the rush. If you bought the 24 hours pass, you can use it on the tram. If not, the fare is €2.80. This tram is a nice way to see the sights of the city.
Santa Justina Lift
Cost: €5.15
Hours: 7am-10pm
After riding the tram, head to the Santa Justina Lift. This lift also provides views of Lisbon. It connects the Baxia area to Carmo Square. The line for this can get very long, so make sure to arrive early in the morning during your one day in Lisbon.
Castelo de São Jorge
Cost: €10
Hours: 9am-9pm
The Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of the main attractions and a must see stop during your one day in Lisbon. It overlooks Lisbon and provides 360-degree views of the city. This castle was one of the first fortifications of the city and also served as the Royal Palace at one point. Plan to spend at least an hour wandering around the Castle.
Praça do Comércio
This square was built on the site of the former Royal Palace. It is located near the waterfront in Lisbon. Many different trams can be caught from this square. There are also many cafes to eat at. It is a great place to relax during your one day in Lisbon.
Walk along the Waterfront
The Lisbon waterfront is very peaceful and provides great views of the ocean. There are several areas to stop and touch the water as well as take some great pictures.
Try an Egg Tart and Port
Cost: €
Lisbon (as well as Portugal) serves a lot of egg tarts. These sweet “pastel de natas” can be found in many places throughout the city. Portugal is also famous for its Port Wine. Be sure to try both of these during your one day in Lisbon. You will not be sorry!
Final Tips for One Day in Lisbon
Overall, if you have the opportunity for a long layover so spend one day in Lisbon, take it! There were so many sites to keep us busy. I wish we had had more time to explore and take a day trip to Sintra. If you have more time, head over to Spain and visit places such as Toledo or Madrid.
